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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/16/2011 in all areas

  1. On behalf of the Oregon Crusaders, I wanted to say thank you to our World Class hosts, including the World Class corps directors, staff, members and fans, for welcoming OC and other open class corps into the World Championships Preliminary and Semi-final competitions in Indy. While this year presented some uncertainties about how the two classes would mix and compete, the end result has shown that there isn't nearly as much that separates us as unites us. We are all dedicated to the development of our performers, the creation of unparalleled art, and the thrill of accomplishment. The Oregon Crusaders place much more importance on performance accomplishment than we do on scores, and what a thrill it has been to feel so rewarded by the broader drum corps community for what we were able to accomplish this year. We felt your love every day, and nowhere was that more pronounced than when we entered the field on Friday. Your hospitality, your effusive praise, and your support in having us participate fully in the DCI championship experience is what makes you truly World Class. Sincerely, Dr. Phil Marshall President of the Board of Directors Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps Performance. Art.
    17 points
  2. John, Where to start? I have 2 nieces and a nephew living in San Antonio, all planning to march next year. I care very much for their well-being, so this is of more than a minor interest to me. All I can do is share with you what I have learned over the years, in working in an admin role in drum corps and as a founder/CEO/whatever of several businesses since. 1) The only money that is real is money in the bank (and money that you owe). Uncollected receivables are not real money (you have $11,000 not paid.. that is not money... it is paper, but the $9,000 you owe... as you clearly discovered, that is real money), but simply the best case scenario. You cannot make any decision based on collecting these, anything past 30 days you should adjust to consider as loss. 2) Never let yourself get below a quarter tank... EVER. Sometimes you may have to readjust expectations to new realities. This is difficult, especially when you are dealing with kids and not wanting to disappoint. But it is much better to leave a kid without hopes of stepping out with friends on a championship field than sitting alone in a parking lot hundreds of miles from home. LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS! 3) Don't create drama to demonstrate strength or personal sacrifice. I'll use a personal example here... years ago, I had founded a company, the economy hit a rough patch and the company had to scale back. I knew there would be better times ahead after a bit of a correction, but I worried that if I demonstrated uncertainty or made cutbacks too visible, confidence may have been shaken with partners or employees to where the company would not be able to come back. I needed to make cutbacks in a quiet, undramatic way. After consulting with my board (in your case, if you had a proper board and consulted with them, I cannot fathom you had made the mistakes you had... 1st strike you for not properly consulting a board.. 2nd strike you also, for obviously not having a proper board in place to guide you), I came up with a plan where I would cut back on ancillary spending that would not be immediately visible to most staff and would not shake their confidence. One of the cutbacks was letting go the cleaning staff. As a result, I arrived at the office at about 6 each morning to perform cleaning duties, slopping through toilets each day before going to work. This was NEVER made known to ANY staff (which was in the dozens at the time), as it would have severely shaken their confidence. The storm was weathered, the company subsequently grew and prospered after a difficult period. 4) It is ALWAYS you. If you run it, it's yours. Any failure... you own it. If it is the action of another, you hired them, retained them, enabled them, whatever. NEVER pass the buck. Finally, I do get that you have likely sacrificed quite a lot to be able to do what you do. Running a drum corps is not exactly the most lucrative gig out there, and I certainly wish there were more that found it within themselves to take on the task. I challenge you to own this moment, play more offense than defense and consider options in the best interest of the youth and parents that put their trust in you, second the health and future of the organization, and lastly yourself. I believe in taking this approach you will find it to be the best future for all. Admit mistakes, own them, make apologies, find great mentors, put the organization on hiatus if need be, make realistic plans, find sources of revenue outside the activity, come back strong. I'm always around... for more than criticism or simply advice. Best of luck, Daniel
    9 points
  3. I think the fact that they pulled 7th place in drums with a 100% rookie percussion section is one of the greatest accomplishments we've seen in a long time. Bravo.
    7 points
  4. I have to respectfully disagree with SCV's source music being a "fatal flaw", when their show finished 6th place in (what is considered to be) one of the most competitive and outstanding years in recent DCI history. The entire show was NOT an 80 person hornline playing The Devil's Staircase, although honestly, THAT was the piece of music I loved the most. Well, that and the ballad! Believe it or not, some/many people actually have a very emotional and visceral response to this music. I loved the music, but I think the show design also pulled me into the overall experience. IMHO it was one of the best designs this year..... I would have ranked this show a couple of spots higher. Really. But, who am I? Just a fan. Only one corps/show can win each year. Only 3 shows will medal. That leaves an awful lot of shows that I wouldn't consider "fatally flawed", or failures. I start out the season feeling very passionate and competitive for my favorite corps, but at a certain point, I think you have to just sit back (in awe), and enjoy the show for itself.... as it evolves and progresses towards perfection, (or as near to perfection as it will be). The Devil's Staircase wasn't perfect.... but, wow. Just WOW. I am still in awe of what the Vanguard put on the field!
    5 points
  5. After finishing 5th in last week's Open Class Finals, Revolution erupted. Just hours after the event, the corps chief administrators, Johnny Rodriguez and Mike Quigley, announced they would be resigning their day-to-day rolls with the corps. They pointed out, however, that they will retain control of the corps from behind the scenes. During that same meeting, they told the corps that their participation in the World Prelims was in jeopardy as the bus company was threatening to head back to Texas, for non-payment. Corps members were asked to each contribute an extra $100 to help pay the bus company. We've been part of the corps for years. Last minute financial solicitations, like this, are not uncommon at Revolution. I'm not sure how much "extra money" was collected, but an 11th hour deal was apparently reached and the buses rolled-on from Michigan City to Indianapolis. In the wake of that news, on Thursday... the day of the World Class Prelims... news came that revolutions entire percussion staff, as well as several other staff members, has been fired. Anyone who has followed Revolution knows that it has historically been a corps built around it's driving percussion section. Now, all of the professionals who were responsible for that drum line, are gone... just like that. In protest of the terminations, all members of the battery refused to participate in Friday's parade. They (especially those who had been part of the drum line for years) wanted answers that they could not get. To save face, Revolution gathered a few of the corps front ensemble members, strapped drums to them and had them play in the parade. As if all of this was not enough, on Friday morning a remaining staff member, who was put in charge, told me he was trying to get other corps (especially Crossmen, because they're from San Antonio too) to try and get the kids, who refused to participate in the parade, a ride home. When I asked why that would even be necessary, he told me that Rodriguez had left explicit instructions that those who did not participate in the parade would not be allowed on the buses and would have to find their own way back to Texas. When I asked where Rodriguez and Quigley were (I wanted to talk to them), he told me they had left back to Texas the night before. Make no mistake about it, John and Mike, this post is designed to both expose what happened and to call you out. I hope you will see it as an opportunity to explain your actions which, on the surface, seem neither rational or acceptable. Dan Delgado 4-year Revolution Parent
    4 points
  6. With all due respect, if he was having trouble doing basic things like feeding and housing the corps, who exactly failed to hold up their end of the contract first?
    4 points
  7. Even with many putting you in the 9th position you proved them wrong. As I said after the first show, if Phantom finishes in the top 5 this year with all the changes, look out in 2012. If they had Paul as their drum arranger this year they would have placed no better than 5th. I love Pauls writing but you have to give it up for Gwaltney for having a great first year with Phantom.
    4 points
  8. I know that this kind of stuff dose happen, but that doesn't mean it's right, acceptable, or even minor enough to just be brushed off. I marched 2 years of a WC Semifinalist: we weren't the most talented corps and we weren't the richest corps. But we certainly never had these types of issues while I was marching. Things like: only happened when we were warned ahead of time (for example, if the drivers needed sleep for legal requirements, and we were told we wouldn't have access to busses & should make sure needed personal stuff was off the busses)or never happened. A few times there were issues that happened at the last second w/housing sites (like we rolled in earlier than the thought and we had to wait a little bit to get in), but we always had adequate housingor maybe happened if a driver got lost, assuming that's what you meantThis: is certainly NOT a characteristic of a well-run organization. Spending wandering around a store parking lot is jaw-droppingly incompetent, IMO.I agree that more often than not DCP blows things out of proportion, and that there are indeed two sides to ever story. But perhaps you have been unfortunate enough to these are your only drum corps experience, so you don't have anything else to compare it with to gauge "normal" vs "appalling."
    4 points
  9. As a 3 year staff member I am embarrassed to be a part of this organization. I apologize to the parents, and the members. As the bass tech for my time at Rev I have made bonds with all the members and staff, and like Bryan was one of the staffs relaying messages to members and staff as well. I can't believe it ended this way and if the past weekend gets you sobbed up imagine being involved all summer. I love all the members who stuck it out and left I want you all to know that, if you don't already. Mike and John found away to make me forget all the great things about this season (5th in our class/4th in drums/ bass i&e champs), all down the drain and in my head. The last two weeks have been a emotional hell and I'm glad Bryan Espenosa got us back home safe.
    4 points
  10. Dear John, As a new parent who has just moved to San Antonio, I have been thinking a lot about where my daughter could march in 15 years or so and this caught my eye. You admit that you would force members of their corps to "find their own way back" 1000+ miles from Indianapolis to San Antonio. This is morally irresponsible. You made a covenant with the marching members and their parents to transport them on a tour. For you to strand them 1000 miles from home (even if their behavior was not acceptable...I'm not arguing that it was right for the battery to refuse to march the parade) is reprehensible. Even if the entire battery were over 18, your corps still needs to make sure that they can get home, whether it's on your buses, or another corps's buses, or through alternative means. They should not be in a position to have to do that themselves on no notice. Being dismissed from the corps is plenty of punishment for their actions. During my marching career, I saw exactly one member of my corps be dismissed from the corps before the end of a season. That member was driven by the corps director to a Greyhound station and provided with a ticket home. And, even this decision was only made by the corps director, the staff, the member in question, and the member's parents. -Ben Carlisle
    4 points
  11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT2ZAvNGfLI
    3 points
  12. You certainly have the right, as we all do, to express your opinion. My opinion is they should, as quickly as possible, sign an extension of the contract for LOS from 10 years to 20.
    3 points
  13. Another" favorite part of the Boston Crusaders 2011 " that must make their organization, fans, and alums proud is the selection of Tom Spataro,the Boston Crusaders Corps Director, as " DCI Corps Director of the Year ". This is quite an honor. It demonstrates that he has the respect and admiration of his peers within the membership ranks of DCI. He's also quite young. He might very well be the youngest World Class Division Corps Director to ever receive this honor, and this follows up his last year's elevation to being voted onto the DCI Executive Board of Directors in DCI by the DCI Membership. He marched ( as DM )with Boston about 10 years ago and took over the leadership reigns of the Corps a few years ago, and has done a terrific job with Boston since he has been at the helm. He's born and raised in Boston and has developed better ties with BAC alums in the area and this has helped in fund raising and in other areas. The Boston Crusaders seem to be in good hands for the future with this young and capable Corps Director that they have.
    3 points
  14. I LOVED their music this year. The story elements however, not so much. They just didn't make sense. I was told (and that's the only reason I know) that the entire hornline was supposed to represent Romeo and the entire guard was supposed to represent Juliet. I was also told (by the same poster) that the hornline represented the Montagues and the Capulets battling. Hmmm? If they are all supposed to represent Romeo then this clearly makes no sense. Also, if the hornline represented Romeo, the ending REALLY makes no sense. All of a sudden, you have the drum major go out and die on the field. I guess now that HE'S supposed to represent Romeo? OK....He wasn't even the one that "Juliet" (one of them...) was dancing with (er...dancing with his helmet), that was one of the hornline members. None of this kept me from enjoying the heck out of this show. In fact, it's definitely one of my favorite shows of the year. However, if you're going to do a "story", PLEASE make sure that you tell a logical story and that everything is copacetic. Otherwise, you just confuse the viewer, taking them out of the moment. Just my two cents. Again, LOVED this show, but a little confused by how they went about telling the story. Oh, one last thing...WHY oh WHY did Tom Blair and co. decide to get a shot of Juliet's suicide from the WRONG SIDE? It completely ruins the effect. Sigh....
    3 points
  15. As far as guys trying out for scholastic cheer squads, or girls for the football team, that's covered by Title IX. Schools receive state and federal funding, therefore they are subject to federal and state discrimination laws. As independent organizations, drum corps are not subject to Title IX, and can therefore pick and choose the best candidates for positions in the corps, based on need, without violating anti-discrimination laws. So, can we freaking give this a rest?!?!?!? Garry in Vegas
    3 points
  16. The brass staff has been in place for one year, they need some time to adjust and get the corps working. And there is really nothing wrong with the brass arranger, but apparently Key kicked your puppy at some point, and I'm sorry about that. But he really does great work transferring some great source music to the field.
    3 points
  17. I'm embarrassed to have been part of such a poorly run drum corps. John and Mike definitely abandoned us, and I can say everything that Mr. Delgado had posted is %100 accurate. Thank god for Bryan taking on the responsibility as tour manager/corps director upon the leave of John and Mike. Not only did he handle the situation exceptionally well, BUT HE MADE SURE EVERYONE RETURNED HOME SAFELY!!! Bryan, if you're reading this, know that we ALL appreciate your efforts in finding food and a way back home for each of us. Thank you for also disregarding Johns orders of leaving the percussion section to find our own rides. No guard tech should have to take on the responsibilities you took, but you did it because you truly care for each of us. Thank you. Being part of this organization for three years, I can honestly say that things have never gotten this bad (as a previous poster stated) This has financially been the worst season ever. Under armors, shoes, gloves, guard equipment, shorts, and other things were paid for in full by most members, yet they never received them. Not only that, but they haven't been credited or reimbursed for their purchases. Many guard and hornline members were unable to perform an I&E in indianapolis due to the bus problems. Many staff members, drivers, and the bus company either didn't receive payment on time, or didn't receive pay at all! There is so much more I want to write, but I'm sure other corps members have PLENTY to say on the subject. This was such a sad way to end an otherwise awesome season. -Corey Hinojosa 2009 bass 5 2010 bass 3 2011 bass 5
    3 points
  18. I'll tell you what...I've read this entire thread and I am shocked by what occured this past weekend. All I can say is that I appreciate the Corps that my son is a part of -- now more than ever. I couldn't even imagine this happening in our organization. If I was a parent in Revo, I would be livid. Cali.
    3 points
  19. Is this a corpsband production? We'll need to know that for our attorneys! BD Staff P.S. We had no idea that the little paper-hanging SOB was a Drum Corps fan! Imagine our surprise. I mean the Nuremburg rallies were pretty spectacular, but I don't recall Goebbels having them do rotating boxes, or even sit in chairs....why? Because they couldn't. Sure they could roll over Poland in a week, but their #### company fronts looked like a frickin' Blitzkrieg! And you think people die in a Phantom show? ... mere child's play,,,,,just wait til' this bunch gets a hold of the DM! ..... and their Um Pa bands couldn't march 160BPM to save their ###. .......and don't get us started on the props....that little band of Duetsche Merry Men were one giant prop from Brussels to Budapest! And in closing.....although we are shocked and a bit stupified by this production....we feel it deserves a..... heil five! Lawyer up! You'll need it!
    3 points
  20. As I write this, on Monday morning, there are still (former) Revolution staff members who believe they were fired (I have heard from some of them). As far as they know, they are no longer part of the corps. Why is that? IF it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, why has the record not been set straight? Texts, emails and/or the grapevine are not the way you handle things like this. And, when you realize things have gone awry, you step-in and fix them... immediately. The battery is like no other section in your corps. You had numerous veterans (which explains the average age of 20) who returned to the organization solely BECAUSE of the percussion staff. When you pulled that rug out from under them and didn't stick around the explain it, or clear-up the "misunderstanding", they lashed back in protest. That's what 20-year old men do when they feel they've been wronged and there is no one available to tell them otherwise. Did they have an obligation to march in the parade? Sure they did. But, choosing not to do so hardly compares with the corps basic obligation not to leave them stranded on the side of the road, 1,000 miles from home, regardless of their age. If for no other reason because they literally paid for the bus ride home.
    3 points
  21. + Thunderstorms finals night but the show went on. Say what you want about indoor drum corps but Im sure glad I didnt lose out on a $130 ticket.
    3 points
  22. While I agree that Mr. Gawaltney did a fantastic job with Phantom this year, and I don't want to take anything away from that, you are incorrect in thinking that they couldn't have finished stronger without a change in percussion staff this past season. Just to play devil's advocate, lets assume that Mr. Rennick stayed with Phantom this year. In his tenure with Phantom the last few years, they were pretty consistently in the top 3 in percussion. Lets assume that they had tied with the Cadets for 3rd in percussion last night. That gives them a 19.2 in percussion rather than an 18.5. That translates into a 9.6 in actual score vs a 9.25. That boosts their overall music score of 28.4, and a new total score of 95.4 putting them ahead of Crown for 4th place. Now, that's just assuming that a stronger percussion section has no effect on their ensemble score at all. Again, I'm not saying that it would have happened that way, but lets not make absolute statements like that when there is no way to know for sure. Paul Rennick isn't just an arranger, he's also a very good instructor, with a very good instructional staff. Its great that Phantom had such a strong year. I'm certainly happy to see them in the top 5, but consistency of staff is a big deal in this activity. Any time instruction changes, vets or no, there is going to be an adjustment period. In all likelihood, both Vanguard and Phantom will have stronger percussion sections next year than this year, simply due to a year of consistency.
    3 points
  23. I hope SCV doesn't change a single thing about their programming. Really.
    3 points
  24. Per John's request, I will continue to post updates for those interested in Marty's condition. Please keep him in your prayers. John Wooton I have some good news!! Marty moved his left leg today and held up two fingers when asked to. At times he is able to answer yes and no with head movement. He made eye contact with his wife, Paulette, and got a little choked up with a chin quiver when two students from Brother Martin came by to let him know how much they missed him and that his new street beat was awesome! Thank you for all your prayers and flam paradiddles. It is overwhelming.
    2 points
  25. You know what...I was seriously considering what you were saying until you started telling people to "go to hell". That was completely juvenile and you lost a lot of validity in the process. Although I am not a Revo parent, I AM a parent of a 20-year-old Open Class Musician. And just because he is 20, he does NOT stop being my son. When he leaves on the bus with the rest of the corps, I entrust his care to the staff and especially the director. The director of Revo came on this forum and admited that he instructed staff to leave the entire battery behind in Indianapolis. For me, this is where it starts and ends. I don't care WHAT they did (in this case, they refused to perform in a parade) and I don't care if the director is paid a million dollars or zero dollars...YOU MAKE SURE THEY GET HOME SAFELY. I understand your loyalty to Revo and don't want to see them go down the tubes (noboday wants that) but in this case I think your anger is misdirected. Cali.
    2 points
  26. Because they can, I think. Mike
    2 points
  27. Can't wait to attend my 9th DCA Championship. Very exciting times for drum corps and the marching arts. Looking forward to meeting as many people as I can and of course, hoping you all enjoy the "Edge of the Empire" Friday night. Viva
    2 points
  28. I know I might be a little late to the discussion but I have heard a lot of wrong assumptions about the brass at SCV. And I'm sorry if this is redundant as I did not make it through the whole thread. This was the 1st year of current caption-head Dave Clement (sp?). And this is response to the brass has been bad for awhile. In 2009 under Andre Feagin, they came in 3rd in brass and were quite good. OK, so here you go with the brass staff and arranger history post Gail Royer to the best of my knowledge. Really not sure about 1993 94 and 95....staff was some Blue Devil brass alumni and I am not sure of the arranger 96-2002.....brass caption head was Dean Westman......the arranger was Gordon Henderson from 96-99 and switched to Dean from 2000-2002 2003............ I think was Bill Watson...regardless, it was a lot of the same staff that had worked with Dean and Gordon. Not sure of arranger but might have been Key's first year 04....brass caption head...Gino Cipriani, Key Poulan arranger from this point to the present 05....caption head...Gordon Henderson 06, 07....caption head...Nick Williams 08....caption head....Bob Chreste 09, 10.....caption head.....Andre Feagin 11......Dave Clement So, they have had a lot of different caption heads and approaches over the last 10 years. Since 2003 they have had 7 different brass caption heads and 7 different approaches. I know that the organization does not want this and really wants to find someone that can stick around. We'll see if they stick with their current caption head. In my opinion, the problem is probably more the "revolving door" than the quality of instruction.
    2 points
  29. (Am I the only person that started tapping those patterns on their desk after reading that?) Mike
    2 points
  30. I have wanted to comment on this topic several times. However, I have held back. I was not in Indianapolis this weekend, so I could not see what took place. So I will not comment on those events; that would be nothing but hearsay. I will simply say this: It is irresponsible and unconscionable, for this amount of unpaid dues at the end of tour. $11,000 is a lot of money, for an open class corps. It may be chicken feed to a WC outfit, but to an OC outfit like Revo, it can be the difference towards financial survival. This amount should have been collected, before the members stepped on the bus, at the start of the tour. If it is not paid, then it threatens the ability of the entire corps to tour. Honestly, I would like to see Revo (and all corps, OC and WC) to implement a rule: if you do not pay your dues, by the end of move-in camp, you cannot tour. Period. Marching in drum corps is a priviledge, not a right. And if you do not pay your dues, you do not march. What happens if a rule like this is not established, and enforced? Someone else needs to pick up the tab. Or the corps runs out of money, and then no one gets paid. Or the tour gets cut short. Or the corps folds. Didn't DCI use to enforce a rule, that each new MM, at the start of the season, had to sign a paper, stating that a) they did not have a contract with another corps for that season, and b) they did not owe any outstanding funds to other corps? Wasn't this part of the standard documentation, that each new MM had to sign, along with the age verification? Or is this rule no longer enforced? (I remember signing something to that effect when I marched, but that was before cell phones....) Whoever did not pay these dues this year should not be allowed to march with Revo, or any other corps, until they make good on their debts. Honestly, this is where DCI itself would need to get involved. If someone marched with Revo last year, and didn't pay their bills, then shouldn't be able to just walk into Forte/Genesis/Crossmen next year, and pull the same stunt. Maybe these delinquent MMs should be "black-listed" by DCI for what they have done. That may sound harsh, but the line has has to be drawn somewhere. I do not want to see Revo, or an organization like Revo, fold. But unless these types of rules are established, and enforced, then that may be inevitable. And that really would be sad. This organization has done a lot to help young musicians in South Texas. I don't want to see that legacy come to an end.
    2 points
  31. Man, this news stinks. It was GREAT having Revolution come up to the Pacific Northwest this season and share their love with us. Such a great group of performers they have in that corps, for sure. I really do hope that a group of exceptional people step up to correct the wrongs of the past and get this corps ready for another successful tour next season. Like many have already stated, it would be a shame too lose another terrific drum corps due to the errors of a small few. For those that live in that region/area of town, please, get involved, sort it all out and get this group ready for auditions. It takes a village, right? Hope it all works out, Revolution. You're too good to let something like this break you. I'll be pulling for you folks. Cheers!
    2 points
  32. Final Tune up prior to DCA Championships for the DCA South Corps' in Douglasville Ga this weekend. Plus we welcome The ROCKETEERS to DCA-South as the opening exhibition for the show! Tampa Bay Thunder Shenandoah Sound Alliance Atlanta Corps Vets Special Appearance : The Rocketeers! go to www.corpsvets.org for tickets and info !
    2 points
  33. I finally sat down to read the thread. As a former member from the 90's years I feel I am and have been very loyal to the corps ever since I joined them. I have worked with many staff groups and most with Roman. Roman to me is an example in many ways. His determination, his loyalty and most of all his love for the corps and members, I haven't seen anywhere else in my life. That being said I must admit I have questions and concerns too. I felt last year that Pioneer did not deserve that last place, when many years I could understand the outcome. This year is a whole different story. This Pioneer reminded me most of the small group of determined people that started the way up. It was like watching the 1993/1994 editions. However the competitive success is translated the wrong way in my opinion. Am I happy with the 27th place.....god no! I can seriously understand that some Open Class corps were better, but still feel this corps could have just make semi's. But as Roman tought us.....never blame the judges.....so I will not go that far at all. The 27th place is a fact. But look at it this way. Pioneer beat a very large amount of corps....corps triple their size. What needs to be done? - A new approach to the program? Maybe....although I felt the start of something great started this year. Why not give that a chance for a few years? - Moving into Open? No...why? The finance part was discussed here. Let's turn it around. Wouldn't it be much better to score Open Class corps on World sheets more often during the season? Like it was in DCM where we were Division II, but only participated only in a few Div II shows. It is much more exciting for everyone. And as a side note....wouldn't Cascades, Jersey Surf, Teal Sound, Mandarins, etc benefit from more competition during the year? I guess they will. So I think the problem is more the current way of dealing with the classes than classification itself. I remember how hyped we were beating Troopers for the first time. And they....they benefitted by fighting back and got better. - Fire Roman. Biggest nonsense ever. Maybe a shift in the responsibilities might help. But I say that more out of love for Roman. He's not the youngest anymore and the touring must wear him out. I can still see the two of us after the 1997 tour cleaning up Pioneerland. I was as tired as he was......but I was 21. - Deciding to win. YES. Blue Stars, Troopers, etc decided to come back. They laid out a plan, hired people, raised funds....they got there. Most important is to have a clear plan and have members stick with you instead of marching with Pio for one year and then move on. Remember that all other WC corps benefit from Pioneer. I know it is way easy to state all this on here.....but we need hands. Many....if the alumni step up and help the board of directors achieve this....we can do it. There is so much to say about this subject. There are so many emotions.....I want Pioneer to do well, but I feel that people are highlighting Pioneers flaws way too much. I have not read any discussion like this about Cascades & Jersey Surf....and they did not score that much higher with corps much bigger. That is great as the mentioned corps are great organizations and need to follow their own path. But it makes me wonder sometimes. Finally.....Pioneer 2011 members, be extremely proud. And if you want a spot to march in 2012....consider Pioneer. They are truly a fantastic organization!
    2 points
  34. I can see where you might feel those shows were less fan-friendly than others, but I found LOTS to enjoy in those four shows and every other show this year. This is the first time in a long time where I did not have a Coke corps. Plus, I think a few somewhat more conceptual shows are much easier to enjoy when it's not the norm.
    2 points
  35. here's how much respect I have for Dan. At some point Friday, some of the sponsors were moved from a room where they got no traffic to out in the concourse. Dan himself dove in and helped move them. the friggen CEO. That's cool. That's class I wish I could say that for many of his past board members
    2 points
  36. I think this was easily the best Cadets show since 2000.
    2 points
  37. So, what is your line of work? Complaining on the Internet? I just think if you're not going to offer suggestion for them to get better, or join the staff, I really don't know what your place is to try and degrade both the staff's work and the kid's work. Yeah, you're an alum, but your time has passed, it's time for my generation to take over the reins of the corps, and lead it to success.
    2 points
  38. The fact that you claim "this stuff happens all the time" is even more troubling. It shows this corps (administration) doesn't have its act together.
    2 points
  39. People forget that Cesario used to have his hands in the Cadets pot back in the 80's .. then Phantom from 87 thru whenever .. and many other corps. His track record is long and distinguished .. including a few championships that he was involved with. It's not like Madison was his only gig in the history of DCI.
    2 points
  40. I am sad to read that there are members of corps whose experience has been like this. My son has marched 2 years in an Open Class corps and no, this stuff does not happen all the time. Yes, unforeseen circumstances can cause adjustments to the schedule, but losing rehearsal time because the administrative responsibilities of securing housing and rehearsal space have not been handled seems to demonstrate an inexcusable lack of organization and integrity. So thankful for those who have cared for my son over the last 2 seasons.
    2 points
  41. - The whistling leading into the a capella of "Do You Hear the People Sing" - Opening hit - GORGEOUS baritone solo - 1812 & Les Mis! Ok wow, I pretty much liked everything about this show. When was the last time I liked a whole Boston (Or ANYTHING Boston, GO LAKERS!) production? Must've been Red back in 2003. :worthy:
    2 points
  42. Also more open class corps were probably still in town than usual. That is a lot more corps members in the crowd. Entertainment, and they marketed better this year I believe. And it helped that the Cadets were up for the gold. Not that bad to travel from points east. I guarantee you that if it was a similar year as last year, (nothing interesting really going on) attendance would be similar. I STILL WANT TO SEE PUBLISHED NUMBERS FROM DCI. Word of mouth means #### to me this day. No offense to how credible your source and you may be. Haven't see a number since what? 2007?
    2 points
  43. Totally agree with you... Saturday nights show was amazing!
    2 points
  44. Anybody who would leave a kid in a parking lot 1000 miles from home for ANY reason is an incompetent manager, and arguably a criminal.
    2 points
  45. Outstanding show guys! Your showmanship was off the charts! Most entertaining show of the year for me! Brass, you guys were unreal. Blend, articulation, intonation, perfect balance top to bottom. When you played loud you killed it (in a good way), but when you played softly (I'm thinking here of the Bohemian Rhapsody reprise at the end of your ballad, with the trumpets playing that high but quiet ending and the full brass sound beneath them) you really stole my heart. One of the top brass performances of all time if you ask me. Guard you really shined. I'm a sucker for great equipment work and you guys really threw down. Percussion, loved your groove, pre-show was phenomenal and really set the tone. A few years ago if you asked me how I felt about electronic instruments I would have been unequivocally opposed, but after what you guys presented (especially you, Mr. amazing piano soloist)I'm sold.
    2 points
  46. I don't trust this post, right up to the poor grammar. The line that really got me was the kids who are not loyal to perform can find their own way home seems fishy. You could use that as a threat to perform but any paying kid deserves the ride back especially given the communication issues. Why wasn't the bus company completely settled before the trip to Indy? Still unanswered questions here.
    2 points
  47. But there all true. Don't be fooled DCP this man is a professional liar. Ive seen first hand, I experienced it. If we don't want this to happen again this must be stopped DCI MUST step in and take action. There are plenty of corps going thru finical issues but no members stranded in parking lots wondering how there going to get home. That's unsafe and it neglects the duties of the people placed in charge to protect these members. I'm not accusing I'm making a statement.
    2 points
  48. I concur with actucker, I couldn't possibly care less about the number of rings you won, or whatever title you want to put in front of that ring. I am more concerned about the kind of message you are projecting with your simple minded ideal of competition. You seem to think it is about beating the other guy. I personally think we should leave that attitude to the concussed jocks of the world. We are musicians. We must think about grander goals, like being the best performers and designers we can be, and let the competition fall as it will. One mentality will be eternally disappointing, the other eternally fulfilling. I prefer to be fulfilled.
    2 points
  49. Whose Board of Directors are you referring to? If it is Pioneer's Board, I, as a member, personally invite you to come and state your case! What are your "objective" reasons to support your calling for any change at the top? Are they based on how you were treated as a member of the corps? Are they based on your current knowledge as to today's internal functioning and operations of the Pioneer Corps? Are they based based purely on the numerical placing of the corps? If you were or are ashamed of having been a Pioneer, I pity you! The thought of you questioning Roman's ability to lead makes me wonder your real objectives. If you really cared, wouldn't you be helping out your corps and showing positive support rather than back-stabbing the very one who gave you so much, who for you and many others has gone way above and beyond the norm? If you actually saw the corps performance in quarterfinals (DID YOU???), I do not know how you could ridicule the corps director's leadership abililty of successfully putting together a highly respectable and entertaining product. He developed an excellent teaching staff, and under his leadership we recruited a corps made up of many new members who bonded together giving it their all as Proud Pioneer. We are so very proud of them. Roman's leadership by example is the glue that secures that bond. I am sure that our members are highly offended by a Pioneer alumnus biting the hand of the very person who gave him the many opportunities to learn and experience drum corps, both musically and socially. Yes, Bal, our members are very disappointed that the scoring did not reflect the the musical and visual progress of your Pioneer Corps, but they are exteremely proud of each other and their Pioneer Corps Family. Degrading statements about any of our staff, members, or management, only serve to try and break the bond of our (your) Pioneer family. I hope that is not your intention. I am sure that our members are highly offended by a Pioneer alumnus biting the hand of the very person who gave him the many opportunities to learn, grow, in an experience drum corps environment, both musically and socially. What is the "800 pound elephant in the room" that you refer to? If it refers to all of Roman's fine efforts of sincerely caring for each and every member, giving them a fine instructional staff and an entertaining show for them to perform, you fail to see the corps activity primarily being that of a musical youth activity for the benefit of each and every one of those young members. That is more important than mere numbers or standings. Don't get me wrong, we value being competitive, but the prime focus is on each and every member, far more important than status or numbers. So please, if you have anything constructive to say, please do. Would you like to be part of our alumni association? Would you like to come and offer some positive ideas to our board? Would you like to come and be of help during camps, everydays, or during the season? If so, call or email me. I would like for you to see and witness for yourself what our current staff, management team, and members are doing to make your Pioneer Corps truly, "Better Every Day!" Murray dbcpmilw@execpc.com 414-327-2847
    2 points
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