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Very sketch.

Hmmm . . . . color me skeptical. Someone has posted the above announcement on the TS Facebook wall. But no one from TS is answering the many questions that naturally have followed, such as: who is the director? If this is the way TS is making such a dramatic announcement, they're doing it in a sloppy way -- not the sort of impression the corps would want to make if it were serious, especially after the way things collapsed in 2012. There is not a word about this on the TS website at this hour. Why the delay? Why ANY delay? There is not a word about this at dci.org, or on DCI's Facebook wall, at this hour. There is not a word about it at jacksonville.com, the news website for the Florida Times-Union, in Jacksonville. I hope it's true, but so far, this has the air of a hoax.

Skeptical and worried in Florida... As I former staff member, I'm more than just a little concerned about these 'announcements". Numerous former members are asking about refunds. There have been many questions as to who is running it, who's on the board, who's on staff, etc. The only "answer" given was to contact "someone" (with a you-know-who kind of tone), and they'd tell you all about it. I don't even know who this mythical "someone" is, and I worked for the corps for three years! A lot of posts are being deleted off the FB page, mostly the ones asking for refunds from last year and asking who is in charge. There are still un-paid staff members from 2011. I'm one of them. All this adds up, at least to me, as an insincere, or at least misguided, attempt to get Teal back going. And there in no way DCI would let them come back as World Class as some have insisted, and I don't see DCI letting them come back at all without some serious discussion and some rock solid, measurable answers. Just a few other questions; Where's the equipment? Where are they rehearsing? Who's on staff? Who's designing the program? What are the arrangements to handle finances? How are they touring? What about the 2012 members? What about past debts? Having gone through the demise of Suncoast Sound, Florida Wave/Florida Vanguard, and now Teal Sound, and having to watch Magic of Orlando and a dozen or so other FL DC's also vanish, I, for one, am not optimistic about the future of drum corps in Florida. Until someone with solid BUSINESS experience, not someone who marched for one year, runs it, we will never have another world class DC in Florida, and that's a shame with all the talented performers, teachers, and designers we have in this state (who are all marching, teaching, or designing for just about every other DC in the country). My own son didn't even look at Teal, he went to Spirit. He didn't make the final cut, but he had a great experience while he was there. I am not holding my breath. I'm afraid that DC will have to not exist in FL for a few years and the memories of Teal will have to fade before anyone will be willing to make an honest, heart-felt, solidly business minded attempt to bring DC back to the state.

1) Hop: "I'm thinking maybe 'Both Sides Now' would work for us." DCP: 20 pages of discussion about the merits of using pop music in drum corps.... questions and debates about obtaining music rights... arguments/speculation about the possible use of props/different uniforms in such a show. 2) Hop: "The other day I was in a music store that sells old records, and I heard 'Boogie Till Ya Puke' from Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band. I wonder..." DCP: 30 pages of heated discussion about whether or not an artist such as Root Boy Slim is appropriate for drum corps.... whether or not the Cadets are sullying the tradition of Holy Name by playing such music... will Root Boy's estate give up the music rights... and who the hell is Root Boy Slim, anyhow?? 3) Hop: "Zamfir. Hmmm. No drum corps has ever used pan-flute music, to my knowledge." DCP: 50 pages of discussion about who is Zamfir, and why his music would or would not be relevant to a modern-day drum corps audience... what type of percussion writing would be needed to support such a brass book... would a "typical Cadet" high-speed visual show be appropriate for music that tends to be soft and lyrical... and perhaps the show could be designed as a "storyline" concept, taking fans inside the days of easy-listening radio, with Zamfir as the recurring theme. First show, June 2013: Cadets unveil their updated "West Side Story" show theme.

There's millions of things I love about drum corps. However, of the issues that frustrate me, this might be at the top of the list. The show designers in DCI, and especially among the top 12, are presumably the best in the world at what they do. We've all seen evidence of late with certain programs pointing to the fact that they've already begun this year's programming (e.g. "The design staff met this weekend in XYZ and had a very productive meeting"). At some point in the season Roddy or Lucia or DP will usually state that planning for next year begins the day after finals- and isn't that amazing! If that is so, then why do we: - begin virtually every season without color guard uniforms? - begin virtually every season without color guard silks? - make fans wonder what "goes there" when its complete? - have props that are introduced over the season? - have a false ending, or filler for the last minute of the show? - perform music / lyrics / singing / patches without license and hope you get them, and when you don't just don't put it on the video and assume that's okay. - Do all this and expect the customer to pay $50 to watch an incomplete show? It all just seems to be part of the drum corps culture and it's okay. I'm willing to bet even the scoring system rewards such behavior in a dysfunctional sort of way (i.e. "where's the changes?). If you look to other places where consumers spend their entertainment dollar it would never be tolerated. So, show designers and coordinators...Do your job now. Do not design and exotic color guard fabric that only exists on the island of Nu and expect it to be okay if it doesn't get here until the 7th show. Do not put together a program and be lacking in how to write the final sequence. Do not be feeding members music or drill as its being written. That speech patch you inserted at 6:30, did you really take until mid July and now you don't have licensing? I understand some will state that it is an artistic work in progress. Agreed. That's what now is for.

Just read this myself. As an alumnus, all I want is for them to go back to the real uniform, and have Cadets2 wear possibly the "Demon" color scheme. Either way, The Cadets need their traditional uniform back.

I'm going to start my own drum corps organization: Sarcasticorps

When I used to interview figure skaters, I was sometimes at shows that were being recorded for later television broadcast. Those shows that were not judged competitions were not free of falls and other tumbles. After the public performance, the skaters who wanted to clean up something they did would come out and one by one would take turns skating to that section of the music. The clean run of the troublesome spot in their show would then be spliced into the video for broadcast. Perhaps...and I'm only suggesting this as a possibility...corps could apply for a do-over of such possible voice-over segments of their shows for Thursday's Prelims. They would have to apply for this prior to the final show that determines the Prelims line-up so the schedule could be modified. Each applicant would receive one extra minute upon completing their show for the recorded do-over, which would be done in standstill formation. (If it's a part of the drill where the horns are facing backwards, they could just turn around to play, and if the drums are off in a corner, they could set up there.) And then, while recording, the guard could be moving sets and other stuff off the field. Equipment tractors would have to be silenced during this time. Not every corps would need this, and it would only be for the segments of the show using copyrighted audio material. So...I'm guessing it would add just a few minutes to the entire contest, which I admit is already pretty long. I know this could cause a situation with the theater broadcast, but I believe that could be worked out. If a corps didn't need the full minute, the next corps could start set-up as soon as possible. If they needed more, they could apply for an extension. But again, it would have to be done prior to the show that determines the Prelims schedule so that schedule would accommodate the extra time. The show seldom runs to the exact timing, anyhow. If a corps in the final fifteen groups that is on the theater broadcast needs the extra time, Rondinaro and DeLucia can vamp on each other's hair.

Both sides now.

I'm SURE it would be entertaining!

Guess you saw South Park last night, eh? You just can't turn it off! </sarcasm>

P.S. - don't announce you are starting up a new corps unless you have enough money in the bank to at least fund the fundraisers.

So this Facebook page has gone away. Was it just a "Nagy-Like" attemp to use Teal's name? It seemed really fishy from the start. Glad to hear the real Teal Sound is trying to field a corps next year.

Stop using dumb samples that add nothing to the show and this wouldn't be a problem. Seriously... I think we got the point it was ####### christmas by the first set they stood in... or the 4 minute long "Carol of the Bells"

So they have to edit out the most annoying part of the show? I don't mind except that there was some pretty good music being played during those parts. Imagine how much better it would have been if they had never put those samples in at all.

If Hop knew, would it really be that big of a deal if they didnt use the voice overs at finals? I mean c'mon dude!

so why aren't the "rules" amended so that content licensing has to be approved by the corps prior to the start of the season ... seems simple enough ... they certainly have to do that with musical content ... after all, it is all about commercialization Charlie Brown.

A new Alumni Corps is forming in the Great Lakes Area! The Great Lakes Drum Corps Alumni(GLDCA),has been formed by a group of alumni from several corps in the old Wolverine/Great Lakes Drum Corps Association. The Association existed from abt. the mid 60's to the mid 80's. It was comprised of corps primarily from both upper and lower Michigan, Canada, Ohio, Indiana,and Illinois. The Bluecoats and Glassmen were both members of the GLDCA in their earlier days. We have started a facebook page but will have a website eventually. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Lakes-Drum-Corps-Alumni-GLDCA/367900736618198

I am proud to announce the return of the Sounds of Fire Music Organization (SFMO) under a new name, River City Music, Inc.! After several seasons of dormancy, the RCM organization is excited to get back to the field. Our return to DCP-I was imminent, but the re-branding occurred as a result of a strong push to tie the organization to its hometown of Columbus, GA. We appreciate the support we've been shown from the city, and this new image is our way of returning the love. Competitively, we hope to continue the success of the old SFMO groups Inferno, Blaze, and Flame. For DCP-I 19, we will field two corps; River City Regiment will compete in World Class, and River City Rhapsody will participate in Open Class. RCM is also thrilled to announce that River City Regiment's competitive debut will take place this fall in the inaugural DCP-I World Cup. Tyler C. Executive Director River City Music, Inc.

Coming soon ... evil drum corps novel. This book is not a product of the San Francisco Renegades, Drum Corps International, or Drum Corps Associates, and no endorsement or affiliation with any of the foregoing is to be implied. WARNING. This book is not for kids. There are adult situations, adult language, adult beverages, adult people, and several extremely chaotic international incidents described in this book.

Jeff - a prominent person in YOUR corps is the godchild, and namesake, of the late husband of #4.

In 2008, I flew from Jacksonville to Boston and my flight was delayed, but it turned out not to be disappointing. The airport was filled with young people, all headed to winter camps. There were Troopers, members of Phantom, Blue Stars, Bluecoats, just to name a few and well over 150 kids, enough to have a full contingent in a drum corps. I heard about shows, or at least what they could share about shows, and as is so often the case, left with a great feeling about drum corps after speaking with actual members. However, these Floridians were headed out of state to march. Last summer at Indy a woman who worked at the Bluecoats souvenir stand recognized my Boston accent. She was from Connecticut and had marched with Bluecoats a few years earlier. She had said there were more New Englanders in Bluecoats and Carolina Crown than Boston Crusaders, and what state is the most represented in BAC? Florida! Drum corps owes alot to Florida, but keeping a corps alive in the sunshine state has been a challenge. Florida did have great corps and coming from an area that once boasted of having corps such as 27th Lancers, North Star, not to mention Holy Family Defenders, St. Francis Sancians, Pembroke Imperials, Diplomats, East Coast Jazz, and Spectra, as well as the greats corps of the 50's and 60's and many small but lovable corps, losing a corps is painful and when they're gone, they're gone. As a loyal Boston Crusaders fan, I'm glad the drum corps tradition is alive, and appreciate those from out of state who march with BAC and keep the tradition alive. I also know that if we ever lost BAC, they'd be irreplaceable. So I understand your concerns. I'd also like to say that if you were not paid for 2011, but still remained on staff, you should be commended. Those who marched will know, and while it's a lousy deal and won't pay the bills, it will be appreciated and perhaps will inspire them to give of themselves. Many BAC alums and some staff and board members post on DCP, and have shared BAC's amazing story of emerging from insolvency to being one of the most respected and well run corps in DCI. You need vision, but as you mention, you also need business minded people. Business people know how to make the tough decisions and inspire confidence, which leads to members and donations. Florida is the land of retirees and many look for charitable organziations to lend a hand. This could be an untapped resource. It will take people who know the activity to give it direction, but solid business people can make it happen, and as someone from the non-proifit sector who relies heavily on people with good business minds, good business practices are universal, so if a director who knows drum corps leads and has good direction from business people, the corps could soar. Now as far as your son is concerned, perhaps there is another reason that Spirit did not turn out as he wished. Since he hails from Florida like so many members of BAC, perhaps he's a Boston Crusader at heart! So if he's still eligible, make him practice and send him to a BAC winter camp which will be held in where else but sunny Florida.

That'd be a neat trick.

And to think that in another current thread, someone asked if the word "hell" would be allowed. Well, they didn't exactly ask, but they hinted at it since they thought it might not pass muster. We've still got a few body functions to go, so I hope everyone doesn't just give up.

So, what you are saying is this... Larry, Moe, and Curly were thinking that Abbot and Costello had given up on rebuilding the corps, so Larry Moe, and Curly made an announcement that they were going to start a new corps with the same name sans the 'Sound'; then Abbot and Costello surprised everyone by announcing SURPRISE we just paid off all the debt, well not quite all of the debt, we did not pay the staff, or reimburse the kids from last season, but we did pay off All of the debt; then Larry, Moe, and Curly went Oops and quickly closed up shop. Nice!

Yes, I meant it as sarcasm and it is actually directed toward whomever put out the disingenuous communication that 'ALL' debts had been paid. And yes this is serious; if you have read my previous postings about Teal, Forte, VK, Revo, etc... you will discover where I stand on the subject of you, the kids, and all others who got shafted by these issues.

SoCal Dream, 3 time DCA Class "A" Finalist, have some big plans for the 2013 season. With low membership dues, and many fundraising opportunities, SoCal Dream is one of the most economical drum corps in the country to join. Date: Sunday December 9, 2012 Time: 11:00am-4:00pm Location:Golden West College: 15774 Goldenwest St. Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Please park in “Lot J” on the Gothard St. side of campus and we will meet in the Recreation Education Building, Room 218. Haven't marched in a while, still got the itch. Come check it out. Meet the staff, new and returning. Brass players bring a mouthpiece (G Bugle if you happen to have one, if not we have some.), percussion bring your sticks, guard wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. If you're interested or have any questions, please contact membership@socaldream.org for more details

notice, I said "ONE OF THE FIRST", not "THE FIRST".

I really like this song. I just went to listen to it again on youtube and know it's going to be going through my head for the rest of the day. That being said, I have become so sceptical of paying attention to anything coming from Cadets this early - it all comes across as verbal diarrhea with the amount of times they change their mind. To be honest, I wish they would chose a theme and stick with it. I really like that song. I also hope they pay more attention to the rights issue. It's not fair to those of us who buy a recording of a performance to see/hear the way it was performed.

they often Pearl Harbor their early ideas

OMG!!!!! He really IS a leprechaun..........faith and begorrah arrrggggghhhhhh

Random questions: - How bad off was the Teal org really? Was it that bad beyond repair? - Who holds any assets used by the org?

I agree, and that issue presents an entirely different problem. Not planning 2 years out because you're afriad you won't be there is really not a recipe for success.

This post worked - I'm taking the horn back to The Targets in a few minutes. Kind of sad - I'd become attached to what I called "My G Trumpet." My lovely bride (an orchestral trumpet player) groaned anytime I said that.

It's also great to know that our illustrious Program Coordinator is returning and has really taken on the Buccaneer Ethos.. Bobby Jones - Program Coordinator

Percussionist staff also know right away how the drumline did in a particular show. They just have the knack and the ear for it. I remember one particular show the Corps Director was looking over the judges caption scores he just received. Without even revealing the precussion score,( not a particularly good one that nite it would turn out) to the Drum Instructor, the Corps Director turned to him and asked " what do you think of the execution of the drumline tonite, Paul ? ".... the Drumline Instructor thought a bit, then replied " come to think of it, its not just a bad idea, Chief. " Judges and Percussion staff... re. Percussion performance... they just know. Part if it might be the fact the Percussion section is a bit smaller than the brass lines.. but I'm not a drummer, so thats just my guess anyway.

A staff is not going to plan for a show two years down the road when A) it takes every once of energy, time and patience to plan just one show, and 2) they may not be with that particular corps. Any new staff is not going to want a show planned for them by people who aren't even there anymore.

I'm not saying anything yet. mainly because in a few cases, the stupidity amazes me

Just released for Amazon Kindle.

well, judging by the reaction, it doesn't really seem that the Cadets put an importance on having their best product on the DVD. I'm not really sure why, but that's what seems to be the case...

Jason Bentley -- ROCKS! Score on talent Academy.

do good my friends........I shall be bringing 3 students, a trumpet, a baritone and a tuba, but must I get permission to stand at my favorite column in the horn arc????? can I last standing at my memorial column (or pilaster) in the arc??????? Guido

Or have someone from the corps say it, and not use the original...maybe? There was a question on this thread that I don't think got answered yet. Editing out the voice, also edits out ALL audio, doesn't it? Not just the voice? This is disappointing..I thought we had learned our lesson...

Which is why it's pointless to dissect finals recaps as the "truth" and try to come to some insightful conclusion. It's not just about what you put on the field and how you execute -- it's also about the opinions of those guys writing down the numbers. Crown does what they do. Writing a show that's antiseptically clean on July 1st but hardly challenges the performer is not their cup of tea. That's fine for corps who want to play the game that way but it's just not how they approach things. Vive la différence.

Vanguard: Hymn to a Blue Hour They also played my favourtie ballad of 2011: The Eternal Knot

We'd see a lot more holding calls... Chuck

They'd be more complaints on DCP about the inexperienced replacement judges with their scores and placements ?

MAMA ≠ DADA

Please see the latest efforts to acheive such goals. I have started The Drum Corps Heritage Project, for more information see the following: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Drum-Corps-Heritage-Project/270451626323978 Founded in 2012, The Drum Corps Heritage Project (DCHP) is a historical society which seeks to document, preserve and make available the records of the drum and bugle corps community throughout North America, past and present, by way of public advocacy and education. This consortium consists of paid and volunteer staff members who are knowledgable about the traditions specific to the history of the North American drum and bugle corps. In time, we seek to develop a museum for the preservation of artifacts and ephemera from the drum corps activity, a special-collections archive for ongoing research and scholarship, and a performance hall to keep the music of the drum and bugle corps alive. For more information, or if you would like to assist us in getting the project off the ground, please email me at decole2@gmail.com. All the best, Dennis Cole, Ph.D. Founder & Executive Director, The Drum Corps Heritage Project