Leaderboard

I was not referring to your opinion on cell phones. I was referring to the way you deliver your opinions and the way you come across.

You must be a lot of fun at parties.

Here's some perspective you may find of interest. The rule had been set aside for—I don't remember how long, but I think a couple—years. It was re-instituted this past year...not by the decision of the management or staff but at the request of the members. That's right...the "junior officers" of the corps...the members who are the leaders among the membership, asked the management to reinstate the rule. (I found out how that transpired in a pre-season message sent out to corps alums.)

Dude, it's the SAME guy. They totally opened an actual wormhole on the field.

I just assumed it was because they were a Secret Society.

I am a parent; one who believes that if my child is old enough to travel 'on his own' the entire summer with 149 mostly college-age youth, and another 30 - 40 very responsible adults, he is old enough not to have to check-in with me or his mom with a cell phone. In fact, my children have attended a few summer camps where they were away from technology such as mp3s, cell phones, DVD's, computers, video games, TV, and away from 'us', for nearly a month; and if they needed to contact us it would be done through a hard-line phone in the camp office. Moreover, they never have called us while at those camps and both my wife and I are fine with that. Why? Because: a) We trust the adults they are with; b) We trust our children with ever expanding independence as they grow in maturity and do not want them to become attached at the hip to us, his parents; c) We want them to learn how to deal with situations without the ability to 'easily' call for mom and dad to bail them out; and d) If they do get into real trouble, the adults at the camps will contact us immediately.

Theme for next year:

Hell, It's entertaining to see the same 2 or 3 people get all pissy whenever someone brings an old thread to page 1.

Wait, in view of your signature line, does that mean you think it's dumb to like what you post?

but it can be entertaining to watch

Well....I don't know the specifics, but that was Shadows semi annual rant, that they couldn't get the bodies. To me that says the organization didn't recruit the right way or make it enticing for people to stick around, or a variety of issues. Of course, he never wanted to hear that

Another bit of info that I've heard from people who have marched was that the staff don't want current members to be concerned with scores, recaps, posts on DCP, etc. They want their perception of the show to be based on their progress and their own standards rather than someone else's opinion. I'm sure that is a concern that arose after the advent of the rule, considering that the first cell phones didn't really give you access to that information, but I think its a valid concern. (Not directed at the parent who asked the question): The fact is, we can agree or not agree, but the Cavaliers have a right to run their organization however they see fit. Taking sarcastic stabs at them "underachieving" because you disagree with them is a pretty juvenile thing to do. If you don't like the policy, don't march there or ask your kids to march there. Personally, I think kids are too reliant on technology and virtual communication these days. Not using a cell phone on tour (I had one, but it almost never came out of my bag or got turned on) was a fantastic experience for me. I did a lot of growing up that summer, learning how to stand on my own two feet and handle my own issues. If I were a parent sending a kid on tour, I'm not sure I wouldn't take their phone from them when they left for that same reason.

One thing was unfortunately certain in Open. Two corps who'd been doing well weren't going to make finals. The first four on were on the bubble, and it would be a very stiff test of each of those corps. Sun started off Open confidently with some aggression. Their performance didn't lack for spirit or effort. Their run was by far the best I'd seen of them all season, particularly the color guard. The Front ensemble had a solid moment in the percussion feature with the triplets, and the musicianship was more inspired as the show moved to the end, especially in the Red Pony segment. The run was tighter, but there were balance issues, and sonority problems at the start. Sun competed hard, it was a great improvement from the season start, it's just that their opponents got more traction as the season progressed and managed to separate themselves. The corps has the pieces in place, and I think that if they can build with the people they have in place and can make improvements to the program choices and direction, they can compete for a finalist spot in the future, and shouldn't be underestimated. They did manage to get ahead of a quality Kilties corps that put on a spirited run, and should take pride in that achievement. I'd seen the numbers the Kilties (12 CG/11 Battery/2DM/28 Horns/5FE) had been putting up at the Midwest contests they had to have some solid expectations coming in to prelims. Their visual package was a massive improvement over last year's, and the choices of classic rock hits like "Yesterday", Eleanor Rigby", "Bohemian Rhapsody", and "bye Bye Love" were well-arranged and very entertaining. The horns know how to throw punches when it's called for, and they have some solid talent. there was a lot more to this program and the crowd enjoyed it. Solid quartet work in "Yesterday", the tall and short of the Bari world in "Bohemian Rhapsody" made for a fine show where they reached for the crowd with their personality, and got them involved. I'm glad I got to see them this year, and they just fell short in the ensemble captions. The Hurcs too a bit of time to lift off musically, but when they got off the ground, they hit hard. The split percussion feature really set a tone of defiance and intensity for their performance. It was obvious they WANTED a finalist spot and pushed very hard, especially from the battery and color guard end of things. Sometimes, the percussion beat up on the brass, which might explain why they were down to Sun in Ensemble Music. I had issues with the show ending at Scranton, but this time, the Hurcs were tighter, angry, and far better in their presentation, the Mellos in the oblique set presented very well. I have to give the membership of the Hurcs credit where it was due. They willed themselves into one of the finals spots by a very intense run that was filled with fire and desire. Hopefully, next year will bring more numbers to the corps and more of that same intensity. I felt Carolina Gold was the final corps on the bubble, and I'll explain why later, I felt they'd be vulnerable. I have to say that the membership of the corps ripped the top off the cereal box and fight themselves into finals. The Color Guard's effort really was a major factor in that equation with a 5th place effort. I think the brass got all they could out of the program that was given them. The percussion may have tried too hard in segments, they overcooked certain show elements. I have to say the program made far more sense when viewed in a higher stadium. The Spy angle and the container was easily to grasp and follow from that perspective. The big issue here was this nagging feeling I have about how this show was designed/created. The staff can fire away all they want if they want to- but I was left with this really nagging feeling that the show was created from more of an Indoor Guard/Percussion angle and the brass book and role in this program was an afterthought or an ancillary element that was thrown into the show. I think the brass deserved a better book then the one given them. I was looking for moments, things to get grabbed by, and they just weren't there, and not for a lack of effort from the brass. People can gripe, but 12th in Ensemble Music- that happened for a reason. Hopefully, Gold can present a more engaging musical program next season from the brass perspective- and if they do... all bets are off as to where they could end up. All respect to the corps members for a well-fought and inspired performance at Prelims that earned them a Finals Spot. it was well deserved. It speaks well for DCA that these 4 bubble corps might well have been 7-8 spot finalists not long ago. The game's getting a lot tougher, and the depth is far stronger. I'll hit the top 8 later.

Let's get back on track. I apologize for delays, I've been exhausted, and being woken up 4 times this morning didn't help the cause. I was pretty clear Windsor Regiment would be had against it to make finals. I have to say I deeply respect the final push the corps made to get by a very solid Tampa Bay Thunder performance starting with the Scranton show. The one thread in my notes about the performance was that the corps developed a strong sense of unity across the ensemble, which really gave the show life and carried them into the 4th finalist spot. The percussion book linked well to the brass, the visual package read well and was pleasant, the inner harmonies in the brass book shone, and I have to tip my cap to the Tubas for their split work in "Simple Gifts". They came on when they needed to after a right start to the season, and it's a real testament to the character of the corps membership they came so far with their program. White Sabres had an incredibly solid run, one that was polished, and the visual package clicked wonderfully with the music score. It was a seamless effort, and I realized this was gonna go down to the wire with Govies. White Sabres threw down hard, and could the Govies respond? I really have to respect the serious direction and growth White Saberes have shown over the past several years. The corps has matured in program, personnel, and attitude. Every years for about the last 5-6 seasons, one could see a steady hand and direction in the corps that was moving it forward. Keep in mind, readers, that I've covered WS several times this season so I'm keeping the discussion of their content short. There's no intent to disrespect, quite the contrary. The final Class A corps, From St. Peter, Minnesota, the Govenaires (8FE/15CG/1 Ladies' Man-DM/14 Battery/13+1 horns) took the field. How's come I could understand their Drum Major when he kicked off the show just fine yelling from his podium, and the PA system in the stadium sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher from Peanuts? I found this to be an amazing mystery, just sayin'. The show had a Hollywood theme to it, and their Drum Major really played the part of the Leading Man very well as the corps kicked off into a wonderful, bright opening fanfare and into "City of Angels". I have to marvel over how carefully the battery played so not to cover the brass section. Their show was a fast-paced, high-energy program with tasty music and hard hits, framed by exceptional musicianship. The guard is well-presented, and we even had the appearance of the paparazzi on-field. Dennis Argul's brass book for this corps is nothing but brilliant, featuring very lovely and dense harmonies of old-school chestnuts such as "Send on the Clowns" and "Don't Rain on my Parade" with great solo work. The way the Govies use their numbers and talent so well, it was a close-run thing for the number one spot- and White Sabres pulled it off fair and square. Overall, there was a massive improvement for several corps in Class A this season. The standards of excellence and what will get a corps by in Class A have greatly increased this year. Programs have to be of very high quality in design and performance, by all sections of the corps. One can't just throw something out there and hope it'll stick to the wall. The competitors are too polished and capable. I'm happy to see a better turnout for Class A this year at prelims. These corps do put on inspired and quality performances that are worth watching and enjoying, and entertain and inspire. DCA has had Class A members at the table now for the last couple of seasons, deservedly so, and I think having them involved at that level will be for the good of the activity as a whole. Break time, Open Class later.

This type of discussion would never arise at the parties my wife and I attend; and now that our kids range from teenage to mid twenties our kids would not even want to be around us at those parties. Also, most of the adults who attend the parties we attend would agree that taking cell phones and other technology away from youth while they were at an extended outdoor summer camp experience ran by adults we placed in charge of our kids, or as in this case an environment like a DCI corps, would be a rather good thing. Most of the adults that we engage with believe that as a our children grow enough to be away from us for a long period of time, allowing them them to learn how to deal with things 'without' calling us frequently is just as valuable as us being available to them if something serious did arise. So, yeah, we do have a lot of fun at parties.

And inside every horn was a tinier, unseen member of the hornline.

Let's leave Ray alone now. All is good.

It was just announced that the entire design staff from 2013 will be returning to the Blue Stars for 2014. Can't wait to see what they come up with for the corps 50th anniversary season.

Inverness Florida – Announcement - John Johnson has been retained with an Unanimous vote of the Sun Devils Board of Directors as the Executive Director of the Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. After a successful 2013 drum corps season, winning the DCA South class A championship and qualifying for finals at the 2013 DCA world championship, the Sun Devils INC Board of directors unanimously vote John "JJ" Johnson to stay the executive director for 2014. Please stay tuned for staff and show announcements.

They do worry about other things...They worry about how to provide the best experience possible for their members, who are the ones that requested the prohibition on cell phone usage on tour be reinstated. Maybe some who are outside the organization should worry about other things instead.

Sending a shout out of good wishes and best hopes to the Blue Knights' and Troopers' many families and local fans sorely suffering from those floods in the Rocky Mountain front range communities and now out to past Greeley along the rivers. The floods in Colorado spur memories of good times there, of friends, and of DCI experiences. Newer fans and recent participants might not realize that the '77 and '78 championships were bifurcated with prelims at Folsom Field at the University of Colorado in Boulder and only Finals at the NFL Stadium in Denver. Many, many corps have spent break days in Boulder or practice days near there in prep for DATR in any number of years or for the 2004 DCI's which were again in Denver. Some instructors who have taught many corps live in that very effected Loveland and Ft. Collins area. Loveland and near places even hosted some contests in the past decade. UC at Boulder, CSU, and UNC all generate many members to a number of finalist corps such as Vanguard, Cadets, Regiment, Cavaliers, Crossmen etc. besides Troop and BK. May your drill fields soon be dry again, your lives restored and your losses limited.

Some contradictions are obvious in here, Keith. First, "...as much compensation as possible." More revenues shared among all corps as fairly as possible. Got it. But what prevents MC from participating in an OC show while WC is traveling to the regional shows? Are there enough OC corps that are willing to travel to have an OC only show in a region that best stages those corps for the next available opportunity to perform at a WC show? MC drove 700 miles for $1000? So was it for the money or for the performance opportunity to avoid going "stir crazy"? Could you have, instead, found a performance opportunity (show or stand up) to avoid going stir crazy? "Smaller markets" connotes lower ticket prices, ala an OC show. But those types of shows don't generate much revenue, do they? In my experience, your fictional lineup is not out of the ordinary. It's common to have one top 6 corps, 4 top-20 corps, and an OC corps or two at a show. Your contention that it's the "elite" corps that prevent more shows from being scheduled is off the mark, IMO. The "elite" corps get paid the same whether they are performing with other top-12 corps or only with OC corps. The DCI/TEP contract is based on the each corps' prior-year performance standing and the time of year of the show, not whether they perform with other WC or OC corps. I mostly agree with the rest of your post, but I'm doubtful that "better scheduling" would have lessened your burden with MC. There simply aren't enough corps to support the expansion of the local show circuit as you see it. If "the performance" is what's necessary to avoid going "stir crazy" then revenue can't be the driving motivation. If maximizing revenue is the main driver, then the fact is that DCI charges more for WC corps because they draw the biggest crowds. As an OC corps, therefore, you are dependent on local TEP's being able to field a WC show and schedule OC at those shows. A typical WC 8-corps show can easily cost $25,000 that the TEP must post up-front (and take all the weather-risk). And even if DCI could find more TEP's to hold shows, are there enough WC corps to perform at them? EDIT: I did a quick check of the 2013 schedule, searching for shows within 500 miles of Nashville and I found 19 shows (I noticed there's no show in Nashville ), only four of which MC performed in. Why was MC not performing at all 19 shows? Would "better" scheduling have helped MC when the corps didn't participate in the shows already available?

But it's always fun to try and figure out which members of the corps are Cylons. Oh, wait, I'm thinking of an entirely different body of music, aren't I?

I think you're looking at DLB and SS from the standpoint of the performers, but you're missing a key element in the rationalization of the DLB/SS project: revenue. Is it a goal to organically grow competing units? Yes, definitely. Is it reasonable to think that SS/DLB units will sprout drum corps across the country? Not in my opinion. Is it an expectation that some kids who do DLB/SS will go on to march in existing corps? Yes, certainly. In the aggregate, however, DLB/SS are vehicles to produce revenue for DCI. The altruistic reasons are all good ones, but all such success of DLB/SS results in increased revenue for DCI. In order to have an "official" SS/DLB competition, it will be required to purchase the "show pack" from DCI. That will include paying a fee to DCI. (Nothing that I'm aware of says you can't have a brass or drum group at a show and not have it be an "official" DLB/SS competition. A local TEP who wants to have a DLB/SS competition during his show will require payment by the performers in order to pay the DCI fee and generate a profit for the show. This profit will allow DCI to charge more for the corps they are providing to the TEP. The DCI show contract fee has been going up every year recently (my suspicion is because of pressure by the BOD to get paid more per performance). A TEP could make a little profit on SS/DLB to help pay that fee in two, primary ways: by attracting fans of the DLB/SS performers who might not otherwise come to the show, and by charging a fee to DLB/SS groups for the chance to perform before a crowded drum corps audience. Not charging the DLB/SS performers eliminates one of those revenue sources. At our DLB contest this season, we charged each performer the cost of our cheapest ticket ($15), but we secured sponsors to give away free, cool chotskies (drum keys, t-shirts, hats), to all performers, got each corps souvie booth to offer a discount on purchases, and gave away $100 cash plus gift certificates to local music stores to the winners. We even gave each a coupon for a free hot dog, chips, and drink at the concession stand. Total cost per performer: about $15. Total value of what each performer got: more than 3 times that amount plus the winner's prizes. We had three drum lines perform - about 60 kids total - and identified about 130 group tickets sold that were directly attributable to those three groups. So 70 full-price tickets were sold to the DLB groupies (parents, etc). Average ticket price: about $23, so we sold about $1,600 more in tickets, the performers were well-"paid", and they got to perform in front of a sizable audience filtering in to see the drum corps show. Revenue is the reason for DLB/SS, not altruistic visions of new corps popping up (although we all want that to happen). To think "free" in any part of the DLB/SS process misses the point. Next year the plan is to hold the DLB earlier in the day as "prelims", with the final two appearing before the packed stands while scores are being tabulated. That's the big draw for the performing kids and asking them to save up $15 ($25, $50) over the next 10 months for the chance to perform in front of that crowd is not asking much, IMO, even from the "skinny wallet" crowd you claim is the norm. (And, for the record, the parents of the kids I saw this year would happily pay that fee to keep their kid involved in the activity, so I doubt your claim that a paying a fee to perform is asking too much.)

True.... But he was.

So, you want to create rules that restrict C2 that don't apply to other DCA corps? How is that fair?

I'm turning 58 in just over two weeks, and I don't have any such issu...hang on...someone just posted on my Facebook page.

Trolls on DCP gotta troll... (even with blatantly d-baggy statements)

that uniform wasn't nearly as loud as the stuff he wears now

oh please, he held back

You must obviously have a extensive study on corps member cell phone usage and the resulting atmosphere that a cellphone or cellphone-free environment has on the social atmosphere in a world class drum corps. I'm guessing you really don't have any idea what the social atmosphere is like at the Cavaliers or any other World Class Corps.

If a member needs to contact family members because of any emergency situation or to respond to a parents' call, the tour management and staff have their phones, and the kids know they can ask to use them. A friend's kid marched there this summer, and the corps has a families-only Facebook page they use for posting regular updates (several times a day) and photos of rehearsals, etc., so even though theirs wasn't calling home every week, they still saw him regularly all summer, which seemed to help his mom get over her separation anxiety.

FTFY So....every corps that allows cell phones on tour have an un-healthy social atmosphere? IMO encouraging members to smuggle their cell phones on tour and sneak around using them after shows is a far more problematic environment than setting reasonable limits on their usage. But hey -- that's just my 2 cents.

Wow! Some of you folks need to lighten up. But to answer the original question (our son will be on his third tour with Cavies next summer), there are a lot of reasons why cell phones - and especially the now omnipresent smart phones - become huge distractions and problems anytime during the season, even pre-tour when a lot of first-time corps parents would be most anxious to find out how their kid is doing. We were just as anxious the first year but we learned that no news was mostly good news. 1. First and most obvious, instead of making friends, developing new relationships and/or just learning a lot of important new lessons about how to learn to adapt and fit in when immersed in a very stressful environment amid a sea of mostly strangers, kids with their phones tune out and just communicate with their same old cell phone/facebook/twitter/whatever circle and ignore the most important people and things that are going on in the real world around them. 2. Worse yet, the real people around them just become convenient gossip and complaint fodder for the entertainment of their essentially useless non-present virtual pals, a very counterproductive behavior that tends to compound problems. 3. And then there is the additional distraction from productive attention and healthy socialization that is inevitable, especially among young males suddenly without any regular contact with females their own age, with the "smart" phones' abilities to easily tap a world-wide ocean of porn, more or less continuously. The allure of such stuff usually isn't as obvious to us parents as it is glaringly apparent to our kids. Plenty of the Cavies kids will cheat and turn in dummy phones and keep their real phones stashed, but the rule at least makes their use furtive and infrequent, and makes the social atmosphere, especially in their off time, a heck of a lot more healthy than what prevails around the other corps that do nothing to deter cell-phone obsession.

What the He-7-7 are you guys talking about?

If you are someone with any ties - be it official or emotional - to the Phantom Regiment organization you really should shut up. We get that you know people there and probably aged out in the last few years. Trashing new hires by name does nothing but make you look bitter

I can, in my experience agree with all stated.... As for the overtones. Scientifically speaking, the key of the instrument makes no difference in the quantity of the overtones. However, since the "G" horns are keyed lower, they have more "room" for lower overtones. This is one reason they work so well outside. Take them inside, and the abundance of the lower overtone series (simple because it starts lower) will quickly overpower the ears and all that (could) be discernible is lost within the lower overtones. Put those same overtones outside where they can project freely and farther without reverberating within themselves so you can hear them. Even though every brass instrument is capable of producing overtones. The strength of the individual overtones produced is more influenced by the player and his/her mouthpiece and how the system as a whole works together. Breath, lips, mouthpiece, horn = an individual’s specific tone, or how your ear is hearing the overtones produced by that player. More high overtones = a “brighter” player, more middle overtones (normally called "core") or more lower overtones = a darker toned player. The overtones are still there, the player is in effect, acting as sort of a stereo graphic equalizer producing “there” individual sound “curve”. Put a bunch of horn players together with their individual overtones, and they begin to reinforce themselves and become more audible. The horns sound more the same. This also works well if all the members of the line play the same brand of horn and mouthpiece. It simple strengthens those overtones. Also, the more in-tune a group of horns are the more of the characteristic quality of sound the horn was intended to produce comes out. The overtones become more predominant and fight each other less. In short. The more in-tune, the louder you will be due to fewer overtones "sound canceling" each other. Just think of how many multiples of 440HZ there are that a human ear can hear! That’s the magic of brass!!!

Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving today that the life of my sister Regina was spared when the World Trade Towers were attacked on 9/11. She and her staff were out of her office that day at an off-site meeting. One of her staffers stopped at the office to pick up some materials enroute to the meeting for which he never arrived. It was 4 days wrought with anxiety and waiting until we learned he was ok. Not so were countless dozens of my neighbors, parishioners and friends, including a number of alums of the many small corps in metro-NYC area. Amonst the dead were four of my former students, Michael Cahill, Thomas McMahon, Colin Farrell, and Conor Lynch. Only Thomas' remains were identified to this day. Please keep their families, including Mike's wife and daughter in your prayers.I don't have PTS from that day or the many funerals although the memories of watching the burning towers from the windows of where I was stationed twenty miles away are still vivid.I am praying for peace in Syria and the Middle East as I am certain you are.Thanks.

thank god :thumbup:/>:wacko:/>

Note to self: Use free time to create Big 10 Band Planet.

That was a VERY impressive LIGHT SHOW. Music - to Ohio State Marching - to Ohio State General Effect - to Ohio State Best use of a gimmick that will work one time - Michigan

Honestly, I don't even know who reads customer service e-mails, as I don't work in the office. I found out about the explanation when I called to inquire about this after reading the OP's predicament. DCI did not "get [me] to do the directing." I decided on my own to call because I've always enjoyed finding out answers for people on DCP who have such questions, perhaps because I've gotten so much from DCP members regarding facts and opinions I not always knew.

At this exact point in time it appears some negatives are popping up in regards to the opinion I expressed, it's a free world. Well, here's another one to chew on; I also do not "personally" believe an adjudicator should be able to go back in after a corps has performed and adjust the number (score) they were initially given/awarded. Especially since this is allowed after other corps have performed. Example: Corps A performs, caption number awarded. Corps B performs, caption number awarded. Corps C performs, caption number awarded. The adjudicator is allowed to go back and re-evaluate the number awarded to Corps A, and adjust if so desired. Two bites at the apple for the adjudicators. If this is the way it's going to continue to be, Corps A should have the opportunity to evaluate the change (if one occurs) and if they (Corps A) do not like the change...they get to perform their show again and pick which of the scores they want. Hence a corps would get two bites at the apple as well. For God's sake, just several seasons ago a judge was canned for changing scores after the fact!! Now (for the past two seasons) it's part of a standard operating procedure option?

the judge is also part of the audience

I don't think it is - I think it's different. Thousands and thousands of marching band kids (and families) all over the country immerse themselves in the band activity and play amazing shows and have fabulous experiences. My time with the Norwalk HS Marching Band staff in CT was as enjoyable as the many years I spent with a whole lot of different corps in both DCA & DCI. For "drum corps people" I don't think marching bands fulfills us to the same degree, but I don't think (in my opinion) it's "better." But to kids like my son Dan, it's special because you can play "wicked high and ####### LOUD" which seems to make all the difference.

Gee, I wonder what DCP folks will consider the worst changes Wow: NEVER would've seen that coming. Looking forward to 50 pages of soothsayers telling us this is the end of drum corps, how horrible electronics are, how this isn't "real" drum corps, and the myriad other dead-horse-beating bile to come...

1. Bb - Sorry folks they just sound better than G. Richer, deeper, fuller... better! 2. Pit - I used to march "mallets". The Marching Vibraphone was a killer!!! 3. 150 - Fills the field much better than 128.... duh! 1. Visual over music. 2. Folk who say they'll never go to another show while the G8 exist, while electronics exist etc. You're loss. 3. Indy for 10 years. I understand and respect the reasons, I just like to to see different places.

Best: 1) Greater financial oversight and review as a means of evaluating a corps' competitive division. 2) Raising membership limits from 135 to 150 marching members and imposing additional safety/health measures. 3) Continuously modernizing instrumentation to include grounding impractical pit instruments, introducing Bb horns, sanctioning A&E, etc. Worst: 1) The allowance of individual adjudicators to drastically influence the creative direction of corps staff. 2) The allowance of individual adjudicators to cause corps to make drastic equipment changes despite potential financial set-backs. 3) Aging "fans" who refuse to simply walk away from the activity they love too much to love anymore.

Your 3 best are great. I love the Fan Network, I love encores, and I love Alumni exhibitions as well.