Leaderboard

IMO, it was only "so quick" as Star's rise to the top. Star rose steadily through the 80s, starting 10th in 1985, then 4 years later landing in the top 6, hitting their stride starting in 1990 with 4 straight brass trophies and gold in 1991. Crown hit the reset button in 2003 and placed 10th, then 4 years later landing in the top 6, hitting their stride in 2009 with 4 of 6 brass trophies and gold in 2013. Pretty remarkable paralleling of Star, and it's no coincidence that Crown has some Star staff and Cadets staff, and Star had Garfield staff, too. Granted, every corps has staff that came from some other corps, but only a few corps right now seem to have a notable concentration of staff that have been involved in the great programs and shows and sections of the past 10-20 years.

If that is really their approach, it's kind of interesting. As long as they don't resurrect the evil queen and dress her up as Miss Clevel...

As a parent that has been involved in both travel hockey for 10 years, HS band for 9yrs, and Drum Corp for 7 yrs. We know the cost of doing business in each one. Hockey in California is not cheap, since there is limited Ice time and at the time it was $325.00 an hr, and they practiced at least 2 or 3 day a week. Just traveling from rink to rink wasn't cheap, since the rinks are at least 1hr apart, some are 21/2 hrs and all for just 1 game. HS Marching Band we have been involved in the band for 9 yrs with both of kids(daughter did HS color guard as an 8th grader)and it used to be about $800 and it was required. These past years Fair Share Contribution was asking for $1100. The band can not require you to pay thanks to the ACLU. Expenses are buses, hotels, uniforms, instruments, staff(non district)trucks to haul, music rights, food, and I probably forgot something. Plain and simple it costs to play! We have been involved in Drum Corp for 7 yrs, My son started in BDB 2yrs, aged out from Madison 5 yrs, my daughter did 3yrs BDC, 1 yr BDB and is going back this year. Having my son in BD was nice all we had to pay was $1500 and gas money to get back and fourth. Then he made Scouts and the tryouts and camp in Indy. Plane tickets during the 5 yrs ranged from $300 to $500 each month + fees of around $1500. The costs are a little different in drum corp. They still have the buses, but no hotels, they get gym floors, and food trucks instead of catering and staff is probably a little more expensive also. This year it will be nice following just BDB and paying for gas to get there, my son was hired on by the Blue Knights as Visual Staff, so we will root for them also. We will always be rooting for Madison and the Brotherhood.

Lets leave out of the equation need for whatever reason. How about just plain ole WANT. If want is the reason then whats the problem. IF those in charge feel a need or want then so be it. You are wrong about a few things though. You are equating audience, member, concepts, etc etc to the past not the present or future. The climate all around the activity has dramatically changed in the past several years and those in charge BETTER change with the climate or there won't be a DCA period. Just look at a few corps that did make some contemporary changes this year. This attitude shift away from ( because it's always been this way ) has and will continue to be an advantage to these iconic corps. Knowing your product and who it serves internally is something many corps , especially if you go way back didn't get and most of those are where?..GONE ! You also are assuming that whats BEST is not to change or have any particular change.

At least it would get cut from the final DVD due to licensing issues!

Bush's own recruiting director spoke elsewhere about having to explain to kids why DCA didnt have electronics and getting looked at like he had 4 heads. It is out there. yes show placement is an issue. Making shows accessible to kids attending is a key. I saw far more young faces in Annapolis than I ever did in Rochester. the bottom line is it's here, and it won't be repealed. I doubt DCA will add junior corps into the mix. Open Class is actually showing some grwoth in DCI, let them work on that. But all the doom and gloom posted about electronics in DCI....they've seen growth since 2009. corps adding more than dying corps filling out more to boot. attendance going up. trust me i was among the most vocal when it all started rolling out. But I see it's not nearly what was predicted. in fact, it's gone the other way.

I think I've found their narrator for next year...

My son got: and My daughter got: I got ... to move furniture around today.

And when that first valve went on there was a real beotch session in the American Legion. AL Post #76 (aka Boys of 76) - Racine, WI had 'em and another Post (forget who) got the rules czar out of bed to protest it. End result, during competition you could have the valve but not move it to make it even with Posts who could not afford the valved horns (not sure how long that rule lasted). source: George Fennells history of Boys of 76 which is in paperback and online somewhere...... I'm with Hairbear, I'm not a fan of electronics but I ain't the future so keep on surviving DC activity, keep on surviving.....

Fish Moose Deer Scissors Trousers

Where members decide to march is their own personal business, I could care less. They're doing what they want, whatever their reasons, I respect that and wish them the best. Not really sure what you're trying to stir up here......I'm sure there's plenty of other feet to fill those shoes. And going off of a rumor? Hmm. I have to say Crown has me the most intrigued about where they're going to go in 2015. I'm sure they're aware of what didn't work in 2014, what did work, what their weaknesses are, and what their strong suits are. I'm interested in seeing where they go. Will they try something new for them, go in a new direction design wise? Will they go back to what worked consistently from 2008 - 2012? Who knows. I'm excited to see what 2015 has in store. Something between? I'm excited to see, even last year I thoroughly enjoyed, they haven't put out a show I didn't immensely enjoy since 2002. I have a sense of wonder about where they will take us next year, I bet it's going to be very good.