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Any Instrument Policy has failed!

I’m a nobody around here, but I’ve only been a DCI observer since I saw the 1989 DCI finals on PBS when I was a freshman in high school. I never had the opportunity to march for anyone, but I married a 90s DCI alum so we’re as a family in love with the activity! I’ve also stalked these forums for years, but I’m not much of a commenter as I had personally no official ties to the activity. Until recently! Anyway, my son is a Madison Scout this year for his very first drum corps performing experience. 💚🤍⚜️ We as a family are so excited by the energy this program has surrounding it this year! Both camps my son has attended has lit a fire under him that I’ve never seen. His HS experience has been wonderful, but the acceptance and kinship the Scouts has is already obvious. Even with the negatives coming into this season, the kids are on fire with passion and I’m so excited to be a part of the Scouts family! (Just some positive words for an obviously stressful weekend in DCI)

Ageism is very real. I advocate for the elderly and I see when I take them to appointments and other errands, how poorly they’re treated. But for the grace of God, we all go there. I've even noticed myself when going to restaurants. They like to put you in the back and hide you. And I think I’m a pretty youthful 62 and I’m in very good physical condition. I think we should all try to be more kind to one another. I’m going to try much harder myself.

I won’t care what they call it. I’ll be far less interested

Just putting this out there. I know that some personalities on here are currently in contact with and participating with the corps. If the leadership of the corps is looking to 'broaden' the idiom with rules changes and new instrument allowances... Please do so by proposing a new division of competitive ensemble and not by proposing divisive changes to the current (albeit stretched) idiom of drum and bugle corps. The Drum and bugle corps idiom is not broken... nor is it outdated... nor does it need to be disbanded. There are no ethical faults in the existence of instrument exclusive ensembles. We need not force organizations to 'catch up' to our ideals by successfully passing highly divisive radical changes. Sometimes being innovative means being more clever than all the others with what one has. Anyone can just add more stuff... that's not necessarily innovative or clever. I hope Bloo doesn't fall into that type of self serving and isolating naivete. And with that... I'm excited to see what Bloo has to bring to the field in 2020. But if my assumptions serve me correctly (and they may not), I find myself unimpressed by what Bloo may have been putting on the 'field' today. Innovation within an idiom is infinite. If we can't see the possibilities, then we aren't thinking hard enough. Just some thoughts from an alumnus, fan, supporter and friend.

Our butts are bigger though. Once they get rid of us they can squeeze more seats into the stadium and profit from increased attendance.

I’ve tired to keep a very open mind about this as it’s been unfolding over the past couple of weeks, and was interested in hearing Ms. Black’s comments yesterday on the video. I was grateful for her honest answers to some tough questions, but put off by her and Dan trying to temper things a bit. The revenue answer was not surprising, at least they’re upfront and honest about it. But I don’t think they did themselves any favors and might have made the situation worse. I spend about $15k on drum corps a year. Between going to shows and donations (the ladder being the largest part of that spend) and have done that for the better part of 15 years. My wife and I sat down to discuss this morning and have decided that we will discontinue our support of the activity should this pass and no longer attend shows, and cease with our volunteer obligations. This was a very personal decision for us and not done out of anger or meant to be disrespectful. We just feel that the mission statement and core values no longer reflect what we feel we’re the key tenants is this activity for many years, nor do we feel we can support the current leadership that is guiding the activity. This was a very personal decision for me and her. I’m a drum corps alumni, and I believe very much in the current model. I do believe we pushed the limitations on what drum corps should be, but have generally accepted that as long as things don’t go much further than they are now we would be OK. But after hearing Ms Black discuss revenues streams being the driving force behind the decision, and seeing very little regard for the historical and musical elements that have made this activity unique, it’s clear her values and the values shared by the current board of directors are out of touch with the alumni community. Respectfully, I feel it’s time to part ways - regardless of the outcome of today’s vote. One last note - I have three teenage boys, all brass players, all who were extremely interested in drum corps and wanting to march. After hearing about the potential rules changes and watching Ms Black’s interview, two of the three said they no longer have an interest and the third (the youngest) says he just doesn’t know (but he’s our sports kid and is probably lost to football and basketball anyway).

Your corps has a ton of positive attention and apparently interest from auditionees. Be happy!

The argument is this: Alumni: 'CK isn't a leader!' CK: -Introduces new changes he feels will move things forward Alumni: 'No... Wait...' Summary of the entire thread: CK is a demon robot that intentionally wants to destroy the Scouts because he hates it. Also, rumor has it that he sacrifices kittens in front of orphanages that he later burns down - but again that's just a rumor. Also, back in my day G bugles used to wear superman outfits and we laughed as we walked by bandos and WE WERE COOL. Or something.

Until it is challenged at the Supreme Court in Basoon v. Board of Instrumentation.

I’ve been supporting the activity for decades. I don’t need your validation.

When you’re old like me, you’re just hoping for a couple more years. 😂

Ever the voice of reason. Thank you for your volunteerism. It’s folks like you who make a positive impact on the lives of others. I still want to be a roadie on your “Terri Schehr Live” tour.

Pros: I wasn't looking forward to hearing woodwinds in drum corps. Cons: Those threatening to stop following DCI will presumably continue to post on DCP.

Whoa... I walk away for a few minutes and this thread took a turn and a half... I'll see myself out.

Mike, I never said they don’t care about the activity. In fact, I believe just the opposite. But I do believe they are poised to move on, regardless of what a large portion of the fan base and alumni feel because they think the evolution of the activity is more important(As is revenue). And honestly, their reaction to this, especially by Ms. Black (in my opinion, respectfully) has been rather “if you don’t like it, tough. This is what we’re doing”. Businesses make tough decisions every day, and this was years in the making. I’m not saying it’s good or bad, it is what it is. But to say this will have little affect on the fan base and cause an immediate increase in the fan base is asinine.

I'll be coming here to Schadenfreude my a$$ off on a regular basis. Snarky enough?

I feel excluded. They’re turning it to summer marching band circuit which I won’t watch. I’m a victim. Hold me. Yes that’s a shot at today’s culture. But it’s also true I’m out. And therefore, in some way, by including WW they are excluding those who find the change a bridge too far. Or that red line. However you say it.

You do realize this is a person, right? Like an actual human being. We all know very well you're not so fond of him and his direction, but you've really done quite enough bashing of this man. There have been several positive changes so far during this off-season. It would be a total and complete shame if you'd try being supportive of this group and do what you can to help them make this upcoming season be amazing. Internally you can push in positive ways to encourage new leadership if so desired, but if you really want this program rising up then you and all of the Madison alumni need to reevaluate your entire tone and mindset. If I was looking to join a group this year, a lot of the changes are positive and would make me want to join. Seeing how toxic some of the alumni is on here would keep me away. Far far far away. That's not Komnick's fault. It's time to start being a stronger vocal supporter of the group, instead of solely a vocal critic of CK.

Great News! Sounds like the vote wasn't even close. I know it will come up again, but tonight time to celebrate with a few Manhattans and blasting 1974 Kingsmen!

Where has all the WW advocates run off to? Should I mention names!

Well there is always 2022

I just can’t. Swagger gone.

Just thinking into the future here... I'm pretty sure that the first time that I see flutes pop to the press box... I will throw up in my mouth a little. Pretty sure.

I went to a Pacific Crest Drum Corps show many years ago, so I'm on their mailing list. I give them money once a year because they're the only viable Drum Corps in Southern California. That will stop if they turn into a marching band.

I’m not sad or in pain. In fact, this will allow me to expand myself to many new adventures during the summer. I’ll enjoy this season and then on to new experiences.

None of the above. The opposite of love is not hate. It’s indifference. I just won’t care anymore. No support to anyone. I can support “the kids” who don’t do dci in so many other ways.

that is not more revenue though... that is the same amount of revenue that the shows currently bring in.

I'm not sure I can answer your questions.. buuuuuut....... Anyone ever think of this chick in the movie Signs when Forestry Service Kathy is talking?

Ok Boomer. Dinos can actually afford those tickets.

I am sure the audience will remain stable or perhaps even increase. I’m not threatening. I’m sincerely truly not interested in watching band. I have nothing against it but it’s not my thing. I also don’t like Star Wars movies. It’s a matter of personal taste. I wish them well and I have already looked into another organization to support financially.

I disagree with the above. IMO they care very much about the activity. They are charged with keeping it alive and relevant, so they are doing what they believe best to do so. Their approach may differ from others who disagree, but that doesn't they do not care about drum corps. Given their 100% investment of their lives in DCI, they care more than anybody, IMO.

Here’s the bottom line - for those of us not happy about this and threatening to leave, management doesn’t care. The writing is on the wall and they feel they need to evolve to continue. They’ll miss us for a brief moment, but won’t shed a tear or look in the rear view mirror because they feel this is the direction the activity is moving. To them this is a passing thing, just like adding concert brass instruments and electronics. To some of us, it’s the line in the sand that many of us drew 50 years ago and said “cross this, and we’re done”. THIS IS HUGE! Harsh reality, they don’t care nearly as much as you do, and they know you’ll be to replaced by new fans and members. Yeah it’s harsh, but it is what it is.

Completely disagree. There was a time DCI was cutting edge but IMHO MBA and WGI surpassed them some time ago. When they quit being drum corps and tried to be marching bands and WGI light...that went away. The only thing cutting edge are the sound systems...pass.

It will still be called DCI, rebranding would be horrible strategic decision. It will still be the cutting edge of the marching arts activity and will remain so. While HS marching band has become much better recently they still don't have the time or the maturity of performer to tackle what drum corps do every summer. If this passes and you leave the activity then that is your choice but I would ask you to reconsider and give the new addition a chance to see how it impacts the activity. If this is the red-line for you that cannot be crossed then I say thanks for your years of support.

Sounds like you’re scared. And oh, worry not, I will still have drum corps entertainment in my life. I have recordings of all the corps back to 1972. That I spent my money on. Kathy’s revenue increases will need to overcome the decreases from those who stop spending our money on it. I’m thinking WW parents won’t be interested in purchasing legacy recordings. Just a hunch.

So on a weekend drummers Everywhere mourn the death of Neil Pearl, who became an icon for staying true to his values and beliefs, those of us opposed to woodwinds in drum corps state our views and are mocked for it. I’m sure there’s a Rush lyric that fits the moment but sadly I just keep hearing Ben Stern saying “ don’t be stupid you moron” instead

Kathy Black interview - "Revenue": She identifies the origin of the idea as a most curious and ironic source - a task force exploring the "new revenue" strategic plan objective. Yet she only identified one possible new type of revenue - ticket sales to woodwind players. We already market heavily to bands, so that would not be a "new" source of revenue. Meanwhile, there is another strategic plan objective for growing current revenue sources. Were they consulted about this proposal? What if "new revenue" comes at the expense of losing ten times that much "current revenue"?

The patient is already brain dead.

To be honest, I feel like I'm watching a funeral.

And somehow we know that your average 15 year old is really clamoring for woodwinds in DCI? Your premise has no basis behind it. What if your garden variety 15 year old today likes DCI partly because it is different in instrumentation from marching bands. In this case the change could be a very bad idea.

No empty threats. With God as my witness, if woodwinds are legalized for use on the field, I will never attend another drum corps show. If they are restricted to the front ensemble, I will attend shows. Print it.

If "WE" were still in this mess, "WE" would stop coming online complaining and actually try to fix the problem. But instead, "WE" come on to this site and b#tch and complain. Stop saying "WE" when you really mean "they."

If this passes, I’ll call it .. . SOB (Same Old Bands) 😪

Watched the interview with Kathy Black. Clearly the decision to go "any instrument" was based on increasing revenue for DCI. How about this - if DCI goes "any instrument," I won't spend another red cent on DCI tickets, DVDs, member fees, etc. In the past decade with two marching members, attending shows, buying overpriced T shirts, etc etc I would say I have easily spent close to $75,000 supporting this activity and it's member units. I would rather support our local high school marching band than a bunch of over-inflated international marching bands. Call it a $75K revenue loss for my part. As far as the "incomprehensible" policy of allowing electric guitars and violins versus acoustic, DCI is paying the price for bargaining away it's soul piecemeal. Electric guitars and violins should never have been allowed in the first place, and you wouldn't be facing this problem. They added little or nothing to the performance. Just served to water down your brand a little bit at a time. Now DCI is forgoing it's venerable identity en masse. Nice knowing you DCI. In Navy radio-telephone speak, "AR" (over, out)

“Opening the drum corps activity to young musicians currently excluded is consistent with the DCI mission to bring the life-enriching benefits and enjoyment of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide.” Who is this lady!? I hope her proposal looses and her spin is complete ########. No one is "excluded" but the instrument they play may be. And if that's the case, go learn how to play one that fits what a Drum and Bugle Corps is without destroying the activity.

Yes, it is truly amazing that after 30 years of mismanagement by a dictator things haven't become perfect over night.

I’m throwing on dvds over the years with no woodwinds!! Then some Rush cds again, no woodwinds

Well, IF woodwinds get added I just say end the charade, disband DCI and just merge with MBA and call it a day. Just more money I can use to support local bands and stop this nonsense. Ya, drums corps used to be cool and different...this passes...not so much.

David Glasgow is not a corps director.