Leaderboard

It’s sad that some will be angry because an organization wants safety, fiscal responsibility, and longevity.

It is also good that some Corps are looking at the financials and making a a decision based on reality

Me, too. On the trusting. It's hard for me to grapple with all the factors and details involved and how they might play out for each corps. Why BD and SCV leaders don't deserve the benefit of the doubt here - that they are likely making smart decisions on behalf of their organizations - is puzzling.

Since I did a band cancellation topic, I figured I would do a DCI 2021 topic. I will update as we learn more. Below is what we know so far. DCI 2021 DCI event series slated for Indy in August The Academy https://www.arizonaacademy.org/the-academy-drum-and-bugle-corps/ Bluecoats https://bluecoats.com/news/2020/12/3/indy-21 Blue Devils BD Performing Arts (bluedevils.org) Blue Knights Blue Knights Enthusiastically Support DCI's Return 2021 - Ascend Performing Arts Blue Stars 2021 Blue Stars FAQs — Blue Stars Boston Crusaders https://bostoncrusaders.org/2020/12/bac-returns-for-2021/?utm_content=148107034&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-146636528713632 Cadets 2021 » The Cadets Carolina Crown Twitter Cavaliers Cavaliers WILL Field in 2021! — The Cavaliers Colts https://colts.org/2020_330 Crossmen www.crossmen.org/post/crossmen-in-2021 Genesis https://genesisdbc.org/2020/12/03/what-will-genesis-be-2021/ Jersey Surf https://jerseysurf.org/news/local-operations-are-the-focus-of-2021-season-plan/ Madison Scouts Madison Scouts Announce Initial 2021 Plans - Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps Mandarins 2021 Season Update - Sacramento Mandarins2021 Season Update - Sacramento Mandarins Music City https://www.facebook.com/MusicCityDrumCorps/photos/a.10156548640949448/10159259112394448/ Pacific Crest 2021 Season Update | Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization (pacific-crest.org) Phantom Regiment https://mailchi.mp/regiment/2021-summer-plans?e=0cb7079138 Santa Clara Vanguard VMAPA & BDPA: The Future Starts NOW - Our Roadmap to 2022 - Vanguard Music and Performing Arts - Vanguard Music and Performing Arts (scvanguard.org) Seattle Cascades https://www.seattlecascades.org/single-post/seattle-cascades-look-forward-to-2022?fbclid=IwAR0oc2nZ6hluNJE07nNH7vW6Wg40utP7-hfzyuhcjHeF-tVPESV7CakYpgY Southwind https://www.facebook.com/southwinddrumcorps/photos/a.454636200335/10159155418655336/ Spartans https://www.facebook.com/EverythingDrumCorps/photos/pcb.969024113623517/969023776956884 Spirit of Atlanta Spirit Returns – Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps Troopers Troopers Return in 2021 (troopersdrumcorps.org)

I'd be really surprised if there is anyone who longs for the return of drum corps more than yours truly. I've been involved since 1960. When there is a safe strategy for this, I'll be at the head of the line. But I would ask my colleagues to consider facts, not pipe dream fantasies. Read what JimF says, above: "Lol just did a NYT link to where I would be in line to get a vaccine." Does anyone actually think 18-20 year old musical athletes are going to be at the front of THAT line? Logic says "no" to that. Think about the ramifications of large groups of un-vaccinated young people traveling thousands of miles to converge at one venue to do an un-judged "Showcase" performance over a weekend in Indy in August, then returning whence they came. I want drum corps back so bad I can taste it, but the corps that have declined to make that trip are the sensible ones, and the rest may not have the option, no matter how much they wish it. In the words of Duke Ellington, I don't want "to tear the seams of anyone's dreams", so by all means, dream on. Just recognize that you are dreaming. Maybe it will come true. I'd like that. I

Each corps has to look at what is financially possible as well as logistically feasible. It is sad, but I trust each corps’ admin to do what is best.

Yeah it’s not like the activity has been growing new corps to replace any that go under. Once a corps goes under just another hole that isn’t filled....

So you’d encourage organizations to abandon fiscal responsibility and member experience to so you can watch marching band?

I believe its up to each state's Governor. In N.J., our Governor isn't allowing any fans at NFL games, even though they're open air stadiums. He also wouldn't allow fans at Rutgers football games. If anyone follows college football, that was the reason why, in the interest of fairness, no Big Ten game can have fans in the stands.

I’ve kind of stopped bothering. The ignorance is too high

From the latest news, I and many others don't have much choice. Life goes on. Live our lives scared or just live?

Based on THEIR reality. SCV's financial and local realities are going to be different than some of the other corps out there, and DCI's proposal allows each member to work at a level that they feel is productive and comfortable and safe, for the members as we as the organizations themselves. Bluntly, with the upheavals and challenges at SCV recently, their best route might have always been to take a year and regroup anyway. They made the right decision for them.

Yes - BITD outside of the top 10 or so it was always surprising when some Corps showed up with either a lot more or fewer members than they had in the previous year. I recall Guardsmen going from a full corps one year to ~ 25-30 brass the next. And 78 Cavaliers (non-finalist) with maybe 40 brass had a full line the next year. (for all you young whippersnappers out there, back then most Corps had far fewer college music-education majors than today, and primarily recruited more-or-less locally).

IMHO The challenge (financial aside for a moment) for the Corps closer to Indy will be getting a place where they can bring in 150 members plus staff & rehearse for a few weeks.

Ah yea snide comments about people older than you. Doesn’t help with credibility

find the guidelines and protocols document. the cost will far exceed whatever revenues come in

We went to a musical held at an outdoor open air tent theater in Long Beach Island this summer. Basically, we ordered our tickets in advance for that performance. When we got to the tent, they had set up the exact number of folding chairs we had ordered in a row. There were no chairs immediately next to us...they were socially distanced apart in the row side to side. The rows themselves were also set up with social distance between them front to back. It worked well. Of course, at Indy the seats and rows are there. DCI could do something similar in assigning actual seats in a social distanced manner, based on the particular order quantity of the group. It would be a manual effort, but it could work as it did at the theater.

I always said a corps #1 responsibility was to make sure they are able to field a corps the following year.

As far as I know, Carman Cluna was opposed to the concept of DCI and rallied against it ... St Rita's packed it in after the 73 season with a VERY good corps ... BS was a shell of itself by 1972 ... I saw them at a show in Rutgers and was stunned ... not sure when they packed it in that year ... Some members went over to the Polish Falcons and then BS formed a Sr corps in 75 ... that lasted one season ... They now have a thriving Alumni Corps ...

Please keep us updated and I will add your official announcement link when it is released.

THE BOSTON CRUSADERS RETURN FOR 2021! On December 4, 2020, in News The Boston Crusaders are fully committed to 2021 live education and programming! While we continue to monitor the rapidly changing pandemic landscape, we are confident that we can gather live and get back to creating an educational experience for our membership, while providing thrilling entertainment for our fans in June of 2021. Throughout the last six months, we have worked closely with Castleton University to establish protocols that align with the State of Vermont safety standards and will align with the newly created minimum viable standards created by Drum Corps International’s Tour Reopening Task Force. Therefore, we are excited to announce that the Boston Crusaders will assemble in June of 2021 in Castleton, Vermont. Prior to our summer move-in, we anticipate two live camps in April and May in San Antonio, TX. While we are eager to have these live camps, the safety of our membership, staff and volunteers is paramount. There is still uncertainty around the ability to travel. There are still restrictions in place on leaving and returning to college campuses and high school community settings. We need more time to finalize live camp plans and we remain flexible in our planning. But rest assured, the drum corps void is coming to an end. For family, friends, fans and alumni, you can expect a winter, spring, and summer of engagement from the BAC design team and membership. We will be sharing plans around musical content and programming early in 2021. The plan is to bring you along for the full ride. You will not be waiting until summer for your fill of BAC! The summer will include a variety of New England based performances and member experiences, including the 8th annual Concert in the Park in Boston. We anticipate that our summer will culminate with the Drum Corps International Indianapolis events in August. As the next several months unfold, we will continue to work to add safe opportunities in between our New England appearances and Indianapolis. But with certainty – we announce live drum corps programming for 2021 with returning members and new cast members that are starting the audition process. And likewise – a fresh 2021 design concept is underway – and it will be quintessential “Boston”. We support all of the DCI member corps and participating groups as they navigate this unique season based on a wide range of factors from geographic restrictions to safety and financial considerations. Given the very real challenges and restrictions, we know all the corps and drum corps fans will rally to support each other. This summer will be a celebration of our cherished activity. As we march on together – taking different approaches – we are united with a goal to create lifelong bonds, educate, and entertain. Ultimately, this bridge will lead to a 2022 season where full normal activities can return and thrive. https://bostoncrusaders.org/2020/12/bac-returns-for-2021/?utm_content=148107034&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-146636528713632

I just cleared my inbox. Since Wednesday I have received a good number of advertisements for travel next summer. There are a number of offers if I book now for all kinds of discounts. I also heard on a radio program of “travel revenge” which is encouraging people to begin planning for post pandemic travel to exotic locales. None are encouraging people to travel if it is unsafe the excursions are refundable. Some may require proof of vaccination at booking. All of this made me wonder if DCI was being strategic and whether Visit Indy which works with DCI may have encouraged DCI to send out into now. It makes sense. If it is safe to travel and gather, which could be a possibility, advertising now when there are so many options available would be a good idea. Personally, I might travel next summer if it is safe, but I’m not sure I would want to be in an indoor venue with a crowd just to be safe. I’m also not sure Indy is where I’d choose to visit as the first vacation with travel since DCI finals in 2019. That being said, if it is, and the shows could be interesting, maybe I’d change my mind.

Found this about how the Miami Dolphins did it........ https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/08/27/dolphins-preparation-fans-hard-rock-stadium

I know there's a deadline involved because of tax deductions. But, I think more details about 2021 in Indy need to be revealed before asking us to make a decision.

Publicly calling someone ignorant seems unlikely to achieve a better understanding.

A conversation is a two way street. People have asked plenty of questions to achieve better understanding and received trolling remarks in return.

I’m not saying your conclusion is wrong, but for those of you who think the notion of a corps having any kind of a season or going to Indy is ignorant, irresponsible, unintelligent, or anything else you have said or implied, why don’t you go after those corps who have announced they plan to do those things instead of ganging up on one enthusiastic young person who has no control over what will happen?

that was 78 i believe

and the adults that run the corps, volunteer for the corps....they mean nothing right?

It occurs to me that if, say, 5 Corps go to Indy that it will be less hard to find facilities than if, say 20 show up. I wonder if DCI has a decided on the number of Corps that need to show up to make the whole thing happen. I would suggest that 5 is too few, and 20 probably would do it from DCI's point of view. But this is a gut feeling, without any number crunching whatsoever.

pointing out things like cost and logistics have zero effect on this poster. the guidelines and protocols DCI is going to require is going to jack costs way up. like way up. so what revenue other than fees from the kids are corps going to get?

And a laughing emoji with no explanation.... is everything a us vs them generation gap to you or just drum corps.

To me this boils down to "the devil is in the details". From reading DCI's announcement,it sounds like DCI is still working things out,in anticipation of their Winter meeting.

Perhaps a thought that needs to be said out loud: When corps management is deciding on their plans for 2021, they are not just looking at 2021 members. They are looking at 2022 and beyond. Taking the pain in 2021 might help them survive 2022 and later seasons

Just had a flashback from my days at the end of the local corps era. Know some corps that the decision was to close shop instead of drown in red ink and have people holding unpaid bills. Applaud any corps that holds back in order to be around in later years.

or with age comes experience and wisdom, even if you don't like to hear it

Thanking the Cavaliers for their decisions and direction. Happy to read this.

so... can Pacific Crest win if they fill up with BD and Vanguard kids? lol

More of a no brainer move than gutsy.

I applaud both BD and SCV for making the intelligent decision

How youthful of a corps is the Blue Devils? That's an extreme case, just as the rampant existence of 16-year-olds and 23-year-olds, which I also don't think would realistically happen. If the maturity difference is that great, then what I'm hearing is that 16-year-olds could learn a lot from 23-year-olds. This is indicative of many of the opinions on this site: I know what's best for young people. "They like music that I don't. They're on this TikTok and I don't understand it, so I don't like it. They need to grow up and be more like me." What on earth would be wrong if someone who missed out on their ageout season in 2020 works full-time until the 2022 season, then quits their job for three months and marches drum corps? Are they somehow less mature? Add "they need to grow up" to "life sucks bruh" to the list of non-arguments against allowing 2020 and 2021 ageouts to have one last season in 2022.

This is one of the few shows that I would absolutely love to hear again, modern day. If Crossmen were to come out and play this book in 2022, there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house. All the feels. Yeah, I know the book doesn't necessarily fit with the direction the activity has been going, but the world could use some pick me ups right about now. Hey Bones, you listening?

ahh 92 Crossmen. that horn reentry after the drum solo....gets me everytime. a box 7 GE moment if there ever was one

He should be in the Hall of Fame. His works are a thing of beauty and absolutely masterful. Keep up the great work Moe :D

Hi all! Moe Knox is a GIANT of this activity. Moe deserves all the kind words that have come forth. Moe also deserves a prominent place in the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Till then, Moe will be featured in the next DCA Championship Guide and Yearbook. Thanks to William Aldrich-Thorpe, Drum Corps World staff writer, the Moe Knox Story will be major part of our 2006 publication. Pick up a copy in Rochester, or subscribe to Drum Corps World, where the piece will also be featured. Moe Knox and drum corps. . . . it's the same thing. Thanks big guy!

Moe is the man. I will put forth his name this year for consideration of induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. He is the Ken Burns/Edward Steichen/Alfred Steiglitz of our activity, the keeper of our visual history, and is most worthy of recognition.

I concur, he should be in the hall of fame. Back in the day all you had before Fleetwood was Moe Knox and Stetson D. Richmond. We're still buying his photos, and Stetson records now under the name of The Beat Goes On as put out by Drum Corps World. Maybe they both sure be in.

I would love to see Moe inducted into the Hall of Fame ! He has such a love of what he is doing and it really shows in the photos. Nobody can compete with his photos. I recently emailed him looking for a picture of my brother telling him what years he marched and that he played bari... and a general description on him...low and behold a few days later in my mailbox, I have a letter and a photo sheet...and they were of my brother ! You don't meet many people these days who would take the time and effort do to that for someone. THANKS MOE !!!!

bump. It was wonderful to see Moe Knox and David Rice at the Dover, NJ, show working their camera magic. So many years, so many photos by Moe. Folks need to spend more time at Moe's booth. So many times I've asked questions like, "What do you have from '94?...'99?...'03? Moe would say, "Check this out." It would be photos I wanted. Thanks for your Moe tribute, Bill. I look forward to it. Moe deserves this and more, but he sure can be contrary.