ironlips

None of us here wish that outcome, though it's clear (at least to me) that the organization is on life support and the chart at the foot of its bed slants downward. Unless some folks with real passion and ability step up, and soon, DCA is terminal. Each member corps seems to operate in a vacuum, with little effort devoted to the common good. Addressing that situation could supply some optimism. Otherwise, we will soon be playing out a movie scene, looking at each other in our old corps jackets until someone says, "Well, we'll always have Scranton."

"...Couchmen just announced they are folding " Brilliant journalism! Quote of the year!

Those legendary corps should be there as well, not to mention the Couchmen. Ah, the unmatched pageantry! And at retreat, we will hear the massed playing of "The Muffin Man".

I say "bring 'm on!" Can't you just see it?: An exciting Alumni afternoon at DCA, featuring Ski Mask, The Ferns and Nahant Navigators all battling it out with St. Agatha's for the admiration of the fans...both of them.

""If you believe it, it's not a lie."" Great tag line. In other news, the Fresno Ferns Alumni Corps will begin rehearsals next Sunday, 2-6 PM in the all-purpose room at Our Lady of Most Precious Bingo Church. All are welcome. No valves required.

You say that as if you think I made this up. So I guess you don't believe that Sky will play a tribute to Snoop Dogg next year, arranged by Dweezil Zappa. The DCA corps know they need to re-invent themselves. According to the survey at Rochester, half the crowd in the stands recommended this, and said something must be done or he wasn't coming back.

Enter all spurious rumors and conspiracy theories below: #1. The Hurricanes and Sunrisers are in merger talks. The proposed name for the new corps is "Weather Report". #2 Should the Bushwackers join the coalition, this will be adjusted to "Earth, Wind and Fire".

These revelations are just what we suspected all along. Excellent work, 007.

I seem to recall a corps from Montreal crafting a show based on French Impressionism, including multiple easels as props. The music was apropos, as they say. Did I simply dream this?

All right, Panelists, it's time to cast your votes in the Drum Corps Conspiracy National Debate Finals. Please select from the following: 1. The accusers have proven their case 2. The defense has prevailed 3. This thread is the biggest waste of electrons in the history of DCP The tally will be announced as soon as the judges get back from their trip to St. Thomas, where they will be consuming chilled cocktails with little umbrellas in them. The winning team will be allowed one final post before the thread is closed.

Drum Corps Action Comic dailogue: "Something may or may not have happened." "What?" "We don't know, but it's bad." "How do you know that?" "Look at the people who are possibly involved." "Guess that confirms it. Better get out the torches and pitchforks tonight and march across the George Washington Bridge!"

History is full of examples of this very dynamic.

They've been rehearsing there for years.

Well, that's a relief. We Northerners on the Left Coast will not become antipodes, and the Cascades will not have to march on their heads. Whew!

Will water begin to flow uphill? Will the Cascades have to change their corps name?

We'll also have to revise all the Civil War history. Will the North rise again? If something begins to fall apart will we say "it's going North?"

Absolutely agree, Mike. George's musicality was years ahead of its time. Every time I rode to rehearsal with him in that old Mercedes, he schooled me.

Sadly, drum corps has often given evidence of this, particularly in percussion. But it's really a question of perseverance. Think Shellmer, Sanford, Hardimon...etc., all of whose initial innovations (each distinctly "musical" and progressive) were greeted with knee-cracks. The question is, how long can a corps persevere, suffering those "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune"? (Apologies for the mixed metaphors.)

That's certainly one way to look at it. I would suggest though that Band, Corps and Cheer are wholesome youth activities, whereas Varsity is a business entity. Conflating the two categories muddies that distinction. One of the issues here is "monopoly". The game of baseball is a very positive activity for young people, but is "Little League" a monopoly? Can a kid play this game outside LL? Can one participate in band, corps or cheer without Varsity being in control at some level?

Hint: Ask a choreographer which foot is usually used to initiate a movement. Then again, we dinosaurs learned from people like this, starting with the left foot: Anthropologically speaking, it's all just formalized dance anyway, and I want the Cascades back no matter which foot they choose.

Left/Schmeft Is this why the Cadets march on the right foot? FD Born on the East Coast, live on the West Coast, taught many Flyover corps Geography was my favorite subject Go, Cascades. Drum Corps needs you back.

Thank you DCP and the Madison Scouts for remembering. Among those lost that day were several drum corps alumni. Let's honor their memory by continuing to remind ourselves that our common bond far outweighs our differences. None of us walks, or marches, alone.

I'm hoping to hear this, though I fear it's unlikely:

Yes, I see the distinction you make. Royal Succession can become quite dicey, but there's always a fine display of horns, banners and drums involved, not to mention horses. This next round will be no exception.