matgencontra

RIP Ralph. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him at a DCA prelims in Scranton. We had a conversation on the changes in drum corps and how with all the differences it was still basically the same a group of people working for a common goal of competing, producing exciting productions for all to enjoy. Great man, from an equally great corps. Dave Correia RI Matadors- 1969-1987, 99 Reunion, 2007,2011 Matador Ensembles RI Generations 1995-2000 Light Brigade Ltd, RIP, 2008 MA Legends of Drum Corps 2009-???? Defenders Alumni 2011-!!!!

In actuality YEA was involved in the All Age Corps, the Sunrisers were part of YEA for a short while. There was no age restriction since Sun was an DCA established group. Dave Correia RI Matadors 1969-1987, '99 Reunion Corps, 2007 Matador Brass Ensemble RI Generations 1995-2000 Light Brigade Ltd 2008 MA Legends of Drum Corps 2009-????

Yeah, wife health issues and new job - bummer. With a little luck we'll be back next year!!!! Dave Correia

First DCA we've missed since 1995- thanks DCP and Kevin - It is almost like being there. Dave Correia Matadors Generations

This is the first time since 1995 that we haven't been able to attend DCA weekend. As frustrating as it is to get scores when you are there this is even more so. Usually about this time the scores have been posted on DCA's web site - Nada. I have several friends who competed, my former two corps RI Matadors and Generations had ensembles - love the mini corps but I want to know how my friends fared. Dave Correia RI Matadors - 1969-87, Reunion '99, Ensemble '07 Generations - 1995-2000 Light Brigade Ltd. RIP 2008 MA Legends of Drum Corps 2009-???? Contra Bass Individuals

If we raise the age again, would DCI be a youth orginazation or a semi-professional musical entertaiment spectacular organization like the self-named G7 propose. The inclusion of expensive sound equipment even in the OC has made it more difficult to maintain budgets and as we get closer to being bands this may deter some students from considering OC and opt for their HS bands instead.

Everyone in all-age & alumni drum corps circles knows the date of DCA always Labor Day weekend alumni always Sun morning at ten. The Alumni corps petition to get to this show, I believe - It is disappointing - many alumni corps would have loved to be there - too bad decision to not come was made too late to get others in.

This years Spartans are mostly kids that have no drum corps experience, there are a few former Citations, some Spartans from the 2008 corps but by and large a new group of kids. Hard working kids, a great staff, great support staff, and a dedicated board of directors have brought this corps to the place they are at now. They are the pride of New Hampshire and Nashua. Continued good luck to them for the next 2 shows. Dave Correia RI Royal Lancers jr. corps 1962-69 RI Matadors sr corps 1969-87, Reunion 1999, Ensemble 2007 RI Generations sr corps 1995-2000, Mini corps 2009 Light Brigade Ltd., Revere MA 2008 RIP MA Legends of Drum Corps 2008-????

Inspires were the first 21st century International Champs. The first International champs were the Senators from England in the 90's. Dave Correia RI Royal Lancers 1962-1969 Baritone,Contra RI Matadors 1969-1987, Reunion '99, Ensemble 2007 Contra RI Generations 1995-2000, Mini corps 2009 Contra Light Brigade LTD Revere MA 2008- RIP Contra Mass Legends of Drum Corps 2008-???? Contra

I know how the members of Yankee Rebels feel same reasons why Light Brigade of Revere, MA closed shop in 2008. Dave Correia Light Brigade 2008- RIP

Born and raised in Bristol. In my youth it was a drum corps town. A junior corps, Bristol Kingsmen and a Senior corps, the Bristol Rangers. My first corps RI Royal Lancers were in Bristol for a few months. Matadors The Matadors claimed Bristol for their home for a year or two, they started the RI Piccadors in Bristol. Great drum corps town and legacy. Oldest only 4th of July parade in the country!!!!!!! Dave Correia RI Royal Lancers 1962-1969 RI Matadors 1969-1987, Reunion Corps '99, Ensemble 2007 RI Generations 1995-2001 Light Brigade, Ltd 2008 RIP Mass Legends of Drum Corps 2008-????

I was at the 1994 DCI congress as president of the board of directors of a div 3 corps. They had the founders of DCI speak. The issue then was parity as some corps seemed to be getting all the talent and holding on to them. The top corps had mostly the older more talented or seasoned students. The late George Bonfiglio made a great statement. He said that to bring about parity and increase the competitiveness for all groups in DCI that the directors should go to the kids geting ready to go to college and say, kid its been great having you with us but now its time to get on with your life and the real world. The hobby has become a business, albeit educational, but George was right at 18 its time to get on with the business of real life, college, job, future. Drum corps is just a hobby not a lifestyle to be lived on tour forever. Just my opinion after being part of drum corps for 48 years, junior, all-age, alumni and I&E participant. Dave Correia RI Royal Lancers 1962-1969 RI Matadors 1969-1987, 99 reunion, 2007 DCA Ensemble RI Generations, 1995-2000, Support 2009 Mini corps Light Brigade Ltd, 2008 RIP Mass Legends of Drum Corps, 2008-Present Fan since 1954 Parent of Div 2 and World Class participants and instructors