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Fred Windish

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Everything posted by Fred Windish

  1. Blackstar, Good topic (and necessary). I would say, most established groups would consider nothing less than $1000. Even that would have to be an easily accessible, not much effort, type of thing for the corps. With gas prices as they are, I'm thinking most all-age group members would say to their management "Hey, (my corps Business Manager) here's $10, DON'T take the job!! If you do take the job, it will cost me at least $20 gas for my travel expense, about 6 hours of my time, etc. Hate to say it, but depending who you are trying to attract, a minimum $2000 might be the only amount that makes sense for that organization. Exceptions might be corps who happen to be in your community for a contest later that same day. The above is my personal opinion only.
  2. Good to hear from Scott. There's a guy who has "walked the walk." In reference to Scott's "we're all in this together" reminder, I must tell you, the DCA management I know is very much in agreement. Having been closely involved in the 1987 and 2006 DCA Championship weather events, my highest regards go to both presidents forced to act. The late Mickey Petrone, and now Gil Silva both labored over what is best for their entire organization, NOT just for the voting members, the bigger corps, etc. They carefully analyzed what was presented to them, looked at the situation from the perspective of MOST participants and fans, then made the choices that were made. Each knowing full well, a segment will be unhappy, but MOST will understand those choices were necessary. Isn't that about all we can ask? DCI is now in a similar, difficult situation. Whatever DCI decides to do WILL cause a problem for some. Hopefully, MOST DCI fans will get through this championship OK, knowing the organization made the very best call it could. Moan and groan for years to come over such troublesome championships (I still do), but please, DON'T attack. It serves no purpose as we hope to move forward.
  3. VERY disturbing development for DCI. The little bit of research I did this morning leads me to believe a problem that significant, so close to to the playing field, will require testing across and under the entire surface. Also, most likely an entirely new playing field with all that represents underneath. Doubtful, the choice will be to lay down half a new field. The best option MIGHT be to explore a solution that can still be controlled, that being an acceleration of the Lucus Oil Stadium construction timeline. Maybe working all three shifts, adding adding aditional crews, etc. I believe the Colts are still planning on opening less than 3 weeks later. Maybe there's a way to get that work done sooner. I can tell you, I spent Indy 500 race week at a hotel 2 blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium. There DID appear to be much work still to be done, particularly all around the concrete and landscaped plazas. Even the roof had many panels missing. We'll see.
  4. MARTY! I went back to see the first reference of the term "tribute" and it was from YOU (post 35). Congratulations! I really think the tribute term can stick. Let's work together within our own group to use the terms "tribute corps" more frequently. I'll discuss this with you on the 27th! :big hug:
  5. Today's newspaper spoke of the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. They dress a bit like his band, they mostly play his numbers, but probably not as well. That tribute group has members of various age, and no one really expects members of this tribute band to have actually played with Jimmy. Best of all, there's that margarita connection to what we are already doing! So, I plan to propose: Buccaneers Tribute Corps sponsored by the Buccaneer Alumni Association (no kidding)
  6. Well, I'm sure enjoying reading this discussion, despite a few sidetracks. In reading my morning newspaper I came across a term (in a similar context) that probably WOULD make sense in place of the "alumni" word and the restrictions it could suggest to potential members. Maybe my group would be better served as: Buccaneer Tribute Corps :big hug:
  7. Just gotta tell ya (without any malice) . . . My final year competing with the Buccaneers was 1971. There was some sort of political upheaval following that season, many folks decided not to return, for a variety of reasons. My reason was college, marriage, and a soon to follow teaching career. At the time, and probably since the early 60's, a group known as the Old Bucs was functional. They had specific attire, regular meetings, and appeared in parades, although not with brass and percussion. Some of those guys are still around. My contemporaries still wanted to meet with each other, although not do the more demanding competitive thing. We met with the Old Bucs at their West Reading hideout, decided we wanted to do something more in support of our corps. We agreed to get together and called ourselves the Reading Sportsmen's Club. In reality, we didn't do much of anything except see each other at shows, etc. In 1981, those same people came together and created The Buccaneer Alumni Association. The Old Bucs were still active, so we knew we couldn't call ourselves that. We choose to use the term "alumni." That was 1981. Don't know why that term was selected, could have been from another drum corps group with similar purpose, but I can assure you, our group started its "alumni" ID in 1981. I'm thinking, maybe, the Caballeros Alumni had an earlier start than this. Anyone know?
  8. Marty, I can recall seeing a corps in competition many years ago, the Reilly Raider Musketeers (I think). It was well before alumni corps were a topic of any kind. They were very large, very loud, but mildly competitive. I wasn't sure what to make of them, but my mind surely said " a bunch of "formers", coming together to be "actives" all over again. Hey, I liked them! Anyone reading this a part of that effort?
  9. It is a good discussion. To me, and I think most, the term "alumni" refers to a person and/or persons who were ONCE ACTIVE in whatever activity connected to its use. This requires little further explanation to the general populace, and that's the benefit of the present term. An alternative, say . . . Reading Buccaneers Formally Competitive Collection of Marching Music Participants seems a little too sloppy for general use.
  10. Whoops! Thanks, Tom Peashey. BOB Cardeneo it is! My apologies to Bob. Bob is an excellent DCA brass coordinator and travel agent (CruiseOne). Someone I am pleased to have worked with. This was a hasty, gin-soaked effort. Mostly good. In any case, I have known Thomas Brown for almost 40 years. He's a great guy, well-liked across the country. Something tells me, Thomas Brown WILL advance in this new arena. Let's wish him well!
  11. The growth of all-age drum corps is certainly exciting. Let's all hope it continues! If interest DOES continue, DCA will have to address fitting everything into one, 3 day weekend. I can tell you, DCA has a VERY full weekend right now. There is little chance for any rain adjustments, etc. Consider a year when, say, 35-40 competitive corps participate. How early can Prelims begin? I'm thinking there is room for about 7-8 more corps, under the current program. Should the above number NOT work, I'm guessing DCA will either need to discontinue the alumni event (NOT GOOD), run the alumni event concurrent with Prelims at another location, or conduct a stand-alone Class A elimination tournament several weeks earlier with the top 5-6 groups continuing on to Labor Day Weekend. Given the nature of DCA's participants, I doubt using a Thursday to enlarge the weekend is a realistic option. Such a problem to have! Any thoughts?
  12. In effort to take this thread further off course, I offer the following thoughts. The key for me with smaller corps, is in my appreciation of those corps who REALIZE they are a smaller corps. Effective smaller corps are those who do not attempt to be "Santa Clara Vanguard light." Small corps need to present a balanced brass line, a drill that is basic, tight, upfront, and not too spread. A music book that doesn't rely on a big soprano sound (when you only have 2 of those), etc. Further, a book that is NOT new, original material, but rather easily recognized tunes we can follow, even if the performing ensemble has a void here and there. I have seen quite a few smaller groups ignore the above and have NO IMPACT whatsoever upon the audience. Sad, really. Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of being "blown away" by a small drum corps, St. Rita's Brassmen. I realized I would pay for an entire night of St. Rita's Brassmens. They understood the formula that works for me. What I'm saying is, size doesn't really matter. Hope my wife is reading!
  13. Thanks, Jimmy I'm pleased to learn Rebecca's name. We were one row behind her as she conducted the afternoon practice. I could hear all of her intrepretations/instructions to the corps. She REALLY has it going on! From one teacher to another, let me say, you did a fine job. Listen up, all other corps management people, when a brass opening occurs, seek out Rebecca. This is the future.
  14. Marty, Always a pleasure to read your thoughts! It was another EXCELLENT day in Elverson. Some scattered observations from here: Robbie Ellis IS very good! Rebels in general have a wonderful program. Their John Flowers percussion section is head/shoulders above all other alumni corps last night. Our Buccaneer Alumni had its biggest turnout of the year. It was either 40 or 41 brass, and probably 25 more between drums and guard. Evidently, our people felt there was a brief "out-of-synch" beginning of Copacabana, but I doubt too many in the audience really picked it up. From the side (hey, I was the American Flag bearer) everything sounded strong. Only got to see Crossmen Extreme during afternoon practice. Not my kind of music, but done VERY well. Their director (young female, name unknown to me right now) is a very intense, talented mentor. I doubt it gets much better than what she provides. Brilliant years ahead in that career. Didn't get to see Reilly, but my buddy was REALLY impressed with their music. The corps is big (maybe 60 brass, lots of percussion and guard). Steel City presented an excellent music book. Highlight was having "the Brothers" do their thing out front. I've always been a huge fan of Sandy. Good friend, Steve "Hairbear" Masters was his usual personable self all day, a most interesting and talented drum corps guy. If you haven't met Hairbear, walk up and chat, you won't be disappointed. Agree, I was STUNNED by St. Rita's Brassmen. The curtain opens to a rather small group (15 brass, I think) but the wall of sound they put out is simply incredible, and it's not just noise. That's one fine group. I'll be sure to cathch them again somewhere. What can you say about Sky Alumni? I look forward to seeing them whenever I can. It's the music that defines DCA for me. It's the music I played over and over on LPs (look that up young'ns). I can picture myself joining Sky Alumni at some point just to be closer to that essence. I'm always nervous seeing my Buccaneers for the first time. I was apprehensive upon hearing they would be missing about a dozen brass for reason of school trips, graduations, etc. My fears were unfounded. This year's edition seems well-poised to defend their crown (if they can march and play at the same time, I guess). The music book is beautifully conceived, flows nicely. VERY intense, played at high technical ability. Seemed quite clean and bold for this early. Drum line is full and flawless to the naked eye and ear. We'll see if there's still enough wind in this corps' sails, but I can't imagine they won't be at or near the top all year. The turkey dinner is almost too good to be true. Even better this year as I shared the time with Fran and Barb Haring. Barb's looking good. I think she'll be back at full speed before too long. Great evening!
  15. Look friends, it's NOT like what I face with my electricity provider (PPL). Next year, PPL will be raising its rates 40%. I can do NOTHING about that, as my local Walmart does not deal in electricity. The market really IS controlling whatever happens with drum corps tickets. When a certain level of ticket price no longer is purchased, a lower level of ticket price will be tried the following year. Please remember, it takes "X" amount of dollars to present a drum corps (DCI or DCA) world championship. We don't know what that amount is, but our friends at either organization do. Both organizations MUST cover that number, or why bother? If attendance is down for whatever reason, those who still do attend will be asked to pay more to make up the difference in what BOTH groups need. If that strategy does work, it will continue. If not, another strategy will be substituted. Right now, I am opting NOT to attend either DCI or DCA championship events. I can no longer justify the expense required for the satisfaction I might gain, even though by most measures, I can surely afford it. That's my take. I respect yours, too. Go and enjoy, or don't go and enjoy!
  16. Sad news, indeed. I am proud to have known Dennis and to work with him during my DCI days. He was a class act. He had all the people skills we look for in others. Always nice to be in his company. R.I.P., my friend.
  17. Hi, fellas! I share your thoughts. This activity is special in so many ways, many without much notice. It's important to note our Buccaneer Alumni Association provided this performance at no charge. We do similar engagements at area nursing homes. When we consider family obligations, our own aches and pains, high costs of travel, etc., it feels good to be part of an organization with members who unselfishly provide what they can, in caring support for the home community. All of us could have been doing something else yesterday. This choice was a good one. Thank you, Buccaneers!
  18. Well . . . Marty. At some point I'll figure you out. Till then, let's just say you are a phenomenal horn player and we're glad to have you!
  19. Just need to say this. WOW! What an impressive group of people involved in all-age drum corps. I am humbled to be in such fine company. Thanks. . . . just thanks. Fred
  20. Great idea, Frank. Interesting info here! Happily retired Allentown School District teacher.
  21. Like 'em, or not, this activity NEEDS parades to prosper. Parades are the best (because they cost the audience nothing) means to introduce what we do to POTENTIAL audiences who we later hope to pay to see more of us. Frankly, I would think the corps with most success in this type of marketing effort are those who perform easily recognized tunes as they pass by. (ouch!) All-age groups are most likely to have benefit there. Any thoughts?
  22. From my perspective, Mello5099(Jeff) is correct. The best course of action for DCA right now, is to pursue a pay-per-view webcast of its championship. Actually, DCA's relationship with John Donovan and Drum Corps Planet COULD make this concept a reality. John is a highly capable, dedicated man. I know John can make such a broadcast happen. The beauty of a webcast is that it reaches only those who are INTERESTED. Further, it opens up this wonderful activity to a worldwide audience. I've got to believe there are thousands of Asian drum corps fans who would willingly wake up at 6am to see the DCA Championship! Those same folks would NOT be a part of any American PBS effort. The current quality could be seen as lacking via web, but that REALLY IS OK, for now! Whenever you have an audience that pays extra to witness your product, you have a serious, determined audience that could pay off for supporting sponsors. More so than 'channel surfers' restricted to the U.S. market. Additionally, if we are looking to be seen 'prime time,' and not at 3am in America, we really DO have to pay a premium as Jeff Ream suggests. I say, let's satisfy the needs of those enthusiasts WE KNOW are out there. The rest will come later.
  23. Aw, Jim . . . now you're gonna make me dig up that thing! It's a VHS tape made from an 8mm movie film. I know one of the corps was the Delke Knights. I seem to think another was the Caballeros. It's here somewhere. I'll get back to you.
  24. Good morning, all ! Fran is correct (isn't he always?) the 1977 DCA Championships WERE broadcast nationally on PBS, but not live. I posted a full description about this a year ago, or so. Our local PBS station actually paid DCA for the right to broadcast the complete Finals event locally at a later date, and a 2 hour 'highlights' version across the country at times selected by each affiliate station. New York PBS stations were included in that package. It was a VERY high quality production. Unfortunately, the local station no longer has it archived. It was the first and only national PBS broadcast for DCA. I prepared the contract and helped to produce the event. Fran's own Sunrisers won the show. That probably helps his memory here! I'm not real sure of drum corps telecast history, but I own a copy of an even earlier event. It was a 1956 show at the stadium that preceeded J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown. That stadium was 2 blocks away, under the high school's current parking deck. It wasn't DCA, of course, just corps who carried bugles with one arm while swinging the other arm. Anyone have drum corps video older than this?
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