Fred Windish

This unusual “Bridge Season” is more about DCI continuity of purpose and execution, I think. Whatever form these events take, the goal is to keep the process moving. I do not expect judged field performances, just exhibitions. Really, that will do. Not including Indianapolis, each event will likely run 2-3 hours. The corps will present what they can. This might include some traditional field shows, a few non-DCI performing groups, possibly Drum Line Battles, Brass Ensembles, Alumni Groups, etc. I do expect several Flo telecasts, and have kept my subscription active. Really looking forward to this, and believe the effort will help ensure a better 2022.

Just a GUESS, but the 5-corps event listed for Allentown might not be a replacement for the 2-night, many more corps, event formerly known as DCI-EAST, now known as DCI Eastern Classic. The 2021 Allentown event could instead be the usual June Cadets’ single night, home show. These two events are not really related, although both present DCI corps in performance.

Very helpful reply, totaleefree. I appreciate your insight. A complex matter, no doubt. Some corps will find a way toward solutions, and I’m remaining positive. A two-year down period, if it happens, runs the risk of too many people and support entities finding a way to “live without,” so to speak. Perhaps, an even bigger problem.

I make no claim to know how corps and DCI, Inc. manage their budgets, but will assume a corps that normally travels overnight over 4 weeks can travel for 2 weeks at the same expense or less. Impossible to know what individual K-12 schools districts will decide, but do know the Allentown community can find other (non-school) type floor spaces for about 10 corps, not including reasonably priced (per person) hotel options for others. I would think, some corps member families would be willing to “hotel” their young performers at their own expense under these unusual circumstances. Dropping everyone off where they need to be for practice, etc. Also seems to me, whatever costs DCI, Inc. spends for a big annual meeting in January can be spent for a very similar big meeting during Indy Championship Week instead of January this time.

Good point! I would hope corps are willing to absorb some cost for things they would not normally pay for. Kind of a “forward-looking” investment for a future. Some temporary loans, if needed.

Can we discuss Summer . . . With fewer personal attacks, less hints revealing your political party preference, and a smaller amount of snarky one-liners? Not good for “foot traffic.” The 2O21 DCI Summer I envision. . . will see corps travel mostly limited to local, less than 6-8 hour bus rides to perform. Perhaps smaller corps membership totals. Unfortunately, what we would normally consider “touring,” I believe, will take place only during the 2 weeks prior to Indianapolis. That’s 3 weekends to perform. I’m thinking Allentown could become a one-nighter. The information I’ve seen reveals 15 corps are planning to be in Indy. That’s an adequate number, and could increase a bit. At this point, World Class/Open Class makes no difference. Hope it all holds. Housing in public schools will be very hard to find, but some will be out there. The rest will be college dorms, hotel rooms, a few gymnasiums not affiliated with schools, and perhaps large floor space supplemented by rented trailers for private necessities. Outdoor practice in public parks, parking lots, increases. YES, everything depends on the local Covid restrictions and it’s too early to be firm about those. I feel confident, at least, something over 3 days in Indy is certain to take place, despite the challenges ahead. Your thoughts and predictions, respectfully requested ! Thank you.

I’m thinking it’s too early to specify any details. There’s still time to be conceptual. What’s key from a revenue standpoint is to attract the participation ($) of marching music aficionados who will NOT be in Indy. There will be multiples more of those. I’m currently not planning to attend in person, but definitely will spend money in support of the effort and for the future of the activity. I can think of several options possible. Guess we will see what they are. Someone who normally lays out $2500 to be in Indy is, I think, likely to invest $300, or so, dollars that week from the comfort of their own homes. That is, if they are anxious for all of this to recover.

Whatever it is that happens with DCI-related public performances this summer, it would be helpful to recognize the distinction between a “show, and a “convention.” There is a difference in both purpose and goals. In my view, individual drum corps create and present a show. Drum Corps International, Inc., for Indianapolis, produces and presents a convention. Same can be said for DCI’s Allentown, Atlanta, San Antonio weekends. Host cities have interest in generating new dollars coming into the community. As such, funding help to cover some expenses of the convention presenter is readily available. Provided, of course, and in direct correlation with the amount of new dollars brought in. This assistance could be in the form of an outright financial grant, reduced price for a stadium, a convention hall floor, separate meeting rooms, police protection, clean-up, office space, staff and materials, cooperative advertising buys, etc. In addition, it is common to be awarded with blocks of free hotel room/nights for staff. The bigger the convention, the greater the assistance. A normal DCI Indianapolis Week is a major convention for the community. Obviously, much bigger events happen there, Vroom! But, DCI is notable, too! Even now. It is critical for DCI to faithfully produce something big in Indy. This year will understandably be scaled back. We don’t even know at this point what it will look like! No matter what this unusual gathering looks like, there will still be new dollars brought into the host community. With three days of variety spread around, incoming participants (attendees) and fans will add-up. Remember, the host community will not care if there are just 3 corps doing a field performances, a few concerts, just one convention floor event, mini-corps, drum line battles, guard performances, jazz bands, etc. All of this activity can be augmented by several scheduled business meetings, workshops, dining groups, cocktail receptions, corps banquets, etc. it’s about spending money in Indianapolis! In another topic here, consideration is given to having several smaller weekends elsewhere. Bring it on! However, do not discount the importance of pulling as many people possible to an Indianapolis event. That’s our annual “big event,” for 2021, and hopefully, next year. Indy 2021 is where every marching-music supplier, every financial sponsor, every Friend of DCI, all instructors, judges, clinicians, etc. can meet at maximum benefit. This, single “focus” event will be where the best available audio/video products will be produced for sale, where the live broadcast of greatest interest will happen, where every corps souvenir and recruiting effort can benefit, even if their full corps is not present. The possibilities are many. DCI needs more than just a drum corps show in Indy. It needs another CONVENTION. To keep this precious heart beating !

Good observation, JohnZ The glib political inferences are no doubt alienating to many would-be participants. i don’t know for sure Who’s In, Who’s Out, nor why either decision will be made. I do know there are work-arounds available to many. One example is travel distance. A group within an 8 hour radius drive could participate without school district housing. If a group needs overnight lodging, there is the hotel option. Or, perhaps, private floor space with leased, portable comfort facilities. Maybe even dorm rooms. This is “think outside the box” time. Readily available vaccines to anyone who wants one is no panacea. I’m very anxious to see what develops. An event of some sort is sorely needed.

The goalposts you reference, IllianaLancerContra, are not able to be standardized to a national model. From the beginning, the responsibility for dealing with this health crisis was primarily on each individual state administration. Why? Because those are the administrative decision-makers closest to each set of unique variables. Some states managed to handle this responsibility better than others. Such states, like South Dakota in example, are essentially in total control of the illness. My state, Pennsylvania, has done a poor job in many ways. In my opinion, many of these nationwide federal edicts and restrictions are out-of-balance. There can be no “one size fits all.” Not even when determining if it is appropriate for any corps to perform publicly this summer. Again, there will be benefits derived through whatever kind of weekend DCI manages to put together next August. Key benefits, too!

Here’s how I interpret the purpose of this summer product . . . to keep all the usual components together and functioning. Bolster continuity of communication between participants and stakeholders. Whatever happens is less about in-person attendance, more about keeping a pulse. Indy drum corps (in any form) will include: performance opportunities of various types media coverage marketing and sponsorships services local tourism revenue print and audio/visual product souvie sales I’m keeping my Flo subscription, knowing full well live coverage will be less.

Possibly this . . . Thursday - a 15 corps Prelims. Modified scoring with less emphasis on drill and movement Friday - Downtown support events as usual with a few additional standstill locations throughout the afternoon/evening. Outdoor Fanfest. Saturday - Top 10 compete for Champion, plus exhibitions, etc.

As one gets older, we learn to value and cherish friends, experiences, and traditions we recall from our journey. The historic Cadets uniform is one example. That classic look embodies excellence and the discipline required to wear it. It will be refreshing to revisit the aura of legendary CADET presence on stage again. Some things must not change, even in drum corps. Thank you, Cadets leadership. A very Merry Christmas to all !

. .

No need to question my continued support of DCI. I really DO attend the nearby Allentown event every year, and have been doing so for decades. I’m out there helping to prepare the facility before, and the morning after to return it all back to the way we found it. In the interest of comfort, etc. my preference now is to watch the performances from home on Flo. So, shoot me ! 🤫

Like most assumptions, this one is partially correct. But, yes, I do enjoy watching drum corps on Flo.

This is pretty much my impression, Tim. I’m not expecting a weeks-long series of field competitions leading to Indy. What I am expecting are modified performances wherever possible. It’s the continuation of the “production company” and its “ensembles” that matters most. More fans need to see Drum Corps International Championship Days as a CONVENTION. That is, new dollars brought into a city by visitors who would not otherwise be in town. In many ways, same as a big trade show, Shriner’s Convention, etc. Even an event at Lucas Oil Stadium and other places around the city that keeps visitors around and spending for 2-3 days is of great value. if DCI can get 10-15 corps (any Division) together in Indy. A 2-night showcase can be held with the same performers and separate ticketing. Something like this would permit souvenir revenue, audio/video product, and pay-per-view revenue. Certainly, nothing can be “set in stone” at this point. But it is time to establish a goal and make some announcements.

But .....But .... But ......... Not really. I am thrilled to hear positive news from DCI. That’s the spirit! 🤙

I don’t have any latest news from DCI/Corps, just an opinion about 2021. Even a shortened “Bridge” tour leading to a modified Indianapolis Weekend is FAR better to carry on this incredible activity than having no 2021 DCI at all. The future requires CONTINUITY . One missed season was already put into the past. It hurt. Time now to move forward! The many parts required to make all of this work requires cohesion. A “soft” opening will go a long way. It is critical to keep actively in touch with our foundation. That is, fans, performers, instructional teams, judges, corporate sponsors, media partners, audio/video delivered into our homes, and the list goes on . . . Keep positive. DCI can do this !

I’m more than willing to be confrontational, but this is not the place. Like you, dans, I have become disappointed here more often than I would like. I just never found pessimism attractive. Too depressing.

We’ve reached what, to me, is the biggest mystery. That is . . . ” What is the sign to indicate it’s OK to resume usual operations? “ There is, in my opinion, no particular sign upcoming! It is pointless to wait for a guarantee. So, pick a moment, see what happens and go from there. Some will choose not to participate in any group opinion. That’s understandable. So, adjust.

Post as you will, Planeteers. We surely need opinions to read during this highly unusual period. Some messages confuse me, though. As a longtime drum corps fan and activist within both circuits, I’d like to see everything return back to normal as QUICKLY as possible. I just can’t see the point in posting to prove how awful conditions are, how dire the prospects. Trying to scare away hope, by promoting information that stalls coming out of all this, seems to me, counterproductive. There is a workaround to most everything. Yes, we’ve been under a dark cloud. But it, too, shall pass. Push it away, don’t hang on to it. DCI’s formal statement about a “bridge” 2021 season is good news !

Hey, Tim! Your point about an aging crowd reinforces the importance of every monetizing opportunity beyond actual in-person ticketed events. Can’t think of a better reason to appreciate Flo Marching. Even healthy people over the age of 50 lose interest in the bothersome aspects of travel and being among the distractions that come with sitting in a crowded grandstand. ‘A “been there, done that” attitude develops in the name of comfort.

In the end, the decision of when, and how, to resume a normal DCI competitive season, will be determined by numbers perception. My hope is the data reviewed is not only accurate, but clearly understood within context. I continue to believe we will have a scaled-back 2021 season.

Right, Jim. It has become much too difficult to sort through media that has been weaponized. That’s out there, and some search engines are actually censoring results we can choose from. If a citizen relies only on a favorite news outlet, one channel they watch for 30 minutes every evening by habit, they likely are being misled. Parroting something any one “talking head” claims might not be a good idea.