Fred Windish

Donny, I agree. We have enjoyed many excellent corps over the years, some would probably still score well on the most recent sheets. I like corps who "bring it," too. The question will be, how will this year's sheets reward bringing it. Bringing it could mean one, some, or all of these characteristics Energy Most marching members Excellence in most captions Highly familiar music Blowing the house down Performing at most beats per minute Most props on the field Most stunning uniforms Loudest audience response Hopefully, the new sheets will reward MORE than one of the above. I believe they will.

BigW - I like what you wrote. The Buccaneers are not likely a major factor in declining numbers of ticket purchasers. How many folks would actually say " Gee, I don't want to go to that show because it features an EXCELLENT, highly successful performer who, right now, represents the best the activity has to offer." Attendance is a problem for MANY ticketed events right now. The current economy is trying, to say the least. Now, more than ever, folks need to prioritize their spending. Spending $50-$60 for 3 hours of entertainment is being evaluated more carefully these days. It is what it is. By the way, from what I've been told, the Buccaneers are as full and solid as ever. They're still a contender. There are other contenders out there. Maybe this will be "the year" for someone else. If so, great!

Gil, I am pleased you spend time here. This is the voice of our activity. Surely, a difficult time for drum corps and many other entertainment options. From what I read, DCA is addressing the challenge of retaining consumer interest by adopting on a "customer first" attitude. You can't do much more than that. I believe our activity will survive these trying times, however, I feel survival will ultimately require experimentation with indoor venues and smaller corps rosters. Hang in there, big guy, We need you.

I am grateful to Michael Siglow and members of his Certification Committee for accepting me into the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame. It's been a long and varied career in drum corps made possible by scores of good friendships developed over the years. There is no better satisfaction than approval of one's peers. Thanks so much! Fred

Terrible loss to the Buccaneers organization and to all who knew him. Ned was a "constant light" to me and countless others. A steady fixture at all things Buccaneer. We all could count on Ned, no matter what the need. May God bless.

I no longer remember what General Effect is supposed to reward either, Sayre. One would think, with a scoring change like this, the official definition of GE is also changed. Certainly, any change that makes more of an audience stand-up and cheer more often is a good change. My concern is over the devices that could be used to reach the new standard. Can those devices be controlled? Is it only about providing more melody? That's critical in my view. Or, is this change to be about fire extinguishers, strobe lights, and nearly naked color guard? Will special effects trump musicianship? Also, does the "home team" always win under this new emphasis? This represents an interesting challenge for DCA. I commend them for such a bold move.

Sounds like a dramatic change to me. Guess we'll see how it goes. This might be a good time to post the official DCA definition of General Effect. Tom, anyone? On the surface, the change seems to allow for more "fluff," if you know what I mean.

NOT SO FAST! The much smaller DCA organization has a greater chance of marketing success if it remains UNIQUELY different than what is easily available everywhere else. I'd much rather pay to see/hear something special, more difficult to find, yet still brass, percussion, and movement. DCA doesn't need to be the smaller, under-funded, stepchild of some other trend-chasing organization. It's making a stronger audience connection now, as it is.

Oh sure, Alex. Thanks. Today's DCI is structured to serve itself. But that's really not enough, is it?

Bottom line . ... few people "throw babies " at today's DCI. They once did, but not now. Why not?

Well stated, Steve! I have no musical training to speak of, but I have seen what "sells" across this activity. It's a basic formula, usually NOT someone's personal experiment. Experiment if you must, but do it sparingly and accept the consequence. If necessary, yield and adjust.

First time spectator's reaction . . . "I'm not real sure what I saw and heard. It seemed to be done very well, BUT . . . . When folks spend dollars to witness an entertainment event, they really don't want to STRUGGLE to justify their investment.

Not enough melody, natural flow. The music is too much an attempt to do proven and successful works better than the original composer. Why?

Geez, I've been traveling the past ten days. I've not been up on all things DCP. George Parks. How can I define him? INTENSITY ! We like that. George, what you did for Jack Wells will be remembered forever. Thanks, guy!

There's also a side to this we seldom think much about. That is, hotel bars and local establishments taking in big money after Finals. Besides corps members wanting to review the season with a beverage (sometimes in their rooms or inside private function rooms) spectators have a need for the same thing. DCA's value as a convention is measured in large part by its ability to bring in NEW money to the host community. A longer, big-push, period of spending after Finals at bars and restaurants goes a long way and leaves a great impression. No better way to keep hotels interested in blocking rooms for the corps at decent rates. That extra spending rush during the 10pm-12M hours could be significant to our host cities. More so than a prolonged stadium event.

John, I can't say for certain. I've been out of the loop for a few years. Past experience tells me, all the voting members decided Annapolis was a good decision for 2012. DCA is an all-inclusive organization. Isn't that refreshing?

Fran, Did you mention the best crab cakes in the world? Look, to all the "distance challenged" persons of the activity, Annapolis is a little more than 3 hours from Allentown. It's a statement in embrace of CorpsVets, Alliance, Carolina Gold, and everyone else "down there." It's time to think outside the box, to test the waters. Certainly, no disrespect to Rochester. Rochester is the best DCA Championship host of all time. Give them a breather now and then, no?

I've often said, if you want to take your neighbor and family to their first drum corps show, go where Empire Statesmen is. That'll work!

I've never met Tom Allen, but he does show a strong passion for our activity. I like that. Also don't think I've ever met Big W., but he sure does write VERY fine reviews. I enjoy them. As a Buccaneer alumni, I'd be pleased if Bucs won again, but have to say, my only viewing of either corps was at Scranton. Empire has a strong group this year. To me, the Empire visual is weaker than Bucs, but everything else comes across as "right there." It's a very pleasing performance. (Ream's reviews aren't too bad either)

To succeed at the highest level, our entertainment choice needs to speak to the needs of the "Everyman," not just the purist. It's about grabbing the first of many ticket buys. We're still not all on that same page.

I am a huge Dan Acheson admirer. He seems to bring all the right qualities to the job. He's professional in appearance and delivery. He's dependable, he's knowledgeable, he's proven, he's NOT controversial. Now . . . who else is out there provides all that, and more? Anyone from the G-7 cabal? Don't think so. Congratulations Dan!

Ticketmaster (or should I quote a friend and say Ticketmonster) is often NOT the best way to purchase seats. They typically are given a few section blocks to sell even if those sections are outside what's really available. They fill-in those same sections WITHOUT regard to what might be available elsewhere. The photo provided demonstrates this clearly. Here's the deal . . . it's NOT DCI's fault. Ticketmaster paid for exclusive rights to market "general sales" tickets at this venue. They have a contract. For Ticketmaster, it's not so much about you, it's about Ticketmaster filling seats anonymously and efficiently. NOT personally. They do the same for all of the events they have a hand in. Kinda sad.

What you see in that photo is about 3500 people. But, it IS early. I'm thinking by the time the top 7 go on, it will grow by about 2000. So . . .

Honestly, given the Indy temperature right now (94 degrees) and 3 hours from now (85 degrees?) I think most everyone attending will think "Thank heavens we're in Indy, with an enclosed, air-conditioned venue." Much as they would if it was pouring down rain hard for the next few hours. Tonight seems to indicate being in Indy for this weather was a nice benefit.

Right now, I'd say the Brazilian steakhouse (Fogo de Chao) is the best overall experience. Incredible salad bar. Incredible service. Meats delivered to your plate in less than 2 minutes from the fire. Jeff, if this isn't the place your boss is taking you, go there on your own some other night!