Fred Windish

Harvey, Excellent. Just excellent. You provided an intelligent, well-written review. Would like more of such. Thanks so much for your passion and investment in this activity. I'm so pleased you see Allentown as a "must see" event. History does matter. (G gets it, too!)

Wanna get a read on "who's who, what's what?" Look to Allentown. That crowd knows what drum corps should be!

Just moments ago, Prime Time Brass got EXCELLENT coverage on national ABC-TV as they played the National Anthem before the Indy Car race at historic Watkins Glen. Very pure and controlled performance! The got good "face time" and the close-up shots didn't catch any flaws. At times, the cameras seemed less than a foot in front of the horns. Beautiful tone quality all around. Great job!

All this banter over Sayre's review has been interesting. First of all, I have not attended a show so far this year. Also, I once marched Buccaneers. Isn't DCA competitive success based opon understanding and mastering the CURRENT criteria of excellence as described on the evaluation sheets now in use? So far, what Reading's been doing IS addressing that challenge best, at least in the eyes/ears of those who are the ONLY persons granted the privilege of deciding such. Should an applause meter have more impact? If so, create a line on the sheets for crediting what the needle records. Bottom line, a naked all-girl corps WILL receive more applause than the Bucs, the Statesmen, the Cabs, and anyone else. OK, maybe just from half the audience. But what about the Marines Drum & Bugle Corps? Should the Marines score highest on today's sheets, based solely upon applause? Reading won't win every show from this point forward but, right now, they ARE winning. Good for them. According to Tom, Empire will be very solid this season. If Empire answers those same sheets better than Reading . . . WOW! That's a good thing. Can't wait to see them! In any event, I appreciate ALL reviews, Sayre's included. Let's not chase reviewers away. They are part of why we come here. No?

What has ALWAYS made DCA so special, has been individual corps identity. We can tell them apart. I would be dismayed if the Cabs ever came out with anything other than Latin-themed music. As for the Bucs, their motto has always been "Balance in Blue." That's meant "a little of this, a little of that, doesn't matter, we can play it all at a high level." Right now, they have a classical tilt. It seems to be working. At some point, the Bucs (for whatever reason) will face a deficit in talented persons willing to participate. However, that deficit will only be measured against what others bring to the table. They'll not win a show at some point. Could be in the next few weeks, could be next season, or the one after that. Few (if any) of us posting here have any say in the matter. We pay to watch what unfolds.

G- You are under an incorrect impression about the level of support from the Allentown community. I've been there, am there. I was one of Bob's significant confidants from Bob's Day 1. . . . but, let's not keep this between us!

Brasso, it's crazy for sure, but I have direct, empirical knowledge of such. It's been a constant issue since I was a much younger man.

Stu, Good to hear you are an open wheel enthusiast! I think what you need to acknowledge is that the "upstart" IRL proponents won in the end. They are the only thing left of IRL vs. CART. The same can happen here, for the G-7. It's too early to tell. Do I like that? It's too early for ME to tell!

Look, if Friday's event is a complete bust (attendance wise) that's not so unexpected. The vision George and his fellow directors see will take some time to fruition. For me, the jury is still out on whether they can present a "better" evening of the marching arts. I can tell you, YEA made a terrific outreach (price) to local residents. Yet, even that probably won't work. You see, Allentown area folks have NEVER supported the DCI events in any significant way. I know that sounds crazy, given the status DCI-Allentown has in your eyes, plus it's longevity, but it's true. Friday's event SHOULD have been held in a smaller local stadium, not JBC. A smaller venue better able to bring the fans much closer to the program I think will be presented on Friday. By the way, I plan to be there. Geez, if I can shoot my mouth off about what the G-7 hopes to create, I can at least view it first-hand. I'll also pay full price for my seat!

Guys, guys - Let's consider what DeepInTheHeartOf alludes to when he/she compares DCI to Spurs, Yankees, Cowboys. Unlike those three, no one goes into work the next morning and boasts "Guess where I was last night?" following a DCI event. Sad, but true. The pricing doesn't match the perception. THAT'S what could be holding us back.

Thanks for the additional input, Stu. Sounds like you know what you're talking about. Maybe I'm just getting too old and losing my depth of comprehension of complex constructions. Frankly, I need melody. I need some repetition, some "flow." Others have criticized what we hear today by saying "But, can you whistle what they played on your way home from the show?" I miss whistling, too. I enjoy piano music, just not Keith Jarrett. He seems to just bang away on the keys in random order. I suppose Keith is great. Millions enjoy him. Why don't I see him on prime time TV? We both know the answer.

scottgordon, I'm not a musician, so it's always been difficult for me to express the point you are making. I agree totally with your view. Thanks for putting into words what most everyone can understand. My biggest beef with DCI presentations for the past 20 years has been the apparent removal of "music" from the finished product. At least, "music" as I define that term.

Yocco's is fine (for what it is). It's a rather small dog with rolls to match. If someone tells you they ate six, it's no big accomplishment. Me, I prefer Rutt's Hut in New Jersey. For those who might not know the story behind the Yocco's name. Here we go: The was no Mr. Yocco. Ford and Chrysler's Lee Iacocca, grew up in Allentown, graduated from local Lehigh University and become a world famous corporate achiever. His family started this particular hot dog business. Because no one could ever pronounce the family name correctly, they chose a more "phonetic" version.

Yocco's is fine (for what it is). It's a rather small dog with rolls to match. If someone tells you they ate six, it's no big accomplishment. Me, I prefer Rutt's Hut in New Jersey. For those who might not know the story behind the Yocco's name. Here we go: The was no Mr. Yocco. Ford and Chrysler's Lee Iacocca, grew up in Allentown, graduated from local Lehigh University and become a world famous corporate achiever. His family started this particular hot dog business. Because no one could ever pronounce the family name correctly, they chose a more "phonetic" version.

You have it quite right, Scoutnout. The formation of DCI way back when, was itself a form of G-7 movement. This drama is just the newest incarnation, relevant to today's times.

The neighborhood streets SOUTH of Hamilton Street, bounded on the East by S. St. Elmo, on the west by S. Glenwood St., and north of Union Street are ALWAYS underutilized. That's a very safe area with well-cared for homes. CAUTION: Take extra care crossing Hamilton Street on foot. Cars go by pretty quickly and you will be crossing four lanes. It's especially tough at night if the Allentown Police don't show-up to help. Yes, support the Hamilton Family Diner. The owner goes out of his way to help our event's spectators. It does get very crowded. For something a little more upscale, say $25 per person, not counting drinks, try Youell's Oyster House, one block south of Hamilton on E. Walnut in the neighborhood described. Any neighborhood east of 15th Street should be avoided due to crime problems.

You are somewhat correct, Brasso. I envision a successful indoor spectacle involving groups of just 80 performers per unit. I envision them sharing most of the "bells and whistle" paraphernalia, electronics, special effects, etc. and all the tractor trailers that moves such from place to place. Look, the G-7 groups can probably present 2 touring companies each. That makes their vision even more doable. What do you think?

My point is, if there is any blinking, it will be G-7 blinking. Sponsors will go wherever all the excitement is. IF, in the end, the G-7 vision ropes in more of the scholastic movement, then the sponsors will be there. For the G-7 to find 12 -18 event sponsors is not that big of a challenge. The G-7 itself represents 10-12 (self) sponsors right now. The G-7 only needs 5 performers (30 minutes each) to present an alternative night of entertainment. Their vision CAN work rather soon. By the way, I believe Blast was highly successful and could be equally successful on a second go round. The G-7 could be that kind of effort, albeit outdoors. My honest opinion has always been, what the G-7 envisions would be better served indoors. That's where they're headed, I think. 'Ya know what? The outdoor side of things can still continue.

My guess is, this G-7 group of thought DOES NOT go away. These are very stable organizations capable a "splitting to pursue a vision." You know, they are correct. They CAN do their own thing and assume all of the current functions the DCI management team in Indianapolis now handles. Most importantly, the corporate sponsorship money WILL follow them. Sponsors want to be identified with the best of the best. Right now, the G-7 is that. In the end, the G-7 concept does not require more than 12 groups at any time. They can achieve that, in time. There are two pressing concerns for the G-7 right now. One, how do they exist without the split of the gate from the current DCI schedule? Two, do they have the ability to attract 12-18 paying event sponsors (local host organizations) who can risk their "cost of show" requirements, and still believe they (local sponsors) can make a profit? I believe the G-7's vision of where this activity needs to be (as seen by its market) is correct. They likely can put together a show format that works quite well. The initial years, however, will be very lean. Can they endure a slow start? That's the decision the G-7 really needs to make.

It would seem foolish to remove Dan A. at this point in the year. No? Then again . . .

I posted these thoughts in another thread. Here they are with some additional views: Right now, DCI (and DCA) presentations work mostly to central seating. If the activity can find a better way to enthrall those who might be seated at the 20,15, 10, etc., I'm all for it. Only then will those "lesser priced" seats be filled. Seats in central sections under the current model are way too pricey to attract first-time viewers. If we're lucky, we'll attract first-time viewers to our lower priced outer seating . . . and then what? They're not likely to wowed by their initial contact with what we can do. Honestly, there's got to be a way make the experience more personal to those who happen to sit "low on the 15." We don't seem to have a problem selling seats in the center, it's the outer fringe that needs some help. Let's face it, there is where the newest fans usually sit. If they can't make much out of the sound, the visual, etc. even paying far less per ticket is little consolation. One simple solution is to insist on the old trooping the stands component. When we pass in review, stop briefly on the first 20, turn and blow their faces off. Then stop briefly again on the second 20 and do it again. I know darn well, if the family next door gave our event a shot (at the lowest price seat) I'd be somewhat apprehensive about asking "Well, how'd you like it"? Geez, I don't want to sit out there, do you?

Well, if nothing else, incorporating some of the non G-7 corps could result in some Friday & Sunday DCA events!

The central premise, creating a new DCI is EXCELLENT! The methodology (as currently proposed) is AWFUL. Right now, DCI (and DCA) presentations work mostly to central seating. If the activity can find a better way to enthrall those who might be seated at the 20,15, 10, etc., I'm all for it. Only then will those "lesser priced" seats be filled. In this regard, the concept makes sense. Lots of sense. Seats in central sections under the current model are way too pricey to attract first-time viewers. If we're lucky, we'll attract first-time viewers to our lower priced outer seating . . . and then what? They're not likely to wowed by their initial contact with what we can do. Reaching out to scholastic band participants, parents, enthusiasts, etc. is fine. Remember though, the majority of those folks come from a background that puts them "front and center" for $10-$12. PLUS, many paid that amount to watch their own kids! They might actually be unmoved by what their kid is doing but they'll be there! When those same kids graduate, will all parties continue to attend "related" events at triple the price? The kids maybe, the others probably not. Yes, this new proposal IS linked to an expansion of DCI to woodwinds. DCI certainly wants to snare those kids too! This, I believe, is a G-7 effort to present the "best #### marching bands you've every seen". That effort needs to play to everyone. As I said earlier, the methodology now presented by the G-7 to achieve their vision is VERY wrong. It's too exclusionary, it pretty much shuts the door on most of their own brethren. This comes across as a " here's what we'll be doing " A better approach, assuming this is all altruistic in supporting the greater good of DCI, would be to share a small portion of the new Friday & Sunday events with those DCI groups who aren't invited to the G-7 experiment. Also, to give the uninvited (not the small regional corps) equal voting power so if the new experiment really doesn't much work for the uninvited, the uninvited can have a valid say whether the new concept remains a part of the DCI effort. All this said, I vote "NO," I'm not in favor of the current proposal.

I haven't read the last 20-25 posts, but Matt S. makes some good points. It really is either education or entertainment. Obviously, the goal should be to provide both. To a great extent, however, it's the entertainment (fans), that make the education possible. The entire enterprise needs to be a "feel good" night for BOTH components. When the creative side of the corps decided to change established, tried and true works into something quite different it pushed itself further away from the masses. Mass appeal equals success, so . . . YES! The current formula needs to change. Hey, Matt . . . I'll be down for the Ole Miss game. Roll Tide!

I actually support the new concept in theory. That being, DCI should maybe try a different formula, put a new face on it's presentations, etc. Geez, I'd like to see them move in the direction of large arena shows (80 performers) with all the bells and whistles then possible. The indoor stuff being in addition to the stadium programs. My problem with this proposal, considering what we know now, the concept seems too "selfish." It seems too exclusionary, too stacked in favor of only some members of what should be the same team. Perhaps the balance of the sixty pages really DOES explain clearly how all can benefit. If so, that story needs to be told, and soon!