Fred Windish

I'm thinking maybe the Ambitious Seven are looking to Friday & Sunday to wrap-around already existing "major" events. The existing big weekend shows already come with a large audience most willing to pay for something additional nearby, 24 hours before, or after. If the Ambitious Seven is already in the same region to appear Saturday, their housing needs for the new concept are already satisfied. Targeting Mondays thru Thursday could be problematic in several ways.

Fran, thanks for your thoughts. I make no secret, I believe the future of this activity is indoors in large arenas, a controlled environment. That works much better, particularly if we hold dreams of mainstream television. What the Ambitious Seven proposes could lead to that. It will be a few years, but I'm certain that's where we need to be. The forward potential of what we are doing now is VERY limited. It's a model that really has been failing in today's world. I guess what I'm saying is, today's dilemma could lead to something that works on a more grand scale. Do we let it happen now, or maybe later?

audiodb, Yes, the current group IS capable of splitting. They're all very strong groups with all the structure and ego this activity permits. The question is, does this group have the courage to "go it alone?" Perhaps, not. Will they opt to go it alone? I say, yes. They can't help themselves, nor admit defeat in any way.

The entire Ambitious Seven concept will never get off the ground unless the current DCI participants allow its proponents to "toy" with their idea WITHIN the existing format for a couple of years. Without the current DCI, the Ambitious Seven are pretty much at Ground Zero, don't 'ya think?

Bob984, Please understand, I don't expect DCI to go away. I do expect it to shrink and have a more difficult time. The remaining corps can STILL put on some good shows, maybe not so many. With limited audience dollars to tap, the remaining groups will sometimes be in competition with a VERY formidable alternative. What's interesting here is, the Ambitious Seven seem to understand their plan only works best WITHIN the current structure. They must know, they need the non-elite weekday show revenue to make it all work. I mean, what are they going to do Monday thru Thursday, as they move from one elite weekend event to the next? For reasons of stability and comfort, the Ambitious Seven NEEDS the existing DCI right now. There's also the matter of souvie sales, DVDs, etc. This new concept demands a completely new level of all that. I would think the elite groups will want to keep this income separate. Look, an evening of the Ambitious Seven WILL be spectacular. It will be the pinnacle of what this genre can provide at the time. I believe such evenings will succeed. Alas, for the benefit of a smaller group of organizations. Can this smaller group "pull it off?" Yes, and why not? I can see this group negotiating hotel rates, collectively purchasing props, sound, lighting, mixing materials, back drops, tractor trailers for all of this, etc. Everything to be used by ALL of the groups once it all drops anchor in a city near you. It's the old circus model. It's a proven, good show. Regional folks going to it every year when it comes to them. It's gonna happen! It's a natural progression.

As Granny so correctly pointed out, the recent DCI news is SERIOUS business. I, too, fear the concept proposed speaks to what's probably an immovable object. The (current) "Haves" want more and they'll settle for nothing less. If not 2011, then 2012. Sadly, the rest can only watch. The "Have Nots," (at least in the eyes of the new visionaries) need to pick-up the pieces and go from there. I don't see it any other way, based upon what I've read so far. Think about it. The Ambitious Seven have lots of ammunition and desire. The really DO command the greatest interest from potential participants and viewing audience. They are all 'stars" who deserve and expect top billing. They feel privileged right now, in that their vision for drum corps has already worked for them. They're already where everyone wants to be. They want, and really can, handle more, both in organizational structure and budget. When they speak, others listen. The Ambitious Seven feel less a need for additional corps, even for most of the current DCI administrative structure. They can handle all of that themselves. You know. . .they're RIGHT! Management and promotional duties and responsibilities of this new group CAN be absorbed by their own existing organizations. We would be naive to think the crowds, the sponsorship money, the talent, will not follow them in whatever they propose to do as a smaller group of decision-makers. They will. As others have stated, that's the nature of the beast. People pay plenty to see the Yankees, not so much to see the Pirates. I have no problem with their concept of a "different" on-field presentation. I believe that's needed to compete for today's entertainment dollar. For me, at least, current shows ARE lacking in broad appeal. This is a world that responds to bells and whistles, glitz and glamor. The Ambitious Seven really can provide that, and they know it. They are a group that can offer more than any scholastic marching program ever can. Those groups, and MANY OTHERS (including me) will pay to see the "Haves." As Dan Acheson correctly alluded, egoism pays a huge role in this discussion. That's been a constant in this activity. Now is no different. For me, it's the ego of the Ambitious Seven that WILL be satisfied. Satisfied with or without the blessing of others who participate in the current DCI. Significant change is coming. This is not going away. It can't.

This has all been fascinating speculation, for sure. I have no idea if anything significant about the activity is about to change, but I'm ready for something different. How different? Well, I guess we'll see (when it happens). I have come to the conclusion our "art form" no longer works as well as it once did, given today's world. Earlier, I posted thoughts about my current view of the medium. For the first time (sorry) I've been watching the DCI Championships in Hi-Def, on the big screen with surround sound and some post production. That DCI product is absolutely stunning to me, more so than what I experience outdoors on a football field with all the limitations inherent there. Our "big guns" are capable of presenting something much different and on a grand scale. Something I would hope is more marketable and more controlled. It's my view, our brand of brass, percussion, pageantry, and movement can work work quite well for the masses somewhere other than on football fields. I'm hopeful the product can find new life as an arena attraction, without the same historic limitations we now endure. There can be room for something radically different presented by those who can. Certainly NOT a discard of what we already know, rather a additional new dimension. I think back to my Blast! experience. I saw it three times. That was a new dimension of what I've enjoyed my entire life. It was fabulous! All around me were many who seemed to be seeing our product for the first time. . . they loved it! They did so in a controlled enviornment. Controlled in temperature, lighting, sound, comfort, etc. Even more, the performers were close enough for interaction with the audience. I can see our "thing" working well on a hockey-size stage. I'd buy in. Is this concept a component of the radical change we now expect from some in DCI? I'd say yes, but not immediately. Seems to me, this kind of new dimension will ONLY occur if the "haves" break out and continue to evolve, to push the envelope. Perhaps, if there is now unrest, it's because the "haves" feel a need for something more than the current model to thrive. I'm open to that future.

SF2K4 touched upon a revelation I had the other evening. It totally changed my perspective of current DCI show design and music. I watched the entire 2009 Championship DVD set. I do have a nice set-up, by the way. I viewed the event on a 56 inch, hi-def tv with 5.1 surround sound. The performances were MAGNIFICENT! I understood the addition/use of amplification, pre-show. The dance/body movements, uniform/costumes, were first rate. Seeing the emotional facial expressions was priceless. The sound (likely re-touched in post-production) was outstanding. I didn't miss any highlights, again due to post production. All presentations were well-conceived and blended into a unified package. What a show! My belief is this. . . The elements I witnessed on DVD do NOT translate adequately when viewed from a seat at a football stadium. The product DCI now provides is being shortchanged by the "stage" from which it's presented. A stage that restricts the audience from fully appreciating the total quality of the package. Therein lies the problem, I think. If you can, watch this year's DVDs. Compare what you see and feel at this advantage to your experience from the bleachers. The difference is stunning. In many ways, DCI is better than it has ever been. Thoughts?

Good post, sixtysomething! Today's DCA corps have other characteristics generally not found in earlier times. That would include member dues and additional payments for the privilege of riding a corps bus to events. Also includes hotel room charges for championships. In my marching days (late sixties) I didn't face any of this. Truth be told, I received random funds from the corps TO ME, to help pay for my travel to practice. Those funds were never requested, were never formal in any way, but did happen. In today's economy, and rate of unemployment, if the "marching DCA" experience requires even $1000 (or less) many good people will choose not to participate. That's reality, and I don't have a solution to fix it.

I don't know, Sal. . . for someone who claims to have been with so many corps, then now identifies himself with comedy, I'd say, you don't have much of a "dog in this fight." DCA has always been about its people, its fraternity. Somehow, Sal, I don't see you a part of what makes the rest of us so concerned about the latest news from Brigs. Sal, I'm truly sorry DCA didn't work for you. But, there's always bowling, fishing. Maybe even, Solitaire. (what Fran said)

Well done, Ed! I'm still trying to come to grips with what is "now." You have helped me do that.

This is very sad news. One of the all-time great DCA corps, for sure. Rick Martin is a talented and quality guy. If there was any way to salvage the 2010 competitive season, Rick would have found it. Here's hoping a mini-corps effort this year kick-starts the corps to a better 2011.

Look, I've lived in the Allentown area my entire life. That's 59 years. I also think I understand drum corps. yea! presents NO obvious presence here to the majority of Lehigh Valley residents. If yea! has specific outreach to local youth, the word of those efforts has not been made public. yea! is pretty much an unknown contributor around here. More effort is needed. Sorry, yea!

Lots of fine suggestions here. But . . . only if what issues forth from the players sounds close enough to the original.

Both expenditures are wise. A successful investment in "what could be" can pay more dividends, however. This, I think, is what DCI is trying to do with its aggressive morph into something quite different from what it's been. It would seem, someone at DCI has determined the "usual crowd" is not enough if the organization is to move forward. I agree with them.

perc2100, The five segments you (correctly) list pretty much come with the territory. They're a given. No new DCI investment makes sense unless it attracts a sixth, or seventh, segment. Why try to purchase what you already have?

Actually, DCI has run tv spots EVERY year in the Allentown area since its inception here in 1977. Some are 30 sec. spots (usually paid for, some packaged in trade. Others are 10-15 sec. spots presented as public service announcements, required of broadcasters by the FCC. The paid stuff is sometimes expensive, so less likely to be seen at higher ratings periods (like during newscasts). The public service stuff runs at times determined by the local station. That could mean 3am! It's quite possible, one could live in the Allentown area and not see any of a package of 50 commercials that were broadcast into the region. Fortunately, Allentown's WFMZ-TV (3 million potential viewers) has been very supportive. They run a good amount of the DCI ads during times of highest viewership. DCI has an excellent assortment of television spots available for sponsors' use. It's all pro-quality and up-dated regularly.

I'm pleased DCI is still drawing support. I'm not pleased by the current level of support. That could be so much greater, I'm certain, with a little more respect for what seems to have worked well before. The lessons of the "past" might still have worth. Don't dismiss them out of hand, even though it's now your turn to make a statement.

I remember attending Championships in Birmingham, AL. Those days, the entire Top 25 corps appeared all day at Prelims, beginning about 8am. Honestly, at least half the crowd jumped up multiple times during every performance. It was emotionally engaging, exhilarating, even exhausting. By the event's end, our throats were raspy. Where did that go, and why? There should be no specific target audience.

That's just it, Mike! The non-marching person needs to accept us if we are to prosper in a big way. Designing presentations that are too difficult to recognize, too difficult for our neighbor across the street to decipher, especially in view of ticket prices higher than any unassuming spectator is prepared to pay, does NOT lend itself to growing a new audience base. Current programming might satisfy the egos of "wanna be" Gershwins, but possibly will not sell to the masses. No? (have a good night)

OK, Mike. . . so, we agree "geeky" is not an ideal impression. Thus, wouldn't it be prudent to create something else without so much geek?

I can appreciate your enthusiasm, Mike! It's my opinion, unless drum corps music moves back to something closer to mainstream, it will have difficulty ever becoming an entertainment choice that appeals to as many folks as I believe it otherwise could. I'm OK being wrong.

Well, Mike . . . Anytime a performing ensemble tries so hard to improve Gershwin, to a point of changing what Gershwin actually provided, I always feel a bit short-changed. Maybe I'm not sophisticated enough to understand the need to do that. I also never paid to hear Keith Jarrett (a famous local boy).

To an extent, we're being a little too demanding of DCI. The decision to attend, or not, is a personal one. The DCI organization can't possibly satisfy everyone, including legacy fans who I believe ARE declining in attendance due to decisions that threaten to fundamentally change the product into something else entirely. Keep in mind, we no longer buy B/W televisions, 8 track players, and typewriters. Providers within those realms developed something else that many seem to prefer, even though their earlier version was satisfactory for its time. I'm always open to something better. Aren't you? DCI should NOT direct its efforts just to appease legacy fans, but it SHOULD place a high value on retaining and creating that segment. No matter what DCI decides to do with its product, it's rolling the dice. At the present time, it isn't throwing MY numbers, but I'm confident I'll find satisfaction again. Job One, I believe, is for DCI to cast a bigger net. IT'S DOING THAT! Adding enhancements, like special sounds and effects are attempts to do just this. You can't create legacy fans without discovering a formula that attracts MORE fans. Is DCI succeeding? You decide. I believe DCI would do better if it placed more emphasis on its music. Countless times, I hear "What in H*LL are they playing?" Because I agree with that view, I attend DCI events less often than I once did. I don't reject change. Actually, I have projected in a decade or so, DCI will dabble in arena shows. That CAN work, and solve several current problems. I know I'll give it a try!

Seems to me, Mello Dude, DCI's books ARE open as per IRS 501©3 requirements. Such is required and is being satisfied. However, I do not believe DCI is also required to report what organizational strategy decisions, such as a decision to raise product prices, were made to create the reported numbers. The numbers are what they are. Foolish, or not is open for discussion.