Fred Windish

Way to go, Gary! It's a cool layout, but I'm think'n this had to be one of those "WILL WORK FOR BEER" deals. No?

Hey, Fran! I'm pretty sure that's Molly Brannigan's. I went there for the past several years and have not be disappointed. Large menu, good waitstaff, above average food, and other drum corps folks in attendance. It's a good choice!

According to event chairman, Bob Bennett, the upper deck renovations HAVE been completed. All that's left is to add seat number stickers.

Josh is still very much the Buccaneer. He's done wonders with the Buccaneer Alumni Association brass. I'll miss him on the field, but am pleased Josh still "wears blue shorts." (It's a Jack Wells analogy)

I believe the decision of where to hold championships still comes down to just TWO factors. 1. Having a community take the time to put together a proposal for DCA's consideration. 2. A proposal that achieves the confidence of the MAJORITY of those corps who actually get to vote on site selection. For example, if 10 corps get to decide, at least 6 of them need to feel good about the final choice. Makes sense to me.

Nicely done! Worth the wait. No recession in Reading, PA! I am intrigued by the soloist heard at the end during Ritual Fire Dance. That's a player.

Fantastic video! Thank you. I don't think I could sit through more than 3 groups like this one as the music sounded all the same to me. But, there is value there. This is further evidence, I believe, the concept of arena drum corps in America needs to be explored more than it is now. The potential to "do what we do" on a different plane is most apparent.

The video IS good, very good. It captures all of what makes Empire Statesmen the special organization it is. The titles, awards, far-away appearances, the entertainment, the drive and desire. Well done!

From what I've been told, this year's Buccaneers is even GREATER than last year's Buccaneers. Can't wait to see the preview. I need proof I haven't been April-Fooled!

Can someone help me out here? Is the concept of indoor drum corps over the Winter reserved to just one organization? What actually has happened here? What violation occurred? Seriously.

Isn't this what "off-season" DCP is all about? :big hug: I had the pleasure a few days ago, to speak with the individual who posted about an Eastern arena drum corps circuit. We had much in common in assessing this concept. I am a FIRM believer in arena drum corps and felt this individual had the right ideas. I didn't know the concept of drum corps on a basketball court was exclusive to one movement. No matter what, I believe the concept needs to be pursued. SCREW THE WEATHER!

It makes them look, well . . . SEVEN!

Arena drum corps IS an activity worth serious consideration. I've felt that way for several years. The concept involves more participating groups, smaller budgets, extending the enjoyment of this art form, many new venues to pick from, no fear of weather problems, special lighting effects, etc. It can be like a "working man's" Broadway production of the very popular Blast! Ultimately, I would prefer the arena drum corps concept to be a component of DCA, making DCA a true "year round" entertainment option for America.

I was there when Five Star Brass did a tour and researched the seating situation. This was before any event was ever held there (we had to wear hard hats!). As I recall, moving the front sideline closer to the stands would have prevented many upper level spectators from seeing the entire pit and the drum major's area. We were all up on that level to determine the best course. Where the front sideline is currently set by DCA, those spectators who are way off to the sides actually benefit from a little better angle, too.

You're right on the money, ereese! Thanks.

What I find so intriguing about evaluations for General Effect is the actual effect of audience reaction. I'm thinking audience reaction/connection CONTINUES to be a part of the overall score. If not, how can an average, fair-minded judge NOT be affected by what spectators provide to the presentation? So, whenever a crowd responds with great enthusiasm, screams of approval, how much does that matter? If crowd response does matter, how do we account for a corps who appears in their home city and naturally has lots of supporters in attendance who will cheer for almost anything? For others who cheer wildly, are those cheers a result of show design that speaks best to the sheets and should be given high marks, or because of pretty uniforms, emotional and patriotic music, traveling the greatest distance, etc.? I'm sure Mr. Pronti will return to describe the part crowd response plays in the final score and how judges can remain true to what's really causing the approval.

Everyone can appreciate and agree upon the value of strong execution. It's the General Effect category that is more troublesome. GE has as many meanings as the size and LOCATION of the event, the crowd. No matter what judging system is put in place, there will be loopholes in achieving purity. All we should ever ask of our circuits is to put forth a system they think best. I think DCA works hard to do exactly that. Remember, at any event with 25 competing groups, 24 of those groups go home a little disappointed.

EXCELLENT CHOICE! It's hard to put a value on interest and support from the local host community, but that value is HUGE. These are not times to roll the dice, but to take comfort in something that works and continues to appreciate what we have to offer. I congratulate the entire Rochester team.

Tom, I was always told it was YOU who was over at Frontier Field igniting those fireworks at the appointed time! (sorry, my friend, just HAD to)

WOW! Imagine the year when 36 corps DO plan to attend! The entire DCA Championship Weekend schedule will need to be dramatically changed. Or, maybe just start Prelims at 3AM!

I LOVE the Kilties! Always did, always will. I had tears in my eyes when the Kilties marched down Hamilton Street in my local city of Allentown a few years ago. The Kilties have a certain formula that works, and probably works for 90% of those who witness them. Good luck this year, Kilties!

I think what's clear, as I have believed for decades, going on last (in any show) brings with it some advantage. Particularly among corps that are close to each other in several captions. It's only natural that it does. I doubt we will ever have a "pure" system of evaluation. For that, and it's STILL questionable, each corps would need to play the very same charts, attempt the exact same drill, maybe even march naked with masks on!

I hear 'ya, Gary. If we CAN convince folks to give our product a shot, yet sit them outside the twenty, they really ARE NOT seeing our product in its best light. Geez, I spent most of my life supporting drum corps, yet I have little interest in sitting outside the twenty! Now, Gary, get back to work! Architects are the hardest working people on the planet. No?

How 'bout this one - the only GUARANTEED good seats to enjoy our activity are those between the twenties, and that causes a problem at most every venue we play. Any seats beyond the twenty should be priced at $10, or less. (let's get it all out)

This discussion is getting fun. Thanks, Adam! Right you are, Brigscontrachik0, I never got that whole "staff in the audience" thing. I don't think I've ever attended a Broadway show, only to have the Costume Designer, Lighting Director, screaming approval from the back.