Ron H

You are right. Not a coincidence at all. This very fact needs to be a wake-up call to EVERY DCA corps.

I'm going to reply to my own post. Why? "Cause I can." What are the existing DCA corps doing to secure their future? What steps are they taking to be able to travel? I'm sorry if I am coming off as a one-note. But believe me. DCA is going to change. What happens WHEN, (not IF) DCA Championships moves to a non-NE venue? Are the current NE corps prepared to face the same travel challenges that every non-NE corps faces today?? Looking at the tax returns of the current DCA corps (freely available online, as per government rules for 501©3 corporations), I can see that the Hurcs, Bucs and Empire might have the resources to face that issue. But frankly, I worry about any other DCA corps.

I would agree. But I'd also ask what you are currently doing to build your budget in the future so you can?

Other corps need to look at how MBI functions. Seriously. That's NOT a jab at other corps, but just an encouragement to them to really examine how a DCA corps that is far outside the "normal" DCA geographic area can continue to succeed both financially and artistically. That's not to say MBI hasn't had its own share of financial difficulties in the past, or doesn't face challenges today. But MBI is far and away the best funded corps in DCA. Their annual carryover is more than twice that of any other DCA corps. How did they do it? That's the subject of an essay. And it's an essay that most DCA corps need to read. This is not mere boosterism. It's a serious issue for the future of DCA. STUDY MINNESOTA BRASS. This is a corps that has launched their own production company to run 3 large drum corps shows a year (including the huge DCI Minnesota Regional). They have 5 performing groups. They are very diverse in their fundraising approach. And they have a home-grown, loyal, talented staff and a home-grown membership base. But most importantly, they try their hardest to make everyone believe in the vision of the corps, and they care about every volunteer who comes forward to help the corps achieve that vision. Minnesota Brass is perhaps the most honorable organization I've ever had the privilege to be a part of. And yes, that last part may be considered boosterism, but I don't care.

Unless it is wrong, according to DCA's posted recap of 2010 Finals, MBI won percussion. MBI won the Field Brass sub, Empire won Ensemble Brass sub, with a 3-way tie overall. MBI won the Music Composite caption. Perhaps it may have been announced backwards at the show?

It sounds like a good score and good "read" for MBI for their first time out east this season. If they pull ahead of Bucs in percussion (like they did last year) and tie in horns (again, like last year), it could be a close one. They'd also really have to refine their visual though.

Minnesota Brass Inc. was once called the Grain Belt Diamonds for a couple of years in the '60's when they were sponsored by that beer brand. They wore black tuxedos.

Well, I got chills hearing Minnesota Brass' "Immigrant Song" opener. And that was several weeks ago. Wow!

Every non-profit corporation in America has to file tax returns. Those returns are public information and are freely available on the internet. You can verify the numbers of any drum corps there. There are World Class DCI units with budgets in the 7 figures. For example, SCV's revenue last year was $2.5 million. The Cavs also have a million-dollar budget. Minnesota Brass does indeed run winter percussion and guards. And those budgets are included, but they are small compared to the corps. And besides, winter units generally don't get appearance fees, hence they contribute virtually nothing to the bottom line.

Oh, and a P.S. to the question regarding show fees. If any corps thinks it can fund itself mostly through show fees, they are headed for disaster. Any non-profit, regardless of their focus, needs to have a diversified income stream to weather the economies. Minnesota Brass, Inc. has a budget well into the six figures and is unarguably the wealthiest and most financially stable of the DCA corps. But they do perhaps 10-12 shows a year plus a smaller number of parades. That makes up a minority of their budget.

DCA was around before DCI was, so you can also ask the reverse question. However, there are many DCA corps that have played rare music. I'll just use Minnesota Brass as an example because I happen to be quite familiar with their repertoire. MBI often delves into territory that is not well explored. Playing tunes like The Who's "Baba O'Riley," Kenton's "Aspect," Rich's "Up Tight" Harry James' "I'm Beginning to See the Light" or Ulvaeus' "Bangkok" (all of which I think have only been heard once or twice before in drum corps). HOWEVER, just in the last 5 years alone, MBI has played these tunes that NO OTHER corps have ever done: "Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by Sting "Zero Hour" by Astor Piazzolla "Nefud Mirage" by Maurice Jarre "Soul of the Child" by Tower of Power "Magic Bus" by The Who "Love Reign O'er Me" by The Who In 1998 MBI introduced "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" by Tower of Power to drum corps. Carolina Gold also played it in 2006 I believe. To my knowledge no DCI corps have ever played it. Even back in 1994, MBI was - and still is - the only corps to have extracted the wonderful music from the movie "Memphis Belle." This summer MBI is also introducing Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" to drum corps audiences. And just off the top of my head I recall the Caballeros performing entirely original music. And the Bushwackers have also done original pieces. So I guess you haven't been paying attention.

How big?

That's what I mentioned a few posts ago. And I'm confused (typical ) According to the DCA posted recap here, Minnesota took both horns and percussion outright and did not tie with Bucs. Unless the recap is wrong?

Um, well I'm getting the impression that most people here are disagreeing with a "lack of parity." You may have thought the results were clear, but remember MBI did win both horns and percussion outright. Empire won ensemble brass. The Hurcs won field visual. And yes, Reading ripped past everyone in effect. So its to the benefit of the activity that the Bucs are that good. It results in everyone stepping up their visual programs. I can only see good in this.

Perhaps two original pieces. The show title has been announced to members/alumni. Very appropos to a corps from Minnesota I think. I'm getting the impression they are finishing off the logo and "look" before making an official announcement.

MBI understands this. Half of their 2011 show is original music. And their mini-corps is doing ALL original music.

The only thing you can count on in life is that things always change. The Buccaneers will not always win. And when Minnesota finally takes the title they won't be on top forever either. One day we may be arguing about the Kiltie's "dynasty."

MBI sometimes starts up with a full or near-full hornline. Sometimes not. It depends upon what is considered "full." The percussion section nearly always has to cut people, though they are offered opportunities elsewhere in the corps. Guard is usually full by the time they start full-out summer rehearsals after WGI. Last week I heard about 200 people showed up for MBI's Open House. They did run out of horns so people had to share. MBI may be larger than last year. But anything can happen between now and the season. Numbers always fluctuate in the winter. Best you can do is reasonably target your numbers early and then go out and do everything possible to find (and retain!) people who can fill those spots. *Edit* I should re-phrase. While MBI may be near-full at first, you can always count on people dropping out for one reason or another. That's why you have to actively continue recruiting. MBI strongly encourages members to bring in friends and acquaintances. Those people tend to be more reliable new members because they have a bond with someone already in the corps.

I'm pretty sure they have the rights. But I am more curious about the original composition they commissioned... :)

Minnesota Brass seems to be suspiciously tight-lipped. They've usually announced their show by now...

PLEASE KEEP THE COMMENTS/REVIEWS COMING!!! I was not able to be in Rochester so I am depending upon those who were to offer their candid opinions of the proceedings! Please, do not hold back your observations!

No problem. "Lame and Happy" makes me laugh, though.

I'd appreciate it if no one ever repeated the phrase "lame and gay." That's pretty bad, folks. I don't care if "it's someone else's words." You don't have to perpetuate a nasty stereotype. OK? Thanks, friends!

That's mixed news, Tom. While I mourn the apparent loss of the Crusaders, it's good to hear that the Brigs are working their way back. After all, if a DCA champion is the champion over only a few, what meaning does it have?

MBI does both, as an option for the members. All bus trips are included in the annual member dues. There is a surcharge to fly though.