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Lee: I do believe you know better than some of this! Is this another example of throwing the collective spackle against the wall in an effort to interpret what, or how much might stick? Law School 101. Hey, we get it. I work with Lawyers almost daily and I appreciate what you all do no matter what side of the aisle I may find myself. Just like the Blue Devils competitive success has not ruined DCI, neither has the Buccaneers success ruined the DCA all-age circuit. The last (2) seasons I wasn't on the field in any capacity and I will say this: the Corps in the top (10) were all solid and entertaining. Did you watch the Cabs, Minnesota and Cadets2 this season or last year from your couch? I was fortunate enough to watch them live from about the (48) yard line and I can honestly opine that those Corps as well as the others in the Top (10) have raised their games considerably. They are challenging the members with difficult programs and frankly, it's fun to watch. So yes, I have made the (5) ½ hour trip to Rochester since 2006 (we got very wet that year). I intend on going back next year too. Certainly, there is a combination of issues impacting attendance. I know several individuals in the DCA Administration and they are dedicated people and are working hard to keep up with the marketing side of things and the ever-changing culture in our society. No matter where I travel, I hear the same complaints you are raising here with most other activities: “how do we get more people involved?” “where are the volunteers?” etc.,etc. Drum Corps is not alone suffering from all of this. I'm sorry, it is not the Corps, or for that matter, (1) individual Corps causing the attendance problem! Let's be honest. Most of us participating in Drum Corps in any capacity did so most likely because we love the activity first, however, it would be foolish to suggest it's not a competitive activity and the Corps don't show up to improve on their scores each week. I know you marched in the 1980's, but you have to be aware that there was a (25) year gap in between championships for Reading (1980 to 2005). That's a long time for a Drum Corps and one that was once on top and later came quite close to non-existence. Had it not been for a select number of people who refused to allow the Corps to perish the Buccaneers may have been a memory. To me, those are the true heroes in this activity. We are witnessing those examples at work right now with Corps like the Skyliners and the Sunrisers and several others. If we are to consider your hypothesis, I'd have to wonder which Corps were responsible for those fans who decided not to attend Championships during the 1990's and early part of 2000(s)? Was it the Sunrisers, Cabs, Bush, Westshore, Empire, Brigs? I think not! Frankly, I know there are a lot of fans and former members just like me who attend primarily because they enjoy the activity. Personally, I have attended most all of the DCI and DCA Championships since the 1980's and I continue to go because I enjoy the Corps. I care a lot less about who wins and I find myself leaving stadiums on many occasions before scores are announced. Admittedly, the Bucs have been on a lengthy run. They've worked extremely hard to remain there too. However, if you have been paying attention to the past several seasons, there are a number of other Corps who are right there in the mix with the Bucs both on and off the field. Is there anything that lasts forever? For the sake of argument, should the Cabs win the next (6) to (8) Championships straight, should we blame that Corps? I think not. I happen to like those people! Have you ever visited “The Post” in Hawthorne New Jersey? If you'd like to see some Drum Corps hardware, I would encourage any and all those interested in the activity to visit there at least once! What about Cadets2, Minnesota, Fusion or another Corps I haven't even mentioned dominating future years? Shall we charge any of them with Conspiracy to Commit Ruin on all-age Drum Corps? Asked and answered Counselor! Bottom Line: I appreciate your effort to generate discussion relative to how we can improve attendance! That is healthy. Blaming any one specific Drum Corps is not! David A. Faust (*Disclaimer: my views herein do not represent those of the Reading Buccaneers. I share these thoughts freely and on my own accord and not because I was a former marching member, support staff, fan and/or family member of the Buccaneers). I genuinely appreciate all the Corps and sincerely wish success to all current and future Units alike!

Good for the Hurricanes! Mr. Ruocco is a total Class Act! Best Wishes Carl, Luv ya Man! Stay Safe & Well My Brother, Dave

I'm just flat out...laughing! AND, I'm certain I'm going to pay for it too! Thanks Dan! Dave Faust

To Gary and our Empire Brothers & Sisters: It was an honor, pleasure and appropriate to salute you for your well deserved Honor Guard Trophy at World Championships. Although we compete against each other each weekend, we sincerely value your friendships both on and off the field. To that end, I believe we all do this for the love of the activity and more importantly; the lifelong friendships rather than that medal or trophy. Moreover, it is our privilege to share the same field with you. You and the Statesmen are first class all the time! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you all next year again, or hopefully sooner! Congratulations to all of you on your well earned award. We love you guys! Dave Faust The Bucs

Cabs Alumni a class act both on AND off the field! And man, can they play.........as can their competitive corps! Dave Faust Bucs

Agreed Frank. David is and always has been a class act. He get's it! Although we all compete, it is secondary to the passion we all enjoy. We're all a band of brothers and sisters! Congrat's to you and the Cabs. Well deserved! Keep it up! Can't wait to see the Cabs in Reading! Dave Faust Bucs

I agree 100% Mike! Would definitely go back to the Dog House! Thanks again to John! It was great watching the run with you and Nicko! Dave Faust The Bucs

Took John's advice and went to the Dog House! Great Place! It was outstanding. Thanks John! Really great place for a Show too. Dave Faust Bucs

Very Sad Sam! These kids and others who experiment with this susbtance have no idea the outcome and consequences. Those in the medical field and law enforcement are seeing it in real time. Scary, dangerous stuff! Dave Faust The Bucs

You should be fine there at the Best Western. Your not downtown in Bethlehem, however, the City itself is quite nice and has less crime than Allentown. The Sands Casino is on the south side in Bethlehem. You're probably a good hour from Amish Country, which would be Lancaster County. There are pockets of Amish in the Lehigh Valley, Reading etc., however, the food, farms and attractions for the Amish are in Lancaster County. Enjoy your stay!

There are a variety of things to do in and around the Lehigh Valley. It depends on what in particular you are looking for. Although there are many restaurants and motels in the area, I would recommend you book early as there are typically several major events going on during the DCI East weekend. You may want to check out Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. http://www.dorneypark.com/

I admit my own slight bias here, however, the Bucs have a high caliber of instructional, design and administrative staff. HANK was one of my favorite instructors in 2006 and 2007. A class act of a person and an incredible instructor! I miss learning drill from him! Dave Faust The Bucs

Go get em Walt! Dave Faust The Bucs

Best Wishes Sun Devils! See you on the road. Good stuff JJ! Dave Faust The Bucs

I saw the show live in Rochester! It was incredible! Kudos to Empire, Joey and all involved! This is good stuff! David Faust The Bucs