Hipposduck

I believe I said "the judging panel" did not do anything out of the ordinary. And you know what, Academy lost effect and ensemble by .7 combined. And they won movement and weapons by 1.1. Well in semis, Academy won effect and ensemble by .4 combined and Ventures won ensemble and weapons by .3 combined. So if you want to keep comparing semis and finals, you'll see that Academy was winning effect and ensemble in semis but lost in finals, but no one else is arguing for them? Therefore, the judging PANEL did not do anything out of the ordinary when they gave Academy the medal. I really did love both shows, but I just don't like it when people say that a guard doesn't deserve their placement when judges 3 times gave them a higher total score.

Ok, I had enough. Give me 1 reason why Academy did not deserve the medal? Ventures didn't beat them once the entire championships week, so how can you say that they deserved the medal more? Even the review posted on the WGI forums said that academy "has quickly and rightfully jumped to the top of this class." It's okay, Ventures, you had a great show, but the judging panel didn't do anything out of the ordinary when they gave Academy the medal.

Oh come on...why is there always a "I heard a member of _____ corps say something rude" comment with every corps? Give 'em a break, I'm sure that Spirit said some nasty things when they were beaten out by Academy at San Antonio. Both are world class organizations and should be treated as such, without baseless rumor web judgments. Now, as for the indoor stuff, I would be very interested to see how this does affect their show quality...for better or for worse. I would think this would be the kind of thing that would be best for the off season to keep members in shape.

That is truly sad that any musician would do that to another. If you have no respect for others of your craft, you don't deserve to be in the audience. This is the worst topic I have ever read on these forums about blatant disrespect and apathy. Good bye, drumcorpsplanet.com. I'll try and see past my pompous opinion believing that everyone deserves applause...I was just selfish I suppose.

I can't believe what I'm reading. It is so appalling to read the lack of classy behavior in the stands, and yet the moment a member of a corps acts less than perfectly, these forums jump on them and the corps. No, this is not socialism, this is common sense and to not do so is barbarism. I don't even know what to say. To not clap is the ultimate in disrespect to a performer because you do not acknowledge their presence, much less their hard work. I think it is you who needs to get off your high horses because no one here or in existence is so perfect as to not grant every single performer(in drum corps or otherwise) the respect they deserve.

There is absolutely no excuse to not clap. You acknowledge the performers no matter what. I do not care if you liked the show, hated it, or it made you want to throw up, you acknowledge the performers because it is the professional, moral, and just flat out the appropriate thing to do. To not do so is a slap in the face of both the performers on the field, as well as the entire concept and tradition of performing arts. Those that do not clap should be absolutely ashamed. And yes, it is that important of a gesture. *edited for spelling*

People who marched back in the day of concert features would love to see it return...but newer members of drum corps would probably be turned off by the idea of standing still for a whole song. It's just not a practical idea in the current world of drum corps.

I would also be interested in finding out. Those kids really tried hard.

Does this belong in the DCA section?

My best advise is if you want it done right, you need to take your time. I always marvel at the patience of the Academy organization. They hosted a show locally to gain awareness of drum corps, and a brass and percussion ensemble for about 3 or 4 years (I don't actually know) before they were actually declared a drum corps.

Is there any information regarding attempts made by recently inactive Div 1 corps' to come back for the 2008 season?

No need to be so rude, Tom. Honestly, if Div2/3 wasn't an enjoyable and worth while experience, then it would disappear. Yet it is still here. Yeah attendance is down, but so what? I don't see why you felt the need to bust in here and tell many members of Division 2/3 corps' that they should be writing their corps' will right now. That is EXTREMELY rude and thoughtless. You disappoint me, Tom.

Why is everyone either passionately against them or passionately for them? Can't we just let them do their gig?

What is with everyone? I'm so sick of seeing the "If I don't like it, it needs to go away" attitude on EVERY topic I read. I&E is fun, it's not exclusive to only drum corps instruments, and the members have a chance to demonstrate the amount of talent in their corps. We should be very pleased and equally proud that Drum Corps is a mature enough activity to realize the importance of this event.

I have 1 question to all of the people that don't like the Academy touring schedule. Their schedule was on dci.org long before the season started. Why then, did the complaining not start until recently?

In memory of corps that went inactive recently: D1: Troopers '06 (ressurected, fortunately) Esperanza '07 Magic '07 Kiwanis Kavaliers '06-'07 Capital Regiment '07 D2: ECJ '07 Patriots '04 (I'm probably missing some) D3: too many to count Would you like us to add Academy to this list? That's what would happen if DCI demanded that they tour as much as other corps' in their first couple years of div 1

No, no, I perfectly understand. Your childish retort not withstanding, you should not judge the financial situation of an organization devoted towards music education of young adults unless you are either A: willling to do something about it...or B: an investor that is upset with the results of their investment. I'm pretty sure that you are neither. And by the way...there are only a few people that do not accept them in division 1. I'm pretty sure they would be more accepting if Academy was in 20th place or lower and you pittied them.

I don't see you donating the money to get Academy to Atlanta.

Holy cow. If it wasn't for numbers, I would say that Fever should be division 2. They did beat Vanguard Cadets, afterall. Div 1 is on different sheets, but are div 2 and 3 on different sheets from eachother?

I noticed recently that on the new dci.org, Jester corps isn't even listed in the div 3 corps', even though they were still listed there after they were removed from the schedule. I think that's a really bad sign. Does anyone know if they still plan on going to California during the summer even for exhibition?

besides, there are 4 world champions there... Impulse, Academy, Mandarins, and Kingsmen

Ok, enough already. You're both being disrespectful to the Jester kids by continuing this immature bickering. Let's just agree that we are sorry that the kids don't have someplace to march this summer. It's VK's prerogative (as much as any other corps) to offer the kids a spot that needs to be filled. Their motives are unimportant, what is important is insuring that those kids have the right to march. Music for every child, and every child for music...

A very professional response. But Jester was indeed in exhibition a little last year due to not always having enough members on the field, I believe.

Ok, I'm just wondering, what bright future is there ahead for Jester? Finals is on their doorstep and they are unable to tour this year? They have fluctuated in and out of exhibition mode nearly every season since they began, and they have been accused of some mismanagement towards staff and members. I can't imagine that they are getting good publicity, or returning members from this experience. So, please enlighten us as to how they intend to turn the organization around ever, much less in the near future? Please note that I have not insulted or intended to attack members of the Jester organization, merely the organization itself.

Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves, this is still only a rumor until someone announces something...