craiger59

Set aside the emotional and musical differences many of us have with some of the changes in drum corps the last few years. Financially, massive loads of props not only cost $ to produce but they have to be hauled around, increasing the transportation and fuel budgets. The same for runaway pits. Xylophones and marimbas are expensive, electronics are expensive and heavy. Bringing the maximum member limit back down to 125/128 reduces the number of buses needed. Going to a regional system reduces travel. Changes in all of these areas would reduce costs substantially and (I believe) you still end up with a quality show on the field. We are also looking into ways to reduce instrument costs through rent to own programs as opposed to purchasing sets of horns or drums. Many of these ideas will be discussed at our inaugural meeting in Philly. BUT interest in the Midwest is very important to me, a kid from Kansas. If you can't be in Philly Nov 13th I'd like to have more meetings elsewhere, this is just the start.

I think you forgot to mention who really killed JFK and who actually perpetrated 9-11. DCI is not "behind" anything we are trying to do. They came along just recently. If an organization with an outreach as large as DCI offers the post a press release, again as I said yesterday, we'd be fools not to say yes. I guess I'm stuck in the 70's. I miss the days when there were corps all over the country. The days when kids of all skill levels had the chance to march. We've all been standing around complaining about missing the "good ol days". It's time to stop complaining and do something. If it takes using the resources available to bring drum corps back to those kids we'll use em.

...and grass.

Well you know those pesky polar bears! Maybe that would help keep them from becoming extinct.

Yea. I already changed that about an hour ago. That happens when you don't have a proof reader. My dad was a newspaper man, he'd be disappointed in me.

Ok Some of you asked for more information on DCNA so here goes. This is MY vision, not any official version of what we will do. The inaugural meeting is to get people involved. People who have financial experience, organization experience, etc etc. To discuss vision, guidelines and where to go from here. I began marching in a time where there were drum corps of all shapes and sizes in small towns and big cities all over the country. Everyone got a chance to march, not just the kids who could pass an audition. I started out as a cymbal player and aged out on snare. I would not have been good enough in the present climate. Many, way too many, kids these days will not have that opportunity. When I started we were small (55 member) but we still learned all the important things you learn from drum corps. Hard work, dedication, teamwork, satisfaction of giving your best. Not to mention the chance to make lifetime friendships. We didn't go on long expensive tours. There were enough corps within a 1 or 2 day bus ride. Everyone went to each others shows. Later after we grew and got better we would go on a small tour that ended at DCI and our early morning off the line at prelims. Prelims was usually our last show. I want to see the return of small, "hometown" corps. Corps where the kids are all local kids whose parents can support the corps because it is "theirs". Reduce costs to allow for lower "dues" allowing more kids to participate. I would like to see a regional system. Corps will compete within their regions, discarding the need for long expensive tours. The top corps from each region could move on to a "National Championship". Reduce the max size back to 125/128 thus reducing costs. Allow any corps of ANY size to compete (no too small corps) Reduce the amount of "stuff". It costs money in fuel to haul around massive "Broadway shows" Reduce the size of the pit. Xylophones and marimbas are VERY expensive. They also cost fuel to haul. (personal note, how many xylo's do you need??) NO electronics, guitars, woodwinds etc etc. Use collective bargaining to reduce costs. There is a plan in the works with an instrument company to provide instruments (horns and drums) on a rent to own basis. You only need 4 horns, you don't need to buy 10, just get the 4 you need and pay for those. You grow and need 4 more, get 4 more. By putting these within the rules it helps smaller corps from feeling the "need" to buy equipment they can't afford to keep up with the "big boys". If DCI is "Marchings Major League" I would like to be it's (and I hesitate to use this word) "Minor League". If any of you have been to a minor league baseball game, they are usually more entertaining and cheaper. Again. These are the bones of MY VISION. Our meeting in Philadelphia will be the start of organizing, fully, the vision of DCNA. I've already had an offer to have a meeting in Columbus and I personally would like to have more. Midwest, South, West, Philly is just the start. Craig

Don't change a thing. It's obvious you love drum corps too! Thanks for the advice! I did listen.

If Mexico joins I guess I'll have to get out my Microsoft paint and make a new logo. Oh wait I'm not computer literate enough to use MS Paint. lol

I started marching with the Sky Ryders in 1974. I wasn't that good but that didn't matter, everyone got the chance to march. Now too many kids are turned away because they can't pass auditions for the corps that remain. All I want to see is for kids like I was to have the opportunity to participate in the greatest activity on the planet. You were right to question, I have done that myself, there HAVE been a lot of reasons in the past to be cynical, I just decided it was time to ACT. Your post just shows the passion you have for drum corps.

Thanks for all the positive feedback (well, most of you). If there is enough interest in what we are doing there will be meetings in other parts of the country. The FIRST one is in Philly because that is where most of the interest has been so far. I live in Texas, I marched with the Sky Ryders. All I want is to see is a return of the "good ol days" and to see more kids be able to march and learn to love drum corps as I do. If you are interested but can't get to Philly please let us know. This is just the beginning.

Wow! First, I and the person who helped do the logo will try to meet your high standards next time. The reason the first meeting is in Philly is that is where most of the interest has been so far. I also expect to be in other area's of the country. I live in Texas and have no affiliation with George Hopkins, DCI or anyone else. DCI offered to put a press release on their site and only a fool wouldn't accept. THERE IS NO FUNDING, we are all doing this on our own dime. I will somehow come up with the money to fly myself to Philadelphia for this meeting. Someone tries to do something good for drum corps and this is the response you come up with? That's been the problem, too much complaining and no action. Well, I decided to do something and you can come along for the ride if you'd like.

2010..Off the Sofa and Onto the Field. Looking for all Sky Ryder alumni to perform in July 2010 in conjunction with the DCI show in Hutchinson. Alumni corps is forming now. Send your name and email to Craig at ccoldren@satx.rr.com Also check out the group page Sky Ryders Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps on Facebook.

Sky Ryder Alumni plan reunion Sky Ryder alumni plan a major reunion to coincide with the Starlite Drum-O-Rama to be held in the newley renovated Gowans Stadium July 26th. This contest was a mainstay of the midwest drum corps circuit for almost 30 years. Corps to appear include Carolina Crown, The Bluecoats, Crossmen and the Troopers. The Sky Ryders reunion will kick off with an after show party Thursday July 26th. There will be a family BBQ Saturday afternoon and a reunion party Saturday night. If you are interested please go to starlitedrumorama.org, skyryderalumni.org or contact Craig at ccoldren@satx.rr.com

Alumni turnout is high! Don't miss this HUGE reunion! Don't be the one everyone asks.. "Where is.......? Contact me at ccoldren@satx.com YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!!