K2SMA

Perhaps that explains why they're not returning phone calls.

Summer 1983 No, I don't remember the month, but it was the Sunday morning after the Crusaders' DCA contest at U of R's Fauver (sp?) Stadium. I was a member of the Archer-Epler Musketeers at the time and vaguely remember being at a party after the contest the night before. Vince had invited me to the Statemen's rehearsal at Holleder (formerly Aquinas) Stadium. I couldn't believe he had started another drum corps! Yes, the corps was rough. But there was a certain indescribable energy. They wouldn't be a finalist until Archie went inactive for the 1985 season. Perhaps it could be said that we kept them out of finals for two years. But the ovations they received after performing in exhibition at DCA finals in both 1983 and 1984 portended their destiny as a crowd pleaser. So thirty years later, it's coming to an end. It just doesn't seem fair.

Jim, I just sent a note to Glen asking the same thing. He's probably beside himself with details pertaining to this coming weekend. I am trying to get scripts and slides in order for prelims. Certainly Glen will get things posted as soon as he can. Now to dig into getting alumni corps announcements together for Sunday...

WNEW? Was that call sign re-assigned to a station in DC? Sorry to be off topic...

The G.A.S. has been active for many years now. I've attended several of their reunions, both in the US and in Canada. But beyond the actual reunion, I'm not sure I understand their purpose. So my question to you is, "What would be the purpose of a proposed alumni association?" As for regional associations, once a purpose is developed, it would certainly make sense for alumni corps to start their own associations in the areas they serve. But beyond supporting the parent organization, there does not seem to be any other impetus to start/create such an organization (certainly not a performing alumni corps) in the DCI ranks, except for special, celebratory purposes. I would appreciate seeing more discussion on this.

The anthems at prelims were recordings of the Canadian Air Force and US Air Force Bands. These are "stock" recordings used regularly at the stadium.

With so many former members of corps #4 marching in corps #5, that could be a difficult question to answer, Fran! Perhaps they will merge again, as they did in '68... Of course, it's not likely that anyone here still remembers that, LOL!

This was one of the BEST moments of the weekend, and certainly of the Alumni Spectacular. I was a bit unsure how this would go when Larry Hershman first brought it to my attention earlier in the show. But thanks to both Paul and Frank being up in the booth with me, it went off without a hitch. There was no reharsal and it seems that everyone was pleased to hear the story - either "again" or for the first time!

Now THERE'S a man with a severe case of withdrawal...!

Yup, all your fault, Tom, for getting me back behind the mic a few years ago. Mr. Pronti also gets some of that blame! Some other comments... I loved Jim's comment about "corpswidth". Most appropriate! As for audio levels, I had no control over that. The level for the stadium audio was set and steady throughout. The level taken for the webcast did seem to vary throughout and I suspect that the control room output level may not have been adjusted consistently during the day. This was handled in the make-shift control room in the un-airconditioned stadium pantry (believe it or not!). This was separate from the "trailer" control room, and I suspect that the pantry may have handled solely the webcast side. Something that, perhaps, Mike Symonds could discuss. I, too, would be interested in the technical details. What I do know is that Mike and his team were in Rochester for nearly a week to set-up the production. Up until about 10 minutes before "air time", no audio was getting to the pantry and there was a mad scramble to make available fiber lines work. In the end, I believe they had to run a separate line. The biggest gaff of the day was mine - the "premature enunciation" during the Long Island Sunriser's performance. The production trailer may have taken their cue from me or else they were fooled, too. I feel bad about that one. Much of the day is now scripted, which keeps everyone busy. I try and keep a stopwatch on everyone but don't always have a sixth eye available to watch the watch. I remember doing that once before back in 1991 (I think?) at a DCNY show in Canastota with the Crusaders at the end of Channel One Suite when they still had Something left to perform. I remember the look I got from Beth - I should have been DEAD! But such is live production. Each year I take notes to try to make each succeeding season better. Having had the webcast available for review has made that process more fluid; an invaluable tool for improving production values. A "machine" behind the mic? Perhaps an old, hand-cranked model..!

The thanks are appreciated, no matter what special Ed says. But it is Mr. Peashey who should take the blame for my presence. :) And I gotta tell you, this was a lot easier than trying to read a spiel AND march onto the field with the corps at the same time! (Good ol' Mac Stadium!)

John, this is a good move and the timing is most appropriate.

Noticed Sunday that Bridgemen weren't "plugged in" - somewhat surprising I noticed anything since I was so busy at the time. Anyway Scott, glad you enjoyed your trip and the shows! It will be quite a few more years until DCA loses its "all acoustic" quality. As some in the know on here noted, electronics has never gone to the floor of the Rules Congress.

Nothing has changed from last year in this regard. The "balance of power" based upon the number of voting members in the regions has not changed. The Govenaires won the vote vacated by the Kilties and Fusion Core now owns the vote formerly held by the Bushwackers. The addition of a southern corps (and, in this case, a new corps) in finals does not automatically give them a vote. Per the changes approved last December at the DCA Rules Congress, DCA votes go to the ten highest scoring North American corps, based upon prelims - not necessarily the top ten open class finalists. This is the first year that any class A corps has received a vote, let alone two of them. Thus, the 9th and 10th place open class finalists don't get a vote as they were outscored by the top two class A corps. I expect many will be confused on this point. POST THOUGHTUS In thinking about this about an hour after I posted it, I'm not sure if this was actually approved at the Rules Congress or if, instead, everyone suddenly came to that realization!

This is a HUGE and WONDERFUL development. And what a bargain! Congrats and THANKS to Gil, Glen, Mike, and the others who have worked hard to put this together and make it a reality.