joe mama

It's not as much a matter of whether or not the prop itself is safe, but rather what the members are doing on and around the props that represents the real risk. Inspections.would do nothing to address that.

Crown Club opens at 4pm.

Yep, that was indeed me. I certainly enjoyed meeting you guys. Just got home after that long, 10 hour drive. All of the corps were great last night. Here's to another great season!

These are interesting but irrelevant points when you consider the real aspects of managing such a change. Increasing the allowable corps size would create extreme logistical and other challenges regardless of the any corps' ability to afford and manage. Additionally, the vast majority of available housing sites would simply not be able to handle the increased numbers. Acceptable housing is perhaps the biggest challenge to any show promoter. Just ask anyone who has ever managed an event. I've done about 50 and in some areas, it's a nightmare.

I guess I didn't make my point clearly enough. Jim would see the amps as unnecessary. The point is that these lines can absolutely stand on their own merit without electronics. In the overall picture however, I do not believe that these enhancements affect the winner of the Ott award. The best lines are still placing at the top.

As a member of Jim Ott's last hornline, I can tell you with certainty that he would absolutely love what lines like Crown and Blue Devils are doing today. He taught technique and musicality along with power and volume. And while I certainly agree that amplification is largely unnecessary and a huge distraction (IMO), today's lines far exceed anything from the 70's or 80's regardless of electronic enhancement.

You're welcome to join us! In Crown lore, 1991 is officially known as Not BEAT. Darn near killed Crown forever.....

Not really accurate. In 30 years NightBEAT has been rained out 5 times - 91, 98, 03, 11 and 16. With that said however, July & August weather in the south are always a dicey proposition. Indeed this year's weather was absolutely the best.

It would be cool to see Phantom marching 30 contras.... At some point however, you have to consider the shear practicality and logistics involved in things like housing and food. Acceptable housing is now one of, if not, the most difficult challenge for show sponsors and increasing the housing requirements due to larger corps would be tough. Unfortunately, more isn't always the most practical.

You're thinking out of the box and that's a good thing. However, here's the problem with your idea. In almost every drum corps organization the corps itself is the primary income producing component. If you eliminate that for any period of time, the bulk if not all of the organization's income from dues, sponsorships, souvineers, show fees, etc. dries up. Once that happens there would be little to nothing left to save. Although many corps over the years have "taken a year off to get finances in order" most never return to their former standing and many never return at all. Although there are some great exceptions,realistically it's an option of last resort.

This show is definitely on. Official announcement soon, so stay tuned. Joe

I've been a volunteer with Crown since 1990. Your experience is just another special reason that we do this. Glad for your recovery. Joe

In Soviet Russia, Blue Devils' house owned by State.

I am a facility director with a $17 million dollar energy budget and I really don't have any specifics on LOC. Based upon what I do know, I'd imagine that the real cost here is not what is required to open or close the roof, but rather the cost to re-cool the building once the roof is closed again. From what I could tell, the roof stays closed the majority of the time and is probably opened on game days when the weather is nice. A 6-figure price tag seems pretty high to me, but I would certainly expect it to easily be well into a 5-figure amount. Again, I don't know for sure, just speculating. Joe

This would have been my choice, as they will be top 3, hands down. SCV 4th, Cavies 5th.

Sorry, that would not be correct. Copyright piracy is an increasingly critical issue for the activity and no corps are ok with it. If you get caught, the media will be confiscated and you will be turned over to DCI and they will determine whether or not to prosecute you. It's really not worth it and it has a very detrimental effect on the activity. Joe

The show is tomorrow. Come on down and join us.

As an ageout, rookie baritone in Spirit 1980 it could only be Jim Ott for me. Being a "member of age", Jim and I got to be close friends as we enjoyed "pops" and old drum corps records (that's right records) at my apt on a number of occasions. Jim taught me alot about drum corps and was even going to set me up as a marching instructor the following season. I remember him once perusing a newly arrived Drum Corps World (or News) one evening when he came across an article proclaiming "Let it be Me" as the best drum corps arrangement of all time. He was absolutely humbled at the writer's take - a very cool moment. As we approach the 29th anniversary of his untimely death tomorrow, I'd just like to say thanks Jim for accepting an age out in your hornline and being the great friend, arranger and teacher that you were! Joe Rosemond Spirit of Atlanta - 1980

I'll try to explain but I'm afraid it will be a little long winded (sorry). I've run 30+ show over the last 20 years and unfortunately none of these ideas are very practical from a business standpoint. For starters, most shows lose money or break even. They contract with DCI and pay the required show fee. Then they hope that the stars align and allow them to turn a profit. This would entail a good-great lineup, great weather and a good venue with multiple reveune streams (parking, concessions, etc.) Keep in mind the fact that the non-DCI shows are sponsored primarily by the individual corps themselves, local band or civic programs. If bad weather threatens on show day, the sponsor automatically loses sales with far fewer walk-ups. This situation also virtually insures that the promoter will lose money on this years show as well as affect the next year or beyond. If he gives refunds or credits then it's out of his pocket thus reducing his potential profit even further. Just because a show uses DCI for it's ticket sales doesn't mean that it's DCI's money at risk and that a refund, discount or tix to someone else's show can be given. From an insurance standpoint, we've looked into that and it's not worth the cost. For starters, it has to rain a certain amount within a short and specific amount of time leading up to the event. On top of that, you have to pay a certfied meteorologist to validate the results and submit the forms to the insurance company. From there, if your claim gets paid, you only stand to collect a portion of your probable loses. We've even played around with borrowing tarps from a local pro team to cover the field in case rain started. Do you know how much one of those rolls weighs??? Unfortunately the bottom line for these solutions is not practicle from a financial standpoint for anyone involved, the promoter, DCI or the corps. As you're probably thinking well it's really the fan that's getting the shaft and that's true to an extent. But remember, the show promoter's team just spent the last 12 months planning this event and all of their efforts are for nothing? We have more time and money invested in this than anyone. UNfortunately, no one has control of the weather, only how they respond to it. The shows I run have a weather policy in place that we've used many times. In all those years, we've only had one instance where we didn't have marching performances or a standstill. Those of us who run shows realize that money's tight in today's weak economy. Having said that, it's important for fans everywhere to understand that live shows are the lifeblood and major economic engine for our activity. Go to every show you can, bring new fans with you and please have a little compassion when things are beyind everyone's control. See you at a show soon! Joe

Crown 08 HM Spirit 80, Madison 95

If you want great music and another compelling storyline - Les Miserables.

Steve Rondinaro at NightBEAT in Charlotte. Be there!

It's an incredible honor to beat a corps of the Cadet's caliber. Congrats to the entire corps and staff! We are quite proud indeed. A Crown Board Member & 19 yr volunteer

1980 Spirit of Atlanta HM: '95 Madison, '75 27th, '91 SCV