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Here is an update for Pioneer from the newly updated/re-created website: Staff Announcements for Pioneer Is this the right step? Mr. Case is a nice guy, but is this a step forward? No offense, he has many years of experience, but I am looking at corps names of corps that havent been around for decades! This quote can be read in manhy different ways: "Corps Director, Roman Blenski, says that the appointment of Larry Case is a perfect fit for the corps. His familiarity, talent, knowledge, and personal experience in every area of the corps activity is a definite asset that will be to our benefit. His strong work ethics and personal commitment exemplifies Pioneer’s Corps motto, “Better Every Day!” I am not trying to be a flame-baiter, but to me it sounds like they might have found the right yes man for the job. I do pray that they will be heading in a step that will continue to build and grow. I personally don't think that this is it. Prove me wrong! PLEASE!

So...what are some of the "good things" that you mention our dear webmaster?

ah well. Another great year MBI! 2nd place again! How to you stop the train that is known as the Bucs?

I too, as an alumn, am willing to help where and when I can. I do not have major finances, but can help if needed. I am willing to help Pioneer stay around for a long time. I believe that Tom and John both have valid points here. Money does help in all aspects as does vision. But, great intention but poor execution does no good! Alumi do need to get involved in some way. I am willing to be a driver next year for a week or even just a ferw days or hlep make a meal or two. Whatever, to truly make Pioneer Better Everyday!

I say bring it to Minneapolis. TCF Stadium is a great venue, minus the tornado and strong rain. Good seating, nice weather, great people. I would not be opposed to this at all. Plus, it is only about 45 minutes away from me.

Geez! I did not mean to start a hot topic that would get some so riled up one way or another. I really think that there are some good ideas. Now, it is to just share them with care to the right people. Who knows, maybe assist with them, as well. Will any corps be perfect? No. Will there always be issues to deal with? Sure. Would Pioneer be better if Hoppy took over? The world may never know. I do appreciate all of the input though from everyone. I am curious why it seems like everyone, myself included, has an opinion about Pioneer, but not about Open Class. Maybe you do? So, what about corps in OC that struggle (for lack of a better term) also like, sorry Ripper, Blue Saints? What or how should they change things up? I know that they are in a remote area and have limited resources too

Well put!

I didn't see anything that was 'risque'. Geez! I was thinking about a boxer runthrough also. That was nothing!

All in all, am I disappointed that Pioneer did not finish higher? Of course, as I am sure every fan is. BUT, I am very proud of Pioneer starting to make some changes, hopefully, for the better. Whatever happens, Pioneer just needs to continue to look up. This could mean many changes down the road with staff, equipment, transportation, unis, music, themes, etc. I think that most of us would agree that we would just like to see Pioneer continue with forging ahead instead of taking any steps back right now. I know that it is not all about scoring, but, it helps. Even just from a morale standpoint as a member, when you are constantly getting beat up by other corps, it does put a damper on your spirits. What is the next step? How do you go from a year that had so many people looking up and very proud of the kids to, unfortunately coming in last again. Remember, I am just asking questions. I am not blasting anyone. I love Pioneer! I think that they are a great organization and only want the best for them. So, there have been many posts on what Pio should have done this year, those for and against them. But, what do you feel Pioneer really needs to do to, as some put it, to "be competitive"?

On and ever upward Pioneer! Keep it going! Get those Mandarins and Teal Sound!

I know that we would all hope that this isn't the case, and I have not been at every show, but COME ON ALREADY! When you have other corps that are "outperforming" by 5-25 points? There has been so much hype, so many good things that are coming from this program this year with the different unis, music, style, outlook, etc., this is really frustrating as a fan! I just hope that the kids are not as frustrated as we are. I am not in any way bashing any other corps, I feel that each corps is busting their behinds out there, but this point generation is just getting ridiculous! I have not seen Pio since Minneapolis, and we all know that there are elements that could be improved, but to really regress in points? I could see one show with harsh judging, where most corps at the show would too, but this bites. To all Pioneer marchers, staff, parents, alumni, friends family and others: Even with all of this, I truly believe that Pioneer is a class act organization, run by a great group of people, and strive to be Better Everyday. I have said this before and will say it again, I will hope that my kids will march someday and that it will be with Pioneer. Do not lose hope, because no matter what happens, I feel that, personally Pioneer gives one of the best experiences around. We love you and will continue to support you. With all of the other comments that I am reading on this post, I think many others do too! Keep entertaining audiences, keep educating students, keep enriching the lives of youth and thier families! Thanks Pioneer!

I had the pleasure of seeing Pioneer in Minneapolis, and I have to say, that as an alum, I will be honest, I didn't care if none of the other corps performed, as long as I got to see Pio. Was there dirt? Yup! Were there places that they have to clean? Most def! Did I enjoy the heck out of the show? HECK YEAH! The 95 show was my favorite up to this point, but I think I have a new show to love! I was sitting with my wife, now I am gonna sound like a wuss, but I actually teared up when I saw and heard them come out with their first big blast of music. I had goosebumps too! My wife looked at me and told me that I was a dork, but she also knew how proud I was of Pio taking this step. I, too, hope that someday my kids can be a part of the Pioneer family so that they can understand what I mean when I talk about the positive experiences that I had with them. Better Everyday my Pioneer brothers and sisters! I do have one concern from the MN show though: NO SOUVIE STAND! I was waiting to get some cool Pioneer gear and there was nothing. I have to say, as others felt the same, I was a bit disappointed. Oh well!

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You are welcome!

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Just a heads up, if you haven't heard yet, that MNDOT will be closing I-94 completely between I-35W and Hwy 280, beginning Friday night at 10:00pm and lasting through 5:00am Monday. Please click the link below for a map of detours. Driving detours for "The Bank"

Just a heads up, if you haven't heard yet, that MNDOT will be closing I-94 completely between I-35W and Hwy 280, beginning Friday night at 10:00pm and lasting through 5:00am Monday. Please click the link below for a map of detours. Detours to get to "The Bank"

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Great story! Way to go Channel 8!

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I came across this website to show you the view from your seats, so you know what to expect: TCF Bank Seat View All you do is punch in your section and row and it shows you what you need! Very cool! Have fun all! See ya there!

Good luck Pio! Show looks great & unis look great! GO Get'em! Better Everyday!

Whoever goes to Naperville and any other show...please take pics and pst them here for all of us that won't have the chance to see our Irish (at-heart) brothers and sisters!

I like all of the input, thank you! I am curious, though, as to why a corps like Blue Stars or Troopers, can be out and then come back even stronger than ever compared to a corps tht continues to field every year. I know, there is the philosophies and such, but what makes a group like Blue Stars or Troop so much "better" for a lack of a term than Pio? Is it because of the talent pool that they are going after? Since they are not really local corps anymore, like most World Class? We know that there is plenty of talent on Pio, but do Blue Stars have an "it" factor? Is it the age of the students? I have heard instructors, show design, tradition (Irish), but I am really surprised to see a group, let's say Troopers, come back and do fairly well. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. Also, do some corps have a "slotted" place? Would you ever expect Cavies or BD or Phantom to be battling with Mandarins or Cascades or Pioneer for position? How can Mandarins be better, since they have about the same numbers each year and they play pretty much the same style music! Anyone for a taiko drum?