VOReason

Defintely kudos go to the Cabs as they have put themselves right in the thick again. And kudos to the Cabs for hanging in there, figuring things out and being a competitive force. It just seems like we have heard this tune before. Perhaps it's just a conditioned response.

Hey, 'ya gotta go with the odds here. And not only did Reading maintain their usual, opening contest, 4 point spread....but they again swept the sheets, with the exception of guard. It's definitely an uphill climb against another Reading corps that is comfortably in front. It's like deja vu all over again!

So if 600 folks auditioned, paying an average of $200 in registration and camp fees, and only 150 actually made the corps, that leaves 450 folks who paid $200 to the corps and got scratch. That equals at least $90,000 clear profit for the corps without having to provide any services other than a camp that they would have conducted anyway. That my friends is good business!

And one of these corps actually named themselves the Carver Gay Blades! Yes....times certainly have changed!

Except those June 15th scores were probably the third or fourth shows of the respective seasons!

....except the judge's of course.

Hey, if I had the time, or inclination, I would post reviews. And I have the added benefit of not caring what anyone thinks of my opinion! After all, my opinion is every bit as worthless as yours or anyone else's!

Understanding of course that every DCI World Class finalist, or aspiring DCI World Class finalist, has a completed show at this moment and would likely smoke every corps in Wildwood, including Bucs. And they are complete and at a decent level of clean, while dealing with infinitely more difficult programs.

Can't field a drum corps if the people aren't there either. And can't always expect the paying audience and the circuit to indulge while the corps scrapes together enough people for a reasonalbe facimile of a drum corp. Not to mention wasting the time of a well meaning membership.

With all these coordinators, designers and technicians, it is all so simple that the name of the month even tells you what to do...MARCH! And if all these coordinators, designers and technicians, who have from Thanksgiving weekend through the middle of June to put on an approx. 10 minute marching band show can't seem to have their corps ready, then perhaps they are in the wrong business.

Sometimes it looks dead, but if you poke it, it comes back to life!

Well, it was a smart-### question.

Bottom line is if your mommy and daddy don't have the dime, the corps of your choice don't have the time. Very few teenagers can afford to take the summer off, spend between $5000 and $10000 to be in a marching band, and still be able to afford college.

Empire Statesmen and Cabs Alumni.

I don't really see DCA marketing themselves more toward a younger audience...not saying they don't, but I don't notice it. Any examples? And I, considering myself to be an "older audience member", still enjoy following the activity and attending shows whenever I can. I still enjoy senior drum corps competition, even though the results have been a tad one sided over the past 7-8 years. And I'm sure that once the season gets going, things will start to heat up! I will certainly try to do MY part!

1975-1982 wasn't TRUE drum corps. The pit was grounded, the starting line was eliminated, and horns had 2 valves! You want to field a TRUE drum corps, take a look pre-1970! But bear in mind that no amps, no props, no extreme guard uniforms, etc, may equal no trophies.. And as much as the activity has changed, it still remains a Drum Corps competition.

BTW...how did the Bucs sound?

And you would STILL be wrong.

I don't believe that trashing hotels in the championship host city has EVER worked for DCA. And, like I posted previoulsy...it's not the '70's anymore. And the fact that there was absolutely no Mea Culpa for their actions speaks louder about Renegades as an organization that any restructuring EVER will.

I think the other DCA corps have long since woke up and have come to the realization that, "Gee Toto, I don't think we're in the '70's anymore". Perhaps it just takes some time for the memo to reach the west coast. Hopefully, they get it.

I don't think anyone (at least not myself) is being "anti Renegade". But, you have to admit that their wound has been mostly self inflicted. You can't go getting yourselves kicked out of your only competitive circuit and expect the results to be positive. And there were never any apologies or even so much as a hint of contrition on their part. I certainly do hope they are able to work their way back, but realizing where they went wrong and doing something to correct it, will be a necessary first step.

But, according to the release, they ARE going on a "WORLD TOUR". Of course (in smaller print) they mentioned that the "WORLD TOUR" will be in Las Vegas! They probably are considering Paris Las Vegas a foreign country. And imagine, all this excitement partly because some grown ups just couldn't resist the urge to trash a hotel. Viva Las Vegas!!

I guess Boston just isn't elite enough.

Silly goose! If you read the release carefully, you would see (in bold print), THE RENEGADES ARE NOT FOLDING! They may not have facilities, staff or a show...well, they do have a "volunteer staff" (or close to it)...but folding?...NO WAY!

I suggest you hire a private trainer, nutritionist and sports psychologist.