johnmapes

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I was reading through this topic and found this post quite interesting. I wonder who the only person backing up Adam Stout, up on a soap box about how the activity should be, who knows exactly how Esperanza plans to pay their staff, with an anonymous name, who uses the word folks allot could possibly be?? "Unfortunately, there are too many people out there who think they can make a living off being a drum corps instructor" Your right, what this activity needs is more part time volunteers, that will raise the standards. What does this have to do with this topic at all? I would say unfortunately there are too many directors out there who do not respect the talents and dedication of their staffs, well at least one for sure! "It is a youth activity (and a very small one at that) that is meant to be, first and foremost, about the members. If you want to know what it is truly supposed to be about, look at the volunteers on the cook trucks, the uniform repair folks, etc." It is all about the kids, I mean really it is all about the support staff........ Really? You think this activity is really about the person who repairs uniforms. I think critter put this best. "The first priority should be the safe travel, feeding, and care of the members. Once the show fees arrive from DCI after the season ends, then the staff, gas charge cards, etc. should be paid." There is no argument here. However, you do realize we are having this discussion in March. It's not like we are on tour and I am asking for a check. Show fee checks went out a while ago and I still don't even have returned phone call or any sort of payment plan. Also, if safe travel is at the top of the list, after being caught drinking, why was a member dropped off at the airport with no ID and no money to find a way home for herself? Dosen't seem like safe travel to me! "And, just MHO, if we keep allowing all of these public attacks against every corps that has a person come on here and whine how they were mistreated, very soon there will be no activity left to talk about." It is the organizations of these corps that are doing them in, not the posts. A well ran corps shouldn't have anything to hide. Maybe corps have to learn the hard way to stop "mistreating" their staff and members. The only way you could think I wasn't mistreated is if noneofyourbuisness is not so secretly Cox himself. "Try volunteering for one of these corps before you ##### about them" Apparently I did volunteer this past summer......... "Old saying about "walking a mile in the other guys shoes"." I have an old saying, "ALWAYS PAY YOUR STAFF" John Mapes Esperanza Percussion Caption Head 2002-2006

"If you are teaching drumcorps for the money, you may want to rethink your priorities" Wow!! After all I have done for that corps for the past five years I am getting a lecture about wanting what was promised to me. But your right, I am the bad guy here. Like I keep trying to point out the money is not really the issue. As soon as Mr. Cox found out I was not returning I never received any contact from him whatsoever about being paid. I still have not been given any info at all. He thinks it is alright to just ignore the situation and you support this. There are many other staff members who were promised money as well who haven't heard anything. In fact the only people he paid were the ones he thought were coming back. Is this a coincidence?? Money is the last thing this corps should ever bring up with me. If I only teach drum corps for the money lets brake down a few facts. 2002, I didn't get paid one cent to go on tour by myself and teach pit and battery at the last minute. I did the corps a huge favor and the only expense they paid was my flight. 2003, I took over 100% being at rehearsal once a week, camps and tours. I also took on writing responsibilities with caption head and design meetings added into the time table. I only asked for $1000.00 for the entire season!!!! 2004 (this one is my personal favorite) As I was still running everything for the corps, I also started up the Independent world line. I was designer/program coordinator/staff coordinator. At the end of the year I received a check for $1000, the same amount from the year before with the addition of getting a Independent World line into finals it's first and last year. I was totally down for the cause, I never even said anything. 2005 The next year I got married and needed a little more money to justify my involvement. So I was paid $2000 to do all the tasks. I was always clear that I was to paid last after all the techs. I never bothered anyone about my check. I ended up getting my check in October, a little later than normal, but had constant communication and there were really no problems. 2006, I never asked for a cent until the season was over. Does this sound like the resume of a money hungry drum instructor trying to make a living off a corps??? I think not. "I don't mind paying for a flight to get out on tour or for buying a can of paint. If it helps that kids out, I'll do it." Well Adam most of the staff doesn’t have a day job, this is what most of us do for a living. Also, you signed up as a volunteer. You were not promised a set amount to do the gig. It is a very different situation. "It is easy to vilify a director, but do you really think that someone who dedicates their entire life to helping 100s of kids year after year be part of a great activity like this is evil? " In this case absolutely! I was told to F#$% off and die messaged through an X member. What more do you need! Sorry, Alan Cox is no savior of the children. "Sometimes one side of the story isn't really enough to draw a valid conclusion." I totally agree! Have you ever thought about my side? I would say your post has caused way more harm than good for you. What message is this sending to an incoming Esperanza staff member? I had some of the best times of my life with the members and the staff, but I am so glad to be done with this organization! John Mapes

Just for the record, I have been in touch with DCI every step of the way for the past six months. Dan Acheson has been great with getting back with me but always has the same response; DCI can't really do anything........... Posting on-line has been a last resort of an on-going battle. There are many other people that are being treated the same as me, the only difference is I choose not to ignore it. It's not about the money or going to court, it is all about an organization and a director being brought out in the open. It is quite simple, people should not treat other people like this, and the community should not support this type of behavior. John Mapes Esperanza Percussion Caption Head 2002-2006