Joe Steeb

They are a perfect example......Blue Stars changed theyre business structure, opened up they're recruitment pipeline, and brought in some of the biggest and best names in designers to help move them in that direction. Had they not changed that structure, they would probably be in the same position today. Let's also not forget what Blue Stars was before they were Div. II/III.....they were a competitive "World Class" corps.....they simply had to "return"......not that I'm implying it was in anyway SIMPLE.

I hold pioneer very close to my heart....some of the best years of my life. That being said, it was a stepping stone in my personal development, which was the purpose of a Div. II or III corps (Now Open Class). I have ZERO problems with a corps wanting to break free of the "We're here to get you to the next level" mentality....BUT...there has to be some level of self awareness. Pioneer sits within a 5 to 6 hour Drive away from four or five other World Class corps currently in the top 12, with even more just a bit further. Making recuritement TOUGH....not impossible, but tough. This ONE reason alone, is why I feel like Pioneer should be back in Open Class. While many don't like to look at it this way.....drum corps, (World class especially) is a business! Would a business man knowingly open up a small mom and pop shop just trying to get their start, right next door to a nation wide chain....I don't think so. You move across town, build your business.....While I'm not implying Pioneer should up and move (Maybe not the WORST idea either)...I'm simply pointing out that maybe it would be best to except their "place" in the grand scheme of things. As a side note.....I can honestly say I don't know what Pioneer's Foucs is.....are we JUST here to Entertain and have NO care of placement? If that is the case....then who cares what anyone else thinks, and I applaude you! Skip the judges tapes and comments and just perform! But is that real? It seems to me, that it's always easy to claim...."We don't care about winning or losing" when you have ZERO chance of winning. I was a member of that corps when they were winning division II and III....and from what I can tell....the corps "Motto" and mentality hasn't changed.

How about the obvious?.......The short attention span of Audience and Members now compared to before.....We live in such a society of Instant gratification now that everything HAS to change or evolve! I was disgusted the other night watch of few of the Open class corps...smaller of corps....and other people watching we're laughing and making fun of those kids.....Before I think we just simply appreciated what was being performed for us....good or bad....there was an appreciation....now......it's another story!