ORIGINAL ME 2

From what I understand Esperanza has not only lost teaching staff, they have also lost a majority of their support staff. So, feeding the kids might be exceptionally difficult this year, not to mention getting uniforms fitted, flags sewn, facilities in place, and supplies ordered. Yikes! This coprs is in a bad place altogether. I’m scared for the kids who don’t know any better than to go somewhere else! Let’s recap shall we: 1) Teaching staff issues: - Esperanza has not paid teaching staff from last year - They lost every caption head & staff member from 2006 (some staff had been at Esperanza for more than 4 years) - Esperanza has not announced replacement staff for 2007. 2) Support/Admin staff issues: -in just one year Esperanza has lost & had to replace (or not replace in some cases) their corps manager, booster coordinator, equipment manager, facilities manager, kitchen manager, concessions manager, publicity booster & many more booster positions (check out their contacts page) 3) Membership issues: -Esperanza has had decreasing membership numbers since 2003 - the corps had a mere 20+ horns in 2006 - many of those horns (including die hard members) have auditioned elsewhere or simply do not plan on returning - there are many alumni that have ill feelings toward the director I don’t know the reasons behind all of these issues, but I can speculate. I don’t bring up these issues just to kick a corps when they’re down, I bring them up as a warning to all potential members, volunteers & teaching staff (who apparently also volunteer). Just like Mr. Stout, I too had a great experience in drum corps. I volunteer to pay back a debt & ensure kids marching today have a positive experience just like I did. Let's get real Adam, I don’t think a positive experience is possible at Esperanza in their current state. Another thing, as the Drum Corps activity gains popularity & respect from non drum corps related entities, including media and new fans, DCI should be concerned with the manner that each Drum Corps represents themselves & conducts business. Each Drum Corps is a reflection of DCI. I know that marching members receive information from their directors/corps as to how to act appropriately in public & how to represent their corps. Maybe DCI should have the same talk with Corps Directors. Just a thought…