Dennis Saccente

Cab alumni. you make me happy. the fanfare was tight as usual. and the intonation was exceptional. seriously, you're the spitting image of drum corps history and you do it so well. please don't ever leave. DCI needs to have you play at their events as much as possible to keep the memory of what drum corps was years ago. Because you do it all so well. In time, in tune, and exciting. seriously. Who can't smile when they're on the field? they continue to impress me with how well they handle the stupid g bugle. sombreros off to them. They played taps for Red tonight. (a Maynard Ferguson based arrangement) and ACED it. There was no better tribute than what they did. You made me stand up for the entire chart it was so beautifully performed. Chris; Thank You for the wonderful review of the Cabs Alumni, as well as the entire show. Spot On........ One note on our Arrangement of Taps, this is an original arrangement from larry Kershner. He has fine tuned it for us over the years but we all agree this version he completed last year is by far the best ( If you have to use it, it may as well be good ). I doesn't hurt to have this years kind of horses either. Thanks Again !

To All, Thank you all for the response. I would have never thought that 'G' horns were still so popular. This horn was immediately sold via first EMail reply. Kind Regards; Dennis Saccente

I have a Dynasty/DEG 5/4 SuperMag 4 Valve Contra keyed in 'G' Horn is in Good Condition, and plays great. This is a Swiss made Wilson version, not the Weril(Brazil) version being used by Dynasty Brass now. Deep rich sound and great tone. Valves have new positioning keys. I am now playing a Kanstul KCG200(G), and a System Blue SB50 (Bb) 4 valve Tuba. I don't want this Horn to go to waist. Asking $1000.00 EMail contact below, or Post response for Phone. Dennis Saccente cabscontrads@verizon.net Long Island, New York

Your comments are respectfully noted with major exceptions; 1.) look at virtually all of the front running DCI Corps. As I stated, just about all have very successful 'feeder' Corps. Why don't the Cadets? 2.) You are correct, DCA does offer lower 'Up Front' cost of Participation, Schedule related to Geography, and Opportunities but, THAT is directly related to the lack of Tour Costs. Traditionally, DCA members have also absorbed those costs personally. As I stated, 'Weekend Warriors', not Kids. 3.) Let DCA Management correct me if I am wrong but, just changing the name from 'Senior' Corps to 'All Age' does not imply 'Marketed Training Grounds' for students wanting to march DCI. WE are still DRUM CORPS, NOT 'Marching Music Ensembles'. There is a distinct difference between adopted Instrumentation by DCI, and DCA. Mr. Hopkins is attempting to force the issue now that he has been removed from the DCI BOD. 4.) Let's call it like it is.... YEA is a 'BAND' organization, also under the control of George Hopkins. DCA is not A BAND Organization, and NEVER has been. 5.) Lastly, as for your statement about fairness, Since 1969 as part of the DCA, my own corps have not changed the number of hours spent at rehearsal. Yes, day's and hours have changed due to travel constraints and expenses but, they still do not rehearse any more total hours then we did years ago. Mid Week rehearsal has given way to the Weekend camps which I agree in total are just as productive as my traveling from Long Island to Hawthorne NJ ( 2 Nights a week and 1 Sunday a Month during the winter in an Armory somewhere). Summation; My opinion ( and I am entitled to it ) Keep George Hopkins, and his Clout out of the DCA unless the DCA remains in control. Give them ( DCI entries ) there own Division if they wish. That can be considered the 'Marching Music Ensemble Sand Box for experimentation of difference Voicing, and design for the DCA without effecting what made the DCA what it is today. In Time, let it's merits speak for themselves else, move on and create a YEA Circuit in George's image. DRS

I Agree completely. These are all very viable points. To take this one step further lets talk about the competition end of the proposal. The Cadets are not the only DCI corps enjoying this type of annual response. Others will follow upon the success of this attempt at using DCA as the training bed for DCI World Class. Is this the direction DCA wants to go in? How long before DCA is being dictated to by DCI? Granted, there are benefits to opening up our activity to additional candidates who would otherwise be sitting at home, not being able to make an world class line. THIS is a regional issue. The West Coast corps have 'A', 'B', 'C'...etc... within their own Organizations. Why won't the Cadets consider this option? Also, I guess Dick Pronti, and the DCA haven't learned anything after allowing Star United to completely Dominate the Mini Corps Scene. My point is the difference between the average member of a DCA Corps ( weekend warriors' if you will ) vs. the seasoned professional musician. A very different approach from a traditional DCA Corps. To go forward, I submit the only fair way to keep everyone happy would be to create a separate Division for DCI Class entries, regardless of Age, skill level, or experience. Think it over. Any thoughts?

A Parrot Head's favorite place. Viva Duval Street.....

I don't know Rich.... There is something strange about the two of us playing in different lines. We should be elbow to elbow..... LOL

Hi Ray; I wasn't alone in that pile. Lou and Doug Axman. Dan Dayman, Charlie Baldwin ( we all grew up in Farmingdale Vanguards together ), Jimmy Savino, Glenn and Wayne Kabaci, my brother Dave. There was a Van full. No regrets though... Still loven my Hobby

I stand corrected. It was BHOF in Bridgeport, not MCA which unfortunately never came off this year ( unless we can use the DCA Standings for MCA Members? just a thought...). The signature has been corrected. Thanks for the note.

Anybody want to stand next to me? Great Kerchner Charts. A fun show. I will get you up to speed on our own time. My home or yours. Lets do it....

Anybody want to stand next to me? Great Kerchner Charts. A fun show. I will get you up to speed on our own time. My home or yours. Lets do it....

What He Said...... And; WE Can't Wait for Rochester.....

Well Said STC. This is exactly the point. Watch what happens in Bridgeport.