MikeySaysWoof

Anyone who doesn't think that Drum Corps is a rich kid's sport needs to have their head examined! I've worked for years with kids from disadvantaged/under-served communities. The cost alone would scare away a significant amount of kids. This doesnt mean that ir's not worth it, you get a great value, etc... It means that kids will self-select to not to participate. This is what often happens in California for kids from low income families when deciding not to attend community college - and you can attend a FULL YEAR of community college in California for under $1,000. It's incredibly expensive to march (and I apologize if the dork economist comes out here) the opportunity cost for students that decide to march is significant - a full summer of wages lost. While the experience they receive is indeed amazing, that doesn't help pay tuition, rent, food, insurance, etc... In order for Drum Corps to survive, something has to be done about the escalating costs. If not, DCI (like many activities/sports currently) will be a playground for the rich.

Hello! I plan on marching Renegades (hopefully!) this year and was wondering how many people from Sacramento will be joining me. From reading the various posts, it seems like there will be many of us, but just curious to see how many of us there are. I'm good for Open House, but was interested in seeing how many people would want to carpool and/or share hotels. I am really excited! Thanks!

I reallly liked their show last year and am excited to see what they do this year. I really, really, really, really, really wish they would also use "Night & Day" from the Polyphonic Spree - I really would LOVE to hear the Polyphonic Spree in Drum Corps! :)

FEVER was awesome this year! Until I saw FEVER's show at Elk Grove this year, I didn't consider Div II/III (now Open Class) "real" Drum Corps. They totally changed that! I remember half way through the show thinking, "holy crap - how could I have been so stupid!" Their guard was AWESOME. Thanks FEVER for helping me see the error of my ways and helping me become an Open Class fan & supporter!!

I plan on going to the Open House!!! I'm 80% excited and 20% nervous. I've never marched before, so I'm not totally sure what to expect. What goes on during the open house? (If it matters, I hope to march guard). Thanks!!!

I thought that they wouldnt need to be reinstated... aren't they still members? They are still listed on the DCI webpage...

I'm really confused... I heard very promising news about CR a few weeks ago, but nothing has been announced yet. Very, very weird... I would think that they will have to make an announcement ASAP in order to have time to recruit. I really wish someone from CR would make an announcement providing insight into the coming year. It's not fair to those who have marched, supported, or volunteered with CR (and for those that hope to in the future).

Did any of the kids from Jester go over to The Academy?

In: Academy & Southwind/Mandarians (the second spot is a tie!) Out: Spirit & Glassmen

I really liked the Bluecoats show. I even bought one of their really cool retro Bluecoats shirts after finals. Crown's show was amazing! The music was great, they moved well, the guard was insane (more on this later), and they were able to connect with the crowd all season, unlike any other corps this season (to steal/borrow a line from the ESPN Broadcast). I have watched Crown's part on the ESPN broadcast so much that my TiVo could probably perform the show. Triple Crown was able to do something that can be very challenging - performing a show that is accessible, funny, and challenging. They took what could easily have been a cheese-fest and took it to another level. IMHO, Crown had the best guard this season. If you watched them closely, every guard's member total commitment to character and the show was fantastic. It was brilliant!! As some else said earlier, I think that Crown just had all of the right pieces and the ability to connect emotionally with the audience. I'm a little suprised at how some people can easily dismiss their show calling it cheesy. Was it cheesy when Cavaliers did the Robot? Or SCV did Phantom? The list could go on and on... I can't wait to see what Crown does next year!!!!

In response to the questions asked.... I am 29 and I live in Sacramento and in terms of what Corps I am thinking about, well... I feel I need to the evil in me come out!! Has anyone heard of anyone in guard giving one-on-one lessons? And thanks to all the Renegades folk for letting me know about the open house in December. I plan on going! ^0^

Hi There! I have a question - I am seriously considering trying out for a DCA/Senior Corps in Guard, but have never been in a guard (or drum corps or band) before. I twirled when I was little and played with my friends flags, but have no performing experience. Would it be possible for me to successfuly join a Sr Corps? I'm a quick learner, but just wondering what my chances are. For those that are/have been in guard what would you recommend I do now to start preparing? Thanks!! ^0^

AWESOME! I still wish that Open Class (bonus point for me for using the new name!) corps that score high enough could compete/perform at Division One finals.

I don't want to fuel a fire, but what happened with RCR? I now live in Sac and was going to join RCR next year - how could a drum corps with 20ish people have so much drama? Can someone give me the backstory? If you dont want to do it here, please private message me. Thanks!

Ditto about Crown. They had such an amazing response from the crowd - and finals was on the other side of the country from their home base and don't have a strong/huge alumni base because of their youth. You can even here it on the ESPN broadcast. And the announcer dude (can't remember his name) even said "This corps has connected with the crowd again tonight" and "the crown has connected emotionally with the audiences across the country this season perhaps like no other corps"