KCCrown1

You are correct - I totally mistyped that and I could not possibly even speak to the fact that most drum corps are not doing right by the kids. That was wrong and I apologize for making that blanket comment.

I have asked for this forum to be closed along with several others because it is no longer impIortant. I appreciate the people who decided not to totally dismiss my questions - and to pm personally and offer their views. I never said "What I do know is that as a parent I don't think most corps are doing right by the kids". So many of you slammed me for talking about something I know nothing about and yet you condemn me because these are the "facts" I heard and I was trying to get the real story. I would be ignorant if I didn't come to this board and try to get some "real facts" and stories. I understand that most of the people in this forum are total supporters of DCI and I should have realized that before I even posted.

I was going to let this go but could not - do you think I am not aware of the profanity in the world including our elementary, middle and high schools? I believe the title of this is "shouldn't they be held to a higher standard" - in my opinion - yes they should. Drum Corps is about "art". It is expressing themselves. The people who perform in drum corps are terrific individuals and talented musicians. Why are any of you offended that I suggest they be held to a higher standard for that very reason. Did I once mention that all fun needs to be cut out. That they should not be allowed to have fun? What I am talking about is normal every day courtesy that I think it is needed in our world and should begin in those places that affect the youth of America. Obviously many paid athletes, actors/actresses and others are not feeling the same. I guarantee you todays drum corps does not epitomize what drum corps initially stood for. What is so wrong about having members behave? Do you think it would affect the activity? Do you not think it is worth at least looking into? I don't have blinders on to the real world.

Here is your response :) I am glad you had a positive drum corps experience - I am glad you met your spouse and have a wonderful life. I am glad you have a passion for it. Didn't mean to offend how you feel - never said anything similar to what you think I was referring to in drum corps. If I didn't believe in drum corps - I wouldn't even care - the fact that I do care means I think it has a lot of positive to offer. Sorry I worry about the negatives as well. Such is life.

Agreed - thread should be closed - thank you for those who read what I wrote and put some of my fears at ease.

The word "Crown" represents something else in my title - but I do like Carolina Crown and respect the corps as a whole.

Very intelligent response.

Obviously I would not have a problem showering with the bathing suit on - I am referring to when it is not.

Thank you - I will definitely start paying more attention and doing some volunteering.

Thank you - I think I will start paying more attention to an actual corp then what is heard and seen. I will take the next few years and see what happens - at 14 I think she has some time to wait. I will not dismiss her desire to march drum corps and I appreciate those of you who respected my views to at least write the positives and set me straight.

Thank you.

For the record - I am not a newbie at Drum Corps although I did not march. I have been involved for a few years now. I have done my research. I am not an "uptight" mom who needs to let her daughter grow up and experience life. Every one has different values - for those of you who are totally bashin g mine - it doesn't really matter. I never stated that this stu ff happens all the time - I stated certain examples which were concerns.

Thank you for understanding where I am coming from. By the way, I am not an outsider to this organization by any stetch of the imagination. I have been to practices, I have supported several corps and I have been around these youth before, during and after a season of drum corps. True, some of the things I stated were things listed in this forum but many of them were actual events I heard about from the kids themselves. The nude showering seems to be the one getting the most flack - I did not imply they were showering together inside but I heard of several occassions where sections were showering at the school using outdoor hoses. Whether this is male, female or coed it shouldn't happen because it is in the public view.

I respect your opinion - like I said - I am looking at it from a "mothers point of you" not from the youth.

I don't believe I am painting a worse case scenario at all. What I am saying is that corps should keep in mind the audience that attends drum corps events. They are previous marchers, families and high school kids. In my book, profanity has no place in drum corps, revealing clothing and questionable morales should be evaluated. This is not the military where we are training our youth to fight for their life, this is not professional sports where being #1 decides whether or not you can support your family nor is this entity the kids who are fighting for their every day existence and commit crime to survive. This is about pulling together for a common purpose, for performing to the audience, the friendships you form along the way. I am all for that - I think the rest is just what our society has come to and drum corps with the calibur of leadership should be held to a better standard for these talented youth.