OU812

I have to agree with Tom in a manner, this was by far one of the worst attendance of Div II/III I've seen in the last 4 years. When I compare Denver, Boston, Madison and Pasadena, DCI as an organization didn't seem to do much about promoting the world championships in Pasadena. However from what I understand, DCI had spent more in advertsing/promotions, organizing the events, countless negotiations with the city, etc. etc. than ever before. But, the results didn't seem to show that this effort and money was spent wisely. I talked with many people who live in the area and all of them didn't know anything about DCI, Drum Corps Competition, what was going on at the Rose Bowl. Even the hotels had to be told about the events. There were no signs in any of the resturants saying Welcome DCI to Pasadena, signage around the college where Div II/III performed, schedules promoted regarding who was perfoming and when. The IE was yet another event that wasn't done well using multiple locations and spreading IE performances and time slots multiple locations which were impossible to get to if you wanted to see certain corps and performers. I don't know what is going on with DCI management and their marketing department. Maybe their "outsourcing" their marketing and promotes to some event management team in India or China. It certainly feels that way. Look at what they are doing for next year in Indianapolis. Div II/III preliminaries with be in Michigan City which is 175 miles away from Indianapolis. This means many Div II/III parents and spectators will have to arrange for multiple hotels, air fares and general travel arrangements if they want to see Div II/III Prelim, Semi and Finals. DCI and Michigan City politicans I'm sure have a handshake and political agreement on the table to have such a mess already planned for 2008. It just keeps getting better Doesn't It !!!!

I don't know wheather to applaud or be concerned. I always enjoyed the SURF in 2004, 2005 and 2006. They were entertaining, innovative and original. However this year, I see a lot of Parking & Barking which is a trademark of ECJ. Surf also seems to be highlighting individual solo performers which was waht ECJ has done. Hmmm, Is Surf now ECJ with different uniforms? As I watched and listened to Surf perform recently, I didn't distinctly hear the music of the Beach Boys. The volume seemed to overshadow the actual music. The colorguard was very good and showed they could move and perform to the intent of the show. The true scores (unweighted) which is what DCI uses in the final tally will be what matters.