Michael S

Even I jacked up my reply with a double "what." Just goes to show you gotta proof that post, and re-proof it.

We all know that sometimes our fingers do not keep pace with the thoughts that we are trying to get down in post. So a typo or two can be expected. However what really caught my eye was. "I am looking to relocate, from where I am currently at." This leaves the door open for some interesting speculation and some really back handed comments depending on who may read it, and who might be in a mood to post. I'm just saying. Some advice: Be as clear and professional as possible if you are in fact looking to make contacts for possible jobs (you never know what icons/gods of the color guard world are reading the forum). You may be able to spin and write incredible work, but you will not get your foot in the door if you cant be taken seriously in the marketing of yourself to those that make the hiring decision.

If I didn't have the pesky day job and still working on my degree at night. I would love to apply for a group like Genesis as an addition to the Color Guard staff. I just wish I had the time available to do a tour with Corps like when I was younger. The grown up responsibilities that get in the way of all the fun stuff.

AMC The Regency 20 in Brandon, FL

Tarpon Springs calls themselves an "Outdoor Performance Ensemble."

If this model works in the "inner city" schools it is only a matter of time before the state adopts the model for all school systems. With that I can see and agree with the idea that many housing sites and practice spaces will be in short supply going into finals week. Think if the model catches on in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, etc and begins to spread nationwide. Then the members that fall into the High school age demographic that will no longer be able to partisipate in the activity. Then the discussion of is DCI a youth activity will make a come back when the average age of rookies is 18 or 19. Even thinking outside of the DCI box. Can anyone see an impact on DCA corps as well? Some do Mini-tours. But will year round schools not be flexible for students that may have to miss a Friday and Monday for travel during the summer months to get to shows. I get that alot of this is speculation and that we can easily go down the slippery slope to the "chiken little syndrome, " where the sky is falling and about to crush Drum Corps out of existance. I do hope that we can agree that with a year round school model that there will be a ripple effect that will be felt in the activity. How big and to what extent is yet to be seen.

Stepping away from the debate of which is better all female vs mixed for guard. I get that in Corps that there is no guarantee of gettting a spot year to year. Just think if you were a male guard member getting pumped up for your age out year and find that the staff decided to switch to al female how you would feel? Especially if you were a mutilple year vet. I have read many a post about loyalty and how some people corps hop or ring chase. It just bites for the males that were loyal and gave the corps their sweat, jammed fingers, pulled muscles, blood and bruises to now have to find a new place to march. Just a male guard persons perspective.

Just keep in mind when designing props and backdrops will it add to the show or are you doing it because you can and to try and hide a pooly written show? I'm not saying that you are going to write a crap show. I have just seen groups both indoor and outdoor (HS marching bands, etc) reply on the window dressing as a crutch to pump up the visual score when the equipment book was weak or the show was just generally weak and had no direction. Or to show off how much cash they can sink into the stuff to put on the field (I'm sure that you have seen those types of programs). Remember the logistics of: Who is going to make them? Will they look professionally done or like a 2nd grade art project? Will you be able to store and transport them? Who will set them up, do you have a small army to get it done so you dont get a penalty for going over set up tear down time? Sometimes less is more and sometimes more is more. It just depends on what you are wanting to accomplish.

2010 shows need more fire baton work and the soundtracks need more cow bell.

You have a couple of option in the Tampa area. You could Check out Florida Brass based out of Lakeland and work on your skills there. Or if you are Determined to march and compete this year while building your brass chops then check out the Sundevils.

I'm using them this fall in the High School show I'm writing. It is a little heavier than a rifle, but is nicely balanced. I think that the kids will take to them faster than a regular weapon. Or I can trick them into more advanced work with out them knowing it.

I'm not sure of all the logistics that would need to be involved, which I'm sure that someone will be able to point out. Would it be possible to try and piggy back or partner with BOA or the local Music Education Association and share contests/venues with the High School kids? Just from a brain storm perspective it would be a chance to get out in front of a crowd, shop for potential members, set up a booth to sell some t-shirts and still get to compete if that is your groups focus. It would be a win-win from many perspectives; 1) getting the word out about the next level of competitive corps (without having to spend a few thousand dollars to be there), 2) building relationships with the music educators in the area, 3) exposing students to a world that they may not have known was out there (in a good way). I think the only hard part would be making sure that there were judges that could judge on that level effectively. Any thoughts, concerns, opinions?

Limited Edition - 89 (Silk/Flag, Rifle) Florida Brass - 08 (Rifle) Genesis - 08 (silk/Flag, Rifle) Acolorguardbear

Florida Brass will be appearing in the Delray Beach Parade on March 15th.

Soundtrack from Alvin and the Chipmunks Soundtrack from Sweeny Todd KC and the Sunshine Band - The remixes Carmina Burana

Maleguena Land of Make Believe New World Symphony Brazil Pieces of Dreams Shangra-La