Mason Dixon

I wasn't aware of the plan to kick OC completely out; but to me the non-G7 are the non-auto-qualifiers; they have access to the championship on paper, but in reality, it can't/won't happen. The OC/FCS are actually in a better place, because they at least have access to a championship, even though it's not the "big one".

Is the G7 proposal trying to create a BCS-type system in DCI? Consider the parallels: A subset of the World Class corps is trying to set forth a system by which the rich get richer and have assumed access to the championship each year. In turn, the remaining corps (/conferences) have access in name only; while it may be technically possible for a non-auto qualifier to win a championship, a lot of things would need to fall into place over a multi-year period. While the occasional "Boise State" may crack the stronghold, access to the actual championship is unlikely. To continue the analogy, Open Class plays the role of the FCS (I-AA) schools, with a separate championship structure.

There was some talk earlier in this thread about the shift being to current marching band members and prospective corps members (basically teens and sub-age-out young adults) being the primary audience. To that, I say: Does collegiate athletics market primarily to high school and college-age patrons? No. Save for the actual students at the college (and even they are often and afterthought in the overall financial picture) the focus is not towards luring those fans at all. It's the older, dyed-in-the-wool fans who can afford to make a lifestyle out of it, as well as local fans of the activity. Why would drum corps do differently?

I really like this idea. When someone mentioned Sinatra above, Cavies were the first corps that came to mind for me.

I agree. It's one of those things that makes me cringe a bit like "########," "oriental," "dorm," and other words that have gone by the wayside.

Yes--I did indeed know it's the same material.

I agree. Don't get all chucklehouse once you're done saluting. Keep it Van Damme.

Most of this is lifted directly from my suggestions on the same topic when it was done last year: Crown-It Was All A Dream--they could toy with the darkside with Berlioz' March to the Scaffold as the main theme (imagine that intro with 16 tubas!) and cook a ballad with Sleepwalk. Bluecoats-Gridiron. Building on the success of a sports-themed show back in 2008, Gridiron would pay tribute to their hometown of Canton, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Spirit-Southern Rock. Someone could shout "FREEBIRD!" and actually get it! Blue Devils-Rhapsody in Blue. <--I said this last year and they gave us some in 1930. Give us more! Crossmen-Deep in the Heart--either keep with the heart theme or maket he theme Texas-based, either works. SCV-Russian Easter Festival Overture (Rimsky-Korsakov) Both an artist and a theme at which they could excel. Blue Knights-The Dark Knight--somewhat of a rehash, but base this one on the newer film. Cadets-Bernstein's Chichester Psalms Phantom Regiment-The Empire Strikes Back. Clearly the Holy Roman Empire took a hit in 2008, and then the corps that gave you that empire did this year.And c'mon, a corps all in white with a leader all in black? It begs for it. Jersey Surf-Garden State. Music from Springsteen, Bon Jovi, the Four Seasons, and perhaps even the show Jersey Boys Any corps: Unplugged. No amps, no synths, no narrative.

I was going to suggest MJ, but I couldn't think of what corps I'd have do it. For some reason, Teal Sound came to mind (I guess they did do some of his sister this year)

Chuck the harnesses, throw the snares on slings and high-step it out.

Welcome to the activity, and I respect and agree quite a bit with your observations. I love the individual performances, but expecting "any given Sunday" in drum corps is not likely.

I interpreted that as California or the Midwest (so yes, to answer your question) each of which have a preponderance of corps and a lot of history. While PA/NJ only currently houses two World Class corps, there's a lot of history there as well, certainly from the Cadets but also from the still-active Crossmen, even though they've moved. The Carolinas don't have near the same history in the activity. EDIT: Or, you know, I could let cookie answer the question ;-)

It does bother me, and while it certainly doesn't make or break anything, I'd much prefer it happen, even if it requires a quick break from conducting or is done "in character".

Personally, I'm not a fan of ties. But for all the sports comparisons being made, consider what is used for tiebreakers in much sport. It's not going back and re-evaluating who was leading at the end of the third quarter, or who "won" the most innings. The solution is extra innings/overtime/sudden death/sudden victory/golden goal/what have you. So if we should have a tie in drum corps, the solution? MORE DRUM CORPS!

I'll be there. I was afraid a family reunion was going to keep me away, but a rescheduling means I'll be at NightBEAT once more!