bigdrumcorpsfan1

This isn't a total change. The former program designers were forming the show around the Bartok String Quartet. Permission was granted to use it. Looks like MS has kept it. Good idea. It's a fantastic piece if it's done right.

Talan, you're objective and truly know. Unlike a couple of the very defensive (inaccurate) posts. But, I agree. This thread needs to go away. I care so much about the kids and hope it works out for them. Best of luck to you too, Talan. (I'm pretty sure I know who you are!)

No motive other than honesty. Deception won't help any kids when they move in. They need to know what they're getting into. It can be a long summer. Eyes wide open is always best. Then a person can handle anything and do their best.

Good point and well taken Eric. But, why are you so bitter? Or defensive? hmmmmm. I wonder what your role with MS is. We have been with this corps for awhile and want it to succeed. At the same time it's not fair to the members currently.

Cody, I mean Mempho Vet, many members, parents, BOD, etc. would love to know your background. And yes, I am current with my facts. And truly hope it all somehow works.

I am very well aware of who the visual staff WAS. They are all gone. A few have been approached since leaving but have stayed firm. Anyone on the visual staff now is new. Everyone did leave because they were there to work with a very outstanding visual caption head. They were part of his team. I do hope any new staff hired works out well. The former caption head has big shoes to fill.

Noone really knows why the other two weren't contacted. We were all told that Pam was voted on by the MS Board as ACTING corps director. Until one could be found. Before everyone new it, she had changed her title to Corps Director and made her son the operations manager. Apparently this was a surprise to everyone. She hired herself and her son. I also want us to do well. But, under the present leadership and decisions, it's pretty frightening.

MS, after first granting a few, has decided not to release anymore members.

I agree with you guys wholeheartedly. However, please remember that there are usually very valid reasons staff/members leave especially when it is sudden. As much as people have such a love for drum corps, it's always a tough decision. I have spoken with staff members and many members who want to leave MS (or have) and their reasons are very valid for them personally. Further, and I can't speak for other corps, but the MS staff that left had very little choice and they left extremely relunctantly. They all loved that corps and the kids and had big plans. We all hated to see them go. The members just want to march so they are concerned with reason - which is why they tried to be released. You're correct. This forum won't change the world. It's simply a voice and a way to vent

All support is always appreciated, Randy. But that old saying of the "grass not always being greener" can be true. But, most often these days, it is a lot greener because people use their best judgment and decision-making. Musicians/teachers today are capable of making much better judgment calls for themselves. So, be fair to those who decide to try a new endeavor that is better for them. There is no reason to be defensive nor bitter. Everyone wants MS to succeed.

Sorry. I am new at this. I don't want to air dirty laundry since I am still involved with Memphis Sound. However, I am not happy with things going on here. Randy, you and others are certainly not receiving the full story, only what is desired for you to know. The kids aren't either. And I most certainly won't share those details here. The remaining world champion staff left because they couldn't be a part of things going on. And yes the visual staff is all gone and only one percussion staff member remains (for the time being and only for personal reasons). The other has resigned. Everyone cares about MS. And the members are wonderful. My heart has been heavy. These kids deserve a solid season and they are, in all probability, not going to get it. And it will be to late for them to march somewhere else. So rather than debate what is going on here, let's let MS sort things out one way or the other.