Chester85

Let me get this straight. They post a topic on DCP. But they don't want to discuss questions on here Anyway, since many drum corps are strapped for cash and some are scrounging for instruments, I was just curious as to how, aside from Lotto grants, a town such as Brantford can be a sufficient source of revenue for all of these corps. With things to consider such as uniforms, equipment for each corps, and separate well paid DCI and DCA staff (and other staff), I'm sure it must be a monumental burden just to fund this endeavor. I know a lot of Ontario corps would love to know their secret.

Just so long as no one gives me a wedgy. So back to the corps. Has any staff been picked yet? I'm curious to see who's lined up in both executive and instructors.

bedford, hall, johnny: What part of "within the last 15 years" do you not understand? too many people needing to vent. relax. the season is upon us. you will soon get your fix.

Johnny: I said the past 15 years. Therefore, everything you said is irrelevant. The same applies to tenor-whatshisface that kept rambling on about Oakies and Optimists joining (which they won't because they've already tried it with Optimists alumni). But again … that was longer than 15 years ago. Yes there was a brief good moment their with KK. But I was generalizing, and they certainly aren't all going to be lining up to join. It's just the way of things. And I never said any drum corps was not important. As far as I am concerned, they are all vital! BTW Johnny, you got some dates and corps wrong. For the guy who didn't get that you need good DCI corps in the area to create a good DCA corps: What are you thinking? That drum corps people grow on trees? You guys are all so eager to hate, that you ignored the primary intent of my post and, instead, made it personal. You ignored the facts. I could have said it more tactfully, and you would have likely agreed (Vagabond just did - whether you realize it or not). But that's just not me. I dish it out straight. So quit whining and pouting. Division III is where most of the draw will come from. Division III is in a terrible, terrible state these days. The quality of music is just nasty. Getting third is not worth bragging about. Not these days. It's too bad if those involved are too arrogant to believe that. Perhaps if you all accepted a little criticism things would change for the better. As it is, div III is just a primary example of the decline of drum corps, as is all the dwindling numbers in all divisions. As I keep saying, I want this corps to succeed. And I have never said anything to discredit the St. John's organization .Since you're starting from scratch, just leave the ###-kicking to others (for now), and have a good time. If you want to comment on what I have said, I suggest you read more closely what I have written, and do so with an open mind. And also stop quoting me out of context, just so that it suits your purpose to rant about something.

I see that the small Ontario corps instructors are quick with their knee-jerk, defensive response. Again, I'm sorry I hit a nerve. But, I don't need to defend myself or my view. The record speaks for itself. We're talking middle-of-the-road div III, which is not a good thing if you're intent is to kick some ###. And I don't blame the players. I point my finger squarely at instruction. If this corps could compete heavily against current DCA corps, then there would have to be DCI corps in Ontario to draw from. If you look at Renegades as an example, they are made up of largely x Blue Devils and x SCV, including instructors, and even they struggle to get into the top 6 at DCA. So let's be realistic here. I spent a few years in a couple of small - mid-sized corps when I first started out, and the management loved to hype us on how good we were, and how we were robbed at shows when we kept losing. And we all believed management. We all began to despise judges and thought that drum corps was corrupt. All because of management's perspective that was forced on us. But after marching in a couple of top 12 DCI corps, I then realized what the difference was between a good corps and a not-so-good corps. And I realized that I was lied to all those early years. Did they do it out of ignorance or did they just not want to admit they did a bad job with us. And that was TWO separate corps that I was with that did that! It's that ignorance of not knowing the difference between good and bad that is causing the local Ontario corps to think they are all that, despite their record. And, one of the biggest reasons a corps is not good is instructors that just simply should not be teaching or writing. I know there was talent in these corps, but it has never been properly nurtured. So yes, a handful of naturally talented people managed to escape to good DCI corps. Getting out of Ontario, was the smartest move they could make. But you can't expect them all to want to return to the activity. They may have other priorities now. Plus, once you've marched DCI, it's sometimes hard to return to anything less. Consequently, I think this corps is going to end up with a mixed bag, consisting mostly of people who were never taught correctly. This should be a "fun" adventure. If you re-read what I wrote, I was trying to be very encouraging for this new venture. But I was also trying to shed some realism so that expectations would not get unrealistic. That's all. I truly wish the corps the best of success in helping to keep Canadian drum corps alive. I only wish I could be a part of it, but logistics prevent it. P.S. Thanks for the PM's from people who supported my point. And I appreciate that this small tidbit of advice has gotten out of hand, so, since I've clarified my point, I won't disrupt this initial topic by debating it further.

Ohhhhh but I do. And the results speak for themselves. I've watched these corps over the past 15 years and have felt embarrassed for all of them. From recent years of Dutchboy all the way down to HYPE. Often trying to play music way beyond their reach with absolutely no sense of execution and uncertain marching ability. Don't get me started on the HYPE horns from last year with the ad-lib waling - or the drums that, every year, look like it's the first day they strapped on a drum. The only thing I've been impressed with is the guard in some of these corps. BUT, I always believe the talent is there. It just needs to be properly guided. And I believe that the executive of all remaining Ontario corps owe it to the corps members, and to the activity, to find good writers and instructors. Sorry if I hit a nerve.

Absolutely! You're dreamin' ! Look - I think starting this all age corps is really great. But you're drawing from a pool of defunct mediocre div III corps, at best! You ain't kickin' nobody's ###! Not when you're up against X members of top DCI corps. So instead, go out there and have some FUN! But don't start telling the troops that they are going to be competitive, because you'll set them up for a huge let down. And then they may leave in frustration. I urge you to make this about having a good time. Get them excited about just performing again. As an aside, make sure you hire some better instructors than what taught those Ontario div III corps that you're drawing from.