paradiddle

They could do a loop of 6 shows from La. Miss, Al and then Atlanta - go home - 2 wks off and then do Indy. With a lot of big corps probably 8 corps a night plus the Atlanta big show. This is what high school age kids want and can commit to. They want that DCI experience because that's what they relate to and hear from friends that already do it with others corps like Boston. Remember - they have a big connection with a bus company. Spartans used to do the same when they owned a bus company. DCI takes a different level of corp organization and experience - granted. I think TBT can handle that.

I threw that idea out there 2 years ago while I was with SD when Teal Sound was folding. My opinion is that we would better serve the members and our mission. They all want DCI anyway and we had to sell them on DCA (every year). The big clunker in my opinion is the interference with school. We start earlier in Florida. Then add in the lack of competitions in the radius I can see having an Open Class Corps with limited schedule and probably the big show would be at Atlanta. If funds were available then on to Indy. I do believe in the DCA concept of all age, weekend local drum corps but in Fla. it is very tough. Florida is always a good breeding ground for drum corps members but a Florida based corps has it's own unique problems. Teal Sound was a big success for a long time but I think they should have stayed in Open. Spartans do it well in Open and they even survived a management debacle. The mission of the drum corps should be paramount and always striving in that direction. I don't think its a bash against DCA but a move that will help TBT be a success. Florida may be more successful with one DCA and one DCI corps to satisfy the needs of all. This may also help SD as people will have a choice of direction.

Hey Ray, Good to hear ya. I'm results based on analysis. Less Mini-corps ? cause and effect on some points. Strutta has hit on a lot of other points. The trend is heading to zero.

I guess your right but I think I am really addressing the point of costs for these non-profit organizations and what there mission is. Keeping costs down should be the priority of all organizations who decide to participate in DCA competitions. Maybe I'm just missing the point. What does DCA actually get in return for this? I think we make assumptions that the stadium and services are free or very cheap in exchange. What would be the deal if there was no convention type arrangement? Could a venue be found that would not require this arrangement?

I like the outdoor venue of Allentown and street carnival atmosphere. You just showed up and threw down. When I was with Crusaders Sr. we just picked 20 people and showed up and played in an arc in 99. Next year at Syracuse it was more official with inside venue but still a party. I saw the deal in Rochester in 2009 when I was with the Sun Devils and it was still a party type venue but the hall was tough but still a good time. I don't like the idea of having it at the stadium. I think it should stay as music only with no movement even though when I first saw Ghost Riders do it in Syracuse on the stage it was cute. The more complicated you make it , the less people want to do it. I miss Mass Brass - Strutta, Billy Valley (Airs), Coulson and the whole gang. Fun times... When its not fun anymore, whats the point.

Being management part of a fledgling DCA corps from 2007-2013 I got to learn about the issue of Championship weekend. I went to the DCA meetings in the winter and heard the talk about host city and the "convention" type relationship. To me it came down to if you give us this we'll give you that. The drum corps had to be the conventioneers and plunk down $$$ so that the host city would give DCA a venue and support. This seemed to work for years when the average age was all old school. Now things have changed and I hear the old school people questioning why the big deal. It's a big deal. DCA drum corps has changed and offers the young member a chance to be in drum corps - at less expense, less travel, be at home, all local members, NOT DCI style. I would call it a resurgence of old school drum corps especially for youth and young people. Money is a a big deal. I do not think that the drum corps should bear any burden for supporting the championship venue other than performing. Performing should be the legal tender. It's up to the promoters to sell the product if they want to make a buck to support themselves which in turn gives the drum corps places to perform. I am sure a venue can be found that would be fine and allow the drum corps the option of less expensive housing. ( The housing is the only issue here ). Many corps may still elect hotels, all the alumni's and mini-corps would probably take hotels. We need to give drum corps help in growing and staying solvent. This is a big budget buster for many let alone an issue for members that are still in school. Times have changed and some members don't mind sleeping on a gym floor. Personally I liked Allentown, I liked the street performances of I&E, and the history of drum corps there. DCI does it there ok. Why not DCA? I don't want to get into the share point system because it becomes convoluted to me.

SOLD

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Just to comment on the issue of running a young corps. I do like the Labor Day weekend DCA concept but the young corps will always have an issue with Labor day. As more corps get younger, the kids/members can't do the DCA championships, even college age. I know y'all will have the exception stories but I think the trend will be youth and it will be for kids who can't do DCI. an open class DCI corps in Fla may have a better chance. I do applaud TBT as they are a well run, prepared organization that doesn't try to do more than they can. Survival instincts.

Ebay listing - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160863794879#ht_1486wt_1392 Marching Band /Drum Corps uniforms Made by Ictus 28 uniforms plus 1 drum major uniform Tops only various unverified sizes (please don't ask for sizes - sorry) worn by an adult sized drum corps NO RESERVE on bidding !!!! shipping via Fedex Ground only ******************************************************* Items being sold by the Sun Devils Drum & Bugle Corps DCA - Class A - Competition Corps Florida (Non-Profit 501c3) Sun Devils Inc. Proceeds help our corps with expenses. Buses, fuel, instruments, staff and more. We appreciate your purchase!! We only ship to US - 48 states We only take Paypal Shipping and handling time is 7-10 days from receipt of funds 1470- B Porpoise Rd. Venice, Fl. 34293 ********************************************* We also accept small Paypal donations to our Instrument Fund !! Log on to http://www.Sundevilsdrumcorps.org

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Yes I remember Billy. He lived on Lexington St I remember. Are you in contact with him ?

I have a friend of mine from Dorchester and we raced motorcycles together for years in the 70's and 80's. Then one day in 1994 I said that I had re-discovered something from my youth, drum and bugle corps and that I was joining the Crusader Sr. Corps. and that I needed to find the rehearsal site and I was unfamiliar with all of Dorchester. He said he was VERY familiar and that his whole family was in St. Kevins Emerald Knights. He knew exactly where the hall was in Lower Mills. In his family he was NOT allowed to associate with any Boston Crusaders. His brother was SKEK DM in 62 and my friend grew up as a Chip, Gem and a SK Emerald Knight. Funny that we never knew that about each other.

The Sun Devils are also looking for votes !!! we need a new set of Brass to help our plans for 2012 !! also please share the link with friends Sun Devils Chase Link Sun Devils Vote link

The Sun Devils are also looking for votes !!! we need a new set of Brass to help our plans for 2012 !! also please share the link with friends Sun Devils Chase Link