Grumpy

While I'm sure it was a very nice presentation, it could have been enjoyed by many more fans if it had even been MENTIONED over the PA, at least even once, at the stadium. Throughout prelims, Alumni Spectacular, and Finals, there was absolutely NOTHING about it, what it was or where it was by either the announcers, a poster or two in the souvie area, or on the stadium screen. To be honest, I had completely forgotten about it but at least the mention of it and where it was, would have probably motivated me to visit.

It was mentioned (more than once) during today's Alumni Spectacular, that there are four Class A corps, ten open class corps and ONE exhibition on the schedule for tonight...they wouldn't say who the exhibition corps is, but I'm guessing Star United as the mini corps winner. They also kept mentioning some kind of "50th Anniversary" tribute beginning at 5 pm...which is likely to #%$$ more than a few people off, as the posted start time on the tickets is 5:30. And now for a completely off topic comment, but Cabs Alumni tribute to Red Corso today was a tear jerker and class act all the way (not to mention a great arrangement and superbly played).

Steak 'N Shake actually has an OK breakfast (the usuals, eggs/meat, pancakes, etc.) for a decent price; Shula's Steak House (was expensive, but one of the best steaks I've ever had) and believe it or not, Hooter's for their hot wings and "ambience" . Weber Grill was also good, and you can't go wrong with Panera Bread if you're looking for a quick bite. Sometimes we will get Panera Bread, put it in the fridge in the hotel room, and have it after the show...no lines!

Many corps also have blocks of tickets in the same section (or close to) FoDCI seats. They will sell what they don't use/need themselves, and as with the others one of the best places is the DCP Marketplace or sometimes just a note at the souvie booth if you happen to go to any shows. You can also post in the DCP Marketplace that you are looking to BUY tickets in Sections (whatever your preference) and those with tickets to sell can contact you.

The only ones I know of that come to mind are more "alumni corps" type of shows, like America's Hometown Thanksgiving in Plymouth, MA or some of the alumni shows in the spring. Occasionally there will be competing corps that participate in some of these, I recall the Kilties coming to Plymouth a couple times a dozen or so years ago, and also DCA corps appearing in standstill at some of the spring alumni shows.

I don't necessarily attribute the changes to Crown; right now, they are looking at and listening to what the judges are rewarding -and then using the tools available and the current rules of the activity to do it better than everyone else (last year) and competitive with the other top contenders (this year). Most of these changes were not even proposed by Crown, but by Hoppy/Gibbs and others. My own opinion is that I am not enjoying DCI this season. Due to some personal circumstances, I didn't renew my FN subscription when it expired this year. I was planning on attending the Lawrence, MA DCI show and figured if I liked what I saw/heard, I could purchase it then and see the rest of the season. I have to say that I was extremely disappointed in the Lawrence show; certainly NOT the efforts of the kids on the field, but the product that they were tasked with performing. Crown was, in fact, one of only two performances that I enjoyed (the other was Blooo). I have sadly come to realize that I no longer enjoy what the activity has become, and to me it is no longer worth it to me to spend what I used to on something I don't enjoy. I will most likely continue to go to one or maybe two shows per year, and most likely will go to the theater for quarters, but that's a far cry from what I used to shell out. I will now look to DCA to entertain me...and if, as many predict, they head down the same slippery slope as DCI, then my memories and videos will be all I have left. I wish the corps and DCI well, and to those who enjoy the product that DCI has become, I hope you continue to enjoy and get amazed and entertained...just not my cup of tea anymore.

The thing that keeps coming back to me about this, is the continuing lament on many of the DCI posts that the "touring model" has essentially killed off more than a few corps. Let's be realistic, the cost of travelling is significant and although it would be nice, many corps don't have the financial resources to make it a priority. The second thing that comes to mind, is that DCA is a weekend activity for participants. Of course there are rehearsals and so forth during the week, but if you have a major trip planned, the majority of your corps needs to have the flexibility to get the necessary time away from commitments like jobs and family for the extra time required for longer trips. The bigger the corps, the more prominent the issue becomes. Let's not give the corps any more issues to deal with than the ones they already have. Though it's not perfect, Rochester as the championship locale DOES have a lot going for it that other areas simply don't. First off, the area knows what drum corps are and more than a few key people in the political and local tourism industry are very aware of the economic benefits of hosting us...and make it a point to make us feel appreciated and welcome. There are tons of hotels and restaurants to choose from. The venue for the mini corps and I & E is probably the best we could hope for. The stadium, while not perfect, works well; we don't have to worry about schedule conflicts with local football programs, it drains well (and I think those of us who were there during Ernesto can attest to that!), there is a fair amount of parking close by and a nice selection of concessions that don't require you bring an armored car with you, and good sightlines from almost anywhere. Finally, it seems like a good central location for most of not only the competing corps, but other equally important participants like the I & E, mini corps and alumni corps. I went to Annapolis the past two years, and although it was OK, I'm glad we're not going back this year. FWIW, just because an area seems to have some exposure to DCI doesn't mean a whole lot in terms of DCA-there isn't as much "crossover" as there used to be, especially as DCI has gravitated away from "traditional" drum corps by adding electronics, any key instruments and their shows tend to be more design driven since that is what their judges reward. What was already a niche activity has divided itself even further.

I heard from one of the corps directors that Paul had a death in the family...my condolences to Paul and his family. I REALLY wish they could get the PA system in that stadium fixed...there are problems with it EVERY year, and the same held true for the few years they held Mission Drums there too.

I'm not sure if things have changed in DCA in the past few years, but a while back I was involved with an alumni corps and the Alumni Spectacular was by invite only (due to time constraints with the stadium needing to be cleared for the night show, only so many corps could perform), and none of the participants received any kind of performance fee. So, unless you got an invite and were willing to spend your own or your corps' funds to get yourself there, you were out of luck. Good luck to the Centurions, hopefully you will at least appear in mini corps? and look forward to seeing you in 2015 on the field!

DCA isn't just "old farts" any more...for example, C2 comes immediately to mind but I would say that the trend in DCA has been getting younger as the shows are becoming more sophisticated...especially the guard and drill. I also think that many DCA corps now recognize this and have adapted to make both younger members and their parents more comfortable. I was involved in an alumni corps for several years over a decade ago, and we had to establish some ground rules even then to protect younger members as well as ourselves (specifically the policy on adult beverage consumption).

I am staying at Residence Inn in Greece (about 20 minutes from the stadium). There is a Courtyard directly behind it (Music City Legends used to stay at that one), and probably another 4 or 5 hotels within a half mile radius...also, lots of good restaurants in the area from Olive Garden and Outback to Red Lobster, Perkins, Five Guys and several others. I have stayed here every year that championships have been in Rochester except once, when we couldn't get into that one and stayed at another Residence Inn in the area.

FWIW, I purchased a sop from one of the most reputable stores in the drum corps community several years ago. I had it shipped because by shipping to my NH address, the store did not have to charge sales tax on the item (NH has no sales or income taxes). The shipper happened to be UPS, who left the package on an open rear deck of the house, no signature, when no one was home at the time of delivery. If I had not been raised right by my parents, I could very easily have claimed that I never received said package and ended up getting another sop compliments of UPS. Due to that incident and another totally separate one involving UPS, if I ever have a choice between UPS and any other method of delivery I always choose the other method.

If those are the unis, I'm hoping for a large turnout of females for this year's corps

Perhaps they should have kept it in Lawrence instead of moving it to Lynn...sad that there won't be a DCA show within shouting distance of northern New England.

I never said ANYTHING about "mandating" it. All I said is that I would like to see it as a way of a corps honoring our country and the sacrifices that were made to enjoy the freedoms that we do. If a corps decides not to do so, that is their decision. It's just MHO. Just for the record, I doubt that any of the honor guard participants of today's DCA corps consider it to be a "waste of their time" and I'm sure they pay the same amount to march in their corps' honor guard as any other marching member of their corps. Which DCI corps members are responsible for carrying the colors when the corps performs in a parade (nearly every time I have seen a corps in a parade, the corps has an American flag line)? I am asking because I honestly don't know.

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I really wish DCI corps would include an American flag section in their field show much the same as most DCA corps. I see no reason why our flag shouldn't be on the field for each corps' performance.

I have seen/heard the Anthem performed by individual singers, individual buglers, alumni groups/corps and brass ensembles of competing units and by recording. The important thing is that it is played and that we should all take pride in our country and remember the sacrifices made by those who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms that we have. We should also show respect when the anthems of other countries are played in honor of their participants. My thought on why we don't always have corps/ensembles playing the Anthem may lie in logistics. Not all competing units are in close proximity to the stadium at the time the contest begins, especially the last few performing corps and not every show has alumni or all age corps participating. My experience has been that the show organizers will have the Anthem performed by corps/ensembles if they have them available.

I didn't see Mission Drums/Lawrence, MA in there either

For those who may have missed it, they got about 40 seconds (sounded and looked good!) and Neil Patrick Harris talked over about 20 seconds of that. As for the two hour infomercial comment, that's EXACTLY what this is...I'm a confirmed Disney fanatic and even I'm about to change the channel. Merry Christmas to all!

I have seen absolutely NOTHING in the forums about Plymouth this year...anyone? Anything? Inquiring minds want to know...

Just received my blue rays today via UPS (I REALLY wish they didn't have to get shipped through them!). I got mine through FN and live in New Hampshire. My plans for this weekend just changed!

It would have been nice if this had been publicized a bit sooner...ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF US WHO ALREADY PURCHASED TICKETS IN ANNAPOLIS!!!!!

Loved the videos! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE hurry back to DCA, I would love to you see you "live" again!

Anybody know what's up with the Syracuse Brigadiers? Been kinda quiet lately on their status...