fleurghost

This is poor taste. Obviously nothing came about on this situation. In fact I do believe the "individual" you are speaking of is working in a public school system. Tom, are you part of last years staff and not getting paid? If you are then you should contact DCI and give them your staff contract where you should be paid. But bashing people on a subject that people may not be aware of specifics is not a good idea. ALL I can say is wow...... So much for supporting, I'd also love to know why former admin was so quickly booted out, I am assuming they were not the purist" of souls. You've stooped to all all new LOW

I would say the same thing. There is no need to smile when corps are going through changes. But people have to understand that sometimes there are NECESSARY changes that have to be made. For instance are we sure that the former management of the corps was doing the right things? Or are we basing our thoughts and emotions on the basis that specific individuals are close friends, and that they are the only ones that can make something happen? Either way I hope that Crossmen and Genesis lending supporting hands to their neighbors to the North. It would be a sad day if the corps left the field due to past management and problems.

The following Brass and percussion used by the FORTE DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS is for sale. The equipment is located in the Bowling Green KY area and is available for immediate sale. 5 Trumpets- 475 a piece or 2,375 for the set 2 Mellos- 575 a piece or 1,150 for the set 2 Baritones- 700 a piece or 1,400 for the set 5 Tubas- 2,500 a piece or 12,500 for the set 7 Snares- 375 a piece or 2,625 for the set 4 Tenor- 625 a piece of 2,500 for the set 5 basses 750 a piece or 3,750 for the set 3 Adams Vibes 2,500 a piece or 7,500 for the set For more information call Josh Williams at 606-422-8008 OR Contact Forte at director@fortecorps.org Additional Colorguard equipment is also for sale, all of which was used in the 2011 Field Production.

BRAVO Knight Fire! Do NOT listen to those that are filled with criticism and hate.... When they are able to question, or pull down, and can do so while signing their name, and LISTING the past 5 years worth of support they have given the activity, THEN YOU SHOULD TAKE THEIR WORDS TO HEART! However, you will find they are most likely not even Drum Corps Alumni (if they are I feel sory for the group that they marched with) WE TEACH SUPPORT in this activity.... Not hatred for groups!

NOT TRUE Mr. Blackburn. You know this to be fake, I think I can point out a few people that you've had that are no longer there.... So why come on here and make that statement? You know it to be NOT TRUE!

So what do we do able an 18 year old member and a 15 year old member? DCP has really developed a long list of "foremost authorities" on all situations and subjects. Let us not remember that there isn't exactly a line of people waiting to be poor and take the time to run a corps. I don't think child predators should work with corps, but at the same time, those that hire people have the choice to do so. Convicted criminals work at McDonald's serving Happy Meals to Children, but do we scream that they also should not work? Really sit back and think about it. There is always two sides to a story. How many times have we each heard that someone was "convicted" of a sex crime against a Minor, because an 18 year old was dating a 16 year old, and years later they even got married. But in the end they are guilty of crimes against a minor. This brings back the good old saying that if YOU were not DIRECTLY involved, then you don't know the circumstances. Information literacy also tells you that INTERNET searches cannot be trusted, because nearly 98% of the time what is "reported" on the net is strictly ONE SIDED. I say mind your own, and allow those that run organizations, and usually also fund them, make the decisions. These topics and situations have gotten way out of line, and everyone steps in to cast a stone. Then we say that we've never done anything wrong... Well thats a LIE as we all have. Remember no one is perfect. Have you ever told someone one things just to get out of a situation? Or better yet attended an event and gotten in free when really you should have paid.. PRESTO thats theft, but its okay because you worked with the group early that season? This is all just tooo much anymore. If you want to complain, then ANYONE 18 and above needs to be checked. Members, Volunteers, Instructors, Judges, Bus Drivers, Instrument repair people (who fix horns and such on the road), other "Marketplace" personnel, Stadium workers who also have contact with the kids, fans who come in to see the kids... EVERYONE! Won't happen, so let the individual groups decide.... And support their decisions.

I will say this. There should be guidelines for all staff members whether Admin, Educational, or DCI Judges.... Also Volunteers. But DCI is really just an organization that provides the competition outlet to member corps. Take this into account. SAY JUST SAY, that Phantom was about to fold, and the only way they could stay afloat was to take a $60K donation from someone that had a past conviction, which eventually was cleared off their record, but none the less it was there, and they said that by taking the donation they wanted to be the tour manager for the corps. Now the corps is left with a decision, but who would mandate this... DCI? Would DCI tell Phantom no to hiring their tour manager? because after all WHO hires the staff? And what wold be the consequences, NOT allow Phantom to compete in DCI? Unfortunately this is a touchy subject, and most are right, pretty much EVERYONE has something in their closet. Be that it is Pat S and the beating of his former wife.... Greg O and the issue with harboring a child, Randy B and the violent outbursts against children that cost him HIS teaching license, and the list goes on! I am not sure if there is a clear cut way to deal with this problem. I do know this though, its usually best not to use the internet as a tool to bring the activity down. When something happens, you can be rest assured e-mails happen and everyone that needs to know is in the know! I'd say let them deal with it the best they can, afterall Staff and Volunteers are starting to really show up in smaller amounts now!

Why would something happen. Current WC corps win and loose through the major regionals all year long. Just to switch positions going into Championship week. Even in 08 Phantom was not winning going into finals, they keep surging up there. One performance can beat another on any given night, its call competition and consistency.

So what you're saying is that back in the early 90's IF what you want is a rule stating only ONE corps per organization can be in Finals???? Well heck, what would todays finals be like if Crown nor Crossmen ever made it to finals... THEY were YEA.... Other than that I mean Madison was Southwind as well, but the good old South never made it there, but still....It would have sucked not allowing Crown or Crossmen to ever be up there! Oh yeah and Magic.... They were YEA too right?

Yes not only are they making it cheaper for people to see it all, if they want to, they are packing it to where people don't have to take off the entire week to see it. I think that they also have done the OC a great service. This past year EVERYONE got to perform in the DOME because of several corps not going.... NOW it is a given that all OC's get to do their last show there.... Even if they place out of the top 17. Someone always has to complain..... Everyone is fair and equal now... CELEBRATE!

WELL make sure that they haven't changed the way in which the corps will perform... NO ONE said they would go in "order" Remember Madison's ED saying that shaking up the performance order. If they were smart they would place ONE top 12 between a 13-25 corps.... So if you wanna see the top 12 you also will see the other.... COME ON SUPPORT ALL THE KIDS! Wait for it, Just wait for it, you'll see them do it :) Trust me on this.

Stu if you take a second to READ posts you would know that that was in DIRECT response to individuals stating that crown provides affordable instruments to high schools so what is the LOSS there. THE RESPONSE was IT'S CHEAPER to buy a NEW horn (almost $400 cheaper) than to buy that USED horn from CROWN! What you are trying to imply is that all high schools should exists and buy instruments to support Crown. Yeah right! Crown needs to keep their horn for 5-10 years (since they are professional individuals you can take care of horns) and reduce their fees to make it more accessible. I mean after all since they have sooo much money and such a HUGH company, why not take the BD model and have Crown Cadets? And again to help clarify for YOU..... Would you rather purchase... A USED horn for $1275 or A NEW horn at $880

HERE is the problem with that........ Crown 2010 trumpet for sale at $1,275.00 (USED!) Kanstul G horn BRAND NEW $880.00 The new G horn is nearly $400 cheaper than that of the USED Crown HORN..... Does that clarify for you?

And I can almost BET you that the financial drop of support has effected them. But taking a year here and there off doesn't show that you are a "world-class" caliber program. If it doesn't turn a profit, WHICH IT CAN as I do it ALL THE TIME! Then they need to dis-associate the whole program from the CROWN family. But say what you want, I promise you they are not making smart decisions down there in the "jewel" land. Possibly cut back the outrageous spending and maybe quit acting like competing in Drum Corps is actually a burden on Crown. Well if you wanna see a breakdown, ask them.... They do after all HAVE to make those budgets public. They are nonprofit and really have no choice.

I run one, and I can assure you that the few gold medals that we have won I did it with no where NEAR 80-100K....