Mike78Mello

Once again, the information is IRS filings that are public record, and can be verified online. However, it is balance sheets that balance to zero. On an annual basis income and expenses may be close, but rarely if ever match. The specific point that I am attempting to make is that an Open Class corps can do just fine with a modest budget of $250,000. If the goals is to create a great drum corps that serves the community, it does seem possible. Not everyone needs to create a huge organization with a huge budget, and not every Open Class corps must feel required improve their ranking at Championships every year. It may be that with modest budgets and modest objectives, a drum corps can be sustainable.

* color to quotes added IRS filings for non-profits are public. For 2011 (with 135 members), Music City filed a positive net income of about $40,000--revenue of $251,322 and expense of $211,655. They clearly appeared to have a solid financial model in 2011. What is not being disclosed? It is really the effort? If so, is it not worth the effort to bring the drum corps experience to 135 young people. Other IRS filings for year-end 2011 (calendar of fiscal) that may be of interest: DCI: $9,722,125 revenue | $9,429,827 expenses Blue Devils: $2,686,234 revenue | $3,052,372 expenses YEA (Cadets): $4,158,128 revenue | $4,158,128 expenses Crown: $1,586,936 revenue | $1,586,936 expenses (Note: This is public information, accessible to all)

In the Northwest, the Columbians from Pasco Washington in their first year had a published tuition of $500. They may have only competed in 3-4 shows, but they had about 70 members, and I understand that maintained a balance budget. The Thunder from Spokane Washington, has sustained tuition of about $1,000 for the past several years. With its 80 members, Thunder toured the Northwest and continued to the Rockies to finished the season at Denver. Hopeful more Open corps can exists within their means, even if the tours do not span an entire season, nor end at Championships. The measure of success should be serving the community, not placement at Championships.

I am all for another drum corps! There are some great models on the West Coast (including NW) for Open Class corps that have sustainable prudent budgets,who provide great drum corps experiences for it's members. I envy your location being between accessible shows in both Northern or Southern California.

Most every year, BDB establishes itself as the Open Class corps to beat. I am looking forward to Saturday's Kalamazoo show, which will have all the top Open corps going head-to-head!

Great video! Music City is a pretty full corps. Does anyone know the actual member count?

As an alumnus of the Cascades, I would love to see the corps at 22nd for Prelims, particularly in a challenging year. However, I would give more Open Class corps the edge. Here are my thoughts up to positions 8(30). 1. Blue Devils B (20) <Jersey Surf (21)> 2. Vanguard Cadets (22) 3. 7th Regiment(23) <Cascades (24)> 4. Spartans (25) 5. Gold (26) <Pioneer (27)> 6. Legends (28) 7. Genesis (29) 8. Music City (30)

If it is not a taboo topic, where will some of the World Class corps fit in to the placements at Prelims? (i.e. Pioneer, Cascades, and Jersey Surf)

Herein lies the challenge for Open Class drum corps, and for those of us interested in expanding drum corps. DCI is an association of World Class members that functions for the good of its members (WC corps). There is no fiduciary responsibility of the DCI Board of Directors to consider the interest of Open Class. Unless something has changed recently, there are upper-placing DCI member corps that still advocate fewer drum corps and fewer services to Open Class.

I pose that the comparison to professional minor league sports is somewhat appropriate, yet largely unrelated. Minor league sports teams exists for the purpose of providing a professional training ground for talent before entering the major league. Drum corps are non-profit entities for young people whose purpose hopefully pertains to providing a quality life-leaning experience to youth. I do agree that many members in Open Class corps do strive to one day march with a top World Class corps. I see nothing wrong with that. Particularly for those that intend to pursue careers in arts and arts education. For those students, it may make sense to get one’s “master’s degree” in drum corps, so to speak. However, not everyone will continue on to march in a World Class corps. Finances and summer commitments are two major limitations as to who can march with a World Class corps, particularly as life becomes more serious in the college years. Therefore, I believe that there is room for corps with less rigorous schedules and less financial requirements. We should also look at the different nature of high school versus college. At a high-school age, music and guard is part of a growing experience, not necessarily a vocational experience. Only a fraction of high school students that enjoy participating in music and guard will continue to pursue the arts in college. I feel that drum corps could take a much larger role in shaping the lives of young people, even if the focus is not passing students onto the major league. Mike

These are really good points. In my idealistic world, I would rather see more corps, particularly corps serving an “under-served” market. The “under-served” market being young people in the age-range of 14-18. In my view, the World Class corps are doing an outstanding job of serving young people between 17-22 years old--with what could be termed a pre-professional experience. However, there are vastly more young people in need of summer activities, who I believe could benefit from the experience of drum corps. Splitting recruiting markets, has its considerations. For example, prior to 2012 season I arranged for what has become the Columbians drum corps to receive older surplus brass and battery from the Cascades. There are those that would say I hurt the Cascades in the process. Even though I am no longer involved, I am still pleased to see a new drum corps emerge this year. Corps that can grow to a high level of competition in World Class must still decide on their limits. The real competition is in the financial arms race, which then dictates approximate placement on the field. The budgets do correlate closely to placements. So, whether it is World or Open, every corps must make value decisions of where they wish to compete. Personally, even if I could annually come up with the $2 million that it would take to compete for top honors, I would expect a greater return of value to the community from Open Class corps. With targeting a specific size corps, there is the reality of turning potential members away. That reality may already be common for even smaller corps in their percussion section. We tend to struggle recruiting brass, but have deep auditions for percussion. So, even though it pains me to say, I think regardless of the corps size, potential member may be turned away, particularly percussionist. There is an additional risk for any corps in failing to fulfill expectations. If each year the members expect their corps to get bigger, better, and tour more, but that does not happen, then the potential loss of members can be catastrophic. Over 3+ decades, I have seen this broad member loss occur several times in the corps in which I am an alumnus. Ultimately, I believe that being honest with members and staff about the corps' plans, and at the same time providing a great member experience is the foundation of a sustainable drum corps at any level. However, in my own efforts over several years, I can’t say I have yet to achieved what I believe, with the corps I supported. Mike

I really appreciate the thoughts on Division III. I wonder if others perceive a benefit in having a smaller Class for corps. It was exciting in our NW corner of the country when the Cascades (2000) and Oregon Crusaders (2004) won Division III. Having an attainable goal seemed to be a big boost for those corps. I would rather see more quality 80-member corps than organizations stretching to field larger corps. It is much easier to budget for a smaller corps than for a big corps. It is also much easier to manage a tour for a corps comprised of younger members if the number of members are a litter lower. Mike P.S. For myself, I will better isolate passion from the appearance of anger. Drum corps is a great activity, both World and Open.

In the Northwest, the Spokane Thunder has been very successful for the last several years with a 7-10 day tour. This year the Pasco Columbians followed a similar model. Both corps were very respectable, certainly adding to the shows. City Sound and Impulse are two similar corps in California that have a consistently fielded corps. While these corps my not travel to DCI Championships, they do seem to have found a place in the drum corps community. I wonder if these are unique situations, or if other communities across the nation could similarly sustain a drum corps at a local level?

Does every Open Class corps dream of one day becoming a World Class drum corps? Could it be that the top World Class corps are purely in the entertainment business. In contrast, could Open Class be a destination for corps with the objective to provide young people awesome experiences. Are all corps will to accept the World Class compromise? ...Be willing to forsaken high school students in pursuit to one day having mostly university-age students. ...Be willing to forsaken their local community connections in order to recruit nationally? ...be willing to continual tour for at least four to six weeks? Are there are some great Open Class success modules that don't lead to flailing in the lower strata of World Class?

Why is it that the Open Class forum has become the place for weather reports?

Congratulations. I saw the Columbians' show in Seattle. It was was very respectable--certainly above what I would have expected for as first-year corps. I remember and loved the Columbians from the early 70s. I am glad that the Columbians' tradition continues. I think it has been about 30 years since there were four active drum corps in the Northwest!

There are now 4 drum corps that are active in the Northwest. It hasn't been since the early 1980's since there were four active corps in the NW. In 2002 when the Cascades made the top-12, they were the only corps. I say welcome OC, welcome Thunder, and welcome Columbians. While I would love for the Cascades to be quickly become competitive with OC (yes, friendly rivalries are good), Northwest drum corps is healthier today than in 2002.

I believe that it is a success for any corps to make it on the field. We may all talk about the magnificence of the top corps (I loved SCV's show Saturday night), but for the rest, it is still about shaping the lives of young people through the experience drum corps. The Cascades had a late spring disruption in guard staff. The staff is largely new this year. The corps changed rehearsal locations and recruiting to be back in Western Washington. These can be positive structural changes in the long-run, but there is a recruiting toll to be paid. Knowing the Cascades' Director and some of the staff, I have confidence that the Cascades will make a very respectable showing this season, with Semi-Finals being a reasonable target. This may not be a heady objective for some, but I applaud all corps that persist to compete. (FYI: I counted 36 brass, 7 guard, and a full percussion line and pit.)

For what it's worth, my knowledge and opinions are based on previous involvement on the Board and in management of a "lesser" WC corps. The process to become World Class drum corps requires detailed applications and lengthy evaluations, most often spanning multiple years, culminating in a vote of acceptance or denial by the voting (WC) member organizations of DCI. Once becoming a DCI World Class member it means significantly better access shows and higher compensation, plus participating in the decisions of DCI. To these considerations add concerns about future policies of DCI that could make it harder to become a DCI member. Next, consider sponsorship benefits of suppliers for a WC member. Last, factor in the pre-existing expectations of the members', staff's, and supporters' to retain the WC status and WC tour. Knowing the consideration above, giving up or losing World Class status can be a significant blow to an organization. Getting into WC is hard. Being forced out of WC can kill an organization. Personally, I would like to see compensation and voting membership rights based on the prior year's placement at Championships, with some accommodations of a probationary period to ease corps down in status. Also, making some accommodations for regionally touring corps would in my opinion, allow for more smaller corps and for corps operating within more conservative budgets. Ultimately, I hope that the greater drum corps community finds ways to increase the participation of young people in drum corps --regardless of class. Mike

Until this year, I participated for nine years in helping run Northwest drum corps shows. So, while I am conveying what I know, understand that my knowledge may be somewhat out of date. It's my understanding that this year the Medford show is again run by, and underwritten by DCI. The objective is for the show is to break-even. Remember that DCI is the association of World Class corps that together are supporting the Medford show. Medford is a vital show that links corps traveling from California up to the NW. As a fan of drum corps in the NW, I am grateful that DCI, the city of Medford, and fans supports this show. Without out-of-area drum corps touring the Northwest, the NW DCI shows would not be possible. Three other NW shows (four last year) are together run by a coalition comprised of the three NW corps (Cascades, Oregon Crusaders, and Thunder). Collectively, these corps share in the profits/losses. By combining the shows, it evens-out the financial risks of the shows so that a NW DCI tour can be maintained. To anyone that is a drum corps alumni or a fan of drum corps, consider that every dollar spent for a ticket supports the corps that performs and the continuation of the shows. While we enjoy the entertainment, the ultimate value of the shows is for the performing corps members. June 29, Hillsboro (Portland), OR June 30, Renton (Seattle) , WA July 1, Tri-Cities, WA (locally managed) July 2, Eagle (Boise), ID Is there a report for the Medford show? Mike

I commend the Oregon Crusaders on a very successful year, and wish OC continued success in the future. The more corps and better those corps are from the Northwest, the more assured will be the survival of NW drum corps. Speaking for the Cascades, I believe all our NW corps will work positively together, as we have worked together this year to jointly sponsor the four-show, NW DCI tour. I am also pleased that the Cascades, in a small way, could assist OC by loaning them three tubas for this season. I look forward to healthy competition in 2012 of all three NW corps; the Oregon Crusaders, Spokane Thunder, and the Cascades. Mike Bujnowski, CEO Cascades

Here are a few notes from the backroom of the show operations: To EMTBILL: Thanks for the positive note on the venue. We were bumped from our first stadium selection in early May due to a change in a stadium remodel schedule. Fortunately, the change to Sumner worked out, but there were some tense moments in planning and set-up. Given that we have not had a show in the Seattle area with World Class corps since 2006, attendance was a big question. We were thrilled with a sell-out, plus ~200+ backside/standing-room tickets sold. That makes a great case for keeping Seattle on the tour for 2012. I have a big thanks to the Cadets. They were not originally slated to tour the NW, but they changed their plans to make the trek up here. Their support, combined with the continued support of BK, made the NW leg of the DCI tour possible! Also, the show volunteers give the highest marks to entire Cadets team (members, staff, drivers, etc.) for their professionalism and courtesy shown to everyone. They are every bit champions off the field that they are on the field. On a final note, I'd like everyone to know that the four shows of this year’s NW tour are being run jointly by all three of the NW drum corps (Thunder, Oregon Crusaders, and Cascades). Our corps may compete on the field and we compete in recruiting members. However, we can and are working together for the good of all the corps—keeping the NW tour on the DCI map, plus sharing in what we hope will be a net profit for the four shows. Mike Bujnowski, President Northwest Youth Music Association (Cascades)

The Cascades staff and director are doing the hardcore evaluation of instruments. The director and I (w/Board) will delve into financial aspects. Getting the collection of your (reader) thoughts is super for breaking us (Board) out of the normal financial mind-set. This Forum is great for brainstorming and challenging preconceptions. Mike P.S. Does it seem as thought Dynasty has fallen out of favor? Glassmen appear to be the only top-12 corps using their horns.

Does anyone know of a drum corps marching newer B-flat Kanstals? I've had great experience with the old "G" Kanstuls, When the Cascades made final in '02 they marched "G" Kanstuls. We loaned the same horn to the Oregon Crusaders in '04 when they finished tops in Div III. I've played a "G" soprano with our all-age group, Brass Attack. ...and I love the horns. Mike Bujnowski

I must ask if it's just me or do Yamaha horns sound a little thin? I personally have a Yamaha Custom, which I find lacks the rich tones I favor, thus this could be clouding my judgement on the marching horns. I also date back to the "G-horn" area, which I am sure sways my judgement. So, what do others think of Yamaha and King. Mike