I hate when people get all "if you haven't got anything nice to say".
We have to acknowledge reality and approach the fact that Pioneer has been in the bottom year after year. If we keep ignoring this and shrugging it off, it will take until we have a handful of Open Class corps at quarterfinals this season to provide the reality check to Roman and the administration surrounding him. The fact of the matter is that this drum corps is part of a competitive organization. Part of being in this circuit is to actually be competitive. You can be competitive and still have the summer be about the experience.
You want these young adults to perform at a world class level, you have to use a world class program, a world class staff, world class instruments, transportation etc.The philosophy can't be trying to make what worked in 1990s Division II work in 2011 World Class. It simply won't cut it.
The staff has to be just as responsible as they expect the members to be, from the teaching staff up to the Roman, and they have to remember that they are there for the purpose of educating the members on the field and providing them with the tools to be a competitive member of DCI.
If I make one small suggestion, don't have your banquet the night before quarterfinals, I get the whole wanting everyone to be there thing, but there are plenty of options to explore, so as to provide the best focus and energy for both the members and the staff.
Sometimes you just have to call it like it is and address it. I would love to see this organization be competitive on the field and provide a complete World Class experience to their members. I haven't completely read the recent staff announcements for Pioneer this season, but I hope they address these things and have a successful season.