Johnny20

They tried to do it again in 1979 with Larry D, but it didn't work really well. Just want to say I have really been enjoying all your comments and Pics. I have been following it for a couple months now.... Great Stuff, Thanks to all of you!

I think the rule would be with regards to being a non profit. Would the performer be considered (under tax laws) profiting from not paying dues? Great question.

Tony....how the heck are ya? I must admit, a lively conversation based on a whine. ( Really, nothing personal) Scholarships were not the norm way back when us old folks and founders of DCI marched. We patched together groups of eclectic people from the mouths of friends in hopes of forming a perfect line, whether it be Horns, Drums Colorguard. Corps have become big business now, and yet foundations for student leaning and achievement. A huge improvement in organizational stability. We lost some small local corps, although with hard work, and solis planning, there will be new ones that form. Some get lost in loathing in their own turmoil while a part of DC, and some just enjoy ride. No matter what, everyone learns something, whether it is about life, or improvement of one's musical performance skills. NOT ONE Path is the same as the other in their experience in DC. I would love to go back and do another year.... Was it hard.... HELL YA, but I understood at the time of doing it that there was no place in the world I would have rather been. Marching with 120 plus best friends with whom I would trust with my life (and did on many occasions). Say what you want, say what you will, Drum Corps is a life changing activity. EEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Hey Blue Stars Alumni.... Do you rememeber Chris Lee and Ron Collins? I think they marched with you way back when? ? ?

Dude... Really??? Sucks being you, eh? When you complete your FULL schedule, and you reflect on what you've accomplished, will you have whine before your cheese?..... Be proud of what you do. IF YOU CHOOSE to run a full schedule, Work, Do Drum Corps AND Fly across the country to do so, then regret it when you are doing it, then how does it satisfy you? It is your choice, and your path that YOU have chosen. Concentrate through it, Don't think too hard on it, Complete it, then reflect on it. Your young... continue to be so, and enjoy every minute of it. Preach when you have learned Brother! If you do not want to pay the dues to be a part of DCI, then don't! It's ok....WE WON"T MISS YOU! If you do, then go about it and be proud of it.... at all costs. You only have one chance! I do understand it is more expensive than what it was in my day, although so is the cost of milk.... Do you think you are the only "MUSIC MAJOR" doing this? think hard friend.... DC has gotten much more professional than when I marched. Your tryouts are harder, the shows much more sophisticated, and the difficulty way higher than when I marched..... and you will be saying the same thing I am 30 years from now. Work hard.....Play Hard.... Live Hard...... Remember the good times, and let go of the negatives! Wish You Luck Brother! jcat

I was one of those whom got the free ride. I worked bingo every other week, (and Chucky Cheese to pay the bills) lived Drum Corps daily and paid my dues. I lived in a crappy apartment with 4 other imports, and our furniture consisted of milk cartons, sleeping bags and a boom box. We ate right out of a warmed up can of chunky soup, and shared everything, including everything a brother would share with one another. When you had nothing, a brother had your back and shared, and you did the same thing for the next brother. We practiced in the park across the street. Thus the word, "camaraderie". I think the kids in DC are more spoiled in how they are treated these days. I remember the 78 Kingsmen eating PB&J's the entire trip home from finals...... The corps was broke. (that is another story though) Hell, now Corps fly places...... I cannot tell you how awful it was riding through Texas during the summer to either get to some show, or back from Championships....... Driving through Texas SUCKS! (especially with buses that had no air) Back in the days you could work and do things to offset the cost of tour. Please understand, Some things in life are not fair...get over it, and train to be one, and you will reap the reward. Don't sweat the small stuff.... immerse yourself into the goal...... being the best you can at whatever you are doing. Live the experience!