NCKamaaina

USD, while a NCAA Div 1A school (West Coast Conference), competes at the 1AA-Mid-Major level in football (Pioneer League). The school has its own on-campus stadium, but it seats roughly 8,000 or so. Not exactly big enough for WC Finals, but maybe an option for OC? I like the idea of hosting the I&E on the USD campus though, or even at the convention center (but they wouldn't need all that space...maybe a local hotel in Mission Valley??). SD is a great place, nice weather, easy transportation, and tons of things to do. But like others have said, the stadium (which folks now simply refer to as "the q") is not the most friendly in terms of distance between the sidelines and the seats. While we're throwing out nice places to visit with great weather and tons of things to do, why not consider Hawaii? Aloha Stadium seats 50,000 and hosts the Pro Bowl every year (well, not anymore, but used to). Corps can practice on a boat heading to the islands, or they could use the flight for extra sleep. Costs to get there?? Um....

Just to add to the absurdity, recall that in 2003 (the first year of the "cream" years and this current regime) crown's "weak spot" was none other than the BRASS LINE! Yep, despite a well-scoring guard and percussion, and a respectable visual score at finals, crown's brass line placed 12th, though the corps placed 10th. Imagine if the administration got rid of the brass staff because of their (the staff's) lack of ability to progress the corps. Wow, can't imagine what the corps would look like today...

Crown 2003: Engulfed Cathedral Cavies 2009: Engulfed Cathedral Shame on you, Cavies. Find your own identity!

2003 was Leon's (and just about the majority of the entire staff's) first year with Crown. The early knocks against crown and their visual package was that their drill or design was not up to par or the caliber of the "big boys." However, the goal of 2003 crown was not to contend for a title, but to contend for a top 12 finish. Period. Since 2003, crown and Leon (and of course the hornline et al.) have steadily raised their game to meet the talent levels of the corps and to meet the demands of a top-ranking drum corps. I think most everyone can agree that the visual package of crown 2009 is now certainly at the level of contending for a medal. Now is it clean enough to warrant a championship? We have yet to find out. The leaning into sets, I believe, is more of an issue of cleaning up the technique; avoid shifting the body weight into the moves. The fast transitions between sets make it difficult to NOT lean into the next set, but that is nothing to do with the design. Note that I said it is difficult, but it is not impossible. For example, many corps have tons of fast and consecutive sets (e.g., HNC, cavies, PR, BD, etc.). The issue with crown, imo, is with their ability to teach to each member and to have it ingrained as second-nature the proper technique of not shifting weight and leaning into sets. I'm sure that is what the visual staff is working on, but they have yet to reach the full continuity that the other corps have. This takes a while to get down solid. Look at BD and Todd Ryan. They look spectacular in everything they do visually, and they have had the luxury of having Todd Ryan with them for so long to really ingrain the technique and philosophy of their marching/visual package. I guess my point here is to give it some time. In the grand scheme of things, 7 years is not that long of a period. It was only 7 years ago that crown's success as a finalist corps was in question. In a few more years, just as the brass program has been able to, I'm sure that Leon and the rest of the visual staff will be able to really drive home the technique and "standard" of crown.

Any idea on Concord Mills? My first time checking this out here in NC. Still not sure if I can "handle" 5.25 hours of this!

Not to get off topic or anything, but I was always told that the more appropriate term for persons with disabilities is just that, "disabled" or even "otherwise-able." A disabled-colleague of mine once told me that "handicap" was a label given to disabled folks who would stand on the street and beg for money or other resources by extending out their hands while holding their caps in the hopes that people would donate some money. To be even more PC, most folks are intentional in distinguishing their disability, thus we have people who identify as "physically disabled" or "hearing disabled" or "visually disabled" etc. OK, sorry for this randomness...back to the topic, I find it disappointing that there will be no on-site parking set aside specifically for fans with physical disabilities .

what time do they normally do ensemble/run through? Hmm, maybe I need to check it out...thanks :)

No no, my days in DCI are long over! More appropriately, I used to march in DCI. I still check out some shows and rehearsals when I can though.

Where in Hawaii are you from? What high school? There have been a few players from Hawaii who have marched DCI in the past. If you don't wanna share here, PM me instead. Thanks and good luck.