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MusicCityDrumCorps

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    Music City video from January camp

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Check out Music City playing Nimrod chorale at the January camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1UJM1HRzo

    And here's a photo gallery from the weekend: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154062549974448.1073741895.346409099447&type=3

    There are still a few openings in the horn line and color guard. For more info please submit an application on the corps' website at http://www.MusicCityDrumCorps.org.

    Note from Exec. Dir. of Music City

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    In regards to some of the questions asked I'll offer the following thoughts and opinions. ALL corps (not just open class) need performance opportunities and as much compensation for performing as possible. In general I think it should be the goal of DCI to sell as many tickets at as many shows as possible so that the maximum amount of revenues can be shared with the individual corps as fairly as possible. Scheduling is an area that I think could use a fresh approach. For example it may or may not be the best plan to have 20-something of the nation's best corps in San Antonio on the same day. Scheduling possibilities leading up to and following such a day is limited. Corps not part of that scheduling (Music City for example) have no performance opportunities for several days, so are not able to help sell tickets to drum corps shows during that time period. Music City had to travel from Nashville to Oklahoma (too far to travel in one day) just to keep the performance drought at six days. So this was a very expensive trip (the corps received $1,000 to appear in the show), but otherwise the corps would have gone 9 days without a performance opportunity. Members and staff would have gone stir crazy.

    For long term success of the drum corps activity, I think exposing as many people to the activity as possible is important. Putting together show line ups that smaller markets can support would be great. For example, if a wealthy music industry individual in Nashville had been exposed to the drum corps activity once a year when he/she was growing up in small town Tennessee, it would be far easier to seek their support of a drum corps in Nashville. Maybe he/she grew up in a town that could support (meaning the local high school band could make money hosting) a drum corps show consisting of 5 corps who in the previous year placed 5th, 20th, 25th, 35th and 40th. In general I think LOTS more drum corps tickets could be sold (and therefore more revenues generated) if the elite corps were willing to approach scheduling more creatively and be okay with performing for an occasional smaller audience than they're accustomed to. Music City has performed in open class shows where the stadiums were almost empty. That is not positive for anyone.

    Speaking of open class, I don't think being branded "second class" benefits any corps. It is fine if show X in HUGE MARKET, USA includes only the top 10, 15 or 20 corps from the previous year, but the open class designation doesn't help anyone. The thought just occured to me that this thread appearing in the "open class" forum means far fewer people will even see it. On a somewhat related note, the whole notion of judging the open class corps on a different point scale is confusing to fans, members, parents and even the judges I would argue.

    Regarding the role of DCI's executive director, I'm pretty sure Dan Acheson would not want to serve in a commissioner/dictator role. The G7 (I use the term fondly!) have mostly very valid concerns and good ideas in my opinion. They wouldn't field such great drum corps if they didn't have mostly great ideas. I think Dan understands that the best answers are usually down the middle of the road somewhere.

    Lastly I'll add that it was my observation that the experiences of the Music City members were even more positive and they seemed to have more fun than I ever imagined possible. There is something inherently amazing about young people coming together to learn a drum corps show and taking it on the road. I hope the climate changes to one that encourages the growth of such a wonderful activity.

    • Like 7
    • Popular Post
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    Note from Exec. Dir. of Music City

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Hello drum corps fans! This is Keith Hall, executive director of Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. The announcement concerning the folding of Music City can be found HERE.

    After reading some of the posts on a couple of threads here I thought I should offer the following. It is very expensive to operate a drum corps. Music City received a couple of small grants this year and a smaller amount in appearance fees. The corps' expenses not covered by these and the membership fees were covered by a VERY small circle of individuals. Music City has no debts. We tried to time the announcement the best we could for the sake of the members. By the way, I'm the same Keith Hall as The Band Hall which provided all uniforms, flags/guard equipment for the corps.

    On a sidenote, I do not think the open class system is serving the activity well. Certainly the elite corps should receive tons more compensation and receive far more performance opportunities, but the current arrangement is not going to grow the activity. I would like to add that I believe Dan Acheson is providing the best possible leadership for the activity. He has a great vision for the future of drum corps. His hands are unfortunately tied it seems by the unfortunate need to "get along" with certain others. The unflattering posts I've seen here regarding Dan Acheson are unfortunate and uninformed I believe.

    I invite everyone to support the corps or corps (plural!) of your choice. Make a donation, buy a t-shirt or best of all, help them raise money, LOTS of money. Today would be good!

    • Like 18

    Hear Preview of Music City

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted · Edited by MusicCityDrumCorps

    Listen to a recording of El Cumbanchero made at Music City's recent March camp by clicking HERE. The corps will also perform Rapsodia Cubana and A mis Abuelos this summer.

    There is one opening on tuba. At the upcoming camp on April 26-28 the corps hopes to add additional guard members to the 35 already offered contracts. Anyone interested in auditioning for the corps may submit an application at www.MusicCityDrumCorps.org.

    dcp-mcdc-camp-mar13.jpg

    Spring-like weather at Music City's March camp allowed brass and battery to hit the drill field.

    • Like 1

    Music City March Camp Pics

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Music City held a successful camp for brass and percussion on March 8-10. Spring-like weather allowed the corps to hit the drill field. Here are links to two photo albums from the camp on Facebook: Photo Album 1 and Photo Album 2. The corps will hold auditions for additional color guard members at the April 26-28 camp. Interested prospects may submit an application on the corps' website at www.MusicCityDrumCorps.org.

    dcp-mcdc-camp-mar13.jpg

    • Like 1

    Music City: Jan photos, Dec video

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted · Edited by MusicCityDrumCorps

    Music City's recent rehearsal camp for brass and percussion was held January 18-20. The focus of the weekend was to continue with auditions and begin rehearsing El Cumbanchero. The visual staff also spent extensive time with both the horn line and battery. In attendance were 81 brass, 49 percussion and 13 drum major applicants who participated in auditions for three assistant DM positions.

    The corps is still accepting applications for the color guard and horn line. An online application can be found HERE.

    To view a photo gallery from the January camp please click HERE. A link to a highlights video from the December camp can be found in a news article HERE.

    dcp-mcdc-camp-jan13.jpg

    Glassmen go inactive for 2013

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Music City is still accepting applications for the horn line and color guard, and we would be happy to waive the application fee for anyone who auditioned for Glassmen this year. Music City has a shorter season than most, but the membership fee is less as well. The next camp is January 18-20. You can check out a highlights video from the December camp

    . More info and application can be found at www.MusicCityDrumCorps.org.
    • Like 2

    Music City's First Performance

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Music City gave its first public performance of its 2012 show "Phantoms of the Grand Ole Opera" on Sunday, July 8. A very large contingent of family and friends attended the corps' annual dress rehearsal. A photo gallery can be found on the corps' Facebook page HERE. The corps has one opening in the horn line for a mellophone or trumpet player. For more info please call 615-319-2329 or email info@MusicCityDrumCorps.org.

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