George Dixon
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Posts posted by George Dixon
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On 1/3/2023 at 8:37 AM, DAYGO said:
Not sure how that is any different from the countless of other corps that reached out to the SCV members, but ok.
it's all about tone and timing, neither was good JMO
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1 hour ago, fsthnds said:
Simple things like releasing the announcement about the "new" corps director 15 minutes after the SCV bomb explodes is just one example of their PR mistakes
Yup. And the old Cadets saying "always look good" flew out the window with the self-serving please to any SCV members wanting a home.
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On 12/28/2022 at 8:16 PM, supersop said:
I feel the passion, but most of it has me scratching my head. There are some big assumptions about needs, plans, vision and stability that have no basis in the reality of actually running a non profit or a drum corps.
Why have an office? Where do new instruments arrive and get stored? Where are camp supplies and admin supplies stored? Does the office have storage? Do they run an online store? Does the admin team and volunteers come in regularly to prep for camps and complete administrative tasks in prep for their solitary program? Does the office cost more than a storage unit?
Answers: It's needed. The Office. The Office. Yes. Yes. Yes. I hear no.
That's barely scratching the surface. Every time I pop on here and read the tearing down of different corps ... I'm astounded at the assumptions made based on a complete lack of information. Bad characters wishing ill will and spreading misinformation fuels panic and tribalism from those who wish the same.
The Cadets will be fine. Santa Clara (I pray) will be fine. And if not ... then the touring model and modern expectations of what should be standard in drum corps will have caused the death of a couple more corps. Times change. Business models change. Staff's change. The activity changes. But, nothing lasts forever. All we can do is our best to keep it going, prospering and staying relevant for as long as possible.
If this move happens for The Cadets and CAE, I hope what they find is a HOME. Allentown has done little to nothing for the corps beyond the original building they were in. This could be a chance to grow roots, create new relationships, generate new revenue streams and put them back in a position where they can run multiple programs in all seasons without having to do it with a skeleton crew and a shoestring budget.
Fingers Crossed. But I still find it interesting that a Letter from a Board Member doesn't have his name spelled correctly. Cincio? Cinzio? Hmmmmmm
yup
I've pretty much lost faith in the organization in the last few yeaars
For me the adult drama has been too much
I hope I'm wrong obviously but I think it's a slow unwind to a folded corps
Erie, PA - hey if it helps terrific, never seemed like a commcunity with much money, but honestly I don't know it well
The Various "factions" seem unable to move forward cohesviley, certainly not selfishly
Have we heard a peep from the new "Director" ?
I have zero fith in the BOD, can't even seem to send an email without various typos
And the behavior of people both inside and outside the organization regarding DB and TA was honestly disgraceful.
If the activity dies it will certainly be because of these impassioned "adults" - the members are NEVER the problem
As you say, hopefully it all works out, and they benefit with more local support. And yes, hopefully SCV is back in 24.
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8 hours ago, drumcorpsfever said:
In light of SCV not fielding a 2023 corps:
DCI on DCI.org looks like business as usual. Other than links to corps news on DCI.org, where is DCI in this? SCV going dark in 2023 is one of the biggest stories for DCI since its inception. This event not only will reduce appeal to the DCI product on the field, but threatens the existence of, arguably, the greatest unit in the activity.
SCV’s woes are not the same of so many corps that went out of business before them.
DCI is on life-support and drastic measures are needed for its survival. It’s time for DCI to break out of BAU operation and transform the activity.
You’re DCI, what would you do?
As others have said DCI "is the corps" > maybe it's time for that to change in some manner. We've seen for decades now, what a powerless "DCI" gets us.
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1 hour ago, Dansize said:
I am saddened by the announcement. SCV was the first corps I really discovered when I saw the PBS broadcast version of finals in the 1987 season. it made me a fan through today, which in turn helped make my kids fans as well. I hope for the best, but am also too pessimistic for my own tastes at this stage.
I am REALLY curious about the silence from across the bay though. Within hours/days of the SCV announcement, many other corps made statements via their social media feeds concerning their feelings on the announcement and offers to help where they could. Those are the things we have come to expect and appreciate in the activity. But I have not seen anything from the BD camp and can't help but be concerned for that silence.
Because remember, BD and SCV were joined at the hip for past (big) announcements. When their open class corps chose to forego any season outside of CA in 2019, they announced it virtually together (same day). When the world class groups chose to skip the non-competitive season in 2021, same thing. Generally the same explanation for both of them. I have friends that speculated that when SCV announced that the Vanguard Cadets were shutting down for the current season that the only reason BD didn't do the same with BDB was due to the profound online reaction to the SCV announcement at the time, and they chose instead to do the "stay-close-to-home" plan for BDB.
In no way would I expect that the blue team has the issues that SVC ran in to that caused this announcement. But a lot of us did not see this one coming either. It's just a weird silence given their history of doing many things together in the past and the mutual respect they seem to have fostered over the last several years.
Probably figuring out how to best benefit from the trouble, ala USB for pennies on the dollar.
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8 hours ago, 2000Cadet said:
I'm fed up with the dramatics coming from adults nowadays.
EXACTLY
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2 hours ago, 2000Cadet said:
I understand. To be honest, I'm a bit worried about this activity as a whole based on what's going on with SCV and the crap that's been going on with Cadets as of late.
yup - two corps w/ what - 17 combined DCI Championships, 1 isn't touring, 1 has constant "organizational drama" > not a great vibe for the activity. The "adults" in this activity need to GROW UP
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On 11/26/2022 at 10:45 PM, Orwellian Wiress said:
I loved Rearview Mirror! Hoping that 2023 has a similar vibe/show design
I also enjoyed the 2022, but I'd love to see something fresh and frankly, more modern. Something unexpected in 2023 please. And PLEASE no voice.
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On 11/26/2022 at 9:05 PM, fsthnds said:
Who is the corps director since Ron L. left and Denise retired?
See no mention of the position among staff and management profiles
The Cadets Announce Corps Director, Key Tour Staff | The Cadets - A World Champion Drum Corps
QuoteThe Cadets are pleased to announce Brian Murphy as Corps Director. “Brian brings creative capabilities, administrative skill, and love for The Cadets to this position. He is a triple threat in the most positive sense, and I am thrilled to be working with him,” said Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim CEO of Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc.
Brian Murphy brings a vast background to The Cadets and has served as the Visual Coordinator for The Cadets 2021 and 2022 seasons. He has worked alongside the corps' designers and caption heads to bring the 2021 and 2022 productions to life. Brian is an alumnus of the 1985 Garfield Cadets and has been involved in the pageantry arts since 1971. Since 2004, he has been judging for WGI as a Color Guard Design Analysis and General Effect Judge. Read more about Brian here.
Jill Updike returns to The Cadets in her role as Volunteer Coordinator. “Jill is just a joy to work with and a consummate human resources professional. I know our volunteers are happy to welcome her back,” stated Ferrence Ray. Jill is a corporate human resources executive, the parent of a Cadets alumnus, and a Cadets volunteer since 2017. She has a wealth of skill and knowledge. Read more about Jill here.
Kelsey Brunson has joined the team as Assistant Tour Manager. She currently serves as the Administrative Operations Coordinator and Graduate Coordinator for the Georgia Tech School of Music. Kelsey has a decade of experience in K-12 music education, and was a member of The Cadets Drum Corps from 2010 to 2012, serving as Front Ensemble Section Leader in 2012. Read more about Kelsey here.
We welcome Emma Wierenga who will also be an Assistant Tour Manager. She is currently the Director of Bands at El Paso-Gridley High School and Middle School teaching 5-12th grade instrumental music. A former assistant drum major of The Cadets, Emma returned to the organization in 2022 as a member of the Administrative Team. Read more about Emma here.
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VERY sad to read this news...
I'm trying to remain optimistic, but honestly worry about a couple others on the cusp. Modern DCI is simply unsustainable at this point, particularly with rampant inflation driving gas and food prices higher and higher
Things need to change. I'm fairly certain they won't. Too much ego involved. JMO.
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8 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:
i saw that performance too! we had the same seats forever...if i was marching i'd go sit with dad when we were done. if i wasn't in my seats for the first corps. I guess knowing the 5 Star team all our lives paid off!
I still remember in 92, Hannum asking if he could sit in our empty to watch Star...well hell yeah! Then Xmen came on, and i asked if he wanted to stay to watch and he said sure...and he laughed at the drum solo, praising his former student's book...some guy named Thurston
90 Star at Hershey is one of my favorite live performances EVER - I remember it like it was yesterday.
Wish that show was still a thing. Of course, I also wish Star was still a thing. That brass line, OMG
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21 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:
well we don't know what we don't know about Tom and Cadets ( except what everyone is talking about, which doesn't support "with cause"). it looks like Shane G had something to do with Tom getting brought into Music City as well. Maybe vetting was done. since transparency and drum corps very rarely go hand in hand who knows.
That's why these sort of swift moves cause ME alarm, everyone is like "oh my god, what a get, Music City is going to be so good" etc. I totally get that. But given DCI and drum corps track record, my response is more WTF than Yes!!. Maybe we should start valuing folks on member feedback more than caption ranking. Problem not practical - but philosophically that sort of approach. Value member experience more highly.
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23 hours ago, contraguard05 said:
The same Academy that has a percussion guy who was put on leave from his university gig? I'm sensing a trend here.
yup - clear pattern
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15 hours ago, IllianaLancerContra said:
I find it interesting that the behind-the-scenes soap opera hasn’t kept them from success on the field.
I mean, right now on paper I would expect them to be BETTER in 2023 than 2022. Yes, it's crazy.
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12 hours ago, kdaddy said:
This is a great point. 21 and under students seem to have a better grasp of right and wrong.
about this sort of stuff absolutely
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12 hours ago, 2000Cadet said:
I think the "military bearing" seems to be gone....within the ADULTS. The members seem to still conduct themselves much better than the adults have within the past few years, and this isn't just a Cadets thing either.
absolutely, 100%
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1 hour ago, BlueStainGlass said:
If you're saying he was fired for complaints that means the process was followed and the complainers have filed a report to home organization and DCI that would blacklist them from teaching. Or the rest would be rumors which a private independent investigation would determine if it's a lie or not.
they're multiple mm stating such on social media, plus parents - so I'm not saying it, they are
and frankly there's others rushing to his defense - so who knows, which was my point
Anyone know why Ron resigned after DB was "retired"?
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9 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:
seems like the guy running the purse strings now has more control of them.
Typically the case, money talks - I do find it interesting that Tom was fired (apparently) with cause (multiple member complaints) and then another drum corps is comfortable hiring him immediately & I certainly wonder if a thorough vetting process was done. I think the competitive pressures in the activity is part of what leads to the revolving door of (alleged) abusers - Joe and he are friends so the "I know he's a good guy" mentality also kicks in. Joe & Hopkins where also close BITD
Is anyone wondering why Ron left after DB was forcibly retired? That honestly worries me a ton - clearly someone with a first hand view of what actually happened is no ok with it. Please enlighten me if you know more.
It's also yet another example of a white male hiring another white male. Did any POC get an interview?
Something is starting to really reek in this activity, I find myself falling out of love with it - and I know I'm not the only one.
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56 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:
i've said it before i will say it again....DCI is one good lawyer away from extinction
yup - which is why they need to launch a similar independent probe
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USA Women's Soccer, athletes at the very height of their sport, in a more niche activity which lacks the intense press coverage of other top sports (sound familiar?) - are reeling from the release of an independent review of abuse inside the sport league:
QuoteThe United States captain, Becky Sauerbrunn, has demanded root and branch reform of elite domestic soccer in North America after an independent investigation found that emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic throughout the National Women’s Soccer League.
“It’s time for those in authority to start being accountable and make players in this league feel safe,” said the 37-year-old Portland Thorns defender after she and her US teammates arrived in London to prepare for Friday’s high-profile friendly against England at Wembley. “The players are not doing well. We are horrified, exhausted and really, really angry.
“We’re heartbroken and frustrated. We’re angry it took a third-party investigation and over 200 people sharing their trauma to get to the point we’re at right now. Passion for the game has been taken away from players because of this abuse, we need to bring that joy and accessibility back to the game. The executives perpetuating this should be gone.”
This seems eerily familiar to the current junior corps activity. Who will conduct a similar third-party investigation of DCI related entities?
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Hang in there! Sending prayers. Best wishes to your sister!
George.
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13 hours ago, MikeN said:
It’s also got like 72 flams in like 32 bars.
you say that like it's a bad thing 🤣
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2 hours ago, Cadet Guardy said:
Exhibit A: Your peremptory demand of silence of someone by basically stating “I told you I was right, listen to me!”.
I mean no ill will, and I sincerely mean that, but I’m going to call out your demeaning and egotistical tone to others each time you reply accordingly. No one here appreciates your dismissiveness or the way you speak to others at times - no one here plans to obey you.
Lets pivot this back to drum corps dialogue now without ego and dictatorial behavior. We don’t all have to agree with one another but our disagreements and/or replies can be communicated respectfully and without fear of attack.
"no one here appreciates" = talk about superior tone, now you speak for everyone?? Geez.
if your post made even a tad of sense, perhaps I'd be offended - nah, I wouldn't.
No matter how many times you insult me, or yell from the roof top - or whatever, firing Cadets entire 20222 guard team makes no sense >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NONE
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2 hours ago, MusicManNJ said:
We need a drinking game on this thread. Every time someone spells Mr. Aungst first name as "Thom" you have to take a drink. It is "Tom" Aungst. Not to be confused with "Thom" Hannum. Although Tom A is a branch of the Thom H percussion tree, he did hot inherit the "h". Now, carry on.
I mean, he uses "Thomas" most of the time I've seen it written, so I guess I just saw others spell it that way and assumed? He goes by "Tom"? Did not know that. I'm definitely in the guilty group of that drinking game 😞
The Cadets 2023
in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Posted
wow people here a cranky - for the timing I FELT the tone was poor. A little too opportunistic, a little too quick. JMO. It's jusy MY OPINION.