Staxrocks93

Thanks sdstar for posting those links. I didn't have a chance the first time around to read the second article which was awesome too...... this whole Drum Corps thing is true. It really is amazing experience for both child and parent!

Icy Hot goes a long way too!

I have absolutely no idea why this posted twice........

My son marched for the first time this year. As I was reading some old articles I came across a letter that was published written bya mother in 2007 about her experience of letting her 16 year old daughter board a bus for the summer and how people reacted. As I read the letter, it was like it was written by me. Having a husband who marched drum corps in the early to mid 80's he knew what to expect. The day I dropped off my 16 year old, 190 pound son and left, I was so completely overwhelmed, it was almost too much to bear......as we drove home my husband was convinced I wouldn't make it through the night. Well, not only did I make it, my son did too. Though we saw many shows throughout the season, when we arrived in Indy on Thursday I saw what I thought was my son in an arch practicing........ I had to look 3 times because this not so chubby, but kind of chubby 16 year old kid who left 75 days prior, was tall, lean, tan and I must confess the most beautiful thing I ever laid eyes on!!!!! Sure we hit bumps and my son learned that separating darks and whites is not necessary........ but as he walked through the doorways of his high school this past week, he was a different person, not only physically, but an all around stronger and more confident person! Many people question this sport called, Drum Corps and for those people who say, "oh yeah, your son was at marching band camp", I now laugh. Right...... marching band camp..... if they only knew. Please parents........ support your kid in their pursuit of this wonderful activity. Sure it is expensive, but the rewards are priceless....... not only for your child, but for yourself! Congratulations to everyone who ever marched.......!

My son marched for the first time this year. As I was reading some old articles I came across a letter that was published written bya mother in 2007 about her experience of letting her 16 year old daughter board a bus for the summer and how people reacted. As I read the letter, it was like it was written by me. Having a husband who marched drum corps in the early to mid 80's he knew what to expect. The day I dropped off my 16 year old, 190 pound son and left, I was so completely overwhelmed, it was almost too much to bear......as we drove home my husband was convinced I wouldn't make it through the night. Well, not only did I make it, my son did too. Though we saw many shows throughout the season, when we arrived in Indy on Thursday I saw what I thought was my son in an arch practicing........ I had to look 3 times because this not so chubby, but kind of chubby 16 year old kid who left 75 days prior, was tall, lean, tan and I must confess the most beautiful thing I ever laid eyes on!!!!! Sure we hit bumps and my son learned that separating darks and whites is not necessary........ but as he walked through the doorways of his high school this past week, he was a different person, not only physically, but an all around stronger and more confident person! Many people question this sport called, Drum Corps and for those people who say, "oh yeah, your son was at marching band camp", I now laugh. Right...... marching band camp..... if they only knew. Please parents........ support your kid in their pursuit of this wonderful activity. Sure it is expensive, but the rewards are priceless....... not only for your child, but for yourself! Congratulations to everyone who ever marched.......!

I feel extremely priviledged to have had the opportunity of watching first hand the development of Pioneer this year. I just cannot imagine how people look at this as a "disappointment" or "non accomplishment". For those of you who say that, spend a day watching practice and see what goes on.......7 days a week just like all the others. As I look at my son who just returned from a season with Pioneer, it is obvious how hard these kids worked. Their day starts and ends like any of the big dogs....... What is also top notch is how the instructors and all of the staff work as hard as they can no matter what obstacles they are faced with. They strive to make Pioneer better and never give up. My son loves drum corps..... and totally supports and follows his favorites. However, he is proud to be a part of Pioneer and looks forward to Pioneer's future. Thanks Donny for your efforts and dedication not only to the entire Corps but to my son directly. Your efforts and friendship have changed his life and we all appreciate that.

O.K. I've been reading these forums pretty much all year and I have stayed quiet for the most part. But, now that the season is almost over maybe the people who spend too much time writing negative things can focus their efforts in charity work or something. Come on..... it is has been said before......... all of these corps, whether 1st place or 22nd put a tremendous amount of work into their shows. O.K. so the top 12 corps have more money to invest in better staff, better faciilities, shinier busses or whatever it maybe, all of these World Class Corps deserve more than "they got what they deserved". Morganhill....... did you ever march? I hope so....... and by the way, Pioneer gives anyone who has the desire to commit themselves to march a chance to do so.......Having to teach 1/3 of your corps an instrument they have never played before, 21st place doesn't seem so bad does it? I have my opinions about certain corps, but I always try to focus on the positives, but there has to be a bad apple in every bunch. Way to go Pioneer!

I totally agree "Tone Quality Matters". Finally, someone who acknowledges the efforts all of these corps whether World or Open Class put into these shows. It doesn't matter if they are the champions..... each and every corps works as hard as possible to put on the best show they can. I have seen several shows this year and though some I like better than others, I give each and every member out there 100% respect for their efforts. Having a son march for the first time this summer and seeing him in San Antonio 30 lbs lighter confirmed to me how hard they are working. These kids don't only practice 12-14 hours a day, they lack sleep, fight the heat, break downs, fire ants, battle the flu, eat food they don't necessarily like, get sunburn and even when they tan up, get sunburn all over again and the list could go on. The dedication these kids put forth is absolutely amazing and our world is a better place because of drum corps! So many people continue to ask if my son has had "fun" this summer. I"m not sure that is word for it....... I asked my son what he would tell people and he simply said...."words cannot describe". At 16 years old, he has seen the country, met friends from all over the world and has learned so much about himself it is amazing. He is proud of his accomplishments and quite honestly, I think surprised that he has survived. Thanks to everyone who has made the 2009 season simply amazing.........

From someone who has seen Pioneer develop since their first camp in December......... absolutely 100% congrats are in order to Pioneer for an awesome performance last night! We all know how hard every Corps works in putting these shows on the field and though I have been involved indirectly in Drum Corps for a long time, this is all pretty new to me. I have watched Pioneer at their practices and sometimes wonder why any of these kids participate in this activity. It is amazing to see what dedication and committment can do not only by the members, but the staff. So, I applaude each and every Corps and as I watch them all develop and make changes to an already awesome performance, it amazes me and I look forward to the finals. So, for all of you that have ever marched "Drum Corps" congratulations..... you all should be proud, last place or first!