HollywoodNeoCon

Funny, that's what I thought DCP was for. :tongue:/> Seriously, I wasn't looking for a solution to what I jocularly referred to earlier as The Greatest Drum Corps Crisis Of Our Time; I was just looking to blow off some steam on what I assumed was a forum dedicated to blowing off steam (in addition to cheering on, of course) about our beloved activity. I did address it to George, by the way, who I might also mention must have read this thread because we've gotten a grand total of 2 emails in the last week, so something went right.

Yeah, I kinda thought that I failed to point out how this was The Most Important Drum Corps Crisis Of Our Time, so kudos to you, sir, and my sincerest thanks, for being bright enough to pick up on it. You are indeed a credit to smelly cymbal polish solvents everywhere, and I am humbled to be so effectively taken down by your snark-fu. Mercy, please. I am undone.

You're kind of missing the point... She loves the Cadets. Admires the kids that march in any corps. Even looked me in the eye and proclaimed that, in her opinion, "Angels & Demons" thoroughly deserved to win. Unsubscribing means she misses every announcement from the corps, not just George's solicitations. That's what the post was getting at.

We did that. He wrote back and asked for money.

So I introduced my girlfriend to drum corps four years ago via a movie theater here in Chicago. Showing nothing but contempt for my former corps, she beheld the epic that was "Spartacus," lost her mind and promptly became the biggest Regiment fanboygirl since Cesario took his bath in melted Wonka bars. I say that with the utmost respect for all concerned, by the way. Kindly set aside the flamethrowers. For now, at least. Four years later, and the woman is as fully enmeshed in the activity as one who never had the opportunity to march (or parent a child who did) can be. She's attended more shows in the last four years than I had since aging out 26 years ago. Despite her Phandom, her growing collection of pictures of Dean, her knowledge of the names of Regiment age-outs and the farkakta teddy bear dressed up like a Buick at Finals Night, she follows just about every corps in the Top 18 via Twitter, FaceTube, YouBook, etc, etc, and has even donated to corps other than Regiment. For pete's sake, she even threw a few bucks to Crown once, even though they did that horse show that one year (instead of drum corps, she used to ride horses competitively, and that show just creeped her out, you see). The fact that she's even been retweeted by my former corps on occasion, while I apparently said something to Wayne or Scotty J once that ticked them off because I can't even get a simple, "Hi, bro!" is hardly germane to this discussion, but I say it nonetheless because it irks me to no end, and shows her unbiased (for the most part)love of this activity. In any event, through all of this, none of these corps, NOT A SINGLE ONE, has managed to do what the Gentleman Formerly of Garfield has managed to do: make her mad enough to refuse to donate money to a particular corps, by repeatedly asking for money. By "repeatedly," I mean every single day, 363 days per year (Thanksgiving and Christmas off, of course), ever since she gave him her email address to sign up for that live stream from "Angels & Demons" camp almost two years ago where they played the same five measures over and over and over again. Look, we realize this is a non-profit, high-dollar activity in an economy where grown men and women are back to eating Ramen noodles for the first time since college, and we also realize its importance as a uniquely American form of both cultural expression and competition. However, we're also both big believers in capitalism, so while we respect George for his persistence, we can't help but lump him in with those companies we refuse to do business with for one reason or another (we're looking at you, annoying Target Lady, and Taco Bell..."melty" is not, nor ever will be a word). We just never imagined we'd tell a drum corps to "take us off your lists." Please, George...dial it back. Just because you have someone's email doesn't mean they need to hear from you every single day.

Oh, I know. I was just being a wise###.

Is Bones considered a member of the corps? Of course, he's part of the Crossmen, but is he considered one of the 135? I told you it was a pointless question...

It's Bush's fault drum corps haven't been invited for so long...

Thanks to all who responded!!!

Might you have the exact quote, Mike?

I'm storyboarding a video project for SCV, and am looking for either video, audio or the actual quote from Don Angelica wherein he talked about how he "grew old loving the Santa Clara corps," and how they're his kind of drum corps; the "Rolls Royce of drum corps." Any info would be greatly appreciated!

In case anyone likes quality drum corps "B" roll, raw footage of Madison's 2nd dress rehearsal run-though. And yes...in case you're asking...I'm looking for a gig as a drum corps or DCI videographer. :-) I work cheap. And by cheap, I mean for a seat on the staff bus and a little corps swag. And coffee. I need coffee.

Is that you, Gary??? Just wondering... :-)

Madison Scouts' Dress Rehearsal...COMPLETE!!!

"For the Common Good," right? Insert unnecessarily political swipe here, then watch as I'm banned from DCP instantaneously...

No kiddin, right?

These may be stupid questions, but I'll ask anyway, because my girlfriend thinks I'm stupid, and that's how I roll... How are the staffs of World Class corps paid? Ahead of time, after the season, or what? Is there a difference between how instructional staff and NON-INSTRUCTIONAL contract staff are paid? Granted, the amounts different corps would pay are going to vary, and I'm certain they're largelyso I'm not concerned with that. I'm simply curious about how staff are paid.

I got the same piece of advice from the guy who initially recommended it. At least until I've broken it in, at least, so that confirms it. Last thing I need to be doing at 4 in the morning in Utah is wrestling with a cot while the rest of the staff is trying to catch some zzz's. Again, I'm pushing 50, and in almost 25 years of professional cinematography experience, I have NEVER encountered a community of people so eager to look out for each other as the one I first met in drum corps four decades ago. Drum corps rocks. Period.

That's why I love this forum...nothing informs better than experience. Now, if any of you have a decent recipe for lasagna, I'm listening...

Yeah, I'm beginning to think you're right about the cot. I'd rather get some exercise dragging the thing on and off the RV then having to end up on the floor. Funny, I can't even remember being uncomfortable, kickin it old skool on the floor, but I'm pretty sure I don't wanna try it again.

First of all, please accept my apologies if this is in the wrong forum, so please feel free to move it if necessary. I'm most likely going to be touring with a corps this summer, and I'm in the process of shopping around for gear. Specifically, something to sleep on. I've looked at both cots and air mattresses, and while this particular cot seems virtually indestructible and kinda comfy for a big guy such as myself (6'2", 320 lbs), it's no doubt going to be a major hassle to tote around, given the amount of video equipment I'm going to be bringing, as well. So, I'm looking at an air mattress. However, given my size and the spectacularly wide variety of models, I want to make sure I get one that can hold up to the demands of a drum corps tour. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I may have an opportunity to tour with a World Class finalist corps this summer as a staff member (non-instructional), and since I haven't toured with a corps since my age-out year decades ago, I'm kind of at a loss as to what I might want to consider packing. I've gone back and read a couple of threads regarding what the kids should bring, but being as we adults aren't going to be doing any basics blocks, I'm wondering if there's any advice any more seasoned staff members or volunteers might be inclined to share. Thanks!

1980 Madison. End of discussion. Admin, kindly close this thread. :-P PS - Those guys were so epic, I learned to spin a rifle before a clean double-stroke roll. And I'm a former professional drummer, so there ya go. I'm just sayin.

I'm looking forward to spending a TON of money on all that 4XL merchandise that all the corps' have finally realized can make them some decent money!!!!

I completely agree, and this is my point. As long as the buyer doesn't go on to do a "stolen drum corps valor" routine, I don't really see the problem with this, judging from the pictures of the Vanguard jacket at the link.