AmFlag61

London was an Open Class show. Beijing? World Class!

Anyone reporting on this?

Cavaliers finish out of G8? Not for lack of Talent, but...(fill in the blank)

Cavaliers '63 10/10, Hawthorne 10/10, St. Joes 10/10, CAC 888 11/10, Cavaliers '12 3/10

Ty, Thunder.

Bruce Tietgen, a Chicago Cavalier from 1954-1960, Drum Major 1957-1960, and long time volunteer and Vice President of the corps died earlier today after a long illness. No information is available yet about arrangements.A few months ago a call went out to send emails and cards to Bruce to keep his spirits high. His wife, Elaine, expressed her appreciation to all who responded and noted how it touched Bruce's heart to know that his Cavalier brothers, and their friends and families were thinking about him.<br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(253, 254, 255); "><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(253, 254, 255); ">Please take a moment to think about our brother Cavalier today, one of the finest men to ever wear our uniform.

Bruce Tietgen, a Chicago Cavalier from 1954-1960, Drum Major 1957-1960, and long time volunteer and Vice President of the corps died earlier today after a long illness. No information is available yet about arrangements.A few months ago a call went out to send emails and cards to Bruce to keep his spirits high. His wife, Elaine, expressed her appreciation to all who responded and noted how it touched Bruce's heart to know that his Cavalier brothers, and their friends and families were thinking about him. Please take a moment to think about our brother Cavalier today, one of the finest men to ever wear our uniform.

These days we have 2, Cavaliers & Madison. But Garfield was all Male, as were Blessed Sacrament, Belleville Black Knights, Kilties, Racine Scouts, Toronto Optimists, Scout House, and more whom I'm sure you'll remind of. So...When & Why did virtually all former all male Drum Corps become Coed?

With all respect to all the Ladies, Audobon was clearly the best, IMO.

As I've posted elsewhere, Regional shows may be a Solution. Cutting down "Tour" costs & saving the $ for the "Big" shows and Finals.

Let us not forget Cavaliers 2002 "Frameworks" which was like A Guide to Drum Corps.

The Cavaliers regularly have auditions in Texas & have had a large number of Texans marching in Green.

Exactly!!! While some Alumni & Fans weep, wail, and dress themselves in sackcloth & ashes, the boys in the Corps are having the time of their lives. Come Indy who knows what tricks the Cavaliers will pull out of their Greensleeves?

Points well taken. The demise of AL/VFW Posts nationwide is a philosophical discourse that could take pages. The reluctance of existing Veterans organizations to accept Viet Nam vets led to the creation of VVA and VietNow, thus depriving AL/VFW of new members.. Succeeding conflicts have not encouraged returning Vets to exhibit the same degree of Pride that WW1, WW2, and Korea did. As a result diminishing Veteran Posts are no longer a source of Drum Corps support. Nor have they been for decades. The questions remain as the OP has stated. But DCI, while not the best game, is the only game in town. Alternatives? I, frankly, see none.

It may be simplistic, but refocusing on Regional shows as opposed to "Tours" would substantially reduce operating expenses. Stay local and save the bucks for the "Big" shows & DCI Finals. In any given area there are a sufficient number of Corps to sustain the "Activity".

DCI is the "best in the world for what it does"? Who else are doing it? Being "best" out of a field of 1 isn't that difficult. When AL and VFW were running State & National Championship contests there may have been arguments about which Title was "better". And before you all start flaming, I'm not suggesting a return to those Performance restrictive "Rules & Regulations". DCI opened doors for Corps to become more Artistic, Creative, and Innovative than ever dreamed of. But...at what cost? Countless Posters over the years have correctly pointed out the diminishing number of Drum Corps from "then" to "now". Financial demands have totally eliminated the ability of local Veterans organizations to continue supporting what was once part of their Youth Programs. The original gripe was that Corps weren't getting their "fair share" of prize money and that Corps were locked into antiquated Military style rules of competition. I understand both views. But DCI was "broken" from day 1, in that it ultimately decimated the Drum & Bugle Corps activity in favor of $. And now the toll is being paid. Teal folds in mid-season? The Cavaliers & Phantom Regiment engage in a "Backyard Brawl" to see who can get the greater $ donations? Get real, folks. It's, in the words of The Godfather, "NOTHING Personal, just BUSINESS".

I agree with everything the OP has stated...except #2. With the opportunity for Collegiate Musicians to gain credit hours for participation in DC a huge pool of Talent will continue to be available.

As I recall, (and I am getting a little fuzzy on memories these days) after winning the International show in Toronto '63 the Cavaliers were presented with the Canadian flag which we carried in the Honor Guard in parades & contests...except AL/VFW shows. BTW, I remember the Jesters...and the Hamm's Indians.

bobjective nailed it. As did Boo, as always.

Samurai (one of the most totally realized Themes ever) was followed by The Great Divide (less than memorable) followed by Mad World & XtraaordinarY. 15 Minutes will be followed by...whatever. No Player hits a home run every time at bat. Sometimes you strike out. And, may I point out, it's only the 5th inning right now. Quote from a Madison Alum: "Lets not forget, these are the Cavaliers we're talking about...I don't think there's a snow balls chance in you know where that the Cavies are going to curl up in fetal position, do you? "

If 12 Corps outperform the Cavaliers they will not make Finals. Plain & Simple. The idea that as a founding Member of DCI and a big crowd/cash draw the Cavaliers will be granted some sort of "dispensation" is ludricous.

Possible scenario; A Judge views 5 Corps. The 1st Corps on the field absolutely nails it! Now, does the Judge score them keeping in mind that 4 more Corps have yet to appear that night? Maybe the answer is to make notes until all Corps have performed & then do Score sheets. I know, a paperwork nightmare, but perhaps fairer?

In the late 50s & early 60s there were only 2 Midwest Corps that caused us Cavaliers concern (not worry), Madison & Belleville. I've waited years for the Scouts to reemerge into the top tier. Their recent victories over the Cavaliers may be momentary, but they have always had the potential to upset the proverbial applecart. Anyone who counts the Scouts or Cavaliers "out" is clearly delusional. There are many Corps who have, over the years, appealed to me Intellectually. But only 3 have owned me Emotionally; Cavaliers, Cadets, and Scouts.

Ty, all, for your replies. But I'm still looking for that "1st" when the entire Guard appeared in Costume as opposed to Uniforms. Cavaliers "Circus" show included some costumes, but not the entire Guard.

Ty for replying. Yeah, I can't imagine that AL/VFW would have ever allowed this without "penalties".