"Biggest immediate problem is the percussion program lost ALL the fire it had, like a decade ago?? I'm already working on the basics of a plan that involves using the strongest percussion talent from that line, which are still in the work force either as performers, university instructors or visual design experts. "Folks, these are people feeding themselves from their skills," From the Pioneer drumline alone in 96, there is diverse talent to tap into which can effect most of the corps. The days of hiring local cheap college age talent has to end. Our drum staff in 96 was not local, not cheap, and brought us the hardware. They knew how to work us and they didn't have a part time bowling league mentality."
I would like to respond to this only because I found it a little offensive. There was nothing about this summers percussion staff that was less than excellent. We certainly weren't the "cheap college level talent" that you speak of. Everyday, we went outside and worked hard to the best of our abilities. The members worked hard every day to the best of their abilities. I say this because I was an outsider who joined the staff this year with no previous exposure to Pioneer other than what I had seen in previous lots and dci shows. I have so much respect for every member of this staff, not just because we became friends this summer, but because of everybody's ability to make every day a learning experience for the percussion section. The percussion section became a much more mature ensemble by the end of the summer, and that is due in no small amount to the huge amount of work the staff put in to this group. Sure, there were problems, but many of them were out of the members (and the staffs') control. That being said, I would gladly work with every member of that staff again, because they are all great individuals, great musicians, and great friends.
To Adam, Chris, Tony, Strauss, Tarka, Jake, Id, and Aaron..... thank you for helping make my summer one to remember.
BW
