Old Corps Guy

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You may be right on the $ side. However, how many times has Pioneer been in the top 25? That is a new qualifier beyond just funding.

You could almost read into this that it is designed to keep Roman and Pioneer out even if they somehow figure out a way to put a competitive corps on the field.

Two shows in the Virginia this year! RICHMOND, VA on July 2 is the new show. Add Annapolis a couple weeks later and I am a happy camper for 2020.

That is exactly where it is. DCA should seriously look at this location as it would give the southern Corps a fair shake compared to the "short drive" the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast corps have enjoyed for decades. Located near Roanoke, VA so there are many hotels available and it is close to I-81. Less than half hour away from VA-Tech.

I know a place in Southwest VA that has a wonderful site and is not tied to a college. In fact, they host a DCI show every year right after Night-Beat. Just thinking outside the box. https://www.visitroanokeva.com/listings/salem-football-stadium/6081/

I believe the reason for so many pages has more to do with people drawing a line in the sand. Most of the changes in drum corps over the years can truly be defined as "evolution" in one way or another. Adding woodwinds to drum corps is not evolution, it is a change in format. That may be a bridge too far for many and they will add their names to the list of those who leave.

Unfortunately, I can speak first hand of one that happened last year at US Bands Nationals in Allentown. Our guard took first place. The band ended up in last place. The week prior to Nationals, we scored the second highest score of all bands in 3A for the season. However, we were scheduled to go on very early in the competition (third of sixteen bands). Our score dropped from the previous week by more than 7 points. I will never understand why we were scheduled so early when we had the second highest score all season in class 3A and no one from USBands could give a real explanation. No, I'm not bitter.

I'm sorry Keith, there is no comedy here. This is sad for all involved.

Jeff Ream for "DCI Brass Coordinator" I'm the "Old Corps Guy" and I approve this message.

A simple question. Have you ever tried to keep more than one piccolo in tune with another for 11 minutes while marching on a football field? I know my answer...…………………………………..

The idea of adding a few dozen instruments to a few dozen corps is not even close to a needle mover for the sponsor's bottom line. There are thousands of marching bands that are already purchasing clarinets, flutes etc. from Yamaha, Vandoren, Selmer, Giardinelli, Etude, et. al. Adding a few dozen more won't move the needle in the slightest. Yes, I get that it would allow them to "feature" their instruments on the "grand stage" of drum corps. However, drum corps is a very small part of the music industry. We can't even get 50,000 to a finals performance and maybe 100K watching on a screen. Any given weekend in the fall, there are dozens of stadiums with over 50K people that get to see the marching band. Does that improve the sales of Yamaha? Minimally at best. The risk analysis by DCI should include the amount of lost customers (Fans) against the possibility of a minimal gain in sales for the sponsors. The sponsors should do the same and I expect they will. Adding marching woodwinds is far different from adding a different type of bugle (Contras in the 60s). last time I checked, this is still "Drum & Bugle Corps" and not marching band. The OP stated one of the reasons for leaving had to do with amplification. As stated earlier by Fran, the amplification of woodwinds can be done successfully. The question is "At What Cost"? Losing someone like our OP is exactly what is at risk.

I have done my best to keep out of the woodwind discussion here. However, I can't hold back any longer. I just don't see woodwinds being added as a "Marching" instrument. There is something unique about a hornline of brass instruments with "forward facing" bells. The fact that a visual/audible hit to the press box makes drum corps unique compared to marching bands. You will never get that impact from an instrument that produces sound to the ground (Clarinet) or from an instrument that produces a sound that is almost non-directional (flute). They lack the visual/audible impact of a "fff" and that can never be changed. Before you go to French Horns, how many "concert" French horns have you actually seen marching (successfully)? As for audible, you need a large number of clarinets or flutes for them to be heard over brass. I can't tell you how many times on the marching band circuit I have heard judges complain about not hearing the woodwinds. Even during woodwind features when no brass are playing. Don't go to the "Mic 'em up" comments as we all know how many have been complaining about the amplification as it is (A main point of our OP). While I appreciate all the added instrumentation in the pit (violins, the aforementioned french horns, trombones, etc.) they just aren't as effective in marching as the current marching brass of drum corps and that is what makes drum corps unique. As I have told my students over the years, I will put 60 brass from A DCI finalist corps up against any 300+ college marching band and the drum corps hornline will blow them away every time. Just my two cents.

Almost tempted to buy one at the current sale price. however, my big body would make it four dimensional.

I have two. One with a specific location. 2008 PR - The first time they kill the drum major before anyone knew it was coming 1991 Star - Cross-to-cross would have been amazing to see that one live.