I understand the debates about the fiscal and age issues that the Cadets2 announcement has made, but I'm super excited for the Cadets2 on a more personal level.
I just turned 18 this year and I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which is a pretty rural place that is at least a few hours away from dci action. Next fall I'm going to a college that is an hour away, which is still at least 2.5 hours from the closest drum corps - the Cadets. (Raiders and Surf are ~3.5 hours according to GMaps.) I really want to march next year, but thanks to college work, fees, and gas money, I probably wouldn't have been able to.
I got so freaking excited when I heard the Cadets2 would be a weekend-only corps with a low cost for marchers!! This is the perfect opportunity for me. I read nearly all of the posts on here (ok, I might've skimmed a couple), and now I feel like I have to contribute. Yes, living 4 hours away from the Raiders has stopped me previously from joining up, but half the travel time to the Cadets2 would be totally manageable. I would love any opportunity that I can get to march. I hope the Cadets2 pans out so that next year I can sign up!!