Tim K

A few years ago, I was in an airport in Jacksonville Florida. The airport was filled with young people--late high school early college age young people. , I saw names like Troopers, Madison Scouts, and Boston Crusaders on luggage and coats. I learned they were headed to winter camps. I also take lots of photos at shows and some corps have posted my photos on their Facebook page. People want to be "tagged" and before I approve their request, I check their profile to make sure it's actually the person. I've noticed a good number call Florida or Texas home. There seems to be quite a bit of interest in drum corps in Florida and Texas. Sadly the Florida corps have not been able to sustain themselves, and the only Texas corps that have been strong have been Skyriders and Crossmen, both corps that were formed elsewhere and moved operations to Texas. While I do not think we will ever get the number of corps in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, I believe there is still an interest. The problem is getting a corps started and keeping it afloat, as other posters have mentioned. When DCI was formed, the purpose was to provide uniform standards in judging and provide a forum where drum corps could be governed by drum corps. Given what happened at different shows with different rules, this was necessary at the time. Maybe DCI needs to redefine its mission. Perhaps it needs to encourage the formation fo drum corps and help these new groups be sustainable from the start .There are corps that could share their models of success. The Bluecoats have had a business model since the mid 80's and it's probably not a coincidence that the corps became more successful as the organizational aspects became stronger. I am impressed with Carolina Crown as a drum corps, I'm even more impressed with the organization overall. At one time DCI did have growth of the activity as a goal. Denver and Birmingham were selected as cities to host finals for this reason. Perhaps now it is more essential than ever.

I think we often judge a corps based on the previous year's performance and that's what's happening with Cavies. If a show is better than the previous year, things are great, if it's not, the world is ending. I know I've done this in the past, and in recent years as well. Going back a bit, I remember the 1978 27th Lancers and feeling it was not a top 12 corps, even though I loved the corps. Everyone seemed to be predicting their demise. They placed 7th that year. I watch the Legacy DVD and see that the 1978 27th Lancers are not what 77, 76, or 75 were, nor were they as good as what may be the glory years that would later follow 79, 80, and 81. However, when I watch the show today, it's not as bad as people said at the time. Fast forward to 2009, Phantom is not what it as in 2008, but when I watch the DVD, it was not as horrendous as people said at the time. It placed about right, but it deserved a place in finals. Cavies seem to be having an off year, but an off year for the Cavies is not placing in the Top 5. I won't be seeing them until August, and while I'm not expecting that I will see the quality fo last year, I'm not expecting a debacle either. They will make finals.

The best publicity for drum corps is drum corps. I love leaving shows today and having corps members thank me for attending. I love seeing corps reach out to local high school bands as role models. I love seeing members of corps, tired after a parade, showing kids their instruments or allowing someone to twirl a flag. It makes me feel good about the activity I love and support. I'd miss a summer off but the lack of corps in a summer would also mean lack of positive publicity which keeps drum corps alive. A year off would tell potential donors the activity is too shaky and a year off would be devastating as far as recruitment is concerned. The loss of one corps is one corps too many, and yes, every corps has to work hard to survive financially, but this does not mean that every corps is in the same predicament as some recent corps who have had troubles. It's a warning call that we need to support corps with more than our good intentions, but we need to keep things in perspective.

You have some excellent points. DCI could require corps to be audited and DCI need not pick up the expense. In proportion to an annual budget, it's not that costly. I am the pastor of a Catholic church. The budget of the parish which includes the church and activities, school, and early childhood center is about $2.5 million, the cost of the audit is $5K. Very often non-profits: churches, schools, and social service agencies have to have an audit by an approved auditor determined by the supervisory or parent organization. For example a church could require that all parishes in the area have an audit, Company X ore Y must do the audit, and report back to the supervisory body. The organization itself picks up the expense. I know it is an extra burden on corps that are barely getting by, but in this day and age where fiscal transparency is so important, it gives the organization credibility with both parents and corporate donors. What DCI can and if it's not already doing so should do, is provide corps with good fiscal models of how a drum corps should be financed, tips and help with short term fund raising and long term development (endowments, cash reserves, etc.), and guidance in selecting and growing a board of directors that not only advises a corps but helps a corps become what it wants to be. Perhaps this already happens. If it's not, it should happen soon.

I agree. If we look at the baseball analogy stated in the OP, fans voting for all-star team players is mentioned. For me, a show like Allentown is the All-Star Game. It's fun, great performances, nostalgic venue, etc. but DCI finals is like the World series--it determines the champion and the best corps being more competitive as the night goes on is half the fun. Perhaps prelims at a show on Day 1 and a finals with six top placers, six fan favorites on Day 2 would be an interesting idea, but not to determine a champion. BTW: I know DCI East at Allentown is sacred ground. I'm not suggesting we do anything different there!

This is a heart breaking situation for Teal, especially the kids. As far as the comparisons with BAC and Teal, my guess is that the two situations are different (BAC's funds were stolen), but BAC's solution could be what saves Teal. BAC's alums and supporters took charge to save the corps at a time that the country had serious financial challenges and while BAC's pluck was admired, few expected the corps to survive, and for a while it looked shaky. Solid management allowed the corps to rebuild. For the past twenty years or so, BAC has done a great job reaching out to those who those who marched in other units in the Boston area. If you marched in a Boston area drum corps, drill team, or CYO band and you attend a BAC show you're family. So BAC's success is due to dedicated individuals making the modern day Crusaders a reality against the odds all while not losing its sense of tradition and finding a wider community to support its endeavors. I do understand taht as I say this, BAC has a longer history than Teal Sound and the Boston area has more marching alums than Florida, but Teal Sound could have an advantage that some corps would not, Those who march d with St. Kevin's Emerald Knights, the Brassmen, Bridgemen who marched as St. Andrews, early 27th Lancers,etc. may be hitting retirement age and may headed to Florida (if funds allow in this economy). Could this be an untapped donor and volunteer base? Finally, if we do not want to see other corps face what Teal Sound and Racine Scouts have faced, support your favorite corps. Attend shows. Stop at souvenir booths at shows and throw a couple of bucks in the fuel fund. If we want drum corps to continue, we have to support it and if we want to see Teal Sound return, we have to offer more than our warmest wishes.

BAC's first foray into the finals. Long time coming and well deserved!

The Metropolitan Opera calls it Turnadot without a silent t. Since it's an Italian opera, that would make sense. If it were French, the t would be silent.

To be fair, I have not seen Blue Knights, Blue Stars, or Sprit yet so I can only base my opinions on what I've herad and read. I have seen Crossmen and Colts. Crossmen are in an excellent position to return to the top 12. The show is strong, beautifully crafted, and as one poster mentioned, the horn line is amazing. As far as Colts are concerned, a week ago I would have said maybe, because I love the show, especially the ending, but after seeing them last Friday, they will be competitive in August. We do need to see all the corps together judged by the same panel to make accurate predictions, but from what I have seen and what I have read, Spirit is continuing to build on the momentum of last year, Crossmen should return to the finals once again, and the Colts could very well be competitors rather than spectators on August 11th.

Did you notice the judges left about 15 minutes prior to the reading of the scores?

If you ask any BAC fans what school Boston Crusaders are from, they'll tell you they're are from THE OLD SCHOOL!!!!!

Bristol is great! I marched in it back in the day. Planned on going this year, but it was pouring when I woke up. I later learned it dried up and was a rather nice day to be near the ocean.

I'm sure there will be more to say, but what a night of drum corps! Many of us were in attendance last Saturday in Lynn where most of tonight's corps competed. 7th Regiment, Spartans, Jersey Surf, Colts, and Crossmen all made additions to their shows, this after competing in three competitions, and marching in at least two July 4th parades. Cadets made significant progress, and as far as Crown is concerned, this was my first time seeing them this year. The show is mature, appears to be challenging to perform, and I'm sure it's only going to get better. Boston area shows are fun, and when the corps are good they're an even better take. I loved this show but missed the hosts, Boston Crusaders, and really missed a full retreat like last year. Then again, if there had been a full retreat, it would have extended the evening I would have hit Red Sox traffic heading north, so maybe the absence of a retreat was not that bad after all. Scores: Open Class 2nd: 7th Regiment 66.95 1st Spartans 67.60 World 5th: Jersey Surf 66.90 (too low!!!) 4th Colts 70.75 (again too low!!!) 3rd Crossmen 73.80 ( a little low but closer to the mark) 2nd Cadets 81.20 (some might arguie that the judges played Santa and gave a little coal. Wouldn't disagree as far as score but do agree with placement) 1st Crown 82.55 (as of 11:30 PM, 7/6/12 best score of season to date?)

I think it may depend first on the corps: some still do pass in review, others do not. It could also depend on the venue and expectations of the group hosting. I've seen some corps pass in review at one show one night and skip the review following night. Personally I love when corps march in review. I also love full retreats.

Great advice about Clam Shack, good luck finding parking at Wollaston Beach. I would check the Colts staying in Randolph info. Yesterday at the Wakefield, MA parade I heard all kinds of hearsay and rumors regarding where corps are staying. Someone told me a corps was displaced and I believe it was the corps staying in Randolph. I then heard Billerica was where this corps would be staying and a Billerica resident said no, it was Burlington. Someone else said Crown was in Burlington. I'm not sure who these people were but they claimed they visited all the corps prior to the parade beginning. This info may all be wrong, but it's better to verify and be safe than sorry. I believe Cadets are staying in Lynn at Lynn English, not Lynn Tech and rehearsing at Manning Bowl, excuse me, Field. I heard this info from a more reliable source at Beanpot last Saturday, but if the housing site is wrong, I'm pretty certain the practice site is correct. In the past when Lynn hosted corps, they stayed at Classical, English, or Tech, but practiced at Manning.

After seeing Crossmen last week, I would predict they will make finals. There are kinks in their show that need to be worked out, things I'm willing to bet with be improved upon when I see them this Friday in Quincy. The show is well designed and the corps has a certain confidence. I haven't seen Blue Stars or Blue Knights this year, but from reviews I've read, one or the other could be vulnerable. Personally I'd love to see Blue Stars and Troopers in the finals this year since they made finals in 1972 and this is the 40th annivesary of DCI (sentimental, I know). I'm assuming Cavies and SCV, the other two corps that made the Top 12 in 1972 that are still competing will have no problem making finals. As far as the Academy, I think it's time for a new corps to make finals, but who do you eliminate? Glad I'll be in Indy to see all of them at least twice.

I was lucky enough to get to the July 4th Parade in Wakefield, MA, not too far from where I live. I was lucky enough to see five great corps: Spartans, Colts, Crossmen, Cadets, and Crown. This may have been the best combination of corps, except perhaps for the parade in Bristol, RI which had almost the same slate. All were crowd pleasers and all looked great. What parades did you see and how did the corps perform?

Choosing some of my favorites based on memories and when available, Legacy DVD's..... 1. 1980 27th Lancers--the most famous 2nd place finish of all time 2. 1979 Spirit of Atlanta--in my humble opinion their best show. 3. 1977 Bridgemen or 1975 Muchachos--DCI's two most controversial shows. 4. 1974 Anaheim Kingsmen--the only complete show I believe that is available 5. Kilts 1975--they were once so much a part of DCI 6. North Star 1979--a fan favorite that never gets old 7. Troopers 1986--one of their best shows in the DCI era 8. Suncoast Sound 1985 9. Sky Riders 1988--you can't help but love this show. 10. 2011 Carolina Crown--Rach Star will probably become one of drum corps beloved shows. 11. 1999 Madison Scouts--one of their most popular shows and in my opinion, their most underrated show 12. 1999 BAC--finally they made the finals though 2000 may be their best DCI show, with 2011 close behind. 13. 1987 Velvet Knights We need at another volume, possibly by decade--I haven't included Argonne Rebels (never saw them live, only small portions of their show on Youtube), Blue Coats, SCV, Blue Knights, early Blue Devils, early Phantom, Dutch Boy, Crossmen or Star of Indiana. Let's face it, old school or contemporary, it's been a great 40 years!

I know I am going to love Boston Crusaders. I've loved them since 1975 and they've never let me down. I expect to love Phantom, another favorite since I love the opera "Turandot" and have long wanted to see a drum corps show based on it. I saw Cadets last Saturday and loved them. I expect Crown to impress me. All Madison has to do is wake up in the morning and board the bus and I'm already cheering. I also have to give a shout out to Colts--"All By Myself" could be one of this year's best closers, especially for those of us who love "screamers" and walls of sound. Jersey Surf has a show you can help but love.

Saw the banana stixs in action last night. They worked well and added to the show, but they are just a fun addition, not the core of the show. Surf's show is strong with or without the banana stixs and they capture the audience's attention from the first note. This show is clever, enjoyable, and well done and I'm looking forward to seeing it this Friday in Quincy.

These two corps should have an exciting summer. Tied tonight, two tenths between them yesterday. The two seem stronger this year as well.

I was going to just edit the post but I think I need to hang my head in shame. Between the last post and this, I was corrected by a past Boston Crusader that the announcer is Paul Cain not Tom Kane.

I think you're correct with the name Tom Kane, but if you're not, we'll be corrected. My guess is that what throws the corps off is that it's not just the announcer who says "you," the audience joins in and yells "YOU" and often points, often at the encouragement of the announcer. Last night with the Colts he wanted a real warm welcome and a louder "You" which may have been a bit of a problem. My marching days and following drum corps days date back to 1975. I seem to remember it at less formal shows and some circuit shows in the late 70's/early 80's, but never at more formal events like circuit finals, CYO Nationals and World Open.

If the announcer threw them a curve ball, they handled it well. It was a weak start, but a great finish. If they were in a parade (it was a beautiful but hot yesterday) and they only had an hour's practice, then they did well given the circumstances.

The announcer and crowd yelling "YOU!! may enter the field in competition" happens at Beanpot, East Coast Classic, CYO Nationals (at least last year, not back in the day). I always assumed it was a BAC thing. I can't say I remember when it started, and it didn't happen at every show, but it goes back a while. In Boston, traditions just seem to happen whether they make sense or not, like "Sweet Caroline," a song by Neil Diamond, a classic New York crooner, becoming the unofficial anthem of the Red Sox. Things happen, become automatic traditions, and stay. The classic New England announcer was CYO's Dom Bianculli who has been gone a number of years. He loved announcing his favorites such as North Stahhh, Boston Crusadahs, Holy Family Defendahs, and 27th Lancis (if there's an e before the r, it has an "is" sound). Beanpot was a great time and shows in the Boston area are fun: great mix of old school, young kids, and curiosity seekers. More later.....