kpoole

I have been involved with Drum Corps in one way or another from 1952 until today. While I love what I call traditional drum corps, I do believe there is a place for DCI. I do not agree with some of the changes, but I support them for the type of member they have. I have started a non-profit corporation that it's goal is to start a new division of Drum Corps called Drum Corps Juniors. DCI currently has over 80% of its participants over the age 17. There is a glaring lapse in the drum corps experience from the ages 11 to 17. Drum Corps provided me my only music education and it provided me a life long hobby of drumming. Over 95% of the participants from 1950 until 1975 received their music education from traditional drum corps. These kids need to be able to experience the drum corps learning experience in their own town. Some people have said the vehicle for this is already provided by each world classes B and C corps. Yes, they do, in the same format of the current DCI corps. For many reasons it needs to be more of a traditional concept to be able to teach, participate, provide local membership, and mainly keep costs down. The organization "Drum Corps Juniors" has put together a set of guidelines that we have mailed to more than 150 organizations including current corps that asked for the info and the interest is off the chart. A few of those guidelines are...Membership limited to 11 to 17 in age. Members must live in a nearby local city providing the sponsorship. Current type of brass instrumentation will be used but a drastically reduced percussion section is planned. Basically if it can be carried safely it will be allowed. Thus all members must march rather than in a pit format. All corps are required to have a Color Guard that must march in the traditional military style and be able to present the colors of the US at any event they participate in. Judging is still being investigated but will definitely be centered around accuracy and include a Marching and Maneuvering category. Uniform design is scaled back and must show some significance to their community or sponsor. ie The Chicago Firemen or Denver Rockies. Finally, absolutely no involvement of any type of recorded music, synthesizers etc. Remember, this is not in place to replace the current Drug corp format but a program to allow for local participation of younger musicians. We need suggestions, assistance, involvement, and members that have the following experience....Marketing/Public Relations, Judging experience, Site Corps Directors, and many many more. There is an open meeting for all interested in supporting and assisting with our mission being held in Chicago, Illinois at the Marriott Oak Brook being held on Labor Day weekend. Please respond to me at ku3553@gmail. com if you want assist or participate in the upcoming meeting. If you are interested in becoming a Board Director please let me know! Happy Independence Day!!!!!!!!