Slingerland

The revelation that Vanguard were several years behind on filing their 990s (and then that they hadn't kept up with required filings in California) didn't come out until earlier this year. Not filing 990s was the same offense that caused DCI to suspend Troopers in 2006. The fact that it didn't come up until after they'd pulled themselves doesn't negate the offense against DCI's requirements for members. Had DCI a clue, they would have noticed this over a year ago and pulled SCV from the tour until they were compliant.

Please. The DCI Board laid down and said "wipe your feet on us, it's ok, we trust you."

More like "texting your friend and crashing the car, then getting out and continuing on foot." But they're almost the same.

Oh they have DEFINITELY gotten themselves right with the CA AG office and filed all missing financial forms and done everything else right that they didn’t do all those years when they had a full time executive staff, or DCI would not have approved them to be on the field next year. Because if there is an org that believes in doing the right thing, even if it means making a hard choice, it’s DCI. 😂😂😂😂😂

I remember saying it was unlikely "....unless DCI is totally spineless" earlier in the week. "Amoebas in aisle 4..."

Mostly just spots that are being held open for a little bit pending DCI's decision on letting them on tour or not.

This is accurate. Several folks there who are pending on other offers from several other corps.

I suspect DCI has told them to zip everything until there's a decision made at the DCI level as to whether they can be on tour next year or not. If they can go in and show that they are completely caught up with federal and state filings, and that they have safeguards in place to make sure that nothing like their recent executive collapse happens again, they might have a shot at convincing the others that they can be trusted. Unless DCI turns out to be completely spineless when it comes to one of their marquee members and says "well, ok" regardless of whether SCV has actually fixed anything or not.

Can we seriously take a break from the "poach" tussle? Seems like a good hire for Cavaliers, if for no other reason than it opens up the range of designers in World Class rather than just using the same old same old. Vanguard has to get past the DCI Board before they can be back on tour, and that's far from a guaranteed conclusion. And when your Treasurer, the person most responsible and knowledgeable of your organization's financial and legal position, resigns in reaction to a vote to try to get back on tour, well...

Those who knew, knew.

You can only hope anyone considering a gig there is being told by management that there's a definite possibility Vanguard won't be approved to be on tour. Just sayin...

Honestly, he might be a good fit there. Assuming he picked up a few tips about how to write for a legacy corps, it would be an upgrade. The only thing I remember about Madison this past year was a hamster ball, but Cavaliers battery staging was a factor in their success in that caption.

Doubt anyone saw that as a surprise. The visual program wasn't any worse than the year before, but it also wasn't a step up.

A lot of the resolution on this will come down to who the official is who has final say. Sometimes they are merciful and sometimes they are Nurse Diesel, and having a good attorney will be key.

...the one who said "drum corps is dumb, we should do something else with this organization." Brilliant hire.😀

His son suggested they watch the PBS broadcast together. DCI on PBS was arguably the most important change agent in the history of the activity.

As noted, Bill hired a drum corps guy to run the drum corps operation. He didn't hire someone who worked for his medical supplies business. He also never hired someone whose primary experience was in running drum corps to head up a division of that same medical supplies company. "Hire people who know WTF they're actually managing" is generally regarded as sound business advice.

Reasonably sure the people in that room are more aware of what the pertinent questions are than the DCP universe. Drum corps is a very small world. == Maybe they discussed this, maybe they didn't, but taking baby steps with a west coast tour for just their B corps would probably be more palatable to the voting members than a full-on WC tour with the A corps. It would help reintroduce the brand to the home market and give the organization time to continue fixing the big picture issues that continue to dog them, and (if I put on my imaginary AG hat), make a strong case that the organization was fulfilling their charter to provide performance opportunities for young people rather than using Bingo as a cash machine for its own sake. Because if DCI's voters say no to a national tour for the A corps, and there's no backup plan, and they have to sit out another season.....yeah. that's not good.

The DCI Board and/or Membership will vote on allowing SCV back on tour for next year (or not) at the September meetings, if they request to be part of the tour. Those voting will no doubt ask a lot of questions and require verified info before making a decision.

Hiring people with no background in drum corps to run drum corps organizations has a lousy track record.

Performer or staffer - 4 Butt in Seat - 24 Madison is still the best atmosphere, but the worst actual stadium (bleachers?) I've come to respect all of the advantages Indy offers in terms of ease of getting to the stadium, affordable parking, decent housing options, etc.

An executive director? A plan? A budget? Permission from DCI to conduct drum corps business? All of the above?

DCI has a policy that forbids corps from releasing staffing info for next year until after Labor Day.

Doubtful Saucedo is going anywhere else than Cavaliers. The vibe this year (from the staffers I talked to) was completely different than the chaos last year, and corps management would be goofy not to want to hold on to him. Same with the percussion team: they have every reason to be happy, and happy people don't run away from home. Hope Rosemont can hold on to the guard staff, as they were an obvious upgrade over the last few years in terms of recruiting and teaching (most improved guard this season, and it's not up for debate). Visual design and brass instruction were the two weakest areas, and you'd have to believe they're looking at upgrades/changes in both areas.

If I remember correctly, no one in the blind draw at '88 finals finished out of their group, and Madison won Semis too, so I'd argue it didn't really make any difference except from a suspense angle for the fans.