LabMaster

For clarity: “all of those ARE drum corps” should read “all of those WERE drum corps”. Boston’s synth was in 1985 and did get them a penalty but didn’t change their position. Electro is and amplification, still didn’t happen until later. The lazy people who changed the rules were all the corps voting all the rules changes in. And there have been changes to instrumentation forever.

I once worked with a guy named Dick Seeler.

We may not see a lot of announcements. We might. The Labor Day thing is no formal announcements before Labor Day, but nothing says all announcements will be made. Announcements may be made in drips.

79 and 99 Boston

When the decision was made to have only it only be standstills, DCI initially asked for brass only performances. Corps that did more, did so by their own choice. Timing, wet warm up area and travel logistics factored into decisions by corps to perform.

Maybe he meant record crowds over 3 days of competition (including finals night) was a total record.

To be fair, this is typical of how this thread goes. Year after year. To wish it to be different is futile. It’s enjoyable because no one argues about dumb stuff, they just chat. Some folks like to think they have insiders knowledge about staff changes. Some do, some would like you to think they do. But nothing really is confirmed until formal announcements are made after Labor Day. So until then, don’t follow the thread or join in the conversations. Next week we learn what’s true or not.

The thread is not a “mess”. It’s typical friendly chatter during the pre-Labor Day speculation and rumor period. Until formal announcements are made or confirmed, beginning next week, we have coffee talk. It’s not a big deal.

One other thing your parents may want to be aware of is a corps policy on member safety. The policy should cover a number of concerns and something should be readily available when requested. The P&P along with their inclusion of a SafeSport program should be in place. A corps I volunteered with requires anyone spending an overnight volunteer period, complete a SafeSport program and again with a second year of volunteering. And the corps has a zero tolerance policy which I can confirm is enforced.

Marching DCI IS a dream for many kids, but it is a very achievable dream. Do your research, learn what your corps options are. Ask questions. Find the right fit. For your parents, many orgs are happy for parental involvement and support. They can volunteer for a summer or for a few days. Helping an org helps them feel comfortable that their kid is safe and well cared for. At a rehearsal in San Antonio this summer, the number of parents sitting in the sun watching their kids was incredible. For 3 days! Good orgs know how to include kids families.

Tour food?

Bostons brass was very underrated this year. They did well all season and their numbers at finals (caption placement) were a bit head scratching. But they’ve made a statement that they are in play with the top ranked lines. Deservedly so. I expect continued success in 2025.

Staff sleeps on the sleepers. Otherwise you need a separate housing facility from where members are housed and there are limits in schools for sleeping and showers. staff or Adults can’t be with the members

There were a few shows with training judges participating this year. It does appear that new judges are coming in each year. It also looked like veteran judges were doing fewer shows too.

Oooohhh, you really got him. It wasn’t a suggestion, more of a thought, based on BD’s approach to not use charts but design drill organically. However, it didn’t seem to work out this year, as a unique approach that it was. It may require a rethink. And that is something they are good at. And while you accuse Craiga of being an immature junior staffer, you may want to review the maturity level of your swipe. And BAC will be ordering. It’s only a matter of time. I’m sure Bluecoats rings this year will be very nice.