DCIat14

I'll agree - they did look & fit incredibly well, though not without some known problems. The helmets caused issues all season long. I suspect it was a combination of things that led to the change, which can happen, but in the end we trust corps leadership & have no doubt the right decisions are being made for the right reasons! Thanks to all for all you do!

...and yet increasing member limits does nothing to increase revenue per se as expenses also increase. Both increasing size and the inclusion of woodwinds face the same issues - large corps or small - it adds increased cost and in reality would likely offset any potential increased revenue. As others have stated, those woodwind players who wish to be included seem to be finding ways and their families already enjoy the activity. Can you imagine a small open class corps having to purchase woodwinds, reeds, and keep them up in addition to brass & drums? Yikes!

Happy New Year!!!!

That all corps feel supported by the organization AND by other corps. Only together can we make this a better activity That history is made, records are broken, and experiences are better than ever That everyone remembers how important this activity is to the current marching members, regardless of division That we have an exciting year and that judging leaves past prejudices in the past and victories are not pre-determined That we appreciate the pressure members today face and all do our part to support them That we share our passion for drum corps with others AND the benefits it provides in real life That someone surprises me with tickets to Finals 😄 😄 These are my grown-up DCI wishes. I know, I don't ask for much 🙂

Herein lies part of the issue. Let's take Cascades - their camps start significantly later than most of the other corps due to the school schedule in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, some corps are in to their first performance while Seattle Cascades have only been in Spring Training for a week (if that). That is a HUGE gap to overcome! Their time to clean, perfect, and perform is significantly reduced due to this schedule - it would make very little sense to go East to turn around and come back West. That's a long trip! So not only do they need to attract members at an increased cost due to increased travel costs (it takes forever to get anywhere), they also must do so with the reputation of consistently being in the bottom of the pack. It isn't that the members aren't passionate about what they do, they just have a few more mountains to climb so-to-speak. ...but we don't talk about that. Open Class is often the place where kids gets hooked on drum corps. It gives members that might not have the opportunity otherwise to march and fall in love with an activity that many of us have had the experience to enjoy. It helps them build confidence and they look at the WC members with awe and wonder. In a few years, they decide "Hey, I want to try that WC thing!" and off they go! There are some WC corps (and very old, historical OC corps - to Garfield's point) who have off years, rough financial years, etc. This new policy leaves very little room for those rough years & creates situations where some of our currently successful WC corps would not be here today. THAT is concerning. Not to mention, I have seen some 40 member corps perform the pants off some shows. It's harder to perform with fewer people because the flaws stand out more. It's $700 and it's worth it to every single one of the open class members who get to warm-up next to the Blue Devils, or the Blue Knights, or the Boston Crusaders, or the Bluecoats. Sometimes things are worth more than the money they provide. It's about the experience and the fact that the members from those top Corps love giving back. Corps who have that passion will find a way to make that $700 work. If DCI takes that opportunity away by regulating a 55 member minimum (which is a full-bus), then they are limiting the success & growth of both open and world class. Open class deserves more respect than what you are giving them.

THIS is awesome!!

I think this will come in time, but not necessarily by satellite camps. A corps will attract members to it from across the ocean and it has much more to do with just going to those places.

Not all of them. May I introduce you to realm of open class corps - some who once toured nationally have now chosen to remain regional and yet are still incredibly competitive. Some of these open class hold their own against World Class corps, though arguably their 'region' is larger than others, working to their advantage. Their budgets are typically smaller yet the costs still remain - buses being one of the biggest expenses. Volunteers are harder than ever for corps to find, schools getting tighter and tighter with their red tape limiting housing availability, and other expenses to simply keep the corps on the road, safe and healthy, is at an increased cost across the board. What are people doing to help besides complaining and opinionating on a message board? If you volunteer - THANK YOU! If you donate - THANK YOU! These members are as passionate about this activity as anyone who has ever marched and the demands placed on them and the corps are at an all-time high. Everything evolves though, and until the fans and designers reach a point where enough is enough and do something productive to change it, the demands will continue. As a parent and volunteer, I'm pretty proud of what these members, volunteers, corps staff, and admin are accomplishing...and I am forever grateful for those who charged the lead, and inspired along the way. @MikeD - That wasn't all in reply to you...just used your post as a gateway 🙂

The current members have such an incredible respect and appreciation for the alumni. I have never seen anything like it! My heart melts when I see the bond they share - it's absolutely incredible!

My blood pressure can't take this! 🤦‍♀️

Unfortunately, the staff turnover, difficulty in both getting new members, vet retention, & member experience is enough to hurt the Cascades without any uneducated guesses. Tommy not only helped to inspire the members this year but he also brought a vision for the Cascades & an excitement & passion that pushed them in to Semifinals! Despite what may have happened on the road or behind the scenes, he seemed to keep the members focused on getting better & helped them achieve something they haven't done in years. His departure from the corps is truly a shame - amicable or not - and I wish him nothing but the best. As for Cascades, I hope they take this opportunity to look inward & refocus on what truly matters - IMO it may be time to clean house on the back side.

Is it rumor if the staff member themself posts it?

I know which corps better not because Z-man is amazing!

Please don't tell me you are implying anything...?

Due to a change in plans, we have 1 ticket for prelims (242), 1 tickets for semis (337), & 1 for finals available (437). Willing to part with all for $300.

Sometimes it's the members who remind us all what it's truly about ❤️

🎵 Sendin' out an SOS.... 🎵 😁

Yes!!! I love this photo so much and I can guarantee you every member of that corps was playing especially for every person standing on that track! ••|•|•••

Thank you so very much for this post!!

The guard member on the mountain needs to howl at the end of the show! 🙂

Same with Boston & I believe Blue Stars.

Some of these corps are on their 3rd night of performances with 6-8hr bus rides each night. Not sure if Phantom is one of them, but I admire admire any corps that can do that!

Flo...grrr🤬

@Terri Schehr Will you stretch or wave or something so we can all spot a celebrity?! I feel like I've missed a celebrity sighting & I'm kind of upset about it!

Does anyone know who narrates their show (Genesis). The voice sounds very familiar.