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cmchandler

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Posts posted by cmchandler

    2017 Open Class Championships - Aug 8

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    On 8/9/2017 at 5:30 PM, N.E. Brigand said:

    My theory has been that the recession that started in fall 2007 hit many corps harder than people realized, and only the two who had strong organizations to lean on were able to maintain and build on what they'd achieved to that point.

    I would propose it's even simpler than this. There is absolutely no financial incentive for an Open Class corps that is not financially "covered" by a World Class corps to stay Open Class. Open Class corps are expected to go on the same tours as the WC corps but are paid nothing for shows (even most of the Open Class ones, although a few are moving toward creating an Open Class pool for participants if/when they can afford it). 

    If you're fielding 150, making the scores, and you're able to make it through the DCI hoops, it's in your best interest financially to move up, which is why you won't see corps like Pioneer who struggle with numbers move back down. 

    2017 World Championships Prelims - Aug 10

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    5 minutes ago, MikeN said:

    Allow me to fly my Dad Flag for a moment, but Guardians, by beating Pioneer, secured the corps' first ever finish over a WC corps! Congrats to them for making history, one score at a time.

    Ok, back to Prelims for y'all.  I have to go try to mentally deal with some ridiculous troll in another thread...

    Mike

    I know our guys were head to head there at the end, but allow me to tell you how much I really enjoyed watching that show. Open Class was a goldmine for entertainment this season.

    • Like 3

    2017 World Championships Prelims - Aug 10

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    4 minutes ago, Jake W. said:

    I didn't realize this until scampering over to their website, but the drum corps arm of the WGI power house River City Rhythm started as an Open Class corps and went to the World Championships its first year, 2015. I knew that this was their third year competing, but it's so odd (and a GREAT sign for RCR's management skills as an organization) for a corps to be accepted into Open Class their very first year of existence. There's an application process that of course is nowhere near as stringent as the threshold for World Class, but it exists nonetheless and makes sure that corps are financially viable before that are awarded Open Class status. Anyway, it's SUPER rare for a corps to be accepted without existing AT ALL beforehand...often as a Soundsport group, but more regularly as a musical entity that does parades and other local things to gain traction and membership. But no, RCR's drum corps arm was accepted as an Open Class its' first year in existence, and travelled to Michigan City & Indy for Finals :blink: That shows signs of a huge future for the organization!

    IIRC, they laid down a good foundation by fielding an indoor group for a few years prior so they could step into Open Class with a good financial base. It was a smart move. 

    A Suggestion for Monday and Tuesday Nights OC Championships

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    For what it's worth, the bit about FloMarching comes mostly from me, I think. I emailed them about two weeks ago asking about the feasibility of covering Open Class corps, especially since so many of the south and eastern ones were more or less shut out of World Class shows this season. Their response was to say they were indeed looking into it for next season, and they would be keeping a close eye on how well Open Class prelims and finals did to help them decide if it was worthy of expansion. I've been spamming out the DCP Facebook page and Reddit pleading for people to watch, as I firmly believe and support the mission that this level of music education deserves a worthy stage.

    So PLEASE watch. First of all, you're just flat out missing some amazing drum corps if you don't. There are some REALLY great things happening in Open Class (especially Southwind, says the homer). Secondly, support the growth of the activity! The Open Class corps you see today may be the champions of tomorrow. It wasn't that long ago (sssshhhh, it WASN'T that long ago) that I was competing head to head with Carolina Crown, Blue Stars, and Mandarins on a nightly basis during the summertime. Now I see those groups competing on Saturday night, and it makes me love this activity even more.

    Just watch! It won't be wasted time, I guarantee.

    • Like 6

    2017 Open Class Championships Prelims - Aug 7

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    23 minutes ago, RetiredMusTeach said:

    I'm not a very good reporter but I am a lover of all these young people and a big fan of Open Class.  I will be watching via FloMarching and will try to add to the dialogue.

    A little note about this week for the corps:  seems that it is a tradition during finals week for vets & age-outs to wake up the corps with a brass ensemble playing music that is one of the corps' standard warm-up songs or a traditional favorite, i.e. Phantom playing Elsa's.  On one of the Music City kid's Instagram page, he posted a video of a MC brass ensemble waking them up with "It is well with my soul" - made me tear up. 

    Ours woke everyone up with "Legends" this morning. It was lovely to watch.

    • Like 1

    Biggest Surprise of the Season?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    13 hours ago, PopcornEater1963 said:

    This is going to sound like complete Hallmark syrup...but it's true. 

    When my daughter was about 4 and my son 1, I started a night-time drill with them while putting them to bed that sounded something like the tired axiom "If you chase what you love, and find a way to make a living at it, you'll have the best career possible, and you'll never truly work a day in your life". That is a tired cliche. But you know what...I beat it into both of their heads. My daughter is now a very successful oil painter signed to representation with a gallery here in Atlanta ( she's 21 ) and my son is headed to Jax State to become a band director. I don't worry about either of them having great lives. 

    Southerners alum here. Tell your son welcome to the family. Also, Box 5 parenting. :14_relaxed:

    • Like 1

    2017 Open Class Championships Prelims - Aug 7

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

     

    3 minutes ago, N.E. Brigand said:

    In 2014, the international corps was scheduled based on the score they'd earned in the O.C. tour. In 2015 the three international corps went on first. This year, the international corps goes on last. Not really important; just noting that quirk.

    I like this placement for them. It lets them still be scored but also serve as an "encore" for the Open Class corps.

    Caught them via FloMarching at Allentown the other day and really like the show. 

    Cedar Rapids, IA - Aug 5

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Just now, N.E. Brigand said:

    It was based on all Open Class shows from July 26 through August 5.

    The directors received a notice this morning that Aug. 4 scores were thrown out for consideration because half of the slate didn't receive scores because of the rainout in Sheffield. So it's the two highest out of the date range above except Aug. 4. 

    • Like 1

    Petunia City Brass - Oregon, IL Aug 2

    in DCI Open Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, MikeN said:

    Depending on the Oregon scores tonight, the standings might get a little screwy until this weekend.

    Mike

    Agreed. 

    Not to diminish those programs in the slightest because they're solid, but that show seems way inflated, score-wise. That has them currently scoring ahead of a good number of the rather solid lower-tier WC corps. 

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