MusicManNJ

As I understand it... USA Today was a rumor when two stories were conflated. It has always been Tricia and Jaccii. Based on the tweet it looks like Tricia has reached out to speak to Dan about her findings (probably to complete the story). And based on her tweet Dan has refused. Seems odd to blame the reporter (for not sharing details) only to find out that DCI has refused reporters requests for an interview about her findings.

Wow! This is not how they should have handled this. Unbelievable.

My guess would be either Tricia (Inquirer) or Jaccii (Allentown TV). My guess is, if DCI is posting this, we will know soon enough.

Sadly, yet predictably, the centipede is dropping more shoes.

No surprise.

And Jim Prime was also an elementary school music teacher... it's a shame he didn't have more experience. He could have been something...

A great way to honor both the contribution of these two great gentlemen as well as continue WCUs ascent as a national leader in music education and instrumental music. The Wind Ensemble will be making their first appearance at the College Band Directors National Association conference in early 2019. An invitation to perform is a stamp of approval for any collegiate ensemble. The current band continues the contributions to DCI/DCA with several students as marching members across world class corps and many staff members involved as well. And you can't throw a stone in PA, DE or NJ without hitting a high school instrumental music teacher that came through this program. The Wells School of Music is certainly on the move.

This. When done well they make an excellent contribution. If the score is written well the contributions of the cymbal line can be very readable. The use in the front ensemble is more for impact points. The marching cymbals add more nuance.

And considering the plates are free... no real cost. Just a tech and the 4 spots.

True... but what this lead to was more opportunities for percussionist in general as the eight members (4 timp and 4 keys) became a front ensemble with 6, 8, 10 , 14 and now in some instances 18 members sections. This did not eliminate the voice or section... just repositioned it with better instruments. The elimination of the cymbal section eliminates an entire voice. Disappointing since it can be very effectively used by SCV and until 2019 the Crossmen.

Not gonna go over well with the alums... not that anyone pays attention to that.

On the DCA prelims thread a believe he was spotted by Jeff Ream.

And so it begins...

As we have been reminded this week!

recovering alcoholic to be bartender?

I agree that there intent may have been nobel. File this under "no good deed goes unpunished."

Not sure what your point is but here is the law I am referring to. Notice the url: https://www.nj.com/education/2018/04/gov_phil_murphy_signs_historic_pass_the_trash_legi.html

We have a similar issue here in NJ. Because of districts allowing bad employees to voluntarily leave they do not make visible information about wrong doing. The new law is lovingly referred to as the "Pass the Trash" law to require districts to inform other districts if someone has been removed for poor behavior (stuff with students etc). The activity could benefit from a similar approach or as BRASSO I believe mentioned a "do not hire" list.

Agree.

I have not clarified anything. I stand by the original comments. You, yourself were the one trying to parse it into something not there. Where I do agree with you is... I am glad I am not doing YEA public relations either. For one... I am not qualified (but I have hired first rate PR teams who have taught me about appropriate strategies). Second... they have a GREAT PR agency who has done exceptional work with them and they have been a great client to follow the advice.

You are confusing yourself. I said "How about this, corps that have suspended staff during this season let people know why." YEA told "people" including members and parents and staff (which are the "people' who should be told first and foremost" as well as the press (which should be next since... well... given recent events it is important to get your own story out with your handling of it instead of having a reporter have to drag it out of you since that is how people act when they have something to hide) and included in their announcement the reason why. Again... I did not say "certain" and I did not say "tell the press." I said to "let people know" which is short for being public about the reasons instead of "passing the trash" and allowing someone who is now known to have an issue the chance pop up with another group (which is what we are now seeing in multiple organizations). Parse all you want. YEA did the proper thing... a strategy others cold learn from. Oh... and the reporters gave them kudos for being TRANSPARENT, and showing HONESTY and GRACE. Regarding DCI... it would be great if they would follow what YEA has done for stories that relate specifically to them (preferably on the first try). As others have pointed out they are following a different strategy. Time will tell of this is the correct one or not.

I am not sure I follow and do not believe I have walked back anything. They told members and parents in an email they same time they notified the press which circulated the story widely. What people did they miss?

Respectfully, you are wrong. YEA did inform parents and members and included in the email that the person in question was part of the group of "300 Pennsylvania priests accused of sexual abuse towards children." They told everyone of the issue, how they learned about it, what actions they took and the timing. And made it clear that "There is no record of any sexual misconduct involving Mr. Cramer during his employment with YEA."

Well now we get to watch and see how this strategy plays out.

Not interested in taking over any project of DCIs. Just wish they would get, or be allowed to get, proper help in dealing with aspects of the issue. Lawyers are one aspect. But lawyers without a comms strategy can be disastrous.