TheOneWhoKnows

Rumors are their membership has been revoked

The Cadets

Everyone’s freaking out that they aren’t listed on the DCI website anymore

I agree. I could see wanting to sue the organization in terms of forcing them to acknowledge, apologize, and establish practices for prevention. But going after them for compensation is skirting the personal responsibility of those involved. Granted, there are 10 “John Does” listed on the lawsuit. I can only assume that includes individuals that were prevalent back then. But the big name at the top is Cadets and DCI.

The court documents state the complaint is that the organization knew it was going to happen and didn’t stop it from happening. So really it isn’t even about whether or not it happened, it’s about whether or not those in the organization at the time knew about it and intentionally didn’t stop it. The case skips over whether it actually happened or not.

It’s just society hungry for lawsuits. If you get into the details of that case regarding the Mother, I think they went way too far in charging her and subsequently a jury finding her guilty. Recklessness? Maybe. Manslaughter in regards to their claims against her? It’s a stretch. And before anyone wants to say “well a jury found her guilty”, a jury verdict isn’t necessarily pure fact, it’s an opinion based on persuasion.

The complainant didn’t want the trial. It was when DCI was added that a trial was demanded.

I guess my question is, isn’t the truth already out there?

Looks like we have a settlement conference and ultimately a trial date now

You’d have a stronger argument against being the same organization. Members and staff are free to go to any corps they like.

I think it was more because the organization claimed the traditions, history, and accolades of the organization named in the lawsuit originally. Do I think a corps in PA/NJ could be named “The Cadets” or “Holy Name Cadets”, etc etc., no. No corps will be able to have that make and make a successful claim that they are different.

With the current times, there’s a 90% chance the Cadets lose this case.

It has to be an entirely different entity and identity. They cannot claim any of the traditions or the history of the cadets if there was a new corps created. That’s how the judge allowed this lawsuit to go against them. Sure they have a new non profit and new tax ID, but they still claim all the history and traditions of the organization.

SCV is no where near the state The Cadets are in right now.

Unfortunately, this is the truth.

Stating this as respectively as possible since we can’t obviously know the exact intentions, but it’s why I don’t fully understand the point here. We already know there’s no money for the Cadets to pay out. Which as you stated happens pretty often. So is it to just destroy the organization? I guess I just don’t see how that avenue creates a greater good and better future for everyone. Probably going to get blowback for stating this.

We don’t even get that much snow here anymore

Typically depends on lawyer-client agreement. Usually court fees/other mandatory expenses are deducted from settlements paid.

Issue is the legal process is held up and drawn out just like most legal processes. The Cadets “can’t” fundraise because any funds they collect/have on hand could just go straight to a settlement. (I say “can’t” because they technically can, but why would you?) They already don’t have money. Which is why DCI was added to the list of defendants. In all truth, this lawsuit could take down DCI altogether. DCI has a stronger argument against them being involved compared to The Cadets. This isn’t the same situation as SCV. SCV just had mismanagement issues. Cadets are involved in a legal issue that has social backing and the writing is on the wall. They’re done.

I was thrilled to have them move to Erie and support them in every way I can and saw a great future for them here.

Unless some miracle happens, this is the end of the Cadets. So a great article summarizing some historical accomplishments.

Not sure I’d refer to either the designers or performers as “amateurs”.

But is it a cheap shot? There’s very very low probability the corps survives this. And who knows how messy it will get with DCI before it’s all said and done.

We all know one can fluff answers for the cameras, but I appreciate the candidness. He’s honest about being an outsider and said the key points regarding evolution and sustainability of the activity. The words are there, just have to see what actions bring.

I think the issue of "lack of interest" in the activity is multifaceted. I see this all the time in the group I teach and the ones I judge. They are no where near the size they used to be 10 years ago. A lot of it is technology. Joining your local band, drum corps, etc etc. was a source of social interaction. Kids don't need to go out and seek social interaction anymore when it is in the palm of their hands. Cost is obvious and clear, so I'm not going to get into that. The expansion of sports clubs is another reason. We are finding kids are suddenly just way too busy all the time to do something like band. And for a semi controversial reason is the drum corps activity has grown so much as far as technical skills and abilities it's begun to feel out of reach for people. Whether that be internal self doubt or just a recognition of not having put in time and effort to be at the level the top corps are at to even consider auditioning. Sure the product we are getting out of the activity is incredible, but one could see it that is had out paced itself as far as required skills go. The same logic can be applied to why we don't see new corps coming out. The music industry as a whole has out credential-ized itself. If you don't have XYZ degree and some million and two accolades you aren't really seen as being fit to "run" this activity. It was local clubs and organizations backed by parents that started so many smaller drum corps. We just don't have that anymore.