QuinnFleming

I feel it's my responsibility to push back on this, because I believe there's better ways to grow the activity. Attracting members with touring expenses is one of the largest reasons drum corps began to fail in Quebec in the 1980's. With research by Daniel Buteau from Drum Corps World Magazine I compiled this article that highlights some of the reasons why drum corps started to fail in Central Canada. "What Happened to Drum Corps in Quebec?" https://sites.google.com/view/ontario-marching-arts/what-happened-to-drum-corps-in-quebec You say the corps finished in the black, but did it end lower than it began? How much did that tour cost the organization, and how does that compare to a normal year's revenue? If it takes a trip to California to engage kids, are you originally that engaging? I apologize if I'm wrong, but it just looks like Les Stentors is repeating the same mistake Quebec and Ontario have made since DCI hosted finals in Montreal, 1981. Chasing American glory steals an opportunity to inspire a young Canadian to take up music.

https://sites.google.com/view/ontario-marching-arts/competitive-regionalism Hello there, I'm a Canadian marching band director, I marched Boston '17 and admin'd for 7th Regiment '18. I've researched the history of drum corps in Canada extensively, and I've summarized my opinions in this article 'Competitive Regionalism: Ontario must abandon DCI, embrace Quebec'. I'd love to hear some outside perspectives on this, especially from an American perspective. Here's a summary of the arguments, which are at the end of the article: https://sites.google.com/view/ontario-marching-arts/competitive-regionalism A 2nd article, this one about the history of drum corps in Quebec and why it declined: "What Happened to Drum Corps Quebec?" https://sites.google.com/view/ontario-marching-arts/what-happened-to-drum-corps-in-quebec?authuser=0 Summary of Arguments The ‘Touring Model’ has eroded local support Over-extended groups financially - the US dollar - customs - the distance Ontario Marching Arts was strongest when it was local - 1950-1980 was the strongest period of the activity, before the touring model We export our energy with no return - Our activity was only sustainable when local performances worked to inspire younger members and local fans DCI has no intentions of supporting Canada DCI will never host an event in Canada - Boston Crusaders will never cross the border, 7th Regiment will never either - SoundSport is just a revenue-generating afterthought - Even when reaching out to Canada, it was framed as US-centric “Great Lakes” - I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth they work to create revenue for DCI We need to control our own destiny as an activity - We have unique advantages, needs, and need to emulate other national orgs - We need to acknowledge what the ultimate goal of DCI is - consolidated supergroups - the “end-goal” of Canada’s participation in DCI is misguided We can do better with what we already have Québec, Ontario have enough drumlines/guards to compete in the Winter, and enough marching bands in Summer to host a circuit, - we’re organizationally/personally disconnected Québec and Ontario should reevaluate our seasons and schedules and consider our specific Canadian needs - our Summer should not be built around DCI Finals - our Winter should not be built around WGI Finals We must pool our resources if the activity is to recover post-pandemic and this is the perfect moment in history to do so