shostahoosier

Sounds like what Shaw did when he arranged for Regiment before he left for SCV. The corps slowly built from 2002 to 2008 - placing higher almost every year.

I totally agree with the OP. I'm a dinosaur that can accept some DCI changes but I feel like with the shakos/aussies/helmets gone, we're watching a performance of individuals. I realize seeing the marching members' emotions and expressions is part of the effect but then I thought that was what the changes to color guard were meant to allow. It also feels like a cheap way to boost general effect. A performer doesn't need to turn to the audience and make an awkward face to telegraph that I should acknowledge and cheer for the fact that they just played a really difficult passage.

I would say the Blue Devils issue was that they peaked in 1995. I saw that show a few weeks earlier on tour and they were playing lights out. But...like 1995, 2022 has 4 shows that all have the potential to win on the last night.

As welcoming as DCI is, racial diversity has not been one of its strong points. I don't know if "barrier" is the right word.

1. I think finding a way worked when corps fees were closer in relation to the minimum wage jobs that members could work during the off season. 2. I TOTALLY AGREE with you about spring training.

I had actually already read this article. It doesn't answer my question about the average cost of a sports camp - it just says that they vary wildly.

The average sports camp is charging more than $5K a week? Because it seems like the average corps fee is this much.

I don’t necessarily think this is the case. I am amazed at how the Madison Scouts organization was able to keep costs low for so long while remaining competitive. I attended university with a member who marched the year before and after Scott Stewart was replaced and his first thought was “we have an awesome new design team but my corps fees have doubled.” Anyway I feel like corps fees will become a problem, especially for the smaller and middle tier corps. There needs to be a real discussion/solution and not just a “it’s cheap and if they want to march they will find a way.”

No. I think the problem is that the $5000 drum corps experience costs performers $5000. I marched in the late 90s when corps fees amounted to about 10% of my full college costs for a year….now it would be a little more than 20% (with increased college costs taken into account). Again, people will say “but look at what you get! It’s a steal!” and I’m sure it is…but $5K is $5K and is a for some income brackets. I don’t think is sustainable.

Fuel. food. insurance. multiple weeks sitting in spring training not making $$. these aren’t new things no?

This is a great move by Jersey Surf but while reading the article I saw this: Is DCI really $4400 a year now?! And I'm almost certain that Jersey Surf is one of the better corps with keeping costs down. I know someone will say "BUT DRUMCORPS IS CHEAP COMPARED TO WHAT YOU GET!!!!!!!!" However at almost $5k - $6K the price is becoming less competitive compared to other summer actitivites that a kid in their late teens/early 20s might enjoy.

April Gilligan (Garfield/Cadets). I was really looking forward to her return to the Cadets this year. Her guards were always amazing.

Well...you got me there. Even OC finals was in the middle of nowhere.

duplicate post

Nah...when I read reviews online...they often start with "Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it into the stands for the first few corps". So even when smaller corps are opening shows for the bigger corps, people are still missing their performances.