jwillis35

I agree with you. I don't think he meant it in a harmful way. More of a "let's go back to the old ways" which is a type of discussion that many drum corps fans have had. I will say this...at least Madison Scouts still have a corps. I do not know anything about their organization so I will not comment on the politics or finances or the artistic direction of the corps. All I know is I love the corps. Always have, and I would hate to see them fold.

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I like that you are defending them a little here and I have no problem with that. I had a number of students who marched Cadets and all of them loved it. In regard to the food don't take the comments too personally. I think most folks on here know that food issues were very common with lots of corps back in the 70s and 80s, even into the 90s and 2000s in the DCI era. The students I know who marched primarily in the 90s and early 2000s always felt the corps ate well. There were other things they liked and some things they did not. They were all still glad they marched with a legendary corps. But just know that some of the things discussed here (food, finances, other issues) do not just relate to the Cadets. Everyone here knows that. There are lots of good people here who understand the difficulties many corps had in trying to run their operations and get down the road in the summer. This just happens to be a Cadets thread and with the corps going through legal issues at a time when their existence is in question I think it is fair that these things are discussed.

This is sad, but it's the kind of thing that not only happened with Cadets but sadly with many corps. I have heard countless stories like this from back in the day. One of the problems is when people arrive to pick up a kid (for whatever reason) it could be a day when only techs are around running sectionals or something like that. Volunteers don't know what's going on other than what they are doing for meals and other things. The techs are often not aware of official decisions to send someone home (or the reasons), or they are notified late and are really too young to know how to speak with parents and discuss the situation. Hopkins was probably out and about at some Starbucks writing his "life notes" and not tending to real matters, and the coordinators and designers may not even be with the corps at that time...or only a few are and they may be doing other things (or sleeping until the early evening ensemble run throughs). Many corps back in the day and also in the not-too-distant past have not handled these things well.

Nice post. I don't have any real numbers myself. The corps was founded in 1934 but how many of those who marched in the 30s and 40s are still around. I would imagine they still have a very large base of alumni out there but how many of them have real cash to spare? Many are likely retired on fixed incomes. How many of them walked away because of certain people in management? How many were put off by the constant relocation and name changes? When this current trial is done we have no way of knowing if there might be more. @Jeff Ream mentioned something important a few pages back that this was likely going to happen (Cadets going inactive and perhaps folding). After 2017-18 they managemed to band-aid a few things and hang around but the off-field issues with finances, lawsuits, and other legal issues were eventially going to catchup. Others have mentioned it, but trying to fund a corps solely on alumni dollars will not work...not unless you are lucky to have some sugar daddy with $5 mil to $10 mil who is willing to invest in the long-term health of the org. Even when Ted Swaldo invested into the Bluecoats to keep them from folding in 1984 he made sure to setup fundraisers, bingo, and other ventures that would keep Bloo alive and well for years to come. The Cadets org needs to hope they can come out of this trial with a zero balance and not be in debt too much. Then they need to put it to bed for a while. Trying to force a comeback would likely be a mistake. If there is hope for a comeback down the road a very serious effort will need to be made toward setting up operations and funding. You need people with time to spare and personal cash on hand to begin what could be several years of operational setup. What are the chances of this happening? If it were me and I had just enough cash to pay down any debt they have after this trial -- and if I had the time and the say so (which I do not) -- I would take whatever was left (uniforms and trophies) and try to make amends with the city of Garfield, NJ mostly for preservation of corps history. I would try to find a place in town where the corps history could be displayed. I would change the name officially back to the Garfield Cadets, with the city owning the rights to the name, and then close shop. If a group of alumni or business people wish to take up the challenge of resurrecting the corps they will have to work with the city of Garfield. Sounds bleak but at least the history is preserved and a very small "flag" is planted back in the appopriate resting place.

Silicone Valley = Beverly Hills, correct?

Very true. I saw Garfield a few times in 1984. Once was at DCI Canada. They lost to Phantom that night. The Regiment was on fire that night so they deserved it, but all the talk was about Garfield because the show was so amazing. They just had a slightly off night. After the show I could see city buses picking up some of the corps and I wondered where the heck were their buses. Many years later I always heard from people how they were constantly having buses fixed and they were stranded on the road quite a bit. The corps was clearly talented and the show was near perfect design, so even with a 7th place percussion score they still manage to win. Just crazy stuff. If someone told you such a story you would say "no way could that corps win." But then you witness the show with your own eyes and realize...yes that show deserved to win.

I agree with your assessment. So much depends on how this latest case is solved and the financial ramifications. Then you have to hope they don't get hit with another. As for the name of the corps I personally never liked "The Cadets." Too general. I liked it when they were Garfield Cadets. I didn't mind Cadets of Bergen County, and I love Holy Name Cadets. It would be nice -- if by miracle they make it back -- if they could work something out with the Most Holy Name church in Garfield for naming rights no matter where they headquarter the corps. As for coming back, let's face it...they will need some big donorship infusement. When it comes to instruments I don't worry about that too much. They could likely get a decent lease with Yamaha for brass and percussion. But that and tour dues from the members does not cut it. You need lots of cash for tour charters, trucks, housing, food, staff, management and a lot more. I remain optimistic...but that's just my heart talking. I know what my head is telling me. I enjoyed the article. The Cadets are certainly a history-rich organization that, to this point, lasted 89 years. It is very sad they have to miss their 90th anniversary. We are no longer sure there will be a 90th season. Their history with DCI is certainly engrained into the hearts and minds of DCI fans who fondly remember their innovative shows, the catchy moves (Z-pull, Appearing-Disolving-Reappearing Company front), the Championships, the near misses, and the head-scratchers. Many fans can still remember just how much of a game-changer their 1984 show was, and not just for DCI. That show changed H.S. Band, College Band, and its effect reverberated world wide. Many current instructors today -- judging from the podcast I heard over the Pandemic -- still gush about their 1985 show. They had a major impact on the marching arts activity in the 80s and 90s. They have a glorious past, too, having won 10 American Legion national titles to go along with many regional victories pre-DCI and during the DCI period. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I like it. Go Spirit!!! I loved their show last summer.

I agree, judges are pretty good assessing these corps. I suspect SCV will be quite good. I think a lot of talented musicians and auxiliary are very interested in bringing the corps back to top 5 status. Can't wait to see what their show will be.

All I know is I LOVE that feature. Great show by SCV in 1984.

I like Cavaliers chances. That percussion line alone got a standing ovation from me when I saw them in Pittsburgh. I enjoyed all the music they played but it was the busy arranging in some cases that likely got them in trouble when trying to lock that in with their visual program. Early season I thought if they could tweak and edit the show while cutting the fat that they could be top 6 or higher. But it's hard to put your finger on what. I couldn't do it so I am definitely not throwing any shade at the staff. Fine-tuning a show at that level is not so easy. We admire when Blue Devils do it, and we always assume they will, yet we sometimes fail to realize just how difficult the process is. Having said that the Cavaliers show hit me very differently when I saw them live. I loved it for the most part. I'll be rooting for them.

True. In 1982 Dr. Santo was the Executive Director of the Cadets. But because the incident happened on New Year's Eve of 1982 it could be that GH had taken control of the Executive Director by then. I believe Dr. Santo handed the reigns to Hopkins after the 82 season. And yes, YEA did not exist until 1988. Either way, I do believe the accuser has every right to get what they deserve and sadly that means the current organization must pay up and try to get good legal help to make sure the settlement does not cripple the corps for good. I think New Jersey did the right thing by allowing this case to move forward and I feel for the victim (and other victims) of the assault. We all knew that today's Cadets were going deal with many cases from the past. That getting rid of GH and the old BoD was not the end. I don't even know if the law suit with GH has been settled. Maybe someone has that info. There could be other cases coming. We will be lucky if this corps makes it back. And it's my favorite corps of all time. As much as I love Bluecoats, BD, Crown, Madison and all the others. I was a HUGE Garfield / Cadets fan and remain so to this day. It's sad enough they don't get to march in 2024 for their 90th Anniversary. NINETY YEARS is a BIG deal! Will we ever see it? sigh... 😞

I have definitely seen that commercial a bunch of times and kept thinking Bluecoats 2022 and the music they use when the wheel runs over the brass line. Cool music for sure. Leave it to Apple to find this music and make it work in their commercial.

I know, I messed that up...even though I was only joking. And of course now The Cadets are out for this coming season. 😞 But yes, Boston is one of my favs and I loved their show last year. In reality Boston will be top 2 to top 4 without a doubt. The top 4 from last year should be the top 4 this year. I don't see that changing even with SCV back (we think).

These are my predictions and I stand by them (sort of) 🙂 Carolina Crown The Cadets (I can dream) Blue Devils (love BD and I know I am likely wrong here) Mandarins Madison Scouts (yes, I am crazy but it's what I want darn it) Bluecoats Phantom Regiment Tie: Cavaliers & Troopers (10th place) Crossmen (11th) Santa Clara Vanguard (12th) Blue Knights OK, in reality I have no clue. Wishing all of them a successful offseason and much health financially.

Nice job! Site looks great.

Amazing man, incredible legend in the drum corps activity, his marching band charts were first rate, and his concert band pieces were outstanding. His Troy University bands were incredible. There probably is not a band director in this country who has not conducted several of his works or arrangements. He wrote or arranged so many good DCI shows. I think my favorite is his 1985 A Florida Suite. HIs Les Miz for The Cadets in 1989 is top shelf. As Bocook noted in the DCI Artcile his 1988 score for Suncoast changed the activity and the other arrangers took note. We lost this man way too soon. 😞 R.I.P.

Tears...Thank you Madison Scouts! 🙏

Thanks. I knew I had some of that timeline wrong.

I wrote about this a little in my review of the Pittsburgh show but I fell in love with the Seattle Cascades. The show music and theme were wonderful. But more specifically it was watching those young members absolutely busting their tail-ends to march that show. They were mostly young. The one instance that will remain with me was this young mellophone player (? I think it was mello). The kid was maybe 13 or 14 years old. Toward the end of the show the drill was picking up and I could see this short kid with his hat beginning to fall to the side as he/she just kicked it into gear and made a few difficult moves to keep up with the others. I began cheering loudly and others joined in. The effort was 110% electric. I stood up and began cheering even louder...yellow "go go go" as he and the corps completed their show. Big standing ovation from the crowd. I honestly had a tear in my eye as I was telling my girlfriend how much I love the show and the effort from all those kids, esecpially that little mello player. To me...that is the DCI experience and this fan loved it. 🙂

The G7 wanted more control of ticket pricing, payout, more control of what would could be done on the field, more control over DCI (a direct attack on Dan and his power), and they wanted to run their own shows their way. They felt they were the big dogs and the reason most fans came to the shows. GH often spoke about how there would only be 7 or 8 corps left in 10 years so the activity had to move in a new direction and operate in more of a top-down survival mode...trying everything and anything. All of this resulted in TOC shows (Tournament of Champions). In 2004 (??) I believe Finals were in Denver and there was this TOC tour after Finals. The tour went west to California. This was the first time we heard the term TOC I believe. Feel free to correct me if this happened in 2003 or earlier, but I think it was 2004. Out west on the TOC tour the corps did their field shows (exhibition only), then some combined ensemble performances and small ensemble productions (like the Cadets little William Tell skit). They did a few indoor performances as well. Funny that it was called Tour of Champions yet the Bluecoats took part and had not won a championship at that time. I forget if Madison did that tour and also Crown.?? Madison may have not taken part but I just cannot remember. My first impression on all this was they overworked those kids to try and make a point. At the TOC shows that followed in seasons after they would rotate the lineup so each corps would take turns going on first, last, and all other positions in the middle. Not a bad idea but the focus on these 7 corps was not a good thing for the other WC or OC corps. It was a top-down approach to grab what's left and weaken the lower end of DCI. Fans were more likely to attend the TOC show and not some other DCI show featuring other WC and OC corps. The members of the 7 TOC corps often had to perform for fans while they were entering the stadium, then again for their field show, then again in some mass ensemble selections, and then again as they were marching off the field. I personally thought they were using these kids to further an agenda. Those kids should have been paid for all this extra work. To Me: DCI is only as good as the lowest placing corps in WC or OC. It's only as good as the total balance and depth of the corps and the members interesting in marching in this activity. GH and others did not see it that way. GH was convinced their would only be 7 or 8 corps left in so many years. He and others wanted to get their piece of that puzzle. They were playing a doomsday game of survivalist. They did not care for the other units...or at least this is how many fans thought about the G7. I am glad it died. It was a good-ole-boy network that needed to die.

Finals I have attended: 1982 Montreal, 1985-1987 in Madison; 1989 Kansas City, 1990 Buffalo, 1992 Madison, 1995 Buffalo; 1996-1998 Orlando; 2000 College Park, MD; 2001 Buffalo; 2003 Orlando, 2008 Bloomington (semis only); 2009-2011 Indianapolis; 2014 Indy, 2016 Indy. So 20 Finals total. Favorite Finals: 1990 in Buffalo, NY (followed by 1992, 1995, 1987, 2011, 1996, 1985) Coldest Finals: 1992 Madison (we camped out that year and I froze my rear-end off) Hottest Finals: One of the Orlando years...thinking 1996 or 1997 Rainiest Finals: 2003 in Orlando (I believe at Semifinals BD had to step off on the field at like 5 or 10 minutes after midnight ??) Favorite Singular Moment: Garfield Cadets performance of Candide to end their 1985 show, followed by Phantom Regiment moving up to tie Blue Devils for 1st at Finals in 1996. I remember my buddy (a big Phantom fan) lighting up a cigar in the stadium and smoking it while we watched retreat after scores and no one saying a word to him. Favorite Location: Madison, WI - It's a drum corps town and on a Finals week it seemed no matter where you went for food or drink or to hang out after the shows you always met so many drum corps fans and you heard amazing stories. My WISH for a future DCI Finals Location: I know we are contracted with Indy for the next 10 years or so but I would love DCI Finals in Las Vegas, NV. I think that would be cool.

This was really well written. I agree with some and disagree with other things...but I like that it is written in a non-offensive tone. I think even die-hard BD fans would have no issue with the way you have crafted this even if they disagree.

Carolina Crown Blue Devils Boston Crusaders Phantom Regiment Spirit of Atlanta Mandarins, Bluecoats, The Cadets, Troopers all amazing too. The surprise for me was Spirit partly because I saw them live and the show just grabbed me.