Triple Forte

ok I agree......I don't think they expect that. But I think they probably expect more than they should from a non-for profit. Everyone fritters money away to some degree........ DCP is a forum where everyone shares opinions.....and honestly I have never seen you post something that criticizes DCI of making a poor judgment or wrong decision. Maybe you feel they haven't made any mistakes....but to me that seems a bit unrealistic. So, I don't expect you to agree with some of my comments. Which is ok...... no harm no foul. Every person and organization make mistakes. With no real ties to the organization I speak as a paying customer. I point out some of the "not so good" things about the organization in hopes to educate the masses and hopefully catch the attention from someone in the DCI org. I do not do it to be mean or bitter....because I am really not like that at all They are advertising themselves as being "The Major League" So, I treat them as such. Their slogan....not mine Back on topic.....sorry folks I paid $140.00 (An additional $5.00 for processing) for the same 45 yardline seat for DCA's Alumni, Prelim and Finals show.

Thats not good at all.........

Why did DCI have to book in a place like the Adams Mark in Denver? Couldn't they find a nice Marriott or Hampton Inn? These less swanky hotel chains have convention facilities too. I spoke to someone while waiting in line in Denver to order tickets for Foxboro who owns two supermarkets and was one of the sponsors for a local DCI show. He told me that a lot of sponsors (Not all) "do" expect nice perks for their sponsorship. They want a personal ROI.

This is interesting. What's even more interesting is that DCI's coverage of the Winter conference featured all kinds of views (Pictures) of the hotel/resort itself. Why would anyone seek out this hotel with all of the pubic ally posted comments like you have quoted....which basically describes a dump......

So in this example we all should pay a significant amount more in Federal Taxes. We all want more from the goverment......it comes at a price...so pony up. Honestly I feel DCI spends way to much money to on receptions and the headquarter hotels. They/We don't need 4 and 5 star hotels.....do we? How much time during a drum corps week is spent at the hotel? Also, think about what they spend to wine and dine the sponsors? I realize the critical need for sponsors, don't get me wrong. But I also feel these sponsors should take a hard look at what they are sponsoring and realize that fancy hotel stays and receptions should not be expected for an activity that is non-profit and helping young adults. Instead...the sponsors eat it all up and probably complain. I guess what I am saying is I am not thrilled in the least with the way DCI spends money.....

I live in the Northeast so I get to see quite a few alumni performances. I have also seen (Except for SCV and BD) all of the reunion corps (Royal, Madison, 27, Kingsmen) I would pick........ Spirit of Atlanta (#1 choice) Suncoast Sound Velvet Knights Liberty Bell (They were a crowd favorite in their time) One note regarding Spirit......Nothing against the new school and programming, but I just don't know why an organization so steeped in a unique style (Southern Jazz) brushes it off like a bad case of fleas. (BD Jazz is another). I guess that's why the alumni corps are so thrilling to see/hear........they represent those great identities that in some cases have been lost in the sauce of staying competitive.

Will we see........... You already know how I think it is going to shake out......

Yeah.....the middle will be light when DCI goes with full-blown electronics and adds woodwinds....IMO. I sit in the premo seats now....and I don't see many HS band students (DCIs' target fanbase) sitting in the area. I don't see how they can afford the tic prices if adults can barely handle it. PS I sit in premo seats now because when DCI implements their changes over the next few seasons....I will be gone. I am enjoying the ride while it lasts.....

Anything with swing, groove and jazz. Because you can't play swing off a page......its a FEEL. You either got it or you don't got it.....GOT IT ! Non-swing/jazz: The 2000 Cadets show was pretty tough.......

Absolutely...... Going in to their 51st season as an Org. lets hope they drop the cut and paste style and extend some phrases. When BD extends the phrases.....very few corps can match their musicality and energy....

As I already stated most of the crowd was deathly silent.....except for two younger folks who were talking really low during the whole show. Something at the movies that is driving me nuts is peoples inability to turn their phones off and refrain from checking there IM's (Messages) 4 or 5 times. This is a note for everyone.....if you can not get away from regular life for a 2 hour movie or drum corps presentation.....please STAY HOME !! Your not in your family room at home....the backlight from a phone illuminates quite brightly in a pitch dark cinema.

We had the "Volume issue" in Clifton NJ as well. After the show started four people went down and told the staff to pump up the volume. It did not get much better......very low. I think I am going to send an email to DCI asking them to make sure that included with the media, put in a note stating "WE LIKE OUR DRUM CORPS LOUD" Movies are loud....so why do cinemas have an issue with that. I was pleased with the turnout.......about 35 people. Some younger HS and some older folks. I went to see 10,000 BC not to long ago on a Thursday night and the crowd was about the same size. You could hear a pin drop in our theater.....very quiet crowd.

I think it is great they have put a last minute surprise in to the countdown.......and I look forward to seeing AK again....

I was at finals in 1995 and It is not the best night ever for me. Actually.....a lot of folks were scratching their heads in regards to the Cavaliers winning. The show was not a 'Knock you over you head' type of show and it introduced a very "controlled" style. Although..... the 95 Cavies drumline was the cleanest line I had ever heard to date in 95. SCV doing "Not the Nutcracker" Crossmen playing something very unusual for them BD's darkside show Scouts....just an inhuman performance We see Crown in the elite for the first time As you see....kind of a strange year....... I kind of enjoyed 2003 quite a bit....... Spirit jumping two corps to make it in to finals Phantoms AWESOME brass The Cadets insane drumline Awesome new look and sound for Crown Madison back in finals

Hi all, Pretty straight forward questions....... How is Pioneer doing so far in this off season ? How many members? Progress on music? Talent? Thnks

I may not be so concerned about the "I don't know" response if they followed it up with something like, "But give me your email address or phone number and I will check in to this for you". I have NEVER heard that. It's always "I don't know".....silence. It's like I am an intruder bothering them with something........ In a search for experts (Be it fans or others) DCI should actively ask people at shows. I have never heard an announcement at a show soliciting for DCI volunteers.

short answer: I really don't have the time right now to volunteer long answer: I do not believe the issues being experienced are being caused by the volunteers or consultants. The managers and leaders in the DCI organization set the standards and are tasked with overseeing the operation of DCI. Most of the problems I have seen come out of the DCI office itself. As far as I know....most (If not all) of these folks are paid. Communication is a huge issue in DCI. I myself work for a huge company and face the challenge of communication; or the lack there of it, everyday. Some of the DCI office staff could use some customer focus training as well. Simply...."I don't know the answer"...is not very customer focused. PS If the volunteers/comitee for DCI East were running all of DCI, I would not be writing this message. This group of people have been running EAST extremely well for many many years. Maybe the heads of DCI should engage these folks. I know they can give DCI some pointers on how to treat customers and execute

I go to see drum corps I have to assume that when there is a major change (Like moving the big show to another stadium) things can get messed up real easy. Heck.....when things didn't change they have been messed up. Give you two quick examples, 1. In 1994 I attended DCI Prelims and Finals for the first time. When I ordered my tickets I was assured that my seats were on the 35 yardline. My seats were on the 15 yardline. What was even more interesting is that at least 20 people in my seating area (15 yardline) were told exactly the same thing.....that their seats were on the 35 yardline. 2. In Orlando 2003 I ordered tickets (In person) for DCI in Denver 2004. I had seats on the 45 yardline. When the tickets were mailed to me......they revealed that I had seats on the 30 yardline. The person I worked with in Orlando put in the wrong seat assignment. I immediately called the DCI office and when I voiced my concern....the first thing they said was "Sorry for the mix up.....we can give you a free T-shirt. Isn't that great......a $17.00 shirt for a mess-up with a close to $300.00 ticket package. Finally......they offered me a refund. I mention these examples so folks are aware of where i am coming from. I am not some angry and disgruntled guy out here with nothing better to do with my time then write a bunch of "I hate DCI" stuff. I write to educate the masses and to balance the scale a bit. DCI is not (By far) a perfect organization who always makes the right decisions. You might think otherwise if you read a lot of the topics out here....... DCI has NOT had their act together.....IMO

1980's Blue Devils 1980 - 90's Madison Scouts (Although there always awesome...)

One of the complainers here checking in........ If DCI wants to be viewed as the "Major League" they are really going to have to start acting like it. If DCI was not abosolutely sure that the stadium would be ready in time, they should NEVER have tried to push for it. This is just flat out bad management. Knowing they had a major office move planned.....the last thing they needed was to scrap one finals location and move everything to another. What a waste of time now for the DCI office staff who is surely going to be running around like crazy trying to sort this mess out. Also, No where does DCI say, "We are sorry for the inconvenience" or "We apologize for the inconvenience" . All I am reading is "We were not the first notified and the press knew first and....and...and ........ whaaann !!!! That is just another example (I can provide you many) of POOR customer service.

I agree with most of this. I cringe every time I call the DCI office. When calling I usually get responses like "I think" or "I Don't know" and then silence. Not.....we don't have that information but please check dci.org or give me your email address and we will let you know. For the prices they are charging......they should be a lot more on the ball. And the stadium being ready in time.....yeah.....they should never have tried to push for something that was this aggressive. Now they have thousands of paying customers confused about tickets and where their seats are.....which is the Holy Grail for most fans attending a drum corps show.

Yeah.....you better amplify those pits more.....I heard a bit of the hornline........

What other junior corps consistently (Regardless of a 1st or 17th place finish) presents more "Fan Friendly " shows then the boys from Madison ? chirp.....chirp...........

1991 Star of Indiana.........Period !!! end of story........

I think some of that stuff is difficult............ "IT WAS AWESOME" no matter what..........