CanadianDirector

we had tried to get something going when Dutch Boy used to camp here, unfortunately, nothing ever came about. I am investigating a youth drumline. Due to the lack of bands in Canada, especially in this area, it is hard to get support financially, people have no idea what it costs, but lots of volunteers. The plan at this point is to have a youth drumline that will perform a few local parades and functions and do a standstill style indoor show hopefully for the fall of 2014. I am in talks currently with one of the service clubs in town to help fund and sponsor. Taking it slowly as it is only myself spearheading this. If there is anyone that has some advice, knowledge, feel free to PM me. I have a strong business and non profit background, have been involved in the marching activity my entire life, but to put something like this together while still juggling all the other things is difficult. Glad to know you liked Goderich, things are really starting to come back after the tornado last year. OK back on topic, great pics, so......does anyone else have any pics of old corps equipment just found in random places?

When the bus was brought to the shop, I had a thousand questions from some people in town....asking if it was a new group starting up, what was a drum corps? Why were they here in Town? Many in town know of my association with bands, drum corps etc... so as they drove by they would call me at work and ask about it.

Actually the guy who has it is really nice, he will gladly show anyone the bus in and out, but you had better make an offer or he gets a bit upset....Although no sign on it, I know it is for sale, however was told they had it started (it used to be directly in front of the shop) and they moved it to the side, have been told it does not start anymore

I had posted about this bus on here shortly after it arrived in town. I did some research and asking around, apparently the story I was told (the same as Rick only more detail).....The bus blew the engine at DCI finals in Buffalo, it was determined that the cost to repair was more than it was worth, it was picked up by a wrecker?or mechanic? and sold almost instantly for next to nothing to the owner of the welding shop here in town, his original idea was to convert it to a motorhome. I drive by this bus all the time, and makes me nostalgic about when Canada had a lot of drum corps....as a side note, the small trailer that Kiwanis Kavaliers had before they got their semi's was sold to a shop about 2 miles up the road from where the bus is. That was a really wierd few months, driving by and seeing a crown bus and kaviliers trailer. Perhaps Goderich is the home of dead corps vehicles to the North.

Well here in Goderich Ontario we did not feel it, thank goodness, Sunday a F3 tornado ripped apart our town, The scary part is this area is not Tornado prone. The quake was felt in areas only a few miles from us but no one I spoke to noticed, I am posting a video of before and after the tornado, our town is completely devasted, almost all the buildings you see in the photos around the town square, will have to be demolished, many areas still no hydro, no natural gas, the downtown core known as the square is under police lockdown. The bandshell gazebo is completely demolished, I know this is off topic but to be honest......I am on here to try and not think about it(which is unsuccessful) or just absorb what has happened, our house has minimal damage, we have hydro we are lucky, many of our friends are not so lucky. There was only one fatality, By the grace of God, many of the business that collapsed or were crushed had patrons at the time, most escaped with minmal non serious injuries, a few serious. go to that "tube" that shall not be named and type Goderich Tornado, to Goderich with love....

After reading the entire thread, it would seem that perhaps things are not as bad as first reported....however, as someone who has been involved in drum corps, marching bands and the business world, it seems there are some serious communication issues between the management and the staff and definietely the parents. I am glad that the explanation appears to resolve the major issues, and anyone who has travelled with a charter company, understands there are huge challenges in regards to how drum corps travels and the senior citizens on a a day trip to a casino. But there is obviously still some management issues to be resolved. When all are home safe, and the tempers have cooled I hope that everyone will have their say, and a resolution will be found that will create a positive outcome for the future of Revolution. And some say that this forum may not be the place to air dirty laundry, but if you are a parent 'protecting' your child and others any place to say your peace becomes fair game. BUT everyone must stay level headed and look at ALL the factors before making a snap decision, perhaps the issue that has caused all this discussion could have been better resolved if 1. the parents spoke directly to the corps director/management and 2. the corps director/management have a more accurate/efficient way of informing the parents and especially if someone other than the person in charge is responsible for the ride home. Just my 2 cents but when the dust settles it seems that the situation may not have been as dire as reported, BUT this is one of those lessons that anyone in management can learn something from....communication is key, all the time to everyone involved in the organization, perhaps that would have clarified a few issues before it blew up on dcp.

It has been a few years since I was actively involved in any situation with "International" corps but my basic understanding in DCI is an International Corps is any corps that is NOT from North America. In terms of ages of members, I also am of the understanding that if the unit is a junior unit (regardless of what the maximum age of the members are, as different circuits in different countries allow for members of varying ages due to their social structure), and yes, Field size, timing also play factors, then as a "junior" group they are allowed to participate in DCI events. Canadian corps are not allowed to compete in International Division because when DCI formed there was at least one (maybe 2) Canadian corps involved and that is why it is called Drum Corps INTERNATIONAL (I believe Micheal Boo has some history of that, I saw it in a thread on here once, was that you that reported that Mike?????) so in DCI basically, as long as in your home country you are considered a junior corps, and you are not from North America, you can compete in International Division.

In 1987, Ventures All Girl Corps from Kitchener, Ontario, performed their opener, Jubilance I belive, a symphonic concert band type of piece, and the rest of the show was music from Sweet Charity, in 1988 the entire show was from Sweet Charity. They Won Div. II in 1987 and placed in the top 25 as well. If memory serves me correct, they placed 2nd in Div. II in 1988 and again placed in the top 25 that year. Dave McKinnon (now Bluecoats) was the music director at the time and did some great arranging.

OK so I have been very quiet on the forums of late, but I need to chime in from a bit of a different perspective: When I was involved in hiring the musical acts for a parade (marching bands, drum corps Jr. Sr. Alumni, pipe bands etc...) we would ask for promotional material from groups, we would advertise them, show off what they gave us, pay very, very good money to them, I had a similar situation happen with a band, we hired them from the material they gave us, very polished very professional all high school aged, then when they do the parade, they are in half uniforms (All their literature bragged about their "New" uniforms and how amazing they looked) how many awards they had one, how they were much more mature then their ages (high school) anyways they strolled through the parade, barely played were trying to be laid back, after all was said and done I contacted the director to explain my dissappointment as they never stated anywhere about their "new image" the director did not get what I was saying so I started quoting his own bands promo info about music, uniforms etc.... he explained it wasn't judged and the kids needed to relax a bit, I have no problem with that but based on on the information we were given THAT WAS NEVER STATED, so I still gave them a cheque for several thousand dollars, and then had to explain to the committee why we paid for a group that did not live up to their own description. The point is I get it is only a parade but, is this the image they send out in their promo package? Is this what the persons paying them to be there knew they were getting? We always tried to hire the best possible available groups and a variety of military style, more laid back, bands on floats, small bands and large bands (and corps) to say it was a dissappointment is an understatement. Some people on here say it is only a parade, and if the event organizers and ultimately the crowd think that they got their money's worth then that's great, but when you hire a DCI world Class top corps their is an expectation, after all when I hired groups that was exactly why we hired them, because they were the best of the best. A very wise drum corps man once said (many times to his corps, and was passed down to me from one of his students) to paraphrase If you do not have class off the field, you can not have class on the field, the falseness of your attitude and actions will show through, not always but inevitably the one time and one place you do not wish it to happen. Ultimately not a great portrayl of Carolina Crown in my opinion, but it is their decision, so who am I to say whether it was right or wrong?

Well back in the seventies both the Oakland Crusaders and Seneca Optomists were Open Class finalists. Dutch Boy in 1990 and always in the hunt of that 12th spot from 1987-1992 or so, and Kiwanis Kavaliers just barely missing it in 1996(?), not to mention Les Etoiles and didn't Acadamie Musicale go Open as well?. I think that Canada has had a strong showing in World Class and a great showing in Class A/All Girl/Div. A/A60, Div. II/III. There would be no easy answer in restarting the drum corps community in Ontario, however a few things would need to change, but that is a totally whole other thread.

Well sadly I am totally aware of the number of corps that used to come from Ontario and Quebec not to mention those from out west, My family has been involved with drum corps for more then 50 years, I have been involved since I was born. There are several factors while there are no real school marching programs in Canada, probably just social more then anything. We do not have the same emphasis on sports, specifically football, to drive a program. As well as economic conditions, where it would be very difficult to start or revitalize a school band program when all the other art programs are being cut/diminished. Unfortunately, many friends I had growing up and into my twenties (I have lost touch with most of them now), never felt it was cool to be in any band program, add to that the few (well 2 at the time) of high school bands were about 80 members large and not very technically proficient (polite way of saying their end quality was not very good) and the growth factor among the students becomes nil. So while there is little interest in starting any new programs, the few there are have a hard time to maintain operating. Add to that the fact that jr. drum and bugle corps in Ontario during the 60's and into the very early 70's was the way that many local communities had a marching program. Independent organizations that provided the membership the opportunity to performn in a marching ensemble, thus we used to have a lot of drum corps in Ontario. Hope that helps, off to work now.....

OK...I totally can see where both BDBMom and the Revo parent are coming from but consider this.....(perhaps this is it's own thread although I know it has been mentioned before).....In Canada we have NO World Class corps, no World Class shows to draw any attention, no American corps that will come to Canada for a show, no local school band programs to draw from (well only a few, there are less high school marching programs in all of Canada then in California alone) and to boot, other then last summer, for every dollar that the Canadian corps have to pay out for fuel, food housing, and other expenses, due to the currency exchange we have to raise on average 35 cents more just to be equal, what if you told any corps that they need to increse their budget by 35%? So I can understand what the Revo parent is saying, if the Blue Devil organization relocated to Canada, I am sure there would be some renewed interest in drum corps. There are currently 3 junior drum corps actively competing in DCI from Canada. Not that many years ago there were many corps in Div. II/III and at least one open class corps, at one time we had a thriving drum corps circuit. The only reason I say this is now that open class prelims are over (well almost) we know the Blue Saints score, and this group is traditional drum corps that deserves as much respect as the World Class Champion imo, they take youth from the streets, train them, raise money to tour and give the experience of a lifetime to some special young people. So while I totally agree with what BDBMom says, I can see and understand where the Revo parent is coming from. So take it as you will all the Open Class corps deserve respect and have my admiration and support. Sorry for venting, just want to have more drum corps to share with the youth all the wonderful experiences it brings.

I took some friends to show them what I was always talking about/involved with. I took a different approach. We started early and met up with a corps at their practice/housing site. I found some staff I had taught with, introduced them, they invited my guests to watch, close up with them. We were invited for lunch and we saw the cook trailer, trucks buses etc.....it was one of the assistant directors at the time who explained about being on the road, housing, travelling etc... My one friend was at that time more interested in the trucks and trailers, the set up etc....to the point where he started telling them about changing their set up on the cooker, once he was told why it was that set up, he understood, when he saw it in action, he really got it, (note to self....never take a trucker/auto enthusiast to a drum corps show/housing site without blindfolding them through the parking lot), lol so we watched some ensemble rehersal, then the staff offered for us to view with them the run through (up on the scaffolding) only one or two did, the rest of us just stood back. We thanked everyone, went for supper to a decent restaurant, made our way to the stadium, bought souvies, put money in the "fuel fund" jars got our seats, I did not need to explain a whole lot as the staff had done that while they were watching rehersal. At the end of the night we went to see the corps off, one of my friends slipped a few dollars to the director to add to the fuel fund, although he did not ever tell us how much, I saw at least $100 leave his hand. They were not only impressed by the shows themselves but also with the members, their attitudes, politeness and respect for the staff. All in all a great time. Although this would be draining on almost all rookies, my friends seem to get it and can't wait till we can get together again to see some drum corps, unfortunately, due to schedules we have never been able to get all of us together for a show, but I know one guy follows the action from DCI.org and I think, although he won't say it, makes donations to some corps every year. Good friends, great corps, amazing day, what else could be said.

One of the things I found very helpful when on tour with various groups was the use of office space and a phone that allowed for local outgoing calls in a quiet area. With cell phones, depending on the area, roming charges can be brutal when trying to find a mechanic that can do onsite repairs or a store if looking for a particular product. A desk to write at is alot better then your lap on the bus. One thing I use to utalize, and this can be from either the host or if you volunteer on tour with a corps, perhaps you can arrange this yourself. I belong to a service club in Canada called the KINSMEN (actually now it's called KIN CANADA), alot like the Optimists or Lion's Clubs, anyways, while on staff I would look at our schedule, if we were in an area where there is a nearby club for a couple days (death camp, remember that term?????) I would often make contact ahead of time, invite the president and a few members out to see the group, ask if they could assist with any needs (food runs, general info, any members who are mechanics, doctors/emt's etc....) on more then one occasion, I would inquire as to if they could donate a supper or lunch. I made a lot of new friends and great contacts doing so and the groups usually got a nice treat. Short story...I once invited several members of a service club to visit a band I was with while we were housed for the July 4 celebrations (we were in the same location for several days) they saw the band rehearse, saw them in the local parade, and standstill, what cost our band 3 extra meals as these people were watching gained us a full bar-b-q supper (with vegetarian options) some treats (ice cream and cake) some care packages for the bus, the staff were treated to a night out at their clubhouse (free beverages) and a small monetary donation, not to mention a ton of extra help and use of a laundromat (a member of the club was the owner) before we left they called an emergency meeting of the club so we could perform for them (at our request) and have since had a great relationship whenever in that area (even though I am no longer with the band, I try to send an email to both groups when they are going to be travelling that way) all in all I used my resources from my professional life to help the youth activity, makes a lot of us warm and fuzzy.

SO back on the topic, I personally do not like ties. The way I understand it, under the old rule, if two corps received the same final number (score) at the tabulation, then there was a specific set of criteria that would determine who won. As long as the rule is stated FROM THE BEGINNING and all those participating know what they are, then I feel that the outcome of choosing a "champion or winner" is justified. If you know going in that hypothitically speaking: if you tie for a placement then they will determine the winner of that placement by the group with the highest number of caption points....so if you know this going in and you aim for the highest possible score in each caption, what would be the difference if you tied and won because more of your captions were higher scores then your competitor or you won by 0.001 because of one caption? As designers, staff, members, as long as you know the criteria, then it should be valid......now that they have removed the "tie breaker" isn't this a mute point? I have been involved with groups as a member and administration that has tied for a placement and in one instance a lot of prize money and I have to say I felt jipped both times. As was said before I find that not always being the winner is what helps you to dig deeper, try harder, play smarter, just mho