CanadianDirector

Well actually probably not, however, 120 seconds is still a lot better then what there was on the 2006 and 2007 broadcasts. If all the marketing and effort by both DCI and the corps themselves increases the amount of interest in Open class, the broadcast will include more over time as that is what will be determined by the activity and DCI, as it becomes better known, more 'accepted' DCI will obviously use this as a marketing tool to promote drumcorps which in turn will promote World class etc.... In the end, a small start and if everyone does their part it will increase over the years. And let's be realistic, for the first time in many years, DCI will not spend 5 minutes of air time on Open class, maybe in a few years but I really can not see that happening next year. Air time is too costly and there is already enough 'human interest' involved in drum corps that it could be 3 hour tv show and never actually see a single highlight. So for DCI to take a few or couple minutes to show Open class, this I can see happening during the 2008 DCI Championship highlights of World Class corps.

I know I would be satisfied, some will want more some less, but I wuld be happy, it is the World class finals, however a mention of the entire activity including the Open class is not only an 'educational' aspect, an idea DCI seems to be all over the last few years, education, but also shows that with hard work, those that wish can move through the ranks of corps at various levels and appear on the telecast. besdies, it is just plain good drum corps, and I ask again, same as the poster before me, Would it be that much of a detrement(sp) to DCI to use a couple minutes in the telecast I mean like 2 minutes 120 seconds to show some open class with a brief explanation of the structure of the class?

Although I do not follow the NCAA (being a Canadian and not into sports) but I would have to believe that during breaks and intermission, halftime whatever, while sports commentators are discussing the game at hand they also mention the "up and comers" where they play, the teams the coaches etc....... DCI has 1 telecast and one opportunity to do this not several over the course of the season or channels dedicated to a particular sport or team. I do not think it will be the magic bullet as you believe i think it will but national exposure as a corps that participates and follows the rules of DCI that is sanctioning events is probably more or better advertising to inform people there is an alternative, why could this not be the catalyst for lower tier World class or open class corps to begin their recruiting campaign for the upcoming season as the telecast is typically in early/mid September. Perhaps I have a bit of a different perspective as 1. we can not get ESPN2 in Canada (Well Ontario anyway) 2. there is a very limited marching band activity in Ontario, to my recollection there is only about 5 high schools in Ontario and about 5 community bands that march, of which most would not ever be about competing, and I know first hand one is only there to provide an outlet for youth, and the mandate is to not compete, never strive to be better, only hold the status quo of acceptable, and that is directly from the director, unbelievable that a director would not want his band to improve, but with improvement comes more practice etc......and he does not want that. so in a nutshell, really, could it hurt to explain, describe or show these corps? if so how?

I also agree that it the responsibility of ALL the corps to grow and maintain their business, however, shouldn't DCI and the by use of the telecast also show that there are alternatives to World Class? Give the Open class a few seconds to show it is out there. Not everyone is gong to make the cut for the top corps, take 3 minutes of the entire broadcsat and showcase the remaining World class corps and the open "champions" Let the 'kids back in marching band' who DCI seems to be trying to market to, know that there are drum corps that are a good training ground, have limited touring etc...... To ignore that DCI has more then 1 division is irresponsible of DCI. The corps can use this as another outlet to continue recruiting, fundraising etc..... but DCI needs to provide the outlet forthem to use this. Not the entire telecast but a short segment. Outside of the drum corps circles, it is surprising and scary how many people do not know or understand that Open class (the old II/III) exist and that in essence they are similar or the same as World class just with some differences, in size or budgets, touring schedule etc.......There are more then just senior high school and college students, who are not music majors, that have minimal band programs or none at all (as in Canada) that want to and will participate in drum corps, although a little cliche but all open class corps are drum corps, not all drum corps however are open class. DCI needs to support the activity as a whole. They have taken o the responsibility in seperating divisions, sanctioning contests and declaring a champion, therefore they have the responsibility to help, not do it all, but help the open class corps. Already the Open class corps receive less money, less web space, less recognition, DCI needs to be responsible and step up to allow these groups to help themselves thrive.

OK, I have to my 2 cents into this........First, when DCI chose to develop A Class (then A and A/60, Div. II & Div. III now Open class) they also took on the responsibility to provide these corps with the equal portion of everything. For the most part, DCI has been good to the Open Class corps, however, perhaps DCI as an organization is shooting itself in the foot. Generally speaking (and I mean in broad terms) most Open Class corps have a limited touring model compared to World Class, more local (perhaps with in several hours drive) and less cross country members then World Class, often less membership fees, tuition, tour costs etc...... SO........the point???????..........Why not show these corps as the alternative to touring all summer, many have a schedule that allow members to attend summer school, work, family commitments. Years ago, and I have the VHS copy for proof, Steve Rondinaro on the PBS broadcast used these points to not only show the differences in the different divisions, but to show the similarities, followed by the highlights (approx 30 seconds) of the first and second place A and A/60 corps. This is how this needs to be approachd, until every single auditionee that auditions for a world class corps mkes it, the public DCI is marketing to (the high school band members and their parents) need to know that there are alternatives to a full touring World Class corps, that provide the same level of intensity, on perhaps a less time demanding schedule. DCI needs to continue to support the growth of the activity, in all reality World Class as it is marketed now even hurts the non finalists, so we all say here that drum corps is going to die, is dead, died years ago.......whatever the story, DCI still sanctions shows that include Open and World Class corps. It is the members of these corps that will go on to be the designers and instructors of tomorrow, so why not increase the potential, show the public that "my 13 yr. old son/daughter can participate in drum corps,because I saw this on ESPN and think that they would be good with their band experience, but I am not prepared to travel my son/daughter around the country for 3 months to audition at 13 only to not make it, BUT.....there is an a division of corps called Open Class and there is one corps within a 5 hour drive, gee that would be a good place for my kid to start, get experience, oh wow keep their part time job, save for college and they still have a great experience, then get in the car kids off we go" Is this not part of the point of the broadcast, to show to the world (well the continental US anyways as ESPN2 is not available in Canada) that there is an activity that is the highest form of marching and playing, that has groups that travel, teach all sorts of skills and life lessons, entertains, have fun, compete and have a huge competition every year, and anyone can become a part of it.

Well although this may be stated already, to redesign II/III I offer the following opinion: Aside form the logistical things to change or not too, I believe that the first and most important change comes from within. The Div. II/III corps need to promote themselves in a positive light, to show that most are limited in touring, allowing members to have summer jobs, summer school etc.... T promote the entire activity as what it is. The quality of many II/III corps has individual; members that are equal and surpass some members of Div. I. II/III needs to be the alternative for those with other commitments, as well as a training ground for those to gain experience. The attitude needs to be changed first from the corps (staff, members bod) of II/III then focus on DCI promoting II/III in a more positive manner. Although DCI's mandate is to promote it's member corps, the minute that they established themselves as leaders in the activity and offered the class A, a/60, Div. II/III they took on a responsibility to promote it and to see it thrive. Before we change the times and classifictaions for corps we need to actively promote II/III as a quality product that DCI FULLY supports. DCI needs to know that the II/III activity is a strong movement, provides positive skills and attitudes and prepares those members who are able or wish to proceed to Div. I the experience and opportunity as well as knowing that the real excitement comes from a group of young people who put out more heart then any other activity. In a nutshell, DCI needs to embrace II/III more and use it to it's advantage in promoting DCI, especially internationally. Just my $0.02

Titansop: That is the best thing anyone can do for Div. II/III. To stay with the corps you are with is obviously a personal choice for anyone and they choose their future based on as many different reasons as there are people. It sounds as though the commitment you are making to your corps is one that has created and will create those memories that last a lifetime. Just remember that in a few years, when you have finished with your corps, they could probably use some help fundraising, cooking, equipment, volunteering to develop young members or whatever, and judging by the character from your post I am sure you will be there to help them as much as you are able to continue to make memories that last a lifetime for the next generation. Good for you.

As has been stated, I saw the show, it was not offensive, they played some great charts from the movie, and although some elements/ideas were based off the show/movie, it was tasteful and respectable. My wife had the same concerns when she heard about the program before we saw it, after that no worries, the staff did a great job the members did awsome, it was entertaining and was well done. Yes it is on youtube, (I watched it again last night!) oh, and I can not wait to see what next year holds for this corps! Also just noticed, it is on their website under media then videos. Check it out, greatshow, very entertaining.

Well, I am going to support the corps as much as possible, hopefully securing the housing for winter camps, increasing their visability in a community that loves them and does not have one, looking at recruiting opportunities and increased funding from some untapped areas. i will volunteer this winter and schedule permitting next summer as well. But basically, as much as time permits and the director allows I will help out where and when ever I can.

Well from first hand experience, The members, staff and volunteers are all a class act. Some things drum corps teaches even the seasoned veteran or staff members about team work, respect etc......are often the things that the public miss. This corps is as many other a great bunch of members, volunteers, staff, board of director's etc.....they represent those organizations, businesses and communities which proudly donate funds and display their logos on their truck, banners etc.... in a positive and respectful manner. And case in point in regards to the apology, a very polite and proer answer Roo, again showing the true class this organization has. Many in this activity have it, some it just oozes out of more then others. Way to go Dutch Boy and all the corps, there are some lessons that after August are the ones you hope those involved in your organization will carry with them. Dutch Boy has succeeded in that truly they are making better citizens, using the tools of music and marching to achieve it. Congratulations, job well done, can't wait for you all to get home and tear it up one more time on the 18th.

Actually funny story, this year a corps I use to instruct was at a parade where I was in an alumni band, while waiting to start, I wanted to chat to some drum staff and members, as I had had promised them I would from camp, I go all the way around the corps to the back where the drums are set, ask permission to go in front of them to speak to the drummers and staff, at which point some other staff look at me like I have three heads, and say "you don't have to ask and you can go through" I was a little shocked actually but, felt very priviliged. Although when 'game time' comes you wouldn't make it through those ranks, obviously they are using their heads, you know a time and a place, perhaps a parade full of excited children and families is not the best place to enforce the don't break the ranks rule, the best part was some rookie asked why the instructor sadi I could go through and why would I go all the way around, this member and anyone around him got a lesson in drum corps etiquette and tradition, needless to say, these members will never break ranks, will show judgement when it happens and learnt a valuable life lesson about respect. Good job on the them.

Although this idea has been stated, there are several ways in which smaller corps can help themselves and can even have a positive long road approach for the larger corps. The smaller corps need to align themselves with the larger corps in their area, share information, share purchasing, share members. Similar to the YEA idea, only maybe not as formal. Share dialogue between the staffs. If a larger corps who has 30+ people try out for 1 or 2 spots, it would be in their best interest to recommend (with permission) that person to a smaller corps with which they have a dialogue. Similar teaching/style etc.... there will be those that will only march with a particular corps, others who fear getting stuck with a smaller corps, some who welcome the idea. this open dialogue allows the staffs of larger corps to reccomend a program that if that person chooses to participate in, in the future, should they wish to audition for the larger corps again, they will have an advantage, in so much as they have improved, have a good understanding of what can be expected of them etc.... that comes from similar styles, teaching methods etc... that does not mean everything to be the same, BUT similar. In order for Drum Corps to survive in the form it has become, members need to be trained, not all will be able to handle the demands of a national tour, even if they are exceptional players/marchers sometimes tha lack of experience is what can lead a member toward "burnout". Also we need to realize not every Div. II/III corps wishes to become Div. I Some are happy to be smaller, financing, available staff, equipment, geographic location are just some factors that corps may look at beyond membership in directing their organizations in a particular direction in regards to Division. Basically, open dialogue, respect for corps of smaller size/division, auditionees permission, sharing of information and follow up would likely produce some extremely positive results for everyone. I have many other ideas and comments, but don't want to bore everyone.

Saturday June 2, 2007 Although this is rather a late post, it is still worth posting. On a very hot Saturday evening in the middle of their camp, the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps from Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario performed an amazing concert for the citizens of the Town of Goderich, Victoria Public School staff and students. The evening began with the drumline performing on the Town of Goderich Square (right on the Courthouse steps) during the massed pipes and drums event. The massed pipe bands marched around the square and right up to the courthouse in front of the waiting members from the Dutch Boy Drumline. After playing Amazing Grace as a mass band (approx. 75 pipers and 30 drummers) the massed bands took a short intermission, at which time the Dutch Boy Drumline performed several pieces, including their opener and their streetbeat. Impressing not only the crowd but all the members of the massed pipes and drums, the drumline followed behind as the pipers marched back to the Goderich Legion. Upon their disbanding the drumline again performed and brought the colour guard in to march back to Victoria Public School (VPS) for a benefit concert as a way to say thank you to Goderich and VPS for their hospitality during their winter camps. A small crowd followed the guard and drummers and even more assembled on the front lawn of the school. The concert showcased all the sections of the corps and included solo vocal performances by Jesse Felice of Dutch Boy and Avery Cyr of Goderich District Collegiate Institute. The corps concluded the concert playing their show for a very impressed audience. A solid performance from the corps and excellent mc duties by corps director Steve Meikle brought favorable and many positive comments from the audience. The corps then passed around a hat (shako actually) and raised several hundred dollars in donations for VPS. An exceptional showing from all sections, exciting show music and impressive ability to entertain, along with an overwhelming generosity by the corps, the whole town has been abuzz and look forward to welcoming the corps back for camps in winter 2008. Just wanted to let evryone know, WOW, they were awsome.

FYI Skip Prokop, drummer for the band Lighthouse is a drum corps alum, as has been said on here before, from Toronto Optimists back in the 60's i believe, also lighthouse has a ton of great music with some awsome horn licks.

Well by far the majority, ALMOST all of the members here in Canada or from Canada have almost no experience/exposure to marching band before joining drum corps, however the Burlington Teen Tour Band, E.L. Crossley HS Band, and the Seaforth Girls band are just a few of the marching bands in Ontario. Out west in alberta there are more bands, bigger and quite successful competitively, unfortunately, drum corps in Canada is just about dead. Thank goodness for the corps that are left. BTW members from the Burlington Teen Tour Band have gone on to march/teach with Ridge Raiders, Conqueror II, Dutch Boy, Bluewater Bucaneers, Ventures, Kiwanis Kavaliers, Oakland Crusaders, Suncoast Sound, 27th Lancers, Bluecoats, the Cadets, Les Eclipse, Connexion Quebec, and a few others. So although it is by far not the norm please do not say there are NO marching bands or members have never been in a marching band program, in Canada. However, how many of the members of the corps left in Canada have marched before i a band program, perhaps as of now, those from Canada could actually say currently NONE. And although the music programs have been depleted somewhat, there are still a large percentage of schools offering music, even instrumental.

Also, although the KK were originally and had still maintained an Ontario address, the original sponsor Kiwanis Club (hence the name) is an international organization. A service club serving communities all over the world, as Kiwanis International.

Just to clarify, Dutch Boy was the Div. I corps the Cadets of Dutch Boy were the Div. III corps, in 1993 after tour Dutch Boy went inactive, the cadets of Dutch Boy remained a Division III corps. In 1997, the corps went through a major rebuild with John Robins at the helm, the decision was made to adopt the Dutch Boy name for the corps that was still active and the winterguard used the name Cadets of Dutch Boy, not sure why all this happened this way, but I would bet it had a lot to do with the Bingo licences and the names they were in, as they can not be transferred and trying to get one was at that time very difficult. Anyways the first summer of the rebuilt corps they were Div. 4, same rules as Div. II/III only with an 8 minute (I believe) time limit.

ODBC: It is my sister who is in charge of the Hamilton Association for Community Living Drum Corps. I am sure she could offer you some insight and real support, she can be reached via email from their website. Something that a lot of people do not understand, that persons with a mental challenge are often very artistic and very interetsed in music, dance etc.... To paraphrase a very in depth study and many independent studies basically it is because these persons are often able to tune out or do not percieve everyday world (jobs, family, stress etc...) that allows them to channel their energy into an artistic format, almost seemingly with no boundaries. I would be there to support your daughter and any other person with a mental challenge who chooses to become involved with drum corps. With your guidance and support, she will succeed to heights of greatness. BTW, if her passion for drum corps is 10% of yours, you have no worries of her succeeding. PS the corps looked great here in Goderich at camp this past weekend.

As was stated before, this has been done, to my personal experience on a smaller scale. A plan like this can work, however to actually share alot of resources, may be logistically a lot more difficult than it sounds, I do believe that if some of the smaller corps wish to succeed and strive (not cometitively but from an operational and administrational standpoint) formering "partnerships" such as sharing resources is the wave of the future. An open and honest administration team can make this work and make it beneficial for the membership. But if not sharing resources while on tour, what about buying in bulk, equipment, food, fuel etc.....In my professional career this is what the smaller independent firms have done, banded together, arrange a purchase agreement with a large supplier and share the savings among the participants in that program. A large organization is more likely to offer a reduced rate for goods and services to a larger group than individually to several smaller ones. Companies that deal in volume are a great target to start. Obviously some logistics would make it impossible to merge two organizations NOT competitively, but administratively without a lot of planning and communication, something that without those two things is only destined to fail. I would gladly offer any assistance to corps that were trying to put a combined tour/operations together, sort of a third party level headed referee if you will, perhaps there are others with experience that are not active with any particular group who only want to see the drum corps community thrive that we could call on to offer assistance.......so.....if you are out there, let the corps know you would be willing to help.

Could anyone please give the exact criteria they use for deciding this, who is eligable (finalist corps or anyone competing in DCI) and what the rewards are, I thought it use to be a cash prize, is it still and does anyone in any corps even care if they get this award? thoughts and comments, just wondering.

I understand the logical approach DCI has made in reaching this agreement, In the end I think it could be what keeps DCI from becoming something radically different. I really think this is the best for DCI, any city that goes after you to be there and doesn't give up is good. Having said all that, I thought DCI was drum corps INTERNATIONAL not drum corps United States and some other crappy places, In Canada we have had some great corps in the past in Open Class, A Class, A/60 and some great corps in Div. II/III which is still part of DCI. You want to complain about travelling from the West how about travelling where for every dollar you spend, you need to raise anywhere from 1.10 to 1.25 (could be as much as an additional 25% in touring costs), how about no Div. 1 shows here in a number of years, no not a regional, not a finals but a plain old show. (Kawanis did do an exhibition in Canada last yearor the year before) I know a little off topic so I will only say, we choose to be a part of drum corps, attend the DCI shows so whether I personally like the decisions DCI, the BOD, Dan Acheson or any committee make, I will respect that decision as it will be in the best interest of DCI, thus allowing it to continue and thrive, I will still support DCI and hopefully attend finals soon, now that I know I can plan ahead, for the next 10 years. To anyone who really feels cheated, go out put togther a proposal to DCI, arrange the stadium, including concessions, parking, hotel deals, talk to the school distrcts for housing, get committments from these people as well as sponsors, be sure there is adaquate facilities around for corps, fans etc.... give it to DCI and when they say 'No Thanks' then you can complain about being shafted. Just my $0.02 or in canada i gues that would be my $0.0185 CDN

pardon my ignorance, watched the show in Port Huron, Michigan, early season, all 4 corps (no Boston was not one of them) there played an encore, anyways I got to listening to drum corps radio last night, and heard one of boston's shows (1999 or 2000?) where they only played the 'shot notes' from conquest. I was just wondering, do they ever play Conquest anymore, as a encore, hype piece etc... I know alot of people were tired of it but I could listen to it all the time, there is something about that piece that just seems to be 'drum corps' for me.....anyways do they still use it at all? anyone with info would be appreciated.

Cathy: great review, was a great show, also feel bad for Preston, although my dad is not in the corps he is a real alumni, i gre up to old records, 45's and home movies of Scout House. Anyways the drive in the other direction (down Hwy 7&8 toward Stratford and Goderich) was no better. Raiders trucks went out the hwyand down some 2 lane road in New Hamburg and then down to the 401, this would not be the best route on a good day (I think they may have been a little lost), anyways glad to hear you are all safe, again great review......Perhaps we could have a meeting of the canadian dcper's sometime, btw if you can make it to the show on Aug. 19 in Waterloo (the alumni groups) go!!!!!!! I know you probably will, just a shameless plug to get others to go.

I personally hope that Surf does not go Div. I at least not next year and I don't really see it, a weekend based drum corps jumping to Div. I may not be a wise move. The added toll of touring and just plain being together (from a member perspective) in an organization that has not necessarily done the 'full tour' can be stressful both physically and mentally not to mention financially. I would support Surf in whatever they do, however from what i have heard of the operations of the corps, this would probably be their ultimate demise, so I honestly don't think Bob would persue this, just my opinion.

Was there too and Jim great review, your observations were correct as I saw it. Great job by all the corps, I too feel the spread between Raiders and Dutch was a little big, definitely right placement, Raiders score was appropriate I think Dutch should have been a little closer. What a great show, what great corps, for anyone who doesn't think that Div. II/III is "drum corps" think again, these corps work hard and have more guts. A few observations I have to add also: Great singing of the National Anthems by the members from Dutch Boy, HYPE impressed me, for only their second year returning to competition I though they were remarkably improved, missed St. John's due to 3 yr. old restroom break, what I heard sounded decent, keep up the good work, Vision Elite, wow very impressed was not expecting that (especially the soloists), Blue Saints, young and small but always a real crowd pleasing program, this is grass roots drum corps at its best. Citations i enjoyed it, not overly impressed but not disappointed a good job. Raiders very good, seemed a little flat to me but definitely a mature corps, Dutch is better than last year, if they keep this momentum going a possible champioship in 2-3 yrs. East coast Jazz I love the program if youi want recognizable music performed well SEE THIS SHOW. BTW as was pointed out to me, anyone else notice the advertisement in the program for the strip club? I have never been there but that's what I was told it was (I will post the ad once I get it scanned) Great Job to the Northstar Youth Organization a great show good times, good friends BEST OF LUCK TO ALL CORPS.