kosovobill

Its a shame that things sometimes get messy, but I have to side with Scott on this one--better to do this right than to lose it all just to come back for one season. As with a lot of us, we all would love to see the corps come back, but we gotta be smart about this...I just hope that there aren't too many hurt feelings over this mess, those who were "terminated" may someday see the wisdom of the board's decision to hold back, and choose not to hold it against the corps...

Don, I'm sorry, but the generation and the children created by the WWII experience were the ones who made Drum Corps as you knew it, and changed it into what it is now. Attendance has gone down because Americans as a whole don't get into this kind of entertainment anymore...it isn't anyone's fault. Drum corps even at its height was a fringe activity when compared to other arts programs in existence at that time. As for your problem with having "recognizable" music played all the time, Drum corps for me was an education that got me to listen to all kinds of music, much of it UNKNOWN to me at the time. How many of you out there eventually went out and got recordings of original performances of music after hearing it played by a corps? Thousands of us, I'm sure. How many more millions of times do we have to listen to "sing, sing, sing" or "malaga" to appease you? As for "cleanliness" and "quality", I'm sorry, but the corps we have today, both all-age and junior can play and march circles around anything that was marching in your "day". I know a lot of folks don't really like to talk about older corps this way, but its the truth, whether you like it or not. Don, this has gotten to be a yearly whine on your part, and despite all of it, Drum Corps(and the rest of the world) isn't going to change for you. Why cant you move on?

I can't speak for the corps, but history tells us that any announcements wont be coming forth until at least October--I hope they come back, too! Bill

The answer to that lies in your own membership, economic, and political power. The Legion used to be a great influence in this country many years ago, but many people, to include a good many veterans since WWII do not find it very relevant any more, that's just the plain simple truth; again its the demographic change in this country as I mentioned. The old gray goose just ain't what she used to be....Now lets get back on topic, eh?

Don, You really need to examine ALL the evidence before you blame DCI for the demise of drum corps. Have you considered the demographics of the population at that time? In the 50s and 60s you had a record amount of people available to march both in senior and junior corps because of WWII and the resulting economic and population boom. Since then most of the WWII generation has passed away, and the babyboomers have not produced as many children. Not as many of the babyboomers march now in All-Age because money, status, power seems to be more important than marching in a drum corps. Those are just the facts..DCI didnt cause any of those things to happen... I am not a DCI lover, but to lay all of this at their feet is just ridiculous....

Amen. Old guys, better grab your pacemakers, because this will happen as these performers will get older and want them, since they used them when they were in Jr corps. Its not the end of the world, really...

Another generation of performers HAS ALREADY taken over drum corps, and is doing their thing; evolving the activity. It is only cantankerous old people in the audience who think they are somehow in control who are whining about all of this. History tells us that tradition is not the norm; change is.... Does this mean I dig amps? No, not really, but I will say that Ive seen some really creative things done with them, and others really stupid, such as an unnamed corps' rock band... Some of you older guys' concept of what drum corps ought to be (post WWII) is really a drastic change over what it was before the war; so in fact your "tradition" is in fact yet another CHANGE. We really need to get over ourselves and let these kids have fun and perform, just as we did... Bill

I think you should consider what is considered normal for this time of year--during my time with the Brigs, we didnt "complete" the show until about the middle of June, and it didnt seem to get in our way of winning--Bucs I am sure as well are being meticulous as always, and it sure doesn't get in their way of winning, either. What is so odd? Bill

I think this is great, but PLEASE, don't be another Gasperilla! Wait...if not for them, there would be NO Sun Devils....In all seriousness though, if this is true, this is a great thing... Bill

Nothin' like new charts from Uncle Wayne!!! Bill

I loved your show!... it should have been you , instead of Corpsvets---next year for sure! Bill

The winner will be the one that gets their act together the best in the winter--hands down Buccs are currently the best at this. Another part of their success comes from a locally derived and well rooted support structure, which gives the corps a consistent amount of funding, and member support--thats a formula for success if there ever was one.. Bill

Thanks to all for a great performance, and I think some of us in the audience rediscovered lust... Bill

Congratulations! I loved your attitude in both Minicorps and on the field! Me and the wife were blown away by your energy!!! All the best for next year! Bill

I think some of the other folks here got it right--content is key; the demand on the Hurcs hornline was not as great as the corps that beat them. My general impression, and I was at prelims and finals, was that Hurcs this year was a splendid colorguard accompanied by horns and drums. Bill

why dont you? its in your emails if its so important to you---cut and paste. And everyone should know that "the Don" has also blocked me from pm'ing him; that he way he got the last word....

Actually, it was in pm; it would have been hilarious for everyone to see what he is capable of.

What just happened is the SEEDING of the corps into the order of appearance in prelims. SLOTTING, which is the term you used, is the intentional placement of corps in a contest which is predetermined before anyone performs, which is corrupt. Since the last time you spoke with me you told me to "eat you" and used other profanity, I'll just let this one go...

It is obvious that both Brigs and Bush had very disappointing early seasons, but now have their act together--tonight they have switched places yet again in the standings, this one is really too close to call. I am sure the southern corps will tighten up with the northern corps once everyone is together. Bill

for me whats killing me is WHERE are the Renegades going to figure into this? remember, they were well into the 80s over a month ago....

Amen, its gonna be close! Bill

It will sure be good to see where the Renegades are in the standings... could be some real shaking going on after this weekend! Bill

Im sorry, but it was YOU that claimed that the corps are slotted, insinuating DCA is corrupt, and yes it does matter, just ask any one who does march; maybe you don't consider that, since as you claim, you haven't marched a show in 30 years. Just because you are old does not give you a free pass to spout anything you want...

1. I dont compete anymore, so you already have that part wrong... but there's more. 2. There will be major changes in prelims and finals, as Renegades will likely make top 6; the competition between Empire, Hurcs, Cabs, and MBI is far from over; one of them may very well overtake Bucs; 9th and 10th place are far from "slotted" spots as Kilts, CorpsVets, MCL, and Alliance within a point and a half of each other..and I dont think they agree with you, either. 3. MBI went from 4th in prelims to 2nd last year; how is this slotting? 4. As your prediction at the show, you've been on here for years, anyone could have done what you did by just by looking at the stats--and you could have never been to a show. Ever. Some authority you are. 5. Slotting does not exist, and is held only in the hearts of those that always see conspiracy...Im sorry we don't have the unqualified and corrupt judges that existed in the 1950s and 60s anymore (VFW, Legion, etc); I really don't think the member corps at DCA would tolerate it, so what you are talking about here is wishful thinking. Remember, DCA is RUN by the member corps! So whos the one dreaming?

Maybe averaged over 7 years, but what about your prediction of "the death of a giant"? If so, your prediction would be off by at least 10 percent this year alone!