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I don't know that Rent would translate very well, although I do love it!! Avenue Q would be so funny! "Everyone's a litlle bit racist" HAHAHAHA How about Spamalot? On a side note- Dutch Boy is playing the music from South Park, the Movie. It's going to be a blast b**bs

The Dutch Boy competing these days were formerly the Dutch Boy Cadets. I think the name change happened in 1997 or 1998. They were always part of the same organization. So they are by no means "new".

How about Blue Devils 1990- Tommy As well BD 2002- the opener was the opening sequence from Ragtime BD 1997- They played part of One Night in Bankok from Chess Bluecoats 1989- Most of the show was from Babes in arms- Johnny ONe Note and My funny Valentine Kiwanis 1996- West Side Story Kiwanis 1997- Evita

The 2 corps that merged were Aligiance Elite and Edmonton Strutters- Aligiance is still around, Strutters are gone +HYPE (formerly Conquerer II) -Oakland Crusader -Cardinals -Northshore (OC/ Cardinals joint) -Emerald Knights (Missisagua ON) But i hear they are on their way back -Canadian Knights/ Squires -Pride of the Lion (Lasted only 1 year, hope to see them back!) -Quebec Alliance -Dimensions

My thoughts and prayers go out to Yansel's family and friends, and as well to Paradox and Kavaliers. We Are One

Awww, Shucks Jim. Thanks for the kind words on the pit. They are really working very hard this year, as is the rest of the corps. It promises to be a very exciting year!!!

Yes, DB is performing the music of South Park. Cheers

By far, the best cooks on tour would have to be the wonderful teenage chefs at TACO BELL!!!!! Yummy, yummy, yummy. Nothing like a bean burrito with extra cheese!!! But if i'm eating off the Cookie, I'd have to agree with IplayTimpani- The Taco Salad at KK was the best meal I've ever had on a paper plate! :)

Thanks for the question Rut-roh. There's nothing wrong with a little scepticism. As for the music (and I know that you have your opinion) try humming some of the melodies. They're fun, exciting, infectious. This music goes far beyond a standard cartoon theme. The scoring is very full, very similar to a Broadway musical. A lot of people know the tunes we'll be playing. They can insert the lyrics themselves. And those who don't know the music, may come away humming a melody or 2. Visually, I don't know the direction we are taking (not my department). Will we do a VK style show, probably not. Will Cartman, Kyle, Stan & Kenny make an appearance on the feild, who knows??? All of that is still in the development stage. Dutch Boy is starting to move back to what they were known for- who they were in their glory days of the mid-late 80's to early 90's. They were big, fun, entertaining and memorable. We want our kids to enjoy what they're playing. To have some relevance to what kids like and are into. So that is our aim with this show. We'll see what happens. So come summertime, if you see us, give us a cheer. and if we fall flat on our face with this show, cheer for us anyway, because we all know those kids are working their butts off, playing/doing something they really love.

Ok- time to put some of this to Rest- Yes, Dutch Boy will be doing the MUSIC of South Park Bigger, Longer & Uncut, and yes we will probably use music from "Uncle F**ka" as well as probably every song from the movie in some capacity. Ok as for Design- it's really disheartening, that some people would condemn the corps because a couple members of the design team have left. When really, they haven't gone very far. Leigh is still writing the guard book. Jason Still talks with us about the design, even though he isn't actually on board. As well, this show concept has been mulled over for the last 2 or 3 years, while Jason was show coordinator. Our only hesitation in the past was due to some of the reaction we would get from the concept- ie. Parents and BoD. However, this year both the parents and the BoD are fully on board for it!!! And for those sceptics out there who don't seem to believe in the abilties of Dutch Boy without Jason, please just wait and see. You might be pleasently surprised! Nick Klawitter (who had Jason's recomendation) will undoubtely do a fantastic job- He has been involved with the corps as a member and Staff for quite a while and is eager to show what he can do. Along with Bruce Mcarthy, Leigh, Mike Fanning, Steve Meikle and myself, it should make for a great season! You'll all just have to wait and see!

I've got OC on my left shoulder in a blue/white and Black shield. Total respect for a corps that took me on board when I was 10 and introduced to probably the best thing I've ever done. Still doing it, only now I teach. Thanks You Tony C. and others who guided me through many great years.

Well, Things are looking good for the corps. The first rehearsal is scheduled for this Saturday. I have an idea of the staff, but i'm not sure if I can anounce anything quite yet other then I'll be returning to teach the pit along with Andrea Hume. From what I hear, the new Board of Directors are eager to continue on the success of last year. I can't wait to get started!!!!

To be honest, the name change doesn't bother me too much. People talk of tradition- where is the tradition? Is it in the name St. John's or is it in the Drum & Bugle corps part attahced to the name? I would assume it's St. Johns. Even in the title of this post, Adam calls on St. John's Alumni, not St. Johns Drum & Bugle Corps Alumni. That part of the name isn't changing, nor is the organization changing from a Drum Corps to anything else. So where is the tradition lost? Is it just because St. John's will now potentially be called an innovated youth ensemble? geez, if anything that sounds good to me, if the purose of it is to round-up prospective new members and financial backing. That's great! Whatever get's kids into the activity up here in Ontario! i really don't think any tradition is lost. Tradition is in the hearts of the people involved in the organization. It's in what you do both on and off the field. and it's in the name St. Johns, which hasn't been lost. As for the logo... ummmmm... to be polite, it could use some work. Oh and, try not to lose the uniforms, they look so good on the field! Cheers

Ok, so this is what's going on to the best of my knowledge. There has been some arguing over the direction of the corps- take what you will from that. Anyway, over the last while some particularly slanderous posts have been made on the DB forums, and it was the decision of the current administration to temporarily shut it down. As for the Oktoberfest festivities, the administration felt it best to cancel them as well, do to the appearance of a lack of commitment from the members and parents. In the past DB has had a similar problem rounding up enough bodies to perform in the parade. This year, they've opted out. Oh well. Not to worry though, hopefully sooner then later all the management issues will be resolved and the corps can get off the ground for 2006! As for the Winterguard. I don't think an official decision has been made on whether or not they will have an A class guard. I seem to doubt it though. I know the issue of money has been brought up in the past, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that is the reason. The winterguard generally doesn't produce revenue for the organization. However, it has helped to produce one of the best colourguard's in Div III. So is money worth more then an excellent learning tool? I guess that's up to management. Hope that helps solve the mystery for you, John.

Thanks Stef for the great review! It was Dutch Boy doing the drum speak. We've had some pretty positive responses so far from the crowds.

Boy, this is hard-- Do I pick one of the 2 corps I marched ( Oakland Crusaders or Kiwanis Kavaliers who are not on the list BTW) or Dutch Boy where I'm teaching now. AHHHHH- who to choose!