As both a member (1987-1991) and a part of the management, Operations Director, of the Colts (1992-2000) I was able to be a part of the shaping of the try-out rule. As Chuck wrote previously the corps was used as a stepping stone to the other top-12 corps in the region. It was frustrating as a member to have fellow members talk about how they had been cut by Madison and were going to try-out for them again next year. The corps was a perennial 20th place unit. After the 1989 season the corps imploded. Many members did not return or were not asked back. 1990 brought the beginning of the Bridges, Naffier and crew era. At that time the directors and the corps membership leaders wanted to establish this rule to ensure the Colts were the destination corps, not the stopover-for-a-few-months-until-my-favorite-corps-takes-me corps. At the time most members of the Colts could make a spot with any corps. It was rare someone did not make another corps.
The policy did not exclude members from other corps, it made, as Chuck stated, the returning members figure out if the Colts were right for them, to see if they wanted to be a part of building a program and being a building block for the future of a great organization. The policy seemed to work given the high number of multiple year (3 years or more) members in the 90's. (I am not in-the-know to know what the current retention rate is) It is doubtful the try out rule had much of an influence on this rise in membership and standing. The commitment of the members in the 90's was the reason for the success. As a result of this retention the competitive side of the corps also succeeded. With the competitive success came more potential members. With more potential members the possibility of a higher talent level became available. The added exposure of a being a finalist corps also brought more talent to the corps. All the while, like most corps, the family aspect, not competition, was stressed.
It is a different discussion about an "open" audition versus members gaining a spot automatically. All corps want to have a talented membership. In the 90's, with the Colts, it would have been a very rare occasion for a talented individual to be denied a position in the corps. The Colts did not offer specific positions. You were offered a membership in the corps. If a soprano spot wasn't open you may be offered a mellophone spot. No room in the bass drums, we would love to have you in the pit. Welcome to the organization. Here are 127 of your best friends, you just have not met them yet.
Both policies worked for that era of the corps. It is a new era for better or worse. Having spent a few days with the corps last summer the commitment to making the Colts the best corps possible is still there, from both the membership and the staff. If there is enough concern over how the membership is selected and retained the management will listen to the members to mold the corps to their liking, just as was done 15 years ago.
George Auffert
Colts
Mellophone (1987 - playing a position in the corps, not my first instrument choice)
Soprano (1988-1991)
Operations Director (1992-2000)
Housing Coordinator (2001)
Volunteer (2005)
