Reeses0316

Pat, quick! Ron needs a Snickers bar! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9TkqNDPx-s

For those that are making the treak to Rochester and those watching the live feed the biggest disappointment in Minnesota Brass's show is that you'll only get to see it two more times live. Regardless of placement it's one of those shows that you'll love to watch over and over. It's a tantelizing seamless production from beginning to end with maddening melody and captivating harmonic. It has all of the right ingredients to give you goose bumps and the chill's.

Feel free to correct if I reported wrong.

Excellent night for a show and the conditions were perfect. 71.45 Chops 74.80 Kilities 82.85 Govenaires 90.90 Minnesota Brass

Govies and Brass perform at DCI shows on the July 31 and August 1. I assume they'll be on DCA sheets for both of those shows. Scores, in my opinion, are still relative whether or not they're DCA or DCI judges.

Is it a direct apples to apples comparison no, but major record labels do have similar control to the small group your describing as to what they think will be entertaining and what will sell, branding, etc. Solo artist and bands are hardly free to produce whatever they want when their under contract. Every corps has a distinct identity under the current system. If anything, corps under the old tick system were more homogenous because the system was restrictive in comparison to what is allowed now.

I think this year has been more interesting because of it. To have those unknowns going into finals I believe produces a better product for fans.

Be able to commit to their rehearsal and show schedule, at least minimize any conflicts and be upfront about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know people right away, vets and rookies. Analyize the etiquette of people around you. Expect to work outside the group on your own time or improptu sectionals when needed. Get to know your section on a personal level. The people that get along the best perform the best. On a personal level, make sure they're a good fit for you and meet your expectations.

That seems to be the case within the DCI circuit so not surprising its effecting the all-age groups. 3-4 point swings from shows day to day.

2.5 hrs isn't bad for a drive from Minneapolis. Break it up by a stop in Red Wing at Randy's Restaurant for lunch. The chicken there is awesome and have a few Spotted Cow beers in LaCrosse since they only sell it in Wisconsin.

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What is the thought behind the 35 minimum rule for DCA?

It would be foolish to break the bank on one trip and the idea is voluntary for those corps that already do travel. I'm speaking from my personal thoughts and experiences (which does not reflect Brass) as to why I saw travel becoming important for Minnesota Brass to survive. There's been a lot of changes in the Midwest over the 11 years I've participated in the activity, (ending in 2010) DCA and DCI, particularly in the early 2000's show opportunities were limited. That has changed with DCA-C, more participation in DCI events, and the desire for the competition aspect of it has taken root. DCA Fan Network currently does have its limits. There are limited shows and it only showcases corps in the northeast other than finals. If I want to see corps outside the northeast prior to finals I have to have a DCI Fan Network account. A strictly DCA show in Racine with corps participating from other regions would be wonderful because of the fan base there. Racine does have the most potential for filling the stands at least in the midwest.

I would argue that DCA corps in mid-July and August are definitely better now then they were 5-6 years ago and it's an idea that would work. Sure they peak in September but that's the nature of the beast. Honestly the idea wouldn't have taken hold even 7 or 8 years ago for the reasons you explained above when you compare the two. However, DCA corps are now "good enough" to showcase at mid-season DCI shows. Time off is a personal choice. If members know ahead of time and it's planned for at the beginning of the season it can work. It comes down to the desire of the membership. The idea is to help plant the seed. You have to start somewhere for those to gain interest in DCA and what better then a DCI Regional? Who isn't interested in seeing a corps they may have never heard of before or seen live?