bobjacobs

But what about the bus shots? They count too super sleuths!

The first championships were the beginning of the circuit. Thus, it is the 40th anniversary season which will be capped off by the 41st World Championships.

Greetings, all. It's been a while. Expanding the reach of the theater presentations has long been a goal of ours. There are two fundamental issues... the first is related to international copyrights and the second is related to distribution beyond American soil. Fathom Events has partnership agreements with different distribution arms outside of the United States. Our economies of scale make it a bit tougher for us to navigate the maze in a fashion similar to what the Metropolitan Opera and others have been able to do. Our goal, however, is to continue to work on this so that even if live programming isn't available, we can still get the show on the big screen on a delayed basis in Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan and beyond. As Facebook and YouTube continue to expand our presence in all corners of the world, we would love nothing better than to feed the passion of drum corps fans everywhere. Stay tuned, and keep the popcorn popping! —Bob

This is not a road we want to travel. This is not a situation where consumer demands are going to be of benefit and may actual make things a bit more difficult than they are already. Just mho, of course.

We voted to do this... to promote the activity and to invite more folks to have a reason to get excited about drum corps.

That's not what we're doing, Stu. A few thoughts: • We've never turned away a prospective member due to financial challenges. In that regard, this program is no different. • We don't have the luxury of allowing folks to stroll through the door free of charge, and we're certainly not going to throw away 21 years of debt-free existence by suddenly abandoning our values and good business sense and trying to spend money we don't have. Further, we would never take the corps on the road without delivering a safe and World Class experience. We don't cut corners at the expense of the corps members. • The plan is relatively straightforward: members can name an amount which they think is fair and within reach, then we can agree on how much we'll need to fund-raise together to cover the total cost of participation. Let's create a solid game plan to achieve our goals and let's work the plan. There's no misrepresentation and no bait-and-switch... and we've had a few thousand kids go through the program doing it precisely this way. • Each year including this one, several members are able to march for little or no out-of-pocket expense, by taking advantage of the numerous grass-roots fund-raising opportunities we provide. We're adding to that effort this year. Others may be able to take advantage of incentives for their parental involvement in key operational roles. We also have generous alumni and friends who contribute to make it possible for people to participate based on their willingness to work hard to achieve the goals and requirements of membership. Some of the corps members will raise funds this year to rollover for 2012 fees, and some will raise funds beyond their own quotas in order to help other corps members who fall short. • The impact of the current economic situation as it relates to our members and prospective members seems to be different this year than it's ever been before. We're trying to be in tune with that and to adapt to their needs. We have quite a few age-eligible vets who absolutely need to work this summer in order to cover their college expenses this fall, and couldn't do the tour even if we were to waive all fees. Some families simply don't have the cushion they've had in the past, for a variety of reasons... and thus, priorities need to be adjusted to manage "real world issues" ahead of participation in drum corps this season. • We don't do a full tour by choice... and providing the alternative to the full time tour is fundamental to our mission. A large percentage of our membership are high school students who would not be able to participate in an extended "Spring Training" sessions and the full 8 weeks on the road. Some have summer classes, some have summer jobs and others need to deal with other issues. Although this decision not to tour may put us at a competitive disadvantage, this is what we are... and many of our members, volunteers and instructional team wouldn't be able to do this if we changed the format. It's not that we don't want to "win" nor that we don't have competitive pursuits... we discuss our goals and priorities each year and this year will certainly be no different. We just want to make sure this is sustainable, which gets more difficult for the entire drum corps activity every year. By rolling this out, we're hoping to eliminate the "big scary number" as a perceived barrier to involvement. If someone really wants to be a part of our team, we can collectively set our sights on how we can make that happen. I hope this provides a little clarity. I've received several notes over the past few days, some of which surprise me. It seems that there are some folks who seem to feel that we should pack it in since, in their opinion, we're obviously not committed to building a World Championship-caliber competing unit. Like many other businesses, we're trying to survive, to deliver on the promise of our mission, and to continue to grow. I'm more than happy to discuss this further with anyone who has questions, comments or concerns. Thanks! Bob

All drum corps are, by definition, marching bands. The cool thing, however, is that not all marching bands are drum corps.

Thanks, Mike. It wasn't half of the audience that left... but it was several hundred. And besides the inherent conundrum of the parking at TCNJ causing some folks to want to get out of Dodge, there was undoubtedly a sentiment that the "home team" wasn't one of the big dawgs. We learned from the experience... and the corps members of the Surf chose to go on last. It was an interesting experiment, since we're usually one of the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" corps, on right after the National Anthem. When we go on first at a show, we need to end rehearsal at 2:30 in the afternoon, so we can shower, eat, pack, load and move to the stadium. It was fun to see what it was like arriving at the show site when the first corps was going on the field. Something to which we can aspire, I guess. If and when the opportunity arises again, I'd imagine we'd handle it the same way... or however the corps members wished to handle it. We're looking forward to the start of our "second tour" next weekend. We hope to make some new fans along the way. Peace!

We could use a little lovin' too, as we're "on the bubble." Here's the direct link.

Everything helps! Please vote and encourage everyone else on your friends list to do so also. Thanks!

I finally had the chance to see and hear DCI on Blu-ray Disc last night... a set of the "check discs" arrived at the office for the final sign-off prior to the receipt of the finished product. The video is stunning... I didn't even realize what I wasn't seeing until I saw it last night, even though I've grown accustomed to the difference between standard def and HDTV at my own home. For example, really fine-line details like sabers spinning and drum sticks in motion are now evident in a way that was largely indiscernible previously. You can see scratches on horn bells, for cryin' out loud! The audio is perhaps even more stunning. I remember how excited we were when DCI entered the digital era in 2000 with the first DVD production, and the Dolby 5.1 has been great at high volume levels. The DTS-HD Master Audio is pretty remarkable at a whole new level. You can practically turn off the picture and "see" the show through your ears... if that makes any sense. I know that I'm far from objective about these sorts of things... but I can tell you that I wouldn't have bothered saying anything at all if this wasn't really, really good. I think that I'll now be able to show folks who don't understand my fascination with drum corps something that looks and sounds so incredibly vivid, I might just be able to get them interested in coming to check it out "live."

For the past few years, we've been working with our partners from Fathom Events and National CineMedia on the process of getting "The Countdown" and the "Big, Loud and Live" quarterfinals broadcast into Canada (and beyond). There are a BUNCH of challenges, relating to distribution of the product outside of US borders... before we even get to the ever-present 10,000 pound gorilla known as "music licensing" thereby making it even a bit more challenging. Beaming digital broadcasts across national borders... working with many different theater operators in other countries... it's a rough road for a niche market like ours. We are continuing to work on this, however! There are many people who would love for the corps to make it to the big screen in throughout Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, Japan and beyond! Although we were the first event of its kind ever distributed through movie theaters, others have followed our lead and have create a great distribution channel. As one example, the Metropolitan Opera is doing this sort of stuff quite successfully through its movie theater series, following and vastly expanding upon the trail we blazed. Beyond the technical and legal issues, one of our challenges is simply not knowing how big of an audience there would be in the major Canadian population centers in support of such an effort. If you have any thoughts to share on this, please feel free to PM me, or to e-mail me at bjacobs@dci.org. We'd need to be able to make a case that after all of the costs related to various royalties and fees and licenses are covered, there would still be a sizable enough audience to make it worthwhile for the theater operators to get excited about our offerings.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss your take on all things drum corps, and to perhaps gain a better understanding of your concerns through a face to face discussion. Perhaps we'll enjoy some of that great deep dish pizza in your neck of the woods the next time I'm passing through that way, and when we're done, you can take me to a store which actually sells Shinola, since I have a hard time finding it out here. My cards are on the table. I don't hide behind any other "handle" because I don't need to do so. My motivation here is pure: I really enjoy drum corps and I'm attempting to play a little part in furthering the cause by sharing information. It's not an easy task... and you are entitled to your opinion about my perceived glibness. I'd love to have someone with your energy working for the cause, rather than simply taking every opportunity to pounce. If ever you'd like to roll up your sleeves and assist the effort, I'm sure we'd benefit from your vast experience and keen perspective.

Wow. Now that this cat is out of the bag, we need to regroup and come up with another tactic. We hadn't considered the kidnapping part, however. We're short on storage space and need as many people in the seats as possible.

Well... once you go that route (adding an actual audience) then a whole new series of things kick in... security... concessions... additional lavatories... additional lighting beyond "work lights," etc. It's not impossible... but under this scenario, we're going from a simple "can we come in for a sound test," to "can we stage an event." It's hard to ask for the favor when the gig now translates into an actual "event."

Working on it. Issues to consider: – Would have to be done when stadium is "dark"... thus, there would need to be a stadium "crew" of some sort brought in to do even the basics – open doors, turn on lights, security, safety, lavatories, etc. (Not sure of whether there's a union contract situation involved in this instance or not). Bringing in a crew = "some" costs. Looking into that. – Corps scheduling and logistics – even though a corps might be rehearsing in the area, doesn't mean that they will have their own logistics team to move the corps to the stadium and back. Most corps (especially those who charter buses for tour) don't have their drivers sitting around during spring training, etc. Although I'm sure that any corps would love a few hours in the stadium, the few hours of transportation / feeding / loading and unloading on either side of that can quickly burn an entire day of spring training and create a pain in the butt for the corps, particularly if it is in the middle of the week. – While I think we agree that a "before and after" experiment in the empty stadium would give us some good data, the "empty stadium" part of that makes it somewhat limited in term of "intelligence-gathering" capability. Not saying it wouldn't be worth trying it... but I guess the issue is what it would take to make something happen vs. what we would gain by doing so. I'll be sure to pass along any additional info relating to this if and when there is something to share.

We made the decision to kill the instructors' piece because – particularly after the judging article – we knew that it will be perceived as "too fluffy..." and we wanted to spare the instructors and designers who were nice enough to be interviewed the hassle of getting bombarded with negative comments from people who will inevitably accuse them of being shills for DCI, even though several of those instructors/designers commenting were outspoken with regard to their own concerns with sound issues. We didn't feel that it would break any substantial new ground on the topic nor would it achieve the desired effect of "openly examining the issue from various perspectives." For the record, the judges' piece in that series was never intended to "sweep anything under the rug" and to deliver a "see, we told you it wasn't an issue" message. We didn't cherry pick guys who were saying nice things in an effort to save their jobs or anything dubious like that. We asked for input from guys who had an opinion, not knowing what those opinions would be. When we started the process of examining the sound inside the stadium, we simply wanted to get input from a number of constituencies, one of which was the adjudication community. The bottom line: enough has been said on this subject... so rather than continue to upset people by offering additional perspectives, we've opted to focus our limited resources on improving the situation rather than pouring fuel on the fire in a never-ending debate. Try new Shimmer. It's a floor wax AND a dessert topping.

A "call to arms" to fellow drum corps evangelists everywhere. Here is a link to 75 Random Acts of Drum Corps to consider. Feel free to add your own ideas in this thread... but... Haters, please use another thread. Trying to get POSITIVE vibes and actionable suggestions here only, please. Thanks!

Yep... insofar as you can build in a "buffer" for such things... especially since the budgeting process happens so far in advance. The unknowns such as economy and fuel prices combined with naturally-occurring unknowns such as brush fires, hurricane & tornado seasons, heat waves & droughts, etc., are curve balls that are discussed and are always in the back of the minds of the corps directors and DCI staff folks who handle the flow of the schedule. Shrinking availability of school facilities for rehearsals, performances and housing sites is also a factor that seems to sneak into the equation more often every season. With so much at stake, the planning process is accelerated considerably over what it had been in the past. The 2011 and 2012 schedules have already been going through the very early "what-if?" rough draft stages, without knowing what's going to work and what isn't in 2010. Lot of moving pieces, for sure!

Ticket sales for repeat events are based on a year-over-year comparison of sales on a weekly basis. Certainly, other factors are considered, such as changes in date or venue, corps lineup, proximity to other shows on the current year tour, etc. The % of walk-up sales vs. advance sales is also projected with high accuracy based on a number of years of historical data across all shows and with regard to specific events... but of course one bad weather day can significantly change those circumstances. For new shows, estimates are created based on experience in similar situations, to the greatest possible degree. There is sufficient historical data to create some fairly accurate projections... and from which to draw conclusions based on comparison with historical time lines in the event sales cycle and other variables. The initial "jolt" of putting an event on sale is considered and is factored-in when planning the event... and although that "jolt" can (and hopefully will) result in a "head start," the devil is in the details of sustained sales after the initial on-sale period has ended. My statement in an earlier post about "better than expected," is based on where the projections show we needed to be as of the last report (last week) relative to the timeline (days until event) in order to hit the projected budget number. Yes, sales could taper off... but since sales usually increase as the event draws closer, it's always encouraging when you're running ahead of projections with less than 90 days until the season opener. Hope that helps clarify.

Perhaps we'll start a list in a separate thread so as not to further hijack this one.

With all due respect to the OP and the topic of the thread, I'd like to interject something into this forum for just a moment. I hope everyone who frequents this joint will indulge me for just a moment. You know... when I signed on to assist the DCI marketing effort, I think I had realistic expectations regarding the quantity and quality of criticism that would be heading "our" way. Although I must admit that it does wear you down reading venomous posts on a regular basis like the one referenced above, the passion behind the commentary is expected, respected and is absolutely considered. I've complained when a restaurant didn't meet my expectations. I've never dropped a note in the suggestion box to praise a good meal, however. I've returned items to a merchant that didn't deliver as advertised, but I've seldom written manufacturers or stores to thank them when something was great. I get the fact that drum corps is an activity all about the pursuit of perfection and is all about criticism. For the most part, the team of young, hard-working people at Drum Corps International have been conditioned to have thick skin, to try to respectfully work for those who support the collective, and to continually strive to improve the operation to better serve a number of demanding constituencies. Since getting involved with "The Activity," I have often been critical and outspoken of some of the strategic and tactical decisions that have been made... and although I never had the opportunity to march a season in a drum corps, I continue to be pretty passionate about it. I got involved as a volunteer for the Jersey Surf to hopefully "make a difference..." never with any intention of becoming as engaged as I am now. Even though I see the bigger picture now as someone who works in the dual roles of corps director and marketing consultant, I still don't agree with every decision that is made. I do respect the process however, and I do respect the thoughtful discussion that takes place behind the scenes by many individuals who also care deeply about the organizations which comprise DCI. – Business decisions are not made in a vacuum. – People generally do what they truly believe is right. – Just because people think differently doesn't mean they are wrong. – If DCI has been guilty of anything over the years it's not stupidity on the part of its leadership... but perhaps a lack of sensitivity to the need of providing more of the back-story behind some of the decision-making rationale. We're trying to change that. I know that fan forums such as Drum Corps Planet are a valuable opportunity to learn what's on the mind of some really passionate people... all of whom have some connection to the activity we share. Although I'm sure the VOReason felt better after making the post above, I think that the time has come for all of those who like to lob these sorts of acerbic and divisive Molotov cocktails at DCI to consider becoming a part of the solution. I offer an opportunity for fans of drum corps to use their passion to effective positive change, rather than perpetuate an environment where the forum has devolved into nothing more than a place for many to observe or take part in "recreational negativism." We're working on a "Fan Roundtable Tour" over the next few months, to engage fans and to provide an opportunity for them to speak face-to-face with DCI management and members of the board of directors in an informal setting. If we can work out all of the logistical details, we'll be sure to widely publicize the opportunity and the locations throughout the country where we hope to get this done. For many shows in many markets, ticket sales are ahead of projections... we have an opportunity to set tour attendance records this season, and we know that only through the engagement of new folks, the retention of current fans and the recovery of those who haven't been around for the past few seasons will we have the opportunity to achieve those goals. We know it depends on people being fired up about drum corps... and sharing the love of the game with others if we're going to be able to move the needle. Although perhaps naive, my personal goal is to try to harness some of the remarkable energy and passion that spills forth in these pages every day... and focus it to help the drum corps art form to not merely survive, but to thrive long into the future. There are many others who are striving toward a renaissance, where new corps can start and new people can share in the great things offered through their involvement. I'm sure there will still be plenty to debate... and I hope there will be continuing debate... as that will indicate that we still have something worth debating.

That would be the glass-half-empty way of looking at it. Perhaps you may consider that you're hearing the conversations from the January meeting in this manner because there is a specific effort underway to listen, learn and adapt in order to change the way things are done.

Bawker, my comment includes myself in the "we." Heck, if I had it my way, we might still be playing on two-valved G bugles! Please don't tell me that you would make a case that the drum corps community at large embraces change. And, in terms of the "road to travel both ways here," I feel pretty comfortable saying that seldom a day goes by that someone from fandom isn't taking pot shots at the ivory tower in Indy. I've got an inbox filled with vitriolic "fan mail" that would start to become depressing to even the most impassioned among us. I'm not playing the ###-for-tat game here... I'm far more of a fan than I am an apologist.