BariBrian

Never understood why they did away with it. It was a great showcase for musicianship.

^OO^ Absolutly!! Great Point Old Dutch Boy. There was a time, even not that long ago when the members loved to listen to the alumni and even take some advice. And while I don't think the majority of the kids today are that way,,there are quite a few on DCP that are full of themselves, enough to be rude to the older folks, who handed down their activity. Great Point

The difference of "teaching" now and when we played in the 70's IS that a MAJORITY of the kids now, have, or are familiar with, the instruments they are playing. In the 70's a majority of those kids started from SCRATCH. I do not doubt that the kids today learn, I have seen the practice's. They work just as hard as we did, perhaps a little harder, but again, the majority of them and this goes especialy for the upper corps. have quite a bit of musical experience to begin with or they'd never get past the doors of the rehersal halls, because drum corps. today have somthing few corps had in the 60's and 70's. Audition's. Without a good musical background, see if you can make into any of the top twelve. Good Luck, LOL

I second that!! Its like when a extremly funny comedian feels that he has to use the most profane words for what I call "Shock Value Laughs" in his routine. "Not really needed, but sense we have the money to go over the top, and maybe give us an edge in the all important judges sheets, lets do it" It will get the OOOS and ahhhs from the fans but is it really necessary? You were getting those responses anyway because your corps. are so unbelievably talented.

I know what you mean about hearing the pistols. That use to be a compitition in it self to see if we were dragging the show or moving too fast. It added a suspense (however unimportant to some) that I really miss. And albums,,, wow all my old fleetwoods. I hundreds of albums. Back then just about every major show was recorded, which was great because you could hear the difference when someone had a bad show or a great show. I would think that would be another source of untapped revenue these days. There is a market for all of us "Have to get that" Types.

I would involve current corps. members, alumni, and some sort of Fan representation in ALL voting. It seems clear to me that if you want the fans and alumni to continue to enjoy shows and spend their $$$$, then stop ignoring their wishes. Get them involved in major decisions, then there would be fewer complaints, and the results would be larger crowds and perhaps more involvement by alumni and community on an individual corps. basis. JUST a THOUGHT!

Thats a great story Old Dutch Boy. I had a simular experience on a 1 count turn. Creased the bell of my Bari :( Not sure how he made out with plastic surgery :sshh:

SO,, Anyway,,,,,,,, My answer to the Very simple poll is yes!! In many ways DCI organization, does take itself to seriously and has forgotten just how much fun, drum corps. like the Bridgemen, Velvet knights, Kities, Muchachos, 27th and many other corps. use to be. They all had there own identity and would not dare to try and imitate another corps. simply because somthing was working for them. Loosen up people, this was what my question was all about, orginally! Not a knock as some people took it! Now I suppose I'll get all sorts of people thinking I'm knocking todays corps. again, but I'm not. Todays corps are full of amazing, talented people. I just think todays shows lack the indavidualism (Not the talent) that the shows of yesteryear had. The poll question was never meant to be pollitical and I appologize on the ugly turn that it took. Just trying to get you guys thinkin what if?? Not to rely on so many bells and whistles and rely on the wealth of musicians and athletes that all corps. now have. And Please Remember, my opinion is mine and NOT meant to offend ANYONE!! I'm one of those old guys that you've heard about, that says things like "Back in our day" but that should not be a reason for disrespect or sarcasim. I marched for 13 years and was involved in one way or another for the rest. so lets be nice :)

I was there Jim, and I'll never,, NEVER get over it. I believe that Standing in front of your hornline at several shows from 78 Virgina Beach to Birmingham 80, was the cause of my hair loss. LOL. The G-Force was amazing. Never heard a line like it before or since. B)

Lucas, You seem to want to center your argument on the assumption that I lack the knowledge that you have in regards to the inner workings and reasoning behind DCI’s decision making. Let me put an end to that (hopefully) and tell you that you’re right. I doubt that many average fans have the knowledge that you seem to posses. I don’t though, and in your opinion, that makes me ignorant I suppose. When you insinuate that I am ignorant however, you are also putting that label on thousands of ordinary fans and alumni that are out here. Surely you are not possibly that naive to think that out of the million plus fans that drum and bugle corps. Has, that I am the only one out here who questions DCI and SOME of the things that they do under the guises of “for the good of the activity”. I don’t care about the meetings and decisions made by the select few. Why should we? We, the fans and alumni, have always been left out of this process. My family and I spend about $2000.00 a year on donations toward drum and bugle corps. Activity, Tickets for shows, drum corps. Merchandise, ETC. I’m not sure if that’s average, but that’s not important. What is important is that there are a lot of us “ignorant people out here pouring our hard earned money into an activity that feels that we don’t have the right (according to you) to be unhappy or to question anything, because we lack the knowledge that you seem to posses. Pardon me, but it sounds like the nobles and the peasants of England, and you sound more like a DCI representative then someone associated with fans, alumni or a corps. When you direct your comments about being un-informed at me, you are also taking aim at many good fans and alumni out here, who feel as I do. We don’t bother to consult DCI tom often about our likes and dislikes because every year they have continued to do what they have wanted to do without our input anyway. IF DCI has nothing to fear from people like me, then why don’t they have representatives from the alumni, the fans, and the corps members in their voting process. After all, we represent the REAL big money. In no instance during this thread, did I EVER lay the “entire blame” for drum corps’ demise (as you have eluded to) on DCI’s doorstep. That’s your way of sidestepping the issues I have tried to bring up. You think I shouldn’t have a right to ask questions until I’m up to speed or as informed as you are or because you perceive me as irrelevant. You are pretty clear about that. It is my sincere hope that the rest of DCP’s fine members do not feel so arrogant. I believe that 95% of us are not up on DCI’s rules and regulations. Let me put it this way. If the mayor of a town told the towns people that he alone should make all decisions for the town, because they (the towns people) were ignorant local government issues,,, how long would that mayor be in office? Once again let me state what I’ve stated many times before. I in NO WAY am attacking any Drum and Bugle Corps. Or their very talented Staff, leadership and members most of all. I am not trying to attack Lucas or any of those who feel as he does. He is a VERY intelligent man who brings up some extremely fine points to be sure. I am defending the right to question (regardless of knowledge) period. When you take the time to read through all this as many of you have, and you go back to the very simple question I asked in the poll. Think about it with an open mind. I have been told everything from, I’m ignorant, to get off DCP. Is this activity a democracy or a monarchy? YOU ALL have the right to question. It’s your money that DCI spends. Thank You, Brian

Its almost like listening to Catherine, She knows all the rules too and the rest of us, and there are many, are just fools to you

Thanks Old Dutch Boy, And ya hit that right on the head. And Lucas, I don't agree with everything Catherine Burr says believe me, just like I don't disagree with all that you have said, but it seems to me that you are not that much different then her in some ways when it comes to an open mind. I have listened to all your response's from the first (rather sarcastic one) and I have never critisized your beliefs or somewhat one track mind, or for that matter anyone elses that feel your way. I have never said that DCI should be disbanded or any such nonsense. It seems to me that in your opinon, that any one like me that has a concern about the way things are going or a complaint (as a fan) are pretty much told, by you and some others that are opinions are not valued. it almost sounds like some forgien Goverment. Is DCI so fragile that it can't handle fans voicing their concerns? Yourm first response to me sounded like i hit home with you, and yet, you said, that you "didn't care what other people think". If that were true then you wouldn't mind the different point of view. I have said after just about every response (even the sarcastic ones) that I respect and in some case's, Applaud you and the rest for your opinions. Why shouldn't I and the people that feel the way I do be treated any differently? Are You or DCI worried that if people like myself bring up concerns, that drum corps. as you know it will change? Thats why drum corps. has progressed like it or not, because other views were heard and not ridiculed. Like or not I know this style of drum and bugle corps. is here for the time. I say for the time because in twenty years,,, who knows. but if people stop asking what if and whys,, how will it keep progressing. I offend you by asking if DCI takes itsef too seriously, but maybe its not taking it seriously enough. PS. sorry about the big green letters,,,,I like um B)

Thats how you handle other with opinions other than yours? Get off DCP? Have I verbally attacked anyone that has replied to this poll, weather that were wrong in my opinion or not? I have said on one or more occasions that I respect your opinions and the corps. you represent. I have not, have not put 1 corps. down. I just gave, and fought for my opinion. Wrong or right, you should respect it, and follow your own advice. If you don't like what I've written ,,don't read it.

Well,, LOL I knew that sooner or later one of you would use the term "Whatever Man" although I am a little disapointed it wasn't "Dude". Let me say this! I respect all of you for sticking up for your activity against what you have precieved as an attack. You have shown a loyalty that has been with drum corps. youth from the beginning I suspect. For those of you not affraid to put the corps. you were associated with, especially! I do believe however in one case I may have bit the hand that is feeding one of you. A person that seems to be to well informed, always seems to have the answers that you are searching for , and does not associate himself with any corps. HMMM? You have fought with me about your activity as I did when I marched and didn't know any better either. For that I applaud you. It was just a simple poll: Do you feel that DCI takes itself TOO seriously? Most on the poll answered yes. hmmmmmmmmm? someone out there agrees with me I guess. I am an antique! I admit that freely! I meant nothing personal to any of you marching members. I never wanted to listen to the old guys either. The ones that had been down the road already and had found the "Potholes" always seemed like trouble makers to mee too when I was marching. That said, I will leave you with a quote from Cathrine Burr an Ex Blue Devil "DCI in my opinion is as corrupted as some for-profit corporations are - perhaps a natural result of what used to be many largely volunteer organizations changing into an activity rife with band instrument contracts, design firm contracts, high-priced advising instructors/consultants, expense accounts, successful bingo operations running many nights per week and all the rest. There are, of course, many good, well-meaning and talented people involved in DCI; every group needs front men, after all. But how the activity has evolved over the past 30 years has led to a closed, highly political system which now contains many not-nice and mediocre elements and personalities. What was once a non-profit musical activity for all kids, no audition required (and still is for the smaller "non-connected" corps) has become ego glorification and other rewards for a few. The "top" DCI shows and the DVDs, CDs and other DCI products are priced and sold in comparison with professional theatrical productions - as though the performers were paid professionals instead of an amateurs paying for the privilege of "education", and were being taught by the best and the brightest on reasons of merit rather than largely political connections. I know of all too many people who were too honest and too many corps who have been thought "too drum corps" to "go along to get along" and were demoralized and discouraged. There are also instances of resume inflation, outright lies, and a general lack of accountability on the part of individual corps and the governing organization. When these abuses are publicized, politically-approved corps are excused and non-approved corps flamed. Information flow and discussion in the activity are being overly influenced by politics and the latest methods of net trolling and the politics one finds in cases of some of the worst corporate and cult abuses. "Marketing" techniques and a pervasive lack of standards and terminology openly publicized and defined create a real sense of confusion in a veritable revolving-door of people who come innocently into this activity with hopes and dreams and are burned out quickly - unless, of course, they have the "suitable" career path qualities to become "successful" or the ability to look the other way to fit into such a system. Anonymous screen names and behind-the-scenes manipulations are being used to disrupt corps and attack critics who are "approved targets" - and the manipulation skills employed are quite well-developed and refined, with many layers of people involved to protect whomever is/are advising in such situations. Judging is being set by those top corps being judged, and the ability to compete is controlled by financial ability or connections to keep up with whatever is deemed the latest and greatest (which only the "top" corps can afford). The scoring system is now on a totally subjective basis which can be manipulated in different cases to mean different things, as applicable. For example, corps are judged to be more or less "musical" or whatever the latest style or politically-influenced fashion is (sometimes in line with more respectable musical and performance fashions and merits, and sometimes not). What these standards are, no one really knows sometimes - ambiguity being found to be more easily manipulated than clear and concise information. Or, they have more to do with symphonic and orchestral styles than traditionally drum corps meanings and definitions (drum corps developed from the outdoor field idiom as a means to bring the community, not dollars, together). Or, they have more to do with who is promulgating them. The rules and terminology themselves are set by those who have the most influence and money to ensure they survive and others flounder - and that's from playing the "public" game. There are other more insidious demoralization and disinformation methods employed in the drum corps media, a lot of them supporting confusion and disinformation. For example, rankings and reviews based upon subjective scores are constantly being used and manipulated via the "approved" activity critics as the prime measures of success to influence youthful interest and opinions. Some of these are directly contradictory, and the standards of criticism from corps to corps and the score assigned objectively unclear. General questions from the fan base - generally old corps people - if critical of directions or request accountability in non-approved areas are generally answered (if answered at all) with "lump it or leave it" responses, or even personal attacks. There still exist many who are fighting for openness and accuracy concerning the activity's history and truth in advertising about today's "business". As long as even one kid joins this activity and becomes the scapegoat for the failures of their so-called adult leadership, and that leadership fails to face, be accountable for and remedy their failure as best as we can, then this activity will be far less than what we all wish for it to be. For a true lesson of any drum corps fraternity is that we are only as good as our weakest link. And when many fans are people with decades in this activity who are hanging on in the hopes of someday seeing glimpses of what they used to feel week after week, we are all dangerously bad off. Nearly all of the current "top Division I" DCI junior corps have changed so much as to be unrecognizeable to many as drum corps. Currently and unfortunately, similar influences abound in and have changed senior corps as well. In my opinion, it is a fight over "ownership" which is the struggle - between those who are more interested in marketing, power, ego and profits and those who place people, truth, merit and music first. This has led over the years to a diminution of both the junior and senior corps activities. Conversely, the Alumni corps movement is growing. Corps used to be about the marching members and being a positive youth and fraternal activity different from others - see the American Legion website for their statements on the values important to youth organizations. Decades ago, when the senior and junior activity was largely tied into the military veterans associations, Boy Scouts of America and schools and churches, these positive human and fraternal group values were given more than lip service. Since people weren't perfect then, naturally some groups didn't do so well in achieving these goals and communicating these virtues to all. But before there was so much money to be made and before all power was concentrated in a few hands, the abuses were on a far smaller scale than today. And it was this genuine system of volunteerism and devotion to fraternity via musical and field performance values which built the activity. Often we have to combat issues of mediocrity and personal failures in the striving for excellence. The mediocre - those that seek to achieve through cheating and parasitizing what others achieved for their own smaller goals - saw a thriving activity, and turned it to their own goals while lying about what they actually intended and were doing, counting on the faith and hopes and dreams of others telling themselves "drum corps would always be there" and "people would never sacrifice the good for lesser goals" - particularly people who appeared to be decent on their surface. Drum & bugle corps -must- be genuine in order to keep inspiring and building each other. Drum corps -must- be genuine in order to achieve and communicate on any level comparable to what street kids and community volunteers - largely uneducated but caring people - used to be able to regularly build, and which even all of today's money and "experts" cannot replicate for more than a few moments. How can resume credits and awards for a few ever compare with all the enjoyments of genuinely patriotic performances for hundreds of thousands of devoted fans and citizens in communities across the U.S. and Canada? How can one more choice for privileged music students compare with an activity which provided musical opportunities, sometimes life-saving ones, for many kids which had few choices in life? And how can an activity which nearly all kids march just a few years at most compare with an activity that 10, 20, 30, 40 and more years later remains a central focus for many members who marched years and decades, inspiring an entirely new Alumni corps revival -despite all the "expert" (?) attacks and without all the "expert" (?) advantages- because there was and is nothing else like it? I challenge myself and all of us with keeping the corps spirit and the values taught as genuinely alive, free and thriving, and not allowing mediocrity to overrun what has been one of the finest parts of my and others lives - and what could be. Further, may we extend that excellence to others whenever and wherever possible. Besides working with others involved in the Alumni corps movement, we hope to continue organizing and contributing to the debate on how things got to where they are and where we need to go from here in order to reclaim genuine corps values and true excellence, as well as to guard against further abuses and the spreading of corruption, no matter who or what is destroyed by such people. Drum & bugle corps once served 1000s of kids and adults as members, through 100s of corps and their connected sponsoring organizations, in the decades since the turn of this century. They bequeathed us an historic legacy which they earned through their honest efforts and achievements - no lies and slick public relations required. Many of us remember and value those days, and hope to rectify the negative things which have happened in order to get us back on track. Many of us remember an excitement that lives within each of us who refuse to be brainwashed, and to settle for much less than what could easily be. Many of us did and still value loud acoustic horn lines, rudimental drumlines, color guards which are part of a uniformed group and equipment work (rather than constumed dance troupes and prop throwers), a level of precision marching which depends more on experienced drum corps veterans and their performance skills than the current year's "fashionable" drill designer's name on the show, genuine patriotic respect, and those other qualities and styles which once were only found in drum & bugle corps and provided a unique experience for the members and the fans in an atmosphere of openness, support and freedom from corporate-level abuses. The damage has actually been done by only a few - unfortunately enabled by those not wishing to fully open their eyes or face the worst. In analyzing the things that went wrong and the persons and trends most responsible, we should ultimately be able to make the renewed activity stronger than it ever was - if enough of us choose to do so. And thus far, it looks hopeful. Publicity and courage in dealing with the abuses and abusers is needed, as well as holding them accountable for fulfilling the promises in their press kits. Negative resume credits need to be as publicized as their positive ones. These are the keys to stemming these sorts of people with deficient or missing hearts and consciences, in any group or activity, and letting them know that such things will no longer be tolerated. And each person's denial must be countered and overcome, as we each face that these things happen and evil triumphs, because good people do nothing. All it takes in the beginning - before anything truly harmful is done - is a word that lies and cruelty will not be tolerated amongst one's friends, one's corps and family. It's not a question of "politics" or "not wanting to get involved" or in "just wanting to have fun"; it's a question of right and wrong, and of decency. Can anyone have genuine fun, achievement or excellence if it is dependent upon lies and protecting those who abuse others? For more information concerning drum & bugle corps in the here and now, I suggest the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.marching.drumcorps (be sure you know about trolling and other Usenet issues before venturing therein) and the moderated Yahoo! group oldstylebuglecorps ("OSBC"). You can join OSBC and join the discussion, as well as check out the links page for more information on the alumni movement and what drum & bugle corps was AND is. I still enjoy playing the valve-and-rotor (French) Horn and/or Mellophone in drum & bugle corps when I can - given the politics of the activity and the prevalence of corrupt, dishonest people in the west and the midwest, most genuine alumni/classic corps primarily exists only in the northeast and Canada (until we rebuild...). I am also pursuing other marching, musical and other personal opportunities that will enhance and support my music, back on track after all these years. We continue our collective corps history and traditions by honoring our corps values and each other as fellow members. ***OTHER INTERESTS*** I am an activist (or "social catalyst") regarding "Individualism", "Excellence" and "Genius". Click HERE to go to my "Teaching & Excellence" page; click HERE for a list of books that I feel no one ought to be allowed to graduate from high school without reading and discussing. Other areas of life, history and society which are important to me are: advancing the rights of gay, lesbian and other interesting people (remember Harvey Milk); Oscar Wilde and Victorian times (go to my tattoo page to go to the link to see my "World's Greatest Oscar Wilde Tattoo"; Aaron Burr and his times. I have my two cats, ages 17 & 12 (in human years). And another great interest of mine that I'm no longer greatly active in (although obviously I carry with me everywhere I go) are the intellectual, spiritual and artistic aspects of my tattoos. I was a 15-year member of the National Tattoo Association. My work (as an "enthusiast" or collector, not an artist) has been published in international journals and is in the UCLA Museum of Art. I also participated in a number of television panels, public shows and interviews on the subject, mostly in the 80's and early 90's. Thanks to all who visit my tattoo page - there is SO much interest there! I tend towards libertarianism on nearly all issues of government intervention in our private lives. I'm also interested in massage therapy and other forms of alternative healing & manipulation of energies. And as this page details, I'm quite intense, and deeply interested in and committed to constant and never-ending self-development -- and being one with the many. I live with my menagerie in southeastern Wisconsin. I am single, born 3/1/57 (see my astrological chart), never married with no children (no mistakes thus far!). However, I have always wanted a large family. While it's true that my biological clock is currently clanging, I am continuing to pursue possibilities... I have love and joy in my life, many friends across the country, and understanding of self and others - both the good and bad. I am humbly thankful for such people who choose to do the good and right thing and so lead lives that are worth all the breaths we take - such hopes and attitudes are what makes my life what it is, no matter the challenges. Other goals I have for myself include family, possibly through adoption. I am also interested in a few continuing education opportunities for professional certification - more on this as it happens. My commitment to kin, community and kindred is one of the many reasons I am Asatruar, and celebrate life each day with my friends! In frith, Catherine

So much for a simple poll that was suppose to be a fun forum. sorry that I steped on the toes of DCI

Did you even read the question? It has nothing NOTHING to do with todays drum corps.!!!!!!!!!! Everthing to do with DCI as an Organization.

Question: Are you saying that the number of corps declined because they began holding auditions, thus eliminating many potential corps members overall? Or, since corps began folding, the potential corps members had fewer corps to join, so corps had to begin cutting people as the number of auditionees per corps increased? I'd always figured it was more the second way, but I wasn't really around corps back in the 60s and 70s. When you have 200+ kids try out for 135 spots, auditions seem the fairest way to begin selecting members. Members are still taught, just not from scratch in the larger corps. (I learned a lot from those guys). Also, a lot of the kids that do get cut from one corps just don't bother to go elsewhere and fill out the ranks of another-- that could help some corps a lot. No that is not what I was saying at all. the number of drum corps. for the most part, declined due to the ever increasing cost of being competitive. Therefore with fewer corps and a large number of interested prospects the larger corps. could afford to pick and choose. The folks that were turned away had no place to go. If DCI were less concerned with refinement of its own image and more concerned in working with corps that are struggling economicly and competitivly, there would be more corps. and compititions. It is impossible for many corps. to stay afloat if they have to continue to upgrade their equipment everyother year for instance. This was I thought a very simple question but I guess it's not for some because they were not Marching in the 60's and 70's. So for those of you that don't get it because you are new to drum corps HISTORY, I appologize. I come from a town that had 7 competitive corps. in it at the same time and I watched as one by one they vanished do to rule changes that required this or that, that made economicly impossible to stay in the game and I figured there must be some folks out there that felt the same. I thought this was the historical forum but not that historical I guess.

Yes I agree,,, very insightful and very intelligent, but again his argument with all the quoted material from "Rules Caucuses" and governing bodies and so on, only proves my ORIGINAL POINT!!! Perhaps, I should have prefaced my poll and question by saying this question is really for those who marched before the 90's, but that would have eliminated many valuable opinions including your own. All I was trying to lead into is (And so far the Democratic poll is backing me up on this one) DCI , as an organization has taken the path of, lets be more professional, lets be more symphony-like, lets pass rules that will cause corps. to change equipment year after year. This "professional thinking for the good of the activity has lead to countless, well established drum and bugle corps. to vanish. It is possible that my verbal sparring partner "Lukas" did not march in the 60's and 70's as I did, but if he did, I'm sure he remembers that in a pre-DCI era, there were hundreds more drum corps. around and thousands of young adults interested in marching with a drum and bugle corps. Of course that was before drum and bugle corps. decided that there is big money to be made by being #1. They then adopted more stringent screening of members and started a ritual called "auditions" if you wanted to be a member. This move, cast aside the everyday youth who had no musical experience, but wanted to learn. Drum and Bugle corps. then (even the very top corps.) were more interested in a "Learning experience". Todays Corps, while superior in musicianship, do not offer a new world of learning for those people. You have to know music, before you get in the door. Thats why they hold auditions! Once again, I'm not putting down todays drum and trumpet corps. AT ALL ! At the same time, it has become a big business, because we have let the "big business types" convince us that "nothing is changing" and "It's just the natural progression of drum and bugle corps." The equipment folks have realized that they can also make money by becoming "partners" with DCI and asking for "Top Corps" to endorse their products. This makes it even more important to ignore the uneducated in order to become a "Top Corps". I'm sure at the very least are offered hefty discounts on purchased equipment. I have said enough. Please read over the ORIGINAL poll question and see which one of us makes their point.

Gottcha :D , sorry I misunderstood! BTW I like the Picture oh Khan[/size]

So your saying that lower divisions shouldn't be considerd in the decision making? Are they not drum and bugle corps too?Talk about big goverment! This is what my question was all about in the first place. There were many more corps at one time then just what you call Division 1. I was with what you now call a division one corps. most of my life but unlike DCI organization I never looked down on where I came from.

Hey thats more like it! I applaud you're opinion believe me, however I was not refering to Drum and Bugle Corps. I was speaking of DCI as an organization. You are right, through the years there have been corps. that have taken themselves seriously and thats not a bad thing. What I was getting at was the power that DCI has over all corps. now, that more or less forces them adhere to their decisions or else. Do you like the drum and trumpet corps or are you really old school?

How sad!!! The question explains itself and as for the green letters. Oh well!!

Wow!! 50+ Views and no other opinions?? did I hit on a taboo subject? LOL. Surely there are other's out there that feel good or bad about what I've tried to say here. I am not putting down the drum and bugle corps. of today. My God the musicianship is unbelievable and the athletisisum, I salute all who march now and those of us who did it in the past. I'm asking your opinion on if you believe DCI has made drum corps. less fun, less exciting,,,just less with all of its bandlike "inovations" Comon,,, Go against the grain! be a shepard not the sheep that follow. Ya know you want to.

Its funny that you brought that up though I have thought about it from time to time. All of my friends are from D&B corps. I can't remember anyone that I went to school with. Just shadows. I have a friend from my drum and bugle corps days that I've been through just about everything with and I do mean everything. our friendship started 30 years ago and has continued to this day. there use to be five of us from that corps. that were very tight. We were called "The Wrecking Crew" for reasons I will not go into here. Eventually the other four went their own ways for their own reasons and I wish them the best as always. Paul and I still talk as though it was 30 years ago howver, we do throw in an occasional ache or pain.LOL I would have to say that drum corps. teaches us about responsibility though and those of us that do end up out of drum and bugle corps. with a family end up using those teachings everyday. Its not that we forget our very dear friends but it sometimes is impossible to find the time or coordinate a re-union of sorts because everyones schedules are so full. I believe it doesn't mean that we don't think about one another, but we do have others usually to fill the void.

I have watched over the last few years DCI and the elite few that run it,, change what use to be drum and bugle corps, into,, well Bands! Now don't get me wrong. I have no problem with bands, but there was a great pride in drum and bugle corps when many of us were in, that there was a distinct separation. Now bugles are trumpets and so on and so on,, its like someone threw away our heritage, our pride of the past. We have been told "this is what we're going to do to your activity and theres nothing you can do about it" Are we "good with this"? I'm not! Do I sound a little bitter? #### ya!!!! What we accomplished with "inferior equipment" was outstanding and the only reason that I can see to completly change equipment is that someone high up is making out well with the equipment giants. Part of the reason we see corps. fold year after year is that the folks who are suppose to be furthering the drum and bugle corps. experience, have made it impossible for most corps. to afford. If you believe that I'm out of line and you marched when drum and bugle WAS drum and bugle, then I must be the antique that my kids think I am. I have never gone WITH the grain, but this change has been so drastic, I can not believe that I would be the only one who has felt it and was upset about it. Does Drum & Trumpet Corps. sound right to you???????