strutta

Now you've done it Ray!!! You've OUTED me! My company is based in Lexington, Kentucky with offices in almost 40 markets across the US and well over half of them are CONVINCED I'm Ted, including our COO! ####...aw'ight, let's hug it out, ya bastid! Now I'm gonna stuff my f%^&in face fulla Pepperidge FAHMS!!! and yes...Tom Brady COULD DO THAT!!!

And Mass Brass WILL be in the mini corps venue after all...hilarious!!! We just can't get out of those kleig lights!!!

Tough talk Donny...way to go out on a limb!

As Mr. Adcock suggested, I wil chime in here as Director of Mass Brass. We are not competing in mini corps this year and there are several reasons why. As I read through this thread, many of you hit on pieces of what adds up to the reason Mass Brass is not competing. Please note, I am not speaking for any other mini corps that has chosen not to compete. I am simply sharing what we have gone through. Mass Brass has competitively entered the mini corps competition since 2002. Prior to that many of the original members competed as far back as 1998 with the Crusaders Sr Corps mini corps. That's as many as 15 years for some of us. During that time there have been several alumni corps and a few other offshoots of drum corps that have been around or come and gone within about a 20 mile radius of our home base. Yet there is still only a limited number of drum corps people in the pool that are willing to make the necessary commitment to do mini corps for a year and it is dwindling. I honestly believe that burnout has played a significant factor in maintaining the number of quality musicians necessary to stay with the elite. Add to this that everyone of us has real lives around this activity and that limits practice and rehearsal time. Further, let's face it people, we as humans are getting old and some are dying. Doing competitive mini corps is real work that becomes grinding as the year goes on. Now, throw in the added expense to travel, to do paying gigs to offset the expenses for music rights, arranging, insurance, hall rentals, instruction, unis, etc. and even something as simple as egos and personality conflicts and this becomes a significant endeavor for all involved. Ray, as you predicted, I will say that Star's dominence has not played into our stepping away this year. However, the fact the bar has been raised so significantly (lead by them for sure but others contributed) HAS had an impact. The decision for Mass Brass to not compete was not an easy one but every member was in agreement that we did not want to go down there and suck. We would rather take our limited resources and membership to a more appropriate venue and perform there. We take pride in our corps and we all want to compete at the highest level we can reasonably expect. Thus, our decision this year was made for brass choir. We have not closed the door on Mini Corps for 2014. Whether we are back will depend on how we do with keeping membership, renewing new members and maintaining a pursuit of excellence that has been the earmark of this corps for many years. Peace out y'all!

BOOYEAH!!!

Not at all Ray...just concerned with the direction the thread was taking...this IS a family site after all...

Now THAT'S funny! Though no one can predict the future, I wouldn't automatically rule Mass Brass out of Mini Corps in 2014...just sayin...

yikes

BWAHAHAHA!!!

If we came out in robes, you KNOW we'd be commando underneath and that wouldn't work for anyone...we also do not look good in hats, dunce caps or otherwise...we will pray on it and I'm sure God will lead the way...the drinkin on the other hand...that could be a deal breaker?!?! Slainte!

Nice of you to say Ray and frankly we never saw ourselves as choirboys either...now that you mention it...there has GOT to be an angle we can exploit here...see you in Annapolis, my friend.

Due to a number of issues that could not be overcome, Mass Brass will not be competing in mini corps but will instead compete in the new Brass Choir category at DCA Nationals this Labor Day weekend. Though we are disappointed that we will not be able to compete with our friends at Star, GR, etc. we will do our level best to provide quality entertainment in this new division. In addition, Mass Brass Alumni Corps will also be competing in the Brass Choir Division. It should be quite a free for all! Do not miss the performances! We ARE pleased to announce that we WILL be availble for the usual social functions before during and after I&E and mini corps and you can absolutely expect to have our distinctive Boston accents chirping away about whatever comes to mind! Carry on...

Mass Brass has been doing this very concept since 2002...apparently they are now on to us! YIKES!!!

I predict BD & CC will TIE for the Title...just sayin...

and NO lipsynching Frank!

The Boston Crusaders did President Johnson's inaugural in January of 1965. Richie Gobbi was the drum major that had the temerity to march past the President's box without playing anything but a street beat. CLASSIC! President Kennedy was made an honorary Crusader when he was still the Senator from Massachusetts as he was instrumental in securing West Point Cadet uniforms for the corps back in the day. To my understanding this will only be the second time they have played an inaugural parade. EAT 'EM UP, BOSTON!!!

We coulda used the Matadors at this past Super Bowl Billy! Thanks a lot for going out of business!!!

NOW you've done it! THEM'S FIGHTIN' WORDS!!!

You are dead on balls accurate Gary! Kudos!!

We already do for all the good it does!!! :P

Of course if you want to make stuff up you could say that John...but you see Jeff and I go way back and I will bust his balls at will...but thank you for playing!

Another year where the sun rises in the east, sets in the west and Ream bad mouths mini corps while kissing up to DCA...yep, all is right in the world! Are you still driving a Jetta, Jeff?

Congratulations to Star United on their 7th straight title! Also, thank you to Sean Conley and SU for letting Mass Brass use their big bass and gong! Also, for letting us destroy the big bottle in the lobby of our hotel! You guys rock!!!

I'm confused, wasn't it just a bad rain storm for Tampa?

We have to execute but we're gelling pretty well now...I understand Star United is supposed to be pretty good this year as well...:)