BHandMom

Sorry to hear that. I'm from So Cal, and one of the things that I enjoy best is meeting all the other drum corps people. We talked to everyone around us all three nights, and it was nothing but a love fest all around... Just know that we're not all like that, just like when I went to Dallas and had people behind me that were not so nice, I didn't judge my whole Texas experience on that.. We always try to be supportive and positive to all the corps, but that's probably because we're parents and view it a little differently. Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how'd you enjoy the play?....

Bob James, you rock! One not so great show, many lessons to be learned. Let's hope we can all move forward and put our energies into making it better. One unfortunate experience is not indicative of the So Cal drum corps community. So Cal is a GREAT place for drum corps. I'm thankful for the time my son spent in Esperanza, and will continue to support them, and all drum corps activity, now and long after my son ages out.

My first reaction was to feel angry at the organizers, not only for leaving the corps in the lurch, but for jeopardizing San Diego's future with drum corps, but you are absolutely right. This is bad, and should be looked into so it doesn't happen again, but if it's the worst thing that happened all summer, it's not that bad. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

Sorry!! My son told me it's the next level up on the judge's scoring sheet. 18 and over is Box 5. Hey, it was way past my bedtime! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

You guys crack me up. My son is in BK and only 30 minutes ago explained what Box 5 means. I felt so smart when I saw that and knew what it meant. Not the bus explanation either..

I have the Rebel XT as well, with the standard and 300 mm lens, and although I was apprehensive when I heard about the 'no photos' rules being bandied about, I have brought mine into every venue with no question. Not sure how this will work for fish-eye, but when I zoom, etc., using the action setting helps for getting less blurry photos. Definitely no flash (which goes automatically if you have it on the portrait setting). And I try to limit my picture snapping during the quieter moments. There's a night setting (might be called something else, but it has the little moon icon) which you can try as well, but I found that one is actually worse, as it takes longer as it tries to soak up available light. I need to take photo classes myself, so I'm not sure - that may be shutter speed. Good luck!

I'm from San Diego as well, and although you don't always have the luxury of leaving 3 times as early as you think you will need to, it's a good idea to pad your commute time as much as possible. All it takes is one good accident along the way to skew your travel time. If you get there way early, go have breakfast! I remember one time driving to LA area for a band competition, and I didn't get to leave the SD area until 5:00 pm, and I made it into the stadium, running from the parking lot, all in a panic, making my way through the deadlocked crowd at the stadium, JUST in time to see our school's band take the field. Luckily I saw them perform, but I missed every other band that night. I know traffic is horrendous, but the weather is so fabulous, in my mind it makes up for everything else. I grew up in Michigan, and while it was beautiful there, and had no traffic, I am in San Diego to stay. Yes we have earthquakes (occasionally) and bad traffic, but in Michigan we had tornadoes, ice storms, blizzards, humidity, mosquitoes, heavy thunderstorms.... Not to knock it at all, it was a great place to grow up, but I love southern California!! I am so looking forward to finals next week. Whenever a non-drum-corps person asks me an innocent question about drum corps, I always catch myself going on and on and on, so it will be so great to meet new drum corps friends and talk to other folks who know what I mean and get it!!

"Really? I think Boston may have something to say about this." Yeah... "Whaaaa haappened?" Tee hee just a little good-natured ribbing - don't burn me up!! :)

Although there have been major issues with the management of Esperanza, I am hopeful that it is not the end of Esperanza OR drum corps in San Diego. And although I agree that DCI should consider the status of Esperanza, if they were to get new management, I would hope that would be strongly considered. I would hate for the kids (yes I'm a parent) to lose their local corps, and for some, their only chance to be in a drum corps. Some are lucky enough to be able to travel to other corps, but the ones that can't afford it will be S.O.L. Yes, I know, such is life (sigh), but if it can be prevented, so much the better.

Unfortunately, seems to come with every internet conversation. However, keep in mind that sometimes what mind sound *wrathful* is actually someone trying to be humorous, or they just don't realize it. Or sometimes they do mean it. Just blow it off and as long as you've been respectful, they can go *%$ themselves! :P On the other hand, I've been a band/drum corps mom for 4 years now, and the people I have met in person at shows and practices and fundraisers, etc., could not have been nicer or more respectful toward other corps members, families, and supporters. I love going to shows and meeting all the other drum corps fanatics and exchanging compliments to each other's corps. I've waited under awnings with Jersey Surf parents trying to wait out the rain at finals in Florida, kept bumping into Pacific Crest parents at the SoCal shows, and so many others that left me feeling all warm and toasty!