MusicFan

If you are looking for hotel accomodations in Bloomington, you need to book quickly. I called ten different hotels this morning before finally finding rooms. The people at the Bloomington Visitors Bureau told me that every place will be booked by the end of the week. David

Thanks Mike. Now for the bonus question. I know there are shuttles to Bloomington. But, do we need to rent a car to really enjoy the town or are things within a close enough proximity to get by without one (ex. Madison)? David

Which airport do we use - Indianapolis? David

To speak to the original article, as a young band director in South Carolina, I actually had the opportunity to meet and work with Bill Jacobus towards the end of his career. He was a man who worked with a vision of greater things for his students and for music education in general. Loris, SC was in the early 60's and is still today about five square miles of tobacco fields. A town with world famous Myrtle Beach only miles away as a neighbor, the citizens of this community were and are extremely poverty stricken. They live as generations before them have, crop to crop, with little hope for a better life. Jacobus wanted to give these young people something besides a lifetime of hard work to remember. Of course, any music educator knows that the true way to Carnegie Hall is to rent the facility. But, this trip is still a source of great pride for that community 40 years later. To conceive such an idea of a poor band from South Carolina playing in one of the world's most famous venues would be comparable to a drum corps fron New Jersey performing at the closing ceremonies of the Atlanta Summer Olympics. It is hard, even today, to believe it could happen. In the 1960's, SC bands were very much in the military style. "Corps style" didn't really start taking hold until the mid to late 1970's. The thought of performing such a production as a high school band at the time would be equivalent of a corps director having the fortitude to perform something as radical as... the Bernstein Mass. It just wasn't acceptable to many of the establishment at the time. Now, it is the norm. Taking the risk of enhancing the educational opportunities for his students by created a drum corps which would at the same time funnel money away from his high school band would be equivalent to a leader of a competitive organization risking the financial future of his own corps by taking over responsibility for another that was going insolvent. It didn't make sense but it was the right thing to do. Bill's vision was not limited to his own band. While others in the South Carolina Band Directors Association viewed him as a radical who cared not for tradition, many of the changes he fought to implement within the organization are the actual bedrock foundation for our programs of today. He had the belief that while one should honor the past, it should not limit the future for tomorrow's children. Few people in the SCBDA would know his name today - forty years removed from trying to implement change within a tradition-laden organization. Most of them preach his gospel though through their own teaching not knowing the battles this man fought and the scars he received by people who feared change. David

I would definitely say that the activity is progressing for two reasons... 1) the quality of performances for all corps at all levels has improved 2) corps are learning to challenge AND entertain the audiences at the same time. David

My high school band is going to Hawaii for a week this coming spring $1700 and seats are going fast. Drum Corps = bargain. David

I forgot an important one.... the bar at the Governor's Club level of the Concourse Hotel! David

* State Street * The Saturday Farmer's Market * A beautiful state capitol building * A great university campus * Wonderful lakes and sailing * Great weather * Community members, radio, television, newpaper who know and appreciate corps * a newly renovated stadium ...to name a few reasons David

1980 Retreat - Spirit playing "Let It Be Me"! DCM

I think it is very important that we try not to point fingers when we obviously do not know the story. To place blame on either side without knowing the facts does absolutely no good. Also, we must understand that good people are involved in this situation. The Troopers and DCI must be careful in the wording of releases so that innocent people do not have their reputations needlessly harmed. The only positive thing we can do at this point is support the Troopers through donations, well wishes and our prayers. David

Charlotte is a wonderful venue. But, there is absolutely no parking in the area. It was built with the concept of revitalizing the community. That hasn't happened yet. Also, the owner, Jerry Richardson, tried to charge the Shriners more to host the North Carolina/South Carolina Shrine Bowl than the shriners take in for the game. DCI could never afford this site. Housing would also be an issue with schools already in session.

I believe the performance level is relatively close among the top four. The same is true in regards to the talent of the instructional staff. Therefore, it often comes down to the package provided by the design staff. Certainly, if you compare the show provided to the members of the Cadets this year versus 2002 through 2004 this is the case. Conversely, while I enjoyed the shows of the Cavaliers and BD this year, they were not of the same standard of recent years. David

Matt: I think if DCI and Tom Blair would just review your original suggestions we all would be happy. Great job! DCM

1975 Muchachos were the first corps I saw at a camp in Columbia, South Carolina. My first live show was in 1976. Madison won. How could I not be hooked! DCM

Not only can you not grasp this show from clips, you really cannot follow the show on only one or two viewings. No matter which corps was your favorite, the Cadets had the package and the talent this year to win. DCM

Having served as a band director for the past twenty-five years, I would say that starting out on a friend's cornet is a good move for your fourth grader. His body and mouth will change quite a bit over the next several years. Limit your investment now and save for the future. When it is time to purchase a new or step-up horn, consult your director and when possible a professional player. NEVER purchase the cheapest instrument. They are that way for a reason. Many chain stores have started carrying imported instruments that are absolutely horrible. Avoid these at all costs. Also, do not be afraid to purchase a used instrument. There are great buys out there. But, always have your band director check the instrument first. I have had parents purchase instruments which were "great deals" and they had "only been used for a few months" and spent more money for repairs than they would have for a new instrument. I hope this helps. David

I loved Regiment's show. The judges got it right though. David

Actually, Jeff - I am that lone fence sitter. I believe the creative force in DCI boasts some of the most talented people in the world. Thinking back to 1979 with 27th and 1980 with SCV, I remember the flack their staffs caught for the use of asymmetrics. Today, watching the drill of Michael Gaines takes my breath away. I can't imagine the Cadets without the Z pull. Now, whether or not these creative forces can shape amplification into such an important aspect of this activity remains to be seen. But, I am willing to give them a few years to see what they can do. Just my opinion. David

Muchachos 27th Bridgemen Wave