Gold_Bond

[soap_box] This has probably already been said before, but not by me so here goes; I find it interesting that the young man embracing change made it a point to indicate that woodwinds are a no-no. Whether that was a dig at us dinosaurs or his personal demarcation line, I do not know. But it would appear that everyone has their breaking point. Personally, I have a large problem supporting the activity. I have helped sponsor several marchers but that was done to help them and not the corps they marched with. In fact, when one of my beneficiaries aged-out, the corps approached me to see if I would be willing to sponsor another needy member and I basically said what I just posted. I did not go over well, but that is the way it goes. Change happens all around, does it not? :devil:/> I also find it interesting to see that year after year, big name corps are struggling. Where is the alumni support? All of these "kids" having life-changing experiences do not feel the need to pay it back? Yes, I know college loans, the cost of starting out, etc, but not even just a $25 donation once a year? Kind of makes me wonder about the value of this activity and how much of a life-changing impact it makes on "kids" if it has to keep coming back to us alienated dinosaurs to keep it running. [/soap_box]

Just making sure this extremely apt sentiment is noticed. It applies in so many ways. And well beyond this particular topic. :shutup:/>/>

Oh, I am sooo looking forward to the next letter soliciting contributions from at least one of the "Magnificent 7" on whose list I currently reside...

Ditto.

Given that many WC Corps are having hundreds more auditionees show up at camp then there are positions in the corps, I think they'd disagree about any opportunuties being missed. "Kids" who want to march know the way, and the ones that don't wouldn't change their mind anyway.

I seem to recall at least one person who complained about the weather in 2006 but everyone here jumped on him like a pack of wolves on a caribou...I hear he doesn't even cast a shadow anymore... :whistle:/>

And so it begins. The offer I made in the Cadets2 thread this time last year still stands; in 2015 or so, when the dust settles and all the "useful idiots" are standing around asking "WTF happened?" , PM me and I'll explain it to you. I'll use small words if necessary.

Ditch the electronics, period.

The Knights Who Say "Ni"?

Way to shoot the messenger. And I believe G7 addresses your last concern. And by the way, see my first post. All I did was point out the same facts that were used to justify the last round of changes. Didn't say anything else so look for someone else to blame for peeing on your cheerios.

True. But this has not been a concern yet. At least not to those with the cash to keep up with it.

Not to worry. "Corps will have the option to use them, but won't be required to do so." Or whatever malarky was said when A&E and the other toys were allowed in.

The beginning of the plan to start pushing for rules changes in DCA......*ducks and runs*

Ray, nice post, but I think your fears are unfounded. What you describe is more of a disturbance in the force, but will not cause the changes in DCA that you fear. Next year Brigs are rumored to be back. I don't see Bush going away and in fact may regroup and surprise the hell out of everyone with a strong jump back. And then there will be Cadets2. If anything, C2 will change DCA more than any non-NE influence. IMHO. And no, I'm not harping on C2 here, there's already a thread for that where I made my feelings well-known, so don't go there here.

Some would say that fact that he's fielding a corps in DCA is a start. Steamrolling, no, but like as I said last night, the camel's nose is inside the tent. And, please, even I am willing to admit that C2 will do very well in DCA, and unless I'm missing something, that would earn them that one vote, no?

True, but remember, Hopkins was either leading the charge or among the group leading it. If one sets oneself out as a focal point, then people shouldn't be surprised when the focal point gets attention.

Translation: see my response above.

I made my comment based on this quote from Cadet 2's own website: "A DCI presence was considered but touring costs drew YEA! to request of DCA that Cadets2 be allowed to participate in their arena." Silly me for believing what I read on the corps own website. And I didn't realize that Indianapolis was FAR from the Northeast. Funny thing, Academy figured out how to do a compressed DCI tour and Arizona isn't exactly a suburb of Indiana; you'd think that Hopkins, given his creativity (and I don't mean that as a jab, the man is creative, scary-creative sometimes) would figure out some way to do this within the structure of DCI. Let's see, Cadets2 is affiliated with YEA, of which Hopkins is CEO. Are you suggesting I be referring to Dave Gibbs in this context? But then again, why let logic get in the way of a good "stop hatin' on Hoppy' rant. The deal is done, Cadets2 will be at DCA next year, I get it. And they will be successful. And in a couple of years, the creative staff at Cadets2 will start asking for rules changes so their genius isn't stifled and probably throw in how tough it is for "the kids" to transition to a DCI corps when DCA rules are different. And they'll get their way. And in 2020 or when DCA and the brain-trust here is sitting around asking "WTF happened to DCA?", PM me and I'll explain it to you then.

Would "once the camel's nose is under the tent, the rest isn't far behind" be more acceptable to you? Open Class in DCI isn't good enough for Cadets2? Seems to me that format fits the alleged mission of C2, expecially when you look at the age limitations the organization is imposing on its membership. Oh wait, those pesky "touring costs" are driving this new organization. Funny thing, a couple of years ago, corps were whining about the regional circuits restricting their ability to go where ever, whenever, they kill them off and get their way, and now suddenly it's too expensive to have all that freedom. Which is EXACTLY what I was questioning when corps were demanding this restriction be lifted. But what do I know, I'm just hiding behind my anonymity. Unfortunately, I will also be proven right. Again. And I just HATE when that happens.

I apologize if this is a repeat but I am too lazy to go through 32 pages of posts to verify. Cadets 2 or anything involving Hoppy coming to DCA reminds me of the following parable: A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion says, "Because if I do, I will die too." The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset of paralysis and starts to sink, knowing they both will drown, but has just enough time to gasp, "Why?" Replies the scorpion: "Its my nature..."

The only thing they left out was "but think of the chilllldrennnn!"

I am not directing this at the OP unless he fits the demographic, but those of you that laughed at us in 2003 with the DCM fiasco, WE TOLD YOU SO! I hate being right. I just wonder who the G7 will start feeding on when this new-and-improved model falters.

Heh. All I can say is "I told you so." First the regional circuits were "too confining". That was the excuse for dismantling DCM in 2004. DCI was so much better to the Div 1's so they took their ball and left. Bye-bye non Div 1 corps in the Midwest. Now DCI is too confining for the Magnificent 7. What next? "Up with Drum Corps"?

Because I don't care anymore. And have not for a long time.

Apparently reading comprehension is not being taught in schools today. The OP asked the dinosaurs who go to shows to chime in. The poster you're trying to berate fits the description, including going to current shows. If you are not a "dinosaur" WHY THE #### ARE YOU IN THIS THREAD? There are so many other threads here that kiss the behind of modern drum corps and call it ice cream. Why are YOU in the ONE thread that doesn't seem to agree with your POV? Sucks to have your own viewpoint thrown back at you, does it not?