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Bruce and I have known each other for over 30 years, we went to high school together, marched together and have spent many family moments together. I will not speak for him but will however say I think the main reason that he has stepped down with Magic is because of the constant pressure put on him and the organization that he took over three years ago. Magic had been managed poorly for many years and during the two years I spent there I can't remember one month that went by without some person, school, vendor or manager that didn't ask for money that the drum corps owed them from 19...blah, blah, blah.....Magic had NO money, no equipment, no road ready trailer's to speak of, no support base, and no true alumni organization that would step up to the plate even when asked numerous times and no staff or kids. Even now as people continue to post negitive issues about Magic, that has always been part of the problem and not the solution. Yes, Magic not unlike many other corps has had its share of changes and problems but it is a drastic change from the days when Magic finished in Saturday night but kept the drum corps sleeping to eliminate a meal or broke down each and every night on the road or on a special show or regional would buy a NEW roll of duct tape for the horns to stay together. Bruce and others stepped up even when DCI said early on that they couldn't tour in 2004 and they did. His guy pulled a ton of money out of his own pocket becuase of who he is and what he was told. From huge bingo dollars that was never the case to support that showed up! It's sad to say but unless someone steps up to the plate asap, Magic will be gone again but this time for good. JVN :sshh:

The Magic Drum and Bugle Corps has been informed that one of our tractor drivers must leave the corps in Indy THIS SATURDAY due to family matters at home. This leaves the corps with NO DRIVER for one of the tractors during the next few weeks. If anyone can help us during this time please call Bruce at 848-333-3688 or Curt at 407-929-0688. This is a paid position including flights in and out. You must have a CDL Class A. Thanks for helping us in this time of need. MAGIC Drum and Bugle Corps JVN

Glen, It was an unfortunate time and I regret the delay in getting what you requested and paid for but you did get it. As far as my views today are concerned, I am totally at peace with things today and wish all the best. Those that live in glass houses need to be worried about rocks in the yard. Stop, smell the coffee life is much too short. God Speed, JVN

Feel free to email me direct at jamesvnewman@hotmail.com.

This was by choice.........and I still work with two organizations as a consultant. Family, business and church keep me plenty busy. The reason for my post to begin with was because when others (myself) made mistakes or had problems for the sake of the team, we got placed under the train but for others those same rules don't apply. We would just rather believe one-sided stories because its easier then accepting the truth. AGAIN, we ALL hate losing ANY drum corps. I wish KK the best of luck. JVN

Talk about bailing!!!!!!!!!!! Can't fix in house problems when your on the road all summer. Shouldn't this be the time to get things fixed??? Sarah, unless you know the facts, shut up. You have only been told ONE side. Ask MANY others not me about the TRUTH and frankly four years later its a mute point. KK need to fix problems NOW to have a future. You , me or anyone else chatting about it won't fix it. I wish the BOD all the best. Maybe YEA is an answer but I'm sure Miami would be the place Hopkins would support another corps. Many kids, staff and talent. God Speed, JVN

I paid the bills for long enough.....took on personal liabilites, debt and spent a small fortune in my drum corps experience. Getting members is all about keeping your word to the kids, giving them a great experience and hiring staff that cares. These are things I have always done regardless if it was popular or not. I think Doug and many other Directors understand at times what position we may put ourselves in for the greater good of the organization even if it means our own personal pain. I made my fair share of poor decisions but also made a difference in manys members lives for getting the chance to take part at all levels. My original post was to simply express my thoughts on the real problem here. I respect the great things that Doug has done over the years but like every good group, your only as good as the people around you. God Speed, JVN

FYI - Don't be a hypocrite.......all posts from KK state that the reasons KK is not fielding a corps this summer was because of staff bailing and lack of membership. It also clearly states that KK is financially sound. TBT didn't have any money thus the merger. That was also four summers ago, new horns, drums, pit and unifomrs later. Doesn't sound like money issues to me. I wish Doug and KK a speedy recovery but that won't happen unless changes happen. TBT DID give KK over 100 members in 2002 and they fielded a full corps. Look at the facts. KK's numbers have fallen off for years here and in Canada. Don't tell me about putting monies into drum corps, been there got many t-shirts. We all do this knowing we will probably never see that money again. Isn't Doug a paid director like about 2/3's of Open Class directors. Those that aren't have outstanding support groups around them or are just stupid and crazy about the activity like most of us........so what's the truth?? I'm not dancing but let's call it like it is! People only seem to do this on a selective basis. JVN

Best of luck to those members that are looking for places to march this summer even this late in the game. I would also suggest with being based out of Florida that those members contact The Magic and Teal Sound for any open spots. Insofar as the "jump" to Florida. KK numbers had been falling off for years up north. In 2002 they fielded a FULL corps with the support of TBT members. Since that year and many changes later the numbers have continued to fall. Why??? BUY A BIG MIRROR. Boston has been conducting camps for years, they seem to be doing just fine. (record years) Magic continues to field a full corps every year even with the new administration taking on "old" problems and Teal Sound continues to get better. Florida's not the problem so continue to feel bad for those kids that lost this summer but stop feeling bad for those who cast blame on others and let's hope they can fix the "in house" issue that has caused decision to be made and regardless where they are based and come back strong. JVN

Mike, Don't make more out of it then there is. The BOD of Magic was not aware of this former KK member having an outstanding debt. The Magic organization was also not prepared to pay these addtional costs. Choices: a) March a blank late in the game B) Make this person sit home all summer because they don't have the funds to cover all fees and was not responsible 15 year old. c) Pay the amount requested by Doug and given to Doug by myself in order to release this person. MY choice was C. The member marched and had a great time, the Kavaliers got paid and Magic didn't have to dig for addional funds. What's the problem with that??? Honesty has nothing to do with it, its called generosity. End of subject, god bless. JVN

FYI - The Magic did NOT take members at spring training. Any member that signed a contract with Kiwanis Kavaliers and owed them money was released by paying what they owed. I know, I paid the Kavaliers at Night of Magic $500.00 out of my own pocket to satisfy any and all debt owed thus getting a release from the Kavaliers. Nate, thanks for the kind words......it was my pleasure! JVN

Romo - Your the man! I can't say for sure but I think the Magic had one of its best touring summers ever. Like Chris stated, limited touring issues, great support and touring staff, and we did eat better then anyone! To determine what is considered a successful summer or not isn't only based on your placement. The Magic can clearly show this by years of being"in the game" but putting the drum corps in such debt they shouldn't be around today. The process can only happen over time. If you fix outside the lines first and stick to your goals, the inside the lines part will fix itself! I can only hope that the current administration continues to focus on the longterm goals of the organization and not be pressured into making chocies and decisions that may seem popular now but will kill them later. The Magic will be fine but lets not sell out the rest of our pack this summer. Some great parity across the board. Seattle, Mandarins, Capital, Southwind and others.... It was a VERY GOOD drum corps year. Jim Newman :)

The Magic Drum and Bugle Corps is looking to fill the last few color guard spots for the 2005 program. Go the www.magicoforlando.org and click on guard link. Much larger guard then last year and only a few spots available. Serious individuals only need apply! James V. Newman Director - The Magic