Cadets members, post your thoughts here.

[13-on-deck]

i think youre making a joke about whatever and its over my head. are you saying you have a job?

I have many, I play music for a living...my corps days are WAY behind me (I still teach corps now and then though).

[sardomus]

This is actually an interesting topic that I wouldnt mind scratching the surface of. Thursday night when we got pulled off the field it was very alarming. As most of us were spread out in the opening set we really didn't know why we were being called back to the center of the field. There was kind of a brief explanation...and then Hopkins told us we had to block it up and hurry exit the tunnel. Once I knew why we were being called off, I knew we were going to hear boos. People were intoxicated, we're already public enemy number one for every other reason, and we're not exactly close to home. I knew as we were leaving the field that this was a bad choice. And as much as many people believe Hopkins did it for some sort of competitive edge....he really didnt. He did it for the safety of the corps. Although I knew that, and we knew that as a corps....I knew the 12,000 people in the stands weren't thinking the same thing. We all knew as soon as we had to go back out there we were going to get booed....and it was one of the worst experiences of my life.

Being apart of the 2006 production we/I sort have got used to constant criticism of the show and used to not having the greatest crowd reactions, but this was a horrible feeling beyond any prior that we were put in. It was bad enough to have our energy we were ready to bring halted by the sudden incident....but the nasty comments we heard from the stands before and during the show really effected me. we tried to not let it hinder our performance but there was no stopping it....once the show started there was such a lack of energy as it felt like everyone was marching on eggshells. I noticed stupid errors that hadn't happened since spring training...just complete mental breakdowns. It wasn't the worst performance we could've done, but it certainly wasn't the way we planned to start the first of the three nights.

When Hopkins spoke to the corps after the performance as he always did, it was a complete different vibe from any time before. Usually when we come off the field he always knows whether it was a good or bad performance...and when they're bad he gives us a minor pep talk to how we need to take the approach to get better. But that night it was different. He started with sincerely apologizing to the corps for putting us through it. He never had the intentions to set us up for a performance where the fans were booing from the beginning. He explained that his decision was purely spur of the moment and he didnt take the time to think of all the consequences. Obviously its easy for anyone to criticise him when its hindsight 20/20. But he was purely in the moment on a field with 135 performers ready to start, and 12,000 people in the stands screaming at him, and he was faced with a choice. He felt horrible for the position he put us in, and it was the most sincere speech I had ever witnessed from him. It made my eyes water to hear the regret and sorrow from him as he explained how he barely knew what had happened in the show because of how upset he was in the stands with hearing the constant boos and heckling his performers were receiving.

After four years of marching drum corps, Quarterfinals night 2007 was the worst performance emotionally that I have ever felt. It will stand as my worst drum corps experience, and I hope another corps will never have to go through a performance with what that crowd put us through. It felt horrible and disgusting. I understand after reading these boards a few days after finals, many claim that the boos were directed towards Mr. Hopkins and NOT the corps. BUT, we didnt feel that, nor (at least I) didnt know that. We received those boos as boos towards us. The laughing, the heckling, the obnoxious comments through out the whole show....we felt towards us. And it did negatively impact our performance and we all knew it.

As far as the outcome of finals and the season....it ended the way it was supposed to end. Whether were going to win or not, we brought our best stuff we had to offer both friday and saturday night, and it was up to 8 judges to crown a winner....nothing anyone else could control. Neither placement would have overshadowed the work and memories that went into this summer...and this was the best summer I could've possibly asked for regardless of that final number was.

Just a little insider that might shed some light on the topic.....hope it helps

This post should be pinned at the top of this forum for all the pro-booing idio... um... "people" to read.

[NeutralNovice]

This is actually an interesting topic that I wouldnt mind scratching the surface of. Thursday night when we got pulled off the field it was very alarming. As most of us were spread out in the opening set we really didn't know why we were being called back to the center of the field. There was kind of a brief explanation...and then Hopkins told us we had to block it up and hurry exit the tunnel. Once I knew why we were being called off, I knew we were going to hear boos. People were intoxicated, we're already public enemy number one for every other reason, and we're not exactly close to home. I knew as we were leaving the field that this was a bad choice. And as much as many people believe Hopkins did it for some sort of competitive edge....he really didnt. He did it for the safety of the corps. Although I knew that, and we knew that as a corps....I knew the 12,000 people in the stands weren't thinking the same thing. We all knew as soon as we had to go back out there we were going to get booed....and it was one of the worst experiences of my life.

Being apart of the 2006 production we/I sort have got used to constant criticism of the show and used to not having the greatest crowd reactions, but this was a horrible feeling beyond any prior that we were put in. It was bad enough to have our energy we were ready to bring halted by the sudden incident....but the nasty comments we heard from the stands before and during the show really effected me. we tried to not let it hinder our performance but there was no stopping it....once the show started there was such a lack of energy as it felt like everyone was marching on eggshells. I noticed stupid errors that hadn't happened since spring training...just complete mental breakdowns. It wasn't the worst performance we could've done, but it certainly wasn't the way we planned to start the first of the three nights.

When Hopkins spoke to the corps after the performance as he always did, it was a complete different vibe from any time before. Usually when we come off the field he always knows whether it was a good or bad performance...and when they're bad he gives us a minor pep talk to how we need to take the approach to get better. But that night it was different. He started with sincerely apologizing to the corps for putting us through it. He never had the intentions to set us up for a performance where the fans were booing from the beginning. He explained that his decision was purely spur of the moment and he didnt take the time to think of all the consequences. Obviously its easy for anyone to criticise him when its hindsight 20/20. But he was purely in the moment on a field with 135 performers ready to start, and 12,000 people in the stands screaming at him, and he was faced with a choice. He felt horrible for the position he put us in, and it was the most sincere speech I had ever witnessed from him. It made my eyes water to hear the regret and sorrow from him as he explained how he barely knew what had happened in the show because of how upset he was in the stands with hearing the constant boos and heckling his performers were receiving.

After four years of marching drum corps, Quarterfinals night 2007 was the worst performance emotionally that I have ever felt. It will stand as my worst drum corps experience, and I hope another corps will never have to go through a performance with what that crowd put us through. It felt horrible and disgusting. I understand after reading these boards a few days after finals, many claim that the boos were directed towards Mr. Hopkins and NOT the corps. BUT, we didnt feel that, nor (at least I) didnt know that. We received those boos as boos towards us. The laughing, the heckling, the obnoxious comments through out the whole show....we felt towards us. And it did negatively impact our performance and we all knew it.

As far as the outcome of finals and the season....it ended the way it was supposed to end. Whether were going to win or not, we brought our best stuff we had to offer both friday and saturday night, and it was up to 8 judges to crown a winner....nothing anyone else could control. Neither placement would have overshadowed the work and memories that went into this summer...and this was the best summer I could've possibly asked for regardless of that final number was.

Just a little insider that might shed some light on the topic.....hope it helps

I can't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like out there with everyone booing. To me, that would be pretty much my worst nightmare.. I mean, here you are, working your arse off all summer long in the heat and humidity, then having to face ignorant and idiotic people. Now i know there are a lot of people out there who feel that the booing is justified, whether it was towards the corps or towards Hopkins, and my reasoning to those people were that they are NOT everyone. Everyone responds to things differently and for those who claims that I have a tender belly and what not, they can seriously bite me at this point.

Although Drum Corps is competitive where people will have their favorites, it is NOT identical to activities such as baseball (MLB) or basketball (NBA). First and foremost, these players that get booed are PAID where they are pretty much in it to win for themselves and/or their team. Their arse is on the line with every single move they make because if they do not perform, POOF: here comes a trade or forced retirement if no one wants that player. Barry Bonds gets booed because of the controversy that surrounds him and the records that might or might not be linked to the conroversy. In addition, when players/teams get booed, it is NOT because they are the competition, it is because they are the opposition. Competition ONLY applies to the players and NOT the fans. In the case of drum corps, players like yourself are not opposing us in any way shape or form. I can bet that one of your goals as a player is to give us, the audience, a #### good show by playing your hearts out. That is NOT something that anyone should disrespect.

I've also read here on the forums that even composers/orchestras/symphonies etc get booed; however, we must remember that they are PAID. Ugh, I don't even know where else to go with this. Here is my point: Booing in the realm of drum corps is incredibly disgusting. I apologize for the way you felt that Thursday night and I hope it never happens again and that you continue to play your heart out for us... assuming you haven't aged-out. :)

For those of you who disagree, then go ahead and boo. Your booing will cause many to disconnect with drum corps and future potentials to be afraid to join. Regardless of where the boos were being directed, just remember that there are better ways to communicate discontent, which in turn, believe it or not, is always more effective. For example, who are politicians going to listen to: those who yell in their face about something they don't like or those who gets petitions signed and organizes rallies to protest or advocate?

Edited August 15, 2007 by NeutralNovice

[Pit Kitteh]

Welcome home PerfectBuzz! I'm glad that you posted here because I was curious on how the corps felt about the events at quarters.

I will decline to comment on Cadets show and booing because that horse has been beaten to death, chopped up into little pieces, examined under a microscope, burned, run over with a steamroller, and scattered to the four winds. I will tell you that you will look back on that Quarterfinals performance for the rest of your life and say "If I can get through that, I can get through anything" and I am sure that your fellow Cadets will do the same. Marching corps provides people with some awesome experiences, but bad stuff does happen too, and that's the stuff that makes you stronger. Thanks for posting.

[13-on-deck]

Sardomus and NeutralNovice, excellent posts! Thanks, guys, for the excellent support of the Cadets and "class", in general.

I've also read here on the forums that even composers/orchestras/symphonies etc get booed; however, we must remember that they are PAID.

I'd like to talk to whoever wrote this...

I've been to literally hundreds (thousands if you count all my gigs) of performances, classical, jazz, rock, theater, pro/semi-pro/amateur and everything in between (I've probably seen the Boston Symphony Orchestra at LEAST a hundred times over the years, just to name one).

And I have *NEVER* heard a single boo at almost every single event.

In fact, except for drum corps, the only booing I've ever heard is at a rock concert, where occasionally the crowd will boo the opening act.

So, that kinda shows you the level of class of DCI "fans"...

And again, to the Cadets, it totally sucks you went through that and you do NOT deserve it (in fact, I believe your director didn't deserve it either, even if it was "aimed" at him...and I do believe I'll send him an email of support soon).

Would love to hear from more of you guys...and you don't have to stick only to the finals week, how'd the summer go? Was it cool to beat all those corps all those times? What were some highlights? Do tell! :)

[Tone Quality Matters]

So, that kinda shows you the level of class of DCI "fans"...

I don't boo any corps. never have, never will.

Don't be a jerk. You are using DCI fans in plural form like we all have no class <**>

[kmen82]

I don't boo any corps. never have, never will.

Don't be a jerk. You are using DCI fans in plural form like we all have no class <**>

Ditto. It was a great show.

[13-on-deck]

I don't boo any corps. never have, never will.

Don't be a jerk. You are using DCI fans in plural form like we all have no class <**>

DCI crowds, in general, suck.

In fact, as a professional performer for some 15 years now, if I had to perform for DCI crowds all the time I would QUIT MUSIC. No joke.

If you are not one of the people being a jerk, no need to take offense (I've been there, on the field, and when there is booing it sounds like EVERYONE is booing, believe me ).

[thePerfectbuzz]

I can't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like out there with everyone booing. To me, that would be pretty much my worst nightmare.. I mean, here you are, working your arse off all summer long in the heat and humidity, then having to face ignorant and idiotic people. Now i know there are a lot of people out there who feel that the booing is justified, whether it was towards the corps or towards Hopkins, and my reasoning to those people were that they are NOT everyone. Everyone responds to things differently and for those who claims that I have a tender belly and what not, they can seriously bite me at this point.

Although Drum Corps is competitive where people will have their favorites, it is NOT identical to activities such as baseball (MLB) or basketball (NBA). First and foremost, these players that get booed are PAID where they are pretty much in it to win for themselves and/or their team. Their arse is on the line with every single move they make because if they do not perform, POOF: here comes a trade or forced retirement if no one wants that player. Barry Bonds gets booed because of the controversy that surrounds him and the records that might or might not be linked to the conroversy. In addition, when players/teams get booed, it is NOT because they are the competition, it is because they are the opposition. Competition ONLY applies to the players and NOT the fans. In the case of drum corps, players like yourself are not opposing us in any way shape or form. I can bet that one of your goals as a player is to give us, the audience, a #### good show by playing your hearts out. That is NOT something that anyone should disrespect.

I've also read here on the forums that even composers/orchestras/symphonies etc get booed; however, we must remember that they are PAID. Ugh, I don't even know where else to go with this. Here is my point: Booing in the realm of drum corps is incredibly disgusting. I apologize for the way you felt that Thursday night and I hope it never happens again and that you continue to play your heart out for us... assuming you haven't aged-out. :)

For those of you who disagree, then go ahead and boo. Your booing will cause many to disconnect with drum corps and future potentials to be afraid to join. Regardless of where the boos were being directed, just remember that there are better ways to communicate discontent, which in turn, believe it or not, is always more effective. For example, who are politicians going to listen to: those who yell in their face about something they don't like or those who gets petitions signed and organizes rallies to protest or advocate?

unfortunately I did age out. But now I get to enjoy being a fan! b**bs

[Liam]

This is actually an interesting topic that I wouldnt mind scratching the surface of. Thursday night when we got pulled off the field it was very alarming. As most of us were spread out in the opening set we really didn't know why we were being called back to the center of the field. There was kind of a brief explanation...and then Hopkins told us we had to block it up and hurry exit the tunnel.

Thanks for posting. I agree that this post should be pinned forever and re-hashed (pun intended!!! :) ) for anyone who argues that booing is okay. This post is my early leading candidate for "Post of the Month".

I quoted just this one part, though, because I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with you (and the entire corps) that even given all the confusion and uncertainty of the moment, when your director said "LINE UP", you all just lined up. It was clear that most of you didn't totally understand what was going on, but the discipline and trust in each other you displayed at that moment was impressive indeed.

Edited August 15, 2007 by Liam