marchlikegods Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 From the Cascades site Kary http://seattlecascades.org/ Cascades Choose to Limit Scope of 2008 Summer TourCorps will not participate in 2008 DCI World Championships The Cascades will remain in the Northwest for the 2008 season, choosing not to embark on the broader national Drum Corps International Summer Tour as a member of the World Class. The corps has decided instead to field an exhibition unit, providing a regionally-focused drum corps experience for returning and new members rather than withdrawing from the entire season. This approach will assist in the support of additional drum corps shows in the Northwest during the course of the summer. Cascades administrators felt that although a scaled-down 2008 national tour might be possible, it would not be at their desired level. “Fielding a corps that is marginally financed, touring with some questionable equipment, and deficiencies in the number of brass players is simply not good enough for us,” said Mike Bujnowski, Board President of Northwest Youth Music Association (NYMA), the parent organization of the Cascades. “A World Class drum corps needs to be supported by a world class organization. We are on track, but we are not there yet.” The decision to eliminate their participation in a 2008 summer tour follows a difficult year in 2006 and a successful rebuilding year in 2007. In 2006 the organization endured a change in management, budgetary over-expenditures, and was forced to close its bingo operation after declining revenue. By season’s end, the corps faced accumulated debt of nearly $250,000. From that low point, the Cascades have effectively rebuilt their organization, culminating in an 18th place finish at the 2007 DCI World Championships in Pasadena, Calif. At the same time, debt has been nearly eliminated through the efforts of a number of committed supporters and board members. The organization’s 2008 donation/grant drive has thus far raised financial commitments of $146,000. According to organization officials, “2008 will be used to get ahead of the game.” The Cascades will retain the majority of its staff through 2008 leading to its projected return to World Class competition in 2009. The organization will use this time to sell marginal vehicles, upgrade remaining vehicles, explore uniform enhancements and accumulate financial reserves. “ We are disappointed to cancel our 2008 national tour,” said Michael Leone, Corps Director for the Cascades. “We are taking this opportunity to introduce drum corps to a greater number of students this summer at a very low tuition cost. We feel that we must find ways to make drum corps more accessible to the young people in our region. As such, our goal is to significantly reduce tuition fees for the 2009 season.” The Northwest Youth Music Association remains active in the community, sponsoring a winter guard, the “Seattle Brass Attack” all-age performance ensemble, the Portland Summer Music Games DCI sanctioned event, and the Seattle Summer Music Games (a non-DCI event). NYMA is also a partner with Seattle Public Schools and Rotary District 5030 in the “Rotary Music 4 Life” program to provide more than 1,100 musical instruments for elementary students in the Seattle School District. If you have an interest in helping with the Cascades, or participating in one of the events or activities of Northwest Youth Music Association, visit our website www.seattlecascades.org, or contact Michael Leone at director@seattlecascades.org. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 http://seattlecascades.org/ Cascades Choose to Limit Scope of 2008 Summer Tour Corps will not participate in 2008 DCI World Championships The Cascades will remain in the Northwest for the 2008 season, choosing not to embark on the broader national Drum Corps International Summer Tour as a member of the World Class. The corps has decided instead to field an exhibition unit, providing a regionally-focused drum corps experience for returning and new members rather than withdrawing from the entire season. This approach will assist in the support of additional drum corps shows in the Northwest during the course of the summer. Cascades administrators felt that although a scaled-down 2008 national tour might be possible, it would not be at their desired level. “Fielding a corps that is marginally financed, touring with some questionable equipment, and deficiencies in the number of brass players is simply not good enough for us,” said Mike Bujnowski, Board President of Northwest Youth Music Association (NYMA), the parent organization of the Cascades. “A World Class drum corps needs to be supported by a world class organization. We are on track, but we are not there yet.” The decision to eliminate their participation in a 2008 national summer tour follows a difficult year in 2006 and a successful rebuilding year in 2007. In 2006 the organization endured a change in management, budgetary over-expenditures, and was forced to close its bingo operation after declining revenue. By season’s end, the corps faced accumulated debt of nearly $250,000. From that low point, the Cascades have effectively rebuilt their organization, culminating in an 18th place finish at the 2007 DCI World Championships in Pasadena, Calif. At the same time, debt has been nearly eliminated through the efforts of a number of committed supporters and board members. The organization’s 2008 donation/grant drive has thus far raised financial commitments of $146,000. According to organization officials, “2008 will be used to get ahead of the game.” The Cascades will retain the majority of its staff through 2008 leading to its projected return to World Class competition in 2009. The organization will use this time to sell marginal vehicles, upgrade remaining vehicles, explore uniform enhancements and accumulate financial reserves. “We are disappointed to cancel our 2008 national tour,” said Michael Leone, Corps Director for the Cascades. “We are taking this opportunity to introduce drum corps to a greater number of students this summer at a very low tuition cost. We feel that we must find ways to make drum corps more accessible to the young people in our region. As such, our goal is to significantly reduce tuition fees for the 2009 season.” The Northwest Youth Music Association remains active in the community, sponsoring a winter guard, the “Seattle Brass Attack” all-age performance ensemble, the Portland Summer Music Games DCI sanctioned event, and the Seattle Summer Music Games (a non-DCI event). NYMA is also a partner with Seattle Public Schools and Rotary District 5030 in the “Rotary Music 4 Life” program to provide more than 1,100 musical instruments for elementary students in the Seattle School District. If you have an interest in helping with the Cascades, or participating in one of the events or activities of Northwest Youth Music Association, visit our website nwyouthmusic.org or contact Michael Leone at director@seattlecascades.org. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrlandoContraAlum Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 From the closed thread: Ok now that the information is officially posted, I don't have to worry about disclosing any information that the Cascades didn't want released the the public.I am a marching member of the Cascades this year and I personally feel that the corps has made a smart decision and I stand by the corps 100%. The brass numbers from the previous camp albeit low, are committed to seeing the corps succeed just as much as the entire staff. I have no doubt in my mind that we will have problems with members this year and I think this exhibition tour will really gather some attention around the NW, as well as convince many borderline marchers to commit to a full tour in 09' and years to come. go Cascades! AWESOME attitude! I hope that you have a great summer! Best of luck both with this different (although still Drum Corps!) experience and with laying the foundation for a solid 09. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marimbadude84 Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I am sad to hear the Cascades will not be producing a full corps this year and competing on tour. I wish them the best of luck and hopefully ready to kick some _ _ _ in 2009! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I'd also like to say that I'm 100% behind this corps. Can't wait for you to come to Spokane and entertain us. We'll make you happy you came, I promise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleKnights Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 The question is, how did the Open Class drum corps 45 minutes away manage to recruit 20 more horns than Cascades did, well before Cascades' issues were public knowledge in the NW? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluehull Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 sounds like some prudent decision making............. all the best Cascades.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troon8 Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 “We are taking this opportunity to introduce drum corps to a greater number of students this summer at a very low tuition cost. We feel that we must find ways to make drum corps more accessible to the young people in our region. As such, our goal is to significantly reduce tuition fees for the 2009 season.” Seems like a really great response to a crummy situation. Really enjoyed they're shows the past few seasons & hope to see them back in full soon, best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Boo Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 <<Cascades administrators felt that although a scaled-down 2008 national tour might be possible, it would not be at their desired level. “Fielding a corps that is marginally financed, touring with some questionable equipment, and deficiencies in the number of brass players is simply not good enough for us,” said Mike Bujnowski, Board President of Northwest Youth Music Association (NYMA), the parent organization of the Cascades. “A World Class drum corps needs to be supported by a world class organization. We are on track, but we are not there yet.”>> That is an amazingly blunt and candid grasp of the situation. I applaud them for being so forthright. With that level of directness and honesty, I expect this action will pay dividends in the near future. While I understand any members who might want to march a competitive corps this year, I salute those who will decide to help lay the building blocks for the corps' return to the competition field. Bravo to the organization! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaners Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 this is really disappointing to me for multiple obvious reasons.. plus, i was really looking forward to their production.. maybe they will save 'beyond the forest' for 09?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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