Glassmen go inactive for 2013

[baja]

Dear Glassmen Members, Alumni, Volunteers, and Staff:

This is a very difficult message to deliver, but necessary nonetheless. The Glassmen Board of Directors has made the decision to go inactive for the 2013 season. The reason is not interest, dedication, or talent of our members, potential members, volunteers or staff. If a drum corps could run on dedication and talent we would be in a very strong position. Our problem is financial, and for financial reasons alone we are compelled to make this decision.

For many years Glassmen’s self-operated bingo was our major source of revenue. The sharp decline and ultimate discontinuation of the bingo operation combined with difficult economic conditions have made fielding a corps difficult for the past several years. You have all been aware of the extraordinary efforts of our staff and volunteers to cut costs and preserve a great experience for our members and fans. Our sponsors have also been unbelievably supportive. Yet despite these efforts, our reduced revenue and continued operating expenses have created a very large debt. Our creditors have been very generous and we will be counting on their continued support as we go forward. Were there no debt, we would be able to operate the corps this season. But the combination of retiring our debt and paying operating expenses is impossible.

As you likely know, our financial difficulties intensified during tour last summer and continued into the fall. The board and various volunteers have worked diligently to restructure, negotiate, establish relationships, and connect more strongly with current revenue sources. It was only after absolutely every possibility was pursued and exhausted that our way forward and the subsequent decision to go inactive became both evident and inevitable.

A large part of the Glassmen experience is the development of responsibility and character. It would be irresponsible and therefore contrary to our philosophy to continue to amass debt. Taking a year off will allow us to get our finances in order, create new relationships with sponsors while strengthening current ones, and create a viable and sustainable plan that will carry us into the future. We are not finished, we are just pausing to catch our breath. We are all---board of directors, volunteers, alumni, and various other parts of the Glassmen family---absolutely committed to do whatever it takes to come out of this stronger than ever.

Even with the uncertainty of our financial situation, veteran members, staff, volunteers, alumni, and prospective members came together for very productive audition camps in November and December. The energy and enthusiasm at these camps was evidence of the Glassmen fire that continues to burn, and will not be extinguished. As the business leaders of the organization, we are extremely grateful for your dedication to the corps and the legacy we have all inherited. This legacy of dedication, hard work, and family that has been created by 51 years of excellence demands we do all that is possible to continue it. We owe you---our alumni, volunteers, staff, and devoted veteran members---no less than to protect the integrity of the Glassmen name. You are the ones who built it.

Sincerely,

The Glassmen Board of Directors

Tom Sink, President

Brad Bell, Vice-president

Sandra Clark

Bill Verhelst

Larry Westphal

Maureen Moomey

Michael McGreevy

[SFZFAN]

Sad news. Hope it isn't true.

Edited January 3, 2013 by SFZFAN

[Ghost]

Garfield's thread on 990's shows they have financial issues.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Ghost

[Cainan]

Absolutely gutted to hear this news. I sincerely hope they get their finances in order and return to the field soon!

[perc2100]

Wow. While this isn't shocking, it is really unfortunate. Being an OH native, I've known so many people who've marched Glassmen over the years and while they have never been a consistent favorite of mine, I've always rooted for the pseudo-hometown corps. I know I'm saying the same thing most others have/will, here's hoping Glassmen leadership can right the ship and get the corps back on the field sooner rather than later!!

[euphman89]

Confirmed. Just got the email.

Devastated.

[charlie1223]

Moving forward... where are all those auditionees and vets going to march!? If only they had made this decision 3 months earlier those kids would have made plans to audition for another corps... now??? :sad:/> :sad:/>

Edited January 3, 2013 by charlie1223

[DrumManTx]

:C

Really hope they can get back on their feet.

Edited January 3, 2013 by DrumManTx

[MotoSurfBass]

Very unfortunate news... hope to see them back soon.

[TamtamWithAwesomeTiming]

Seems like there should be a push for adaptive financial stability throughout the activity to prevent it from imploding (certainly from losing valuable members). Maybe a push to target broader audiences for more than a few months a year? I don't know, but I imagine brainstorming a solution couldn't hurt.