G7 looking for controlling vote.

[Michael Boo]

...

I strongly believe that the real solution to DCI's current challenges as an organization is a change in leadership. Not because of Dan, again, he is a fantastic guy and has worked some absolute miracles.

...

"You're a fantastic guy and you've worked some absolute miracles. See 'ya."

[Grumpy]

The real issue here is that there is no one that actually KNOWS what is in the best interest of DCI. Many THINK they do... but currently no one KNOWS.

The best solution here is to find someone who has run a similar type of organization of a larger size, and hire them to run the BUSINESS side of things. That person actually KNOWS.

I strongly believe that the real solution to DCI's current challenges as an organization is a change in leadership. Not because of Dan, again, he is a fantastic guy and has worked some absolute miracles. It is simply that DCI needs something different moving forward... a fresh perspective, different experience and broader contacts.

I also strongly believe that this new leadership should not come from within DCI or the marching world. In fact, it is even better than they know little about it, as they would be able to better communicate what DCI is to a broader audience.

People complain that this type of individual would be expensive, that DCI cannot afford it. The reality here is that DCI cannot afford not to make such a hire.

This was tried once before-and how Dan A. came to be in his current position.

[danielray]

"You're a fantastic guy and you've worked some absolute miracles. See 'ya."

Business is business.

Businesses need different leadership with different skills at different stages or priorities. It is extremely rare that one individual is the right fit for all stages and priorities. This is why many companies change management at different stages in their growth or in times of crisis.

[RockyGranite]

The real issue here is that there is no one that actually KNOWS what is in the best interest of DCI. Many THINK they do... but currently no one KNOWS.

The best solution here is to find someone who has run a similar type of organization of a larger size, and hire them to run the BUSINESS side of things. That person actually KNOWS.

I strongly believe that the real solution to DCI's current challenges as an organization is a change in leadership. Not because of Dan, again, he is a fantastic guy and has worked some absolute miracles. It is simply that DCI needs something different moving forward... a fresh perspective, different experience and broader contacts.

I also strongly believe that this new leadership should not come from within DCI or the marching world. In fact, it is even better than they know little about it, as they would be able to better communicate what DCI is to a broader audience.

People complain that this type of individual would be expensive, that DCI cannot afford it. The reality here is that DCI cannot afford not to make such a hire.

The best interest should be whatever the majority of the Corps deem it to be...not what a select 7 decides.

[Jerseyboy]

The current model is fundamentally broken.

21 votes is absolutely not a solution.

The biggest problem with DCI from an operations standpoint is that nearly everything is design by committee.

If you want to create an extremely mediocre or ineffective result, you simply add more people to the decision-making process.

The last thing that should happen is that more people, not less, should be involved in the decision-making process.

Three would be a good balance.

If you want to take the performance or money aspects out of the equation...

Take the organizations that have programs that engage the greatest number of youth. Give the three groups that serve the greatest number of kids decision-making power.

So, if you want to call the shots, serve more kids. Doesn't have to be a drum corps, can be community programs, camps, whatever.

Right now I'd say the top 3, if using this metric:

1 - Cadets

2 - Blue Devils

3 - Santa Clara Vanguard

ABSOLUTELY WRONG.

ALL CORPS HAVE 150 MEMBERS , SO ALL CATER TO THE SAME AMOUNT OF STUDENTS.

The advantage that more voices make better decisions is called democracy.

The voices of many outway the decisions f a few.

[En929]

The G7 wants the controlling vote at the DCI BOD table.

7 out of 12 votes.

these corps have Contributed at every level . Thats WHY DCI is in the predicament it is.

when These corps were ON the DCI board was when all these changes were made to Alienate the fans ,ticket holders and souvenir buyers.

A request stating that we need the controlling vote of the DCI BOD table or we are leaving is in bad form.

Not the way to run an organization and one I would not support or defend .

DCI is not for the corps with the highest budgets , IT IS FOR ALL . Look at the mission statements for these corps. I believe these 7 should re read them.

Making better human beings through music and the arts does not mean , only the higher budgeted corps make better humans, but ALL participants in every corps.

If these G7 have ideas on how to help the future of DCI it should share them with all corps and the DCI BOD.. DCI is not for only the RiCHER , higher tour fee , higher placing corps . But ALL CORPS.

Since this is the second attempt at a coup on the DCI board they are not to be trusted with the majority vote.

PROVE YOURSELF to be trustworthy, keeping the integrity of DCI , their fans and supporters, in mind first.

Its a NON PROFIT >>> So higher budgets do not matter. HigherTour fees do not matter. they should all balance out end of the year. DCI should NOT be for the rich students but ALL students.

If a young man or women wants to better themselves through participation in a DCI corps , the amount they can afford to pay in tour fees or their skill level , should NOT limit their ability to prosper as a human being. This is what this G7 PROPOSAL IS TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH.

Higher , faster , louder , higher scoring , more toys , higher budgets has all to do with competition . The DCI board should NOT be run by competition but by ALL who participate.

If the west coast corps wanted all the votes because there budget is more than the CADETS and CROWN the EAST coast corps would have a fit.

Thats the same as they are doing to the other WC and OC corps.

Do they deserve a vote . YES.

Do they deserve the controlling vote . NO

The G7 is looking for 7 votes. Give them 5.

Give them 5 of 21 votes. Since they have separated themselves into this group G7and have separate shows ( The TOC shows ) . the group should receive 5 votes .

The other 16 corps in WC should receive a total of 12 votes .With the OC corps receiving 4 votes. Voting members should be voted on by their separate groups.

G7 , WC , OC =21 votes .

With DCI executive Director having a VETO on all rule changes and changes to the DCI By laws.

This sounds like the same things that are going on in Washington

[danielray]

ABSOLUTELY WRONG.

ALL CORPS HAVE 150 MEMBERS , SO ALL CATER TO THE SAME AMOUNT OF STUDENTS.

The advantage that more voices make better decisions is called democracy.

The voices of many outway the decisions f a few.

Absolutely wrong? Many organizations serve a lot more than 150 kids.

Cadets:

- Cadets

- Cadets 2

- US Bands

- Xcape

- Lehigh Valley Youth Drumline

- Community hand drumming

Blue Devils:

- Blue Devils A

- Blue Devils B

- Blue Devils C

- Winterguard A

- Winterguard Special Needs

- Diablo Wind Sympony

- BD Entertainment

Santa Clara Vanguard:

- Santa Clara Vanguard

- Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets

- Winter guard

- Winter percussion

- Vanguard Dance Company

Next would probably be Blue Knights with their many great programs.

[mcjordansc]

There is no doubt the 7 plus a few other corps are the units at the top of the activity. They are the corps that the majority of people want to see. Of course, many fans enjoy watching 20-30 drum corps in a day, but there is a reason the stadium is fuller at night during a prelims show. The 7 have done things right when it comes to programming, management and forward thinking. They are not perfect, but better than most. It is pretty obvious to me that we are seeing the activity evolve to a point where there will be fewer corps presenting much more complex and entertaining content. I grew up in the activity and have been enjoying drum corps for more than 35 years, yet, I find it difficult to sit through 15-20 drum corps shows. I would prefer 8-10 super corps. I know I am deviating from conventional thinking on this board, but the economics and the market determine who succeeds at this game and I do not see how the picture improves using the current formula. I think it is wise to allow the must successful organizations show us a new path.

[En929]

The G7 wants the controlling vote at the DCI BOD table.

7 out of 12 votes.

these corps have Contributed at every level . Thats WHY DCI is in the predicament it is.

when These corps were ON the DCI board was when all these changes were made to Alienate the fans ,ticket holders and souvenir buyers.

A request stating that we need the controlling vote of the DCI BOD table or we are leaving is in bad form.

Not the way to run an organization and one I would not support or defend .

DCI is not for the corps with the highest budgets , IT IS FOR ALL . Look at the mission statements for these corps. I believe these 7 should re read them.

Making better human beings through music and the arts does not mean , only the higher budgeted corps make better humans, but ALL participants in every corps.

If these G7 have ideas on how to help the future of DCI it should share them with all corps and the DCI BOD.. DCI is not for only the RiCHER , higher tour fee , higher placing corps . But ALL CORPS.

Since this is the second attempt at a coup on the DCI board they are not to be trusted with the majority vote.

PROVE YOURSELF to be trustworthy, keeping the integrity of DCI , their fans and supporters, in mind first.

Its a NON PROFIT >>> So higher budgets do not matter. HigherTour fees do not matter. they should all balance out end of the year. DCI should NOT be for the rich students but ALL students.

If a young man or women wants to better themselves through participation in a DCI corps , the amount they can afford to pay in tour fees or their skill level , should NOT limit their ability to prosper as a human being. This is what this G7 PROPOSAL IS TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH.

Higher , faster , louder , higher scoring , more toys , higher budgets has all to do with competition . The DCI board should NOT be run by competition but by ALL who participate.

If the west coast corps wanted all the votes because there budget is more than the CADETS and CROWN the EAST coast corps would have a fit.

Thats the same as they are doing to the other WC and OC corps.

Do they deserve a vote . YES.

Do they deserve the controlling vote . NO

The G7 is looking for 7 votes. Give them 5.

Give them 5 of 21 votes. Since they have separated themselves into this group G7and have separate shows ( The TOC shows ) . the group should receive 5 votes .

The other 16 corps in WC should receive a total of 12 votes .With the OC corps receiving 4 votes. Voting members should be voted on by their separate groups.

G7 , WC , OC =21 votes .

With DCI executive Director having a VETO on all rule changes and changes to the DCI By laws.

I’m starting to think if it comes to this it may even time to create a new circuit and to where the drum corps venue is restored to supporting all corps who want to participate. We need to go back to the days in which there were many more drum corps instead of just the top elite. I don’t like this idea of only a few controlling everything and being represented. Either the above happens or we hit the reset button for DCI to go back to its basics. I would think the role of DCI should mostly be just scheduling competitions amongst corps who wants to participate and videotaping them at the end of the year more or less. Let’s keep it simple!

Edited January 11, 2013 by En929

[Mello Dude]

There is no doubt the 7 plus a few other corps are the units at the top of the activity. They are the corps that the majority of people want to see. Of course, many fans enjoy watching 20-30 drum corps in a day, but there is a reason the stadium is fuller at night during a prelims show. The 7 have done things right when it comes to programming, management and forward thinking. They are not perfect, but better than most. It is pretty obvious to me that we are seeing the activity evolve to a point where there will be fewer corps presenting much more complex and entertaining content. I grew up in the activity and have been enjoying drum corps for more than 35 years, yet, I find it difficult to sit through 15-20 drum corps shows. I would prefer 8-10 super corps. I know I am deviating from conventional thinking on this board, but the economics and the market determine who succeeds at this game and I do not see how the picture improves using the current formula. I think it is wise to allow the must successful organizations show us a new path.

This didn't used to be the case where the top DCI corps were "ordained" to win. Possibly it's time for the 7 to go their way and DCI restructure from the ground up. Face it, DCI has been riding on the carcass of drum corps for some time. I personally feel the elimination of the local circuits was the nail in the coffin for corps that wanted to tour locally. Were they all good...no. Generally speaking beginners generally aren't going to be as good as 21 and 22 year old experienced players and guard members. The fact some people won't tolerate a sub G7 show for their precious ears is why these younger kids are deflated. You have always seen THAT parent on the soccer or baseball field or even DCI show that had a smaller corps there performing. But I am digressing.

Here are my thoughts on it.

1) Bring back the local circuits and start doing more parade/shows at festivals.

2) Go back to G horns. (Please let me elaborate)

-Corps have lost a unique sound when this was implemented. Right now there is NOTHING separating a brass marching band and a drum corps. Try and market that as unique. Also the differences between the haves and have nots have grown to be HUGE esp with brass manufacturers. Old horns weren't the best but they held up better than these new ones. And only the larger corps are getting the benefits from rotating their horns. Deals smaller corps cannot get.

3) I also suggest more local youth involvement being that only a certain percentage can be out of that corps operating area. This would also bolster more local involvement. Face it if your corps is from everywhere but where you are...yeah that gonna be good for local parents. This would also put the hammer down on the huge amounts of talent running to the top 3 every year.

4) Lose the electronics.

5) Make the maximum number back to 128 or 135.

6) Limit front side ensemble to a max % of the marching corps.

Anyhow feel free to lambast me as a dino.