garfield Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I don't believe a level playing field has ever moved anyone to become "Great"... Just don't see it - the only level playing field they get is in a domed stadium. The rest they work for. Like life. Woo-Hoo! Preach it, brother! Can I get an AMEN! This is exactly my earlier point about the education system and the flaws in reaching for "fairness". Life ain't fair. Get busy. +++ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny Smith Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I don't believe a level playing field has ever moved anyone to become "Great"... Just don't see it - the only level playing field they get is in a domed stadium. The rest they work for. Like life. For the record, I think the "everyone deserves a trophy" has handicapped an entire generation in real life...but that's another discussion. So maybe a better question would be, "If you could wave your magic wand and instantly have parity in DCI, would you do it?" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THeShadeOfNight Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) So, I think the OP acknowledged that this was an idea that would never happen, but these are the kind of questions that can actually generate interesting discussions. How do you build parity in the activity? Is it just a matter of dollars and cents? How about Corps reputation or staff reputation? What if next year Pioneer announced they had an all-star design team and staff, there was no tuition and they would be serving the finest food? How long would it take for them to climb to the upper echelons? It isn't JUST about money. Sure that's a hindrance for some kids who wanna march, but I think it also has a LOT to do with placements as well. The higher they are, the more they recruit/possibly retain. If Pioneer came out guns blazing next year and started punching for a finals spot (due to good design and instruction with minimal numbers and an enjoyable show), they would see an increase in audition numbers undoubtedly. For the record, I think the "everyone deserves a trophy" has handicapped an entire generation in real life...but that's another discussion. So maybe a better question would be, "If you could wave your magic wand and instantly have parity in DCI, would you do it?" Never. If that were the case, competition would either slowly return to status quo or it would be pointless with countless ties. At which point, it may as well become "exhibition band." Edited July 17, 2013 by THeShadeOfNight 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKT90 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) For the record, I think the "everyone deserves a trophy" has handicapped an entire generation in real life...but that's another discussion. So maybe a better question would be, "If you could wave your magic wand and instantly have parity in DCI, would you do it?" Well that's a tall order to say what all I would do with DCI, however, I believe one thing I would do is this: Hire a consultant, or bring on someone who has experience in working with non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, whatever, and have off season seminars for all the corps to attend on how to fund raise. Basically, a week boot camp on business planning/fund raising/sponsorship getting training. IMHO, DCI has a responsibility to pull together resources that all corps can benefit from and this would be one small area they could do that. If the individual was a full time DCI employee, then undertake on behalf of DCI as a whole in order to increase advertising/corporate sponsorships. We have to remember that most of the individuals running corps today have MUSIC background, not business planning/development backgrounds. Yes I know directors have to fund raise to fund their bands, but what I'm referring to is a whole next level...how to fund raise, build revenue streams to generate millions. Someone with experience at a large non-profit would know how and know the challenges associated with undertaking this. This, again imho, is why DCI doesn't grow...it is a business and it needs to be run as such. I will say this, and I'm no businessman genius, what I am talking about here is not rocket surgery, and it ABSOLUTELY can be done. It takes planning, forethought and execution. And by the way, as an example...I offered DCI a business plan on how to generate over $100k+, potentially much much more depending on what price point they settled at, in extra revenue for a couple days work and they said no thanks...and that plan was how to implement a Fan Vote. Edited July 17, 2013 by JKT90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOSMarcher Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 So, I think the OP acknowledged that this was an idea that would never happen, but these are the kind of questions that can actually generate interesting discussions. How do you build parity in the activity? Is it just a matter of dollars and cents? How about Corps reputation or staff reputation? What if next year Pioneer announced they had an all-star design team and staff, there was no tuition and they would be serving the finest food? How long would it take for them to climb to the upper echelons? I think that would certainly help, but ultimately, Pioneer's biggest problem is the shows they design. All of those things may not matter if they still came out with a show like they usually have because the director wants to be traditional. Kids are willing to pay $3,000 to march somewhere they know is going to be good. When it comes to attracting people, I a lot of auditionees do not know as much about the staff as we like to believe. I think they know what is successful, what shows they like and what sounds they like. Then they go where they can get as much of that as possible. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKT90 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 1374095446[/url]' post='3288131']I think that would certainly help, but ultimately, Pioneer's biggest problem is the shows they design. All of those things may not matter if they still came out with a show like they usually have because the director wants to be traditional. Kids are willing to pay $3,000 to march somewhere they know is going to be good. When it comes to attracting people, I a lot of auditionees do not know as much about the staff as we like to believe. I think they know what is successful, what shows they like and what sounds they like. Then they go where they can get as much of that as possible. Would Pioneer have overnight success? Of course not, did Star? But imagine they have the funds and savvy to pull in some top people across the board...build it and they will come! I agree too about the $3k thing...if I'm gonna live on a bus, sleep on a gym floor and work my butt off, I want to be competitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveKathyG Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 As a follow-on to TerriTroops Move in idea, here is a far more radical suggestion to leveling the playing field: All prospective members apply to DCI, and DCI randomly assigns the to individual units. Corps would draw numbers for each section annually - one year, Phantom might get the first mello, Pioneer the second, all the way doen until the last mello is assigned. Also, there is one, universal set of 'dues' - everyone pays the same. Transportion to rehearsals would nee to be worked out. I understand this has about as much a chance as Hopkins pushing a rule for g v/r bugles only; not to mention it is a rather Soviet approach. But, how would Pioneer score against Crown if they were both the same size and with roughly equal talent levels of the members? I appreciate your efforts to think differently about the issue. Seems there are a lot of people who aren't even willing to consider that there might an issue, though. While I think there are a lot of logistical problems with a random draw, I do like the idea of doing something radically different. I think a majority of fans in any activity prefer to see elite competitors achieve at higher and higher levels while others struggle. On the surface, it appears to validate the idea that anyone can achieve if they try hard enough. True enough, it's a very attractive, romantic and American idea. I just don't think it's reality. Personally, I'm much more interested in seeing everyone get an equitable shot at achieving, even if it means borrowing some ideas from that scary thing called socialism. That said, I know I'm in a very small minority. (I'm also pro-Obamacare. Shocking, right?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1223 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 So people are actually willing to drop the average execution of all DCI drum corps just so the NAME "Pio" appears in the top 12. I don't understand why people think the name of a corps is more important than the kids inside it... Who cares if BD will always beat Pio?? I don't! Let Pio be last every year it doesn't matter. Aslong as the kids are happy with the experience they payed for we shouldn't care what placement "Corps names" get. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllianaLancerContra Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 So, I think the OP acknowledged that this was an idea that would never happen, but these are the kind of questions that can actually generate interesting discussions. How do you build parity in the activity? Is it just a matter of dollars and cents? How about Corps reputation or staff reputation? What if next year Pioneer announced they had an all-star design team and staff, there was no tuition and they would be serving the finest food? How long would it take for them to climb to the upper echelons? Thank you Granny for actually reading what I said - I know there is n way this could happen. You have indeed wizened as yo have aged. Sometimes, proposing something you know is absurd is a useful way to get a discussion going. Indeed in this case, it worked. I really am curious, however, how well Pioneer would do with either BD's members, or BD's staff. Would they still be dumped on by the judges because they were wearing Pioneer's uniform and performing a show developed within the parameters their director has put down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayfallon Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) I really am curious, however, how well Pioneer would do with either BD's members, or BD's staff. Would they still be dumped on by the judges because they were wearing Pioneer's uniform and performing a show developed within the parameters their director has put down? No. As long as they have the level of support that BD's organization provides. Unequivocally. Bigger question - why do you see it as the corps being "dumped on by judges" ??? Where should Pioneer be scoring and placing? Edited July 17, 2013 by rayfallon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.