fsubone Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 That's a little deceptive. BD members are responsible for a lot of costs that other corps provide as part of tuition (ST). Yes, like rent during spring training, and food, since BD doesn't provide any housing or meals during ST. Keeps their costs down on the surface, but it equals out when you consider everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Freedman Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Yes, like rent during spring training, and food, since BD doesn't provide any housing or meals during ST. Keeps their costs down on the surface, but it equals out when you consider everything Well, DCI could require the tour fee, and also additional fees for a total approximate cost of participation, not including airfare since that depends on where they are coming from. This would be really helpful for prospective members I would think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Matczak Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Last year's DCA Class A champions, the White Sabers, charge no membership fees. Obviously they must have some sort of sponsor or benefactor, I don't think that is the case,..............I am pretty sure they raise the money through fundraising Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trask Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) Well I was just doing some research on open class. world class tour fees and I found it REALLY strange that one of the "lower" open class corps (whos name will not be mentioned) tour fee for 2014 was $3,000!! Thats about $1,000-1,$1,300 more than all of the other open class corps and even most world class corps! Its also about $500-$600 less than the cadets tour fee. I'm not sure why it is so expensive but I just found that really odd. As I said before they're a "lower" open class corps. Not even top 6. Is there a reason for this?? Its really blowing my mind! That "lower corps" you're talking about also has 19 shows this summer including finals. 20 if they make world semis. The tour fees reflect how much touring the corps does and if you've ever heard the corps live, you'd know they won't be considered a lower group for long. Edited February 8, 2014 by Trask Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TboneBtonegirl Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share Posted February 8, 2014 That "lower corps" you're talking about also has 19 shows this summer including finals. 20 if they make world semis. The tour fees reflect how much touring the corps does and if you've ever heard the corps live, you'd know they won't be considered a lower group for long. I said "lower corps". I put that way for a reason and the reason being was because that's how they were judged. I clearly wasn't saying it because I thought that they were bad. If I did actually consider them a "lower corps" do you think that I would have considered auditioning?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trask Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 I said "lower corps". I put that way for a reason and the reason being was because that's how they were judged. I clearly wasn't saying it because I thought that they were bad. If I did actually consider them a "lower corps" do you think that I would have considered auditioning?? Folks come by open class corps thinking of them solely as a stepping stone more often than not. If you want a world class experience from an open class group, no other corps comes as close. Remember that if the guys in green shirts and khakis were the only ones who could determine a corps value there would only be 12 groups. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TboneBtonegirl Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share Posted February 8, 2014 Remember that if the guys in green shirts and khakis were the only ones who could determine a corps value there would only be 12 groups Yea I know and its sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekfaasse Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 That "lower corps" you're talking about also has 19 shows this summer including finals. 20 if they make world semis. The tour fees reflect how much touring the corps does and if you've ever heard the corps live, you'd know they won't be considered a lower group for long. If you're talking about the corps that I believe you are, I really hope you're right about being considered a "lower group" for not much longer. The membership increase would greatly benefit their finances. They've had to take out loans from staff members the last two years just to get through to finals it seems. The biggest reasoning I've been able to get for the cost is that it acts as a "filter" for members to commit. A member putting down nearly $3,000 is going to be a little more committed than if they were only putting down $900. However, that all boils down to a huge if members are even able to have that much money. The corps is typically great with payment plans, but has recently told several members they have payment plans with "pay up now or else". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.E. Brigand Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Last year's DCA Class A champions, the White Sabers, charge no membership fees. Obviously they must have some sort of sponsor or benefactor, I don't think that is the case. I am pretty sure they raise the money through fundraising. Thanks, Gary. Do you mean that each member is required to, e.g., sell 500 fruitcakes? Or that the corps as a whole raises money through fundraising? The latter would encompass what I meant by "sponsor or benefactor", although I admit that I was thinking that some company or individual must have already committed the funds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TboneBtonegirl Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 If you're talking about the corps that I believe you are, I really hope you're right about being considered a "lower group" for not much longer. The membership increase would greatly benefit their finances. They've had to take out loans from staff members the last two years just to get through to finals it seems. The biggest reasoning I've been able to get for the cost is that it acts as a "filter" for members to commit. A member putting down nearly $3,000 is going to be a little more committed than if they were only putting down $900. However, that all boils down to a huge if members are even able to have that much money. The corps is typically great with payment plans, but has recently told several members they have payment plans with "pay up now or else". Pay up now or else sounds kind of scary. It sucks that they have to threaten to kick people out to try to stay on their feet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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