You've gotta see this pic.......

[PeeWee]

I don't feel allowing woodwinds into I & E is a good thing. It's one step closer to allowing them on the field (and don't even try to argue that this is not the case...'cause I won't believe you )

The activity would then no longer be called "Drum & Bugle Corps" but rather "Summer Marching Bands"

If you want to join a drum & bugle corps, learn how to play a drum & bugle corps instrument or how to spin a flag. Sheesh!

P.S. - my primary instrument during my drum corps days was a concert Conn A.D. double french horn, but I'd have happily competed on my marching 2-valve King french horn at I & E - primary instrument or not.

Edited August 11, 2005 by PeeWee

[raphael18]

Woodwinds (and orchesta people) already add to corps, first they learn to play brass or perform in the guard (fewer get into drumlines), and then they bust their buts along with the rest of us (like I did).

This is BOA crap, not DCI.

[Jeff Ream]

I've long said that drum corps IS whatever it ultimately BECOMES, and that is constantly changing. That doesn't mean I desire to see woodwinds on the field any time in the near or far future.

I don't mean you personally, but I wonder how many people upset at this have attended a DCI I&E event in recent years or have any intention of attending one in the near future.

Solid ideas don't need sugar coating. As for a name change, we all know that "Drum Corps" International includes drums AND bugles AND guard, and that some bugles are really trumpets and tubas and guards are really auxiliaries that feature more dance than guarding anything.

Many members of corps are not brass majors at their schools. This gives them a chance to show that corps members are a diverse lot who ultimately come together to entertain and enthrall the masses on the field.

Mike (usually quiet on issues that PO a contigent of fans, but feeling very tired now)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have been to I&E in the past, and when a lot of the top talent is DENIED the chance to participate in their search for that extra .1, to me, the appeal is lost.

[Matt_S]

As someone who is quite honestly looking forward to hearing a jazzy Blue Devils solo with a hot sax solo (Tank anyone?), I want to say that I have no problem with these photos at all. :)

To use my own phrase, which echoes what Mike Boo has been saying, ultimately drum corps is whatever we choose to make of it.

[Jeff Ream]

well if woodwinds do come in, watch people really start to walk.

[bawker]

ultimately drum corps is whatever we choose to make of it.

Drum corps ceases to be a clearly defined idiom once you incorporate the woodwind element.

Then, it's just various degrees of marching bands.

Okay for some, I guess....but it will schism the activity something fierce compared to amps and Bb's for a few years. That's not alarmism, that's just a fact.

And, moreover, the Blue Devils are a big proponent of it, I believe that they voted for saxes last time around...so you'll get your wish as far as that goes soon enough. :)

Edited August 11, 2005 by bawker

[Matt_S]

Drum corps ceases to be a clearly defined idiom once you incorporate the woodwind element.

I can only speak from my own perspective, but I think the most defining line between the two activities exists off the field. That would refer to the independent nature of most corps, the age range of their membership and the practice/performance schedule they employ. I think these differences set drum corps apart from high school or college band to a far greater extent than something as arbitrary as instrumentation.

Then, it's just various degrees of marching bands.

See, I don't think the two are that far enough apart right now, or were even five or ten years ago, to warrant such a fuss. :)

All drum corps are marching bands, but not all marching bands are drum corps.

Or something like that.

But now I'm sure I'm really ticking the dinosaurs off. :P

Edited August 11, 2005 by Maedhros

[Matt_S]

well if woodwinds do come in, watch people really start to walk.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No doubt (though I'm guessing fewer will actually walk than the number of those who say they will....)

I've gotta say it though, I'll be staying. :)

Edited August 11, 2005 by Maedhros

[Jeff Ream]

there is a huge difference.

woodwinds and until 2 years ago, anything requiring a plug or generator were not allowed on the field.

the thing is this...drum corps was successful on it's own..and growing back in popularity the last few years as it was...why the need to change what was working and growing again?

[PeeWee]

See, I don't think the two are that far enough apart right now, or were even five or ten years ago, to warrant such a fuss.  :)

All drum corps are marching bands, but not all marching bands are drum corps.

Or something like that.

But now I'm sure I'm really ticking the dinosaurs off.  :P

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And just how many drum corps have YOU marched in? Or how many I & E competitions have YOU been to?

Just curious of your perspective on this (i.e. insider or outsider).