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Div II/III corps not going to Pasadena


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I appreciate the subject of this post, and I feel compelled to elaborate on Capital Sound's decision, and the reasons for both our decision, and the timing of our announcement.

As most folks know, Capital Sound was originally a part of the Madison Drum & Bugle Corps Association (MDBCA). From 1995-2003, the corps functioned as a strong D-II corps, and the MDBCA made sure the corps was a strong member of the drum corps community. However, in December of 2003, MDBCA made the decision to discontinue its sponsorship of Capital Sound and the corps was disbanded. The corps parents from Capital Sound reacted immediately by re-establishing the group and forming an independent 501c3 non profit organization...and, Capital Sound has continued since then.

The corps went from being a fully supported organization under Madison's umbrella, to one having to suddenly raise money as an individual organization, with very little in the way of assets, and only a handful of folks to run the operation. The main focus for the past two seasons has been to stabilize and grow the corps, while strengthening the Board of Directors and the fundraising operation...all of which have been transpiring quite successfully.

Capital Sound finished the 2006 season in strong shape - finishing 9th at D-III semifinals, and financially in the Black (and, no I won't go into details). The Board of Directors then reviewed the logistics and details on what going to California would entail. It would have been easy to make the decision to go (and, since I'm from California, I really wanted to take a corps back to my birthplace)...however, the reality was that it would have been too draining on the corps in every way, and could have resulted in corps "taking a year off," which is a less painful way of saying we fold.

Yes, California has been on the table for a while...and, everyone has known about it. However, stabilizing the corps and making it a functioning organization has been the focus for the past two years. With that being accomplished, only then was it appropriate to review going to California, because we didn't want to put the cart before the horse.

As for the timing of the announcement, this is when we chose to make it to the universe. However, we dealt with it internally way before we announced it.

I'm proud that there was serious thought put into our decision, and that we weighed all possibilities before making our final decision. Capital Sound will have a successful 2007, in-spite of not competing in California. And, we are working to build on the successes of the past two seasons, and develop a strong, entertaining product that will be around for many years to come.

I hope that answers your questions...

There is no need to make apology or to quantify a decision that is being made in good faith. Obviously the decision was made with the best interests of the corp in mind. What funds are availabe to sustain a trip of this distance cannot be accurately calculated such a long time in advance, especially for smaller corps that do not have the resources or popularity to raise funds as easily as the Div I giants. If you are the bagman signing the bottom line line, a prudenr decision will save a lot of anguish, and perhaps corps down the road..

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Thank you for your words...

And, I'm definitely not apologizing for it...but, I also don't want to let inquiries go without response...

AND TO ALL WHO HAVE VOICE THEIR SUPPORT AND THANKS TO US FOR OUR DECISION...Capital Sound appreciates your words. We will miss you all in Pasadena, but guarantee that you'll be personally thanked with a show you'll love (if you're able to see us in the midwest...). If you can't see us this season, don't miss us in Indy - 2008!!!

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Speaking from experience.

It's honorable to work within your means.

Going to DCI Championships should not be the focus of any corps existance.

Serving the community and building good humans should be the primary focus.

And if a corps folds due to financial over stretching, no community is being served and no potential members are being built.

You are doing the right thing.

Edited by rzeilinger
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