What if a "show/historically black" style corps existed?

[Jamesdrum007]

I used to see DC as the sort of activity that the "Everyman" could learn to enjoy. I do not think so anymore. So please, use your superior analytical skills to tell me/us how DC will remain viable when the activity has become elitist (as your post tends to prove).

You make some good points here about what drum and bugle corps used to be. Suggestion: have you read Frank Dorritie's thoughts on this drum corps "evolution" in his article Inside The Arc Part 4? I think that Frank makes some very good points relative to your comments. Worthwhile reading, I think.

[BayonneBum]

You make some good points here about what drum and bugle corps used to be. Suggestion: have you read Frank Dorritie's thoughts on this drum corps "evolution" in his article Inside The Arc Part 4? I think that Frank makes some very good points relative to your comments. Worthwhile reading, I think.

Thank you, Jim. Sounds really interesting.

Where can I get a copy of this article?

C Clay

[zachariaswmb]

There's a thread about it right on the front page here.

[ChiBoyinLA]

To answer the original question, I think that sprinkling elements of the HBC showband style into a drum corps show would be enthusiastically received by a drum corps audience.

See: Cavaliers' "Fight Club", the "Bridgemen Shuffle" and Cadets' William Tell/Moondance retreat thing.

[BayonneBum]

There's a thread about it right on the front page here.

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[BayonneBum]

You make some good points here about what drum and bugle corps used to be. Suggestion: have you read Frank Dorritie's thoughts on this drum corps "evolution" in his article Inside The Arc Part 4? I think that Frank makes some very good points relative to your comments. Worthwhile reading, I think.

Read the article. Great history lesson. I'm one of those kids (although I like to think of myself as Gen X born in 1963 rather than a boomer - 1963 is the tail end of the boomers I guess).

Imagine this life - I played a little trumpet in a Bayonne elementary school. In 8th grade I was "bused" (urban area; racial diversity) and met a great friend with whom I'm close today. He introduced me to DC recordings, took me to the feeder corp (Kidets) practice, I joined on the spot and was playing lead soprano by the end of the week. By the next year I was at the "Show"; the big time; three years of DCI finals, one 3rd place finish, and I could have seen myself on the big screen last Classic Countdown if I had gone (work- you know how it is).

This is a testament to the great instructors, older corp members, and our great DM, Jim Jordan. That they could take someone like me, and bring me to such heights is really remarkable. This great activity has made me who I am more than anything other than my parents, and my life has been much richer because of it. I bet there are not many DC stories like mine anymore. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but boy was DC popular and fun for younger teenagers back then, huh.