Today Today ™
Official Publication of Drum Corps International
Winter 1999
Volume 24 Number 3
For everyone, there is an unforgettable drum corps memory. A memory that periodically finds its way into the day and reminds you of a particular thrill that only drum corps can provide.
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or some that memory may be from as recently as last summer. For others, a moment in time before DCI’s existence rings loud and clear as the height of their experience. And for a host of others still, that memory will come later after being introduced to the activity for the very first time.
Regardless of the day that memory finds you, it is always followed by a new set of memories each summer that are entrusted to the next generation. A group of individuals who, like all those before them, will participate, spectate and volunteer while keeping the memories alive for all who have ever been a part of the drum corps community. They will share among them the same spirit of excitement, cooperation, teamwork and trust that has for years carried the activity to the next stadium and safely down the road to the next memory. As former director of the Blue Stars, Dr. David Kampschroer recalls, “One of the finer memories for me is simply the
IN THIS ISSUE The Schedule Puzzle ................4 Instructor/Judge College ..........7
9 Design Motivation ................10 Summer Clinics Series ..........13 ’99 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES..15 PBS Broadcast Goes Live! ....23 Inside the Corps ..................26 Rules Change........................30 On-Stage with the Blue Devils
continued on page 3
Drum Corps International Post Office Box 548 Lombard, IL 60148-0548
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Audio Series 1998 World Championship CD’s Top 21 Corps 3 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45.00 1998 World Championship Cassette Tapes Top 24 Corps 4 Cassettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39.00 1998 Mid-Season Selections CD’s 14 Corps 2 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00
Historical Audio Series 1995 - 1997 World Championships CD’s Top 21 Corps 3 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00/yr 25th Anniversary “The Champions” 5 CD Set featuring the Champions of 1972 - 1996 . . .$39.00 1972-1976 Audio Library 10 CD Set . . . . . . .$150.00 1977-1981 Audio Library 10 CD Set . . . . . . .$150.00 1982-1986 Audio Library 10 CD Set . . . . . . .$150.00 1987-1991 Audio Library 10 CD Set . . . . . . .$150.00 1992-1996 Audio Library 10 CD Set . . . . . . .$150.00 1972-1996 Audio Library 50 CD Set . . . . .$600.00
1998 Video Series 1998 World Championship Top 21 Corps 3 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98.00 1998 Division II/III Finals 2 volume set . . . . . .$45.00 1998 Division I Individual Corps Performance Top 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.95/each 1998 Division II/III Individual Corps Performance Division II/III Finalists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14.95/each
Historical Video Series 1988-1996 World Championship Top 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49.00/each Brass Roots, The First 25 Years 2 hours of drum corps nostalgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39.00
DCI T-Shirts
To order, call DCI at (800)495-7469, or visit our website at www.dci.org
1998 DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES Tour T-shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00 1998 DCI World Championships T-shirt . . .$15.00 1998 DCI Southwestern T-shirt . . . . . . . . . .$15.00 1998 DCI Midwestern T-shirt . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00 1998 DCI Eastern T-shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00 *Please include $5.50 shipping/handling fee with each order and applicable sales tax for residents of FL, IL, MI, PA, TN, TX, WI, OH.
continued from front cover
fraternal quality of the activity.” Dr. Kampschroer points out that, “When the original 13 corps came together in 1972 to form DCI we needed each other to survive. And today, I feel that is still one of the most important aspects of our activity”. “I recall the sacrifices that some of the corps made in order to bring DCI together,” adds former Madison Scouts Director Bill Howard. Also one of DCI’s founding fathers, he reflects on the events leading to the development of DCI and the trust among the corps, “The way it worked was through (a strength) in numbers... and the power of sticking together”. Indeed, everyone has their own particular respect for the passion and spirit that has bound the activity over time. From the perspective of the individual participant, there is a certain sense of accomplishment and achievement that only they can know. From the perspective of the fan, that sense is rooted in a particular event or show that introduced them to the excellence that is drum corps. For both it is an experience that continually invites them back for
another dose of excitement, either as a participant, fan, instructor, judge or volunteer. Through each personal experience a collective effort has been made that has allowed the drum and bugle corps activity to slowly become the most intensely followed of the pageantry
Through each personal experience a collective ef for t has been made that has allowed the dr um and bugle corps activity to slowly become the most intensely followed of the pageantr y ar t forms. outlets. From the beginning of the activity when parade corps expressed a more patriotic spirit to the formation of DCI and the surge of exposure in the early ‘80’s, today the DCI World Championship performances are annually recognized as the benchmark for marching music events world-wide. This is the accomplishment of hundreds of thousands of participants and fans who together have made a dedicated and steady commitment to the activity for nearly 80 years. As today’s youth are exposed to the activity, through the encouragement of mentors who have experienced the excitement of the activity themselves, they will learn what it takes to become a champion in spirit and to strive for the achievement of excellence that each summer represents. While they gain insight through participation, those who have given them that opportunity will share in their experience. With continued support and dedication to the collective spirit each consecutive generation will be ensured access to a whole new set of memories.
DIRECTOR REPORT from Dan Acheson, DCI Executive Director/CEO Happy Spring to All! In the 1994/95 winter issue of DCI Today a very dark message was delivered by the DCI Board of Directors related to DCI’s financial status. Many statements were made pertaining to job cuts, program cuts and the decimation of the marketing effort. DCI was indeed near the end of its financial rope. Some promises of note were made in that same release in 1994. One promise was that the DCI finance committee and the DCI executive committee would do everything within its power to turn things around without dramatically affecting the fan experience and without impacting the individual corps finances. The DCI leadership also pledged its best effort to make responsible decisions with the revenue generated from a continued show of support from ticket and merchandise buying fans. I will not be so bold as to say we have delivered on all promises, but I will tell you we just realized our best fiscal year end in over a decade. With the upcoming championships in Madison and stronger regional events for 1999, the current fiscal year should be equally as sound as 1998. This is an important component to the future preservation and growth of the drum corps activity. Let me emphasize we are not “rolling in dough”. Simply stated, it appears we are going in the right direction. The DCI board of directors and the board committees are made up of volunteers that have been and continue to be committed to the preservation of drum corps. I extend my most heartfelt thanks to all those volunteers on the board for serving on various committees and who have continued to believe in the activity. I now share with them a new hope and promise for the future of the drum corps activity. The remainder of the credit for this turn around goes to the fans, Friends of DCI, and corporate sponsors who have continued to support DCI. Thanks to you, the new millennium looks very bright. Your continued support keeps the stage in tact for many great and deserving young performers. Thank you for giving them the chance to have access to the drum corps experience.
D C I T O D AY Winter, 1999
Volume 24
Number 3
Publisher: Drum Corps International Editor: Thom Eaton Design & Production for Drum Corps International by Laura Johnston, San Francisco, CA Art Direction: Laura Johnston Contributing Writers: Andrew Irving, Sue Kuehnhold, Eric Ramsden Performance Photography: Sid Unser, RonWalloch Drum Corps International is a non-profit organization formed to service the North American drum and bugle corps activity. Editorial and business offices are located at 1263 S. Highland Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. Use this address for parcels only. Correspondence, please mail to: P.O. Box 548, Lombard IL 60148-0548, phone 630-495-9866, fax 630-495-3792. DCI TODAY is published in October, March and May each year. Non-profit organization U.S. postage paid at Madison, WI permit #2223.
D C I T O D A Y 3
Developing the DCI summer schedule is a true process in diplomacy involving many players each representing a host of individual interests and conditions.
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D C I T O D A Y 4
hile involving participating corps, promoters, participants and fans, the process requires delicate skills in negotiation, a willingness to listen, the ability to compromise and incredible patience. Each working together to produce a final document that (hopefully) represents what is the best possible solution for everyone. Of all the components required to produce the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES tour each year, the scheduling process may in fact be the one that most clearly exemplifies the values of the collective human spirit that is the drum and bugle corps activity. The DCI summer tour schedule comes together through a multi-step process that takes months of negotiation and revision before its release each spring. The process begins in September and continues over a 4 month period before it is reviewed by the DCI Board of Directors as a part of their annual meeting each January. According to Sue Kuehnhold (pronounced keen-hold), “by the time the schedule is released, it has been pushed and pulled, ripped up and taped together, cut and pasted, (and sometimes cursed) at least half a dozen times.” As the National Show Coordinator for Drum Corps International she points out, “we often jokingly suggest that the only really accurate schedule that we could possibly release would come in the form of a letter to the corps directors each fall telling them where they’ve been”. Each year, DCI directly sponsors and promotes six Major Events including the
SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships and five major regional events located throughout the country. In 1999, such DCI Major Events include the DCI Midwestern in Toledo, Ohio (July 24), DCI Southwestern in San Antonio, Texas (July 25), DCI MidAmerica in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (July 30-31), DCI Eastern in Allentown, Pennsylvania (August 6-7), and of course the DCI World Championships in Madison, Wisconsin (August 9-14). These events make up the foundation of the entire summer tour. Beyond these 6 Major Events, all other DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES competitions are contracted with “Independent Show Promoters” who “franchise” these competitions as fundraisers for local high school band booster organizations, civic groups, festivals or even a few for-profit organizations. Even drum corps themselves franchise events from DCI to help generate income and increase the awareness of the activity and their own organization. All such franchises DCI recognizes as “DCI Sanctioned Events”. Indeed, the scheduling process is much more complex than simply plugging corps into shows. Many factors must be considered beyond the obvious issues of the location of the World Championships and DCI’s major regional events each summer. “There is a lot of consideration given to where the corps tour, and we try to do it as fairly as possible,” explains Sue.
“Occasionally, someone will call and ask why we don’t make X corps go to X city to perform. In reality, DCI cannot make any corps travel to a particular part of the country. Rather, we sometimes make requests of the corps in order to develop a balanced schedule that represents the interests of show promoters and corps directors while at the same time giving consideration to concentrations of population and market demand.” Many other issues must also be considered including distance between shows, adequate housing and practice facilities, judging exposure, merchandising opportunities, and “time off ” for recreation and sleep for the participating members. To begin understanding these various interests of the corps, DCI member corps are required to fill out surveys about a month after they return from Championships. Among the many questions, they are asked where they want to tour during the upcoming summer, how many nights a week they want to perform, and how much time off they want to give their members. At about the same time of year, independent show promoters begin contacting the DCI office to express interest in hosting a drum corps show for the upcoming summer season. While balancing the various interests of the corps, there are a number of requirements placed on the independent show
“We believe that ever y per former deser ves to play in the big stadiums, in front of the big crowds, and we are committed to giving equal exposure to each corps in the activity.” promoters by DCI. These requirements are placed on behalf of the corps that DCI represents and include securing the venue, housing the participating corps and judges and advertising and promoting the show.
But there is also the performance facility to consider. As representatives of the participating corps, DCI has established criteria for evaluating issues of seating and merchandising opportunities associated with performance venues. For obvious reasons, seating is a critical issue as fan comfort and satisfaction must be maintained whenever possible. Maybe not so obvious, however, is the issue of corps merchandising. The sale of t-shirts, cd’s and other related products is a major source of each corps’ income. Touring for a summer is very expensive, and corps generate funds in various ways. Tour expenses are supported by member dues, fund raising, donations, and show contracts, but another major source of funding is generated through the selling of merchandise at shows. Therefore consideration is also given to how each event can help promote souvenir sales, Over the years, demands and responsibilities placed on show promoters have increased dramatically. For every event, each promoter has a list of requirements they must meet in order to host a show. Every promoter must provide 24 hours of adequate housing for all corps competing in their show. The housing sites must include a large sleeping area, appropriate showering facilities, adequate practice facilities, and must also support the various other needs required by a corps including water and electric hook-ups for cooking and other day-to-day activities. Promoters are also required to house up to 7 judges, normally in local motels, for the night of the competition. Of course, promoters are also required to find grass or turf practice facilities for each corps they house. And, as more and more school related schedules and activities are taking place later in the Spring and earlier in the Summer, finding available facilities has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Many football stadiums have increased the maintenance standards for their facilities and consequently many locations are reluctant or unwilling to allow a drum corps to rehearse all day, if at all, on their fields. Often times, finding adequate practice and housing facilities can be the most difficult issue for promoters to work out.
The DCI Summer Tour Schedule comes together through a multi-step process that takes months of negotiation and revision before its release each spring. and how shows themselves can be structured in a way that reasonably supports merchandising. Never the less, if a promoter can comply with the many demands and responsibilities of hosting a drum corps show, they will be included in the scheduling process. In return for their hard work and dedicated effort, show promoters then keep 100% of the ticket sales generated from their event above and beyond the franchise fee. This is both a reward and an incentive as the more successful their event, the more money they earn. Like the corps themselves, show promoters too are issued a survey from DCI through which they can respond to a host of questions concerning their own particular interests and needs. Most notably, show promoters are asked about continued on page 13
D C I T O D A Y 5
One weekend each year, drum corps judges, instructors, and designers get together for the annual DCI Instructors & Judges College.
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eaving behind the summer odor of diesel fuel and the distant tapping of snare drums, the 1999 I/J College attracted over 150 participants to the Marriott O’Hare in Chicago for a threeday convention January 15-17. The goals for the weekend were three-fold: to recognize the contributions of DCI's newly inducted Hall Of Fame members, to foster a collaboration of ideas with colleagues in the areas of adjudication, design, composition, and instruction, and to address major issues facing the drum corps community, namely the judging process and proposed rules changes. The portions of the convention focusing on potential rules changes were centered around Caption Caucuses throughout the weekend. The purpose of these meetings was to review certain modifications to the competitive process and to share participants’ reactions with the Judges Task Force and eventually the Board of Directors for future vote. (For a more complete description of the Board’s final vote and the Rules Change Process, please see related article this issue or on-line at www.dci.org.) The process through which participants reviewed the changes included both heated debates and consensual agreement. As each individual in attendance — whether a judge or representing a corps in Divisions I, II, or III —was allowed equal time, the discussions that ensued were some of the more educational and inspirational moments of the weekend. In addition to the caucuses, six clinics gave participants a chance to focus more specifically on other areas of drum
corps that tend to evolve on an endless basis. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, a producer of leadership workshops for students, teachers, companies and organizations throughout North America, opened Saturday’s line-up with his discussion about “Integrity and Trust,” indispensable characteristics of any leader. Perhaps best known as simply “Dr. Tim,” his leadership workshops have prepared music students, marching members, and instructors alike to strive for an even greater level of success with each day on stage or on the field. Following this presentation, three clinics addressed very specific approaches to achieving that success. These presentations were lead by Jim Casella, Caption Head for the 1998 Santa Clara Vanguard high percussion champions; Michael Cesario, Judge, DCI Hall of Fame member, designer and director for numerous groups appearing both on stage and on the field; and Larry Markowicz, Brass Caption Head for the Glassmen and Band Director of Trenton Central High School in New Jersey. During lunch, the Induction for the DCI Hall of Fame Class of 1998 paid tribute to three of drum corps’ most dedicated supporters: longtime percussion instructor and current DCI judge Charles Poole, Jr., former percussionist and arranger Gerry Shellmer, and Ernie Zimny, whose drum corps career spans more than 67 years as performer, instructor, judge, contest crew member, and DCI office staff member. While their merits had already been applauded in Orlando this past summer, an official induction, in the more intimate presence of their peers, brought even more meaning to their dedication to drum corps. Furthermore, what better time to
celebrate such devotion than at a time when drum corps was discussing bold advances for future innovation and competition. George Oliviero lead the first afternoon session, drawing upon his 25 years of experience as a DCI Judge to address the sensitive issue of adjudication. More specifically, he addressed 3 specific topics — rating vs. ranking, the 5 box scale, and numbers — and concluded with the message, “Scores represent ratings and should be neither arbitrary nor capricious; rather, they should be assigned in accordance with a community agreement, an understanding of what we have accepted and made our paradigms based upon the best units in the activity.” Rounding out the clinic series, Philip Burton discussed the issue of Design Motivation. The drum corps community knows Burton as the visual director for the 1993 Star of Indiana and designer for Star's Brass Theater in 1995 and 1996. As stage director, designer, movement specialist, and performer, his list of credits easily dwarfs his drum corps career. In a related article in this DCI Today (p 29), Mr. Burton outlines the obstacles that every designer encounters when trying to stage a drum corps performance. As the weekend drew to a close, participants busily left the hotel with their hands full of material and their heads full of ideas to share with colleagues. While also wondering about the outcome of the caucus discussions, it was certain that the 1999 Instructors & Judges College was itself effective. By defining issues where definition is necessary and by exploring new avenues where exploration is possible, the preservation of collaboration was further realized through this years College. As Jason Buckingham of the Blue Knights pointed out, “Participation is key. Those who did not attend missed out on a perfect opportunity to be heard”.
D C I T O D A Y 7
Drum Corps International is proud to announce the 1999 DCI On-Stage Performance Series featuring the Blue Devils.
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arking its third season in 1999, the On-Stage Series was created in 1997 and has featured performances by the Santa Clara Vanguard, The Cavaliers, Blue Knights, Phantom Regiment, and Madison Scouts. Prompted in 1997 by the desire of the Blue Devils organization to give their members an additional showcase opportunity for their members, the DCI On-Stage Performance Series shows drum corps fans and music lovers alike that there is more to drum corps than the field show performances they enjoy each summer. Because of their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and creativity within this indoor performance idiom, the Blue Devils have become the featured performers of the DCI On-Stage events over the past three years. The 1999 Blue Devils On-Stage production is entitled, “[Jazz] Man In The Moon.” As its title suggests, the performance will feature several jazz tunes including a selection from the 1999 Blue Devils summer program entitled, “Rhythms... At The Edge of Time.” Like past On-Stage productions, the 1999 show will highlight and feature each section of the corps in its own unique, humorous, and entertaining way. The performance will also showcase the dynamic power and energy that only the Blue Devils possess. “This year’s program will be a little more sophisticated than past years, we’re very excited,” explains Blue Devils Director David Gibbs. “[Jazz] Man In The Moon,” promises to be yet another incredible Blue Devils performance. Putting together the On-Stage show requires large amounts
of time and commitment by both Blue Devils members and staff. The Blue Devils begin rehearsing the On-Stage show in May, and dedicate rehearsal time for preparation of their first performance in late June. During the summer season rehearsal time is limited, and the Blue Devils have to balance rehearsal for both the field show and the On-Stage performances. “The dedication of both the members and staff is incredible. It’s tough, but its all about how you use the rehearsal time you have,” explains Dave Gibbs. The intimate setting provided by performance theaters allows spectators to witness the excitement of drum corps, and the power of the Blue Devils like never before. By combining the power and precision of field performances with the use of lighting, electronics, and humor, fans and participants are treated to an entirely new drum corps experience that cannot be explored on the football field. For those who have viewed past productions of the Blue Devils On-Stage Performance, they can attest to the quality of the productions and amazing performances. For those that have not, it is a totally unique and amazing experience!!! In 1997, the Blue Devils began the inaugural season of the DCI On-Stage Performance Series with their production of “Exaltation.” “Exaltation told the story of a lost explorer in a dangerous land in search for the long lost elusive ‘Contra Bass.’ While introducing the different sections of the corps to the theater environment, ‘Exaltation’ combined the intimacy of the theater with the power and exhilaration of the field performances.”* The production also featured a highlypolished repertoire of jazz selections interspersed with captivating auxiliary routines. Popular hits included “Mac Arthur Park,” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” and the 1997 field show production of “A Night In Tunisia.”
Audience and music lovers agreed that “Exaltation” was a theater performance like no other; a totally new musical experience. The Blue Devils followed their successful 1997 program with the 1998 production entitled “Exubero.” “Exubero was a gathering of members from the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps of the past and present. They came together in this unique production to celebrate the medium
Yamaha presents 1999 Blue Devils On-Stage June 23 Normal, Illinois BOA Symposium
June 25 June 26 June 27 July 3
Indianapolis, Indiana Chicago, Illinois Cincinnati, Ohio Riverside, California
July 16 July 26
Denver, Colorado San Antonio, Texas,
tentative
Texas Bandmasters Assoc.
August 11 Madison, Wisconsin Part of the DCI On-Stage Performance Series.
they have excelled in...the horn, the drum, and the dance...breakneck percussion and audacious bugles joined the joy of color guard to present an offering of talent and grace.”* “The show...gave the audience a little bit of everything—drama, big band jazz, comedy, dance and, yes, a few healthy doses of good, old-fashioned drum corps,” is how Eric Senzig described the “Exubero” performance. The 1999 Blue Devils On-Stage production of “[Jazz] Man In The Moon” is truly a once in a lifetime, must-see event! Plan now to attend these unique and amazing performances. For additional information look to future additions of the DCI Today on-line, or contact the Blue Devils at 4065 Nelson Avenue, Concord, CA, 94520. (925)689-2918. www.bluedevils.org. *Blue Devils 1998 Program Book
D C I T O D A Y 9
By this stage in the season, drum corps have already chosen their music, their staff is hired, their members are waiting for the next weekend camp, and audiences are waiting for their first glimpse of what the 1999 competitive season has in store.
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D C I T O D A Y 10
ne of the most crucial aspects to preparing a program is inventing and developing an overall design scheme that carries a musical and visual message from the field to the stands. During the 1999 Instructors & Judges College, Philip Burton addressed a room full of visual designers, instructors and judges with a discussion regarding the motivation to research, explore and develop an overall design that works for their own program. In the following two-question interview, Mr. Burton candidly shares with our readers some of the highlights of his presentation. Although the design process may differ from person to person, what are some of the fundamentals that you would hope your participants grasped and will perhaps apply in the future? The word process has always bothered me. It’s fine to use it in the second and third person as in “your process,” or “his/her process.” What pollutes artistic waters is when a technician starts speaking of “my” process [or worse, the process said with religious piety], for herein is the cause of rigidity, strife and fear. The statement “Well, this is the way I’ve (we’ve) traditionally always done” can potentially cripple creativity and take the focus from the project to the self. If you can define your process or tradition in a detailed, step-by-step form, it may be time to abandon it, throw the doors and windows open and let in some fresh air and light. It is more
exciting to forge new traditions than to uphold old ones. You’ve got to stalk the light: it does not shine under the rocks of our limited experience. Loving the art in yourself is liberating, but loving yourself in the art leads to process. This kills art, destroys the light. Many young designers do very little in-depth searching; almost no digging. If deep, concentrated research were done, the visual possibilities would be much more abundant, powerful and varied. No one, it seems, is in love nearly enough with the academic quest for information that might spark that unique hook and perhaps present a piece in an extraordinary light. Searching for the facts of the music, the composer or the surrounding circumstances of the piece are not enough. One must also interview the local theater designer for the latest innovations in stagecraft and materials, experiment with shapes and balance to create interesting equipment pieces during the off season, create functional costumes (not just body decoration), and so on. A flexible plan may start from the same place time after time, but research should take a designer on a concentrated journey through as much of the uncharted as it does the familiar. In fact, designers and judges might consider flying to Rio for Carnival or to Shanghai to research the Chinese Opera or to St. Petersburg to interview designers at the Russian Circus. Experiential research, and not blatant
copying of recently-seen material, is an essential part of research for any designer. It doesn’t take a lot of courage for a designer to commune with a piece of music to arrive at a metaphoric concept. What is news to many is that the good visual stuff comes only after a great deal of slugging work in which many ideas from sometimes seemingly unrelated sources have been considered, discarded, re-thought, played with and re-proposed. Early choices should be avoided. The great things come suddenly, instinctively, quite by accident; but you cannot count on them to materialize if you are unwilling to do the long slugging work first and to feed your soul constantly on a variety of new artistic foods. This gives you the strength for innovation. Yet some claim that this innovation can lead to a certain alienation of the audience. A common complaint from drum corps fans these days is that shows are sometimes esoteric. In your opinion, what can designers do to convey their message to a wider audience and perhaps recruit more fans? Every idea must be filtered through several grim realities: 1. The stage is 300 feet by 160 feet and audience size ranges from a few hundred to several thousand — some are 50 feet from the action; some are several hundred feet away: the world’s largest stage and one of the world’s largest live audiences.
2. Lighting is not employed; therefore, focus (that is, leading the eye to the desired place) becomes a matter of orchestrated movement and stillness. 3. The context of drum corps is closelyparalleled to sport: stadium setting, fans free to come and go as they please — to shout cheers for their favorites (even in the middle of a program), to eat concession food during performance, and behave in some ways seldom tolerated in any setting except sport, rock concert or the occasional music video awards program. 4. Drum corps audiences are unaccustomed to waiting patiently through an extended sequence unlike a theater audience that gives a bit more polarized attention. 5. Judges on the stage create a visual distraction (to newcomers more so than to fans). 6. From night to night, changing venues preclude a guarantee of the same balance and blend of acoustic, visual, and atmospheric conditions. There are many more, of course, but while I am boldly extolling the need for deep, artsy delving into design, the truth is that there are real limitations and impediments to expression in this setting. This should be a stern reality check for any designer who stages his/her profoundly researched and chosen images only to find that no one gets it. There is a need to “tone it down” using simplification steps so that accessibility coexists with innovation and audience enlightenment. Push the envelope, but don’t leave the audience completely behind. Expression and Perception are not the same thing. Statements of intent are extremely helpful in testing whether a phrase is expressing the designed metaphor. These statements can begin on paper as
paragraphs to answer “what is going on (happening) here?” Then, in order to transpose them onto the field, these extensive statements must narrow themselves down to single phrases, even to single words; e.g., searching, fighting, engulfing, splitting, floating, pressing, gathering, distortion/conflict, scattering, escaping, and so on. The more complex the intent, the harder it is to convey without the use of sophisticated stagecraft and text. Furthermore, any transition sequence should be activated by a statement of intent. There should be no such thing as a transition for the sake of a transition. Some moments are more significant than others, but endow every moment with a connection to some intent. Large, unified movement sequences reach more eyes than smaller group efforts. Keep in mind just how vast the viewing area is. Something may be stirring in a “cleaning rehearsal” up-close and personal, but what happens when aesthetic distance is increased by 100 feet or more? Ego aside, a designer’s
If deep, concentrated research were done, the visual possibilities would be much more abundant, powerful and varied. courage to change with honest selfappraisal will clarify the sequence. Don’t forget that the audience has not been through the creative “process” (oh, that word!) with you. They only get one shot. Make it simple, make it clear, make it serve the music which is, and should be, the centerpiece of the production. Finally, when it ain’t working, be courageous enough to change it. Mr. Burton welcomes your comments and questions. Please e-mail him at dynography@aol.com.
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desired show line-up, show date and nearby competing events. Only then, with answers to the surveys and an outline of the summer show sites, can the schedule be put together in a manner that is tailored, as much as possible, to the needs of each individual corps and independent show promoter in the interest of ensuring the best possible experience for everyone involved. In mid-October, the process of outlining a rough draft of the summer tour schedule begins. First, the headlining corps are scheduled. “Headliners” are defined as the top 8 corps from the previous summer’s World Championship Finals competition. Next, the remaining DCI member corps are scheduled while trying very hard to balance each event, offering a fair representation of the entire activity at each show. Again Kuehnhold explains, “we believe that every performer deserves to play in the big stadiums, in front of the big crowds, and we are committed to giving equal exposure to each corps in the activity.” During the next several months, Sue spends most of her time on the phone calling and negotiating with each individual corps and show promoter. As each revision is made to the DCI member schedule, a copy is sent to Roman Blenski, the DCI Division II/III Coordinator, who is responsible for scheduling all Division II/III corps. Everyone works together making continuous revisions and numerous phone calls. Even DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson is involved
throughout the process, becoming increasingly involved in the later stages of the schedule’s development. Scott Stewart, director of the Madison Scouts who was formerly responsible for drafting the summer DCI schedule, was consulted this year throughout the scheduling process. His input and experience proved vital to the development of this years’ schedule. The total process takes roughly four months to complete, with many people working together while making continuous changes and ironing out the many complicated details.
Scott Stewar t’s input and experience proved vital to the development of this years’ schedule. Finally at the end of January, the schedule is laid out and set before the Board of Directors to be approved at their annual Board of Directors meeting, this year held in San Antonio, Texas as a part of the DCI Show Promoters College. By hosting the College the same weekend as the DCI Board of Directors meeting, all associated interests to the scheduling process can be present to discuss the remaining issues and concerns. After the schedule has gained approval from the Board of Directors, it is then released on the DCI website at www.dci.org as contracts for each competition are then mailed to each show promoter. The contracts formally explain all details and responsibilities relevant to sponsoring a drum corps show and are the official and final agreement with DCI. Until they are returned to the DCI office by the designated due date in March, and with all the requisite documentation in place, any given show and the complete summer schedule remains subject to change. As you can see, scheduling, promoting, and sponsoring the DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES is clearly a very complex process. But finally, with contracts signed and after six months of phone calls, negotiations, stress, and a little panic, the DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule is set and ready for the upcoming season.
1999 SUMMER CLINICS SERIES Each summer Drum Corps International presents nearly 120 events throughout the United States and Canada. This series of events make up the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES Tour. Featured as part of this tour, DCI presents a series of Marching Music Clinics associated with Bands of America and Disney's Magic Music Days educational programs. Each of these clinic opportunities are made available to Music educators and their students and are free with a paid admission to the evening performances following each clinic. In 1999, DCI will present several clinics as a part of the summer tour, each featuring one of DCI's elite top 12 corps from the 1998 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships last August. The curriculum for these clinics presents the latest techniques and thought in creating world-class leading marching music performances. Students will learn just what it takes to become a world class performer from corps like the Blue Devils, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, The Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment, and others who have been among the lineage of DCI Champions.
June 19th July 24th July 25th July 30th August 7th August 13th
DCI Orlando DCI Midwestern DCI Southwestern DCI Mid-America DCI Eastern DCI Semi-Finals
GROUP RATE OFFER If you have a group that would like to join Drum Corps International for any of the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES Major Events, make your purchase of group rate tickets. For groups of 25 or more group rates are available for each one of the following DCI Major Events:
DCI Orlando DCI Central Illinois DCI Midwestern DCI Southwestern
D C I T O D A Y
DCI Mid-America DCI Eastern DCI World Championships
13
Thursday April 15th All Sites Includes Scholastic A and Independent A prelims $8.00
Winter Guard International
Friday April 16th Color Guard Prelims Includes Scholastic Open, Independent Open, Scholastic World prelims and all semi-finals $13.00
Prelims – One Site Varies by site, excluding UD Arena $8.00
A Class Finals Includes Scholastic A and Independent A Finals $10.00
Percussion Prelims $8.00
Saturday April 17th World Class Prelims UD Arena – Reserved Seats $15.00
Triple Finals UD Arena – Reserved Seats $35.00 sold out $25.00 sold out $20.00
Percussion Finals Nutter Center – Reserved Section $15.00
Sunday April 18th World Class Finals UD Arena – Reserved Seats $35.00 $25.00 $20.00 For more information and tickets please contact:
4010 Youngfield Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303.424.1927 FAX 303.431.7267
www.wgi.org
World Championships
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
’99
SEASON
June 12
DCI ORLANDO Saturday, June 19th
Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex Orlando, Florida After 3 incredible years of World Championship excitement in Central Florida, the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES return to Orlando for this one day premier event.
FEATURING
Cadets Crossmen Magic of Orlando Carolina Crown TICKETS Premium Seats Group Rate
Menasha, WI DCM
June 13 Jackson, WI DCM
Sun Prairie, WI DCM
CLINIC SERIES
June 18
A special clinic will be presented on Saturday, June 19 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex free of charge with a paid admission to Saturday nights performances. This state-of-the-art athletic haven features the finest amateur and professional sports competitions in the world. The complex is also home to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and dozens of its annual championships. For more information please visit the DCI website at www.dci.org or contact DCI at 1(800)495-SHOW!
YOUTH EDUCATION IN THE ARTS As co-producers of this event, in conjunction with Drum Corps International and Walt Disney World Resorts, Youth Education in the Arts represents a collective organization of drum and bugle corps and other youth arts programs. Featured here in Orlando is a YEA presentation utilizing its member corps and combines traditional and non-traditional drum corps performances encapsulated within a nearly 3 hour production.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Northern CA DCI Pacific
LaPorte, IN DCM
Oswego, IL DCM
June 19 Orlando, FL DCI Atlantic
Winthrop, MA DCI Atlantic II/III
Concord, CA DCI Pacific
Toledo, OH DCM
Racine, WI DCM
June 20 Butler, PA DCM
Louisville, KY DCM
$15.00
$12.00 Minimum order of 25 tickets required
For accommodations while visiting Orlando for the 1999 DCI Orlando SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The Walt Disney World Resorts Reservations (419) W-DISNEY (321-6404)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI DCM
June 22 Spartanburg, SC DCI Atlantic
Columbus, OH DCM
Lexington, KY DCM
DCI CENTRAL ILLINOIS Thursday, June 24th
Illinois State University, Hancock Stadium Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Offering performances of 7 of the world’s premier drum and bugle corps, this event is the feature presentation of the 1999 Bands of America Leadership Camp.
FEATURING
Blue Devils Blue Knights The Cavaliers Glassmen Colts Pioneer Phantom Regiment TICKETS Premium Seats Value Seats Group Rate
$15.00 $12.00
$8.00 Minimum order of 25 tickets required
June 23 Myrtle Beach, NC DCI Atlantic
Cincinnati, OH DCM
Lima, OH DCM
DCI ON-STAGE WITH THE BLUE DEVILS 1:00pm, Wednesday, June 23rd
Braden Auditorium
June 24 Normal, IL DCI
The DCI On-Stage Performance Series premiered in 1997 in Whitewater, Wisconsin as part of DCI's 25th Anniversary celebrations. Now in its third season, the 1999 edition of the DCI On-Stage Performance Series will feature the next generation of the 1999 Blue Devils Theater Presentation.
June 25
For Tickets to this DCI OnStage performance please contact Bands of America at 1-800-848-2263
WPortage, MI
1999 BANDS OF AMERICA SUMMER BAND SYMPOSIUM
Lynchburg, VA DCI Atlantic
Chula Vista, CA DCI Pacific DCM
Murphysboro, IL DCM
June 26
June 23rd – June 26th
Elkton, MD
Bands of America’s Summer Band Symposium presents an excellent opportunity for high school and college students, as well as band directors, a chance to join their peers for a week of exciting activities. Participants not only attend sessions and classes specific to their learning track, but are also treated to our Evening Concert Series.
Walnut, CA
To learn more about the BOA Summer Band Symposium, contact BOA at 1(800)848-BAND or visit the BOA website at www.bands.org.
Wheeling, IL
DCI Atlantic DCI Pacific
Waukesha, WI DCM
Alexandria, MN DCM DCM
June 27 Allentown, PA
HOTEL INFORMATION
DCI Atlantic
Beverly, MA DCI Atlantic
For accommodations while visiting Bloomington/Normal for the 1999 DCI Central Illinois SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: Bloomington/Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau (309)829-1641
For the complete 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
D C I T O D A Y
Moorhead, MN DCM
Woodstock, IL DCM
Cedar Rapids, IA DCM
15
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
’99
SEASON
June 27 (cont’d)
DCI MIDWESTERN Saturday, July 24th
University of Toledo, Glass Bowl Stadium Toledo, Ohio
Geneva, IL DCM
June 28 Kingston, NY DCI Atlantic
June 29 Endicott, NY
FEATURING
Cadets Santa Clara Vanguard Glassmen Colts Carolina Crown Boston Crusaders Kiwanis Kavaliers Les Etoiles Troopers Southwind Academie Musicale TICKETS Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Group Rate
CLINIC SERIES A special clinic will be presented on Saturday, July 24 at the University of Toledo's Glass Bowl Stadium free of charge with a paid admission to Saturday nights performances. For more information please visit the DCI website at www.dci.org or contact DCI at 1-800-495-SHOW!
DCI Atlantic
Hastings, MN DCM
Crown Point, IN DCM
June 30 Kitchener, Ont. DCI Atlantic
Dayton, OH DCM
LaCrosse, WI DCM
July 1 Woodburn, OR DCI Pacific
July 2 Montreal, Que. DCI Atlantic
HOTEL INFORMATION
Seattle, WA DCI Pacific
T.B.A.
$30.00 $20.00 $16.00
$12.00 Minimum order of 25 tickets required
For accommodations while visiting Toledo for the 1999 DCI Midwestern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The Greater Toledo Visiters & Convention Bureau (419)321-6404
DCI Pacific
Mankato, MN DCM
Streator, IL DCM
July 3 Bristol, RI DCI Atlantic
Clifton, NJ DCI Atlantic
DCI SOUTHWESTERN
Vancouver, WA DCI Pacific
Riverside, CA DCI Pacific
Sunday, July 25th
AlamoDOME San Antonio, Texas
Decorah, IA DCM
Rockford, IL DCM
Michigan City, IN
FEATURING
Blue Devils Madison Scouts The Cavaliers Crossmen Phantom Regiment Blue Knights Bluecoats Magic of Orlando Spirit of Atlanta Pioneer Tarheel Sun TICKETS Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Group Rate
$30.00
CLINIC SERIES Several special clinics will be presented by Drum Corps International in cooperation with the Texas Bandmasters Association convention. Included will be clinics performances of The Cavaliers, Madison Scouts and the 1999 DCI On-Stage Performance Series presentation of the Blue Devils. Each of these performances is available to attendees of the Texas Bandmasters Association convention. The Sunday afternoon Student clinic at the AlamoDOME will be presented by the Phantom Regiment and is free to ticket holders of the evening performances. For more information please visit the DCI website at www.dci.org or contact DCI at 1-800-495-SHOW!
$12.00 Minimum order of 25 tickets required
July 4 Wakefield, MA DCI Atlantic
Medford, OR DCI Pacific
Costa Mesa, CA DCI Pacific
St. Peter, MN DCM
Racine, WI DCM
Dixon, IL DCM
New Berlin, WI DCM
TEXAS BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION To obtain details about the Texas Bandmasters Association 52nd Annual Convention including information on attending the Drum Corps International clinics held in cooperation with this event, please contact the Texas Bandmasters Association at 210-492-8878 or visit the Texas Bandmasters Association website at www.txband.com.
HOTEL INFORMATION
DCM
July 5 Pittsfield, MA DCI Atlantic
July 6 St. Charles, IA
July 7 Washington, D.C. DCI Atlantic
For accommodations while visiting San Antonio for the 1999 DCI Southwestern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The San Antonio Visitors Bureau (210)207-6748
T O D A Y
Dubuque, IA DCM
Rockford, IL DCM
July 8 Buffalo, NY DCI Atlantic
For the complete 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
D C I
East Troy, WI
DCM
$20.00 $16.00
DCM
17
’99
SEASON
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
July 9 Ft. Edwards, NY DCI Atlantic
Erie, PA Div II/III Championships
Stockton, CA DCI Pacific
DeKalb, IL DCM Championships
DCI MID–AMERICA Middle Tennessee State University Stadium Murfreesboro, Tennessee
July 10
July 30th & 31st
MTSU's Stadium is a spectacular venue to view your favorite musical sport. Offering fans an incredible vantage point from which to view these amazing performances as they compete for the DCI Mid-America Title.
Hershey, PA DCI Atlantic Championships
Corning, NY DCI Atlantic II/III
San Jose, CA DCI Pacific Championships
DeKalb, IL DCM Championships
July 11 Rochester, NY DCI Atlantic II/III
July 12 Bowling Green, KY DCI
Marion, OH DCI
July 13 Willoughby, OH DCI
Boise, ID DCI Pacific
St. Louis, MO DCM
July 14 Ankeny, IA DCI
TBA, UT DCI Pacific
Kansas City, MO DCM
July 15 Sioux City, IA DCI
Hornell, NY DCI
Laramie, WY DCI Pacific
July 16 Cumberland, MD DCI
Madison, WI DCM
July 17 Denver, CO DCI
Hampton, VA
D C I
DCI
Michigan City, IN DCI
Nashua, NH DCI Atlantic II/III
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada DCM
July 18
T O D A Y
Durham, NC DCI
FRIDAY, JULY 30th
SATURDAY, JULY 31st
Santa Clara Vanguard Blue Devils The Cavaliers Phantom Regiment Blue Knights Southwind Spirit of Atlanta Magic of Orlando Pioneer Carolina Crown Tarheel Sun
Cadets Glassmen Madison Scouts Crossmen Colts Bluecoats Boston Crusaders Troopers Les Etoiles Kiwanis Kavaliers Academie Musicale
CLINIC SERIES
A special clinic will be presented on Friday, July 30th at MTSU Stadium free of charge with a paid admission to Friday nights performances. For more information please visit the DCI website at www.dci.org or contact DCI at 1-800-495-SHOW! TICKETS VIP 2 Night Combo
$100.00
A limited number of special VIP seats are available for the DCI Mid-America SUMMER MUSIC GAMES. The beautiful MTSU Stadium features special seating in the upper rows of the stadiums central seating section. VIP tickets are available as a two-night package only and includes parking, picnic and VIP access pass. To reserve these special seats, please contact the DCI Ticket Line at 800-495-SHOW! or order your tickets through the DCI Online Catalog at www.dci.org.
Minoqua, WI DCM
July 19 Wichita, KS
Premium 2 Night Combo Super 2 Night Combo
Columbia, SC DCI
$50.00 $40.00
Offer ends June 30th
DCI
Value 2 Night Combo
$30.00
Offer ends June 30th
Omaha, NE DCI
July 20 Tulsa, OK
18
The Excitement of DCI comes to MTSU Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at 7:30pm on July 30 & 31. The DCI Mid-American has been expanded to bring two-days of DCI competition to Middle Tennessee State University. Offering performances by the world’s top 21 drum and bugle corps from DCI's 1998 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships.
DCI
Troy, AL DCI
Super Single Night Seats Value Single Night Seats Group Rate
$25.00 $18.00
$12.00 Minimum order of 25 tickets required
HOTEL INFORMATION The Official Headquarters Hotel for the DCI Mid-America SUMMER MUSIC GAMES will be the beautiful Garden Plaza Hotel. Located off I-24 at exit 78, you’ll find the Garden Plaza Hotel on 1850 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For reservation information please call: Garden Plaza Hotel (615)895-5555 For additional accommodations while visiting Murfressboro for the 1999 DCI Mid-America SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact the Rutherford County Tourism Council at 1(800)716-7560 or (615)893-6565.
Stillwater, MN DCI For the complete and updated 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
’99
SEASON
July 21
DCI EASTERN August 6th & 7th
J. Birney Crum Stadium Allentown, Pennsylvania
Biloxi, MS DCI
Amarillo, TX DCI
Stillwater, MN DCI
July 22 Burlington, IA
While attending this historic Drum Corps International event you'll enjoy the intimate J. Birney Crum Stadium situated just minutes from downtown Allentown. This venue is well suited to virtually every drum corps fan.
DCI
July 23 Dallas, TX DCI
Ft. Wayne, IN DCI
Charlevoix, MI DCM
July 24
The Excitement of DCI returns to the rolling hills of Allentown, Pennsylvania at 7:30pm on August 6 & 7. If you are lucky enough to attend this historic Drum Corps International event you'll enjoy the intimate J. Birney Crum Stadium situated just minutes from downtown Allentown. You'll find this venue well suited to virtually every drum corps fan. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6th
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th
Santa Clara Vanguard Madison Scouts Glassmen Crossmen Bluecoats Blue Knights Colts Boston Crusaders Les Etoiles Kiwanis Kavaliers Troopers
Cadets Blue Devils Phantom Regiment The Cavaliers Magic of Orlando Carolina Crown Tarheel Sun Spirit of Atlanta Southwind Pioneer Academie Musicale
Premium Single Night Seats Super Single Night Seats Value Single Night Seats Group Single Night Seats
DCI
Burlington, MA DCI Atlantic II/III
Freemont, MI DCM
July 25 San Antonio, TX DCI SOUTHWESTERN
Pt. Huron, MI DCI
July 26 TBA, OH DCI
July 27 Baton Rouge, LA DCI
Cincinnati, OH DCI
July 28 TBA, AR DCI
Evansville, IN DCI
Tupelo, MS
A special Fan/Judges clinic will be presented on Saturday, August 7th at J. Birney Crum Stadium free of charge with a paid admission to Saturday night’s performances. As a part of this clinic fans will have the opportunity to spend an evening with the DCI Judges. Several fans selected from the evening Judges Clinic will be invited to sit in the press box or spend time at field level with DCI Judges as they evaluate the evenings performances. And, as the competition concludes, these same fans will be invited to meet the staff of the corps as they join the judges in a post-competition critique. For more information please visit the DCI website at www.dci.org or contact DCI at 800-495-SHOW!
Group 2 Night Combo
DCI MIDWESTERN
Houston, TX
July 29
FAN/JUDGES CLINIC SERIES
TICKETS Premium 2 Night Combo Super 2 Night Combo Value 2 Night Combo
Toledo, OH
DCI
Chattanooga, TN DCI
Alton, IL DCI
July 30 Murfreesboro, TN DCI MID-AMERICA
Williamstown, NJ DCI Atlantic II/III
Fond du lac, WI DCI Div. II/III
July 31
$40.00 $30.00 $30.00 Combo ticket offer ends June 30th $24.00 Min. order of 25 tickets required $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
HOTEL INFORMATION
Murfreesboro, TN DCI MID-AMERICA
D C I
Montclair, NJ Garden State Open
For accommodations while visiting Allentown for the 1999 DCI Eastern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (610)882-9200
$12.00 Min. order of 25 tickets required
McHenry, IL DCI Div. II/III
St. Louis, MO DCI Div. II/III
August 1 Charlotte,NC DCI
Jacksonville, AL DCI
Schuylerville, NY DCI Div. II/III
T O D A Y
Ottawa, IL DCI Div. II/III
Norwich, NY DCI Div. II/III
For the complete and updated 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
19
’99
SEASON
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
August 2 Huntington,WV DCI
Winston-Salem, NC DCI
Sevierville, TN DCI
Greenville, MI DCI Div. II/III
DCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS University of Wisconsin, Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI August 9th – 14th & Sun Prairie High School, Sun Prairie, WI
Marion, OH DCI Div. II/III
Camp Randall Stadium is back! The 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships, in Madison, Wisconsin, featuring a weeks worth of drum and bugle corps excitement.
August 3 Erie, PA DCI
Centerville, OH DCI
Salem, VA DCI
August 4 Rome, NY DCI
Pittsburgh, PA DCI
Kitchener, Ont. Div. II/III Canadian Open
August 5 Lynn, MA DCI
E. Rutherford, NJ DCI
August 6 Allentown, PA DCI EASTERN
Grand Haven, MI Div. II/III US Coast Guard Open
August 7 Allentown, PA DCI EASTERN
Grand Haven, MI Div. II/III US Coast Guard Open
August 8 Canton, OH DCI
Washington, D.C. DCI
Menasha, WI Div. II/III North American Open
DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES
World Championships Madison, Wisconsin
August 9 DCI Division II & III Prelims
MONDAY, August 9th DCI Division II/III Prelims Tickets start at $5.00 9:00am 6:00pm
Division III Sun Prairie High School Stadium Division II Sun Prairie High School Stadium
TUESDAY, August 10th DCI Division III Prelims (cont’d) Tickets start at $5.00 9:00am
Division III Sun Prairie High School Stadium
WEDNESDAY, August 11th Individual & Ensemble Competition Admission is FREE! 8:00am
Monona Terrace Convention Center
The top performers from the world's top drum and bugle corps will compete in the DCI Individual & Ensemble competitions at Madison’s Monona Terrace Convention Center. Located in Downtown Madison on Lake Monona, the Monona Terrace provides a beautiful setting for these amazing individual and ensemble performances.
DCI On-Stage with the Blue Devils Tickets $10.00 3:00pm
Oscar Mayer Theater
The DCI On-Stage Performance Series premiered in 1997 in Whitewater, Wisconsin as part of DCI's 25th Anniversary celebrations. Now in its third season, the 1999 edition of the DCI On-Stage Performance Series will feature the next generation of the 1999 Blue Devils On-Stage Theater Presentation and a stand still performance by the Madison Scouts.
DCI Parade Admission is FREE! 5:30pm
Location to be announced
After the DCI Individual and Ensemble Competitions, enjoy a spectacular parade featuring the world's top drum and bugle corps. Over 40 corps will participate in this World Class Parade including The Cadets, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Devils, The Cavaliers, Glassmen, Madison Scouts, Crossmen, Phantom Regiment, Blue Knights, Carolina Crown, Bluecoats, Colts, Spartans, Mandarins, and many others.
DCI Division II/III Finals and Individual & Ensemble Showcase Tickets start at $15.00 Camp Randall Stadium
THURSDAY, August 12th DCI Quarter Finals Tickets start at $15.00 3:00pm
Camp Randall Stadium
HOTEL INFORMATION
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
August 10
DCI Division II & III Prelims D Sun Prairie, Wisconsin C August 11 Individual & Ensemble Competitions Madison’s Monona Terrace Center I Parade of Champions
Location to be announced
T O D A Y
DCI On-Stage with Blue Devils & Madison Scouts Oscar Mayer Theater on State Street
DCI Division II/III Finals & Showcase of Champions Camp Randall Stadium
August 12 DCI Quarter Finals Camp Randall Stadium
August 13 DCI Semi Finals Camp Randall Stadium
August 14
20
DCI World Championship Finals Camp Randall Stadium
FRIDAY, August 13th DCI Marching Music Clinic FREE with Semi Finals Ticket 1:00pm
Camp Randall Stadium
This special series of workshops has been developed by DCI in cooperation with Bands of America in 1998, and is geared toward music educators and their students. Visit the DCI website at www.dci.org for more information outlining the complete clinic workshop for 1999.
DCI Semi Finals Tickets start at $20.00 4:45pm
Camp Randall Stadium
SATURDAY, August 14th DCI Senior Show Tickets $15.00 12noon
Camp Randall Stadium
This special presentation is in cooperation with DCA and features 7 Senior drum and bugle corps.
DCI World Championship Finals Tickets start at $35.00 5:00pm
Camp Randall Stadium
THE DCI FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE
Housing reservations for this World Class event are now being taken through the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau. Simply contact DCI and request the DCI World Championships Housing Reservation Form. Then mail or fax your completed form to: DCI 1999 Convention Housing Bureau c/o Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau 615 East Washington Avenue Madison, WI 53703 FAX (608)258-5901 Hotel reservations will be accepted through July 1, 1999. For housing availability at the University of Wisconsin, please contact the University of Wisconsin’s Short Term Housing Office at (608)262-2270.
Featuring the largest selection of drum corps merchandise and souvenirs. For the complete and updated 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES TICKETS DCI ORLANDO
__________ @ $15.00 __________ @ $12.00
____________ ____________
DCI CENTRAL ILLINOIS
__________ @ $15.00 __________ @ $12.00 __________ @ $8.00
____________ ____________ ____________
Premium Seats Saturday, June 19, 1999 Group Seats* Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida Premium Seats Thursday, June 24 1999 Value Seats ISU’s Hancock Stadium, Bloomington/Normal, IL Group Seats* Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Group Seats*
__________ __________ __________ __________
@ @ @ @
$30.00 $20.00 $16.00 $12.00
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Group Seats*
__________ __________ __________ __________
@ @ @ @
$30.00 $20.00 $16.00 $12.00
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
DCI MID-AMERICA 2 Night Combo Tickets
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
@ $100.00 @ $50.00 @ $40.00 @ $30.00 @ $25.00 @ $25.00 @ $18.00 @ $18.00 @ $12.00 @ $12.00
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
DCI EASTERN
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
$40.00 $30.00 $20.00 $24.00 $25.00 $25.00 $18.00 $18.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
$5.00 $5.00 $15.00 $20.00 $15.00 $12.00 $30.00 $20.00 $12.00 $75.00 $55.00 $35.00
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
DCI MIDWESTERN Saturday, July 24, 1999 University of Toledo’s Glass Bowl Stadium Toledo, Ohio
TO ORDER TICKETS Mail this order form to:
Drum Corps International P.O. Box 548 Lombard, IL 60148-0548 FAX this order form to:
(630)495-3792 Call us at:
(800)495-SHOW(7469) For International orders call (630)495-9866
Visit our website at:
www.dci.org
DCI SOUTHWESTERN Sunday July 25, 1999 AlamoDOME San Antonio, Texas
VIP Seats July 30–31, 1999 Premium Seats Middle Tennessee State University Stadium Super Seats** Murfreesboro, Tennessee Value Seats** Single Night Tickets Super Seats Friday, July 30th Saturday, July 31st Value Seats Friday, July 30th Saturday, July 31st Group Seats* Friday, July 30th Saturday, July 31st 2 Night Combo Tickets Premium Seats** August 6–7, 1999 Super Seats** J.Birney Crum Stadium Value Seats** Allentown, Pennsylvania Group Seats* Single Night Tickets Premium Seats Friday, August 6th Saturday, August 7th Super Seats Friday, August 6th Saturday, August 7th Value Seats Friday, August 6th Saturday, August 7th Group Seats* Friday, August 6th Saturday, August 7th
DCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS August 9-14, 1999 Sun Prairie H.S. Stadium Sun Prairie , Wisconsin Camp Randall Stadium Madison, Wisconsin
Division II/III Prelims Premium Seats Monday, August 9th Tuesday, August 10th Division II/III Finals Wednesday, August 11th Premium Seats Division I Quarter Finals Thursday, August 12th Premium Seats Value Seats Group Seats* Division I Semi Finals Friday, August 13th Premium Seats Value Seats Group Seats* Division I Finals Saturday, August 14th Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Service Charge
$5.50
TOTAL
____________
Name _________________________________________________________
Method of Payment:
Address________________________________________________________
CC# ________________________________________ Exp. Date _________
City____________________________ State__________ Zip_____________
Name on Credit Card ____________________________________________
Day Phone _____________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________________________
Check/money order
MasterCard
VISA
Amex
*Minimum order of 25 tickets required. **Offer ends June 30th For the complete and updated 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.
D C I T O D A Y 21
In 1999, Drum Corps International will present the DCI World Championship Finals in the form of a LIVE television broadcast through the Public Broadcasting Service. While thousands of fans are enjoying their favorite corps performances in the comfort of Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday August 14, millions of other marching music enthusiasts will be enjoying the excitement of the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships from the comfort of their own home!
N
ot since 1993 has DCI offered a LIVE television presentation of this headline event. Now through the cooperation and support of PBS member station WHA-TV in Madison, Wisconsin, the return of DCI to Madison, Wisconsin in 1999 holds added value. “We’re excited about bringing the DCI World Championship Finals to an enthusiastic public television audience,” says Byron Knight, general manager of Wisconsin Public Television. “It’s a great event for Madison and it has an extremely loyal following in Wisconsin and around the country. DCI’s entertainment value along with its community support are an unbeatable combination.” Also returning to the DCI World Championship broadcast is veteran producer Tom Blair. Blair produced and directed the DCI telecasts from 1987 through 1994 – broadcasts considered by many to be the pinnacle of DCI’s 25 years on PBS. He has also produced a number of special projects for DCI, including the popular videotape “Brass Roots: The First 25 Years.” With years of experience as a participant, instructor and judge in the drum corps activity, Blair brings unique expertise to this
popular DCI project. He works regularly for all the major television networks as well as HBO and other independent producers, including such notables as Oprah Winfrey. Because of a natural inclination toward live television, Blair finds himself working frequently on major sporting events, including Wimbledon, U.S. Open tennis, Final Four, Super Bowl, The Masters, and four winter and summer Olympic Games. His work has garnered multiple Emmy awards and nominations, and one Ace award. As “producer,” Blair will develop the overall concept of the program, hire the technical production facilities as well as the on-air talent and the crew. The producer must administer a dizzying array of details, from script to satellite, promotion to post production. Every detail of the production falls under the responsibility of the producer. As the director, Blair will map out the coverage of the corps’ performance, as well as the camera locations and the audio recording, all after viewing the corps several times throughout the summer. But Blair is quick to point out that television is the “ultimate team sport. “Nothing gets on the air without the continued on page 25
D C I T O D A Y 23
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dedication of a very large group of people. The success of DCI-TV depends not on one person, but on the team of very talented professionals we developed during the late 80’s and 90’s,” says Blair. “That team returns to DCI with me and it’s their skill that makes the difference.” Blair’s production team will include Grammy winner Larry Rock, who recorded and mastered the DCI Championship audio recordings from 1982 through 1994. Rock currently makes his professional home at Avery Fisher Hall in New York’s Lincoln Center, as the recording engineer for the New York Philharmonic. He marched in the Des Plaines Vanguard in the very first DCI Championship. Blair will also produce the DCI Championships videotapes and compact disks. Involved in drum corps since 1975, Blair says, “The responsibility of the director is to attempt to convey the intent of the corps show designer. And if the people who buy our tapes is anything like me, they want good visual coverage of the corps and the music as clean and LOUD as possible.” The 1999 live telecast and videotapes will be encoded in Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound. Blair and Rock plan to record the corps on a six-channel digital master, planning for the future with Dolby Digital 5.1 and the DVD format. To understand the overall growth and evolution of DCI’s World Championship broadcast, Bill Cook, president/CEO of Cook Group Inc. and founder of the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle corps, shares a brief history of this DCI/PBS relationship. Through his involvement and underwriting of the broadcast from 1986 through 1991, his contributions to the success of the DCI television broadcasts have been invaluable. “In 1974, a small PBS station in Ithaca, NY produced a 1 hour version of the DCI championships. From 1975 through 1978, WGBH in Boston produced the show and actually broadcast live all four hours of those championships. The broadcasts from 1979 – 1981 were then produced by WHA-TV in Madison. Even before taking over the
championship telecast, WHA-TV and producer Art Luebke (former marching member of the Madison Scouts) were huge supporters of DCI throughout the 70’s, producing shows revolving around the Midwest Championship in Whitewater from 1974 to 1978. The 1981 PBS telecast was only of the DCI Midwestern, since the DCI Championships moved north to Canada that year. With the DCI Championships still in Montreal in 1982, a Canadian production was broadcast complete with commentary over the corps’ performances before WTVP from Peoria, IL took over the production in 1983. By this time, carriage on PBS stations declined, probably due to the lack of consistency and marketing effort put forth by the ever-changing list of producers. 1982 saw the first scaleddown “highlights-only” program and the WTVP era of 1983–1986 was the beginning of the limited top-5 live finals coverage. But in 1987, WTIU of Bloomington Indiana took over both production and marketing responsibilities of the DCI broadcast. Success soon followed and by 1991, over 400 PBS stations aired DCI’s championship.” From the perspective of the producer, Tom Blair recalls, “the show’s production operation grew dramatically over the 10 years I was involved. 1985 was shot with 5 cameras and a crew of 15 on a budget of about $65,000.” By 1993 the event was covered with 10 cameras and a crew of about 40 as the budget grew to more than $230,000, including a pay-per-view project. In 1994, “we had 10 cameras, 11 VTRs, on-site editing, satellite uplinks, surround sound, wireless cameras and on-site duplication,” explains Blair. A variety of changes in the fall of 1994 lead to the ultimate decision to contract with IBM Interactive Media to produce the telecast, video and audio recordings in 1995. Bill Duquette, Spirit of Atlanta drum and bugle corps executive director and long time IBM employee, was instrumental in making the association between IBM and DCI possible.
The deal entailed having IBM take on all the expense related to the broadcast while sharing in the proceeds generated from the sale of DCI videos and CD’s. In addition, IBM provided in-kind sponsorship benefits by developing the current DCI website and the cybercast of the 1997 & 1998 DCI World Championships. Now, DCI’s improved financial position has lead to a revised corporate partnership with IBM. Through continued support of DCI’s world wide web presence, the World Championship cybercast and the possibility to develop new interactive product offerings, IBM will continue to be recognized as a sponsor of DCI and the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES. So, as the production of the DCI World Championship broadcast undergoes yet another evolutionary step, the LIVE presentation returns in 1999. Although each PBS station around the country operates independently and sets its own programming schedule, WHA-TV in Madison will be providing assistance in promoting this year’s broadcast to its fellow member stations. As always, please check with your local PBS station or check your local listings for details.
D C I T O D A Y 25
By all accounts, the 1998 season was one of the most successful on record. Naturally, it is the achievement of each individual drum corps across the country that deserves the credit. Each summer, the fans of drum corps witness only the last three months of a year-long process. Here, DCI Today takes a look at what a few corps have been doing since Orlando.
Phantom Regiment & Phantom Legion
D C I T O D A Y 26
As a “pre-DCI” Phantom Regiment alumnus and 1968-1980 Blue Stars Director, Dr. Kampschroer takes his cue from an extensive drum corps career to venture into a new era as Director of Programs for the Phantom Regiment and the Phantom Legion. It goes without saying that Phantom Regiment had a rough season in 1998. Yet everything seemed to pull together nicely by August. To what do you attribute this accomplishment? Let me first explain my philosophy about planning. The competitive season is too short, so you have no time to fool around. You have to come out right to begin with. It seems to me that the corps spent much of last summer secondguessing themselves. Their intentions were not clear. It is amazing the number of changes they made throughout the summer! Yet thanks to the incredible talent and dedication of those 128 young adults, the commitment of an excellent instructional staff, and the simple fact that the Phantom Regiment is who they are, a world class drum corps that demands excellence at all levels, the organization finished the season knowing they gave 110%, and that’s all that matters. What is in store for 1999? The musical arrangers, designers, and myself got together and we all agreed that it is extremely important to maintain the excellence of the Brass sound and the
classical expression of the show. But at the same time, we want to reach out and touch the audience on a more personal level, bringing to the field some of the classics that everyone loves. For that reason, we are performing an original arrangement of three of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies. I’m confident that this summer fans will walk away from the show humming our tunes. As far as numbers are concerned, we are sticking with our 70 member brass line, bottoming out with 14 contras, then we will have 26 percussion, 30 guard and 2 conductors. Auditions have been very impressive; at this last camp for example, we cut from about 100 to 50 percussion and still have some cutting left to do. The culture of the Phantom Regiment organization also promises to return to more “family” values. The members are not only making commitments in terms of dues and practice, they must have the support of their own family just as they will be expected to support the image and the goals of our collective family. How about Phantom Legion? They were truly an exciting group to watch grow and mature last year. Where are they going in 1999? As Director of Programs, it is a thrill and an honor for me to manage both corps as a team, the “Phantom family” if you will. For example, those that audition for the Regiment but are not yet up to par are encouraged to march with the Legion. They will be even stronger
than last year. I was very proud of that corps in Orlando and I expect the Legion will again be a major force in Division III and perhaps in the coming year, we will consider a move to Division II.
Spartans Peter LaFlamme, Director, shares his thoughts on the Spartan’s glories of winning and the disappointment of seeing the symbols of that and other victories go up in flames. How did it feel to tie for first place in Orlando and to perform at Quarterfinals? Our goals have always been to do our best, give our all, entertain the audience, and give the members of the corps an opportunity to achieve and feel positive. In the preceding years to ’97 when we made finals, we all felt great that we finally had a program that felt more consistent than in previous seasons. 1997 was our first national win and it felt great. We were the underdogs all season with a completely rookie corps that had no idea what this was all about. So the win was much more gratifying to all of us. It was terrific! Again the underdog in 1998, we had another new corps because many kids felt they had won the ultimate “gold medal” and decided that was it. So we put our gloves back on, rolled up our sleeves, and developed a successful show within our program, taking it as far we could go. And there you have history. Speaking of tradition, how do the 1998 season and the upcoming 1999 season fit into the “grand scheme” for the Spartans? Winning is great, but not the priority. We will continue to challenge our membership, our writers and our teachers. Without the challenges, we have it easy. Spartans have been criticized for overdoing it. Writing beyond our reach. I truly believe that we all need a challenge to get better. We know when something is unattainable and our educators know when to pull back and make changes. Our objectives are to take the material to the individuals who want a challenge, know that they will be treated right, and then continue from there. Our immediate goals for 1999 are to get one step better. Yes, it
would be fantastic to earn another title this year. We will try. However, our objective is to make finals, to make it to quarter finals, and possibly top 17. At that point, I will decide whether or not to declare an “open” (Division I) status. For those who may have been “out of the loop” this Fall, please briefly explain how your tragic fire happened, what your losses were, and how you have since rebuilt. For the sake of a homeless man needing shelter, we lost equipment trailers and valuable equipment. We had everything on those trailers. Past uniforms, extra instruments, the entire food kitchen, and the list goes on. It might not have been as devastating emotionally if everything was all old and needed to be replaced; but much of it was new. Luckily it was all paid for. We have insurance, but what was most gratifying was all the donations that came pouring in to help us get going again. Spartans will have a new look, new uniforms, new trucks , new kitchen, and nothing, not even fire, will stop our quest for excellence. If any good came from this loss, it would be that we pulled together as a team and created an even stronger desire to keep moving forward. How are prospects for the 1999 season? The corps will be bigger this year, even though we only have 60% vets returning,
and the program is very exciting. The Spartans will be performing “Easter Symphony,” another David Holsinger composition, another challenge for the writers and performers, and a great enjoyment to the fans. The show and music fits the theme of our name and
Our goals have always been to do our best, give our all, entertain the audience, and give the members of the corps an opportunity to achieve and feel positive.
dark sounds that we have been producing year after year. Easter Symphony is about Easter Week: the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Same era as the Spartans and Romans. It all fits together nicely.
Seattle Cascades Director Michael Martin reflects upon his corps’ return to competition in 1998 and their plans for 1999. How is the 1999 program progressing, what is the outlook for the summer? In the past, we have taken songs from the pop music world and rearranged them for our particular activity and the overall show grew out of visual interpretations of those songs. This year we are going to reverse that idea and begin with a visual story line and add the appropriate music. The staff has dubbed the show “technological evolution” based on a fable that explores the human relationship to technology. We are presenting a show that represents our region and these are themes that interest us here in the Northwest: nature vs. culture, human vs. technology. Call it the Y2K show. We are going to play selections from a symphonic work by former Talking Heads front-man David Byrne entitled “The Forest.” That is the link to our legacy of using pop songs. We are also integrating into the show sections of Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms,” and continued on page 30
D C I T O D A Y 27
Book your hotel reservations now for the 1999 DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships in Madison, Wisconsin. Coming this summer August 9-14, this DCI headline event will feature the hottest corps during a weeks worth of competition in the shadows of the University of Wisconsin’s Madison Campus. Hotel Reservations for this spectacular event are being handled exclusively through the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau. To place your reservation you must mail or fax a completed Housing Reservation Form to: DCI 1999 Convention Housing Bureau, c/o Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau, 615 East Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703 or fax to 608-258-5901. To obtain a Housing Reservation Form visit the official website of Drum Corps International at www.dci.org or mail a request for a Housing Reservation Form along with a self addressed stamped envelope to: DCI Championship Housing, c/o Drum Corps International, 1263 S. Highland Ave., Lombard, IL 60148 or call 1-800-495-7469.
1999
RULES CHANGE DCI lifts Instrumentation Restriction Rule.
D
rum Corps International’s Board of Directors passed one of three rules change proposals as a part of their Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas on January 31. This rules change lifts the long-standing restriction requiring competing units of the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES to use G keyed bugles. Effective for the 1999 competitive season, corps will now have the opportunity, as defined by the proposal, to utilize “brass bell-front valve instruments in any key with the exception of sousaphones and trombones”. Submitted by Blue Devils Executive Director David Gibbs a nearly unanimous vote approved the Multi-Key Instruments proposal by a count of 17–3. Three abstentions were also recorded coming from three of the four At-Large Directors. Additionally, two other rules change proposals were submitted as a part of this meeting but were defeated or withdrawn. According to Gibbs, “The primary intent of this latest rule change is to ease the restrictive nature of the existing regulations by offering more choice. Under no circumstances will a corps be required to use instruments other than those they are now using as a result of this change. Instead, those corps that choose to explore other options in brass voicing may do so.” The vote was a part of a yearlong rules process that was researched by the committees of the DCI Board of Directors and the DCI Instructors/ Judges Task Force. The rules proposals were then presented to the Instructors caucuses in mid-January where they were approved and forwarded to the DCI Board of Directors for the final stage of the process. Gibbs added, “The DCI Board of Directors were satisfied with the new rules process that allows for thoughtful and reasonable consideration and as a result cast their vote on the three proposals. Although we will likely see some experimentation throughout the next year or two I do not anticipate any corps utilizing substantially different
instrumentation for some time. In almost all cases there will be no impact on the visual character of the performances.” Ironically, this rule change somewhat preserves the root character of the drum and bugle corps activity by specifically prohibiting the use of trombones and sousaphones. Prior to today’s rules change the use of such instruments was permitted if pitched in the key of “G”. In fact, Dr. David Kampschroer who is one of DCI’s founding fathers from 1971 as Director of the Blue Stars, points out, “Clearly the history of the activity has been evolutionary versus revolutionary. After weighing the months of discussion and debate on this issue I do not feel as though this latest rule change jeopardizes the unique qualities of the activity nor does it counter the spirit of the founding fathers”. Dr. Kampschroer currently serves as Director of Programs of the Phantom Regiment and voted in support of the proposal. Of the two remaining rules change proposals submitted only one was formally discussed and brought to a vote by the delegates. Submitted by YEA! Executive Director George Hopkins, these remaining proposals focused on electronic amplification and the use of electronic instruments. Recognizing that the use of electronic instruments without electronic amplification is impractical, the last proposal up for ratification was withdrawn by Mr. Hopkins after the proposal to allow the use of electronic amplification was defeated by a 10–12 vote. Initially, five proposals were considered by Instructors and Judges throughout the DCI community as a part of the DCI Instructors/Judges College held in Chicago just two weeks ago. After involving the advisory input of DCI Instructors/Judges Task Force, however, only three of these five rules change proposals were submitted to the Board of Directors for ratification. Those proposals addressing Audience Judging and Unit Size did not meet the criteria for further consideration by the Board of Directors as dictated by the DCI Rules Change Process.
THE PROCESS This rule change is the result of months of debate as part of an updated rules change process developed by the DCI Board of Directors over the past 2 years. Designed to create a series of checks and balances by formally engaging Instructors and Judges, and informally fans and participants, the 1999 DCI Rules Change Process described below was used to bring about the latest DCI rules change.
October 1 Deadline for submitting Rule Change Proposals. The Rules Committee chairperson is responsible to receive all proposals, review for completeness and prepare for distribution to the Rules Committee members. Incomplete proposals will be immediately returned to the submitter without any further review. Each proposal will be assigned to an individual member of the Rules Committee to ensure that all questions/challenges are answered. This “coordinator” would contact the submitter for any additional information. Coordinators will also seek input from the various committees of DCI.
October 27 Rules Committee Coordinators return all assigned proposals along with research reports to the Chairperson. All completed proposals will then be distributed to the Rules Committee members for review.
November 15 The Rules Committee reviews the proposals for potential impact to the judges and the judging system, logistics for show promoters, operational changes for the DCI office and a recommended time and plan for implementation. Each proposal will be assigned to the appropriate caption (visual, brass, percussion or guard) caucus for discussion and voting at the annual DCI Instructors/Judges College. Rules proposals may be rejected by the committee on the basis of insufficient data/research or lack of clarity to the proposal.
December 1 All reviewed and approved proposals are distributed to judges, corps directors and instructional staff members for their review. At this time, representatives of each interest group shall be consulted by the corps directors and staffs.
January Instructors/Judges College
D C I
Each proposal is discussed, debated and voted on in the appropriate caption meetings for advancement to the full Instructors/Judges caucus. Full caucus vote will result in the proposal being rejected or passed on to the DCI Board of Directors. Voting: Each drum corps present at the Instructors/Judges College will have one vote per caption. A simple majority vote of qualified votes at the college will pass the proposal on to a vote by the DCI Board of Directors.
T O D A Y
February Board of Directors Meeting Those proposals receiving a favorable majority vote of the DCI Board of Directors will be scheduled for implementation based on the recommended time frame and process previously determined by the Rules Committee.
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continued from page 27
Alfred Reed’s “Symphony No.3.” There is more music but we are checking on the availability of it in terms of arranging and performance rights. Many of your members move on to march in Division I corps. What do the Cascades do to keep their members? In the past, people have left because — for whatever reason — this group was not meeting their needs. I sometimes think of this as a referendum on how well we do our jobs. It is exciting to build an organization as opposed to going to an organization that is already established. Hopefully as an organization we will grow, right along with our kids. Who are your local sponsors, and what kind of local support do the Seattle Cascades receive? One of the things that really helped us was that we attended the DCI Director’s College in the Fall. Just listening to the other directors, we learned that we are really behind in our
own pursuits of support from the community. But in the last few months we have learned not to be shy in asking for money and support. Our board president, for instance, worked out a facilities use agreement with one of the larger school districts in the area. For camps and our all-day rehearsals we have the use of a beautiful new high school and acres of fields with which to work. We have worked hard to cultivate our relationship with the district and it has really been nice for us. We have also — for the first time in the history of the corps — mobilized our alumni association which, since the corps has been around for over four decades, is a great source of support for us and gives the corps members a good sense of continuity and history. As for fund raising, our mainstay has been bingo but we are looking at many different options right now. There are a lot of opportunities in this region especially in terms of all of the hightech money that is present. So we have
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begun to cultivate relations with those firms that might take an interest in an organization that promotes teamwork, creative problem solving, and a highly disciplined work ethic in the region’s youth. Placing 9th in Division II after a year off is very impressive. To what do you attribute that accomplishment? Easy question. I took over direction of the corps a few weeks into the summer season, so I attribute any accomplishments from last year to the great people that were already here when I started. We have a great instructional staff who worked like dogs to get the corps up to a competitive level, after not only a year off, but after a disastrous winter season as well. We had great kids who made up for inexperience in sheer willingness to perform and to push themselves. And we had a great support team of drivers, volunteers and, seriously, the best cooks in drum corps, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
The DCI Midwestern Tickets starting at $16.00 UT’s Glass Bowl Stadium, Toledo, OH • July 24, 1999
The Tradition Continues...
Featuring 11 of DCI’s top 21 corps including Cadets, Santa Clara Vanguard, Glassmen, Colts, Carolina Crown, Boston Crusaders, Kiwanis Kavaliers, Les Etoiles, Troopers, Southwind, Academie Musicale.
The DCI World Championships
The DCI Southwestern Tickets starting at $16.00
World Championship Finals Saturday, August 14th
AlamoDOME, San Antonio, TX • July 25, 1999
Tickets On Sale Now! Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI • August 9-14, 1999 Tickets starting at $35.00
Featuring 10 of DCI’s top 21 corps including Blue Devils, Madison Scouts, The Cavaliers, Crossmen, Phantom Regiment, Blue Knights, Bluecoats, Magic of Orlando, Spirit of Atlanta, Pioneer, Tarheel Sun.
Division I Semi-Finals Friday, August 13th
The DCI Mid-America Tickets starting at $18.00
Tickets starting at $15.00
MTSU Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN • July 30 & 31, 1999
Division II/III Finals Wednesday, August 11th
Friday, July 30th features Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Devils, The Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment, Blue Knights, Southwind, Spirit of Atlanta, Magic of Orlando, Pioneer, Carolina Crown, Tarheel Sun Saturday, July 31st features Cadets, Glassmen, Madison Scouts, Crossmen, Colts, Bluecoats, Boston Crusaders, Troopers, Les Etoiles, Kiwanis Kavaliers, Academie Musicale.
Camp Randall Stadium Tickets $15.00
The DCI Eastern Tickets starting at $12.00
Tickets starting at $20.00
Division I Quarter-Finals Thursday, August 12th
Division II/III Prelims
Monday & Tuesday, August 9th & 10th Sun Prairie High School, Sun Prairie, WI Tickets $5.00
To order tickets, call DCI at (800)495-7469
J.Birney Crum Stadium, Allentown, PA • August 6 & 7, 1999
Monday thru Friday, 9 am – 5 pm CDT
Friday, August 6th features Santa Clara Vanguard, Madison Scouts, Glassmen, Crossmen, Bluecoats, Blue Knights, Colts, Boston Crusaders, Les Etoiles, Kiwanis Kavaliers, Troopers Saturday, August 7th features Cadets, Blue Devils, Phantom Regiment, The Cavaliers, Magic of Orlando, Carolina Crown, Tarheel Sun, Spirit of Atlanta, Southwind, Pioneer, Academie Musicale
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