DCI Today Winter, 2000

Official Publication of Drum Corps International

Winter 2000 Volume 25 Number 3

The excitement continues into the new millennium on August 7–12, 2000 as the DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships is staged at Byrd Stadium on the beautiful campus of the University of Maryland.

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ocated just outside of Washington, DC, the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland will be the host for the 2000 DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships. Along with the many incredible North American corps who participate each year will be a corps from Japan and from the Netherlands and for the first time a corps from Taiwan.

This week long event will culminate on Saturday evening August 12, 2000 featuring exhibitions from all of the weeks champions and the Top

12 corps in the world in competition to decide the first DCI Division I Champion of the new millennium. The finals event will once again be presented to the PBS stations for the potential of a LIVE telecast.

The week begins with DCI Division II and III preliminary competition on Monday and Tuesday at a location to be announced.

Wednesday will once again feature the Individual and Ensemble competition which will be staged on the University of Maryland campus. Plans are underway for another “DCI On-Stage” event with details to be announced later. At 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday you will want to be in your seat to witness the official Opening Ceremonies of the DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships. All participating corps will have the opportunity to pass in

IN THIS ISSUE PBS Telecast ............................3 Inside the Corps ......................4 ’00 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES..7 Auxiliary Score ......................21 International Drum Corps ..24 Drum Corps Japan Finals ........29

continued on page 21

Drum Corps International 470 South Irmen Drive Addison, IL 60101

Visit our website at www.dci.org

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PA I D

Madison, Wisconsin Permit No. 2223

From 1987 to 1993 Tom Blair produced the PBS Championship Telecast for millions to watch on their local stations or on video. After an extended hiatus, he returned in 1999 to once again produce the LIVE telecast of the DCI World Championships from Madison, Wisconsin.

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o those who were glued to their TVs, the production seemed effortless as the camera shots moved from up top to on the field to behind the scenes. But what was effortless to the viewer was in fact the end result of a yearlong process orchestrated by one of the activities most well known vets.

The name Tom Blair rings a familiar bell to drum corps fans and especially to our DCI Today readers. As we have reported, besides being the producer/director of the DCI/PBS broadcast of the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships, Tom also works on many projects on all the major TV networks.

Tom’s impressive reputation in the production of world-class sporting and music events, and his involvement in the drum and bugle corps activity, including marching, teaching and judging, made him a natural choice for producing yet another world-class event: the DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships LIVE Broadcast!

Beyond knowing who produced this great event; understanding how he did it is another story. How did he decide when it was time for a high camera shot as opposed to a more intimate angle from the sidelines? How did he orchestrate the timing of the broadcast, creating a seamless production for viewers on that Saturday evening in August? The process started early in the winter months; while the corps were putting together their show,

imagining their ultimate performance at Camp Randall, Tom was already designing his show for that very same night.

Just as the corps must first start by building upon last years production, Tom first sat down with many of the directors of various corps, as well as with those involved in the past years broadcast, in order to evaluate the production and prepare for the 1999 edition. Again like the corps, the next step is designing an overall show concept. With the help of his continued on page 19

FROM THE DIRECTOR My Dear Friends, I would like to extend once again my heartfelt gratitude to the many fans of this great activity who have patiently endured the change in world championships sites in 2000. Your continued support, despite any inconvenience, has once again shown a true example to the youth our activity serves that the experience is indeed about them. Thank you!

At the time of writing this article I have just returned from the annual DCI Board of Directors meeting and DCI Show Promoters College. The DCI board continues to work hard on the issues of the present and future facing the drum corps activity. This group of dedicated and very passionate individuals provides a tremendous amount of hope for the drum corps activity’s future. DCI is once again in the position to not only move forward as an activity but to once again lead. My confidence in the strength of DCI is enhanced by the current mindset of the DCI Board of Directors. Their focus continues to be the youth participants and the fans and on planning for their collective experience in the future.

Now that we have proven success in survival we invite fans, volunteers and performers to be a part of DCI’s celebration of our new found life as an activity as we step over the threshold into a new day.

Dan Acheson Executive Director, CEO

D C I T O D AY Winter, 2000

Volume 25

Number 3

Publisher: Drum Corps International Editor: Lea Ann Stockton Design & Production for Drum Corps International: Laura Johnston, San Francisco, CA Art Direction: Laura Johnston Contributing Writers: Joseph Allison, Claire Hubacher, Andrew Irving, Eric Ramsden, Lea Ann Stockton Performance Photography: Sid Unser 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 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101. Use this address for parcels only. Correspondence, please mail to: 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101, phone 630/628-7888, fax 630/628-7971.

DCI TODAY is published in October, February 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

The 1999 Drum Corps International World Championships in Madison, Wisconsin was the scene for many success stories.

In this latest edition of Inside the Corps, DCI Today takes you behind the scenes to see how the Glassmen and Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps’ prove that perseverance and the love of the activity helped each achieve much more.

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ontinuing their incredible surge, the Glassmen finished the season with yet another amazing performance.

Once again finishing in the top five, their 1999 program proved to drum corps fans everywhere that the Glassmen are truly golden.

Glassmen

D C I T O D A Y 4

Holy Toledo!!...It’s the Glassmen, who in just three seasons have made the incredible jump from 13th place in 1996, to establishing themselves as a fixture in the prestigious Top Five. After two consecutive 5th place finishes in 1998 and 1999, the Glassmen are proving that they are a major player in the DCI activity.

Founded as a parade corps in 1961, the Maumee Suns competed locally throughout northwest Ohio until 1967.

In that year the corps entered Ohio American Legion Competition, changed their location to Toledo, and the corps name to the Glass City Optimists. The corps continued to grow in size and popularity, and in 1971 the Glass City Optimists again changed their name to the Glassmen to honor Toledo, “The Glass Capital of the World.”

The Glassmen began in 1971 as a Class “A” corps (the equivalent of today’s Division II), and competed until going inactive for the 1977 and 1978 seasons.

Returning to competition in 1979, the Glassmen first achieved DCI membership, finishing in the top 25, in 1983. The next year the corps slipped out of the top 25 and did not regain DCI membership until 1988. The Glassmen continued to move up the DCI standings, finishing 18th in 1990, 17th in 1991, and 13th in 1992. In 1993, the Glassmen were DCI World Championship Finalists, placing 11th at the DCI Finals competition held in Jackson, Mississippi. The Glassmen continued to rise as high as 8th place in 1995, before missing Finals in 1996, finishing 13th. Since 1996, the Glassmen have made considerable changes throughout the organization, which have led to the dramatic turnaround and recent success of the corps.

The Glassmen are the only 1970’s class “A” drum corps to have achieved Division I Top 5 status. Inspired by the incredible determination and vision of Executive Director Brian Hickman, who has led the new-look Glassmen since

taking over the corps before the 1997 season, the Glassmen have provided new blood that has shaken-up the DCI activity.

New for the Glassmen this winter is the addition of a competitive winter guard. For the first time since the late 1980’s, the Glassmen will once again field a competitive winter guard, and will compete in Winter Guard International’s Independent World Class. Other future plans for the Glassmen include the creation of a competitive winter drum line, as well as a feeder corps for DCI participation. The ultimate vision of the Glassmen is to create an educational environment in which all interested persons can participate, and have the opportunity to perform in various settings and arenas throughout the entire calendar year.

One of the many unique aspects of the DCI activity is that every participating drum and bugle corps has its own individual personality and identity.

What makes the Glassmen special and unique is different for each marching member, staff member, and volunteer involved. A strong sense of family and pride are common threads that run deep throughout the Glassmen organization, but every member has their own personal spin that makes the Glassmen experience uniquely their own.

“The Glassmen is a family unlike any other drum corps. Everyone cares about each other, and watches out for each other. Not only the members, but the staff and the volunteers as well,” says Anna Miller, a sixth year member of the Glassmen pit.

“More than family, everyone here has an image of what the Glassmen are, and every person in the corps fits that image.

If you think about the Glassmen uniform out on the field, the classy image and the precision, that’s what the Glassmen are all about. Everyone here fits that image.

The Glassmen is about being your best, working hard, and being part of a very prestigious unit,” explains Luis M. Sanchez, a second year member of the Glassmen bass line.

Pride, not only in the performers, but also in the staff, the volunteers, and everyone involved throughout the

organization is prevalent throughout the Glassmen family.

“The volunteer staff is incredible, we get fed well, we work hard, and we have a great time. I have lots of respect and pride for this organization and for everyone involved,” says Alicia Ozanich a three-year Glassmen guard member.

“The dedication and commitment that the staff, and especially the director, have is incredible. Their expectations and passion for the activity rubs-off on all the members, and we are all better for it,” explains Linsey Jackson, a 10-year veteran of the drum corps activity.

“Being a Glassmen, you have a lot of respect for the entire drum corps activity, and all the people, members, volunteers, and everyone who is in any way associated with the activity,” adds Jeff Clark, a fifth year member of the soprano line.

Every summer experience is different for every marching member. So what are some of the members’ favorite things about marching with the Glassmen?

“Being part of something where everyone has the same goal...to make the show the best it can be. It’s all about

working together to achieve both your individual and group goals,” explains Nancy Barteczko, a third year member of the Glassmen color guard.

“Being a Glassmen, you have a lot of respect for the entire dr um corps activity, and all the people, members, volunteers, and ever yone who is in any way associated with the activity.”

“It’s very exciting to be part of an organization that is growing and building every year. As a member, you are always being challenged, whether you are a vet or a rookie. There is no coasting in the Glassmen, and as a result individual performance levels are always rising and the corps is always getting better,” says Jeff Clark.

“The Glassmen have something for everyone, at every level. Whether you are interested in being competitive, being a member of the Glassmen family, or just being part of a well-run organization, the Glassmen have it all. Anyone with any type of goal can march the Glassmen, have a great time and be successful,” explains Kevin Namaky, fifth year member of the Glassmen snare line and fourth year percussion section leader.

What do members think everyone should know about the Glassmen?

“Glassmen is the total package...” explains Dustin Lowes, second year member of the Glassmen bass line.

“You’ll work harder than you ever have before in your life. It will be the hardest work you’ve ever done but it will also be the most rewarding. You’ll accomplish more than you ever thought possible,” adds Luis.

Nancy sums it up best by saying, “The Glassmen is a great organization, with great staff and great vision for the future.

If you want to work hard and have a great summer, the Glassmen is where it’s at!!!” continued on page 23

D C I T O D A Y 5

Drum Corps International SUMMER

2000

MUSIC GAMES

Offering performances of 6 of the world’s premier drum and bugle corps, this event is the feature presentation of the 2000 Bands of America Leadership Camp.

DCI Central Illinois Wednesday, June 21, 2000 7:30pm

Featuring The Cavaliers The Cadets Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment Colts Southwind Pioneer

Tickets Premium Seats

$15.00

Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium Bloomington/Normal, Illinois

2000 Bands of America Summer Band Symposium June 19–25

$12.00

A, E

Group Rate

$8.00

Minimum order of 25 tickets required

Menasha, WI DCM

June 11 Madison, WI DCM

Jackson, WI DCM

June 16 Cincinnati, OH DCM

Oswego, IL DCM

June 17 Concord, CA DCI Pacific

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.

Toledo, OH

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.

Columbus, OH

B, C, D

Value Seats

June 10

Hotel Information

For accommodations while visiting Bloomington/Normal for the 2000 DCI Central Illinois SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: Bloomington/Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau (309)829-1641 For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

DCM

Racine, WI DCM

June 18 Butler, PA DCM DCM

Menomonie, WI DCM

June 20 Lexington, KY DCM

Lima, OH DCM

June 21 Phoenix, AZ DCI Pacific

Bloomington/Normal, IL DCI

Marion, OH DCM

After 3 incredible years of World Championship excitement in Central Florida, the SUMMER MUSIC GAMES return to Orlando for this one day premier event.

DCI Orlando Sunday, June 25, 2000 6:30pm

Featuring Cadets Crossmen Carolina Crown Magic of Orlando Spirit of Atlanta

Tickets Premium Seats Group Rate

$15.00 $12.00

Minimum order of 25 tickets required

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex Orlando, Florida

Clinic Series

A special clinic will be presented on Sunday, June 25 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex free of charge with a paid admission to Sunday 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.

Hotel Information

For accommodations while visiting Orlando for the 2000 DCI Orlando SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The Walt Disney World Resorts Reservations (419) W-DISNEY (321-6404) For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

June 22 TBA, CA DCI Pacific

June 23 Southern California DCI Pacific

Atlanta, GA DCI Atlantic

St. Cloud, MN DCM

LaPorte, IN DCM

June 24 Southern California DCI Pacific

Malden, MA DCI Atlantic II/III

Alexandria, MN DCM

Cedar Rapids, IA DCM

Streator, IL DCM

June 25

D C I

Orlando, FL DCI

Southern California DCI Pacific

Wisconsin Rapids, WI DCM

Woodstock, IL DCM

Geneva, IL DCM

June 26 Tampa, FL DCI Atlantic

T O D A Y 7

For the complete 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.

Drum Corps International SUMMER

2000

MUSIC GAMES

This event will present Midwest drum and bugle corps at it’s best as top corps compete for the 2000 Drum Corps Midwest Championship.

Drum Corps Midwest Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium DeKalb, Illinois

July 7 & 8, 2000

Featuring The Cavaliers

DCI Atlantic

St. Paul, MN DCM

Charles City, IA DCM

June 28 Mid-California DCI Atlantic

Wausau, WI DCM

Mankato, MN DCM

June 29 Lynchburg, VA DCI Atlantic

June 30 Stockton, CA DCI Pacific

Elkton, MD DCI Atlantic

To order tickets for this event please call (414)761-2699

Friday and Saturday

Finals Saturday Night $25.00 $15.00 $10.00

DCI Pacific

Brunswick, GA

Spartanburg, SC

This two day competition will feature all of the Midwest corps meeting to decide the best in the Midwest. Friday night will feature the Division I and II preliminary competition. On Saturday be prepared for a full day of drum corps competition. Starting at 8:00 am will be the Division III preliminaries and that afternoon will be the Senior Corps prelims. On Saturday night you will see the Final competition for all divisions. Come back to the stadium on Sunday and enjoy a morning of Individual and Ensemble competition and an afternoon of socializing and games.

Tickets Prelims $10.00

Mid-California

DCI Pacific

Championships

Glassmen Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment Colts Bluecoats Southwind Pioneer All other Midwest Corps

June 27

Portage, MI DCM

LaCrosse, WI DCM

July 1 San Jose, CA

Hotel Information

DCI Pacific

For accommodations while visiting DeKalb for the 2000 DCM Championship SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: DeKalb Chamber of Commerce (815)756-6306

Clifton, NJ DCI Atlantic

Nashua, NH DCI Atlantic II/III

Muskegon, MI DCM

Michigan City, IN DCM

Waukegan, IL DCM

Don’t miss this SUMMER MUSIC GAMES event where Atlantic division corps compete for the 2000 DCI Atlantic Championship.

DCI Atlantic Saturday, July 8, 2000

July 2 Wakefield, MA DCI Atlantic

Dixon, IL DCM

Tentatively scheduled for

University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dayton, OH DCM

July 3 Bristol, RI DCI Atlantic

Cedarburg, WI

Featuring The Cadets Crossmen Boston Crusaders Carolina Crown Magic of Orlando Spirit of Atlanta Les Étoiles Tarheel Sun All other Altantic Division Corps

Championships

This one day competition will feature all of the Atlantic Division corps going head to head for the title of Atlantic Division Championship.

Being held in the historic Franklin Field, the home of the World Championships in 1976, will bring back many memories of those long time fans of the activity. And for those newer to the sport it will be a competition that will not want to be missed.

Division II/III Championships will be held during the day.

Division I Championships will be held in the evening.

DCM

Rockford, IL DCM

Crown Point, IN DCM

July 4 St. Peter, MN DCM

Racine, WI DCM

July 5 Medford, OR DCI Pacific

Kingston, NY DCI Atlantic

July 6 Ogdensburg, NY DCI Atlantic

Tickets

To be announced

Hotel Information

For accommodations while visiting Philadelphia for the 2000 DCI Atlantic SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (215)636-3327 For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

Dubuque, IA DCM

July 7 Woodburn, OR DCI Pacific

T O D A Y

Southern California DCI Pacific II/III

Ft. Edward, NY DCI Atlantic

DeKalb, IL DCM Championships

For the complete 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.

D C I

9

Drum Corps International SUMMER

2000

MUSIC GAMES

Kicking off the Mid-Season Weekend under the domes will be the 2000 DCI Midwestern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES in Indianapolis. This one day event will feature half of the top 21 Division I corps.

DCI Midwestern Saturday, July 22, 2000 6:30pm

Featuring Blue Devils The Cavaliers Glassmen Madison Scouts Boston Crusaders Crossmen Colts Bluecoats Magic of Orlando Spirit of Atlanta Pioneer Kiwanis Kavaliers Les Étoiles

Tickets Premium Seats Super Seats Value Seats Group Rate

Philadelphia, PA

DCI Atlantic Championships

Seattle, WA DCI Pacific

Southern California DCI Pacific II/III

DeKalb, IL

RCA Dome Indianapolis, Indiana

Division II/III Competition 11:00am Don’t miss this special event featuring the top Division II/III corps. $7.00 General Admission Tickets

Clinic Series 4:00pm

DCM Championships

July 9 Lakewood, NJ DCI

Altoona, PA DCI

Southern California DCI Pacific II/III

July 10 Port Huron, MI DCI

A special clinic will be presented at the RCA Dome free 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!

Hotel Information

July 11 Huntington, WV DCI

Ft. Wayne, IN DCI

Boise, ID

For accommodations while visiting Indianapolis for the 2000 DCI Midwestern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association (317)639-4282 or tollfree at (800)958-INDY or visit their website at www.indy.org For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

$30.00 $20.00 $16.00 $12.00

July 8

DCI Pacific

July 12 Alton, IL DCI

Ogden, UT DCI Pacific

July 13 Wichita, KS DCI

Winston-Salem, NC DCI

Cheyenne, WY DCI Pacific

July 14

Minimum order of 25 tickets required

Columbia, SC DCI

Once again DCI Southwestern will go indoors as part 2 of the Mid-Season under the Domes.

We are sure you will enjoy an evening of drum corps out of the heat!

DCI Southwestern Sunday, July 23, 2000 6:30pm

AlamoDOME San Antonio, Texas

Featuring Clinic Series Santa Clara Vanguard The Cadets Blue Knights Phantom Regiment Carolina Crown Southwind Troopers Tarheel Sun

Tickets Premium Seats

$30.00

112, 312, 313

Super Seats

$20.00

111, 113, 210, 209, 208, 207, 214, 215, 216, 217, 311, 314

Value Seats

$16.00

110, 109, 108, 107, 114, 115, 116, 117, 310, 309, 308, 307, 306, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319

Group Rate

Several special clinics will be presented by Drum Corps International in cooperation with the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention.

Included will be clinic performances available to attendees of the convention. The Sunday afternoon Student clinic at the AlamoDOME 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 800/495-SHOW!

Texas Bandmasters Association To obtain details about the Texas Bandmasters Association 53rd Annual Convention please contact TBA at 210/492-8878 or visit their website at www.txband.com.

Hotel Information

For accommodations while visiting San Antonio for the 2000 DCI Southwestern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The San Antonio Visitors Bureau (210)207-6748 For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

$12.00

Minimum order of 25 tickets required

For the complete 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.

Northern California DCI Pacific II/III

Madison, WI DCM

July 15 Denver, CO DCI

Jacksonville, AL DCI

Northern California DCI Pacific II/III

Lowell, MA DCI Atlantic II/III

Waukesha, WI DCM

July 16 Evansville, IN DCI

Beloit, WI DCM

July 17 Albuquerque, NM DCI

D C I

Omaha, NE DCI

St. Louis, MO DCM

July 18 Amarillo, TX DCI

Ankeny, IA DCI

Kansas City, MO DCM

July 19

T O D A Y

Tulsa, OK DCI

Stillwater, MN DCI

11

Drum Corps International SUMMER

2000

MUSIC GAMES

MTSU’s Stadium is a spectacular venue to view your favorite musical sport with an incredible vantage point to enjoy amazing performances as corps compete for the DCI Mid-America Title.

DCI Mid-America Featuring Friday, July 28 Blue Devils Santa Clara Vanguard The Cavaliers Phantom Regiment Boston Crusaders Carolina Crown Bluecoats Southwind Pioneer Kiwanis Kavaliers Les Étoiles

Featuring Saturday, July 29 The Cadets Glassmen Madison Scouts Blue Knights Crossmen Colts Magic of Orlando Spirit of Atlanta Troopers Tarheel Sun

Burlington, IA DCI

Stillwater, MN DCI

July 21 Dallas, TX

Middle Tennessee State University Stadium Murfreesboro, Tennessee

July 28 & 29, 2000 7:30pm

July 20

DCI

Chicago, IL DCI

July 22 Houston, TX

Once again the Excitement of DCI comes to MTSU Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at 7:30 PM on July 28 & 29. The DCI Mid-American will 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 1999 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships. Last years’ stadium full of fans will attest that MTSU’s Stadium is a spectacular venue to view your favorite musical sport offering fans an incredible vantage point from which to view the DCI Mid-America SUMMER MUSIC GAMES.

Clinic Series

DCI

Indianapolis, IN DCI

Rochester, NY DCI Atlantic II/III

July 23 San Antonio, TX DCI

Centerville, OH DCI

Marion, OH DCI

July 24 Richmond, KY

A special clinic will be presented on Friday, July 28th 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

DCI

July 25 Baton Rouge, LA DCI

Bowling Green, KY DCI

July 26

A limited number of special VIP seats are available for the DCI Mid-America SUMMER MUSIC GAMES. VIP tickets are available as a two-night package only and includes 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.

VIP 2 Night Combo

$100.00

Gulfport, MS DCI

July 27 Troy, AL DCI

Sevierville, TN DCI

Tupelo, MS DCI

July 28

Club Level Sect 3, 4 parking included Club Level Sect 1, 2, 5, 6 parking not included

$80.00

Murfreesboro, TN

Premium 2 Night Combo

$50.00

Chicopee, MA

Sect 1RR, 1R, 2R

$40.00

Sect 1QQ, 2QQ, 2Q, 1SS, 2SS, 1S Value 2 Night Combo**

$30.00

Sect 1PP, 2PP, 2P, 1Q, 1TT, 2TT, 2S, 1T

General Adm 2 Night Combo**

$20.00

Sect 1P, 2T

Combo*

Super Single Night Seats

$24.00 $25.00

Sect 1QQ, 2QQ, 2Q, 1SS, 2SS, 1S

Value Single Night Seats General Adm Single Night Seats

DCI II/III

St. Louis, MO DCI II/III

July 29 Murfreesboro, TN DCI

Clifton, NJ DCI II/III – Garden States Open

Ottawa, IL DCI II/III

South Milwaukee, WI DCI II/III

$18.00

Sect 1PP, 2PP, 2P, 1Q, 1TT, 2TT, 2S, 1T

$12.00

Sect 1P, 2T

Group Rate

DCI II/III

Fond du Lac, WI

Super 2 Night Combo**

Group 2 Night

DCI

July 30 Charlotte, NC DCI

D C I

Cincinnati, OH

$12.00

*Minimum order of 25 tickets required **Offer ends June 30th

For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

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 the complete 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.

DCI

Canton, OH DCI

Clarion, PA DCI II/III

July 31 Pittsburgh, PA DCI

Tarboro, NC DCI

Erie, PA DCI II/III – North American Open

T O D A Y 13

Drum Corps International SUMMER

2000

MUSIC GAMES

While attending this historic Drum Corps International event you’ll enjoy the intimate J. Birney Crum Stadium situated just minutes from downtown Allentown.

DCI Eastern Blue Devils The Cavaliers Glassmen Blue Knights Colts Spirit of Atlanta Pioneer Kiwanis Kavaliers Troopers Tarheel Sun

Featuring Saturday, August 5 Santa Clara Vanguard The Cadets Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment Boston Crusaders Crossmen Carolina Crown Bluecoats Magic of Orlando Southwind Les Étoiles

Erie, PA DCI

Salem, VA DCI

August 2 Rome, NY

J. Birney Crum Stadium Allentown, Pennsylvania

August 4 & 5, 2000 7:30pm

Featuring Friday, August 4

August 1

DCI

Hornell, NY DCI

Hampton, VA DCI

Kitchner, ONT

The Excitement of DCI returns to the rolling hills of Allentown, Pennsylvania at 7:30 pm on August 4 and 5. 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.

DCI II/III – Canadian Open

August 3 Lynn, MA DCI

Montreal, QUE DCI

Wilmington, DE DCI

Greenville, MI DCI II/III

Fans/Judges Clinic Series

A special Fan/Judges clinic will be presented on Saturday, August 4th 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.

August 4 Allentown, PA DCI

Grand Haven, MI DCI II/III – U.S. Coast Guard Open

Manchester, NH DCI II/III

August 5 Allentown, PA DCI

Grand Haven, MI DCI II/III – U.S. Coast Guard Open

Blackwood, NJ DCI II/III

August 6 Buffalo, NY DCI

Tickets

East Rutherford, NJ

Premium 2 Night Combo*

DCI

$40.00

Norwich, NY

$30.00

Brick, NJ

Sect G, H, X, Y, Z

DCI

Super 2 Night Combo*

DCI II/III - Garden States

Sect D, E, F, J, K, L

Value 2 Night

Combo*

Marian, OH

$20.00

DCI II/III

Sect A, B, C, M, N, O

Group 2 Night Combo

$24.00

Premium Single Night Seats

$25.00

World Championships

$18.00

August 7

Minimum order of 25 tickets required

College Park, Maryland

Sect G, H, X, Y, Z

Super Single Night Seats Sect D, E, F, J, K, L

Value Single Night Seats

Division II/III Prelims

$12.00

Location to be announced

Sect A, B, C, M, N, O

Group Rate

DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES

$12.00

August 8 Minimum order of 25 tickets required

*Offer ends June 30th

For tickets please call DCI at (800)495-7469 or visit our website at www.dci.org.

Division II/III Prelims Location to be announced

August 9 Opening Ceremonies Division II/III Finals Byrd Stadium

August 10

D C I

Quarterfinals Byrd Stadium

August 11 Semifinals Byrd Stadium

August 12 Finals

Hotel Information

For accommodations while visiting Allentown for the 2000 DCI Eastern SUMMER MUSIC GAMES please contact: The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (610)882-9200

For the complete 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES schedule, check out DCI Online at http//:www.dci.org.

Byrd Stadium

T O D A Y 15

Historical Video Series Check-out these great recordings of past drum corps seasons!

1998 Division I Top 21 Finals 3 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$69.00 1998 Division I Individual Corps Performance Top 12 only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12.00 1998 Division II/III Finals 2 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1997 Division I Top 12 Finals 2 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49.00 1997 Division I Prelims Clearance Sale!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.00 1997 Division II/III Finals 2 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.00 Newly released and remastered, these selections were previously unavailable!

1988-1996 Division I Top 12 Finals 2 volume set with each year . . . . . .$49.00/per year 2 hours of Drum Corps nostalgia, this is a must see for every fan!

Brass Roots, The First 25 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39.00

Historical Audio Series The Audio Collector’s Series is a five volume library which dates from 1972-1996. Each volume is a 10 CD Set that includes the Top 12 Finalists from each championships year.

Audio Collector’s Library Series 1972-1976 Set; 1977-1981 Set; 1982-1986 Set; 1987-1991 Set; 1992-1996 Set 10 CD Sets Each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150.00 1972-1996 Audio Library Entire 50 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$600.00 Historical Audio Series: 1998 Division I Top 21 CD 3 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1998 Division I Top 24 Cassettes 4 Cassette Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1997 Division I Top 21 CD 3 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1997 Division I Top 24 Cassettes 4 Cassette Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24.00 1996 Division I Top 21 CD 3 CD Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1996 Division I Top 24 Cassettes 4 Cassette Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24.00 1995 Division I Top 24 Cassettes 4 Cassette Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24.00 1993 Division I Top 24 Cassettes 4 Cassette Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14.00 5 CD Set featuring Division I Champion’s Performance from 1972-1996

25th Anniversary “THE CHAMPIONS” CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39.00 To place an order please contact:

Drum Corps International 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101 800/495-SHOW (7469) • FAX 630/628-7971 • www.dci.org For phone orders outside the U.S. please call 630/628-7888 Shipping & Handling Information Please include $5.50 shipping/handling fee with each order under 2lbs.

Call for shipping and handling fees for orders over 2lbs, Canadian orders, International orders, and 2-day express orders. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery

Winter Guard International

April Dayton, 13–16 Ohio

Thursday 9:00am 3:00pm 4:00pm 6:00pm

Independent A and Percussion SA Prelim Round @ The Nutter Center Scholastic Open Prelim Rounds @ Convention Center Scholastic A and Percussion SO Prelim Rounds @ The Nutter Center Independent A Semi-Finals @ UD Arena

Friday 8:00am

12:30pm 3:00pm 6:00pm

Percussion Prelims and Semi-Finals @ The Nutter Center Scholastic A Semi-Finals @ Convention Center Independent Open Prelims @ UD Arena Scholastic World Prelims @ UD Arena Scholastic Open Semi-Finals @ Convention Center Independent A and Scholastic A finals @ UD Arena

Saturday For Ticket and Hotel Information please contact

Winter Guard International 4010 Youngfield Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Phone 303.424.1927 FAX 303.431.7267 www.wgi.org

9:00am 10:00am 3:00pm

Independent World Prelims @ UD Arena Percussion Finals @ The Nutter Center Triple Finals Scholastic Open, Independent Open and Scholastic World @ UD Arena

Sunday

12:00pm

Independent World Finals @ UD Arena

continued from page 3

colleagues, Tom decided what the show would say to the audience and what kind of feel the telecast would have. Through a particular blend of up-close and wideangle shots, special features and behindthe-scenes interviews, “the whole show is a story.”

While the winter months were still upon us, Tom selected his many producers, directors, and associate producers who would help him with the “idea” side of the production. These “caption heads”, so to speak, in charge of video, audio and other significant aspects of the broadcast, were assisted by the techs, or rather, the technical workers who would run the cameras, adjust the microphones, set-up, and break down the entire operation. Tom had to get an early start on this due to the high demand of these skilled people from the television production world.

Many who worked on the DCI telecast are well known and very experienced in their industry.

“Tom and his crew began their setup in Camp Randall for Saturdays broadcast, all the while capturing the Opening Ceremonies and the Division II/III Finals that followed.”

After this selection was complete, Tom started to construct the show mechanically. From a list of topics created in the beginning stages of the design process, he decided how many features would be in the broadcast and began to narrow down their content. He pieced together a minute-by-minute outline of what the production would look like, all the while being mindful of the budgetary constraints of the project.

Knowing how much capital he could commit to the broadcast affected how much tape he could buy, how many features he would be able to shoot, and

many of the other cost intensive aspects of the telecast.

By the time June arrived, when many of the corps were finally practicing outside, Tom met again with directors and designers to get a better feel of the corps’ productions. Because it is important to convey to the viewers the same ideas and feelings that the corps try to communicate to the fans in the stadium, Tom visited each corps that would possibly make the list for the Saturday night broadcast. In the months that followed, he attended major shows, sitting close to where a General Effect judge would sit, and made audio tapes of what he saw and how the cameras should be placed to catch the shots he thought the viewers should see.

Towards the end of July this past year, Tom also produced the Mid-Season CD, which is an amazing process in itself. The CD was recorded on Saturday and Sunday, July 24-25, in Toledo, Ohio, and San Antonio, Texas. It was immediately sent to New York for editing, then to Denver

for production, then to Los Angeles to be pressed, then back to Denver for final production, then to Murfreesboro, Tennessee where it was ready for sale on that following Friday night! Truly amazing!

Barely able to catch his breath, Tom began the final stages of preparation for Championship Week. Last minute changes were made, the features that were recorded earlier in the season were edited, and the animated show opener was created.

On Monday and Tuesday of Championship week, a smaller crew and a different director shot the Division II/III prelims. Along with them, a separate crew produced the Instant Videos, available for sale on-site right after each corps performance.

Wednesday brought a flurry of activity as Tom and his crew began their setup in Camp Randall for Saturday’s broadcast, all the while capturing the Opening Ceremonies and the Division II/III Finals that followed. On Thursday setup continued; there were camera platforms to be assembled, equipment to be placed, and numerous other details to be finalized. In addition, the drum major introductions were taped that day and edited for use in the telecast and on the videos.

Friday’s Division I Semifinals marked the end of setup and served as a dress rehearsal for the live production the following day. At this time the show’s hosts, Steve Rondinaro and Dennis

D C I

DeLucia, and crew were brought in and their scripts were finalized. Also any last minute adjustments to the timelines of the shows were made at this time. The continued on page 21

T O D A Y 19

continued from page 19

entire telecast is planned down to the second! After the show on Friday, everyone knew who would be performing on Saturday and, more importantly for Tom and his crew, who would be on the LIVE telecast. The positions of the features were finalized in

“If for some reason you cannot be there in person, enjoythe next production from Tom Blair and company as they bring the 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championships to viewers LIVE!” accordance with a final timeline that was distributed to the contest and television crew showing the exact step-off times for each of the corps on the telecast. The graphics of the semi-finals scores were also created at this time.

On Saturday morning, meetings with the hosts, producers, and directors cleared up any last minute changes or questions.

Just to be safe, Tom went over the timeline with the DCI event staff and the drum majors of the performing corps to make sure that everyone was clear on the schedule. Checks with the network were also made to ensure that all of the satellite feeds were clean and that the signals were coming through accurately.

Then it was show time! Shooting started with the 12th through 7th place corps to produce clips that would be used as highlights later that evening. That meant that their shows were edited immediately after each performance in order to be ready for the LIVE telecast. Once the 6th place corps stepped off, there was no turning back. By that time, so much preparation had been done that there was little left to do but follow through with the carefully arranged plan. The

entire process took about 60 people to produce the telecast.

“This is the ultimate team sport,” says Tom Blair. “You have to really rely on the rest of the crew to make sure that what we want the audience to see is what they actually see.”

Like the corps they record for drum corps history, the production team follows a creative process and must work together to put on the best show possible. And again like these corps, the process has already begun with little time off! If for some reason you cannot be there in person, enjoy the next production from Tom Blair and company as they bring the 2000 SUMMER MUSIC GAMES World Championship to viewers LIVE from Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland on August 12. In addition, fans who will be attending DCI’s major events throughout the summer should watch for Tom; he’ll be somewhere in the stands on the 50, or maybe in a press box, tape recorder in hand, closely watching every move of every corps he sees, and cleverly planning the execution of another world-class production.

AUXILIARY TO BE PART OF THE TOTAL SCORE! In the Fall 1999 issue of the DCI Today there was a feature article on the new judging system proposal that would include 8 judges with the Auxiliary (color guard) being rewarded as a part of the total score. That proposal successfully passed through the DCI Rules Making Process. Including a vote of endorsement by the corps instructors at their January conference and then presented to the DCI Board of Directors who overwhelmingly passed the proposal at their February meeting.

The High Auxiliary Award, presented at championships, will be determined by the highest score in the Auxiliary caption. Again, the Auxiliary caption will now impact the total score a corps receives in a competition.

For more detailed information on the new judging system please go to www.dci.org.

continued from page 1

review, honor their age-outs and participate in an en masse performance of an all new piece of music for DCI. After the opening ceremonies DCI will present the DCI Division II & III Finalist corps along with performances from the Individual and Ensemble champions decided earlier that day. Thursday will bring the Division I quarterfinals and Friday, prior to the Division I semifinals, DCI will present another world class student clinic for area high school bands that are attending the evenings performances.

Fans will have the opportunity to browse the DCI Festival Marketplace over the course of the week that will include corps souvenirs and DCI sponsor merchandise and exhibits along with pre-show entertainment.

DCI is excited to present the championships at this world class facility located on the University of Maryland campus. We look forward to sharing the drum corps experience with veteran and new fans alike.

D C I T O D A Y 21

continued from page 5

Southwind The 1999 season was an incredible summer for break-through performances.

Perhaps one of the greatest stories of the past season was the success of Southwind. In their first year back, after taking the 1998 season off, Southwind responded with the most successful season in corps history.

Establishing themselves as a crowd favorite throughout the entire 1999 summer, Southwind turned-in one of the best stories of the season. Finishing in 15th place at the 1999 DCI World Championships, the best finish in the corps 19 year history, Southwind showed the entire DCI activity that persistence and hard work pay off.

Southwind was formed in 1980, one year after the 1979 DCI World Championships were held in Birmingham, Alabama. The corps settled in Montgomery, Alabama, and initially performed for two years until going inactive in 1982. Under the leadership of then Executive Director and Southwind co-founder Dave Bryan, Southwind returned to DCI action in 1989 as a Division III corps. The corps experienced increasing success and increased membership, and moved up to Division II where they were crowned back-to-back Division II Champions in 1991 and

1992. In 1993, Southwind began Division I competition and finished 22nd. The corps then finished 19th in 1994, 17th in 1995, and 24th in 1996.

The Southwind – Madison Scouts relationship began in 1997, as Dave Bryan, good friend and long time admirer of Madison Scouts director Scott Stewart, solicited the help of the Madison Scouts design staff for help with the 1997 Southwind program. This relationship developed further, and in the fall of 1997 Dave Bryan asked the Madison Drum and Bugle Corps Association to officially take over the management of Southwind.

In order to facilitate the reorganization that was taking place throughout the corps, Southwind decided to declare themselves inactive for the 1998 season.

Instruments were sold and replaced with new equipment, instructional staff were interviewed and trained, uniform colors were changed from red to yellow, and headquarters were moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Lexington, Kentucky.

Southwind returned in 1999 as a “Madison corps.” Hard work and dedication of the Southwind members, a larger and more experienced instructional staff, an experienced management team and the combined resources of three financially sound drum corps (Madison Scouts, Capital Sound and Southwind) provided the foundation for what quickly became an incredibly successful and memorable 1999 season.

Becoming the first world-class drum corps to represent the state of Kentucky, a major reason for moving the corps to Lexington was to relocate closer to a larger recruiting pool and to gain access to more shows, specifically DCM competitions. Since the move, Southwind has received excellent local support from the city of Lexington and the surrounding communities.

A major reason for the immediate success of the “new” Southwind was the huge talent pool of potential members who attended the audition camps. Over 200 eager and excited people showed-up in early December to try out for a corps that didn’t really exist. Having the support of the Madison Drum Corps

Association gave the Southwind concept immediate credibility, and prospective members were excited for the opportunity of a Madison Scout-like experience. Potential members knew that Southwind was going to be based on the same philosophy of character and quality expected from the Madison Scouts. The 1999 Southwind marched members from 20 different states and 3 foreign countries!!!

“For the 1999 Southwind members, the experience was one they will never forget.”

For the 1999 Southwind members, the experience was one they will never forget.

In January the corps was a little more than a dream for those involved, but the members watched and experienced the corps develop into a crowd favorite.

Most importantly, they received a summer experience that was unique and rewarding.

“It was more than I ever expected, and something I will never forget,” explains Nicole Balboni, member of the 1999 and 2000 Southwind color guard.

“I had so much fun marching my ageout year with my Southwind family. Every experience from camps to the long bus rides to marching my last show at Camp Randall Stadium with my parents in the audience, will hold a very special place in my heart,” adds Joe Fink, member of the 1999 Southwind soprano section.

Now established in the present, Southwind has a strong emphasis on the future and has set various long-term goals. The 2000 Southwind have an incredible return rate of 80%, in addition to the many talented people who attended December auditions.

Paralleling the Madison Scouts and Capital Sound philosophy, Southwind strives to be a highly entertaining drum corps, while at the same time acting with dignity and class both on and off the field. With the successful 1999 summer behind them, Southwind is looking forward to a bright future with many successful seasons ahead of them!

D C I T O D A Y 23

The Fall 1999 issue of DCI Today included an illuminating feature on the field band activity in South Africa. The piece alluded to the “profound” effect that North American drum corps has had on marching music across the globe. This influence is certainly evident in the rapid evolution of Drum Corps Japan.

O

D C I T O D A Y 24

rganized by DCI through staffer Randy Isoda, a select panel of American judges recently served as the adjudicators for the 1999 DCJ Championships in Yokohama. Along with Isoda, Clarke Williams (New Jersey), Joe Krepel (Florida), Don Hill (Indiana), and Joe Allison (Kentucky) were the guests of DCJ for 6 days of touring and indoctrination, culminating in the Drum Corps Japan Championships.

The scoring system currently adopted

by DCJ for their competition utilizes 5 judges: one each for Music Effect (20 points), Visual Effect (20 points), Brass Performance/Field (10 points), Percussion Performance/Field (10 points), and Visual Performance/Field (10 points) for a total maximum score of 70 points.

Each caption evaluation is criteria referenced, just as in DCI. The initial reaction to the Japanese drum corps from all 5 of the veteran American adjudicators was one of amazement, particularly at the rapid progression of the corps over a relatively short period of time. Although the history of Drum Corps Japan is as yet a brief one, much has occurred to develop this youth activity.

Historically, marching music was not a part of the Japanese music tradition before World War II, and the public schools of Japan have not “officially” supported instrumental music programs.

Even today, instrumental activities in the schools are almost exclusively extracurricular, and are conducted by nonformally trained staff.

As a result of United Nations demilitarization guidelines after WWII, there was little military band activity in the country through the 60’s. The Kanagawa Prefecture Police Band and the Yokohama Fire Department Band utilized bugles to double the other traditional band instruments, however.

Although presently inactive, both these groups were significant forerunners to the country’s current drum corps.

According to Sadao Yokota, known as the “patron saint of Japanese drum corps,” the prototype of the Japanese marching band activity in the 1960’s (pre-Tokyo Olympics) was grammar school drum and fife corps. The 1964 Olympic Games introduced to Japan an international culture of marching music.

At approximately the same time, the Soka religious group added marching

activities to their activities. In 1967, a cultural enthusiasm for parades led to the establishment of the Japan Parade Festival, first held in Yokohama.

The decade of the 1970’s brought a dramatic increase in Japanese marching activities. In the early 70’s, both the Sumanoura All Girls High School and the Soka Gakkai religious sect organized drum and bugle corps in the Kansai area.

Soon after, the National Sport Festival initiated a drill show. The early 70’s also marked the beginnings of a direct influence and collaboration from the drum corps activity in the United States.

A significant historical landmark event occurred in 1975, when The “Rising Sun” Bugle Band performed in exhibition at the DCI Championships at Philadelphia.

In the early 80’s, the Yokohama Inspires were formed, DEG Japan was established, and the modern era of Japanese drum corps began. Regular interaction with North American DCI personnel and activities became characteristic. The Okayama Marching Band Festival was founded in 1989, and continues to be a major event. The Yokohama Inspires captured first place in the open class in Okayama from the inaugural contest until 1993, while the Soka Gakkai held the top honor from 1994-1997. Adding significance to the title, the championship award is presented by the Prime Minister of Japan!

Also in the 90’s, drum corps in the Tokyo/Yokohama area began to

“Although the histor y of Dr um Corps Japan is as yet a brief one, much has occurred to develop this youth activity.” participate in a festival type event, called “Drum Corps Forum.” As the name suggests, the Forum was exclusive from

the established band/corps events, as it included only drum and bugle corps. The Drum Corps Forum soon evolved into the Drum Corps Japan Championships. The advent of DCJ led directly to the solicitation of North American adjudicators to both judge the Championships, and help cultivate a domestic Japanese judging program.

The International Marching Institute currently organizes adjudication activities for the country’s major events. Sadao Yokota serves as President of the Institute, while DCI’s Randy Isoda is a US Charter Member.

Another significant Nineties’ development occurred when the Tokyo Phoenix Regiment became the first Japanese unit to undertake an American DCI tour in 1993. The decade also witnessed a profound increase in the number of Japanese youth participating in North American drum corps. Since 1984, more than 500 marching activity participants have visited DCI events with DEG Japan’s DCI Tours. Even more dramatically, the five extant Japanese drum corps of the 1980’s have expanded

into approximately 50 today! Sadao Yokota states that a significant element of drum corps’ appeal to the Japanese youth stems from a global media culture, and it’s passion for “all things American.”

In direct contrast to their North American counterparts, however, most DCJ corps are funded almost exclusively by membership fees. A much smaller portion of their income is earned from participation in parades and civic events.

The units funded by religious groups are a notable exception, and those better-funded organizations have more direct access to American creative and instructional staffing.

Touring opportunities are also limited by the established funding process. As a result of geographical location, some areas are not yet well represented in the DCJ Championships, particularly units from Northern Japan. Groups from that area tend to limit competition to local events with marching bands and other pageantry units.

As an organization, Drum Corps Japan’s income is derived primarily from ticket sales for the Championship show: currently 1,500 to 2,000 tickets for a comparatively space-limited indoor

“Adding significance to the Dr um Corps Japan title, the championship award is presented by the Prime Minister of Japan!” arena. For the spectator, drum corps is primarily valued for its entertainment value, rather than the competitive aspects. In consistency with domestic cultural values, educational outcomes are stressed. The individual units are viewed as representatives of their area of origin, directly reflecting the Japanese emphasis on community.

Another important contrast to the North American drum corps activity is found in the physical characteristics of continued on page 29

D C I T O D A Y 25

continued from page 25

“The advent of DCJ led directly to

As stated earlier, the immediate reaction of the American judges to the 1999 Japanese corps was one of astonishment at their rapid development.

Clarke Williams stressed the “dedication,

the solicitation of Nor th American adjudicators to both judge the Championships and help cultivate a domestic Japanese judging program.” the performance venues. The DCJ indoor environment is not only acoustically different from that of DCI, but the dimensions of the room, and therefore the performance area, are quite dissimilar. For the 1999 DCJ Championships, the “field” consisted of a synthetic carpet-like material taped over a hard surface. The material would give somewhat on direction changes (by performers AND judges!), making for interesting footing on the demanding movements required by so many of the units. The dimensions of the “field” were unique to this activity, as well. The front sideline stretched the approximately 2/3 the length of a football field, while the depth of the performing area (frontto-back) appeared much greater in proportion! In other words, the performance area seems “deeper than it is wide!” Particularly, then, from a visual standpoint the look is much different than in North American football venues.

pride and passion” of the performers.

Similarly, Joe Krepel noted the “great reaction of the students and instructors to input.” Don Hill commented on the enthusiasm of the performers, and how much improvement was achieved by the 11 finalist groups in just two weeks

“The individual units are viewed as representatives of their area of origin, directly reflecting the Japanese emphasis on community.” between events. All five judges were taken by the warm hospitality of their hosts, and the new interpersonal relationships that are being formed across the Pacific. The Land of the Rising Sun is rapidly becoming the Land of the Rising Drum Corps!

Dr. Joseph Allison is the Director of Bands and Graduate Conducting at Eastern Kentucky University. He has served as a DCI Judge in all three captions: Brass, Percussion, and Visual.

THE 1999 DRUM CORPS JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS National Champion Soka Renaissance Vanguard . . . .65.3 Soka Royal Kilties . . . . . . . . . . .63.4 Yokohama Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . .60.8 Yokohama Inspires . . . . . . . . . . .60.6

High Brass Award Soka Renaissance Vanguard . . . . .9.5

High Percussion Award Soka Royal Kilties . . . . . . . . . . . .9.3

High Visual Award Soka Renaissance Vanguard . . . . .9.2

High General Effect Award Soka Renaissance Vanguard . . . .37.5

D C I T O D A Y 27

You marched. You aged out. Your kids marched.

Your kids aged out. You’ve bought tickets to championships for 20 years and counting. You have been to countless shows over the years. You are convinced you are the ultimate Drum Corps Nut. Where do you go from here?

Friends of DCI Over 500 people know. They have joined the elite and dedicated group of drum corps fans known as Friends of DCI. Now you too can help support an organization that gives today’s youth more than a musical education, it is an education in life.

In addition to the many essential benefits that Friends of DCI receive, you will have the extra benefit of belonging to that special group of people who share the same values.

A passion for drum corps Belief in the competitive team experience, performing great music, being physically fit Enriching the lives of youth through music For Exclusive, MEMBERS-ONLY benefits, information and to become a member please contact:

Friends of DCI 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101 630/628-7888 • FAX 630/628-7971 • www.dci.org

1999 Audio/Video Series Audio and video recordings from the incredible 1999 season!!

1999 Division I Top 21 Finals Video 3 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98.00 1999 Division I Individual Corps Video Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29.00 1999 Division II/III Finals Video 2 volume set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45.00 1999 Division II/III Individual Corps Video Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.00 1999 Division I Top 21 Audio 3 CD set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45.00 1999 Division I Top 24 Audio 4 cassette set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39.00 1999 Mid-Season Preview Top 14 2 CD set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.00

DCI Wear 1999 DCI Deco Logo Sweatshirt Gray; XXL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32.00 1999 DCI Deco Logo Windshirt Hunter Green; L-XL-XXL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40.00 1999 DCI Deco Logo Polo Shirt Navy/Khaki; M-L-XL-XXL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32.00 DCI Deco Logo Denim Shirt Longsleeve; Blue Denim; L-XL-XXL . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28.00 DCI Logo Hat White/Purple; one size fits all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16.00 DCI Attache Case Blue Nylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00

DCI Merchandise Don’t miss your opportunity to own these full color pieces highlighting the many drum corps competing around the world.

2000 DCI Calendar 12-month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12.00 1999 DCI Program Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 Mail your order to:

Drum Corps International 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101 • Place your order online at: www.dci.org 800/495-SHOW (7469) For phone orders outside the U.S. please call 630/628-7888 • FAX your order to: 630/628-7971

Phone in your order to:

Shipping & Handling Information Please include $5.50 shipping/handling fee with each order under 2lbs. Call for shipping and handling fees for orders over 2lbs, Canadian orders, International orders, and 2-day express orders. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery

Please visit the DCI Catalog at www.dci.org and order your free bulk mail subscription or send your name and address to:

Free Subscription!

The official news of Drum Corps International

DCI Today 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101 800/495-7469 • FAX 630/628-7971 Published three times a year.