From: owens@cyclops.cambridge.ibm.com (Dave Owens)
Subject: Re: Nothing Left?
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 92 19:05:32 GMT
Organization: IBM T. J. Watson Research

In article <1992Dec10.122047.1@cubldr.colorado.edu>, streuer_d@cubldr.colorado.edu writes:

...some unrelated stuff deleted...

> Also, the more I read this group, the more depressed I'm getting, particularly
> the stuff about the masked profanity, suggestive drills, etc.  My husband
> had run into some California corp folks on the road and was excited about our
> daughter's interest in drum corp, particularly guard.  Their comments were
> that most guard are considered 'entertainment for the troops.'
> I thought he was exaggerating, but after reading the recent posts, I'm
> beginning to have my doubts about the value of the activity.   Are directors/
> managers aware of this stuff and are they just ignoring the issue?  Obviously
> the drill issue was a blantent example of a manager/adult encouraging this
> behavior and sexist attitude.  It used to be people who acted or thought
> like this were called pigs....now it's cool.   What ever happened to having
> a little class.
>  
> And to think drum corp started with American Legions and CYOs.


I know people are going to laugh when I say this, but...
    ...send your daughter to Boston.

Boston's bad reputation is mostly undeserved, and mostly left
over from the past.  Boston's the only corps (correct me if I'm 
wrong) that doesn't have coed busses.  (except Cavies, Scouts, 
and Ventures maybe :) )  Swearing (or eating or smoking or kissing
or hugging or running...) in uniform is not allowed.  (This is a 
rule by the members, not the staff).  The staff, in an effort to 
improve the corps reputation, doesn't let much slide either.

Boston's emphasis is not on competing, but on education.  This 
winter will be filled with "field trips" to concerts, etc.  Two 
years ago or so members of the corps played soldiers in a 
production by the Boston Opera Company, and got to meet Bernstein.

Someone who marched Boston 15 years ago would never beleive 
activities like the 100+ member Boston/Scouts hornline playing 
Conquest, Giant, and You'll Never Walk Alone from the corps known 
for keeping to itself.  (it was very loud btw)

Marching in Boston does not require you to give up your life for
a year.  School comitments are given priority.  Full-time practice 
doesn't begin until we leave on tour so you can hold down a full 
time job most of the summer (so you can afford to march).  The
corps has a "job pool" of guaranteed jobs at local buisinesses for 
those who want them.  Scholarships are given each year for school.

On tour the kids are not beaten (much :)) with rehearsal.  There are
no "death camps".  Quality, not quantity practice time is the rule.
More sleep than most corps.  As good or better foor than any corps 
except maybe Star.  Nice busses with AC every year.  (I can't imaging 
touring in VK's or Crossmen's rolling junk yard)  And more laundry 
days than most it sounds like.  

Actually, Boston is pretty good proof you don't need to go overboard 
on practice...  over the past 10 years I can't think of any corps
Boston's size being as competitive.  Boston has beaten plenty of 
full corps (with death camps) over the years... with horn lines 
in the 30s and 40s.

Of course I'm not saying Boston is spotless... the corps has it's
share of filthy songs, etc.  But the only thing I did on the field
that was odd was bring a camera to finals to get pictures of the 
crowd and corps during my last performance.

Though... in the 87 tape of Boston you get a close up of my brother
flipping off a camera man who had just gotten in his way during the 
show, but then, 87 was still early in the shed-the-old-image stage. :)

Enough of my ads for Boston...  you're probably getting sick of it by
now.  :)


==============================================================================
   David Owens                    VMID:        ODAVID at YKTVMH
   SVS Multiplatform Development  Internet:    odavid@watson.ibm.com
   IBM Research                   
   One Copley Place               Disclaimer:  I am not a spokesman for IBM.
   Boston, MA 02116

   You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.
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