Newsgroups: alt.drumcorps
Subject: Re: POPCORN
From: cputnam@vax1.umkc.edu
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 02:59:29 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri - Kansas City

In article <1992Aug20.184240.6849@cas.org>, kxh26@cas.org (Kenneth D. Huffman) writes:
> While I wait for the creation of "alt.drumcorps.whine" for the discussion
> on why certain stadiums suck, Star's money sucks, VK's style sucks, Judges
> suck, Corps X was robbed and DCI sucks, I thought I'd start a new thread.
> 
> During the finals I was handed this flyer:

[flyer deleted]
 
> Any opinions guys?
> 
> I can't see going back to symmetrical drills, nor mandating that each corps
> be different that the other corps.  What are they trying to get at?  Certain
> *things* appeal to judges, every corps (save one) is trying to find those
> *things*.  Is this a crime?  I like the mayority of the changes over the past
> few years.

I agree, I can't see going back to old drill.  But, someone mentioned that the
DCI directors got together in the off-season and decided to do shows much more
mainstream and accessible.  This being true, and it did look like it at
Madison, I would hate to see DCI start listening to the fans.  Fans support
DCI, and DCI couldn't exist without fans, but if the corps try to do what the
fans want, they will be doing easy driil with easy music.

Let's face it, most of the fans would be much more likely to support VK (and I
happen to like VK a tremendous amount) and not Star and Cadets and even the
Cavies.  The fans that don't follow DCI a lot, and aren't as well versed in
music and marching, would love to see a show they could more easily understand. 
This means, to me, that the corps would have to do more company fronts and more
Walt Disney music.  Not good for drum corps.
 
> ObWhines:
> 
> Stadiums suck: As long as there is an open IHOP within walking distance
> 	       Sunday at 3am I'm happy.  I'd also like it if they were in my
> 	       backyard.  (They won't be next year.)

I'm not neccessarily advocating KC just because it would put the finals in my
backyard, but because KC is the only stadium DCI has been to that is of a
caliber high enough to host the Championships.
 
> Star's money sucks: I would want *my* corps to have Star's money, but I
> 		    probably wouldn't like them anymore. Think of Star as
> 		    the Dream Team and Phantom Regiment as Lithuania.  The
> 		    Dream Team is easy to root for but you would like it
> 		    to remain a nail-biting contest between all the corps.

I loved the Dream Team.  Star isn't the Dream Team because they have money,
they win and lose just as much as other corps.  The money helps to keep the
corps in the upper echelon and to give the members the best oppurtunity to
learn and enjoy their summers.
 
> VK's style sucks: Hey any corps that sells boxer shorts at their stand has
> 		  the right attitude.  (I also like Phantom Regiment,
> 		  Blue Devils, and the Glassmen for you serious fans out
> 		  there.)
> 
> Judges suck: With dozens of judges, I can't see how this stuff could be fixed.
> 	     Or why they would even feel the need to fix the contest anyway.
> 	     Face it, judging is an inexact, subjective art--your corps isn't
> 	     always going to place where you want.
> 
> Corps X was robbed: Yeah, I admit I was hoping the Glassmen would have made it
> 		    into the final 12.  Life is hell.  :-)
> 
> DCI sucks: At least they haven't thrown woodwinds in the corps (yet).

I agree on this.  No woodwinds and no electronics!!
 
IRC nick-BlueDevil