From: kxh26@cas.org (Kenneth D. Huffman)
Subject: POPCORN
Organization: Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 18:42:40 GMT

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:

  "This survey is being conducted by POPCORN, a loyalist group of dedicated
   drum cops fans intent upon establishing a forum for audience input,
   reaction, and participation.

  "In the twenty year existence of DCI, drum corps have become more
   proficient than ever.  Today's twelfth place unit might conceivably have
   beaten many national champions from decades past.  However, in their rush
   to excellence many corps have lost sight of and/or have forgotten the
   audience.  Many fans bemoan the fact that (a) today's music selections
   although harmonically and rythmically brilliant, lack fundamental audience
   appeal; (b) today's visual presentation, although physically demanding and
   dynamic, often resemble strands of spaghetti being pushed around a plate,
   or an ashtray at the end of a long night of socializing.  What is more,
   their brilliance and proficieny [sic] notwithstanding, drum corps have in
   the opinion of many lost their classic identities where one need only hear
   the sound of one chord or watch them mark time for eight counts to know who
   they were.

  "The purpose of POPCORN is to urge the re-introduction of the best and most
   distinctive elements of audience appeal, participation and reaction to this
   great activity.  In that light, POPCORN invites you on the 20th Anniversary
   of DCI to judge the finals, not by any standard other than audience appeal
   and entertainment value."

   [A ballot for ranking corps and 10 "Best" catagories was included.]

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.

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.)

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.

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).
-- 
"hello/ computer support/ my shift key doesn't seem to work." - e.e.cummings
Kenneth D Huffman   Work: Chemical Abstracts Service    Play: 2740 Wynnerock Ct
<kxh26@cas.org>           Box 3012, Columbus OH 43210         Hilliard OH 43026
<kxh26@cas.bitnet>        614-447-3838 ext. 2290              614-771-6334