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September 22, 2004
DCI Board of Directors Pass Major Changes
This past weekend the DCI Board of Directors had a weekend meeting to discuss two major issues: parity and financial stability. What came out of the meeting was the elimination of "Retreats" at Tour Events, elimination of judge critique, and the biggest: elimination of CAPTION AWARDS at DCI Finals.
That means their will no longer be a crowned drum champion, no high brass, nothing. You will still know the high scores, but no awards or acknowledgment will be given.
I personally find this counterproductive the the pursuit of excellence in the drum corp community - especially for the percussion sections. This smells of the BOA judging system...the DCI board believes that "the caption awards diluted the overall team effort of what a corps brings to the competition". The next thing you know, they won't even announce placements anymore (like BOA last year), just the champion. Though BOA to its credit has decided to retract that decision and will now announce the placements (but not scores).
Though not as big of a deal, the elimination of retreat is really disheartening to me. Some of my fondest memories in drum corp were standing on the field and hearing all the corp hornlines play the America/O Canada melody each night. It reminded me that the time living this experience was short and each time I heard it, another day had passed. Now that is gone.
I understand making changes for financial reasons, but eliminating retreat so corps can get on the road quicker? Comon! Anyone who has been in the parking lot after a show knows that is when the corps get to mingle, practice solo/ensemble pieces, make runs to the convenience store, or catch up with friends at their home shows. Another memory quite possibly gone forever.
Posted by Ryan on September 22, 2004 04:41 PM
Comments
no more massing? if it saves money not that's ridiculous!
Posted by: Robert at September 23, 2004 01:26 AM
