This morning, Dec. 27th, Cozy Baker 58 passed on from a lingering lung infection. Cozy was the author of "Cozy's Corner" in Drum Corps World Newspaper for many years and currently served as senior editor for the paper. He was one of the most gifted and creative writers in the activity. He has also been a frequent performer and talented musician with a number of different DCA competitors over the years and a valuable asset as a volunteer at many DCA championships. This past summer, he took on the task of writing the corps pages for the 2008 DCA Yearbook.
Cozy was a retired naval aviator who flew fighter jets off aircraft carriers. He had many hobbies that ranged from scuba diving - the scuba shop he had on Bainbridge Island (Puget Sound) is still open - to Cantina singer - an art he perfected last winter in sunny Mexico - but his true love was drum corps. He would never turn down anyone who asked him to do something as long as he felt it would help the activity.
He will be sorely missed by all. DCA sends its condolences to his family. A memorial will be held on the afternoon of January 18th in Alabama. (this was changed from the 17th)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Prayers for Cozy Baker
Cozy Baker, long timed performer with several corps (Kilties, Empire and others), talented lead soprano player, gifted drum corps writer for Drum Corps World, responsible for much of the written content of the 2008 DCA Yearbook and frequent volunteer worker at the DCA Championship weekend has been fighting for his life. He has been in ICU for over 35 days and on a respirator throughout, fighting a lung infection. Now he has had a setback with other complications. All of us in the DCA community send along our well wishes and prayers for a complete recovery. Further information can be found on his Caring Bridge page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cozy or on the all aged section of Drum Corps Planet.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
DCA Championship Schedule
We have received several requests for the DCA Championship Schedule. The U.S. Labor Day holiday determines the dates for the Championship. In 2009, Labor Day - always set by law as the first Monday in September - is September 7th. This is the latest possible date for it. Correspondingly, DCA Finals in Rochester, NY will be September 6th - Also the latest possible date for the DCA Championship.
I&E/Mini Corps will be September 4th and Class A and Open Class Prelims will be September 5th. The Alumni Spectacular as well as the the Class A and Open Class Finals Competition will be September 6th. Make your plans early. Now is not too early to book hotels. For local information, go to http://www.visitrochester.com. For drum corps related information, you may email info@dcacorps.org.
I&E/Mini Corps will be September 4th and Class A and Open Class Prelims will be September 5th. The Alumni Spectacular as well as the the Class A and Open Class Finals Competition will be September 6th. Make your plans early. Now is not too early to book hotels. For local information, go to http://www.visitrochester.com. For drum corps related information, you may email info@dcacorps.org.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Rules Congress Most Successful
DCA President Gil Silva had help from Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks in opening the 2009/2010 DCA Rules Congress at the George Eastman House Museum. Rarely are politicians as drum corps savvy and cooperative as this “cross party” pair. Both spoke about their sincere appreciation for all DCA and drum corps in general have done for the Rochester area and promised their complete cooperation in making the 2009 championship another success story. A record number – 30 corps – were represented.
This, of course, was a hardworking weekend with over 150 in attendance and many separate meetings, caucuses and seminars going on simultaneously. Seminars on everything from show design to fund raising were well received including a most appropriate and very funny session presented by DCA Vice-President, Larry Hershman, called Drum Corps 101 done Jeff Foxworthy style. “You may have a problem if: It takes longer to explain your show concept to the judges than it does to perform it!” That and many more gems of wisdom were most well received.
DCA’s new judging team headed by Judge Coordinator John Kreitzer joined by Brass Caption Chairman Rich Guillen, Percussion Chairman John Stauffer and Visual Chairman Tony Smith set the tone of cooperation as all three elements worked together to investigate potential changes and various new adjudication techniques. Much time was spent on cooperation between Brass and Percussion and consideration was given to a 7-judge panel and the changes that would require. In the end, the corps decided on a freshly “tweaked” 9-judge panel similar to the previous 2 seasons, but with some new language and a new look to the sheets and criteria scale.
From the outset, it was obvious that the multitude of “younger” corps – many aligned with the Class A movement – were going to have substantial input to all aspects of the rules and adjudication system. This culminated in a significant change in DCA policy. Prior to this day, Class A was designed and intended to cultivate more corps and give newer and smaller corps an avenue to strive for and improve until they ultimately make the top 10 corps status. Several changes were initiated that now clearly separate Class A from Open Class. In recognition of the growth of the Class A movement and conceding that many Class A corps – for one reason or another – intend to remain Class A, much discussion addressed this situation. The final vote to solidify this class definition was that at the DCA Preliminary Competition at Championships, the Class A Prelims will occur first and then, Open Class. All corps declaring Class A status at the beginning of the season will compete against each other with a designated number (depending on the number of entrants) moving on to the finals to compete for the Class A championship. Should a Class A corps score higher in Preliminary Competition than an Open Class corps or, perhaps, even achieve a top 10 position, they will NOT be moved to Open Class as previous rules required. They will compete for the Class A championships. Any movement of a Class A corps to Open Class would only occur when the corps has more than 65 performers or elects to compete in open class.
Many other topics were covered, discussed and voted on. Most of which were basically operational issues with little effect on the final product. One proposal that got some press prior to the congress – the proposed use of amplification of pit equipment – became a non-issue as the proposal was voted down in the Percussion Caucus by the percussion instructors – never making it to the directors for consideration.
Allen Buell and the staff of the George Eastman House and International Museum of Photography were the perfect hosts. A reception Saturday evening for all participants was a great opportunity for everyone to socialize and reflect on the day’s happenings. Tours of the 35,000 square foot George Eastman House were conducted giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the historical setting for a most successful weekend. A few final votes and housekeeping on Sunday morning were quickly concluded and President Silva thanked everyone for their hard work, cooperation and input and closed the books for another 2 years on the DCA rules and regulations.
This, of course, was a hardworking weekend with over 150 in attendance and many separate meetings, caucuses and seminars going on simultaneously. Seminars on everything from show design to fund raising were well received including a most appropriate and very funny session presented by DCA Vice-President, Larry Hershman, called Drum Corps 101 done Jeff Foxworthy style. “You may have a problem if: It takes longer to explain your show concept to the judges than it does to perform it!” That and many more gems of wisdom were most well received.
DCA’s new judging team headed by Judge Coordinator John Kreitzer joined by Brass Caption Chairman Rich Guillen, Percussion Chairman John Stauffer and Visual Chairman Tony Smith set the tone of cooperation as all three elements worked together to investigate potential changes and various new adjudication techniques. Much time was spent on cooperation between Brass and Percussion and consideration was given to a 7-judge panel and the changes that would require. In the end, the corps decided on a freshly “tweaked” 9-judge panel similar to the previous 2 seasons, but with some new language and a new look to the sheets and criteria scale.
From the outset, it was obvious that the multitude of “younger” corps – many aligned with the Class A movement – were going to have substantial input to all aspects of the rules and adjudication system. This culminated in a significant change in DCA policy. Prior to this day, Class A was designed and intended to cultivate more corps and give newer and smaller corps an avenue to strive for and improve until they ultimately make the top 10 corps status. Several changes were initiated that now clearly separate Class A from Open Class. In recognition of the growth of the Class A movement and conceding that many Class A corps – for one reason or another – intend to remain Class A, much discussion addressed this situation. The final vote to solidify this class definition was that at the DCA Preliminary Competition at Championships, the Class A Prelims will occur first and then, Open Class. All corps declaring Class A status at the beginning of the season will compete against each other with a designated number (depending on the number of entrants) moving on to the finals to compete for the Class A championship. Should a Class A corps score higher in Preliminary Competition than an Open Class corps or, perhaps, even achieve a top 10 position, they will NOT be moved to Open Class as previous rules required. They will compete for the Class A championships. Any movement of a Class A corps to Open Class would only occur when the corps has more than 65 performers or elects to compete in open class.
Many other topics were covered, discussed and voted on. Most of which were basically operational issues with little effect on the final product. One proposal that got some press prior to the congress – the proposed use of amplification of pit equipment – became a non-issue as the proposal was voted down in the Percussion Caucus by the percussion instructors – never making it to the directors for consideration.
Allen Buell and the staff of the George Eastman House and International Museum of Photography were the perfect hosts. A reception Saturday evening for all participants was a great opportunity for everyone to socialize and reflect on the day’s happenings. Tours of the 35,000 square foot George Eastman House were conducted giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the historical setting for a most successful weekend. A few final votes and housekeeping on Sunday morning were quickly concluded and President Silva thanked everyone for their hard work, cooperation and input and closed the books for another 2 years on the DCA rules and regulations.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rules Congress - Weather Promising
Saturday morning will see the DCA Rules Congress and Symposium. Registration begins at 8:30AM at the George Eastman House Museum in Rochester, NY. Meetings begin promptly at 9:00AM. So far, so good weather wise. No major storms and a heat wave on Sunday. See everyone there.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Curt Anderson - Mighty St. Joe's Alumni
DCA would like to send along condolences to the family and friends of Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Assistant Director, Curt Anderson who passed away suddenly on Monday, December 1st. Curt can only be described as a "gentle giant" - large enough to carry his contra bass, with a heart to match. While standing at Bob Sullivan's side as Assistant Director, Curt was instrumental in the success of the Alumni movement and a tremendous supporter of DCA. He will be missed by all.
Calling Hours will be this Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624 (this is actually at the corners of Chili Ave. and Howard/Beahan Rds. across from the Super Walmart in Gates). Church Services will be this Friday, Dec. 5 at 11:00 A.M. at the Calvary Chapel/Westside, 2407 Union St., Spencerport NY, 14559 (at the intersection of Ogden Townline Rd.) There will be a reception in celebration of Curt's life to immediately follow the church service at the Chili Post American Legion, 450 Chili-Scottsville Rd (Rte. 386), Scottsville NY, 14546 (at the corner of Stryker Rd.)
Calling Hours will be this Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624 (this is actually at the corners of Chili Ave. and Howard/Beahan Rds. across from the Super Walmart in Gates). Church Services will be this Friday, Dec. 5 at 11:00 A.M. at the Calvary Chapel/Westside, 2407 Union St., Spencerport NY, 14559 (at the intersection of Ogden Townline Rd.) There will be a reception in celebration of Curt's life to immediately follow the church service at the Chili Post American Legion, 450 Chili-Scottsville Rd (Rte. 386), Scottsville NY, 14546 (at the corner of Stryker Rd.)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Allen Buell Joins DCA Staff
DCA President, Gil Silva, has announced the appointment of Allen Buell to be the Director of Operations for the DCA Championships. President Silva advises that Allen has been doing a wonderful job with the Rochester Championships these past 3 seasons as local contest chairman and now will continue in this position permanently - no matter where the championship may be held.
In addition to his specific duties Championship Weekend, it will be his duty to market our DCA Championship to various communities, assist, solicit and encourage Championship bids as well as working closely with Dick Eschenmann, DCA Business Manager and Championship Contest Chairman. Allen is well known in drum corps and color guard circles. He has performed with several upstate New York corps and color guards, has been a successful color guard instructor, past president of the Northeast Color Guard Circuit and is a visual judge for New York Federation of Contest Judges and Winter Guard International. He is the long time business manager of the Empire Statesmen and will continue in that position for the 2009 season at which time he will conclude his tenure with the corps and come on board the DCA Staff full time in the new position.
Anyone wishing further information on bidding on the DCA Championship should contact Allen at allengun@aol.com. Bids for the 2010/2011 DCA Championship are actively being solicited and should be submitted by January 15, 2009. Allen resides in Rochester, NY where he is director of events for the George Eastman House and the International Museum of Photography housed there.
In addition to his specific duties Championship Weekend, it will be his duty to market our DCA Championship to various communities, assist, solicit and encourage Championship bids as well as working closely with Dick Eschenmann, DCA Business Manager and Championship Contest Chairman. Allen is well known in drum corps and color guard circles. He has performed with several upstate New York corps and color guards, has been a successful color guard instructor, past president of the Northeast Color Guard Circuit and is a visual judge for New York Federation of Contest Judges and Winter Guard International. He is the long time business manager of the Empire Statesmen and will continue in that position for the 2009 season at which time he will conclude his tenure with the corps and come on board the DCA Staff full time in the new position.
Anyone wishing further information on bidding on the DCA Championship should contact Allen at allengun@aol.com. Bids for the 2010/2011 DCA Championship are actively being solicited and should be submitted by January 15, 2009. Allen resides in Rochester, NY where he is director of events for the George Eastman House and the International Museum of Photography housed there.
Friday, November 7, 2008
DCA Rules Congress - Final Schedule
DCA President, Gil Silva, Vice-President Larry Hershman and Local Chairman, Allen Buell have released the schedule for the 2009/2010 DCA Rules Congress and Seminars to be held on December 13th and 14th at the George Eastman House Museum (http://www.eastmanhouse.org/) and the Strathallan Hotel (http://www.strathallan.com/) in Rochester, New York. All all-aged corps planning on competing during the 2009 DCA Season are encouraged to attend.
This event is particularly critical to new corps planning on competing in 2009 or 2010. It will provide them with a wealth of information planned to help ease their transition into the all-aged competitive ranks. Those attending should notify DCA Secretary, Glen Johnson of the number of people attending and receive hotel discount information. secretary@dcacorps.org All corps will pay a $100 registration fee. Corps who competed in the 2008 DCA Championship Preliminary Contest have already paid this fee.
A new addition to the Rules Congress this year is the addition of numerous seminars for Corps Directors and Business Managers. The following seminars will be held:
Key note session: “Drum Corps 101” – Larry Hershman, Chairman
“Programming for DCA” – Jim Dugan, Chairman
“Strategy Development” – DNS Associates, Davis Condon, Chairman
“Secrets of Success in DCA” – Carl Ruocco, Chairman
“Fundraising for Drum Corps” – Tom Gabianelli, Chairman
Larry Hershman: Over a period of 20 years, Larry Hershman played all the percussion instruments and soprano horn with the Westshoremen, of Harrisburg, PA. He then devoted many more years to the corps as marching and maneuvering instructor, show coordinator, business manager and director. He was the show coordinator and marching instructor for the United States Naval Academy drum and bugle corps from 1983 to 1986. While serving on the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) board of directors, he chaired the committee, which completely revised the organization’s bylaws, rules and regulations and devised the mileage system used by DCA in dealing with contest sponsors. He also applied his skills as a marching instructor and program director with the Bluecoats junior drum and bugle corps, of Canton, Ohio. He has judged for several organizations, including Mid Atlantic, National, KIDA, CIDA, CBA and the International Band Fest. He organized a number of ongoing drum and bugle corps contests and concerts, including the Carlisle Review of the Corps, Serenade in Brass and the Hershey Invitational senior/junior contest. He is past Judging Coordinator of DCA and current Vice-President. Larry is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Jim Dugan: Jim is the program coordinator for the Connecticut Hurricanes. He has been involved in drum corps practically his whole life. His dad, Jim Sr. first taught Jim to play snare at the age of six. He went on to march junior corps with the Ct Classics, Milford Shoreliners and his last 4 years with the Bayonne Bridgemen. He was percussion caption head with the Bushwackers from 1984 - 1995 where they won a record 6 DCA drum titles in row. Jim also held the position as co-program coordinator from 1988 - 1995 while winning 5 DCA championships and again as program coordinator from 2002-2007. In addition Jim was program coordinator for the Sunrisers (97) and the Hurricanes (99-00). He taught the Bluecoats from 1987 - 1990, was a clinician for the British Youth Band Association and has taught many high school bands in Connecticut and New Jersey.
David Condon, Chairman & CEO, Diversified Non-Profit Services: David joined DNS Associates, LLC in 1985. David is a nationally recognized expert on fundraising, capital campaigns and nonprofit strategy. He has provided professional counsel to hundreds of nonprofits. His expertise and passion for his clients’ causes has been instrumental in clients closing over 200 solicitations of one million dollars or more. David is an outstanding motivational and professional development speaker. He is able to communicate big ideas and practical advice. His presentations are successful at moving prospective donors to action. He energizes and motivates Board members and professional staff to higher levels of performance. Audiences consistently place him among the most informative and entertaining speakers at the conferences and events he attends.
David has extensive understanding of nonprofit management and he is an expert at applying successful business practices to the nonprofit sector. David began working with nonprofit agencies in 1968. He was Director of Special Services for the Derby, Connecticut Public School System and later was President and CEO of Durham Hill School, a nonprofit residential treatment facility for severely retarded/emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. In May 2007, David was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame in recognition of the positive influence and inspiration he has brought to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement.
CARL RUOCCO: Carl is currently Show Coordinator for the World Champion Reading Buccaneers. He began his involvement in drum corps with the Dumont Police Cadets in 1960 playing the tenor drum. As a senior, he played in the percussion section of the New York Skyliners. He instructed the Ridgemen, Colts, Star of Indiana, New York Skyliners, and the Westshoremen. Carl was the Assistant Director of Star of Indiana and the Director of the Crossmen. He judged with the International Judges Association, and was percussion caption head of the National Judges Association for 11 years. Carl has also arranged and instructed numerous high school bands and is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Thomas Gabianelli, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Diversified Non-Profit Services: having sat on both sides of the fundraising table both as a donor and solicitor has prepared Tom Gabianelli to provide a unique perspective on the solicitation process which carries over into his solicitor training sessions during the campaign. Tom's knowledge of finance, accounting and business helps DNS clients to achieve a higher level of economic accountability.
Prior to joining DNS Associates in 1991, Tom was President & CEO of OmniBank of Connecticut. Tom's involvement in the community includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Valley United Way, Valley YMCA, Seymour Land Conservation, The Salvation Army of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Citizens Advisory Committee, West Haven and Ansonia Businessman's Association, Advisory Board Chairman (Durham Hill School), State Association-Bank Operations Committee, and Connecticut Hurricanes World Champion Drum & Bugle Corps. He is also President of Northeast Data Com's Banking Committee. Tom is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Finance, Class "A" School, and Brown University's School of Finance and Management.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday December 13th, George Eastman House
8:30AM Dryden Theatre Lobby Registration for all
9:00AM Dryden Theatre Roll call and presentation of rule proposals
9:30AM Dryden Theatre General meeting – Business
9:30AM Curtis Theatre Captions – Percussion
9:30AM Discovery Room Captions – Brass
9:30AM Council Room Captions – Visual
11:00AM Break Break
11:15AM All return to meeting rooms
1:00-2:45PM Lunch (on your own)
3:00-3:30PM Dryden Theatre Key Note – Drum Corps 101
3:40-5:00PM Dryden Theatre Programming for DCA
3:40-5:00PM Curtis Theatre Strategy Development
5:10-6:30PM Dryden Theatre Secrets of Success in DCA
5:10-6:30PM Curtis Theatre Fundraising for Drum Corps
6:30-8:30PM Potter Peristyle &Mansion Reception for all – meet new judging staff
Sunday, December 14th, Strathallan Hotel
9:00AM-12 Noon Voting on rules proposals
Note: This meeting is mandatory for voting members – others are welcome to attend.
12:00 Noon Rules Congress is completed
This event is particularly critical to new corps planning on competing in 2009 or 2010. It will provide them with a wealth of information planned to help ease their transition into the all-aged competitive ranks. Those attending should notify DCA Secretary, Glen Johnson of the number of people attending and receive hotel discount information. secretary@dcacorps.org All corps will pay a $100 registration fee. Corps who competed in the 2008 DCA Championship Preliminary Contest have already paid this fee.
A new addition to the Rules Congress this year is the addition of numerous seminars for Corps Directors and Business Managers. The following seminars will be held:
Key note session: “Drum Corps 101” – Larry Hershman, Chairman
“Programming for DCA” – Jim Dugan, Chairman
“Strategy Development” – DNS Associates, Davis Condon, Chairman
“Secrets of Success in DCA” – Carl Ruocco, Chairman
“Fundraising for Drum Corps” – Tom Gabianelli, Chairman
Larry Hershman: Over a period of 20 years, Larry Hershman played all the percussion instruments and soprano horn with the Westshoremen, of Harrisburg, PA. He then devoted many more years to the corps as marching and maneuvering instructor, show coordinator, business manager and director. He was the show coordinator and marching instructor for the United States Naval Academy drum and bugle corps from 1983 to 1986. While serving on the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) board of directors, he chaired the committee, which completely revised the organization’s bylaws, rules and regulations and devised the mileage system used by DCA in dealing with contest sponsors. He also applied his skills as a marching instructor and program director with the Bluecoats junior drum and bugle corps, of Canton, Ohio. He has judged for several organizations, including Mid Atlantic, National, KIDA, CIDA, CBA and the International Band Fest. He organized a number of ongoing drum and bugle corps contests and concerts, including the Carlisle Review of the Corps, Serenade in Brass and the Hershey Invitational senior/junior contest. He is past Judging Coordinator of DCA and current Vice-President. Larry is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Jim Dugan: Jim is the program coordinator for the Connecticut Hurricanes. He has been involved in drum corps practically his whole life. His dad, Jim Sr. first taught Jim to play snare at the age of six. He went on to march junior corps with the Ct Classics, Milford Shoreliners and his last 4 years with the Bayonne Bridgemen. He was percussion caption head with the Bushwackers from 1984 - 1995 where they won a record 6 DCA drum titles in row. Jim also held the position as co-program coordinator from 1988 - 1995 while winning 5 DCA championships and again as program coordinator from 2002-2007. In addition Jim was program coordinator for the Sunrisers (97) and the Hurricanes (99-00). He taught the Bluecoats from 1987 - 1990, was a clinician for the British Youth Band Association and has taught many high school bands in Connecticut and New Jersey.
David Condon, Chairman & CEO, Diversified Non-Profit Services: David joined DNS Associates, LLC in 1985. David is a nationally recognized expert on fundraising, capital campaigns and nonprofit strategy. He has provided professional counsel to hundreds of nonprofits. His expertise and passion for his clients’ causes has been instrumental in clients closing over 200 solicitations of one million dollars or more. David is an outstanding motivational and professional development speaker. He is able to communicate big ideas and practical advice. His presentations are successful at moving prospective donors to action. He energizes and motivates Board members and professional staff to higher levels of performance. Audiences consistently place him among the most informative and entertaining speakers at the conferences and events he attends.
David has extensive understanding of nonprofit management and he is an expert at applying successful business practices to the nonprofit sector. David began working with nonprofit agencies in 1968. He was Director of Special Services for the Derby, Connecticut Public School System and later was President and CEO of Durham Hill School, a nonprofit residential treatment facility for severely retarded/emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. In May 2007, David was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame in recognition of the positive influence and inspiration he has brought to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement.
CARL RUOCCO: Carl is currently Show Coordinator for the World Champion Reading Buccaneers. He began his involvement in drum corps with the Dumont Police Cadets in 1960 playing the tenor drum. As a senior, he played in the percussion section of the New York Skyliners. He instructed the Ridgemen, Colts, Star of Indiana, New York Skyliners, and the Westshoremen. Carl was the Assistant Director of Star of Indiana and the Director of the Crossmen. He judged with the International Judges Association, and was percussion caption head of the National Judges Association for 11 years. Carl has also arranged and instructed numerous high school bands and is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Thomas Gabianelli, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Diversified Non-Profit Services: having sat on both sides of the fundraising table both as a donor and solicitor has prepared Tom Gabianelli to provide a unique perspective on the solicitation process which carries over into his solicitor training sessions during the campaign. Tom's knowledge of finance, accounting and business helps DNS clients to achieve a higher level of economic accountability.
Prior to joining DNS Associates in 1991, Tom was President & CEO of OmniBank of Connecticut. Tom's involvement in the community includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Valley United Way, Valley YMCA, Seymour Land Conservation, The Salvation Army of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Citizens Advisory Committee, West Haven and Ansonia Businessman's Association, Advisory Board Chairman (Durham Hill School), State Association-Bank Operations Committee, and Connecticut Hurricanes World Champion Drum & Bugle Corps. He is also President of Northeast Data Com's Banking Committee. Tom is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Finance, Class "A" School, and Brown University's School of Finance and Management.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday December 13th, George Eastman House
8:30AM Dryden Theatre Lobby Registration for all
9:00AM Dryden Theatre Roll call and presentation of rule proposals
9:30AM Dryden Theatre General meeting – Business
9:30AM Curtis Theatre Captions – Percussion
9:30AM Discovery Room Captions – Brass
9:30AM Council Room Captions – Visual
11:00AM Break Break
11:15AM All return to meeting rooms
1:00-2:45PM Lunch (on your own)
3:00-3:30PM Dryden Theatre Key Note – Drum Corps 101
3:40-5:00PM Dryden Theatre Programming for DCA
3:40-5:00PM Curtis Theatre Strategy Development
5:10-6:30PM Dryden Theatre Secrets of Success in DCA
5:10-6:30PM Curtis Theatre Fundraising for Drum Corps
6:30-8:30PM Potter Peristyle &Mansion Reception for all – meet new judging staff
Sunday, December 14th, Strathallan Hotel
9:00AM-12 Noon Voting on rules proposals
Note: This meeting is mandatory for voting members – others are welcome to attend.
12:00 Noon Rules Congress is completed
Sunday, October 26, 2008
December Rules Congress and Seminars
DCA will hold its bi-annual rules congress on December 13th & 14th at the George Eastman House Museum on East Ave. in Rochester, NY. A meeting for voting member corps will begin Saturday morning at 9:00AM, followed by the first general session at 10:00AM. All competing all-aged drum corps are welcome to attend. Hotel arrangements are available at the Strathallen Hotel, Rochester’s most exclusive hotel that is located just a few blocks from the Eastman House right in the Museum District. Anyone requiring housing or wishing to attend, need only contact Glen Johnson, DCA Secretary at secretary@dcacorps.org.
Following the first general session while staff members caucus on rules changes, seminars will be held for corps directors and managers. One will be a presentation by a professional non-profit advisory group. A second will be a round table with one-on-one discussions between some of the most successful corps directors in the business. This is a wonderful opportunity for a less experienced director to ask questions and receive great input on what works in every area. Recruiting, show design, staff recruitment and fundraising are sure to be major topics. Finally, DCA Officers – headed by Business Manager, Dick Eschenmann and President Gil Silva – will meet with directors of new corps wishing to compete in 2009. They will receive first hand, precise information on exactly what is expected of them, what is involved in the evaluation process, how to get music performance rights, what insurance is required, information on potential shows and a lot of great advice on how to make their transition to a competing corps as smooth, efficient and successful a process as possible. Any corps director wishing to be evaluated for competitive approval in 2009 is STRONGLY urged to attend or at the very least send a representative. There will be a $100 fee payable that day for all corps attending. The 24 corps who competed in the 2008 DCA Preliminary Competition, have already paid this fee.
There will be a reception for all in attendance Saturday evening at the Museum hosted by President Silva and DCA Rochester Chairman Allen Buell. Allen is an employee of the museum and urges everyone to take a little extra time and tour the facility – one of the premier tourist spots in Western New York. Sunday’s session will be the general DCA meeting where the final vote on changes takes place. This meeting is only required for voting members. However, everyone is invited to attend. There is no limit on the number of staff members a corps may bring to participate in the caucus meetings. We do ask each corps to advise Secretary Glen Johnson how many will be attending from your corps and which captions they represent. This will allow better preparation and proper meeting room selection. We hope to see everyone in Rochester December 13th.
Following the first general session while staff members caucus on rules changes, seminars will be held for corps directors and managers. One will be a presentation by a professional non-profit advisory group. A second will be a round table with one-on-one discussions between some of the most successful corps directors in the business. This is a wonderful opportunity for a less experienced director to ask questions and receive great input on what works in every area. Recruiting, show design, staff recruitment and fundraising are sure to be major topics. Finally, DCA Officers – headed by Business Manager, Dick Eschenmann and President Gil Silva – will meet with directors of new corps wishing to compete in 2009. They will receive first hand, precise information on exactly what is expected of them, what is involved in the evaluation process, how to get music performance rights, what insurance is required, information on potential shows and a lot of great advice on how to make their transition to a competing corps as smooth, efficient and successful a process as possible. Any corps director wishing to be evaluated for competitive approval in 2009 is STRONGLY urged to attend or at the very least send a representative. There will be a $100 fee payable that day for all corps attending. The 24 corps who competed in the 2008 DCA Preliminary Competition, have already paid this fee.
There will be a reception for all in attendance Saturday evening at the Museum hosted by President Silva and DCA Rochester Chairman Allen Buell. Allen is an employee of the museum and urges everyone to take a little extra time and tour the facility – one of the premier tourist spots in Western New York. Sunday’s session will be the general DCA meeting where the final vote on changes takes place. This meeting is only required for voting members. However, everyone is invited to attend. There is no limit on the number of staff members a corps may bring to participate in the caucus meetings. We do ask each corps to advise Secretary Glen Johnson how many will be attending from your corps and which captions they represent. This will allow better preparation and proper meeting room selection. We hope to see everyone in Rochester December 13th.
Championship Bids for 2010/2011 Accepted Until 1/15/09
DCA President Gil Silva, announced this weekend at the fall executive board meeting that the final day to submit bids for the 2010/2011 DCA World Championships will be January 15, 2009. So far, he has received requests for information from several cities. The DCA Championship presents not only a great time for drum corps fans and performers, but also is one of the largest conventions of its type each year. With several thousand participants and many more fans, the DCA World Championship weekend offers an economic impact of 8 to 12 Million Dollars to the host area. Participants alone amount to almost 6000 guaranteed room nights in hotels, putting the DCA Championship in the highest tier for the visitors and convention business activity.
Anyone desiring information on bidding for the championship is requested to contact DCA directly, attention President Gil Silva at president@dcacorps.org.
Anyone desiring information on bidding for the championship is requested to contact DCA directly, attention President Gil Silva at president@dcacorps.org.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
2009 DCA Adjudication Leadership Announced
DCA President, Gil Silva, has announced the election of John Kreitzer as DCA Judging Coordinator for 2009. Kreitzer was the choice of the member corps to fill the void left with the resignation of long time Judging Coordinator Rich Templin. He will be joined by an experienced, and talented team of elected Chief Judges including Tony Smith, Visual Caption Chairman, Rich Guillen, Brass Caption Chairman and the returning Percussion Caption Chairman, John Stauffer. Their first duty will be preparation for and leadership of the upcoming Bi-Annual Rules Congress where each will be charged with moderating the sessions and ensuring that the changes presented are coordinated from caption to caption and result in the fairest and best possible adjudication system for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
John Kreitzer from Lewes, DE, comes with a solid education background as a special education teacher, high school principal and now education administrator. He received his Doctor of Education degree from Wilmington College in Delaware. In drum corps, John was a performer and visual instructor with the Harrisburg Westshoremen of the 1970’s and 80’s. He became a DCA Judge in the late 80’s and has adjudicated over a dozen DCA World Championships. He has been the Southern Regional Director of Tournament of Bands for over 10 years. John brings to the position of Judge Coordinator a solid background in drum corps leadership and accomplishment combined with a career devoted to education and a fresh enthusiasm that will permeate the DCA Judging community in 2009.
Tony Smith takes over as Visual Caption Chairman. He started as a young percussionist with Boston Crusaders going on to teach, arrange and judge percussion before becoming Boston’s visual arranger and eventually, Corps Director. He turned his attention to visual design and adjudication and has been a DCA Adjudicator for many years. He went on to design and instruct a long and distinguished list of both junior and senior corps including Crossmen, Blue Devils, Skyliners and Caballeros. For the past 3 years he has been visual consultant/arranger for the Blue Devils. Tony owns his own design company specializing in retail store design and marketing. He also has taught retail design and marketing at both the Rhode Island School of Design and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
A familiar name to DCA is Rich Guillen, from the Hudson Valley of Downstate New York. Rich becomes Brass Caption Chairman after a long career in music including both performance and education. He is currently the band director of the Arlington, NY High School Band – often recognized as one of the best programs in the nation. He was a marching member of the Garfield Cadets and the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps, and instructed the Sunrisers, the Hawthorne Caballeros and Dutch Boy Drum & Bugle Corps. He is an active adjudicator for marching band and drum corps circuits throughout the United States.
Returning as Percussion Caption Chairman is John Stauffer. Hailing from Harrisburg, PA, John was a performer and instructor for the Westshoremen for many years. John has been a DCA Adjudicator since 1995, and having led the caption since 2004, he brings a stable and experienced wisdom to the DCA adjudication team.
John Kreitzer from Lewes, DE, comes with a solid education background as a special education teacher, high school principal and now education administrator. He received his Doctor of Education degree from Wilmington College in Delaware. In drum corps, John was a performer and visual instructor with the Harrisburg Westshoremen of the 1970’s and 80’s. He became a DCA Judge in the late 80’s and has adjudicated over a dozen DCA World Championships. He has been the Southern Regional Director of Tournament of Bands for over 10 years. John brings to the position of Judge Coordinator a solid background in drum corps leadership and accomplishment combined with a career devoted to education and a fresh enthusiasm that will permeate the DCA Judging community in 2009.
Tony Smith takes over as Visual Caption Chairman. He started as a young percussionist with Boston Crusaders going on to teach, arrange and judge percussion before becoming Boston’s visual arranger and eventually, Corps Director. He turned his attention to visual design and adjudication and has been a DCA Adjudicator for many years. He went on to design and instruct a long and distinguished list of both junior and senior corps including Crossmen, Blue Devils, Skyliners and Caballeros. For the past 3 years he has been visual consultant/arranger for the Blue Devils. Tony owns his own design company specializing in retail store design and marketing. He also has taught retail design and marketing at both the Rhode Island School of Design and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
A familiar name to DCA is Rich Guillen, from the Hudson Valley of Downstate New York. Rich becomes Brass Caption Chairman after a long career in music including both performance and education. He is currently the band director of the Arlington, NY High School Band – often recognized as one of the best programs in the nation. He was a marching member of the Garfield Cadets and the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps, and instructed the Sunrisers, the Hawthorne Caballeros and Dutch Boy Drum & Bugle Corps. He is an active adjudicator for marching band and drum corps circuits throughout the United States.
Returning as Percussion Caption Chairman is John Stauffer. Hailing from Harrisburg, PA, John was a performer and instructor for the Westshoremen for many years. John has been a DCA Adjudicator since 1995, and having led the caption since 2004, he brings a stable and experienced wisdom to the DCA adjudication team.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Bi-Annual Rules Congress Adds Seminars
DCA President, Gil Silva, has announced that the Bi-Annual Rules Congress for DCA will be held December 13th and 14th at the George Eastman House Museum in Rochester, NY. This magnificent facility is one of the major tourist stops in New York State. (http://www.eastmanhouse.org) All DCA corps directors have already received the information detailing how to propose rules changes for the 2009/2010 seasons. New this year, President Silva has advised that there will be several seminars to create an information highway among all corps. While staff members work on rules changes, corps directors and managers will be able to attend a variety of seminars dealing with all aspects of running a competitive drum corps in 2009. Details of the seminars will be available following the DCA Executive Board meeting later this month.
President Silva has opened these seminars to all corps. Any corps director, whose corps is planning on competing in 2009 in the DCA arena, is encouraged to attend. This will be an excellent opportunity to open lines of discussion, meet the management of both the other corps and DCA, receive valuable information from some of the best and most experienced leaders in the activity and find out exactly what is expected from competing corps in 2009. This will be especially beneficial to new corps taking the field for the first time this coming season. If you would like to attend these seminars and have not already received the information, please contact Glen Johnson at secretary@dcacorps.org and he will send you details and hotel information. Watch for information in the coming weeks about seminar registration. Book transportation early and save those last minute price penalties.
President Silva has opened these seminars to all corps. Any corps director, whose corps is planning on competing in 2009 in the DCA arena, is encouraged to attend. This will be an excellent opportunity to open lines of discussion, meet the management of both the other corps and DCA, receive valuable information from some of the best and most experienced leaders in the activity and find out exactly what is expected from competing corps in 2009. This will be especially beneficial to new corps taking the field for the first time this coming season. If you would like to attend these seminars and have not already received the information, please contact Glen Johnson at secretary@dcacorps.org and he will send you details and hotel information. Watch for information in the coming weeks about seminar registration. Book transportation early and save those last minute price penalties.
Monday, September 1, 2008
THANK YOU Rochester - Back in 2009
A huge thank you must go out to so many people for making the 2008 DCA World Championship a success. To Local Show Chairman, Allen Buell and his staff, you guys make this look so easy and we all know it is so hard. To Matt Ford and Allen Dungy from the Rochester Rhinos, it's impossible to match your level of cooperation. You guys are amazing and made us all feel so welcome. It truly is a world class facility. For those who weren't there, there is a top notch jumbotron and the show is broadcast live on the jumbotron as they perform. At the top of the jumbotron is the championship logo... so clear and just hanging there in space. Once dark... it is an awesome sight. What a facility.
To Visit Rochester and President Ed Hall and his staff - wow, you gave a world class welcome to everyone - fan, performers and officials... and now you can take credit for some of the best championship weather on record. To Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy - thank you so much for your cooperation and your contributions to the Championship Weekend. To the Rochester Police Department, you guys are the best - never have so many people been told "you can't go there" with such professionalism that you simply smile and say thank you and take their direction on where you really should be going... these guys are pros - Thank you!
We will be back in 2009. If you had a problem or a suggestion, feel free to forward them to info@dcacorps.org - we have listened in the past and we will listen now. The planning for the 2009 championship quite literally began last week. Plan now - the 45th annual DCA World Championship - September 4th, 5th and 6th - Rochester, NY - Paetec Park.
To Visit Rochester and President Ed Hall and his staff - wow, you gave a world class welcome to everyone - fan, performers and officials... and now you can take credit for some of the best championship weather on record. To Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy - thank you so much for your cooperation and your contributions to the Championship Weekend. To the Rochester Police Department, you guys are the best - never have so many people been told "you can't go there" with such professionalism that you simply smile and say thank you and take their direction on where you really should be going... these guys are pros - Thank you!
We will be back in 2009. If you had a problem or a suggestion, feel free to forward them to info@dcacorps.org - we have listened in the past and we will listen now. The planning for the 2009 championship quite literally began last week. Plan now - the 45th annual DCA World Championship - September 4th, 5th and 6th - Rochester, NY - Paetec Park.
Scores and Recaps Posted
Finals Scores and Recaps are available in the scores section of the website. Find out the details of how your favorite corps did and how each judge scored the show.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Caption Awards
Here are the caption awards for the 2008 DCA World Championship:
Class A
High Brass - Fusion Core
High Percussion - Alliance
High Visual - Fusion Core
High Total Effect - Alliance
High Color Guard - Fusion Core
Best Drum Major - Alliance
Open Class
High Brass - Empire Statesmen
High Percussion - Buccaneers
High Visual - Buccaneers
High Total Effect - Buccaneers
High Color Guard - Hurricanes
Best Drum Major - David Bruni Empire Statesmen
Showmanship Award - Bushwackers Color Guard
Best Honor Guard - Connecticut Hurricanes
Class A
High Brass - Fusion Core
High Percussion - Alliance
High Visual - Fusion Core
High Total Effect - Alliance
High Color Guard - Fusion Core
Best Drum Major - Alliance
Open Class
High Brass - Empire Statesmen
High Percussion - Buccaneers
High Visual - Buccaneers
High Total Effect - Buccaneers
High Color Guard - Hurricanes
Best Drum Major - David Bruni Empire Statesmen
Showmanship Award - Bushwackers Color Guard
Best Honor Guard - Connecticut Hurricanes
2008 DCA World Champions Crowned
The 2008 DCA World Championship is over. In open class the Reading Buccaneers pulled off the 4 peat and held off a charging Minnesota Brass with a 97.913 to MBI's 96.513. In Class A competition, Atlanta's Alliance held their prelims first place by only the narrowest of margins beating Fusion Core of Morris County NJ 82.750 to 82.463. Perfect weather and an amazing crowd saw what must go in the record books as one of the most amazing DCA Championships in the entire 44 year history of the event. More details to follow...
Monday, August 25, 2008
I&E/Mini Corps Schedule
The I&E/Mini Corps Schedule is now available. At the home page Click on the DCA World Championship. Then, click on I&E and it's there... See everyone Friday.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
It's DCA Championship Week - On Line Ticket Information
It's finally here. DCA 2008. This week, everyone in the DCA world will be packing their bags and traveling to Rochester, NY for the 2008 World Championships. Take special note that on line ticketing will cease Thursday evening August 28th, at 10:00PM. However, Tickets will be available on Thursday and Friday at DCA Headquarters in The Rochester Plaza Hotel on State Street just a few hundred feet north of Main St. The latest in DCA information will be available at the headquarters suite. This ticket location is only a few minutes walk from all the other downtown hotels and Friday night's I&E/Mini Corps Venues.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Regular Season Concludes
The regular season is now officially over and a great one it has been. In the last two shows of the season, Reading Buccaneers in their own show, retained #1 seed in prelims with a convincing 5 point victory over the Brigadiers and a final score of 95.538. In West Haven, CT, Empire Statesmen survived going on first and remained seeded second by posting a 94.213 score over second place Caballeros and Third place Hurricanes.
Other significant happenings included Brigadiers squeeking over Bushwackers in seeding as they broke the 90 barrier at 90.075 in Reading while Bushwackers posted an 89.680 in West Haven. One of the more significant scores of the night was Crusaders strong 3rd place finish in Reading with a 85.238 raising them back into the top 10 in seedings just slightly ahead of Racine Kilties. Declared Class A positioning moved about a bit as Fusion Core and Dansville White Sabers both moved up in seedings.
The strength of the top 7 or 8 corps combined with the fight for the top 10 make next week one of the most interesting in the 44 year history of The DCA World Championships and what about Class A??? Amazing competion with clearly 7 or 8 corps with a shot at those final 4 positions and scores amazingly close to the coveted 10th place member corps status... The entire weekend at Paetec Park in Rochester is going to be exciting and just plain fun to watch and enjoy.
Final seedings and order of appearance in Prelims will be posted tomorrow.
Other significant happenings included Brigadiers squeeking over Bushwackers in seeding as they broke the 90 barrier at 90.075 in Reading while Bushwackers posted an 89.680 in West Haven. One of the more significant scores of the night was Crusaders strong 3rd place finish in Reading with a 85.238 raising them back into the top 10 in seedings just slightly ahead of Racine Kilties. Declared Class A positioning moved about a bit as Fusion Core and Dansville White Sabers both moved up in seedings.
The strength of the top 7 or 8 corps combined with the fight for the top 10 make next week one of the most interesting in the 44 year history of The DCA World Championships and what about Class A??? Amazing competion with clearly 7 or 8 corps with a shot at those final 4 positions and scores amazingly close to the coveted 10th place member corps status... The entire weekend at Paetec Park in Rochester is going to be exciting and just plain fun to watch and enjoy.
Final seedings and order of appearance in Prelims will be posted tomorrow.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Mini Corps Order Announced
Chairman Dick Pronti has announced the order of appearance for the 2008 DCA Mini Corps Contest held at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester on Friday August 29th. This event follows the annual I&E competition at the same site starting at 5:30. Main St. is blocked off to allow drum corps fans from everywhere to join together in Drum Corps' biggest block party. This FREE event kicks off the Championship Weekend - it's definitely a don't miss...
2nd Floor Convention Center
8:35 Crossmen Xtreme
8:49 Music City Legend
9:03 Amoskeag
9:17 Outlaws
9:31 Capital Brass
9:45 Mass Brass
9:59 Ghost Rider
10:13 Minn Brass
10:27 Thunderbirds
10:41 Golden Eagles
10:55 Star United
2nd Floor Convention Center
8:35 Crossmen Xtreme
8:49 Music City Legend
9:03 Amoskeag
9:17 Outlaws
9:31 Capital Brass
9:45 Mass Brass
9:59 Ghost Rider
10:13 Minn Brass
10:27 Thunderbirds
10:41 Golden Eagles
10:55 Star United
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Bucs Continue Winning Ways - American Legion Champions
The corps that started their career with a VFW National Championship has won another American Legion National Championship and added another coveted orange flag to their color party. The Reading Buccaneers fought off the charge of DCA's showmen - Empire Statesmen - and took the title by over a point (actually 1.813). Close behind, the Caballeros caught the upstart CT Hurricanes by a scant .175 as the battle for the top 4 continues to tighten.
In a battle of their own, Bushwackers edged out the Brigadiers by slightly over half a point. Rochester's Crusaders were a very respectable 7th. This meeting of the Northeastern 7 sets the stage for the final weekend of the regular season as they prepare to be joined by the corps from the other regions at the Rochester DCA Championship Prelims on August 30th.
1. Reading Buccaneers 93.238
2. Empire Statesmen 91.425
3. Hawthorne Caballeros 90.850
4. CT Hurricanes 90.675
5. Bushwackers 86.663
6. Brigadiers 86.038
7. Rochester Crusaders 82.375
In a battle of their own, Bushwackers edged out the Brigadiers by slightly over half a point. Rochester's Crusaders were a very respectable 7th. This meeting of the Northeastern 7 sets the stage for the final weekend of the regular season as they prepare to be joined by the corps from the other regions at the Rochester DCA Championship Prelims on August 30th.
1. Reading Buccaneers 93.238
2. Empire Statesmen 91.425
3. Hawthorne Caballeros 90.850
4. CT Hurricanes 90.675
5. Bushwackers 86.663
6. Brigadiers 86.038
7. Rochester Crusaders 82.375
Sunday, August 10, 2008
DCI Completes Most Successful Season
DCA would like to congratulate DCI on a wonderful championship week in Bloomington, IN. Large, enthusiastic crowds and a wonderful facility greeted drum corps people from around the globe. The competition was keen and produced many surprises. In both classes, there was no certain winner going into finals. This added to the excitement. To their wonderful champions, Rockford, IL Phantom Regiment and Santa Clara, CA Santa Clara Cadets, a huge "Job Well Done" from everyone in the drum corps world and expecially those of us at DCA.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hurricanes Continue Hot Streak in Kingston, NY
CT Hurricanes continue their hot streak in Kingston, NY - winning their third contest in a row with a 90.475. The newly crowned Mission Drums 2008 Champion is poised to challenge Reading Buccaneers for the DCA 2008 World Championship, but they will need to keep a close eye over their shoulder as second place Rochester's Empire Statesmen were only a bit over .3 behind with a 90.038. Third place went to Hawthorne Caballeros just a point behind at 89.038. Bushwackers continue strong in the middle of the pack with 84.738 for 4th place. Two of the stronger Class A corps completed the pack with Fusion Core getting a 77.55 and Dansville's White Sabers hanging close with a 75.538. The pack tightens and the plot thickens as the season moves to Scranton PA next Saturday night where all of the Northeast corps in contention will hammer it out for the 2008 American Legion National Championship.
1. CT Hurricanes 90.475
2. Empire Statesmen 90.038
3. Hawthorne Caballeros 89.038
4. Bushwackers 84.738
5. Fusion Core 77.55
6. White Sabers 75.538
1. CT Hurricanes 90.475
2. Empire Statesmen 90.038
3. Hawthorne Caballeros 89.038
4. Bushwackers 84.738
5. Fusion Core 77.55
6. White Sabers 75.538
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Fusion Takes 1st NE Class A Regional
Waterloo, NY - The Brigadier's Pageant of Drums and the first ever NE Class A Regional Championship. Class A awards: Brass - Fusion, Percussion - Grenadiers, Visual - Fusion, GE - Fusion, Color Guard - Fusion
1. 75.550 Fusion
2. 73.775 White Sabers
3. 73.075 Grenadiers
4. 70.900 Carolina Gold (.3 penalty)
In Open Class, Brigadiers took Best Color Guard while Brass, Percussion, Visual, GE went to Rochester's Empire Statesmen
1. 88.463 Empire Statesmen
2. 85.852 The Brigadiers
3. 81.825 Rochester Crusaders
A capacity crowd watched in this new venue at Tom Coughlin Stadium. Turned out to be a beautiful night for a show with no rain but lightning all around - everywhere but there. Must have been an omen of success.
1. 75.550 Fusion
2. 73.775 White Sabers
3. 73.075 Grenadiers
4. 70.900 Carolina Gold (.3 penalty)
In Open Class, Brigadiers took Best Color Guard while Brass, Percussion, Visual, GE went to Rochester's Empire Statesmen
1. 88.463 Empire Statesmen
2. 85.852 The Brigadiers
3. 81.825 Rochester Crusaders
A capacity crowd watched in this new venue at Tom Coughlin Stadium. Turned out to be a beautiful night for a show with no rain but lightning all around - everywhere but there. Must have been an omen of success.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Scranton Parade of Champions
There are still plenty of great seats available for the August 16th, 7:30PM Parade of Champions at the newly renovated Scranton Memorial Stadium. This great facility will see the American Legion team with DCA to provide one of the great shows of the summer - and send the coveted American Legion Championship Orange Flag home to one of these great corps:
Reading Buccaneers
The Brigadiers
Rochester Crusaders
Hawthorne Caballaros
Empire Statesmen
CT Hurricanes
The Bushwackers
Order tickets now by clicking on tickets on the home page. See you there!
Reading Buccaneers
The Brigadiers
Rochester Crusaders
Hawthorne Caballaros
Empire Statesmen
CT Hurricanes
The Bushwackers
Order tickets now by clicking on tickets on the home page. See you there!
Monday, June 16, 2008
First Ever Class A Regular Season Show
The Brigadiers are pleased to announce that the August 2nd show in Waterloo, NY will be promoted as a Class A Regional event. Class A will have its own 1st through 3rd awards for the Pageant of Drums this year.
Competing Class A Corps
Excelsior
Carolina Gold
Fusion Core
White Sabers
Grenadiers
Competing Open Class Corps
Rochester Crusaders
Empire Statesmen
Brigadiers
Competing Class A Corps
Excelsior
Carolina Gold
Fusion Core
White Sabers
Grenadiers
Competing Open Class Corps
Rochester Crusaders
Empire Statesmen
Brigadiers
New Stadium Info Syracuse Aug. 2nd
The August 2nd Pageant of Drums show originally scheduled for N. Syracuse HS, will now be held at Waterloo High School stadium. The show will start at 7PM.
Address for the Show:
Waterloo High School
96 Stark StreetWaterloo, NY 13165
Address for the Show:
Waterloo High School
96 Stark StreetWaterloo, NY 13165
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Tickets for Major Shows
In case you didn't notice on the home page, you can now order tickets on line - not only for the DCA Championship Labor Day Weekend, but also for the Parade of Champions August 16th in Scranton, PA and Mission Drums in Lawrence, MA on July 26th. Plenty of excellent seats remain. Order now while they're still available.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
July 12th & Aug 2nd Show Changes
DCA has been informed by the contest sponsor that due to loss of the stadium and inability to locate a suitable replacement location, the July 12th contest scheduled for Buffalo, NY has been cancelled. Due to the late date of the cancellation, it will not be replaced. DCA and the Brigadiers sends it's regrets to all of our fans in the area, but this seemed to be the only possible decision.
We encourage those in the region to consider attending the July 5th show in Rochester at St. John Fisher College and the Brigadier's August 2nd Pageant of Drums which is being moved from North Syracuse to Waterloo, NY. Details on the location will be released soon. Also, the Brigadiers are pleased to announce the addition of Carolina Gold to the August 2nd line up.
This change was necessary due to numerous High Schools around the country forbidding use of their artificial turf stadiums until the safety of these fields can be confirmed. The government advised that unsafe lead levels have been found in specific stadiums that were produced from used tires. North Syracuse was one of them.
We encourage those in the region to consider attending the July 5th show in Rochester at St. John Fisher College and the Brigadier's August 2nd Pageant of Drums which is being moved from North Syracuse to Waterloo, NY. Details on the location will be released soon. Also, the Brigadiers are pleased to announce the addition of Carolina Gold to the August 2nd line up.
This change was necessary due to numerous High Schools around the country forbidding use of their artificial turf stadiums until the safety of these fields can be confirmed. The government advised that unsafe lead levels have been found in specific stadiums that were produced from used tires. North Syracuse was one of them.
Friday, June 6, 2008
DCA To Increase Number of Class A Finalists
We here at Drum Corps Associates are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Class A Final competition this year! For the first time ever, there will be FOUR finalists competing for the Class A crown, up from three in previous years. Our Executive Board made the decision to add another corps to finals in Class A, in response to the explosive growth in that category over the last several years. The pre-contest ceremonies will be shortened a bit to accommodate the extra time needed, and we expect the first finalist to hit the field at 5:30 PM sharp on Sunday, August 31, 2008.
Class A corps are limited in size to 65 performers (not including drum majors and National Color Party). DCA rules allow for the top 3 declared Class A corps, not finishing in the top 10, to compete at the Sunday evening Finals Competition for the Class A Championship. For the 44th Annual Championship at Paetec Park in Rochester, NY Labor Day Weekend, there will be 4 corps moving on to Championship Competition. The winner of the Mini-Corps Championship from Friday night’s Mini-Corps Competition will also exhibit at the Sunday Finals following the last competing corps. This means that a total of 15 corps will perform at the Championship Finals on Sunday evening, August 31st at Paetec Park Rochester, NY – truly the “don’t miss” event of the DCA drum corps season.
The preliminary competition on Saturday, August 30 may break the record for the largest number of corps competing in our 44-year history! Visit www.dcacorps.org/2008 for tickets.
Class A corps are limited in size to 65 performers (not including drum majors and National Color Party). DCA rules allow for the top 3 declared Class A corps, not finishing in the top 10, to compete at the Sunday evening Finals Competition for the Class A Championship. For the 44th Annual Championship at Paetec Park in Rochester, NY Labor Day Weekend, there will be 4 corps moving on to Championship Competition. The winner of the Mini-Corps Championship from Friday night’s Mini-Corps Competition will also exhibit at the Sunday Finals following the last competing corps. This means that a total of 15 corps will perform at the Championship Finals on Sunday evening, August 31st at Paetec Park Rochester, NY – truly the “don’t miss” event of the DCA drum corps season.
The preliminary competition on Saturday, August 30 may break the record for the largest number of corps competing in our 44-year history! Visit www.dcacorps.org/2008 for tickets.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
DCA Class A Competitors Set
The following corps have declared Class A Status and will be eligible to compete for a spot in the DCA Championship Finals in Rochester, NY on August 31st. The 3 highest scoring declared Class A corps (not achieving a spot in the top 10) will compete that evening for the Class A Championship Title - joining the top 10 highest scoring corps competing for the Open Class Championship.
Grenadiers - Kingston ONT
Govenaires - St. Peter MN
SoCal Dream - Irvine CA
Fusion Core - Morris County NJ
Alliance - Atlanta GA
Chops, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
Frontier - Denton TX
Gulf Coast Sound - Houston TX
White Sabers - Dansville NY
Lakeshoremen - Troy MI
Sun Devils - Kissimmee FL
Carolina Gold - Rocky Mount NC
Excelsior - Albany NY
Grenadiers - Kingston ONT
Shenandoah Sound - Sterling VA
Cincinatti Tradition - Cincinatti OH****
Derby City Knights - Louisville KY****
**** These corps have declared Class A but have yet to be evaluated
Note: This edit adds Kingston Grenadiers who were erroneously left off the original list.
Grenadiers - Kingston ONT
Govenaires - St. Peter MN
SoCal Dream - Irvine CA
Fusion Core - Morris County NJ
Alliance - Atlanta GA
Chops, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
Frontier - Denton TX
Gulf Coast Sound - Houston TX
White Sabers - Dansville NY
Lakeshoremen - Troy MI
Sun Devils - Kissimmee FL
Carolina Gold - Rocky Mount NC
Excelsior - Albany NY
Grenadiers - Kingston ONT
Shenandoah Sound - Sterling VA
Cincinatti Tradition - Cincinatti OH****
Derby City Knights - Louisville KY****
**** These corps have declared Class A but have yet to be evaluated
Note: This edit adds Kingston Grenadiers who were erroneously left off the original list.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
I&E Applications Now Being Accepted
It's time! You can now enter the Individuals, ensemble and mini-corps competition for the 2008 DCA Championships on line. Just go to the DCA Home Page at http://www.dcacorps.org and click on the championship logo. Then, click on the I&E link. Once there you can download all the necessary information. Remember, your early application will mean a prime appearance slot. Any questions, contact Chairman Dick Pronti at ie@dcacorps.org.
The 2008 I&E Mini Corps Championship will be held at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Main Street beginning at 6:00PM, Friday, August 29th. It is open to all - all aged corps, alumni corps, mini corps members. 2007 saw 176 entries and an unbelieveable 18 mini corps. This year, all expectations are to exceed that and set an all time record. Be sure to sign up now if you're planning to compete. Not competing? Be sure to put this event on your calendar. Don't let anyone tell you that nothing is ever free. See some of the finest musicians in the world, and there's NO admission charge. Join in the block party and reunite with old friends. This is the night when all the performers kick back, let their hair down and enjoy the DCA experience before the pressure of prelims and finals.
Join us at the Mini Corps segment - one of the fastest growing parts of the drum corps activity. Watch, see and hear as Star United takes on all in defense of their DCA Championship. Will someone wrestle the Donna Ernst Memorial Trophy from this talented group of Indiana musicians? We will all find out Friday night, August 29th. Be there!
The 2008 I&E Mini Corps Championship will be held at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Main Street beginning at 6:00PM, Friday, August 29th. It is open to all - all aged corps, alumni corps, mini corps members. 2007 saw 176 entries and an unbelieveable 18 mini corps. This year, all expectations are to exceed that and set an all time record. Be sure to sign up now if you're planning to compete. Not competing? Be sure to put this event on your calendar. Don't let anyone tell you that nothing is ever free. See some of the finest musicians in the world, and there's NO admission charge. Join in the block party and reunite with old friends. This is the night when all the performers kick back, let their hair down and enjoy the DCA experience before the pressure of prelims and finals.
Join us at the Mini Corps segment - one of the fastest growing parts of the drum corps activity. Watch, see and hear as Star United takes on all in defense of their DCA Championship. Will someone wrestle the Donna Ernst Memorial Trophy from this talented group of Indiana musicians? We will all find out Friday night, August 29th. Be there!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
DCA Spring Meeting A Success
Saturday, April 26th, all corps and executives from Drum Corps Associates met in Scranton, PA for their Spring Meeting. President Gil Silva, opened the meeting with the roll call. The first thing noted was that after polling all corps present, Business Manager Dick Eschenmann, advised that currently we expect at least 25 or 26 competing corps to attend the DCA Championship Prelims in Rochester August 30th. He also reminded all corps that if they wish to compete at the Championship in Class A, they must declare so no later than June 1st. Proper procedure for doing this is provided in the rulebook. Other notable items from the meeting included:
· Vice President, Larry Hershman advised that DCA Championship ticket sales (pre-sale and on line) are progressing well. He was particularly pleased with a sharp increase in Canadian sales. Phone orders will begin June 3rd.
· President Silva advised that the DCA Contest Committee is currently encouraging bids for the 2010 DCA Championship. Anyone knowing of an interest in hosting this event can get further information by contacting prdirector@dcacorps.org who will forward the necessary requirements to bid as defined by the Contest Committee.
· The draw for positions took place. An excel spreadsheet reflecting the draw for positions in 25 sanctioned DCA contests is available by contacting prdirector@dcacorps.org. Competing position in the Championship Prelims is determined by seeding rules and will not be known until after the last regular season contest of the year. Everyone was extremely pleased with the number of DCA Central and DCA South contests and congratulations was offered to all the groups involved and regional directors Amber Roeker and Vic Kulinski.
· So far, 5 corps who did not compete in 2007 have either completed the evaluation process or are close enough that a positive completion is imminent. They were allowed to draw for positions in the shows they are participating in. They include 2 returning DCA former member corps, Kingston Grenadiers and Carolina Gold. Joining them are newcomers Austin Stars, Sun Devils and Excelsior. President Silva noted with regret that Sunrisers and Skyliners will not be competing this summer. It is still possible that other new corps could be evaluated prior to the season. Evaluation is necessary to compete in any sanctioned DCA regular season contest.
· DCA Rochester Chairman, Allen Buell, advised everyone of the progress toward Labor Day Weekend. After some questions of ownership of Paetec Park over the winter, all has been resolved with the sale of the Soccer Club and the Stadium to a new owner. Among other things, a new stadium concession operator was chosen and they have advised a much-improved stadium food situation is expected.
· Judging coordinator, Rich Templin, advised that the Judge’s Clinic for 2008 will be June 7th in the Allentown, PA area. He also was pleased to announce that the General Effect portion of the clinic will be conducted by well known Hall of Fame personality, arranger, instructor and soloist, Frank Dorritie. This news was very well received by the membership.
· Vice President, Larry Hershman advised that DCA Championship ticket sales (pre-sale and on line) are progressing well. He was particularly pleased with a sharp increase in Canadian sales. Phone orders will begin June 3rd.
· President Silva advised that the DCA Contest Committee is currently encouraging bids for the 2010 DCA Championship. Anyone knowing of an interest in hosting this event can get further information by contacting prdirector@dcacorps.org who will forward the necessary requirements to bid as defined by the Contest Committee.
· The draw for positions took place. An excel spreadsheet reflecting the draw for positions in 25 sanctioned DCA contests is available by contacting prdirector@dcacorps.org. Competing position in the Championship Prelims is determined by seeding rules and will not be known until after the last regular season contest of the year. Everyone was extremely pleased with the number of DCA Central and DCA South contests and congratulations was offered to all the groups involved and regional directors Amber Roeker and Vic Kulinski.
· So far, 5 corps who did not compete in 2007 have either completed the evaluation process or are close enough that a positive completion is imminent. They were allowed to draw for positions in the shows they are participating in. They include 2 returning DCA former member corps, Kingston Grenadiers and Carolina Gold. Joining them are newcomers Austin Stars, Sun Devils and Excelsior. President Silva noted with regret that Sunrisers and Skyliners will not be competing this summer. It is still possible that other new corps could be evaluated prior to the season. Evaluation is necessary to compete in any sanctioned DCA regular season contest.
· DCA Rochester Chairman, Allen Buell, advised everyone of the progress toward Labor Day Weekend. After some questions of ownership of Paetec Park over the winter, all has been resolved with the sale of the Soccer Club and the Stadium to a new owner. Among other things, a new stadium concession operator was chosen and they have advised a much-improved stadium food situation is expected.
· Judging coordinator, Rich Templin, advised that the Judge’s Clinic for 2008 will be June 7th in the Allentown, PA area. He also was pleased to announce that the General Effect portion of the clinic will be conducted by well known Hall of Fame personality, arranger, instructor and soloist, Frank Dorritie. This news was very well received by the membership.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
DCA adds Mini Corps Champion to Sunday Finals
At the April 26th DCA Spring meeting, President Gil Silva announced that the winning Mini Corps from Friday night’s DCA Mini Corps Competition will be invited to perform at the DCA Finals Competition on Sunday night of Championship Weekend, August 29, 30 and 31. While time is precious during the long evening, President Silva welcomed the opportunity to honor the Mini Corps – one of the fastest growing activities under the “Drum Corps umbrella”. The corps will perform during the coveted time slot between the final DCA competitor and the retreat/awards ceremony. This will give them a golden opportunity to show the huge final’s crowd at Paetec Park in Rochester just what the Mini Corps are all about and prove that while limited in numbers they are mighty in quality entertainment.
With groups like defending champion Star United of Bloomington, Indiana, Mass Brass, Ghost Riders, Erie Thunderbirds, West Sayville’s Golden Eagles, San Francisco’s Renegades and a multitude of others all competing Friday August 29th for the coveted DCA Mini Corps Championship, we are assured of a great performance on Sunday night at finals. If for travel reasons, the 2008 winning Mini Corps champion is unable to perform on Sunday, they will be allowed to pass on this great opportunity to showcase the Mini Corps to the next highest finishing corps.
With groups like defending champion Star United of Bloomington, Indiana, Mass Brass, Ghost Riders, Erie Thunderbirds, West Sayville’s Golden Eagles, San Francisco’s Renegades and a multitude of others all competing Friday August 29th for the coveted DCA Mini Corps Championship, we are assured of a great performance on Sunday night at finals. If for travel reasons, the 2008 winning Mini Corps champion is unable to perform on Sunday, they will be allowed to pass on this great opportunity to showcase the Mini Corps to the next highest finishing corps.
Friday, April 18, 2008
DCA Coming to Boston - Tickets Available NOW!
DCA is coming to Boston on July 26th. DCA President, Gil Silva, announced that DCA is joining with the Citations of Burlington, MA in producing Mission Drums, the first full DCA regular season show in the Boston area in many years. The show will be at Veterans Stadium, Lawrence, MA and feature in competition: Caballeros, Crusaders, Empire Statesmen, Hurricanes and Fusion Core. Exhibitions will be performed by the Citations, Mass Brass and Boston Crusaders Senior Alumni Corps. Tickets are available now through Crown Tickets at http://www.crowntickets.com/. See you there!
Monday, April 14, 2008
DCA Championship Tickets Now On Sale
This morning, April 14, 2008, all tickets for the DCA World Championships went on sale. They are available on line. Don’t wait till the last minute. Get them now. Plenty of excellent seats still available for all shows. Go to the home page and click on the championship logo and select tickets. Telephone orders will be available soon.
August 30-31, 2008 Paetec Park Stadium, 460 Oak St, Rochester, NY.
Click here to order on line.
Order early to get those prime seats.
August 30-31, 2008 Paetec Park Stadium, 460 Oak St, Rochester, NY.
Click here to order on line.
Order early to get those prime seats.
Bob Cardaneo In World Drum Corps Hall of Fame
DCA would like to congratulate long time DCA Brass Coordinator, Bob Cardaneo for receiving the President's Award from the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. He will be inducted into the WDCHOF - http://www.worlddrumcorpshof.org/ - at the induction dinner on August 30th in Rochester, NY DCA Championship weekend. Bob has been an adjudicator and brass chief judge for many years and is well deserving of this recognition. From all the DCA Staff and Corps, a big thank you and well done to our own Bob Cardaneo.
Joining Bob in induction to the WDCHOF for the 2008 class are: Art Hylwa, Steve Cooley, Neil Smith, Thom Hannum, Larry Darch and Robbie Robinson. Congratulations to all.
Joining Bob in induction to the WDCHOF for the 2008 class are: Art Hylwa, Steve Cooley, Neil Smith, Thom Hannum, Larry Darch and Robbie Robinson. Congratulations to all.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
DCA Survey Now Closed
Thanks to the more than 1,000 fans and active corps members for your feedback. We have now closed the most recent DCA Experience Survey. Stay tuned for more information and additional opportunities to provide your feedback and insight in the coming months.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Only One Week Left to Participate in DCA Experience Survey
There's only one week remaining to participate in Drum Corps Associates survey of all-age corps fans and participants, The survey is designed to provide insight into who currently attends, participates in and supports all-age drum corps events. This survey will be available online until February 1, 2008.
"Drum corps fans and corps members are encouraged to share the survey link with other fans and family that might not visit Drum Corps Planet on a regular basis," TMI Entertainment Marketing's Ed Dempsey explained. "The more input we get, the easier it is to tell this really cool story about all-age drum corps."
Click here to participate in the survey
For more information about Drum Corps Associates, visit www.dcacorps.org.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
We're Listening! DCA Launches Survey of Fans and Participants
Drum Corps Associates today launched a survey to learn about the experiences of DCA fans and participants, while also gaining insight into who currently attends, participates in and support all-age drum corps events. This survey will be available online until February 1, 2008.
Click here to participate in the survey
For more information about Drum Corps Associates, visit www.dcacorps.org.
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