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.)
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