DCA I&E - MiniCorps - Limit Set

The Mini Corps competition on Friday night of Championship Weekend has proven to be one of our most popular events. In 2007, we had 19 mini corps and although we fell back to 12 in 2008, the quality and popularity continued to skyrocket. We were advised by the Riverside Convention Center people that the Mini Corps Championship drew over 2500 fans to the grand ballroom.

This year, entries and discussion about the Friday night event are brisk – to say the least. We know that for September 4th of this year, we are already beyond last years twelve and have inquiries about many more. Mini Corps Chairman, Dick Pronti, advises that handling the 19 mini corps was difficult but manageable, but that any number beyond that would be near impossible to fit in. It appears at this time that we may very well exceed that 19 entrant level. To keep the show viable, it has been decided to limit entries to a maximum of 20 Mini Corps and that will require an earlier starting time and some overlap with the I&E compeition.

Entries will be accepted by postmark and the first 20 will constitute this year’s competition. If your group is considering competing in the Mini Corps Competition, we STRONGLY suggest you get your paperwork and entry fee in NOW. Applications are available by going to http://www.dcacorps.org and selecting schedule. Scroll down to the I&E/Mini Corps contest and you will find a link to all necessary rules and applications. See you all in Rochester for the 2009 DCA Championship.

Corps attending DCA Championship and those declaring Class A

The following corps are expected to participate in the DCA Championship.

OPEN CLASS (13)
Alliance
Brigadiers
Buccaneers
Bushwackers
Caballeros
Corps Vets
Crusaders
Empire
Hurricanes
Kilties
Minn Brass
Music City Legend
Renegades

CLASS A (11 or 12)
Austin Stars
Carolina Gold
Excelsior
Fusion Core
Govenaires
Grenadiers
Lakeshoremen
Shenandoah Sound
Sun Devils
Vigilantes
White Sabers
AWAITING FINAL APPROVAL (They have declared as Class A)
Sunrisers - Evaluation visit scheduled for 6/14/09

Bruce McCready Services Set

Calling hours Sunday, May 31 2-4 and 7-=9 PM at
Gilmartin Funeral Home
333 W Main St
Batavia

The memorial service will be Monday June 1 at 11:00 AM atFirst Presbyterian Church
300 East Main Batavia

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN LOCATION FOR THE MEMORIAL FROM THAT LISTED IN SOME OBITUARIES!!!A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.Please feel free to bring photos or other memoriabilia to share.Bruce's biggest concern throughout this experience was that our mother would not be able to stay in their home. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that contributions be made to a fund being set up to maintain Mom here. It will be used solely to offset costs of her housing. Contributions can be sent to Dave McCreadyc/o M Mccready14 Ellicott AveBatavia NY 14020

Submitted by the McCready Family 5/29/09

Bruce McCready - services

Calling hours for Bruce will be this Sunday from 2PM to 4PM and from 7PM to 9PM at the following location:

Gilmartin Funeral Home
329 West Main Street
Batavia, NY
(585) 343-8260

Funeral services will be held on Monday morning, location to be provided shortly.Bruce's Family along with the entire Brigadier family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you all again..... Rick Martin, Corps Director, The Brigadiers.

Brigadier's Asst. Corps Director Bruce McCready passes

The Brigadier's Assistant Corps Director Bruce McCready succumbed to an all too brief battle with cancer, today 5/27/09. Bruce was a well known instructor and adjudicator in Drum Corps, Marching Bands and Winter Guards. He instructed Marcus Whitman HS Winter Guard for many years and won the first WGI World Scholastic Winter Guard Championship. Bruce has been either an instructor or adjudicator for DCA for the past 30 years.

DCA President, Gil Silva upon hearing of Bruce's passing advised "one of the great things about drum corps is being able to meet a guy like Bruce". He went on to say that he was one of the nicest guys in the activity whose influence and kind heart touched everyone he met.

DCA sends it condolences to Bruce's Mother and Siblings and the entire Brigadier community. He will be sorely missed by all.

The 2009 DCA World Championships, September 4 - 6, Rochester NY

Let the 2009 DCA Season begin!

OFFICIAL TICKET INFORMATION - The 45th DCA Championship

Individual, ensemble an mini-corps contest:
Friday September 4th, downtown Rochester, 6:00PM Open to public
FREE No tickets required.

Preliminary contest:
The ONLY time all corps will appear. Saturday September 5th, Rochester Rhino Stadium 2:00PM
All seats reserved. All tickets $27.00.

Alumni Spectacular:
Don't miss this very special event. Sunday September 6th, Rochester Rhino Stadium 10:00AM
General admission seating. All tickets $18.00.

Final contest:
2009 DCA World Championships. Sunday September 6th, Rochester Rhino Stadium 5:30PM
All seats reserved. Ticket prices are $32.00 and $57.00.

SEATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SHOWS!!!!

THE BEST WAY TO ORDER TICKETS! On line: www.dcacorps.org
Orders will be taken until midnight September 3rd.

NOTE: Orders placed after August 21st will be filled and HELD at the box office for pick up.

By telephone: 1-888-300-6910

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00AM to 9:00PM

NOTE: The last day to place phone orders will be Thursday August 27th.

In person during Championship Week in Rochester NY
Box office at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614 – 7th floor.
Thursday September 3rd 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Friday September 4th 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Box office at Rochester Rhino Stadium
Saturday September 5th 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Sunday September 6th 8:00AM to 8:00PM

SEATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL EVENTS!!

Bruce McCready

Most of you know who Bruce McCready is and what he’s been going through, but for those who don’t, let me fill you in. Bruce is currently the Assistant Corps Director of The Brigadiers. He has been a drill arranger/instructor for numerous corps and color guards over the past 35 or so years. He – along with Brady Rouse – instructed the first ever Scholastic WGI World Champion Marcus Whitman Color Guard. He is a NY Federation Judge and has judged for DCA. He has taught many high school bands. He also is one of the nicest guys in the drum corps, marching band and visual performance activities.

A few months ago he went in for minor surgery and came out with a major diagnosis of both Pancreatic and Liver Cancer. Bruce is a fighter, but the doctors at University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial would not agree to an aggressive chemotherapy or radiation driven attempt to either cure his disease or at least prolong his life. Bruce has quite literally spent the last few weeks fighting for the right to fight for his life.

This week, the Doctors at Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo agreed to some highly aggressive treatment. There in lies the problem. Bruce has some basic medical insurance. However, the treatment the Roswell people are willing to try is too new and is NOT covered by any insurance. Bruce must pay for the procedure himself. Needless to say, it’s quite expensive. To make things worse, they must know where the money is coming from before they start the procedure. He needs to start this procedure immediately.

The Brigadiers have agreed to spearhead a fund raising drive to give Bruce the funds needed to proceed with this treatment – the funds he needs to mount the kind of fight Bruce feels he must. Call it the “drum corps” in him, but the man simply does not have an ounce of “quit” in him. He only knows to try his best on the competition field and in life. He will not quit until the Chief Judge declares the contest over.

The Brigadiers and all of Bruce’s friends are asking everyone in Drum Corps – including DCA, DCI, WGI and Field Band – to step in and assist Bruce in getting his chance to fight. Every little bit will help.

Donations are tax deductible and checks should be made out to The Brigadiers Music Association/McCready Fund. Please send your donations to: The Brigadiers Music Association/ McCready Fund, c/o Diann Meek, 2804 Latta Road, Rochester, NY 14612. Every penny donated will be immediately forwarded to Bruce and his family. Donations small and large would be most appreciated. We appreciate everyone helping one of Drum Corps’ real winners carry on the contest of his lifetime. If anyone can win this battle, it’s Bruce McCready.

DCA I&E - MiniCorps Information

It's time to get started on those I&E applications and Mini Corps Contest participants. All information is available in WORD format. Go to Schedule. Scroll down to Labor Day Weekend and click on the participants link to the right of I&E. This will give you all rules and applications. Let's make this the largest ever. Get those applications in early. Earliest postmark - Last on.

I&E/Mini-Corps Competition has become one of the highlights of Championship Weekend. Friday night 5:30PM of Labor Day Weekend is the opportunity for everyone to join in the comradery that is drum corps and enjoy great entertainment, too. See you there.

Scranton, PA and Lawrence, MA Tickets Available

Tickets are now available for the Lawrence, MA Mission Drums contest on July 18th and the Scranton, PA Parade of Champions on August 1. Simply click on the championship logo on the home page and a link to both these shows is available - just click on buy tickets.

Both shows are sponsored by DCA. The revived Mission Drums enters its second year with another great line up. Kingston Grenadiers, Rochester Crusaders, Hawthorne Caballeros, Connecticut Hurricanes and the Empire Statesmen will vie for the Mission Drums title and be joined in exhibition by the Citations, Park City Pride, Mass Brass and Crusaders Senior Alumni of Boston.

The August 1 Scranton Parade of Champions is DCA's oldest current running contest and will feature a special tribute to the life of Dr. Almo Sebastianelli, one of the founding fathers of DCA who was chairman of the Parade of Champions for 45 Year and recently passed at the age of 93. Doc was truly a special person, a dedicated Legionaire and great drum corps fan and supporter. The show will feature the Harrison Bushwackers, Empire Statesmen, Reading Buccaneers, Connecticut Hurricanes and Hawthorne Caballeros with an exhibition by the Caballero Alumni.

DCA Spring Meeting Report - 2009

On Saturday, April 25th, DCA President, Gil Silva, brought together all competing corps for the final preparation meeting prior to the 2009 DCA Season. 27 competing corps were represented which may be the most ever at a meeting. This meeting was held in Drum Corps Mecca – the trophy room of American Legion Post 199 – Hawthorne, NJ. This is always an awe inspiring experience – even for those of us who have been there many times, but looking at the representatives of the many new corps from around the country and watching them stare in amazement at the trophy cases and tradition that this room represents was particularly gratifying. If you’ve never been to a post show party at Hawthorne Post, put it on your calendar. It’s a MUST see for all drum corps fans. A large “well done and thank you” to the Caballeros for hosting this meeting.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to finalize all DCA sanctioned contests. This included all the necessary ingredients of where the show is, who is competing and drawing for the order of appearance. The order of appearance and show location information will be available very soon at http://www.dcacorps.org/.

The first announcement was that the first show of the year will be exhibition only. Canastota, NY on June 13th is now a 4 corps exhibition at Canastota High School – “The World Boxing Hall of Fame exhibition”. The following contest clarifications were made. Crusaders show on July 11th will not be in Batavia. It has been moved to Auburn, NY. The Caballeros Grand Prix, also on 7/11 will be at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, NJ. Music City Legends 8/1 contest has been moved to Antioch, TN and the 8/23 contest in St. Peter, MN has been moved to St. Peter High School Stadium.

We’re pleased to advise that three new shows have been added to the schedule: 7/25 in Merrill, WI, 8/15 in Toms River, NJ and 8/22 in Secaucus, NJ. This brings the number of sanctioned DCA contests to 23 - 2 in DCA South, 4 in DCA Midwest and 17 in DCA Northeast. One of the big differences between DCA and any other organization is that of the 23 sanctioned shows prior to the DCA Championship, 20 are sponsored by DCA and/or its member corps. Your support by attending these shows represents a direct support of the DCA Member Corps.

DCA will sponsor two contests again this summer. “Mission Drums” on July 18th at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, MA continues the historic revival of one of drum corps’ most celebrated contests. 5 competing member corps along with exhibitions from The Citations, Mass Brass and Boston Crusaders Sr. Alumni Corps will complete a full evening of Drum Corps. On August 1st, DCA continues its longest standing tradition with the “Parade of Champions” in Scranton High School Stadium in Scranton, PA. This show takes on new meaning this year with the passing of its show chairman and one of the founders of DCA, Dr. Almo Sebastianelli. His life and dedication to the drum corps activity and his beloved American Legion will be celebrated that night in a special remembrance. For further information, go to our website http://www.dcacorps.org/.

Prior to the draw for positions, reports were received from the various department heads. One significant change this year was clarified by President Silva. For the first time, DCA Prelims will be two separate classes: Class A and Open Class. Finals on Sunday night will consist of the top 10 Open Class and the top 4 Class A corps. In past years, the rule had been that if you finished in the top 10 in prelims you MUST compete in Open Finals. This is no longer the case. If you declare Class A by May 30th, you will compete in Class A prelims for one of the spots in the Class A finals. If you do not declare Class A, you will compete in Open Class Prelims for a spot in Open Class Finals on Sunday evening. However, the top 10 highest scoring corps in either preliminary competition will be the voting members for 2010.

Much discussion followed centered around the economy and the concerns it brings to everyone as well as how to control costs this summer. DCA Vice-President, Larry Hershman, advised that championship ticket sales were brisk and on target. This was very encouraging news. Concerns over how the economy will effect both recruiting and the turnstiles this summer were voiced. Several corps discussed recruiting issues and the consensus was that although it may have slowed recruiting – overall – all corps are on target for a successful summer. Recruiting is a 24/7, 365 days a year item for all DCA corps. Anyone interested in performing should stop by the rehearsal of your choice. If you have the desire and proper attitude, you will be warmly welcomed. Check out the corps websites at http://www.dcacorps.org/ and click on “corps”. You will find all the information you need to contact them.

In concluding the day’s business, President Silva pointed out that the number one way the drum corps fans can support the activity they love and offset any negative effect the economy may have this season is to attend as many shows as possible in 2009. Every person coming through the turnstile at every DCA show is critical to the existence and growth of their favorite corps, the organization and the activity as a whole. “Support your local drum corps” takes on new meaning in these difficult times.

On Line Ticketing Now Available

DCA is pleased to advise that on line ticketing for the 2009 DCA World Championships in Rochester, NY September 4, 5 & 6th is now available. Go back to the home page and click on the championship logo and select “buy tickets”. Telephone ordering will not be available until late Spring/early Summer.

This is the 4th consecutive year the DCA Championships has been hosted at the drum corps friendly confines of Rochester Rhinos Stadium (formerly Paetec Park). Built for soccer, the stadium offers a great venue to showcase the 45th Annual Championship show and present drum corps the way it should be viewed in a football type stadium. DCA President, Gil Silva, recently announced that the championship will stay in Rochester through 2012. Rochester has often been referred to as the drum corps capital of the world and it has now hosted the DCA Championship more times than any other city. Corps friendly and cooperative, everyone is looking forward to another bigger and better championship in Rochester for DCA 2009.

Jeff Collins Appointed DCA Director of Corporate Development

DCA President, Gil Silva is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Collins as Director of Corporate Development. In this position, Collins will bring a long history of marketing excellence and will spearhead corporate sponsorships and advertising. Jeff comes to DCA with a long and varied drum corps background and is celebrating his 42nd consecutive season in the Activity. Beginning as a performer in a small Sacramento, CA corps in 1967, Jeff has served as a drum technician, drum caption head/arranger, staff coordinator and the first assistant director of the Concord Blue Devlis, under drum corps legend and hall of fame member, Jerry Seawright.

Jeff has a successful sales and marketing background and was Sales Manager of a large cable TV operation. Working with companies like, ESPN, CNN, USA and MTV. In the early 90’s, Jeff was approached by Drum Corps World publisher/owner, Steve Vickers (a recent DCI Hall of Fame Inductee and member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame), and asked to bring his sales background and his passion for the drum corps activity to the national publication. As Director of Advertising Sales for Drum Corps World (a position he still holds today), Jeff became well known to manufacturers supplying the industry as the one to contact to market their products.

In 1999, Jeff was asked by DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson, to discuss creating sponsorship opportunities for the next DCI championship event. Jeff was, at the time, handling advertising sales for DCI’s program book. Jeff comments that “In 1999 I had no idea what the challenges would be, it was truly a pioneering experience. I didn’t know what to expect. Buying an ad is one thing, but forking out big bucks to sponsor an event, was quite another”. When the dust Settled, DCI had 15 corporate sponsors, and the “marketplace” was born. He went on to add, “I’m proud to say I had something to do with the success of the DCI Marketplace that is still doing so well today. I intend to bring that same enthusiasm, passion and now an even greater knowledge to DCA! DCA has so much to offer, that THEY are not being recognized for. We need to change that and we will.”

Jeff is currently he Director of Advertising Sales for DCWorld and is also the Assistant Director of Sacramento Freelancers WGI winter percussion group. President Silva advises that Jeff will begin work immediately in preparation of the 2009 DCA Championships this coming Labor Day Weekend in Rochester, New York. He will work closely with DCA Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Tom Peashey who advised, “I’m thrilled to have Jeff on board with DCA. His knowledge and enthusiasm for marketing the activity we all love will go a long way towards getting DCA the recognition we deserve. We have been going through a growth spurt the past few years and it’s important that those providing the equipment we all use learn that their support of DCA will give them the kind of visibility and identity they need to market their products successfully to not only drum corps, but to the hundreds of band directors associated with those corps as playing members, staff members and adjudicators. Jeff Collins will be the professor to educate these companies and bring them to Rochester.”

DCA to Stay in Drum Corps Friendly Rochester for 2010/2011

DCA President Gil Silva and the DCA Executive Board are pleased to announce that the DCA World Championships will be staying in Drum Corps Friendly Rochester, New York for at least 2 more years. The 2009 championship completes a record setting 4 year run in Rochester. Inquiries and bids were received from a number of different areas. However, in the end and weighing all issues, the Executive Board chose a new 2 year bid from the “Visit Rochester” visitor and convention bureau.

Many had anticipated a move to a different area. However, Rochester Mayor, Robert Duffy and County Executive, Maggie Brooks both arrived at the December Rules Congress Meeting and promised to do whatever it takes to keep the championship in Rochester. This direct involvement and support from the primary local political leaders created an atmosphere of success, which will allow the DCA Championships in 2010 and 2011 to continue to grow and prosper. It will continue to be the fan-friendly event we have all become used to.

Rochester Rhinos Stadium (formerly Paetec Park) has received an influx of government money and will sport new VIP areas for the 2009 championship. Ron Clark, owner of the Rhinos and his crew are unquestionably the most supportive local stadium crew any drum corps organization has ever worked with. The Rochester Police Department remains most cooperative and provides a security cooperation level that is beyond anything ever seen before. The Riverside Convention Center People continue to provide a major league facility for the I&E and Mini Corps Championship events. The City will continue to block Main Street turning the heart of Rochester into Drum Corps Central on Friday of the long Championship Weekend.

Visit Rochester with the support of both the local governments and many of the hotels in the area will continue to be the focal point of all preparations for the championship weekend. President Silva, in addition to pointing out the cooperation of Mayor Duffy and County Executive Brooks advised that the efforts of the Visit Rochester people were critical to the success of their 2010/11 bid. He also wanted to thank DCA Championship Coordinator, Allen Buell for his tireless efforts over the last 12 months to insure that DCA would have the best possible facilities through 2011 for both the corps and the fans.

He went on to add that the search for a 2010/11, championship site has coincided with the economic collapse and deepening recession. During these difficult times, the economy has and will continue to affect everything we do. Under these trying circumstances, the prudent decision was to stay in Rochester for 2 more years. Its drum corps friendly confines, excellent bid and highest of cooperation levels made staying in Rochester not only the best choice, but the smart choice for everyone – fans and corps alike.

Preserving the Legacy: Announcing the Drum Corps Collectors & Historical Society

Drum Corps World, Drum Corps Associates, Drum Corps International, as well as private collectors and other individuals, have come together in an unprecedented collaborative effort to launch the Drum Corps Collectors and Historical Society, a brand new initiative intended to preserve the historical records and artifacts, photographs, video/film archives, audio recordings and other memorabilia tracing the history of the drum and bugle corps activity ... "from the battlefield to the performance field, to Broadway and beyond."

According to Steve Vickers, publisher of Drum Corps World and co-chairperson of the fledgling group, “We want to make sure that the legacy of the drum and bugle corps activity is preserved for future generations, and we’re inviting folks to get involved now with this unprecedented effort. The spirit of cooperation for this project is tremendous, and we are focused on organizing our efforts to celebrate the storied past of the organized drum corps movement, tracing back to its earliest military roots through various fraternal and community-based ensembles, while also supporting the outstanding performances of those currently involved in modern-day drum corps groups of all sorts, scattered around the world.”

These thoughts are echoed by Drum Corps International marketing director and executive director of the Jersey Surf, Bob Jacobs, who is an avid collector of historical drum corps items and is assisting the startup effort as co-chair. “The history of drum corps is fascinating and far-reaching, and is one certainly worth preserving for generations to come. This effort is inclusive to embrace and involve drum corps supporters and enthusiasts of all sorts. It will enable fans young and old to share in the tremendous legacy of the competitive and non-competitive drum corps art forms, while also creating opportunities for the uninitiated to share in the rich and colorful narrative that accompanies the evolution of the drum and bugle corps activity throughout history.”

A first-stage goal for the self-funded DCCHS it to create a network of enthusiasts, enabling the identification and organization of the whereabouts of existing repositories of historical information, memorabilia and resource materials. The open call for interested parties will now begin in earnest, with future plans calling for “Webinar” conferences and potential organizational and informational meetings this summer at the Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates World Championships, in Indianapolis, Ind. and Rochester, N.Y. respectively.

“There is truly a need to preserve and celebrate the past while we work to support and create the future,” said Gil Silva, President of Drum Corps Associates. “The establishment of this society will be a great thing for drum corps fans throughout the world, and will undoubtedly lead us to the discovery of many interesting aspects of the drum corps activity and countless stories which will be engaging, entertaining and enjoyable for current and future fans of drum corps.”

“We are extremely pleased to assist in fostering the creation of the Drum Corps Collectors and Historical Society,” said Dan Acheson, Executive Director of Drum Corps International. “There is no better time for fans of drum corps from around the globe to come together to celebrate this great activity, and we’re proud to play a supporting role in creating a forum for the vast audience of passionate drum corps fans to share in a spirit of conviviality.”

“Once we identify those who are interested in contributing to the initial stages of this effort, we will further develop some of the plans already on the drawing board,” said Vickers. “We hope that we can put the wheels in motion to one day create a museum with permanent, rotating and traveling exhibitions, created through loaned personal collections and bequests.”

Jacobs added, “We also hope to eventually create a Web-based educational library and establish a dedicated resource center, from which students from around the world can access a vast array of materials for use in their research projects and classroom presentations.”

To learn more about and to get involved with the Drum Corps Collectors and Historical Society, please contact Steve Vickers (publisher@drumcorpsworld.com) or Bob Jacobs (bjacobs@dci.org).

Brigadier's Bruce McCready Hospitalized

Well known DCA Visual Judge, Instructor and Corps and Color Guard Manager, Bruce McCready is hospitalized in Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, NY. Bruce is a huge part of the Brigadier's current management crew. He entered the hospital for Gall Bladder surgery and it was determined that he had a mass pushing on the Gall Bladder area. Diagnosis is in process after which, a course of action will be decided upon between Bruce and his doctors. The good news is that he is in one of the finest hospitals in the world and is receiving the best of care.

DCA, it's member corps and especially the Brigadiers wish Bruce a speedy recovery. Further information will be made public when available.

Doc Sebastianelli - Arrangement Information

Dr. Almo Sebastianelli - 93 years old

Viewing - Friday Feb. 27, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Louis M Margotta Funeral Home
511 Church St
Jessup, PA 18434
Phone: (570) 489-2230

Funeral– Saturday Feb. 28, 11:30

St Marys Assumption Church
516 3rd Ave
Jessup, PA 18434
570-489-4726

Dr. Almo Sebastianelli - Co-founder of DCA - Passes

This evening, 2/25/09, DCA, The American Legion, Lackawanna County, PA and all of the drum corps world has just lost one of its biggest supporters and promoters. Dr. Almo Sebastianelli has died. I don't have his exact age yet or any other details, but suffice to say, he was well into his 90's. Doc was a walking encyclopedia of drum corps. He was huge in the American Legion and a major part of the Legion National Championships for decades... quite literally since he returned from World War II.

When the situation among contest sponsors, corps and the Legion began to reach critical mass in the very early 1960's, Doc was a bolt of energy determined to help drum corps survive as an activity - even if it meant at the expense of his beloved American Legion. The major meeting held in 1963 to consider forming Drum Corps Associates was hosted by Doc and held in Scranton. He quite literally was one of a hand full of giants of the activity who gave birth to DCA. In 1965 and 1966, DCA was in a struggle to survive. There were corps who had refused to participate. There were rivalries to be considered. Just when it seemed that DCA might fail, Doc stepped in and set up a meeting in CT between Jim Costello of the Caballeros and the other corps. His work that night saved DCA and began a heritage we are all so proud of.

Doctor Almo Sebastianelli - he will be dearly missed by all. Details will follow soon.

2009 DCA Championship Ticket Sales

The invitations to pre-order your 2009 DCA championship tickets were mailed on Friday, February 6th. Everyone on our mailing list should receive the information any day. Canadian mail will take a bit longer. Tickets will be reserved - based on your preference - on a first received/best seat basis and will take your preference into account.

If you have moved, the post office will forward your invitation and notify us of your address change. If you do not receive your invitation within a "reasonable" amount of time, email Tom Peashey at info@dcacorps.org and the list will be checked and corrected if necessary.

Watch the mail and act fast, the best seats go VERY fast. See everyone in Rochester on September 4th, 5th and 6th.