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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, March 16, 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.”
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.”
Friday, March 13, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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).
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).
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