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.