I know some folks don't think the way I do but i seriously look at these mass bands as great ways to bridge the gap between the hs and collegiate level in both a playing & networking sense. and Not only giving Retired & semi retired players something to do.
When I was in high school.we had in the "Marching Fury" band in N.O. which was a Project done by Marchingsport,com for College & Alumni bandsmen the Idea though to become s Semi Pro band. it was unsuccessful due to the fact that nobody committed to the band. I believe its the same with many bands who've had failed attempts at coming together, whether it be legal matters or just getting people involved And at this point. Although the organizations are voluntary Non-Profit groups, They've reached a status of being Known.
Now days with all the Community based bands all over the south i'm still trying to figure out why haven't the directors of these bands haven't held a meeting with some of these promoters about creating a League or specific event that these bands can be scheduled to battle. i mean if DCI can do it .. we might as well make it happen. there are too many community based bands to not make it happen,
Long ago Lolita Carter (Coach Carter) Mentioned starting one but nobody aligned themselves for it.
I understand that there's a lot of money to spend when it comes to making things like that happen, yet it still can exist.
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Money! Money! and more MONEY!
As long as people reject the idea of having to actually pay for anything, it'll never grow. These things cannot happen unless there is money flowing.
So you have two choices... Get a former Senator that enjoys marching band on your side, or go at it and hope people support it. Now I see some of the All-Star programs are gaining support but these "community" bands are so-so when it comes to money. So the name is appropriate as they'll never travel outside of the community.
In addition to the financial mindset, you have old, 20+ y/o people with no clue what to do with their lives, still dreaming of being in a College band. They haven't gone to College, haven't got a real job after HS or moved away from their mama. They know everything, you can't tell them crap and they mess with the young girls (and boys). Those types are toxic to a group and will runoff HS and College students but they remain for numbers...
These are the complaints I hear from members and from my own observation.
Read an article from this DCI member and the comments in the CNN story.
http://micromarching.com/forum/topic/13148.21/dci-a-not-so-expensiv...
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/08/12/drum.corps.trouble/index...
YEAH BUDDY! i agree Chris!
Yeah money plays the key role in starting something like this but my question is would it be of the same magnitude as DCI? Most of the community bands usually pay a cost of uniform ( $25-$35) and a cost of travel ( $100-$300) depending on distance. It can start somewhere if our people ( African Americans ) could come together on possible solutions. Instead of high school band camps at colleges that are dying every year. Have one organization per HBCU state, have a university to host the students ( dorms, cafeteria, band hall, recreation and field ), Have two or three major competitions a summer, Set strict audition requirements that will force the band directors to teach their students ( Make it an honor to join ), Set a budget for the programs in your respective state, Get sponsors from the African American community, etc..... It can be done, you need the right people, in the right positions with the right direction....
Good points, we have taken Major steps forward in not only making All matters we participate in Legally Sound, but Also creating an All Star League within the past 2 years. By next year there should be word out, and we should have an organization solid enough for other all star bands to join and begin Major (not minor) Communications. But instead of working Against each other, we will have to ALL work together to bring our organizations up to a Respectable "Semi-Pro" level. I for one am open to Any and ALL Good Ideas, because Together, we can change the face of band Everywhere.
that would be bomb...
we need to make this happen.
I'm on board and down for whatever.
it doesn't have to be .. lol
FREAK NASTY said:
Okay, where do you start?
Book said:
Hey fellas they're money out there as far as grants,the thing is to present this proposal for this league to happen.
And to have someone level headed to represent our young bandsmen and women. Any suggestions?
Mann i been wantin to get somethin like this started.
Book I've been trying to establish something like this with my Psi LB for the past 3 years He had a grant and community funding to do it but some backers stalled on the point of profitability and don't see the big picture. We sold the idea as a "corp style" tour ending with a mass competition. Invested partners couldn't see how that could be a money-maker this time of the year but we haven't given up yet This is the last year of the grant and then we have to renew it.
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