DCI.org asked fans tell us what they're excited for in 2006. The response was huge, and here's just a little bit of what they had to say. Ed E. Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.: Every year we make a road trip to finals from New York. This year we start in Allentown and stop off to see many friends along the way. We even stop in upstate New York where one of our crew will be preforming with the Syracuse Briagadiers all-age corps. We just got a new Jeep and are debating what to put on the license plate. We will be retiring our old car, a common site at drum corps shows with the great plate "2COOL VK." This will also be the first year that Mary and I take the trip as husband and wife.
1. Our son is "living his dream" by marching in DCI for the first time. He set the goal of performing with The Cadets, worked very hard at home and at the weekend camps, and was honored to be selected!
2. We volunteered by working on the food truck during the early part of spring training. Not knowing what we were getting into or if we'd like it, we had a very positive experience with some other great, experienced parents and volunteers. We also had an opportunity to meet the corps members at meals. They were each of the highest quality of character and respect! We'd take them all home in a heartbeat! Looking forward to seeing our new "extended" family throughout the summer!
3. Lastly, we are so proud of our son for all of his dedication and perseverance. He has stated that the first three weeks have been the hardest of his life, but that he has learned more than in any other experience. We were fortunate to see him already perform with The Cadets in three parades, a standstill field performance and an indoor concert setting (Memorial Brass). Each time brought us to tears of joy, which we know will happen again at each field performance throughout the summer. Looking forward to every minute! E. D. Jefferson, Pa.: Road trips ... chrome ... sophisticated sound, rhythm, and movement ... bags of fast food ... BUS FUMES! Terri L. St. Charles, Mo.I'm most excited for Columbia, Mo., because that's the closest DCI gets to home (no hotel bills!). I get my "first fix" at Columbia, then see the enhancements made in Indianapolis, and then watch the culmination of the summer in Madison! I am NOT, however, anxious for the Championships this year: My son ages out, and it will be harder to justify those hotel bills next year! Jen P.: I'm looking forward to seeing all of the friends that I made last year from other drum corps again. I love socializing with other drum majors and guard captains before retreat. George T. Fort Washington, Md.: I'm excited about just getting on with the season. I have not missed a World Championships since 1972. Laura S. Philadelphia, Pa.: I am most looking forward to that feeling of complete understanding and intense energy that comes from sitting in a packed stadium with several thousand other people who share a love of corps. Nothing can ever compare to it; it is truly magic! Glenn Pape Seguin, Texas: Pardon my being blunt: I want to have fun! Patricia C. Albuquerque, N.M.: Trying to arrange for my elderly father to attend some of the events that are closer to his home in Crystal Lake, Ill. He was involved in the Corps since the 40's and instilled his love of the music in his two daughters, Allison and myself who have been attending competitions since we could walk! I remember many a times falling asleep (yes asleep!) at the competitions that went fairly late and would awake to the two-minute mark! David C. Nashua, N.H.: This is my son's first season as a visual tech for Spirit of JSU. He aged out there last year after having joined the corps in July! They saw in him the talent to be a leader and a teacher and invited him to come back as a teacher. Spirit's program and staff encourage the kids to grow and develop their skills and talents as performers and responsible young adults. That is what drum corps is about and why I am excitied about this season. Bob O. Lowell, Mass.: What am I most excited about? Every year since about 1955 when I was first introduced to this activity, the same things excite me: Who will the 'dark horse' be? Who will come out of nowhere to accomplish things no one ever imagined? Who is going to entertain me beyond my wildest dreams? Will Madison pin my ears back (of course!)? I have followed this activity since I can remember and will continue to attend and cheer and be amazed at the precision and the music and the dedication of the members at all levels 'til I'm no longer able. Yes, I attend 'all age drum corps' as well! Love it all ...
Catch the drum corps excitement in 2006. Find a drum corps event in your area!
1. Our son is "living his dream" by marching in DCI for the first time. He set the goal of performing with The Cadets, worked very hard at home and at the weekend camps, and was honored to be selected!
2. We volunteered by working on the food truck during the early part of spring training. Not knowing what we were getting into or if we'd like it, we had a very positive experience with some other great, experienced parents and volunteers. We also had an opportunity to meet the corps members at meals. They were each of the highest quality of character and respect! We'd take them all home in a heartbeat! Looking forward to seeing our new "extended" family throughout the summer!
3. Lastly, we are so proud of our son for all of his dedication and perseverance. He has stated that the first three weeks have been the hardest of his life, but that he has learned more than in any other experience. We were fortunate to see him already perform with The Cadets in three parades, a standstill field performance and an indoor concert setting (Memorial Brass). Each time brought us to tears of joy, which we know will happen again at each field performance throughout the summer. Looking forward to every minute! E. D. Jefferson, Pa.: Road trips ... chrome ... sophisticated sound, rhythm, and movement ... bags of fast food ... BUS FUMES! Terri L. St. Charles, Mo.I'm most excited for Columbia, Mo., because that's the closest DCI gets to home (no hotel bills!). I get my "first fix" at Columbia, then see the enhancements made in Indianapolis, and then watch the culmination of the summer in Madison! I am NOT, however, anxious for the Championships this year: My son ages out, and it will be harder to justify those hotel bills next year! Jen P.: I'm looking forward to seeing all of the friends that I made last year from other drum corps again. I love socializing with other drum majors and guard captains before retreat. George T. Fort Washington, Md.: I'm excited about just getting on with the season. I have not missed a World Championships since 1972. Laura S. Philadelphia, Pa.: I am most looking forward to that feeling of complete understanding and intense energy that comes from sitting in a packed stadium with several thousand other people who share a love of corps. Nothing can ever compare to it; it is truly magic! Glenn Pape Seguin, Texas: Pardon my being blunt: I want to have fun! Patricia C. Albuquerque, N.M.: Trying to arrange for my elderly father to attend some of the events that are closer to his home in Crystal Lake, Ill. He was involved in the Corps since the 40's and instilled his love of the music in his two daughters, Allison and myself who have been attending competitions since we could walk! I remember many a times falling asleep (yes asleep!) at the competitions that went fairly late and would awake to the two-minute mark! David C. Nashua, N.H.: This is my son's first season as a visual tech for Spirit of JSU. He aged out there last year after having joined the corps in July! They saw in him the talent to be a leader and a teacher and invited him to come back as a teacher. Spirit's program and staff encourage the kids to grow and develop their skills and talents as performers and responsible young adults. That is what drum corps is about and why I am excitied about this season. Bob O. Lowell, Mass.: What am I most excited about? Every year since about 1955 when I was first introduced to this activity, the same things excite me: Who will the 'dark horse' be? Who will come out of nowhere to accomplish things no one ever imagined? Who is going to entertain me beyond my wildest dreams? Will Madison pin my ears back (of course!)? I have followed this activity since I can remember and will continue to attend and cheer and be amazed at the precision and the music and the dedication of the members at all levels 'til I'm no longer able. Yes, I attend 'all age drum corps' as well! Love it all ...
Catch the drum corps excitement in 2006. Find a drum corps event in your area!