Proposals to allow the use of electronic instruments have been passionately discussed in recent years and have been presented and voted on multiple times. After failing closely last year in a 10-10 tie vote, this year tallied 11-7 in favor of passing the proposal. "I'm grateful that it's passed," said George Hopkins, director of the Cadets, who has submitted several proposals relating to electronics in the past including this one. "It's an evolutionary development and I believe that the corps and instructors will use it in an appropriate fashion, and that it will add to the entertainment value of our performances." With seven "no" votes on the table following the vote, the mood in the room during the final discussions could perhaps best be characterized as one of "cautious forethought," as opposed to outright dissension. "From a creative standpoint, I'm excited and intrigued about what will now be possible," said Greg Orwoll, director of the Colts, who voted against the proposal. "From the perspective of looking out for all of the different facets of the activity and all of the different interests and partners, when we dive into something like this, we risk some things that we're not even aware of ... it's a creatively-driven activity, and ultimately we as directors and board members of DCI have to provide the venue for the creative folks to run as rampant as we can possibly afford to be." As to how the Cadets might use electronics come 2009, "I haven't really thought about it whatsoever," said Hopkins. "Certainly all of the environmental patches you can use for background will be a pretty easy way to start." "[The allowed use of electronics] is a grand experiment. I think it's risky, but it's now in," Orwoll said. "So [the Colts] are going to be the best at it in 2009. Game on."