Fan Forum Roundtable sessions slated following Kalamazoo debut

On Saturday July 10, 90 minutes prior to the start of the DCI Premier Event in Kalamazoo, Mich., some two-dozen drum corps fans at any given time floated in and out of the first-ever Fan Forum Roundtable discussion sponsored by Drum Corps International. Held under a DCI tent just outside Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium, the inaugural forum event allowed fans the chance to ask questions of and speak directly with DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson, DCI Board of Directors member Mark Stasa and Madison Scouts Executive Director Chris Komnick. During the hour-long Kalamazoo session, fans expressed a variety of concerns on a wide range of topics, including the corps' ability to cope with current economic conditions and ongoing fund raising challenges. The three panelists responded to each concern, and also discussed the importance of each corps having a strong board of directors. The increased challenges of finding housing for corps was also discussed, as more and more schools are starting their terms during the current corps season, while other districts are restricting access due to budget cuts and other challenges. "The opportunity to interact with a group of our loyal fans, to hear their concerns and to share information is invaluable to us," said Dan Acheson, Executive Director and CEO of Drum Corps International. "We're looking forward to additional DCI Roundtable opportunities at Murfreesboro, Allentown and following the World Championships Quarterfinals, and we hope that this will be a tradition that will expand in future seasons." Acheson responded to a number of questions about balancing the needs of the different corps in the context of the entire collective, and asked the fans what they like and don't like about DCI. As was to be expected, there was no shortage of input from the fans, all of whom seemed to have a passionate interest in the future growth and sustainability of Marching Music's Major League. Afterward, many of the attending fans expressed gratitude to know that those associated with Drum Corps International were interested in their opinions, thanking the panelists for listening to them and for responding to every inquiry. Roundtable Forums with Acheson and a rotating guest panel of corps directors, DCI Board of Directors members and corps staff are also planned for the upcoming DCI events in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Allentown, Pa. and Indianapolis, Ind.

Murfreesboro, TN – Middle Tenn. State Univ.'s Floyd Stadium Friday, July 30 – 6:00 p.m. • Near Merchandise Area, Main Concourse Boston Crusaders Executive Director & DCI Board Member Tom Spataro, DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson, and more! (Subject to final show lineup). 

Allentown, PA – J. Birney Crum Stadium Saturday, Aug. 7 – 4:30 p.m. • In Cedar Creek Park behind stadium Blue Knights Director & DCI Board Chairman Mark Arnold, Executive Director Dan Acheson, and more! 

Indianapolis, IN – DCI World Championships Thursday, Aug. 12 – Following World Class Quarterfinals Big, Loud & Live Wrap Party at the Hard Rock Caf?© Indianapolis DCI Board Member Steve Auditore, DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson, and more!