The Open Class Advisory Committee met during several sessions on Friday at the DCI Annual Meeting & Conference Weekend in Orlando, Fla., to discuss multiple organizational, business and developmental topics. Highlights from these sessions include:
  • Fiscal Responsibility – Directors expressed shared concern and awareness of the Open Class operating deficit and discussed strategies and tactics for financial solvency for the division. One proposal to accomplish these objectives called for the adoption of a modified adjudication format utilizing four adjudicators at select events, instead of the usual configuration of eight. This proposal is one that had been drafted several years ago as an experimental trial for World Class (then Division I) corps, but it was not implemented. The proposal will be tested at eight Open Class events during the 2008 DCI Summer Tour, spread across all three regions. Discussion for this change centered on the financial savings of using fewer adjudicators versus the competitive ramifications. The Open Class directorate voted 17-4-1 for a one-year trial of the new system. The financial and competitive impact of the trial will be evaluated and presented to the membership of the Open Class at their fall business meeting after which it will be determined if it is a viable system to use in the future.
  • Logistics – Representative Matt Carter from the "Music Crossroads" affiliate of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association and DCI Housing Coordinator Jeff Cox discussed topics relating to the 2008 World Championships. Carter provided a briefing on the progress of Lucas Oil Stadium – future site of the Open Class Semifinals and Finals –and the development of World Championship events. DCI Housing Coordinator Jeff Cox joined with Carter to discuss some of the positive developments in the creation of the Open Class Quarterfinals which will be held in Michigan City, Ind.
  • Participation Review – Les Stentors and Velvet Knights were welcomed into the ranks of voting members of the Open Class, after having successfully completed their evaluation season in good standing.