In a recent press release, Esperanza Drum & Bugle Corps announced the Esperanza Experience Drum Corps Contest, scheduled for 10 July, will not be held at Rancho Bernardo High School.  The show will be held at the newly built Wilson Stadium, located at Escondido High School, 1535 North Broadway, Escondido, CA.

Policy Changes that Passed

This year the II/III community will experience a new competitive format for Championship Week at Madison.  On the surface, it appears to be a pretty good concept.  It allows for more audience time than the one or two performances corps experienced previously, while adding more corps to the line up on the final two nights. 

 Overlaying this format on last year’s championship week you will find, in all likelihood, that only three Division III corps would have made it to finals.  Bummer.  But, have no fear Division III!  Apply the new format to championships of the past few years and you will find Division III holding their own at season finales.  Take a look at the 1997 championship, there is a high probability that the mighty Division III would have dominated the five new prelim slots.

The bottom line, let’s give the new championship format a chance.  The worse that could happen is your favorite corps makes a single appearance at the championships, which has always been the case.  However, to go the distance now means three or more appearance opportunities.  Such a deal for corps and fans alike.

Policy Changes that Failed

There are a number of changes drum corps has gone through I believe are for the betterment of the activity; however, resent proposals for amplification and electronics leave something to be desired.

When policies are proposed we must ensure the benefits are for all corps and ensure the common sense overlay is paramount.  First of all, the equipment associated with amplification and electronics is expensive.  There are corps that work extremely hard year after year to stay out of the red without the added burden of expensive for new frills equipment.  Can anyone truthfully say, judges won’t look at a corps without these frills the same as a corps with the latest in sound reinforcement and electronic gadgetry?

As for common sense, has anyone noticed the venue we call home?  What corps hasn’t been caught mid-field in a sudden downpour?  Seems to me there’s the issue of performer safety.

Hey, maybe this argument is out in left field, but these are only my thoughts.  But you know, maybe there is a place for drum corps and electricity, but not on the open-air,100-yard stage.

Raiders Welcome New Drum Major 

The Raiders welcome Drum Major Tom Hardy to the helm of this year's field show.  A former member of the Raider front ensemble, Tom is a music major at New Jersey City University.

One Corps says, "Hello" . . .

Welcome the Renaissance Drum & Bugle Corps, under the leadership of Chalet Harris.  The corps calls Shrewsbury, PA home and is part of the Renaissance Foundation for the Performing Arts, Inc.  The new group will spend this summer covering the parade circuit and looks forward to stepping off the line as a Division III corps in the 2003 season.

. . . While another says, "Good Bye."

In an unfortunate turn of events, the CopperStar has gone inactive for the 2002 season.  According to a press release issued by the CopperStar Youth Art Organization, the Troopers and CopperStar have discussed openings in the Division I corps line-up for members of the Arizona corps.  We wish the members well and hope that they find homes in other corps.  Hopefully we'll see CopperStar return in the future.

A lot of new stuff arriving over Lehigh Valley Knights' way these days.  35 brand new B-flat DEG horns should be on their doorstep at any moment now.  Also, thanks to a grant from the Great State of Pennsylvania, LVK purchased a new 36-foot equipment trailer.  The old trailer is being converted into a food truck for the summer tour.

Welcome Darrell Griffin as the new director for the Alliance Drum & Bugle Corps.  The San Diego corps will bring its 2002 production, "Misdirection" on the Midwest Division II/III tour this summer.  The Division III corps has been competing throughout California and the Pacific Northwest for the past couple of years.

The number of California Division II/III corps attending DCI Finals in Madison just keeps on growing.  San Diego's Esperanza will also make its first Division II Midwest and Championship appearance this summer.

The drum corps formerly known as Tampa Bay Thunder is doing really well as Kiwanis Kavaliers.

Welcome Canada's Blue Saints to Division III this season, after a number of years as a parade corps.

The Emerald Knights of Canada are marching as a parade corps as they rebuild back into a competitive corps.  And current rumors have the Emerald Knights of Iowa as not returning to the field this season.

Congratulations to Jersey Surf's Bob Jacobs as II/III's new Board Treasurer.  He's also one new directors can turn to for the straight scoop and is a mentor extraordinaire.  

Word on the street has it the East Coast Jazz will return to Division II this summer.

The Blue Stars will entertain fans with blasts from the past.  Can you name the years represented?  Hey Dave, great idea on the part of you and the design team!

The Raiders will continue last year's popular Russian theme with a tribute to Stravinsky.  However, the Division III contender recently announced the addition of Frances M. McBeth's Masque to this year's musical line-up.

Not only the Strutters, but also Kitchner's own Dutch Boy are dropping their traditional show tunes format for more complex and mature musical line-ups.  Fortunately, both corps keep the fans foremost in their minds when creating their summer productions.

The Blue Devils' John Meehan will be working musical arrangements for Scenic City this season.

Hail Spartans, hail.  One of Division II's consistently top corps, the Spartans are hot at work on this year's production, "Guardians," which will feature music from "Gladiator," "Ben Hur," "The Mummy Returns," and "Samson and Delilah."

Our Loss is Their Gains

Seattle Cascades step up to the Plate

The Seattle Cascades will enter the Division I arena this coming season.  The announcement doesn't come as a surprise to Cascade fans.  Division I always been the ultimate goal of this organization and, as such, they have taken great care to structure themselves through both staffing and mental mind set for this moment.  Though this is a competitive loss for the II/III community, we wish Sal Leone, his staff, and the Seattle Cascades the very best in this new endeavor. 

Presidents elect to go the Senior Route

From Tennessee, the Presidents Drum & Bugle Corps calls it quits as a junior corps and are now in the process of reorganizing as a senior corps.  The new and improved Presidents are already beginning regular rehearsals and have their eyes on next year's DCA Finals.

Tampa Bay and Kiwanis Kavaliers dot the "I" in DCI

After two years as a Division II Corps, the Tampa Bay Thunder announced a surprising merger with Canada's premiere Division I Corps, Kiwanis Kavaliers.  As the past season became a memory, the TBT staff realized the corps' popularity was quickly outgrowing the organization's ability and infrastructure to provide members with an optimal drum corps experience.  The Kavaliers, on the other hand, is staffed with one of the finest administrative and teaching staffs in the drum corps activity, but was suffered a membership shortfall -- especially under last year's policy that allowed membership of Division I corps to increase to 135.  The merger is a win-win for both organizations, and will provide the Kavaliers to opportunity to shoot for the top slot on a more level playing field (forgive the pun).  The very best to Doug Darwin and the new organization!! 

(Tampa Bay Thunder 2000)

Earthquake Hits Taiwan

A 6.8 earthquake has rocked the small island nation of Taiwan.  Our prayers and positive thoughts go out to the members and families of Taipei Yuehfu as they recover from this disaster.

Drum Corps' northern most corps, Edmonton Strutters just completed a run of their successful stage show, "Back in da House."  The popular Division III corps will complete a full summer tour this year, after their absence at Buffalo.  Good to see you back!

Allentown's Lehigh Valley Knights are ready to rumble.  Fasten your seat belts fans, the Division III corps will hit the mark for opening impact with a wall of sound from 45 horns!!  How can a Division III corps do that, you ask?  You'll just have to wait and see on Friday night of 28 June!

Welcome Magic of Orlando to Division II

The Magic of Orlando returns to the drum corps circuit after a two-year absence.  The former Division I corps will compete as a Division II corps this year due to a ruling by Drum Corps International.  

There have been hits here since 15 April 2002.

Last Updated: 11 November  2002

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