Thanks for pointing out the significance and history of the Drum Corps. I don't believe that the current organization of DCI provides the outlet that you were so fortunate to receive. The instruments used today are three valve instruments with only a couple of exceptions. I was as well under the impression that today's Corps could have significant expense. Also, I am unaware of any current VFW or American Legion affiliation since 1972. There are many opinions even within the current DCI about its self-value and its expansion/contraction.
I respect your experiences and opinions of Drum Corps. I don't believe anyone has the intent of belittling your experiences. Most of us went to some sort of band camp at some time and we still find humour there regardless of our enjoyment of that camp. Some interesting links about history of DCI and its value as told from the inside: http://bandtek.com/drill/dci-destruction.htm (An article defending the giant Corps from attack within) http://www.ethnomusic.ucla.edu/estudent/jlritter/dci.htm (A most excellent article on the history and significance and modern incarnation of Drum Corps) http://www.cavaliers.org/years/five.html (One of the most famous and largest DCI drum corps today-) Respectfully, John Dutton ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 01:05 AM Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Drum-Line: The Movie -- I have always enjoyed the conversations on this website, but I have refrained from responding my opinions. The latest negative comments regarding DCI has hit me on a personal level. The reason is that drum camp/bugle corps, while maybe not the perfect medium for teaching music, offered an opportunity for "under-privileged" kids with no outlet or hope to be part of something positive in their lives. As a 9 yr old inner-city child, my parents were not educated or had the financial means to provide their children with anything more than what the inner-city had to offer. I am here to tell you that if it wasn`t for the drum camp bugle corps program, I would not have had any discipline or interest in playing any instument. As a child with no exposure to music this was the only outlet for self expression. All horn players know how difficult it is to play a natural horn well, and perfectly in tune, not to mention playing with passion as the composer intended. I was fortunate enough at a very early age to learn to play a french horn bugle, with limited valve capabilities, which gave me the strength of embouchre and heart that I carry with me today. It is unfortunate that the critics of late have negatively judged something that they were obviously fortunate enough not to need a program that catered to "children without". Drum Camp bugle corps were founded in the 1950`s by the American Legion & VFW. The youth organizations grew over the years to become DCI. How could something so successful and progressive for so many decades be viewed today as insignificant and not respected as a legitimate musical outlet for young people. Not only I, but I am sure others that grew up with drum camp bugle corps, would be outraged at the ignorant comments made by those that don`t understand the impact of what drum camp bugle corps meant to us as young musicians. This is just one horn players personal experience that may have been unconventional back then, but has grown to be an international organization. _______________________________________________ Horn mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/listinfo/horn
