Who’s 4 You

Beyond being a total computer geek, I am also a former band geek as well. I was the Drum Major for both my High School and a local Drum Corps called the Spartans.

I have always been a huge fan of Drum Corps International, the governing body of the Drum Corps activity, but I have a little complaint about technology. Several years ago, DCI decided to allow some types of electronica into an activity that was, until then, exclusively horns, drums, and the occasional ensemble vocal sound. I thought nothing of it, and was only concerned that there would be the potential of using a keyboard or synthesizer to mimic things that should be done on the field.

Two weekends ago I took a trip down to Pasadena, Ca and more specifically, the Rose Bowl to see the DCI World Championships. Several of the groups used a microphone to describe things happening in their show, I hated it, but I understood the artistic license.

Now, there is one Corps, called the Cadets that have always been progressive in my opinion, but i think they have gone too far. During the entire show, they had corps members whine about not fitting in, or talk about there favorite parts of practice, or discuss what they could do better. I could NOT even hear the music or pay attention to the marching or colorguard at all while this talking was going on, full blast through a microphone. It was like watching a movie in front of someone who was using their cell phone to discuss the reasons their latest relationship just didn’t work out.

I call for a removal of all all technology-based electronica from a sport that was originally played on a stretched skin and an animal horn. NO MORE MICROPHONES DCI!

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