Most of you know that drum corps has been a vital part of my life since childhood. Many of you have witnessed it in some form with me. But I am thinking very few of you really understand what the 2021 season has meant to us all.
I just watched watched the final show of the season tonight on a television screen streamed live from Indy. But there was such incredible energy coming out of that stadium that it was evident even on camera. The activity has been defunct for 2 years now, so getting it back on its feet was no easy task. I thought it was fitting that they did not call it a Championship this year, but a Celebration.
Last year was painful like so much else during the pandemic. Corps start their rehearsals and process in the Fall. So by the time major decisions were being made and everything came to a screeching halt, most units had already built the foundation for a season that had to be scrapped. It was not like fortunate athletic programs that forged on regardless of safety or protocols. There were disappointed age-outs that would never get the chance to march a final season. Staffs that did not get paid. And of course a few organizations that could not withstand the financial hit. Many resurfaced this summer, while others are chose to take the year off again and offer up some sort of summer activity to hopefully keep members interested while Boards drum up a cash flow.
But coming into 2021, much was still in flux. It was not until Spring that DCI decided to put some sort of season into the mix. Of course with hesitation, knowing that the plug could be pulled at any time. This threw the ball back at the corps who had to make haste decisions about what they could feasibly put together in a shorter amount of time, and how to pay for it. What came to fruition was a shorter calendar. Instead of a 10 week tour, it was limited to a mere 2 1/2 weeks including the final Celebration back in Indy. As corps made tour schedules, they found it was easier to go back to the old standard of "local circuits" where units would stay in their relative home Regions the entire time and eventually all meet up for the final 3 shows. The other huge change was eliminating the element of judging and competition. No scores, only performing for audience appeal in smaller stadiums.
What I found very interesting, was what formulas some of the units chose. I would say half opted for simpler programs that could be learned in shorter camps that did not even begin until July - 2 mos later. The activity has grown so much intellectually and artistically in the last decade. Now we were back to traditional programs that relied on old chestnut tunes, several classic uniforms pulled from the trailers and gone were most of the props on the field, reverting to a plain green football field. Only 3 of the Open class corps felt they could afford and take the risk of touring; 2 from the Midwest and 1 from California. And most surprising - three of the biggest champions chose to not participate at all. They had a modified program that produced a video performance that was partial live and mostly editing and post production. A handful chose to take on a full field show that may have had moxy but never quite arrived in terms of member confidence. I cannot even imagine the hurdles to pay for the actual touring. Corps usually rely on performance fees for their budget. With only 10-12 shows for an entire season, that does not amount to much. Souvie profits have to be less since there are less paying audiences. I know alumni had to up the ante on everything from helping out with member dues to covering meal costs over the summer. DCI adopted the bubble concept like professional sports. Corps were isolated the entire summer. No family meeting in the parking lot after a show. No coming onto the field to speak to staff. No parking lot jams in the lot where corps could watch each other. They came from their practice site, warmed up, performed, then hopped right back on the bus back to their housing site. So the only real connection they got was the short 15 minutes on a field under the lights in front of a crowd.
I do know from judging summer parades and a DCA show virtually, that the bar and expectations were somewhat lowered. We were told be to thankful that members were able to participate at all and that the activity was going to need time to bounce back. I saw this at the end of July when clips from corps started to emerge. Members looked so young. They were lacking both confidence and experience. Design choices were questionable on more than a few units as they figured out a game plan.
But I am beyond impressed with the end result. Yes, there were some very ugly uniform choices and some musical arrangements were pretty cheesy or predictable. But what a marriage of teaching staff and members. Units were spot on and somehow made up for the 8 weeks of the season they missed. I loved the close-ups of their faces on screen. Joy, Determination, Accomplishment, Fierceness. I saw so many boundaries being broken. Certainly my alma mater Madison Scouts making a triumphant return as a co-ed corps, proving they had lost none of their mojo and are even stronger than last seen. Stories like the Academy from Tempe that suffered such a heat spell that they sent members home from camp in June for a 4 week leave. They canceled their entire tour, but came back to learn a show in 14 days and then performed it only 3 times at the Finals in Indy. Talk about heart and work ethic. Women are everywhere in the ranks now. Out of the 20+ corps I think 90% had female drum majors! And also women filling the drum lines and horn features which has never been seen. No longer did it feel like an activity for rich white kids. There seemed to be tons of representation in all units across the board. And of course the major contenders like Bluecoats and Boston Crusaders upped the ante with massive, complex shows that would have won them a title in any single year other than this one.
Everyone made a very strong statement and I cannot wait to see what a year brings. For those that made the push and for those hoping for the comeback next year as well. Fantastic!
