Some people might consider this BAD NEWS ...
considering his svtrange ideas about the future of drum corps ...

Hopkins voted onto Nine-member DCI Board
Monday, January 28, 2008
By: Caryn Goebel

Cadets Director sees passage of rule proposals

Cadets Director and Program Coordinator George Hopkins was selected as one of nine members to the new DCI Board of Directors this past weekend in Orlando, Fla. Hopkins joins five other DCI member corps elected representatives and three at-large board positions, their terms effective as of Sunday, Jan. 27th, immediately following the conclusion of DCI's Annual Meeting.

Hopkins will serve as Treasurer for the DCI Board of Directors.

To read more on Hopkins and the new elected Board of Directors, CLICK HERE.

Also during the DCI Annual Meeting, rules proposals submitted by Hopkins passed during final vote tallies by the existing Board of Directors. Included were proposals allowing for use of water on the field, amplification of brass instruments, and use of electronic instruments, all effective in 2009.

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

Any time Hopkins gets control of anything, it's bad news for drum corps. One of his rules proposals - which passed - allows water on the field. Can't wait to see what he does with THAT one. Wouldn't you love to be the corps going on AFTER them with that new rule?

And electronic instruments are legal for NEXT year (2009). That could mean guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, etc. as Hopkins continues to not blur but elminate the line between drum corps and bands.

OK, Dr. Snyder - tell me how THIS is good for the activity!

What did you do in the Corps? Snare, Drum Major, Drum Instructor/Arranger

What years were you a Corps member? 1970-73; 78-79

I'm still waiting to see live animals added to the rules. Expect that rule plus the use of woodwinds will be the next changes.

Interesting to see if someone gets electrocuted when an electric instrument gets dropped in a pool of water. Sounds like the corps might need an electrician and a plumber on staff.

why have WATER on the performance field? (except to drink?)

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

Maybe this Hopkins character intends to include synchronized swimming in his shows or maybe they're thinking of a show entitled Tsunami or the Johnstown Flood.

Sounds like old Georgie boy is getting out of
control.He should be tar'd and feathered and run
out of town before he comes up with anymore crazy
idea's.

Your right John,next thing you'll see is live
animals prancing around the field.

It's bad enough the way things are the way they are
with drum corps today,and with people like him
trying to add this and that who know's what it will
be like in the next few years or so,I hate to
imagine it.

What did you do in the Corps? FrenchHorn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963

I was on the Royal-Aires website and clicked onto
Bob's Blog(Bob Doran).He gives you a good
explanation about the changes for DCI,as well as his
reasons why he's against it.Also some points of view
from the Colt's Director Gregg Orwoll.

If anyone has a few minutes click on,it's
interesting reading.

What did you do in the Corps? FrenchHorn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963

If they allow animals, I'd like to see the entire Troppers corps do their show on horseback. Then there's the possiblity of the Cavaliers bringing back their circus show. Somehow I'd think Hopkins would end up design a show for the Cadets using snakes.

Yup, animals on the field would be the greatest. I can see the clean up crew trying not to miss any souvenirs they might leave behind in the short time frame between corps. And of course someone from the following corps will find one to roll in. Elephants would be the best for those of us that remember the cannonballs left at the Chicago Avenue Armory!

What did you do in the Corps? drum

What years were you a Corps member? 60-69

Water on the field? How about WATER FIGHTS?

We have those each summer at our local town festival .. competing neighborhood groups do it. It is a hoot to watch! And, it is OK to get soaked on the 4th of July!

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

Guess we'll have to see what happens with the water option. Maybe some DCI band will play "Singing in the Rain." But that's a recognizable song so no DCI band will play it.

Water and electricity sounds like a great mix. Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

What did you do in the Corps? Cymbals, Bass Drum, Tenor

What years were you a Corps member? 1980-1983