Drum corps today just represents what is happening in the rest of the music world - think of the Beatles, Grateful Dead, Al Di Meola as park and blow artist. Then look at today's acts- so many add excessive motion to create excitement rather than letting the music do that.

Each generation has to "outdo" the previous one. Remember how we looked at tympanis? Scandalous for the older crowd.

They don't make 'em like they used to applies to so many things...

John makes a good point .. there is change in many art forms, often due to lazy artists. Why work hard on your music, or movies, or TV shows to get the audience attention or appreciation when you can go for the cheap impact ... colors, motion, violence, sex appeal, etc.

No plot for your movie? Add a chase scene, violence, sex
Your music isn't really great? Add a flashy dance, girls with short skirts, lots of color and lights (and VOLUME). ditto for TV. This works for drum corps too (not much sex and violence yet).

I agree with all your comments,it's a shame whats happened now with Drum Corps.Steve I've always been a big fan
of Hawthorne especially during the late 50's and early 60's,not now because of the way things are now.I've only watched
some of there performances,mostly there Alumni Corps.On You-Tube I typed in Hawthorne Cabballeros and you can get the
video I seen and a lot more of Hawthorne.

What did you do in the Corps? French Horn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963I

I have a feeling that the Hawthorne Alumni Corps is more traditional than the current competition corps. In fact, I think it may be even larger.

There are quite a few alumni corps out in the East. Not sure how long they will remain though.

Sadly, as more of our generations die off, so will anything that resembles traditional marching or music.

What did you do in the Corps? Drum Major and Baritone

What years were you a Corps member? Cadets 66-69, Imperials 69-72

That's true Steve,it can happen,it's a little scary.

What did you do in the Corps? French Horn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963I

Steve and Rich: No.. it isn't "it MAY happen" or "it CAN happen" .. it IS happening. Actually, it HAS happened.

The drum corps experience that we knew is gone. Field programs are now totally different. Corps are run in a new way. No more community focus (for a of of reasons). Corps members aren't from a community .. they are from 'all over'.

The old drum corps that we knew is gone. Dead!

I agree Dave.I wish there was a way to change this,but I don't think there is.

What did you do in the Corps? French Horn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963I