Dear Reader, I suspect everyone involved in the drum corps activity -- in every corner of the world -- has concerns, doubts, hesitations, fears and many other emotions about the future viability of what we all love and look forward to each summer. Sadly, the information coming from the media, government and so many individual’s opinions are making it difficult to determine what is going to happen to our beloved June, July and August focus and anticipation. So many different stories come out every day that offer encouragement versus raising more questions about whether or not the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought under control and when. It’s frustrating for me and I know it is for you as well. All we can do is hope for a positive outcome in time for the worldwide organizations that schedule and operate competitions to have sufficient time to finalize plans for 2021. I have maintained a positive attitude about this problem being solved . . . sooner rather than later. It’s up to directors, boards of directors, volunteers, participating members, staff, alumni and fans to keep pushing forward to that eventual time when all the corps can start up again with in-person rehearsals and camps, and a season of events to get excited about! I’m confident that the decision-makers who plan and implement a new direction for all the groups around the world that participate in various pageantry -- not just drum corps -- will make logical and realistic programs come alive again so this movement that has been around for 99 years (so far) will march into 2021 (or perhaps 2022) with strong organizations, putting stellar talent onto fields and floors everywhere! Keep the faith and support your favorite organization(s) financially and any other way you can offer to keep them going! |
Steve Vickers Publisher Drum Corps World  |
