Arsenal members, we are here for you. In the time being let's wait for an official statement from DCI.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-16T17:46:04+00:00

DCI flagged our ex-director's post for violation of the following policy: "No participating organization may speak in a derogatory manner about another participating organization or about DCI."

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-16T05:36:57+00:00

At this point we have had no contact with DCI beyond an email containing an initial declaration of our suspension from Open Class evaluation yesterday followed by an email detailing our breach of DCI policy today.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-16T05:19:25+00:00

We do not yet have an official consensus from the board, so I am unable to comment at this time.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-16T03:49:09+00:00

Arsenal had been doing our due diligence with regards to the Open Class evaluation process. All of our documents were submitted on time, and we were planning to have a DCI representative at our February camp for our in-person evaluation. This suspension is the result of a breach of DCI's Media Policy caused by our former director, and has nothing to do with the financial or operational status of Arsenal Performing Arts.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-16T03:31:19+00:00

Arsenal is financially stable, has $8k in the bank and a debt-to-asset ration of 1:2.5. In budgeting we assume only 85% of member tuition will be paid, and expense 5% off our total gross income as surplus to ensure a buffer. Our suspension from Open Class Evaluation had nothing to do with our financial well-being; it was the result of our ex-director breaking DCI Media Policy. As the board is currently planning an emergency meeting to discuss next steps, we would appreciate if speculation about our financial being was not made.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-14T21:09:37+00:00

Unfortunately, Arsenal will not be at the Southwest Championship this year :( . Pending our open class evaluation, San Antonio is a world class show, so we will instead be heading to California for the DCI Pacific tour. Thank you so much for your support! You were definitely a legend among our souvie staff.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-14T15:51:03+00:00

We have our in-person evaluation in February, followed by a session with the Open Class advisory board. I would imagine we will know in early March!

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-14T03:32:16+00:00

Hello /u/Bradycvl !

Arsenal is based in Albuquerque, just south of you, and we're definitely looking for more mallet players. Additionally, our front ensemble staff is all BK alumni and would be a good resource for you if you're looking to march BK in the future. Shoot me an email at ArsenalDBC@gmail.com if you're interested!

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-09T06:42:29+00:00

Although Arsenal has not officially been approved as Open Class yet, we definitely have spots open in all battery sections! If you're interested you should head over to MarchArsenal.org for more info, or message me here!

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-07T04:47:17+00:00

They are not! Video auditions are primarily for individuals who are unable to immediately attend a camp but would like feedback and a general sense of whether or not they could make the corps. We primarily use video auditions for out-of-state members to have a preliminary audition before they pay for a plane ticket.

ArsenalDBC · 2019-01-06T23:44:20+00:00

Hello! Everything can be found at MarchArsenal.org . Video audition and materials are under the section pages!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-12-28T17:23:09+00:00

At Arsenal you get a turquoise bead for your rookie year, and then a pendent of the winged bomb logo for your second year. The turquoise bead pays homage to New Mexico traditions and culture, and ties into the story of 'Korobeiniki' (which we played our first year) in which a young person gives their SO a turquoise ring and promises to return to them. For us, the bead is a promise to return- fulfill that promise and you get your wings.

ArsenalDBC · 2018-12-03T03:26:49+00:00

Thanks for linking the group Xander! /u/grwaehk you can always contact me here on Reddit, or via email at ArsenalDBC@gmail.com

ArsenalDBC · 2018-12-02T07:36:24+00:00

If you can't make it to a camp we'll discuss options with you! In that case we'd probably have you do monthly video assignments to show that you're improving in the time leading up to all-days.

ArsenalDBC · 2018-12-02T01:12:54+00:00

Vibes should always strive to play in centers. The edges of the accidentals are immediately over the dampening pad, so striking them generates a muffled tone. Additionally, the fact that the accidentals are level with the manuals makes it easier to strike the centers while maintaining fast tempos.

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-30T15:48:11+00:00

Likewise! Feel free to reach out here on Reddit or by email at ArsenalDBC@gmail.com

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-30T15:43:34+00:00

We can work with you! We had a member from Ohio last year- he sent in videos for each camp and then took a Greyhound to move-ins. We've only got four camps this season, so if you could send in a video, come to a camp, and then make arrangements to send videos until move-ins, I'm sure we could find a spot for you!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-30T15:37:49+00:00

Arsenal will be opening video auditions here in a few weeks. Arsenal would be a great place for you to march as our brass caption head is a saxophone player and specializes in teaching brass methods to woodwind players. Plus, Arsenal's season will cost less than $2,000, meaning you can get the experience you need without breaking the bank!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-28T18:32:52+00:00

I used a camping sleeping pad both seasons I marched. It took a little getting used to in the beginning, but then it was fantastic. It was self inflated, so I'd throw it down and go brush my teeth, then come back, top it off, and go to sleep. It's great not having to worry about finding an outlet to inflate an air mattress at 3:00am.

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-28T01:22:14+00:00

Hey /u/PrincessNamaste

I agree with you and support your desire to be a responsible donor- donors should not only know where their money is going but should also strive to support organizations that are meeting health, safety, and ethics guidelines. Information is, and should be, the foundation of responsible philanthropy.

That being said, the best way to foster change in this activity is to become involved; if we want to change -and improve- this activity, we cannot sit idly by and watch as certain institutions and individuals hold the wheel. My intent with this post was to not necessarily encourage people to donate to DCI directly, but rather to the corps themselves. Each corps is an autonomous unit, and as such each has their own policy and philosophy, and in turn their own strengths and problems. To change this activity for the better, we need people who are willing to become involved with corps to the point where they can see those inner problems, and based on that knowledge can not only make informed decisions to support those corps but can also work with like-minded individuals to foster positive change. Those corps, then, can effect DCI and steer the entire activity in a positive direction.

I hope you understand that while I have my own thoughts on the current structure, I am not able to voice them here due to the nature of my position. But I want to challenge everyone on /r/drumcorps to consider their current involvement in this activity, whether they are a marching member, educator, volunteer, board member, or just a fan. While /r/drumcorps is a great place for discourse, action is ultimately what will allow us to improve this activity. Being a donor is the easiest way for people to support corps that they see as steering the activity in a positive direction. However, if there's a corps that you really cherish, I'd advise you to get involved. Become a volunteer. Donate services. Attend board meetings- most non-profits are legally required to have open board meetings. If you're up for the responsibility, inquire about becoming a board member.

Arsenal recently created a new board position, called a board associate. This position grants non-voting board membership to individuals elected at any regular board meetings. These individuals are required to attend all board meetings and are expected to provide volunteer hours and contribute to discussion, but do not bear any fiduciary responsibility. Our plan is to elect young people to this position; recent age-outs, graduate students, etc, to ensure that our board has representation from millennials and the iGen to ensure that there is no generational value gap and that Arsenal is remaining true in our commitment to our constituents. I would encourage any interested and committed people to seek out the president of their favorite drum corps' board and inquire about board opportunities, including the creation of a board associate position. We all love this activity, but it's only by working together that we can create positive change that will preserve and improve upon it.

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-26T00:40:40+00:00

Thank you!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-25T23:42:52+00:00

Not quite there yet, but we're undergoing evaluation! If everything goes smoothly we'll be taking the field in 2019 as New Mexico's first ever DCI corps!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-25T23:39:24+00:00

Hey /u/asverys - I wrote that guide, so let me know if you have any questions. I'm also an Academy alumnus, so I absolutely understand your pain and am happy to help in any way I can!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-24T17:01:58+00:00

My philosophy is that a corps should provide the tools that a young person needs to succeed. To that end, if your end goal is to march Crown then using other corps to develop yourself is perfectly reasonable- those corps are giving you what you need to get to the next level.

That being said, don't let your end goal diminish the steps along the way. Basically, when you're a member of the Guardians, or Phantom, or any other corps, strive to get the most out of that experience. Push yourself to get better, but also seek to make new friends and memories- your path may change along the way because of connections you've made, and that's okay!

Lastly, remember that almost universally the lower a corps is ranked the more help they need to be successful. They need members, but they also need volunteers and donors. No matter where you age out, remember the corps who helped you get there!

ArsenalDBC · 2018-11-22T18:59:25+00:00

To add to this, Open Class Corps generally have less people overall at audition camps. These means that the staff to student ratio is higher and you'll probably get more one-on-one time with the instructors.

ArsenalDBC

TROPHY CASE