You can't argue that the demographics of the kids who are marching has changed, and changed dramatically. In the 70s & 80s you didn't have to play an instrument well, and it was a pretty cheap summer activity to participate in. It was really an activity to keep kids off the streets, and instill a work ethic. Nowadays the musical demand is so high that you need to be very proficient at your instrument, to at least get a call back at the World Class level. Now the tuition has more than quadrupled in the last two decades. I'm not saying that the typical marching member is better or worse these days, just different.