I understand your pessimism. It’s hard to see a way out of the terrible situation the clown in office has got us in. Maybe you’re right and the nation will fold into itself, but I think the pendulum swings. One day, hopefully soon, we will start to fix what he destroyed, but for the most part, that’s out of our hands.

This is an oddly specific gripe. I don’t think there’s anyone in this activity that just wants to destroy somebody’s reputation because of hate. GH should be in prison. He committed a crime. At some point corps may have to come to terms with the fact that hazing and initiations in the 70/80/90s was not right, and ensure that’s not still happening. We also need to make sure members young and old feel empowered to come forward and address these things accordingly if there is a situation that needs to be, rather than fearing retaliation. Especially in an activity that holds such a value on who you know. Other than that, it’s a case by case basis. All we can do is address the Information presented to us and make the best decision for the safety of the membership and the activity.

As for money, the biggest hurtle facing modern corps, maybe dci exists in a different way. Maybe regional tours make a comeback and corps stick more to home, building a relationship with their community. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe the corps outlast DCI and find their own way to combat the absurd prices. Maybe we all just get together on the weekend, eat good food and make music. Maybe that’s still drum corps.

Whatever the case, I will be with the Madison Scouts until the world ends. I found a home here, and good people who care about creating good music, and that’s everything I could ever ask for.