"Yes We Can!"

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:34:00 -0700

Today was an amazing day! I am beyond excited about the changes that are taking place in our nation. The 44^th President of the United States, President Barack Obama took office and with him the hopes and dreams of so many! I personally, am thrilled at the change, the challenge of a new mind, new government, new policies to be created and an era of peace and knowledge to be shaped, rather than fear and war!

How does all this affect the DCI realm? Look around us, what was once a thriving nation is now in financial ruin, what was a "standard" for other nations, is now a warning to avoid our paths. I think with a new administration will come better prices, stronger and smarter financial decisions, and the ability to maintain the non-profits that are currently foundering in their own debt.

Recently, I read The Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps is selling off everything, from property to unused equipment in hopes to pay off what is hundreds of thousands of dollars accrued debt brought to light because of a bankruptcy filed. Why is this? How can a corps, with its great educational legacy be foundering so relentlessly? I know there are other possibly reasons besides our government and its current condition; however I know not many people have the money to invest or would invest in the non-profit realm just to see it collapse in a court.

I'm so sad for the Spartans, and many others like her. It recently was debated that Bands of America & the Make Music Corporation, like the Spartans will be failing under the debt if proper funding is not established. We as a people, we as alumni and fans of DCI, WGI, & BOA…or whatever non-profit and/or representative organizations you believe in, we need to step forward and demand that these organizations be preserved. Why should there be BILLIONS of dollars in relief for one company and yet not another? We have been living in a nation of "good ole boys" that get what they want, regardless the damage it causes…BILLIONS are gone, BILLIONS and we're no closer to stability than had they shut down shop.

I pray to the God I believe in, and respectably to whom or whatever you may believe, that a wise and fair person has taken office and will stop the corruption, stop the hand-outs, and reshape to provide for our nation's true needs!

Thanks for reading my small sermon and I hope you agree - if not leave me a (tactful) comment telling me what you think should be different.

Cheers!

-Ty.

First Impressions

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:46:00 -0700

Where to begin?

My name is Tyler 'Ty' Long, I'm a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma where I reside today as an active arranger, clinician, adjudicator, and owner of EVision Music. I'm an alumni, educator, fan and sponsor of students in DCI, BOA, and WGI, but most of all I am the voice, brains (what little I have), and orchestrator of "Stepping Off!".

So, what's the scoop? What do I bring to the table of "blogging"? Where is my coffee? No, really its 2 a.m.; I'm writing my first blog and have misplaced my coffee...ouch!

By now, you can assume I'm not here to report in as a young adult waiting to be selected as a future marching member, nor am I the "old guy" recalling his days of marching timpani or glockenspiel across the DCI touring schedule. I'm the middle man, the new alumnus , and the aspiring young adult who has the privilege of creating a world with the knowledge and experience the pageantry arts have bestowed and with that give back to those organizations.

Now outside the hectic life of a would-be arranger and educator, I've discovered the true heartbeat of all pageantry arts, non-profits, and small businesses are the ledger books and the savvy businessmen. Ever heard the phrase "you can't get something, for nothing"? It's most certainly the prime evil of creating and maintaining a dream, whatever that dream may be, but without the driving force of economics you'll most certainly fail. DCI, BOA, and WGI all are facing monumental struggles daily, weekly, and certainly on fiscal bases. Music for All recently released a press announcement for the "BOA Alumni; 1.25 Million Dollar Campaign" (http://www.bands.org/alumni/ ); they're looking to raise money to offset the decline in funding and the ever-growing price for deserving venues to host the outstanding Bands of America regional and national events. Also, Drum Corps International (www.dci.org ) hosts numerous corps websites, all of which can access their respective home pages, and on at least 90% you’ll find a call for alumni, sponsors, and fans to help in that push to get those tour busses down the road and back again.

Today's economy is killing our arts; it's drowning the brilliant educators and events in debt rather than encouraging growth and new age design. As the young adult businessmen, I seek to persuade more people to help support our struggling foundations … assist where you can, attend events, buy the overpriced t-shirts and DVDs (with a smile), but above all insure the future of pageantry arts, today!

So, there you have it! My first "Stepping Off!" blog; raw emotion, incredible facts, but most of all a topic of true importance and significance that I felt would make a great first impression and open the door of my heart to one of the battles I'm most passionate about. Don't worry - not all will be starch, fact finding and nail-biting suspense; I'll loosen up the tie and unbutton the collar and let the enjoyable moments of my day to day entertain. Until then, thanks for reading!

Forever Royal,

-Ty.

Stepping Off! - Financial Issues

"Yes We Can!"

First Impressions