OC leaving the OC

Well they're movin' on up!

Drum Corps International has just announced that the Oregon Crusaders have been called up to the big leagues and will be making the move to World Class this coming season.

First of all, I'm happy for the Crusaders, and I was happy to see them win the OC this past year. I think both are good for drum corps, both as a national brand and in the Pacific Northwest, as they join Seattle's Cascades as the region's World Class corps. Still, there are two things that come to mind. The first is that one of the reasons I was happy to see Crusaders win Open Class this past year is that they weren't Blue Devils B or Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets. With all respect due to those two corps, I appreciate it when an Open Class corps can stand on its own two feet, rather than serve as a feeder corps in the hierarchy of a corps system. While some may still be passing through OC with their eyes on a World Class prize it isn't nearly as evident as it is in a B corps system.

The second is a precautionary tale. One of the most recent callups, Teal Sound, made the leap in 2010 after achieving som success at the Open Class level. Teal Sound toured just two full seasons before suspending their operations during this past summer, citing financial woes. I know everyone wants to sit at the big kids' table, but with great power comes great responsibility. I sincerely hope the Oregon Crusaders are up to the challenge in all facets.