by Jason Rose » Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:43 am
I have moved this thread from the Back Room to a public forum so everyone can see.
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I don’t think I’ve ever been referred to as “dead weight” in any part of my life. Not sure that characterization is fair. [Edit: this was in reference to a post that Corey has since deleted]
Look, I’m perfectly fine with how things have ended up. This is where I wanted to go. I need a long break and I believe I’ve EARNED it. My only issue is that I didn’t need to be stabbed in the back to get to this point. That was completely unnecessary and has permanently ended my involvement in GCS. What should have been a peaceful transition of power was turned into a real mess by Brack and Womack. I’m quite certain that Andy, Tom, and Corey played roles as well.
That being said, I still want nothing more than for GCS to grow and prosper. More than a decade of my life (and Michele’s) was poured into this organization. I desperately want it to survive. Brack, Womack, and Erick have unique skills and fresh energy that the Corps needs. I believe that with them at the helm there is a real chance for great things to happen. I have strongly recommended to Womack that someone be found ASAP that is deeply passionate about drum corps and has been involved in the activity for at least a decade. The Board needs someone with this perspective because the three current members simply do not understand drum corps, what it’s all about, and how to get one on the field. What they bring to the table is the administrative, marketing, and financial knowledge/experience that will prosper GCDCA and set the stage for the right person to take the Corps back into competition. These skills have been lacking since it was founded in 1991. So, the potential here is exciting and refreshing.
Corey, I agree that it’s sad that more of the GCS Vets haven’t stepped up to help. It’s extremely disheartening. However, this isn’t unique to GCS… or even drum corps. This is simply part of the human condition. I’ve seen the same thing happen in my church and other hobbies. Some/most organizations need a focal point. MY vision, MY passion for this activity, MY determination, and the ability to communicate these ideals, is what founded and drove GCS for 10 years. When that waned, the Corps suffered. I make no apologies for anything I’ve done (good or bad). I worked harder than anyone else and gave all that I had to make this happen. And, it DID happen. My vision was realized with the 2007 season. In hindsight, I should have stepped aside then. Regardless, I’m leaving now and it’s time for others to run this thing. And, it will take someone with that same passion and determination to take the Corps to the next chapter. I don’t know who that will be, though. I have yet to see anyone in the Corps that has what it takes. Perhaps if GCDCA is successful in raising capital, the right person will appear.
One last point, I plead with the new Board to NOT change the name of the Corps. I’ve been stabbed in the back… please don’t slap me in the face as well. Please carry on the traditions of GCS. It’s a proud heritage that many good people helped to establish.
Whatever the future holds for GCS, I will not be a part of it. I’ve done all that I could and now I’ll move on to other, less stressful, hobbies.
My deepest gratitude to Marc Sanders, David Breitwieser, David Bolzman, Tom Huntley, Corey Mark, Mike Predmore, Scott Miller, Stephen Araujo, David Ngo, Barb Wendt, and my incredible wife, Michele. Without their help, there wouldn’t have been a Corps at all.
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"There are stars in the southern sky..."
Jason Rose
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GCS Member 2001-2012 (Founding Director)
-GCS Corps Director 2001-2010
-Syracuse Brigadiers 2002 (Contrabass)
-Bayou City Blues 2000-2002
-U.S. Marine Corps 1996-2000-Forever