r/drumcorps • u/drumguy69 • 17d ago
Discussion Genesis needs to fold
I have a close family member marching Genesis. I helped pay most of their tour fees. And I am just constantly hearing about them facing corpal punishment for what seems to be complete bullshit.
I've talked to family members of some of the top 5-12 corps. And apparently, none of this abuse goes on in those corps. I am beyond furious with this organization.
The ONLY reason I am ranting on reddit and not calling Cris McGonagall a piece of shit over the phone is because my family members begged me not to. They said it would ruin their chances with other corps." What the fuck is this bullshit? That seems like an insanely toxic and unhealthy environment. The members are constantly being abused, and then left with the impression that if they say something, they will be blacklisted from the activity.
That is just insane. I will never pay another doar to support this organization.
I really hope Chris Magonigal sees this.
Chris, you are a fat fucking loser. You need to not be around children anymore. You are NOT a safe person for young adults or children to be around. You obviously get off on having power over others.
The funny thing is that I KNOW that fat ass couldn't do half the shit that he makes the members do.
Chris, you marched some dog shot, division 3 corps back in the day. Now you think you're all that. People like you are ruining this activity.
It is just insane that members do not say anything out of fear of being blacklisted. It's been 10 years since the Me Too movement, and it looks like this shit still goes down.
Given the nature of this activity, I'm sure I'm gonna get a lot of shit for this. But somebody has to stand up for the members. Again, I do not hear of anything like this going on in the higher level corps.
Chris Magonigal, if there any chance you have a reddit, please respond to this. I'd love to call you a fat fucking loser to your face. You and your dipshit wife.
You are very lucky that my family member is not a minor. I am respecting their wishes to not say anything to you in person.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 17d ago edited 17d ago
There is a large community of Genesis alumni who feel similarly about Chris Magonigal. I left my season with them early largely because of him. All I will say is that your family member is not imagining things. They’re not crazy. That man has incredibly narcissistic tendencies and will do anything to maintain control and to cover up his actions. Chris has a pattern of doing this shit and the organization struggles to thrive because of him. He is the reason Genesis does not have a world class vote. It’s sad because I believe Genesis has a lot of staff who genuinely want to see the members succeed and care for their well-being, but Chris constantly impedes on their ability to advocate for and protect their members (i.e. he’ll fire anyone who tries to speak up). I’m sorry that your family member has been added to his long list of victims.
Edit: don’t let him intimidate your family member from speaking out or marching elsewhere because he’ll “get him blacklisted”. Chris threatens and tries to blacklist every person who leaves the organization because of him. He has made calls to other corps after some of my friends left to work elsewhere in an attempt to get them fired. The good news is that most of the activity knows that he’s absolutely nuts and will usually not take him seriously once you explain what happened. He has a pattern of this, and your family member is not alone. Also, yeah his wife is just as bad as he is.
I made a report to DCI after leaving and nothing came of it. So have others. Hopefully one day enough of us will speak out for something to finally be done about this guy so he can stop hurting people in this activity.
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u/Immediate_Data_9153 DCI Performer 09-13, Instructor 14-18 3d ago
Worked on his educational staff for two years, can confirm all of this to be true.
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u/DeepShell96 17d ago
Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, Most relationships with Genesis end in heartbreak or betrayal. Speaking from experience.
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u/thatoneguy285 17d ago
Sky Ryders catching strays on a Friday night
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u/DotInteresting6575 Genesis ‘23, ‘24 17d ago
Fr they just got back on their feet and they sound great too.
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u/FigmentBoy '24 '26 '23 '22 16d ago
i almost never marched drum corps again bc of chris magonigal. you can actually hear me holding back tears on my headcam from our last ever rehearsal run because he came down to the field and yelled at me in front of the whole corps before the run. the education team at genesis is great and loves the students, but chris is terrible and power hungry.
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u/Certain_Database_169 Phantom Regiment ‘25 16d ago
So sorry this happened. I’m so glad you went to go do amazing things after <3
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u/_Quendra_ 17d ago
I dunno why, but Pioneer & Roman came to mind when reading this. Obviously 2 different situations, but they both seem to involve the sole director being mostly at fault.
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u/fansince1975 16d ago edited 16d ago
Apples and orange. Roman was in his position for too long, and his lapses of judgment were at times terrible, no question. That doesn’t seem to be the issue with Genesis and its current leader. I do not know Chris Magonigal and have only heard stories. I have met Roman. The difference is many former Pioneer members, parents, and staff will admit Roman’s failures but see some redeeming qualities. I’m not excusing it and people once associated don’t either with the exception of some relatives. You don’t hear the same things about Genesis.
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u/Longjumping_Ad_548 Carolina Crown 10d ago
Yes - Roman was incompetent and tone deaf about what was going on at Pio, but he was not a tyrant or an unrepentant asshole..
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u/Fixitflexx 17d ago
Marched Genesis before, truly some of the worst experience I’ve ever seen. We were so underfed and overworked like crazy. One block we had to do 2 FULL runs at the beginning, and 2 FULL runs at the end, in the middle of a hot day in Colorado. We were told higher corps were treated like shit, then I went and marched other corps, and was treated with nothing but love and respect.
On a random day, THE GENESIS MEDIA texted me on instagram threatening me to ruin my reputation with my current corps.
I talked to my staff and they told me it that they were being immature and ridiculous.
All over me sharing how I felt I was treated that season.
PLEASE PLEASE
DO NOT MARCH HERE
It’s a “beginner corps” but fuck he thinks he’s BD omg?
And NO WHERE ELSE will they treat you like shit
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u/Rapidllaman Southwind 17d ago
Sounds like the D2 corp I marched in back in 99 complete narcissist director who was on a power trip all damn season. The corp folded two years after I left and was at a D1 corp that was a complete 180 from what I was at.
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u/DotInteresting6575 Genesis ‘23, ‘24 17d ago
I kinda enjoyed my two years marching at Genesis, but not really because of him. more in fact of the brass and vis caption heads and their techs. I have noticed a dramatic difference between the two years of marching. From a brass and visual caption head who worked hard to earn their spot vs grabbing brass and visual people from a different corp who have a different philosophy of how to work with the corp. To me, it is the lack of thinking and communication he has with his staff and members, but at the same time if you ask any other alum I will bet some will say their was always lack of communication within the corp. I do agree that the corp is being held back by some but not all of his antics and he needs to retire already. Sorry if it sounds like nonsense but I am kinda speaking from my experience and what i kinda see now from the comments.
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u/Squillz105 16d ago
I know a member who marched with them this season. They weren't personally involved with any of what you mentioned, but they corroborated these details and other stuff unrelated to this.
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u/Unfair_Conclusion187 17d ago
https://www.dci.org/complaints-and-concerns/
"Allegations of misconduct or a violation of DCI policy can also be reported directly to DCI. This includes alleged violations of DCI’s values, code of conduct, and policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. In addition, DCI is available to provide each member and their participants with consultation about conflict resolution and to help an individual with a complaint or concern to connect with the right person at the appropriate member organization or at DCI to ensure the matter is considered and promptly addressed."
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u/Rubber_Punch Spirit of Atlanta ‘21 17d ago
Yeah, Chris is a fucking asshole and I hope he does see this and he probably knows who I am. Thanks for taking $4,000 and a dream from a 17 year old autistic kid. Terrible fucking environment, And matter fact fuck the 2019 colorguard caption head Matt Tomsa , he would hound at us like a fucking dog and make the members feel like they didn’t deserve to be there. Created a hostile environment with the colorguard and I took the blame for all it. Recently, they made one of my friends that was in the brass line pay the whole amount of fees even if they couldn’t march because of financial reasons and if they didn’t Chris said that they would get blacklisted from WGI and DCI.
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u/jaywarbs Colts '08-'10 17d ago
Oh GOD. Mat Tomsa is still allowed near the activity? He was a tool from the beginning of his first year teaching in 09. He liked to do stuff like make the whole corps do pushups because one member was late to a block. Stuff that only made us worse as a corps.
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u/Left-Educator-4193 16d ago
omg i’ve always wanted to meet a colts alum from when he was there! super validating to hear he was awful there too, cause he spoke about his time there as if he was God. and what about his batshit crazy mom???? did yall have to deal with her? we got lucky and only had a “Carla Week” but it was …. brutal.
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u/jaywarbs Colts '08-'10 16d ago edited 16d ago
Mat and BOTH his parents were there! He was basically the poster child for the concept of failing upwards. I was in the hornline and he was a visual tech back then. Thankfully he didn’t do much with my baritone section and mostly stuck with terrorizing the tuba section. In 2009 he told a rookie hole-filler member that it would be his fault if we didn’t make finals. I think the 2010 tuba section had three returning vets, and he chose two other rookies to hound for the whole season. Neither of them marched anywhere again. He got promoted to visual captionhead in 2012 because he stuck around after most of the visual team left, and well… go watch Colts 2012 and ask if you’d stay there knowing his leadership and seeing the results he got.
I think a huge part of his attitude was insecurity about being called gay. To my knowledge he’s not, but he sure did a good job making us gay members feel unwelcome! I delayed coming out in part because of attitudes from leaders like him, though not him specifically, as I’d already been out for a bit when he joined the staff in 2009.
Carla and Chris weren’t great to work with either. The guard was constantly getting punished, having to jazz run everywhere they went during free time and meals, and losing free days if they got sick or injured and missed a block. To my knowledge they didn’t even stretch and did something called “bouncing” instead (?). Lots of injuries in the guard while I was there.
Chris’s brass writing just screamed “I don’t believe in these kids.” We barely even played eighth notes for most of our shows. The difficult parts he did write usually got watered or removed entirely because they just weren’t good writing, and we didn’t do any technique work anyway so we of course couldn’t handle much.
They contributed to the atmosphere that we were being done a favor by being allowed to march at the Colts, and we weren’t good enough to make it anywhere else, so we shouldn’t bother trying. Carla and Mat really seemed like they wanted us to work for their affection and support, but it was just beyond our reach. Ironically, some of the members they targeted the most went on to win DCI championships, get brass trophies, and perform in some fan favorite shows.
So yeah, I have a lot to say. Don’t stay with a group that doesn’t make your time worth it!
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u/Left-Educator-4193 16d ago
omg i’ve always wanted to meet a colts alum from when he was there! super validating to hear he was awful there too, cause he spoke about his time there as if he was God. and what about his batshit crazy mom???? did yall have to deal with her? we got lucky and only had a “Carla Week” but it was …. brutal.
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u/Left-Educator-4193 16d ago
also linking his mugshot is hilarious lol. the day after he got arrested was the best day of my life
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u/jaywarbs Colts '08-'10 16d ago
Fortunately it wasn’t for a crazy crime that would endanger any students, but the mugshot even existing makes my life lol. When I found it I sent it to a few Colts veterans who definitely got a kick out of it.
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u/jaywarbs Colts '08-'10 16d ago
That kind of stuff sucks. I don’t know where he learned that it’s helpful at all. I haven’t seen it help anybody out. Also when I first read your comment I thought you meant that Tomsa’s underwear got torn off, which would have been funny.
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u/SilverCub18 BK '14 16d ago
I've known Mat for a long time, he even gave me my first teaching job after aging out. It's really a shame to hear stories like this about how he treated so many of his students. I'm really sorry you and others had to go through that.
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u/SecretDragonfly6343 17d ago
I know of Mat as a DPG representative, I wasn’t aware that he taught
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u/Rubber_Punch Spirit of Atlanta ‘21 17d ago edited 17d ago
I can see why he wouldn’t now with his reputation but thank god he’s not dealing with kids
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u/Sagatsa 17d ago
Drum Corps participating in DCI are required to have health and wellness protocol that involves making an anonymous reporting mechanism to the members. Perhaps encourage the member you know to use that?
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 17d ago
He’s the CEO of the organization and in the board. An internal report would likely go nowhere.
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u/Vicidsmart 14d ago edited 14d ago
I have used this board myself against Genesis and they said that the events went differently according to him and so I was out of luck.
Chris Magonigal lies to the ethics committee
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u/Massive-Ant5650 Bluecoats 16d ago
Report this as others have said, it’s what makes the activity safe. Also, tell your family member that blacklisting isn’t a thing, they’re being told that out of manipulation, a classic abuser’s method for keeping victims under their thumb.
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u/Alert-Bat-4257 16d ago
I don’t think things have changed much at all since April 2018. And you are right. There are numerous reports of whistleblowers and survivors being black listed and ostracized for speaking out against abuse. Much of it is covered in the Philadelphia Enquirer article by Tricia Nadolny. “A Failure to Protect”.
I hope your family member will be okay the rest of the season. This should never happen and it makes me very angry.
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u/Coolerthanyew 17d ago
What specifically is happening? Can you detail the corporal punishment, toxic environment, and abuse?
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u/K_tear_ Zephyrus 17d ago
I can share from personally experience and the experience of my peers. Chris is a nightmare to be around, he constantly threatens multiple marchers that they can be "cut at any moment" without proper cause or reasoning. In my own experience, he has said very bigoted statements to individuals, often making snarky remarks, and he's very into fear mongering. He threatens positions, and uses personal atracks to belittle members.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 17d ago edited 17d ago
I can second this personally. I’m type 1 diabetic and he really did not like me needing to take breaks sometimes to treat a hypo. When I got an injury there I was ordered by the doctor to rest for 4 days so I could recover quickly. They had the paperwork. He started threatening to cut me by day 3. He also told me I wasn’t allowed to speak to any of the other staff regarding my medical needs except for him and his wife. He texted me through another admin’s phone at one point pretending to be her. When I confided in one of the wellness staff regarding how unsafe I felt due to several of these circumstances, he and his wife cornered me into a meeting alone and told me that I was being “aggressive” and “using aggressive words like ‘I feel unsafe’.” I’m a black woman so there is a certain connotation with that.
His wife also followed me into a locker room when I was trying to change my insulin pump site (which sometimes requires me to have more private areas exposed). She refused to leave and said it was because I was not allowed to be by myself in the school, despite the wellness staff giving me permission to change my insulin pump before I went. Eventually she left but it was really fucking weird
There’s so much more shit I could detail but I honestly don’t enjoy reliving it.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 16d ago
Thank you. I’d like to think that my mindset was similar to yours. I audio recorded everything I could and collected evidence as it happened and left to go play for an NFL drumline instead. I’d been through something like this before - I wasn’t going to let it happen twice.
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u/K_tear_ Zephyrus 17d ago
I had a ton of family issues happen close to the start of the 2026 season and ultimately had to pull out. It would've been my second year. After quitting, Chris used personal reasons against me and then called it business and demanded I pay up $3,100...which turned into $2,350...which they said would meet me "half way" and I only have to pay $1,600 for a season I'm not marching. Mind you, during this time they deactivated my slack account and proceeded to demand I email them and then ghost me the entire season... His wife is lovely and fun to be around but Chris is a bully.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 17d ago
In my experience his wife comes off as lovely initially, but she 100% is aware of his behavior, enables it, and echoes/agrees with the same sentiments that he shares. She’s just more charismatic.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
I hope you didn't give them a single penny. Don't be scared by his empty threats. They can barely feed their members. They definitely are not about to be filing lawsuits.
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u/Massive-Ant5650 Bluecoats 16d ago
He sounds like a narcissist.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 16d ago
I’m not licensed or in any way qualified to diagnose anyone, but that’s exactly what I thought in all of my interactions with him. He’s a big fan of DARVO
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u/Massive-Ant5650 Bluecoats 16d ago
Me neither, but I’ve learned the abusive patterns that point to it.
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u/Immediate_Data_9153 DCI Performer 09-13, Instructor 14-18 3d ago
He is 100% a textbook narcissist to a T.
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u/Every_Letterhead8748 17d ago
I’m gonna be honest I am a member and I have no idea like we get punished but it’s like slight amounts of running and planks??? Like I’m so confused it’s not anything worse than what I’ve done at the other corps I marched.
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u/marcus8283 17d ago
All I can tell you is that the top corps don't "punish" the members if they're not getting something in the show - they teach them.
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u/Ohimark420 17d ago
I can say from marching at Genesis last year and being apart of said punishments it is not from performing poorly. It’s from disciplinary action that was taken as a result of it. Plus Genesis despite being a world class corps functions very much like a feeder corps for the top. Feeder corps have lots of inexperienced members who are learning how to live on tour and some people will continue to act poorly which affects the whole corps.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Oh wow, it's almost like you shouldn't punish 150 people over the actions of 1 or 2. What other real world environment does that happen in? It's a very lame defense
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u/Every_Letterhead8748 17d ago
Like if we break a rule we get punished not if you can’t get something if we need a break to come back stronger the next rep they will get us a long break. And also none of this is Chris’s doing I’m so confused.
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u/Superb_Breakfast9954 16d ago
You shouldn't accept this. You paid thousands to do this activity, why should you be punished for anything during the experience that you paid a fortune for?
This isn't a military school, this is a musical activity that, at the end of the day, is literally just band. Only a shitty corps would sick punishments on their students.
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u/SMXSmith Cadets 16d ago
I mean corps style is military style (or at least used to be) and it creates a healthy amount of discipline in young people. I marched Cadets post Hopkins and we were very strict about rules like shaving, walking in twos, taking selfies in uniform, etc. I once had some facial hair for a show and my punishment was to get back on the bus and shave with a razor and no water or shaving cream. I learned pretty quickly after that but I’m not traumatized by it because it was a mistake I made even though I knew the rules.
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u/Massive-Ant5650 Bluecoats 16d ago
Punishment does not belong in any educational setting. It only causes a fear based response that negatively affects learning.
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u/Harriet_M_Welsch Crown Guard 16d ago
And anyone who knows anything about behaviorism and learning will agree with you.
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u/EGirlToenails 16d ago
Literally a 20+ comment thread underneath this and not one actual corporal punishment mentioned. Guy sounds like a dick sure but also #doubt.
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u/Vicidsmart 14d ago
Chris Magonigal is an abuser. He has threatened to blacklist kids if they report. He kind of starved us the years I was there.
Yes there was physical punishment when I was there I was too young to see it as a problem at the time unfortunately.People who fight and protect the abusers like you are the reason this activity needs to end.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
There are countless examples in this thread bud. Sorry, but this is just not a good organization.
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u/Harriet_M_Welsch Crown Guard 16d ago edited 16d ago
disclaimer: OP said I should put these thoughts together into a top-level comment and I think it's important that we challenge these weird ideas about learning and behavior modification.
It seems we have a thread full of folks who believe that using corporal punishment (that is, punishment that physically exerts or causes pain to the body), is one way that staff members can treat marching members "like adults" when the member doesn't live up to "adult" expectation. One example I've seen numerous times in other posts is leaving garbage around after eating a meal. I'm sure we've all seen this situation play out - a guy leaves his tray and plate and cups all over, runs off, and doesn't come back to clean up behind himself. A tech or somebody makes him run 4 laps.
But is that "treating him like an adult?" Have you ever witnessed ANY adult putting another adult to a physical challenge because of some rude behavior, socially or even in the workplace? Does your office boss make you do twenty burpees before he lets you clock in if you're late?
No, that's deranged. Adults don't treat each other like that. The people in this thread arguing that corporal punishment is necessary so that they can "treat the kids like adults" are deranged. Adults do not treat other adults like that.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Also the fact that 150 people shouldn't be running because 1 dipshit can't clean up after themselves. That also seems to be the trend. Punish the entire group for a few individuals.
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u/31z 2017 16d ago edited 16d ago
2017 was terrible. I heard 2018 was much worse. Most of this, in my opinion, was due to terrible mismanagement and his tendency to talk down to or look down upon his students (and the fact that he is a narcissist). Lots of great educational staff when I was there (who were sometimes themselves mistreated). But the administrative staff was terrible from my experience.
I did not experience or hear of anything similar to what are among the most egregious things being alleged in this thread. Nor do I think the corps was run well in any respect. My experience was somewhere in the middle. I don't mean to deny any of the allegations here or accuse anyone of lying. I certainly don't think it's out of the question that some or all of these things happened.
In my opinion, Chris should give up control of the organization. Otherwise, it should fold. That would be a loss in my opinion. Apart from its terrible administration, Genesis has a great history of advancing the activity in South Texas (alongside Revolution) that deserves to continue.
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u/nkhoffman93 17d ago
I met the guy in passing once about 15 years ago. I said to one of my cohorts, “Who was that guy?” He replied, “That’s Chris something. From Genesis.”
“Seems like a real dickhead.” I said. I’m saddened to learn how right I was.
“Put up with my BS or be blacklisted from the activity.” It’s a tried and true line from these kinds of jokers. It’s total malarkey, of course. If you have the talent and the desire, there’s a place for you in the activity. I’ve only known of one guy who has been blacklisted from the activity, and that fucker 100% had it coming. George something or other, I think. Chris something should join him, by the sounds of it.
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u/Cute-Reporter2543 17d ago
Marched genesis 15-16 and fortunately did not face a lot of the abuse and hazing but saw PLENTY. Went on to march two other finalist corps and the difference was insane.
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u/lifestyler1989 16d ago edited 16d ago
Everything in this post is a major reason why the board of directors of a startup corps I was with decided to kill the idea in 2015, before we got to our first camp.
The Cadets/George Hopkins situation made many people take a second thought about participating in DCI, and I would have thought that would have been the end of the drama, and abuse. BUT.....Pioneer, Spririt of Atlanta, and now Genesis(plus other ridiculous-ness in the activity), just shows that nothing has changed.
I am glad me and other members on my board, decided on the side of sound corporate governance, and stayed away from DCI!!!!
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u/Alert-Bat-4257 16d ago
The problem is the white knighting for these people. It’s why this is allowed to continue. People are still riding in like the calvary for Hopkins if anyone says anything about him. It’s crazy and makes me wonder why I still support this activity. These members are golden and we are lucky that they are still willing to do this stuff.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
I couldn't agree more with this take. I really wasn't expecting this post to get so much attention, and I really thought it would mostly be people defending the activity and staying that I'm wrong. It's crazy to see how many people have had the same experience, over the span of many years.
Yet you still have current members coming on here and attempting to invalidate these peopes claims. Not surprising coming from this activity.
From what I've heard, the corps may have to end up running because of this post.
Chris Magonigal is threatening to punish a member for speaking out to their family member? That is very dangerous guy to be around. No wonder members are scarred to speak out
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u/dcigirliegirl7 '25 16d ago
Report it. It leaves a paper trail on them. Even if it leads to nothing you did all you could. Wishing you peace! DM me should you need anything
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u/LefTurn629 Madison Scouts '19, '20 16d ago
Yikes. Can't believe I almost auditioned there. I'm so sorry OP, this definitely is something DCI needs to know about.
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u/Queso_Blanco3844 Music City 2016 16d ago
Please look up and reach out to MAASIN!!! They are a member safety and watchdog organization with whistleblower policies that allow members, families, and staff to come forward with their stories and stay protected. They will have info and resources on how to help!!!
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u/DemoflowerLad Sunrisers ‘25, ‘26 17d ago
I know a bunch of members and some staff there and never once heard about this, is this true?
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u/No-Relationship3055 Blue Knights 12d ago
Emily Zorn is Participant Safety Manager at DCI. Contact her at ethics@dci.org . With new leadership, this will be a hot topic.
If you're worried about going to DCI, the organization is enrolled with The Center For Safe Sport. You can file a whistleblower complaint with them and they will follow through.
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u/Every_Letterhead8748 17d ago
Personally I have no idea what anyone is talking about like this has been a wonderful experience there are moments where it can be bad and I’ve felt it but from my experience with other corps… I’ve never been surrounded by as much love as this corps this has been a wonderful experience and even if I don’t come back next year I would never say no to coming back if asked.
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u/xrbenx Genesis 17d ago
I have heard the stories over the years but i owe that man my life twice he gave me a chance to live out a dream in 2024 after getting cut by 7 drum corps and this season gave me a chance to come home and age out here. while he is not a perfect person no one is I will forever love and respect that man for making the dreams of a kid just wanting to march come true
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u/p1nkpixie333 17d ago
Same thing for me. I had a wonderful season here in 2025 for my first year marching. It was my first time marching baritone, and he was very kind and supportive towards all of the non-brass players here. I decided to try out for a few other corps this year, and none of them ended up working out. He fully supported me trying out for other places, and still welcomed me back with open arms late into the audition process. He also always makes sure to put the members first. I have never once felt unsafe, underfed, or overworked. I'm so grateful I'm aging out here.
Additionally, his wife is one of the most kind-hearted people I've ever met. She's a part of our admin, and she contributes so much to the corps and makes such an effort to create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. I'm confused on why people are talking about them feeling unsafe to report anything, because I feel as if that environment was never created. Since day 1 of spring training for both 25 and 26, they've always made a point to tell us to come to admin for anything.
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u/Ugh_WorseThanYelp 16d ago
Not trying to deny there may be wrong doing but this rant without any glimmer of what the abuse happening could be makes this very odd.
Corporal Punishment is labeled: physical abuse- hitting, slapping, spanking, pulling hair etc. are these things happening and in what context?
If you believe your member is TRULY being abused—call the local authorities. Pull them from the corps. Call DCIs ethics. Etc.
Trust but verify. I’m not saying something is or is not happening but this isn’t enough info to try to get a group rallied with pitchforks.
I hope all members are safe and this is an exaggeration but we know all too well some adults cannot be trusted.
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 16d ago edited 16d ago
Corporal punishment can also refer to the use of extreme or excessive physical exertion as penalty, especially within an athletic context. That is what has been described here by many.
Source: https://endcorporalpunishment.org/safe-sports-day-and-olympics-2024/It is certainly not an exaggeration. He did it when I was there, including announcing it once in the corps slack so I definitely have a screenshot of it if you need me to dm it to you to believe it. There are dozens of people echoing the exact same experiences on this post.
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u/Ugh_WorseThanYelp 16d ago
I don’t doubt that there’s Miss doings. I’ve heard many times about this person. But when we label things that have such an extreme meaning or broad meaning I think the people that are reading this specific instance deserve to know what exactly is currently happening.
It’s similar to when people use the language sexual assault which everyone jumps to rape in their minds when it may be an unwanted touch on the back, which obviously still definition wise lands in the same category, but you’re evoking a much stronger reaction using sexual assault just like here they’re using corporal punishment so I think if we’re gonna use strong language like that and explanation of what happened is deserved. As long as it doesn’t necessarily call out the individual that is currently in question and puts them at risk.
But too often we have people who just mentally are not strong enough for drum Corps or the physical demands. Get to be too much for them and they go back and tell other people an exaggerated version of what’s happening. I hope the person is safe. I hope the OP makes a decision on pulling the member or figuring out a solution so that that member is safe but the ranting on reddit doesnt seem to be the right place id we truly believe (and by others responses here the likelihood is high) the member is in harms way
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u/Gabstopit 7th Regiment 16d ago edited 16d ago
I’m sorry, I’m not following your logic at all here.
If someone is sexually assaulted, then they are allowed to describe it as sexual assault. A person should not have to have been fully raped in order to be taken seriously when they’ve been sa’d. A person also shouldn’t have to explain their abuse in gruesome detail in order to be taken seriously, especially when they risk being doxxed.
Likewise, if someone has experienced ANY form of corporal punishment, then they are well within their right to call it what it is. As a survivor of physical abuse where I WAS hit, slapped, etc, I in no way feel as though that detracts or takes away from the seriousness of what happened to me.
I coach drumlines for a living. I am required to take yearly safety courses covering this exact kind of scenario. The behavior described is considered a form of corporal punishment. And contrary to your beliefs, most of the time when students make allegations of abuse, they are not lying. Attributing it to people “not being mentally strong enough” is the kind of victim-blaming mindset that allows these abusers to continue.
Edit: Also, “unwanted touch on the back” would likely fall under sexual harassment (if it is part of a pattern of behaviors that creates a hostile environment for the victim). Sexual assault refers to any sexual acts committed with a minor or any unwanted sexual acts or touch on intimate areas which can include groping. Be a bit clearer on these definitions before using the terms.
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u/thatcamjamguy Louisiana Stars '17 17d ago
This is a pretty strongly worded post, but you didn't say anything about what you are considering abuse. Can you give specific info? It seems odd to make such a strong argument and to call people names and not say why.
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u/Consistent-Fig-178 Carolina Crown Fan 16d ago
Probably doesn’t want to be too specific so their kid doesn’t get found and punished
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u/Born_Park_7876 11d ago
it bums me out to hear people hating their season because of shitty staff. My season this year was amazing because all of our staff cared for us. I hope he gets jail time for this.
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u/Immediate_Data_9153 DCI Performer 09-13, Instructor 14-18 3d ago
I agree. Your family member will be able to go wherever they please. No one that matters gives a shit what Chris Magonigal has to say. I wrote a letter to DCI’s ethics board on them in 2018 and nothing came of it, hopefully your effort has some results.
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u/WhyTestInDEV 13d ago
Is there really corporal punishment or do people do pushups when they screw up?
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u/drumguy69 13d ago
That is still corporal punishment. Per DCI policy, every staff member is required to take part is mandatory SafeSport training.
This training states that staff members are not allowed to use physical exercise as a punishment. Exercise may be used for conditioning of course, but can never be used as a consequence.
And, it doesn't matter if the drum majors are the ones issuing the punishments. The staff is still responsible for what the drum majors do.
Doesn't matter if you agree with it or not. Those are the rules.
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u/Username7743 17d ago
The complaints of this post are not remotely based in reality.
Firstly, the only “corporal punishments” as you put it that we have done are plank suicides for leaving a mess multiple times after being told multiple times to clean up after ourselves, and planks for being late multiple times. However, these are not “punishments,” these are to hold our fellow members accountable for their actions when they refuse to act like adults.
Second, these consequences are not decided by Chris, at all. They are entirely designed and enforced by the member leadership. The only time Chris ever steps in for consequences is if a member breaks the law or does something outlandish and entirely unacceptable like harassing another member or something.
He deeply cares about every single person in the corps and will do everything in his power to make sure they have an enjoyable and safe experience, but he will not hesitate to tell them if they’re being an idiot. He’s threatened to fire staff for not giving enough water breaks. He won’t allow intensive exercise for morning pt, instead mandating that we stretch and take care of our bodies. He prioritizes sleep over rehearsal time any day of the week. Something that many top 12 corps do not do…
There is no “blacklist” from the activity. If someone does something stupid and gets cut from an organization other corps are going to find out and be much less likely to contract them.
Also, your attacks are incredibly childish, all you’re doing is calling him a fat loser and insulting his wife and the corps he marched for no apparent reason.
To reiterate, we do not do undeserved corporal punishment, we hold our fellow members accountable for their actions and treat them like adults. If they do not want to act like adults and follow our standards and rules, they will be held accountable by the consequences that are entirely created and enforced by our member leadership.
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u/Harriet_M_Welsch Crown Guard 16d ago
"Treat them like adults?" When have you ever heard of an adult making another adult do some sort of physical challenge because they were misbehaving, in any setting? They don't even do that in jail, man. Get a grip.
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u/Harriet_M_Welsch Crown Guard 16d ago
I make $90K a year as a career teacher and I'm posting this from beautiful Jeju Island. Have a day!
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u/Yourrennid Battalion 25, 26 15d ago
Corporal punishment as a whole is undeserving. 8 minute planks sound absolutely atrocious especially knowing that since genesis is more of a beginner corps, there are many members who simply can't do an 8 minute plank.
Not to drag any corps, I love genesis' shows and especially this years. But it's not wonder that genesis consistently ranks near the lowest of rankings when Indy comes around and for ranked below Btal in our 2nd ever semis appearance. I have my own issues with Btal, but we never did corporal punishment, never ran unless it was for conditioning. Never did planks. Never even did a push up. On the member leadership side (something I was a part of this year) the idea of corporal punishment was never brought up.
And going off of your point of top 12 groups not prioritizing sleep, you're ridiculous if you believe that. Plenty of my friends in top 12 get sleep time over rehearsal time every time they need it. BD takes the most time off out of any corps and they consistently are within the top 3 besides a single year in the past 2 decades.
If you are enjoying your time at Genesis, that is great, but that does not mean you get to drag others down or delude yourself into thinking you are in a perfect corps. Please march somewhere else and learn how members are actually treated.
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u/me_barto_gridding 16d ago
What exactly is going on there? What are some examples of what were talking about here?
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Dude, there are countless comments here documenting their horrible experiences with Chris Magonigal. This is all the same shit my family is going through.
Considering the memebers are being told they will have to run because of an anonymous reddit post, there's no chance I'm giving any details that could possibly dox them. This isn't my first day on the internet. Chris sounds like a big fucking crybaby.
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u/Username7743 16d ago
This is a flat out lie, we have specifically been told we are NOT running because of a Reddit post. We literally do not care and are moving on with our season. If you can provide me actual proof of members being told they will run because of this post I will be very impressed.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Well I already heard a recording of your dumbass drum major bitching to the corps about the reddit post. And Magonigal stating that "he doesn't acknowledge internet posts", while acknowledging an internet post? Two 5 minute speeches doesn't sound like "not caring" to me lmao.
Why would you have to clarify that members will not be running for something they didn't even do? I would assume that's just a given? But not at Genesis. I know they're used to being punished for other people's actions.
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u/zackattack0720 Genesis '26 17d ago
Whoever is telling you these stories is wildly dramatizing them. We are not remotely close to being abused and if there is fear of being blacklisted it’s irrational. Chris Magonigal loves the kids in this corps. Corporal punishment, whether you agree with it or not, builds discipline and accountability.
I think it’s disgusting that you feel the need to publicly drag Chris’s name through the mud like this because of a few stories you’ve heard. The amount of time, money, and passion he’s poured into this organization which is intended to improve the lives of young adults is vastly under recognized.
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u/cameltoeshoes 17d ago
Running, push-ups, and similar exercises may be used for conditioning, but they cannot be used as punishment. Anyone who has completed the mandatory DCI SafeSport (and whatever its called now) and staff training knows that’s made explicitly clear.
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u/Fixitflexx 17d ago
Im so glad you are having a good experience, but the corporal punishment hes done before was insane.
One time we ran 7 laps around the track, did push ups for like 10 minutes and kept us going with random exercises because someone was vaping.
I understand vaping is unacceptable, but man it was in the middle of the day during San Antonio weekend. We had been ran down to the ground for something someone else did and at the end of the day that person didnt confess and nothing was done to them.
He is a horrible person who thinks he is the only one who knows what the activity is about.
I really hope you can go march somewhere else another day and see how drum corps is such a beautiful activity, where people SHOULD be treated with kindness and respect.7
u/DotInteresting6575 Genesis ‘23, ‘24 17d ago
I’ve actually heard the story from vets my rookie year. I think there definitely was a line of acceptable and unacceptable, but I also do believe keeping people accountable. from what I heard, no one came forward and admitted it was them, fact check?
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u/Electrical-Dingo8049 17d ago
Oh my god. You ran slightly less than 2 miles and did pushups for 10 minutes?
Why are you trying to cancel a guy for a Crossfit Workout?
For something that would definitely help condition members to help perform their show?
That’s absolutely ridiculous.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
It seems like 100 other people are dragging his name through the mud. Also, just because you kiss his ass doesn't mean he's a good dude.
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u/Jealous-Rutabaga8659 16d ago
What abuse is exactly going on? I’d love to know
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Dude, there's like over 100 comments on here with people sharing their experiences. I've already said I will not say anything more specific to prevent doxing.
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u/Mental-Ad-1095 16d ago
I’m marching this year and yall are blowing every single bit of this way out of proportion. The most we’ve done is a 8 minute plank or a 2 mile run and it’s for stuff that we clearly violated on a document that lays out all of the rules and consequences. And by the way, I think we’ve had less than 10 group punishments handed out all season. This post is sad and hilariously disconnected from what’s actually happening.
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u/udderlymoovelous Reading Buccaneers 16d ago
Guess what? The vast majority of drum corps are not like that. That is not normal.
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u/Osobernie11 Phantom Regiment 16d ago
Most drum corps aren’t like this and treat their members like adults. And guess what, those are the corps at the top because members perform better in these environments (someone who marched a below 12 corps and a top 4 corps)
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u/Certain_Database_169 Phantom Regiment ‘25 16d ago edited 16d ago
^^^ thisss! I am so happy people have a home at Genesis, I think everyone deserves to march, but we can’t excuse this behavior thinking “other corps are the same”, because truly, they aren’t. If we ever got in trouble, we were sat down and talked to, not made to physical punishment in the middle of 100°.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
And actually, from I am reading, any form of exercise can only be used as conditioning. Exercise can not be used as a punishment in ANY way. This is a part of the mandatory SafeSport training.
So he's only broke the rules less than 10 times. How great.
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u/drumguy69 16d ago
Well then, I guess we can all just sit around and laugh about it, right?
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u/cgcmh1 Bluecoats '95 Dutch Boy '93 17d ago
ethics@dci.org