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Showing content with the highest reputation on 09/08/2013 in all areas

  1. I marched in the 80s. I have been on this board before under a different screen name. I swore to God I would never come back, and that I would never go to another show again....AFTER vocals were instituted. The use of the Yowza, and the singing that the Cadets did drove me away. I truly can't watch those shows EVER. That said. This year my son asked me about taking him to see a show. I relented. We went. I was floored at the sound. I was anti amp, anti electronics, and still HATE vocals, always will, but there is no comparison to what I am hearing out there on that field. We can all debate the songs and them being chopped up bits, etc. I am talking about the beauty of the sound, and how well its woven. I am almost to the point that if DCI wants to try woodwinds, then so be it. I have no doubt some corps will go full on overboard and alienate half of the world with their overuse for a year. Then they will learn how to use them wisely and it will be incredible. I bought the Cadets pretour cd and am astounded by the sound. If this is what it sounds like with all the changes in place, then change on. I missed about 5 years of corps over my stubborness. I have some catching up to do.
    5 points
  2. So last night I woke up @ 4:25 am and couldn't immediately fall back asleep so I decided to listen to iHeartRadio. I put on a program called Coast to Coast AM which is basically a show about the occult, aliens, the paranormal, and conspiracies. Apparently it's the most popular show in its time slot on the radio ( @ 3 million listeners) and has been running for a pretty long time.... I must admit that I've heard the show a few times during long drives across the country as I find it both interesting and amusing to hear about these things.... ( I also like all these types of movies ) Of course most of it is whacky, but that's part of the fun I guess. ANYWAY, I came in on the viewer' calls segment of the program; there was this caller from Missouri talking about the Tournament of Champions show in Warrensburg, Mo on July 11th. He wanted to let the host and the other listeners know about "these collegiate marching bands" and their band competition shows happening across the country. The caller singled out The Cavaliers in particular for worshiping the illuminati during their show! () Of course he described the corps as being a "collegiate marching band from West Virginia, I think"... The caller described The Cavaliers by saying that they "came on the field wearing black robes and actually performed a "satanic ritual" in their show... " I think there were 7 bands there and they came in last place...." Okay, I found a link from the show... http://www.coasttoco...show/2013/09/06 " Savant from Kansas City phoned in to discuss how the Illuminati thinking has invaded the United States and was mostly recently seen in a collegiate marching band competition he attended. "[One group] actually did a satanic ritual on the field worshiping the Illuminati... they all came out in black robes, they had banners with the triangle with the eye in it, they all bowed down to this thing," he recalled. " Okay, I'm sorry, but that was just a bizarre experience for me. I've heard this show a few times over 20 years and this is the first time that I've heard any drum corps mentioned. To think that a person on this planet believes that a "collegiate marching band" would perform a satanic ritual live and in front of a stadium full of people was pretty funny to me. What's a little disconcerting is that approximately 3 million people got some pretty inaccurate information. Did anyone else hear this program? Has anyone heard anything else this bizarre about drumcorps?
    5 points
  3. Auf Heartliner: "Heartliner knüpfen an die Leistung von USA Reise an. Mit einem zweiten Platz bei den German Open belegten die Heartliner nun auch in der DCE Premier Class ihre Leistungsfähigkeit. 70.50 Punkte sprechen ein klare Sprache. Die Heartliner 2013 spielen auch in Europa mit. Gratulation Heartliner." Translation---Heartliner took second at German Open with a score of 70.50. They next go to the Drum Corps Nederland championships on 21 September and the Drum Corps Europa Championships on 28 September.
    3 points
  4. Gaines writes to the grid. Rosander writes to a continuum. That means Gaines' drill is much easier to clean, all other things being equal. So, for Rosander to win, he'd need a more-talented drum corps, lol.
    3 points
  5. I as a fly on the wall of BD's '14 design meeting had to squeeze in as Sam the Spider, curled up like a green team gear, Charlie the maroon centipede, and Manny the Ft. Mill moth who would become a purple butterfly, had already beaten me on board. SCV had captured Hearst Castle in their last foray in Parisian squabbles and had holed up there to host their VC championship banquet while PC had cornered the beach resorts along the Carmel coast. So here the SS Concord was afloat somewhere before reaching Catalina to discuss, dissect, and determine a better direction for the '14 season. The carpenters had been let go as the cabinets did not need to be altered since '13 had proven unlucky with no new trophies to add. They had tried to get that creative genius from JDFuncorps to join them, but he was holding out for tour money with Spirit. Thus the mood of the meeting seemed strained, even stiff, yet this veteran staff paddled on. They were debating whether they would continue last year's strategy of having Plan9 and BDSop post a new thead about BD every other day on DCP so that the corps was not forgotten in the public eye. "But DeeRae said we'd make loads of money from doing that movie thing! But today's kids aren't buying enough of our souvies. Where's the money? They just want those little monsters and anything with purple pants. We didn't plan well enough for their reaction to Einstein and friends. We should have had all that screaming and cheering in Indy, well before we even took the field. Even the judges now are doing that funny counting. And our blue system kids—since we officially dropped "C' from the alphabet (for Cadets, Cavaliers, and Crown), all they are reciting is A, B, B, D! Plus they keep shouting Blooo when we come out and Canton is claiming royalties. God help us if Denver wants the same if it's at night." "We've got to get back to our roots! The audience and some judges want a "dog and pony show." Even our alumni started to complain that we're too cerebral. Don't mention "ponies." Crown did that already in '07 after they paid royalties to Troopers who think hosses belong to them. Remember the mocking of our coat racks?" "Well if it's "park and bark" they want, we'll have to give it to them. That will get us out of the dog house. Yeah, maybe we need to throw the audience and some judges a bone." "Wait, wait, wait. I the great Chandler have an idea. This article I have been reading to distract me from my sea-sickness says that Americans spend 47.7 Billion dollars on the care of their pets. What if we could tap into that? What if we really gave them "park and BARK?" "But what if Torchia or Grandma are 'cat people?" "Well the cub scout pack of cheddar- headers already did "Cats." No they did 'Memories." We could always pick other numbers from that show." "And Wayne has always wanted to do a jazzed up version of Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens to give it real zip compared to what those classical Rockford rangers did with it." "Well, we'd have to be careful with animals, I mean Crown already has Barney and wormholes, Phantom has the dragon, Hopkins is always talking about the Elephant in the room, and DCP would expect dinosaurs." "DCP is no problem because we could try "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" by Lobo as our warm-up. Who'd bark at Boo? Plus Brian can be our drum major with Scoobie-Doo and Snoopy. ScoJo got excited. "How about if the pit started it off with a seven voice canon of "How much is that doggie in the window?" for the pre-show? We could call it our tribute to Annette Funicello. Then half the guard could be costumed like canines and the other half as felines. We could trade the red balls in for tennis balls and balls of yarn." "Well after last year's outfit and tattoos, leather and chains wouldn't be a far stretch!" "No, how about if instead of the guard, it was BDC dressed like that? As little puppies and kitties! We would have kids and their grandparents in the palm of our hands! Who wouldn't feel gushy seeing the little darlings? They all mastered the System Blue already: blue ice, good; yellow snow, bad. Blue skies, good; brown nappies, bad. Etc. Besides, BDB are still popping their pimples over their loss to SCVC; using the little kids would shock them back into focus. DG chirped up. "I'm getting into this. We could do a Bocook thing and bop and chop great dog tunes like Lassie, and Rin-Tin-Tin and Danny Elfman's version of the Jetsons for Astro, of course. And Elvis's Hound Dog, and "Who Let the Dogs Out?" by the Ba Ha men. "And What about 'Cat's Cradle" by Stevens? Oh, this is going to be good! Look at all the numbers I get to choose from!!! http://dogvacay.com/...puppy-playlist/ http://answers.yahoo...14144557AAuZHxc http://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=68339 Emmons and Ryan chimed in together, "Well we could rotate a bone, do a lot of stop-and-goes, and use dog houses as props complete with seating areas, mirrors, and even fire hydrants, made from PVC pipe of course. But will we still get to do the special drill we've been working on, 7 different ways to make the letter G...for Gibbs,of course?" "If it gets us a ring! No poosey-footing around this season. Our soloists will sound like dog whistles and that will get Saucedo and his Carmel Greyhounds whistling in Indy for more. Yes, this is our year!!! So we are agreed ladies and gentlemen. It's "Best Friends, Canines and Cats" or as it will be forever known on the tour busses nationwide, "Paws and Claws, BD '14" That is, until some band director steals it. Then we'll get them with royalties! (cNdP '13)
    2 points
  6. Just watched several different videos of it. The sound of that soprano line. Nothing like it. That's all I've got. The end.
    2 points
  7. Are you denying that rehearsals take place at midnight all through the winter in Area 51 in Nevada? Are you denying that papers obtained via the Freedom of Information act from the Spacecraft that crash-landed in Roswell NM were found to have the entire drill charted for '93 Star? Are you denying that Carolina Crown stores their buses in Hangar 18 at Wright Patterson AFB? Do you deny that no Earthly record of birth can be located for George Zingali, and that when he raised his left hand the index finger glowed? Coincidences? I think not. The sooner we get to the bottom of these and other secrets being guarded by the CIA and DCI (ever notice that the head of the CIA is referred to simply as DCI? Another coincidence? Yeah sure, you believe that...) the sooner we'll find the truth. Why did it take the Boston Crusaders so many years to reach finals after marching in President John F Kennedy's Inaugural parade? It's a cover-up, but fear not. Oliver Stone is working with Lucas Films on a new movie, with the working title DCIET... They're coming....
    2 points
  8. I think the people who've already replied to the thread have the basics covered... Try your best to watch the vets and how they rehearse. I say rehearse because a lot of us will act goofy during the camps; it's our first time seeing our friends since last summer so we tend to pick up right where we left off. Normally though, as soon as we're needed to do something serious, we get on task. That's when you should watch us. Also don't be afraid to come and interact with anyone during meals and stuff, especially not the vets. All of them have been where you have before, and they all now how nerve racking the process is. The weekends can be much friendlier if you make friends quickly. Take in all information the staff gives you, and apply it to your fullest ability. Camps at Crown are very big on that, because it is a learning process. If they ask for a volunteer for something, raise your hand immediately. The more one-on-one time you can get with staff members the better. Especially when you're playing in front of them + 30 other kids. Never relax. If you're in the middle of the block in the middle line during visual block, you're still being watched. You're always being watched. Sometimes staff will ask trusted vets questions... "How is _____ doing? How's their work ethic? How would they handle a summer?" And make sure to take care of yourself. Eat a good meal before you drive/fly down to camp, don't rush yourself. Pack a couple of days ahead, you want the experience to be as relaxed as possible, in the sense of not stressing yourself out. When you get to camp, be sure to always be drinking water or gatorade. Don't overeat during meals... Food truck food does something different to everyone their first time eating it... Mine was not pleasant (the food isn't bad, it's just different than what you eat on a daily basis). But having said that, make sure you eat. Nothing is worse than you getting light headed halfway through a visual or brass block. And try not to stress out too much when you get called in front of the brass staff to audition. There are hundreds of other kids in the same shoes as you are, trying to prove themselves to get a spot. Don't worry about them, and don't worry about how the audition is going to go. Just go in, do what they ask, and own it. Confidence can make or break people at camps. If you have any questions feel free to PM me or something. I'm from NC as well, so maybe if you're close enough we can carpool.
    2 points
  9. Because nothing screams illuminati more than 100 guys in bright green running around on a football field blowing horns and beating drums and telling thousands of people they are a secret society.
    2 points
  10. BUCKY'S WORLD In Bucky's World Where we go to escape, There is never a frown, Or a tear. It's a world full of welcome, And smiles, and joy, Where no one need cower, Or fear. Bucky's World is festive, With music and drink, Where camaraderie lives, Through the year. A chamber of fable, And legend, and myth, With his fanciful stories, To hear. It's to this special world, That we always return, To see Swanee, The musical seer. For his impish grin, And devilish style, To our hearts, Is so very dear. With a nickname like Broadway, He is surely a star, An eternal child, Still filled with cheer. And to keep him that way, In Bucky's World, If you treat him nice, He'll let you buy him a beer.
    2 points
  11. I'm with you on lucked out... My friends and I were all corps junkies in HS- Mr. Kuhn had worked our band camp a few times, as well as Marty (?) from SCV. I started going to shows in '83, had instructors who marched Cavaliers in '84, went to a Marty Hurley clinic in '85. Wanted to march after my senior year, and tried out for Sky in fall '86- crushed to get cut in December. Mr. Orwoll called in early June of '87 and asked if I'd like to join the Colts (I had a friend marching) and I accepted. Scott Stewart called a day later with an offer to join as equipment guy/back field conductor (had a former teacher in the pit) and a chance to play in the Madison front line in '88, and I explained that I had just said yes to Colts. He was cool, and said that he hoped to meet me on the road. Loved my half year with Colts, but knew that they had openings at Madison, and I already knew the pit guys and instructors, as well as the fact that the Scouts were going to tour Europe. Showed up at auditions, played a bit, threw a frisbee and played four square, got an offer and joined Madison at Thanksgiving camp. The ring was a shock to me, the fact that we were really good was not... it was a special year, and I almost feel guilty for being there with so many vets and ageouts as a rookie. In the end, all four guys in my wedding party were Scouts, I still collaborate and teach with m' brothers 25 years later and marching in the alumni corps was so cool! My corps was the right fit for me, and I hope that every marching member finds a perfect home sometime in their years in drum corps.
    2 points
  12. Harry Hazelwood tribute to Bucky: Bucky Swan I sit here heartbroken ... one of the personalities that made up the Skyliners is now gone ... I cannot imagine the number of kids that grew up in the 60's, holding onto their Portrait in Brass album, that went to bed wishing they would one day play like Bucky Swan ... ... And I will smile and say Thank You, for knowing you has been a great pleasure ... Andy
    2 points
  13. Well-said, Frank. I'm one of the hundreds... thousands, perhaps... of drum corps people who was taught how to play by Tom. May he rest in peace.
    2 points
  14. Bucky will be remembered by many as a legendary soloist and a masterful raconteur, but that's just part of the story. He was an extraordinary instructor who could teach a tree how to play. Mostly, he accomplished this the old-school way: by example. And he didn't even need to be physically present. Every horn player of my generation gained immeasurably by simply listening to and attempting to copy his recorded performances. Bucky Swan is gone, but he has left us all so greatly enriched.
    2 points
  15. This review will come slowly....lots to type, and time is crazy around here. A recent medical issue in the family has me very tied up, so I'll get to the corps starting tomorrow....here's hoping work is slow. For tonight, just some general thoughts. First...as a fan or competitor I have been to every DCA Finals since conception in 1968. While i really don't remember much before 77, I can say for all of the years I do, this was easily, Open or A class, the best talent level across the board I EVER remember. There were years in Allentown where corps on early had me running for funnel cakes so the sugar high would keep me awake, or later in life, in Scranton running for the bar to drown out what I saw/heard. Not this year. 11th place in Class A this year would have been the champion in say 1998. It's unreal how talented all 23 corps were. Oh sure, some will think I'm lying when I review, but remember, performers perform what they are given....and even with some design issues, those corps were still far better than some corps popping 40's at prelims 25 years ago. Always fun to hit a show with Dad, as he doesnt get to see much corps anymore. The joy of Annapolis was it was a day trip each day, and Dad came along to prelims. Got to see a lot of old faces, and had fun watching a lot of drum corps. At times, he's very old school, but yet with modern design, when he likes something, he likes it a lot! And I quote: " I never thought I'd see the day the Cabs played the music of the greatest rock n roll band of all time, and they did it ###### good!". However....in spite of the praise for the corps and the talent.....why in the hell at finals weekend am I seeing people bump into each other on the field ( up to the top 3 no less), blown direction changes or blown halts??? Really??? IT'S FINALS WEEKEND......YOU SHOULD HAVE THAT #### DOWN COLD...ESPECIALLY AT THE TOP! Also...Carolina Gold had the loudest tenors I have heard!! It wasn't that the guys were beating the crap out of them...however they tuned them just made them so loud! I liked it ( tho a few times it was too loud)...teach me your secret! usually thats the one voice I complain I can't hear! The venue....easy to get to, friendly staff and on site parking,and more food choices this year...I mean the pit beef was box 5 and the crab cakes remained box 6. Not a beer fan anymore, but did hear people say they needed more than Bud products. I didn't care, the water and the freshly squeezed lemonade worked, as did the various ice cream and snow globe options. Jeff Weir and crew, awesome job and I hope we can come back. Bribe the football team to go to Baltimore. Retreat...I know the sound ordinance is an issue...but what the hell? Took way too long to set up. Instead of parading everyone in corps by corps...and clearly several corps weren't coming in fast or together...bring in 4/5 at a time Olympic style. I debated starting the drive home and looking for scores on my phone. I did Saturday since it took forever for the last scores. Which reminds me...prelims....can you update scores more often? Going 8 at a time is kind of a pain.In fact, I never heard the scores for the first 4 in Open announced, I looked em up on my phone. All that said...reviewing the corps starts tomorrow. See ya then!
    1 point
  16. PREFACE: Its ok to do this in my mind. We all have our reasons we marched where we marched. Times have truly changed, but this has happened since the advent of DCI. That said, why did you march where you marched. I will start with my first corps being the Dubuque Colts. They were my first corps. I marched there as they are my hometown corps. They were in need of people. BAD. They took me with ZERO experience and no audition. 13 years old and heres some cymbals. Here is how you count and here is when you crash. Talk about a learning curve. I then marched with the Guardsmen on bassdrum for a season. It was a trying year, but it was fun. I had a roommate that was the hardest working snare drummer I have ever met. He was non stop practice. Even on the bus he wouldn't stop. He went to the bathroom while people slept and practiced. He told me all season, Garfield will win DCI and I will be with them. He went to Garfield in 83 and marched the threepeat. Ringchaser? Sure, but he earned every bit of it. My last corps I marched was in Kansas. The Sky Ryders. My junior year of high school. I loved every bit of their style and wanted to be a part of them. Guardsmen were folding and I didn't want to go back to Colts. ( I just didn't want to spend my time so close to home ) Sky had a drum corps world ad looking for members and I was in heaven. I called and was offered a spot in the cymbal line. Bingo. My favorite spot to be in. ( had dreams of SCV cymbals ) Off I went. Your turn. Where did you march if you care to share, and or why did you go where you marched? There is no wrong answer, we all have our reasons. If you wanted to experience winning, is that honestly wrong?
    1 point
  17. Niagra Falls Four Corners Frameworks Spin Cycle 007 Machine Samurai Mad World I'll be more than shocked if we ever see a body of work like that again. And these are just some of the highlights. The man is unmatched, and may remain that way indefinitely.
    1 point
  18. It's just been announced that the corps will be writing this instrument (complete with the Brooklyn Bridge) into the show.
    1 point
  19. I told you the G7 was part of a vast conspiracy!!!
    1 point
  20. IMO, compared to many other services within the military, the defined purpose of existence you stated for those groups is rather low on the priority list when the country is $17,000,000,000,000 in the hole and increasing that debt at $10,000 per second. However, I also have stated that if the entity requesting the service of that group is paying the expenses, not the tax payer, that it is fine with me. Keeping the books in the black is not a 'political' issue it is a 'responsibility' issue; just like the responsibility to keep a business in the black and the responsibility to keep a family financially safe. And as for your premise that the burden of the massive debt should not hurt the performers, here is what you are in essence saying, "If you are a parent and in massive debt, don't you dare cut that trip Disney World because the burden should not be shared by the kids". Again I get back to 'priority of service'; when 'that' much national debt has been accrued, and spiraling out of control at a rocket-ship pace, tough decisions have to be made concerning what services are required and what are not. (I do concede this is where the ugly side of politics rears its ugly head; and we get into the situation of , "Yeah I am for cutting spending, but do not dare cut what I or my constituents are interested in".) Benjamin Franklin once penned, "A penny saved is a penny earned". And once again I get back to prioritizing service; when a Family is in massive debt, all things not 'required' should be cut at least for the duration of righting the ship. So cutting that smart phone app which only costs a small $1.00 per month, though the size of a mite on the moon, is the responsible thing to do until the massive financial debt issues are corrected. This we agree on.
    1 point
  21. Bucky Swan.... I didn't know Bucky as well or as long as some of you. I came into the Skyliners in 2000. Bucky was always around and Roger Ellis was right....Bucky would always work towards getting us to play like "Skyliners". A personal story....I was trying to get some traction for a junior corps in Hopatcong, Nj called Bishop's Rock. This was 1999, 2000 or so. The township had a summer rec program and we were allowed to put a program in. I thought it would be cool to teach young kids, 8 to 10 years old to play a soprano bugle. We didn't think anyone would sign up but as it turned out, we had 8 kids jump into the week long program. I was talking with Bucky about it and he said "hey, if you need someone to help teach, I'll do it." I accepted his offer and he drove from The Amboys up to Hopatcong everyday for a week to teach these kids for an hour. The kids had a BALL. They actually nicknamed Bucky "The Cookie Man". The reason was because he taught the kids to make believe they were blowing cookie crumbs through the lips to make the sound in the horn. The bigger the crumb, the bigger the sound they could make. I asked Bucky, what do I owe ya ? He said in his way, "just get me a beer next time we get a chance." Of course, next rehearsal, I brought 2 cases and put them into his car. I was so appreciative of his work with our township kids..... Bucky will be missed for his passion for the activity and especially for The Skyliners. He has been with and around the organization for more than 57 years. I only wish he was here to see the rebirth of the corps. I know he'll be proud. Next time we sing the corps song, we do it for all past and present Skyliners, but we'll lift a glass and sing it to you, Bucky.....the tears may be in our eyes but they represent the sparkle you had for us in your eyes for all those years.... Rest in Peace, Bucky. The Swan Dive won't be the same without you. We send our condolences, prayers and love to Bucky's family and all those in the drum corps community who mourn this tragic loss.
    1 point
  22. He called himself Savant, huh? That's a minority view. Thankfully he was too dumb to notice the "collegiate band" that presented a pagan ritual in which sacrificial victims dance themselves to death to a demon god. But maybe by then he in was in the parking lot hiding under his car.
    1 point
  23. BUCKY'S WORLD In Bucky's World Where we go to escape, There is never a frown, Or a tear. It's a world full of welcome, And smiles, and joy, Where no one need cower, Or fear. Bucky's World is festive, With music and drink, Where camaraderie lives, Through the year. A chamber of fable, And legend, and myth, With his fanciful stories, To hear. It's to this special world, That we always return, To see Swanee, The musical seer. For his impish grin, And devilish style, To our hearts, Is so very dear. With a nickname like Broadway, He is surely a star, An eternal child, Still filled with cheer. And to keep him that way, In Bucky's World, If you treat him nice, He'll let you buy him a beer.
    1 point
  24. Just think what this person would have been discussing with the Cadets Door show. " They were bringing aliens in through a portal on the field and having them pretend they were a judge so as not to be found out, but I wasn't fooled. The aliens are amongst us and they are in drum corps shows. Might have even called the police when Phantom killed the drum major.......
    1 point
  25. Here ya go, Don I hate having my picture taken, so he held me there while saying "something dirty" in my ear. No lie, that's a quote.... his exact words. Ball breaker!!
    1 point
  26. That show is so crazy, I think most of the listeners either (a) listen for fun and don't take it seriously, or (b) are such kooks they would believe anything on the show, in which case there are much more serious matters on their minds involving secret government plots and space aliens.
    1 point
  27. Well, they weren't close at all...I lived in San Diego...several hundred miles south. Something just grabbed me when I saw them live at Riverside...and they had application forms at the souvie both. Honestly, I tried out not really understanding what I was getting myself into. I just kinda lucked out!
    1 point
  28. My band director introduced us to Drum & Bugle Corps. One of my friends marched Sky Ryders the summer between Junior and Senior year of High School. I liked what I had seen of Drum Corps so far and was envious of my friend traveling the country performing. I saved up money, learned to play Baritone attended the winter camps and stayed home for some stupid reason. I saw the show when they performed in Overland Park, KS and it was horrible. They needed more people and new drill. I called up Dan Jewet and if they needed and Baritone Players and he said come on out. I packed my bags and headed to Hutch for the 2nd tour of the '85 season. Didn't think much about winning the big banana but did feel, with the revised show we had a chance to make top 12. We came in 15th and I watched finals from the stands. I marched '87 with the intention of being in top 12 which I thought was probable due to their '86 9th place finish. Winning wasn't the big deal but top 12 was a big deal to me.
    1 point
  29. Two sources; speaking with military personnel at NASCAR events and speaking with NASCAR personnel at NASCAR events. To save money, NASCAR secures military aircraft which are going to be in the air already on training missions, or they connect with military pilots who are going to be in the air to get in their yearly flight time hours; then NASCAR pays for the extra time and extra fuel it takes to do the fly-over. This is why the fly-overs are so varied in type of craft, sometimes F-16s, sometimes a Bomber, sometimes a fleet of cobra helicopters, etc.. but note that NASCAR does pay for the extra time and extra fuel. Ya know, some here on DCP make fun of me for admitting that I talk with a lot of people at various events, but hey, I like people and find their lives interesting.
    1 point
  30. Bucky was one of our Brass instructors back with the Meadowlarks in the mid/late 60's along with Gus Wilke. He had a way of making you comfortable, but drawing the best out of you. If you look back at both The Meadowlarks & St Andrews, we were truly blessed to have had two of the best instructors, mentors & friends we possibly could have. Back then, as kids usually do, I really don't think I appreciated just how lucky we were. May he rest in peace.
    1 point
  31. I feel like a balloon with all the air let out. Funny thing though, Bucky would be laughing about it... How strange that it should happen during the traditional "Wildwood Weekend" when Bucky would be found in front of the Garden State with a plastic cup of beer haranguing every group and every individual that passed by. Like Pepe, truly one of a kind. And like Pepe, if someone were to start a thread of "Bucky Swan stories" it would eventually be longer than "The History of the Westshoremen" or longer in fact than the Pentateuch of the Old Testament. There's an awful lot of funny, inspirational, true stories that can, and should be told about Bucky. And about the RIP? I don't think anyone up there will rest in peace from today onward, and they'll be better off for the addition. And Gabriel better go back to practicing every day. Be rough getting showed up by a rookie.
    1 point
  32. This is truly sad news. I got to know Bucky well the summer of 2000 that I spent playing mellophone for Sky. John Arietano wrote our horn book that year and Ken MacLean worked hard on cleaning and technique. Bucky's job that year, as he described it to me, was to "get (us) to play like Skyliners". Bucky had some kind words for me the night before DCA Championships that year about how he appreciated my hard work that summer, and that memory is still with me. I hope Pepe has a large supply of Coors light on hand:))
    1 point
  33. Ray, Fran, et al How about a gathering of the more "experienced" people and have a round table(s) discussion about our activity. have a tape recorder on each table and record the "I REMEMBER THAT......" We can all look up the scores of a show or season, but not the personal stories that went on behind the scene, or just stories and memories. After a bit, rotate members to new groups - each person will feed off each other for new stories. Just think of what we have lost with the passing of "lefty" Meyer of Sky, Jim Costello of Hawthorne, Vince Bruni of Empire, Pepe, and on and on. All of there thoughts, memories and stories are gone and can never be duplicated. Think of what we could learn from Jimmy Russo, Lou Storck, GEORGE HAYEK (a Caballero from 1946!!!)David Bruni, and sooooo many more. We need to preserve this for future generations. This could take place at next year's HOF dinner or other time when they would be togeter.
    1 point
  34. However, it was tolerated by just about everyone because it... ...worked ...was humorous and brought many smiles to many faces ...waited until within the very final minute of the show If anyone wishes to read more about this very show, it was featured just this past Monday in the weekly column I write for a different drum corps website.
    1 point
  35. Thank you... 1) for being the parent who is concerned about your kid, is willing to sacrifice for his best, and willing to listen as well as speak. 2) for being balanced enough to reconsider and humble enough to say "I need to grow." 3) for being a fan of the members and realizing that their experience may be different from your likes and experience but their hunger for excellence and entertainment is the same. 4) for letting us in on what might have stayed the private musings of someone who chose not to be bitter but better. Thank you.
    1 point
  36. Doh! Would it still be performed by a drum and beagle corps?
    1 point
  37. ok there's DCA 2013. Sorry I didn't get to the alumni show, and while I will watch whatever is broadcast on the fan network next year, I won't be going to Rachacha. I did feel at times that corps are trying too much visually given the schedule, and really only one truly pulled it off. Far better in terms of design for A Class, i.e. people being smart aboutnot trying to do more than they can...not perfect, but better. Again, the best prelims and finals shows in terms of quality I have seen in year. Thanks to everyone for giving their all on the field this year
    1 point
  38. I stopped reading after about 3 sentences.
    1 point
  39. Yowza. Animals poop a lot. Why not call the show "From Dada to Doodoo"?
    1 point
  40. When I think about Rod Goodhart I wonder whether we'll ever see that class of "legendary" judges - the ones who steer the activity with their courage and knowledge. In the beginning we had Donald Angelica, Dr Baggs, Sandra Opie, Jim Prime Sr, Rodney, et al. Now? I'm not sure, and when I look at recaps from DCI I see a lot corps - I don't want to say "slotted" because that's simplistic and mostly incorrect, but when is the last time you saw 14th 13th 6th 12th 14th etc. across a corps' recap. I think those corps are out there, the corps with one shining area that should really be reflected but seems to sink to the level of everything else. there's a discussion somewhere else on DCP about Crossmen's visual and someone astutely pointed out that their GE Visual was about the same place as their GE Music, but honestly - anyone who saw that team knows that's nuts. They were way lopsided in both effect and performance between music and visual. You have to accept the rulings on the field, otherwise there's no sense in competing, but I think one of the ways we had it better BITD is guys like Rodney, who were not afraid to call a 6th place a 6th place, even if the overall package was much lower. That can make all the difference in the world. Not sure there's a lot of those folks left. It was great to have them though.
    1 point
  41. I'm preparing my brief...
    1 point
  42. So work is slow, time for some reviews: I'll start at the top an work down, and for corps that did both days, I'll comment on both. Bucs....When I first saw the show I thought they may have bitten off more than they could chew. Even at prelims, I recognized the incredible demands placed on the performer. I heard people saying "it's not hard being on a ladder playing"....bull ####. The Bucs definitely went the thinking mans route with the show this year, and nailed it with the intellectual and aesthtic parts of effect. They had some moments where they hit on the emotional, but the way the musical design flowed didn't allow some of those moments to come out the way they did last year. I felt, especially in Bacchanale they avoided some of the more familiar parts of the song on purpose, and that was ok. Being able to sit and watch the show without taking notes really allowed me to catch a lot of things...little moments and detailing you don't see at the DCA level. I mean who in DCA has the drumline running a crazy serpent drill during a percussion feature, while at most getting to the forte level dynamically? Usually you see thatkind of thing and they're playing a lot of 8th notes and high sticking stuff, not all kinds of flams and diddles. After prelims I still wasn't sure, and thought maybethe spread between Bucs and MBI was too big. Finals sealed the deal. This was the show Bucs aimed for all year, and they delivered. I mean watching the sequeantial rifle toss while on the ladders, then throwing them to the members behind them, getting down and then trading the rifles for sabers captivated me. I'm a drummer man, guard #### shouldn't be reeling me in LOL! Maybe not my favorite show of the run, but finals night the Bucs left no doubt whatsoever they remain the corps to beat in DCA. When your worst placement caption is 2nd, and you're .2 out in each, that says a lot! Cabs....Wow. I watched the show on the fan network this summer, and it intrigued me as it was SO un Hathrone, but seeing it live truly made me a believer. The guard was amazing. No, they didn't do as much of the crazy athletic stuff Bucs did, but they spun and tossed their ##### off. I was concerned at prelims visually because of some issues in the bass drums, but the rest of the corps seemed to be moving well, and the brass line was one of the few at the end of the day that didn't seem to let the humidity get to them. Of course Dad was thrilled because they played the Stones, but the music worked....the in and out of Ravel, Loved the old drum used atthe begining and end ( wonder what closet at the Post that thing was stored in)....you could feel that this show was gaining momentum and could be really special. And Sunday night it was. Saturday the down ending left me a little "eh", but it's cause I couldn't hear what Ponzo was playing. The Bull Call as a down ending? genius? Percussion, who all year I had heard was overwritten came out of nowhere and squarely inserted themselves into the race. This show was one thatin any other year wins. I wasn't sure they'd get MBI...I knew there'd be a spread in guard, but looking at the recap the spread on the communication sheets shows a lot about how Cabs got to 2nd and MBI fell to third. Awesome show, and one I'll disect a lot. MBI......1st, 3rd, whatever, I loved the show. Percussion trophy was a no brainer. I was shocked when I saw they didn't win prelims. Being a devout Lutheran I loved the way they used the Lutheran nation anthem throughout the show, turning it darker as the forces of evil continued to take over and go Primal. I felt prelims was the better run, and I really dug the role playing the performers had and how they enhanced things. My one concern was the ending felt kinda flat and that it came out of nowhere, and I figured it was just a heat and humidity kind of thing, but this show was truly engaging on all levels. Sunday....I thought they tried too hard, and it really showed at the ending. The spread in guard was enough to keep Cabs ahead, but the music communication scores were the one spot that surprised me until further reflection.....MBI was technically great Sunday, but I didn't feel a truly Primal passion, more of a forced one, and as such, the score makes so much more sense. Still no slouch of a show, and in no way should MBI be disappointed. Empire......if there was one corps that I felt shouldn't place where it did all weekend, it was Empire. We can debate on the physical demands being placed on corps, and we will, but looking at what else was out there, I didn't feel had those demands...but because they didn't, #### did they play well. This was show was an Empire fan's dream. Greatest hits from all eras...to be honest, I was expecting more in the way of props and costumes...maybe some old blue tuxes appearing. The screamers up front were an addition, not a distraction. Yeah they had their moments, but they didn't take away from the corps behind them. So many style changes in a show isn't easy...two different types of broadway, swing.....a joy to relive so many great moments of Empire history. When Jimmy played the second solo in the Saigon piece, i was instantly transported back to 97. Hearing the Oz tidbits and My Way....so enjoyable. Sunday....what did they have to lose? they let it all hang out! Loved the way the backdrops turned to show each tune "closed", and of course the big banner and smoke led to the revelation of the Mr. B. backdrop in his Sinatra pose. I was disappointed in one thing....the crowd's reaction. I wanted bigger, better and louder. Sure if finals had been up north it would have been, but those members laid it all on the line, and gave us one more Statesmen blast...and hey, they ended up 4th. I'm not going to complain. I'm going to savor seeing the show, reliving the great memories, and seeing David drop to a knee at the end one last time....and this time, I won't give David a hard time about it. How he didn't lose it I'll never know. Cadets2....I said at Reading this was a freight train ready to run away....then prelims hit. the brass didn't project up to where I was. The kids looked and sounded tired. Things that had been crystal clear a week before sounded not as clear. Being up higher gave me a great appreciation of what was being asked of them visually, and the all white made stuff stand out...like a left foot halt for a corps that leads with the right. I did think the percussion had a great show, and being up higher and seeing the Zpull unfurl was breath taking. Of course the much talked about guard issues were really the big issue on the recaps. Sunday...much, much better show. brass had power, and the energy was back, but it may have been too little too late. The difference between 4th and 5th was the 8th place guard, which had to bleed over into the over visual captions as well. But hey...the last time Cadets did Les Miz they were 5th too, so what can you say? A truly fun show to watch as a fan, and not a total ripoff of 89, but done in ways that kept it fresh and exciting. Atlanta CV......Where the hell did you guys come from??? Watching you on the Atlanta regional feed, I thought the corps was better than last year, but wow! Now, I'm a sucker for the music of Interstellar Suite, and I loved the irony of seeing Atlanta's other corps do it. A year ago this show was top 5, that's how high the quality was above you. Smooth flowing drill with demand where needed. The music was taken on some twists that those who know the original could know and love, and the use of the giant telescope was tastefully done. Saturday came off as a touch flat, but still an engaging show. Sunday....Truly the best run of the weekend. Finals energy kicked in, and the corps delivered. Someone near me, who expressed their dislike of the musical choice Saturday was impressed Sunday because the corps came to play. I know I've long been a critic of the percussion, and deservedly so, but this years writing was very musical and supportive of the total package. This is another show I'll enjoy watching over and over again. Fusion Core.....Bigger and better, and with a deeper show, Fusion still found a way to engage us all with the love story told. Some very great brass moments, and man did the percussion come a long way in a week. Even with being higher up and no amps, the pit scoring came throughand showed how much it did to add a layer of depth to the overal musical package. the battery also had a much better day. The story was easy to follow, and the old couple toned things down even more...and the way they "left us" was tweaked further from Reading, and totally had the crowd ahhhhing. That due's ham....he kept going for kisses, I was waiting for him to grab her ###! I would have lost it! Sunday...best one of the year. traded captions with CV, and hung in there close with them. Again, what a testament to the talent above them, as this was a ###### fine show. The corps keeps growing in good ways, and the incredible leap the percussion made this year was that next step in the puzzle. I look forwardto seeing where it goes from here. Bush...Welcome back my friends. Saturday, I sat there mesmerized...catching all of the Bush greatest hit licks especially in the opening statement, to the way you weaved in and out of the backdrops and the banners drawn across them, and of course the cymbal line. I don't watc to give them too much love or it will go to Cameron's head LOL. Wondrred back in July if the corps was trying too much, but the amount of growth in a month plus was amazing. The corps bought into the message and gave us that Bush spirit we had been missing for, IMO, many, many years. Sunday....Saturday was IMO, the cleaner show. Sunday was the more emotional show. For anyone who had been there through the hard times, it had to be an awesome feeling, and you let it all. Special shout out to Nick and his chipped tooth out there spinning away. Bush, you made a statement this year that you're not dead......but you must look up and see that it's a crowded field with talent in front of you. A climb back to the top will not be easy......butnever give up......I believe, and you are. Back in a bit with more....
    1 point
  43. A few more thoughts before I dive in since I have 5 minutes.... Why is it DCA allows the 11th place corps to do the exhibition when we had a corps from Germany in the house? No disespect to Sun, as I enjoyed seeing you again....but what's the message? "We take 10 corps into finals, but we let the first loser perform anyways, and oh hey thanks for coming across the pond Heartliner....one and done?" It makes no sense. And.....So it doesn't get in my way in the review... To everyone who in any way was connected to the Empire Statesmen, I have loved you and hated you, beaten you and lost to you. But I always respected you. No other 11/12 place corps that I can remember got called for encores when performing an exhibition at finals. Yeah at times some of the shows got too cheesy even for me. I remember that night before prelims in 88, over at your hotel watching you guys perform for whoever came to watch, listening to Pepe talk to you and being in awe. I remember in 89-90 trading wins with you both summers. I remember in 91 cheering for your first title, and I remember crying when the giant flag tore in 92. 1994...My god what a corps. In 95 and 96, yeah I'd say my corps and your corps didn't get along. And I'm not even counting the #### that was said on many retreats or the time we were spit at watching you troop the stands. Of course in return, when we got all done up in our black and the war paint, we scared even Tommy Allen. Then 1997 hit.....and my God, IMO, Miss Saigon changed DCA for the better. I so wanted to hate you based on the interactions of the two corps the two previous years, but then I saw that show, and I didn't care. In 2001, when my friends and I found ourselves looking to teach, we landed in Rochester of all places. I mean I can say I was there when the discussion was held switching from matched grip to traditional...and that was no easy conversation to have ( thanks especially to Rob Summers). You took in "that Westshore guy" and taught me Statesmen Style. Yes, by the end of 2001, even this guy put a lime in the coconut and shook it all about hey! So many great moments with a corps that..well...My god were we horrible early on....and yet the corps and staff never quit....if only we had two more weeks.... I've been a fan and sometimes a critic since then, but I've always been welcomed back, and always got a sweaty hug from David ( usually because he was always pumping his arms when I'd see him). For all anybody could hate you for, and I'm sure many in DCA have their reasons......they'll love you too, and miss you. You always stuck to your mission, win or lose, and in an era where demand for the sake of demand and super deep concepts became the norm, you kept on being the Empire Statesmen. David, Mr. B up there in heaven, Dave Hawthorne, Ron Abate, the 2001 drum staff ( Murph, Gary, Adam, Mike).......all my friends still there, and the ones who retired ( yes you too Patsy)...thank you for 30 years of kick ### shows and your friendship. You will be missed, and yes, you tuxedo'd ######## made me cry Sunday
    1 point
  44. The PA announcer for Finals was wearing a very tastefully-appointed, nautical-themed shirt, in honor of the venue's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.
    1 point
  45. All of the sections in Vanguard's hornline used Karl Hammond Design mouthpieces. They've been using KH mouthpieces for the past few years. Karl Hammond Marching Mouthpieces
    1 point
  46. Be careful when cleaning and buffing some of those DEG contas. One time (1993) when I was cleaning some of Spirit's Deg contras I had to take great care not to rub off their silver finish.
    1 point
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