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I was not referring to your opinion on cell phones. I was referring to the way you deliver your opinions and the way you come across.

You must be a lot of fun at parties.

Here's some perspective you may find of interest. The rule had been set aside for—I don't remember how long, but I think a couple—years. It was re-instituted this past year...not by the decision of the management or staff but at the request of the members. That's right...the "junior officers" of the corps...the members who are the leaders among the membership, asked the management to reinstate the rule. (I found out how that transpired in a pre-season message sent out to corps alums.)

Dude, it's the SAME guy. They totally opened an actual wormhole on the field.

I just assumed it was because they were a Secret Society.

I am a parent; one who believes that if my child is old enough to travel 'on his own' the entire summer with 149 mostly college-age youth, and another 30 - 40 very responsible adults, he is old enough not to have to check-in with me or his mom with a cell phone. In fact, my children have attended a few summer camps where they were away from technology such as mp3s, cell phones, DVD's, computers, video games, TV, and away from 'us', for nearly a month; and if they needed to contact us it would be done through a hard-line phone in the camp office. Moreover, they never have called us while at those camps and both my wife and I are fine with that. Why? Because: a) We trust the adults they are with; b) We trust our children with ever expanding independence as they grow in maturity and do not want them to become attached at the hip to us, his parents; c) We want them to learn how to deal with situations without the ability to 'easily' call for mom and dad to bail them out; and d) If they do get into real trouble, the adults at the camps will contact us immediately.

Theme for next year:

Hell, It's entertaining to see the same 2 or 3 people get all pissy whenever someone brings an old thread to page 1.

Wait, in view of your signature line, does that mean you think it's dumb to like what you post?

but it can be entertaining to watch

Well....I don't know the specifics, but that was Shadows semi annual rant, that they couldn't get the bodies. To me that says the organization didn't recruit the right way or make it enticing for people to stick around, or a variety of issues. Of course, he never wanted to hear that

Another bit of info that I've heard from people who have marched was that the staff don't want current members to be concerned with scores, recaps, posts on DCP, etc. They want their perception of the show to be based on their progress and their own standards rather than someone else's opinion. I'm sure that is a concern that arose after the advent of the rule, considering that the first cell phones didn't really give you access to that information, but I think its a valid concern. (Not directed at the parent who asked the question): The fact is, we can agree or not agree, but the Cavaliers have a right to run their organization however they see fit. Taking sarcastic stabs at them "underachieving" because you disagree with them is a pretty juvenile thing to do. If you don't like the policy, don't march there or ask your kids to march there. Personally, I think kids are too reliant on technology and virtual communication these days. Not using a cell phone on tour (I had one, but it almost never came out of my bag or got turned on) was a fantastic experience for me. I did a lot of growing up that summer, learning how to stand on my own two feet and handle my own issues. If I were a parent sending a kid on tour, I'm not sure I wouldn't take their phone from them when they left for that same reason.

One thing was unfortunately certain in Open. Two corps who'd been doing well weren't going to make finals. The first four on were on the bubble, and it would be a very stiff test of each of those corps. Sun started off Open confidently with some aggression. Their performance didn't lack for spirit or effort. Their run was by far the best I'd seen of them all season, particularly the color guard. The Front ensemble had a solid moment in the percussion feature with the triplets, and the musicianship was more inspired as the show moved to the end, especially in the Red Pony segment. The run was tighter, but there were balance issues, and sonority problems at the start. Sun competed hard, it was a great improvement from the season start, it's just that their opponents got more traction as the season progressed and managed to separate themselves. The corps has the pieces in place, and I think that if they can build with the people they have in place and can make improvements to the program choices and direction, they can compete for a finalist spot in the future, and shouldn't be underestimated. They did manage to get ahead of a quality Kilties corps that put on a spirited run, and should take pride in that achievement. I'd seen the numbers the Kilties (12 CG/11 Battery/2DM/28 Horns/5FE) had been putting up at the Midwest contests they had to have some solid expectations coming in to prelims. Their visual package was a massive improvement over last year's, and the choices of classic rock hits like "Yesterday", Eleanor Rigby", "Bohemian Rhapsody", and "bye Bye Love" were well-arranged and very entertaining. The horns know how to throw punches when it's called for, and they have some solid talent. there was a lot more to this program and the crowd enjoyed it. Solid quartet work in "Yesterday", the tall and short of the Bari world in "Bohemian Rhapsody" made for a fine show where they reached for the crowd with their personality, and got them involved. I'm glad I got to see them this year, and they just fell short in the ensemble captions. The Hurcs too a bit of time to lift off musically, but when they got off the ground, they hit hard. The split percussion feature really set a tone of defiance and intensity for their performance. It was obvious they WANTED a finalist spot and pushed very hard, especially from the battery and color guard end of things. Sometimes, the percussion beat up on the brass, which might explain why they were down to Sun in Ensemble Music. I had issues with the show ending at Scranton, but this time, the Hurcs were tighter, angry, and far better in their presentation, the Mellos in the oblique set presented very well. I have to give the membership of the Hurcs credit where it was due. They willed themselves into one of the finals spots by a very intense run that was filled with fire and desire. Hopefully, next year will bring more numbers to the corps and more of that same intensity. I felt Carolina Gold was the final corps on the bubble, and I'll explain why later, I felt they'd be vulnerable. I have to say that the membership of the corps ripped the top off the cereal box and fight themselves into finals. The Color Guard's effort really was a major factor in that equation with a 5th place effort. I think the brass got all they could out of the program that was given them. The percussion may have tried too hard in segments, they overcooked certain show elements. I have to say the program made far more sense when viewed in a higher stadium. The Spy angle and the container was easily to grasp and follow from that perspective. The big issue here was this nagging feeling I have about how this show was designed/created. The staff can fire away all they want if they want to- but I was left with this really nagging feeling that the show was created from more of an Indoor Guard/Percussion angle and the brass book and role in this program was an afterthought or an ancillary element that was thrown into the show. I think the brass deserved a better book then the one given them. I was looking for moments, things to get grabbed by, and they just weren't there, and not for a lack of effort from the brass. People can gripe, but 12th in Ensemble Music- that happened for a reason. Hopefully, Gold can present a more engaging musical program next season from the brass perspective- and if they do... all bets are off as to where they could end up. All respect to the corps members for a well-fought and inspired performance at Prelims that earned them a Finals Spot. it was well deserved. It speaks well for DCA that these 4 bubble corps might well have been 7-8 spot finalists not long ago. The game's getting a lot tougher, and the depth is far stronger. I'll hit the top 8 later.

Let's get back on track. I apologize for delays, I've been exhausted, and being woken up 4 times this morning didn't help the cause. I was pretty clear Windsor Regiment would be had against it to make finals. I have to say I deeply respect the final push the corps made to get by a very solid Tampa Bay Thunder performance starting with the Scranton show. The one thread in my notes about the performance was that the corps developed a strong sense of unity across the ensemble, which really gave the show life and carried them into the 4th finalist spot. The percussion book linked well to the brass, the visual package read well and was pleasant, the inner harmonies in the brass book shone, and I have to tip my cap to the Tubas for their split work in "Simple Gifts". They came on when they needed to after a right start to the season, and it's a real testament to the character of the corps membership they came so far with their program. White Sabres had an incredibly solid run, one that was polished, and the visual package clicked wonderfully with the music score. It was a seamless effort, and I realized this was gonna go down to the wire with Govies. White Sabres threw down hard, and could the Govies respond? I really have to respect the serious direction and growth White Saberes have shown over the past several years. The corps has matured in program, personnel, and attitude. Every years for about the last 5-6 seasons, one could see a steady hand and direction in the corps that was moving it forward. Keep in mind, readers, that I've covered WS several times this season so I'm keeping the discussion of their content short. There's no intent to disrespect, quite the contrary. The final Class A corps, From St. Peter, Minnesota, the Govenaires (8FE/15CG/1 Ladies' Man-DM/14 Battery/13+1 horns) took the field. How's come I could understand their Drum Major when he kicked off the show just fine yelling from his podium, and the PA system in the stadium sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher from Peanuts? I found this to be an amazing mystery, just sayin'. The show had a Hollywood theme to it, and their Drum Major really played the part of the Leading Man very well as the corps kicked off into a wonderful, bright opening fanfare and into "City of Angels". I have to marvel over how carefully the battery played so not to cover the brass section. Their show was a fast-paced, high-energy program with tasty music and hard hits, framed by exceptional musicianship. The guard is well-presented, and we even had the appearance of the paparazzi on-field. Dennis Argul's brass book for this corps is nothing but brilliant, featuring very lovely and dense harmonies of old-school chestnuts such as "Send on the Clowns" and "Don't Rain on my Parade" with great solo work. The way the Govies use their numbers and talent so well, it was a close-run thing for the number one spot- and White Sabres pulled it off fair and square. Overall, there was a massive improvement for several corps in Class A this season. The standards of excellence and what will get a corps by in Class A have greatly increased this year. Programs have to be of very high quality in design and performance, by all sections of the corps. One can't just throw something out there and hope it'll stick to the wall. The competitors are too polished and capable. I'm happy to see a better turnout for Class A this year at prelims. These corps do put on inspired and quality performances that are worth watching and enjoying, and entertain and inspire. DCA has had Class A members at the table now for the last couple of seasons, deservedly so, and I think having them involved at that level will be for the good of the activity as a whole. Break time, Open Class later.

This type of discussion would never arise at the parties my wife and I attend; and now that our kids range from teenage to mid twenties our kids would not even want to be around us at those parties. Also, most of the adults who attend the parties we attend would agree that taking cell phones and other technology away from youth while they were at an extended outdoor summer camp experience ran by adults we placed in charge of our kids, or as in this case an environment like a DCI corps, would be a rather good thing. Most of the adults that we engage with believe that as a our children grow enough to be away from us for a long period of time, allowing them them to learn how to deal with things 'without' calling us frequently is just as valuable as us being available to them if something serious did arise. So, yeah, we do have a lot of fun at parties.

And inside every horn was a tinier, unseen member of the hornline.

Let's leave Ray alone now. All is good.

"We Winna Be Dauntit"

It was just announced that the entire design staff from 2013 will be returning to the Blue Stars for 2014. Can't wait to see what they come up with for the corps 50th anniversary season.

Inverness Florida – Announcement - John Johnson has been retained with an Unanimous vote of the Sun Devils Board of Directors as the Executive Director of the Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. After a successful 2013 drum corps season, winning the DCA South class A championship and qualifying for finals at the 2013 DCA world championship, the Sun Devils INC Board of directors unanimously vote John "JJ" Johnson to stay the executive director for 2014. Please stay tuned for staff and show announcements.

well, in that sense.............no other drum corps since the beginning of the world has the position George does,..............

Not disagreeing with you nor your thoughts, actually. The thing is, USBANDS is YEA!'s sandbox to play in and they can do what they please with it, regardless of how any of us perceive what is or isn't fair. They perhaps over-aggressively promote their brand, and it can be a real two edged sword as a result. I think part of the frustration you have may be the "perceived value" issue by a parent like you, and it's extremely legit for a Mom or Dad to ask why the membership tuition/fees/dues in total are significantly higher in C2 than with anyone else in DCA that I'm aware of. With no one else there to compare with at another recruiting stand... those kinds of hard questions don't get asked. And from my experience, when I have asked those questions, they wiggle a lot in an uneasy way and I really don't get answers. I get evaded. But-- I'd think a smart parent would look into that sort of thing and discuss it with their kids. At least I'd hope so. It's why I ended up where I did, cost and distance were significant factors in my case. I still came out ahead in the long run.

Oh.. So Ohio U actually HAS admission standards?

obviously DCP thinks I "missed" on this one, but generally my funny / sarcastic comments go over well, though admittedly I am far away from your high green ranking (3500+); it gives me something to strive for. If you want the real answer, it is in post #12. That said, if you read post #12, it generally says that the members aren't mature enough to function responsibly in a corps environment if they have their phone. At least, that is what I took away from it. I think that is a fair assessment to take away. Things are banned when they cannot be used responsibly. Also that teenage guys might look at porn. Though obviously the chance to see boobs doesn't hurt BD, they still have the most championships.

well I wasn't gonna go there

I think you're looking at DLB and SS from the standpoint of the performers, but you're missing a key element in the rationalization of the DLB/SS project: revenue. Is it a goal to organically grow competing units? Yes, definitely. Is it reasonable to think that SS/DLB units will sprout drum corps across the country? Not in my opinion. Is it an expectation that some kids who do DLB/SS will go on to march in existing corps? Yes, certainly. In the aggregate, however, DLB/SS are vehicles to produce revenue for DCI. The altruistic reasons are all good ones, but all such success of DLB/SS results in increased revenue for DCI. In order to have an "official" SS/DLB competition, it will be required to purchase the "show pack" from DCI. That will include paying a fee to DCI. (Nothing that I'm aware of says you can't have a brass or drum group at a show and not have it be an "official" DLB/SS competition. A local TEP who wants to have a DLB/SS competition during his show will require payment by the performers in order to pay the DCI fee and generate a profit for the show. This profit will allow DCI to charge more for the corps they are providing to the TEP. The DCI show contract fee has been going up every year recently (my suspicion is because of pressure by the BOD to get paid more per performance). A TEP could make a little profit on SS/DLB to help pay that fee in two, primary ways: by attracting fans of the DLB/SS performers who might not otherwise come to the show, and by charging a fee to DLB/SS groups for the chance to perform before a crowded drum corps audience. Not charging the DLB/SS performers eliminates one of those revenue sources. At our DLB contest this season, we charged each performer the cost of our cheapest ticket ($15), but we secured sponsors to give away free, cool chotskies (drum keys, t-shirts, hats), to all performers, got each corps souvie booth to offer a discount on purchases, and gave away $100 cash plus gift certificates to local music stores to the winners. We even gave each a coupon for a free hot dog, chips, and drink at the concession stand. Total cost per performer: about $15. Total value of what each performer got: more than 3 times that amount plus the winner's prizes. We had three drum lines perform - about 60 kids total - and identified about 130 group tickets sold that were directly attributable to those three groups. So 70 full-price tickets were sold to the DLB groupies (parents, etc). Average ticket price: about $23, so we sold about $1,600 more in tickets, the performers were well-"paid", and they got to perform in front of a sizable audience filtering in to see the drum corps show. Revenue is the reason for DLB/SS, not altruistic visions of new corps popping up (although we all want that to happen). To think "free" in any part of the DLB/SS process misses the point. Next year the plan is to hold the DLB earlier in the day as "prelims", with the final two appearing before the packed stands while scores are being tabulated. That's the big draw for the performing kids and asking them to save up $15 ($25, $50) over the next 10 months for the chance to perform in front of that crowd is not asking much, IMO, even from the "skinny wallet" crowd you claim is the norm. (And, for the record, the parents of the kids I saw this year would happily pay that fee to keep their kid involved in the activity, so I doubt your claim that a paying a fee to perform is asking too much.)

If I'm scanning a thread quickly, a green mark might cause me to give a particular post a little more consideration. And if a bunch of people like what someone says, but don't have anything to add, I think that a high green number is more convenient for everyone than a list of variants on "Nice post!"

So, you want to create rules that restrict C2 that don't apply to other DCA corps? How is that fair?

This brings up a point that bothers me a little. I think DCA should make it a point to YEA that in order for C2 to be a member, they can't shut other DCA corps out of shows, AND they should also allow other DCA corps set up recruiting tables at YEA run USBAND shows as well. They don't stop it at local shows completely, but I've heard they don't approve of it either.

Fixed!

Trolls on DCP gotta troll... (even with blatantly d-baggy statements)

you have to have a regional happen where you're going to get the most fans. What region right now can provide that? tie ins with DCI can be good, as the two circuits work together a lot better than they used to. But remember, the DCI corps come first, so the DCA corps will be on in the daylight ( if you can see it through the roof of whatever dome it happens in), and DCi usually doesnt pay DCA corps to appear. it's tough to get DCA corps here in the NE at DCI shows as most of those are run by YEA, and if they are going to let any DCA corps appear,it will be C2.

Wow! Some of you folks need to lighten up. But to answer the original question (our son will be on his third tour with Cavies next summer), there are a lot of reasons why cell phones - and especially the now omnipresent smart phones - become huge distractions and problems anytime during the season, even pre-tour when a lot of first-time corps parents would be most anxious to find out how their kid is doing. We were just as anxious the first year but we learned that no news was mostly good news. 1. First and most obvious, instead of making friends, developing new relationships and/or just learning a lot of important new lessons about how to learn to adapt and fit in when immersed in a very stressful environment amid a sea of mostly strangers, kids with their phones tune out and just communicate with their same old cell phone/facebook/twitter/whatever circle and ignore the most important people and things that are going on in the real world around them. 2. Worse yet, the real people around them just become convenient gossip and complaint fodder for the entertainment of their essentially useless non-present virtual pals, a very counterproductive behavior that tends to compound problems. 3. And then there is the additional distraction from productive attention and healthy socialization that is inevitable, especially among young males suddenly without any regular contact with females their own age, with the "smart" phones' abilities to easily tap a world-wide ocean of porn, more or less continuously. The allure of such stuff usually isn't as obvious to us parents as it is glaringly apparent to our kids. Plenty of the Cavies kids will cheat and turn in dummy phones and keep their real phones stashed, but the rule at least makes their use furtive and infrequent, and makes the social atmosphere, especially in their off time, a heck of a lot more healthy than what prevails around the other corps that do nothing to deter cell-phone obsession.

What the He-7-7 are you guys talking about?

They couldn't get an actual wormhole to work, so they had to settle for growing clones in vats.

I guess both of you missed the appearance of a TARDIS.

If you are someone with any ties - be it official or emotional - to the Phantom Regiment organization you really should shut up. We get that you know people there and probably aged out in the last few years. Trashing new hires by name does nothing but make you look bitter

Hello Ray, I'm a professional music arranger. That's what I do to pay the bills. My passion is to arrange and compose. This isn't about playing "favorites" or some odd concept of competition. The Colts and Crossmen are not guaranteed to be competitive in the future. Far more than brass arrangements will be the difference there. Do you honestly think Jay Bocook consciously thinks about how he'll write a better book for the Cadets than the Blue Knights? How about Robert Smith writing for Madison and the Troopers? Think he tanked one for the Troopers so Madison wouldn't have as much competition? Do you even know me? My mission is to provide the best for the members, regardless of color of the uniform. Do you think I would abuse my trusted position for something as meaningless as a score or placement? Kind of insulting my friend. Chuck Naffier

You guys should definitely push through 1982 - it gets to be a lot of fun in 1983, right? That's the way I remember it, but I am now 62 so...

Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving today that the life of my sister Regina was spared when the World Trade Towers were attacked on 9/11. She and her staff were out of her office that day at an off-site meeting. One of her staffers stopped at the office to pick up some materials enroute to the meeting for which he never arrived. It was 4 days wrought with anxiety and waiting until we learned he was ok. Not so were countless dozens of my neighbors, parishioners and friends, including a number of alums of the many small corps in metro-NYC area. Amonst the dead were four of my former students, Michael Cahill, Thomas McMahon, Colin Farrell, and Conor Lynch. Only Thomas' remains were identified to this day. Please keep their families, including Mike's wife and daughter in your prayers.I don't have PTS from that day or the many funerals although the memories of watching the burning towers from the windows of where I was stationed twenty miles away are still vivid.I am praying for peace in Syria and the Middle East as I am certain you are.Thanks.

Note to self: Use free time to create Big 10 Band Planet.

Yes! Effects can range over a variety of emotions! They should! Bush taught everyone that was willing to understand it 25 years ago. See if I can explain better, maybe a teachable moment. Look at Phantom, 2008. How would people feel if they finished their program with the battle and the field littered with dead, the Romans win, finish on a down note. No apotheosis, no "I- AM- SPARTACUS!" with the Drum Major assassination etc. No way they win finals, BD's percussion meltdown or not. Take PR and Turandot. We start with a psychopathic Princess pretty much lopping off guys in the hornline's heads. You end the show on that note, well, it goes nowhere. Eventually I think some handsome and dashing Bari guy, of course it has to be a Bari player, wins her over and they dance around happily in love ever after. Now, Opera Critics/Historians do heavily criticize the plot of Turandot for good reasons, granted. It IS kinda goofy! Little touches can make a difference to this. A HS group's Indoor Guard I worked with did a Jekyll and Hyde program years ago. Two guys acted out the parts and were pretty good at it. At the end, Hyde takes over, body slams Jekyll to the floor, people in the audience freak out. A pretty good WWF move, and the kid sold it well. If they'd have left it at that, the shock was pretty powerful and effective, the crowd usually gasped at that point, it would have worked but not as well as it did when Hyde realized what he did and broke down over Jekyll lying in front of him. That added touch capped things off and got the crowd even more into it. I just think CT needed an added something, the brakes slammed on really hard and left things perhaps too jarring. The corps was a metric ton better this year- It's a sign the corps is a LOT better when I as a reviewer is talking more about deeper and more serious programmatic issues like that than worrying about mistakes, blend, balance, or quality. Telling a good story in a show and making it a tight package is really difficult to do, period!

Jeff: We need to know if the announcer for the evening made box 6 and if his shirt started any wars?

I don't think it is - I think it's different. Thousands and thousands of marching band kids (and families) all over the country immerse themselves in the band activity and play amazing shows and have fabulous experiences. My time with the Norwalk HS Marching Band staff in CT was as enjoyable as the many years I spent with a whole lot of different corps in both DCA & DCI. For "drum corps people" I don't think marching bands fulfills us to the same degree, but I don't think (in my opinion) it's "better." But to kids like my son Dan, it's special because you can play "wicked high and ####### LOUD" which seems to make all the difference.

You can reshape a turd to look like ice cubes floating in the punchbowl and claim it's getting better but it's still crap spoiling the punch.

Pounding on the bars in any venue is bad for the instrument and your hands. You make minor changes, sure, but most outdoor venues are going to give 10 non directional mallet instruments a major disadvantage against 60-70 directional brass instruments. Yes, there are times when its not balanced well, but that's part of the evolution. The fact is, a lot of people only want to hear the front when the brass isn't playing, or are playing quietly, and that's not a very musical way of approaching it. Either it is supposed to be a part of the mix, or it isn't. Modern front ensemble writing is not the same as it was 20 years ago. It is much more layered, and supportive of what is going on in the brass book, and as a result, you get new parts that should be heard. Should it take over? No, but I don't think anyone really has that in mind. You could hear front ensembles well 20 years ago because a lot of times there were 12 people all playing the same thing as loud as possible to be heard. Now, each mallet player might have one or two people sharing his part. That's a pretty significant amount of sound to compete with. If we were still playing the same books that we were playing 20 years ago, you'd have an argument, but amplification has allowed the front ensemble to grow and become an important part of the music, not just an accompaniment to the brass. And really? Horn lines were louder before amplification? Are you sure you aren't going deaf?

1. Bb - Sorry folks they just sound better than G. Richer, deeper, fuller... better! 2. Pit - I used to march "mallets". The Marching Vibraphone was a killer!!! 3. 150 - Fills the field much better than 128.... duh! 1. Visual over music. 2. Folk who say they'll never go to another show while the G8 exist, while electronics exist etc. You're loss. 3. Indy for 10 years. I understand and respect the reasons, I just like to to see different places.

Best 1. Fan Network 2. Adding valves all the way to any key brass. 3. Asymmetrical drill 4. Grounded pit Worst 1. Electronics 2. Visual overshadowing music 3. The ability for designers and judges to take the purpose of performing away from the activity by putting their "artistic" opinions ahead of entertainment. 4. Domes... more so Indy for however many years. I know it was supposed to be three.. but I wanted to give "worst" one more because number three I don't see as "DCI's" fault... I mean it is... but you can blame that more on individuals than the organization as a whole. And I added a 4th best to balance it out.

My 3 best (and this was *hard* - there are a lot to choose from!) - - Asymmetrical drill - Grounded pit - Bb horns My 3 worst (not so hard, really) - - Mic'd Vocals - Separating Open / World Class by arbitrary definition rather than competitive results - 10 years in Indy Mike