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no -- that's just a very deceiving pic. this rugrat is crashing MY party

The Kilties very first Drum Major has passed................ http://www.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/harald-p-kahlert.113761 "We Winna Be Dauntit"

Where it will be taken down very quickly for copyright infringement...as it should be.

It's all about DCA, that's where the fun is to be had!

Yes to everything you say here but this. Go back to the tapes of the early '70 Cadets and before then, as early as early '60's.. "Scatter" drill was sometimes included in the show as MikeD has posted videos over the years. The idea was form, scatter, and re-form or new form. Image-dissolve-re-image. It's not so new, just different with more emphasis on the individual movement (of all parts of the body) not just walking about.

79 was my age out year. The Crusaders that year fielded a 25 man hornline, debatably the most powerful cleanest 25 guys ever. I have the mp3 file of the DCI Prelim show. I am looking to see if anyone has video or other pictures. This corp motto was quality not quantity and we lived to it. We made every DCI finals show except the big one where one of our caption scores was down 2 pts lower then all year long, I believe it was drum exposure. all year it was 4 to 4.5 and in the finals was 2 or something like that.. made you wonder since we never changed a thing. I have so many fond memories of my years in Boston but that last year was truly memorable. If anyone saw us has any thoughts would like to hear and talk more Dusty, 79 Bari

What are some shows that aren't heralded as "great, memorable shows" that you guys love? My personal choice is Madison 95.

It's hard to believe but it's now been 10 years since DCI announced that it was moving to Indy and re-locating the championships there as well for a period of (at least) 10 years. Here's a FAQ from 8/9/2006 that contained a lot of the relevant details regarding the move: http://www.dci.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=33500&ATCLID=209942725&SPID=166025&SPSID=965782 I haven't kept up with this so it's very possible there have been some announcements on this topic that I've missed (please share if they have been made!) but does anyone know what the plans for championships are beyond the 10 years in Indy? Now that we've had 8 years of championships at Lucas Oil (2009-2016) it would seem a plan for the period beyond that initial 10 year agreement might be in place or coming together. I completely understand the rationale for "locking in" with a venue for an extended period for financial and planning purposes. With more covered stadiums available now (and more on the way), what are the chances that DCI enters another multi-year agreement but in a different location? For those curious, here's a list of covered stadiums by capacity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_covered_stadiums_by_capacity#Field_sports Several of the venues on this list are currently used for other DCI events (the Alamodome and the soon to be closed Georgia Dome), might others on here possibly become DCI venues in the future for big events like regionals or championships?

I realize that corps annouce at different times, and some wait until June, but it seems much later than usual to have not heard anything. Of course after the 2012 season, Madison announced the 2013 show the day after finals, and others have announced very early, but I feel like it's been longer after the season than usual. Anyone care to share/remember when we typically start hearing this info?

fun to hear and see the details

There's a ton of shows in '86 that could be counted. In matter of fact, one could say 2-12 were underrated. The Cadets put out one of their most daring shows. Spirit's offering was one of the best shows in their history. The Sky Ryders were tremedous; it's hard to dislike their Oz show. The Cavies "Variations" is one of my favorite drum corps moments, and SCV, ah, SCV was wonderful!

Vanguard 2003. One of my all time favorites.

Really not sure how 95 Madison and 93 Regiment could possibly be considered "underrated"... I thought 95 was Madison's most famous show ever, or a close second to 1988, and that Regiment show gets mentioned in tandem with 96/08 all the time. Ah well. As far as underrated shows, my quick picks: SCV 1995 (happens to be my favorite SCV show ever, yes that includes 1989 and 1999), and few people seem to know it... Regiment 1997 (kindof a mess visually, but lovely music, and one of the best "crowd participation" moments ever)

It is available the next day on Hulu, which I believe is $7.99/month, similar to Netflix. There is no contract requirement, so you could join for the duration and then cancel.

http://www.drumcorpscollectibles.com/Pictures/Kilties,Racine,WI1936.jpg

Probably because I was just listening to it, but Phantom Regiment 1993 comes to mind. It gets a little lost in the conversation after Star and Cadets, but man that is a beautiful show.

Contact: · Todd Tanji, board chairman ttanji@mnbrass.org · Gavin Burnham, executive director gavin@mnbrass.org MBI announces new leadership team Minnesota Brass (MBI), the premiere drum and bugle corps in the Midwest and former world champion, is pleased to announce the creation of a new leadership team as it embarks on its 71st season in 2017. Based in St. Paul, Minn., the new management structure will comprise an Executive Committee made up of three longtime members of the organization and a split directorship divided between strategic and tactical responsibilities. The new executive committee will consist of former corps director Gavin Burnham, longtime financial officer Dave Whitaker and board chairman Todd Tanji. All are former performing members with the corps and share longstanding experience with the activity in administrative capacities. The day-to-day operations will be handled by new corps directors Justin Foell and Katy Bensen, both also former performing members. The new officers include: Gavin Burnham - Executive Director, President and CEO (gavin@mnbrass.org) Burnham has been involved with Minnesota Brass since 1985, as a marching member from 1985 to 1989. He also served as financial officer and assistant corps director from 1988 to 1994, and corps director from 1995 to 2002. Since 2003, Burnham has served as president and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. David Whitaker - Chief Financial Officer (dave@mnbrass.org) Whitaker has been involved with MBI since 1990, as a marching member for six years and also serving as a visual tech and administrator. He joined the Board of Directors in 1992 and served until 2001 when we was elected board chairman, a position he held until 2007. Todd Tanji - Chair, Board of Directors (ttanji@mnbrass.org) Tanji has served on the Board of Directors since 2009 and as board chairman since 2012. He was a performing member from 1978 to 1980, and service as brass caption head in 1984. He has been artistic director of Minne-Brass, a small ensemble that performs under the MBI umbrella, since 2005. Tanji also performed with the world champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps of Concorde, Calif., from 1981 to 1982, and has served on the BD Performing Arts Board of Directors/Advisory Board since 2003. Justin Foell - Corps Director (justin@mnbrass.org) Foell will manage the educational and volunteer staffs of Minnesota Brass. He was a marching member of world champion Rockford, Ill., Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 1995 to 1998. He performed in the Minnesota Brass horn line in 1999 and 2012, and served on the brass staff from 2013 to 2016. He also currently serves as webmaster for the organization. He is an alumnus of the Irondale High School Marching Knights of Mounds View, Minn. Katy Bensen - Managing Director (katy@mnbrass.org) Bensen will manage corps operations and member relations for MBI. She performed with the Minnesota Brass horn line in 1989 and 1992 and with Phantom Regiment in 1990 and 1991. She has served on the MBI visual staff since 2013 and has been the corps’ managing director since 2014, also providing member support for the corps’ winter ensembles. She currently teaches music in the White Bear Lake School District in suburban St. Paul, and teaches private lessons, summer band and high-school marching band. Minnesota Brass is a 100-plus member drum and bugle corps based in St. Paul, Minn., that provides performance opportunities for adults age 17 and up. It also hosts a winter color guard, winter drum line and Minne-Brass, a small ensemble that performs throughout the year in parades and at corporate and private events. For more information, go to www.mnbrass.org

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps announces the return of the following Designers for 2017: Thomas Sparling - Program Coordinator/Visual Designer; Ted Mascari - Percussion Caption Supervisor and Battery Arranger; Ryan Reed - Front Ensemble and Soundscape Arranger; and John Meehan, Brass Arranger. Thomas Sparling, Program Coordinator/Visual Designer, engaged and challenged the 2016 Skyliners with a drill package that elevated their skill palette while pushing them to march at 200 bpm in the drum solo. His vision, creativity and responsiveness to the corps’ needs kept the visual program growing and advancing throughout the season. He graduated from Miami University in 2009 with degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Composition and a minor in Arts Management. Thomas marched bass drum with the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2006), and Rhythm X (2006-2009). Since graduation he has served as a percussion instructor at William Mason HS, Centerville HS, Bellbrook HS, and Kettering Fairmont HS; and Percussion Director at Northmont HS, and La Salle HS, where he currently teaches. He has taught privately since 2005, and has instructed the Glassmen (2012), Matrix Indoor Percussion (2013-present), and The Madison Scouts (2015-present). In addition to teaching, Thomas spends much of his time as a visual designer for bands and percussion groups in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and Italy. Percussion Caption Supervisor and Battery Arranger Ted Mascari brought a new level of confidence and expertise to the 2016 Skyliners’ battery book and percussion line. The Skyliners were honored to have Ted run full corps ensemble rehearsals at various times in the season as well. Ted has been involved in all aspects of percussion since 1980 as a performer, educator and arranger and is considered one of the top marching percussion minds in Upstate New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Music from Syracuse University. Over the past 25+ years, Ted has directed and arranged for several marching band and indoor percussion programs in New York. He served most recently as the Director and Music Designer for Victor High School Percussion, a NYSPC/WGI Scholastic A percussion ensemble finalist, from 2006-2014, winning 8 State Championships between indoor and marching band. Ted has been and still is involved with quality programs like ESM, Jordan Elbridge, Oswego, Webster, Mohonasen and Central Square. Proud of the many students from these high schools who have gone on to march in top Drum Corps (DCI/ DCA), WGI drum lines and gone on to teach, Ted is often sought out for private instruction and consultation. Ted's drum corps instructional career began in 1993 with the Syracuse Brigadiers, then the Rochester Crusaders from 1994-1996. Percussion Coordinator, Arranger and Consultant for the Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Rochester, New York from 1997-2012, Ted has also worked as Percussion Advisor with the Kidsgrove Scouts since 2010; they are the 2012 Drum Corps United Kingdom and 2015 Drum Corps Europe Champions. Ted currently holds the title of Percussion Arranger for The Skyliners since 2016. He has been strongly influenced through past experiences with Chris Calhoun, Chris Thompson, Joseph Guadagnino, Thom Hannum, and Colin McNutt. Ted has a newly appointed position serving as the Judging Coordinator and Education Director for the New York State Percussion Circuit. In addition, he is an adjudicator for marching band, indoor percussion and color guard in circuits throughout Pennsylvania, Michigan, Utah, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina and New York. He is also an endorser for and on the educational team of Innovative Percussion, Ludwig-Musser Percussion and SABIAN Cymbals. Ted lives in Webster, New York with his wife Sara and their twin boys Christian and Mason. Ryan Reed, 2017 Front Ensemble and Soundscape Arranger, brought a whole new sound and sophistication - including electronics, amplification, and the unique use of iPads - to add another element of excitement and entertainment to the Skyliners as the 2016 Front Ensemble Arranger. He is a percussion specialist from the Northeast Ohio area, and Director of Percussion at New Philadelphia High School (2015 WGI PSCO Silver Medalist) and Carrollton High School. For the fourth year Ryan is on the Matrix World staff; he is joining Matrix Open this year. Ryan was on the Front Ensemble Staff one year each at Empire Statesmen, Glassmen, and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps; two years with Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and three years with Capital City Percussion. Ryan received a B.M. in Music Education from Kent State University where he studied percussion with Ted Rounds. He was a front ensemble member of Matrix Percussion from 2006-2008, Empire Statesmen in 2007 and 2009, and the Glassmen in 2008. In addition to teaching, Ryan is the front ensemble arranger for OCC Indoor Percussion and serves as a designer/arranger for Downbeat Percussion, a percussion entertainment and design company, both based out of Syracuse, New York. He is extremely excited to return to The Skyliners for the 2017 season. The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps recently announced that John Meehan will be the corps’ Brass Arranger for the 2017 season. John Meehan works with The Blue Devils organization as Brass Caption Head and Arranger for the 17 time D.C.I. Champion ‘A’ Corps, as well as Music Director and Arranger for the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Corps. Since joining the staff in 1994, John has helped the ‘A’ Corps win 11 D.C.I. Championships and 12 Jim Ott High Brass Awards. John has been composing and arranging since 1992. Current and past groups include Eden Prairie High School (MN), James Taylor High School (TX), Ayala High School (2013 BOA Grand National Finalist), American Fork High School (2014 BOA Regional Champion), Clements, Amador Valley and Homestead High Schools, as well as the Yokohama Scouts Drum Corps from Japan. He is very much looking forward to his work with The Skyliners this coming season! Details about The Skyliners’ 2017 Open House will be announced shortly. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join.

My point was a lighted weight design would allow more comfortable movement for brass/percussion. I still feel a properly staged effective guard could do more of the visuals

This is so rad!!! Is it ok that I'm jealous of a 9 year olds birthday party?!?

Outdated band uniforms may turn some members off. I hope more corps continue to evolve including the Cadets.

September 18, 2016. The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps is pleased to announce that John Meehan will be the corps’ Brass Arranger for the 2017 season. John Meehan works with The Blue Devils organization as Brass Caption Head and Arranger for the 17 time D.C.I. Champion ‘A’ Corps, as well as Music Director and Arranger for the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Corps. Since joining the staff in 1994, John has helped the ‘A’ Corps win 11 D.C.I. Championships and 12 Jim Ott High Brass Awards. John has been composing and arranging since 1992. Current and past groups include Eden Prairie High School (MN), James Taylor High School (TX), Ayala High School (2013 BOA Grand National Finalist), American Fork High School (2014 BOA Regional Champion), Clements, Amador Valley and Homestead High Schools, as well as the Yokohama Scouts Drum Corps from Japan. Other non-pageantry writing includes composing for the album “The Music of WYLAND”, scoring the film “Mind Games”, writing two spots for Kaiser Permanente, and being commissioned to compose several wind ensemble pieces. Notable career achievements include lead designer for the System Blue and King marching brass instruments, development and production for Sample Logic/System Blue sound libraries, and performing (as a percussionist) on the movie soundtrack “Monsters University”. John is a Conn-Selmer artist, exclusively uses Sibelius, and lives in California with his wife Jackie, their 3 daughters, and two rescue dogs. He is very much looking forward to his work with The Skyliners this coming season! The Skyliners’ Open House date and place to be announced as soon as possible. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join.

September 15, 2016. The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps announce that all Caption Heads will be returning for the 2017 season. These include Jeff Crawford, Visual Caption Head who is returning for his fourth season with the Skyliners; Patsy Vankirk, Percussion Caption Head for whom this will be her third season; Shane Startzel who is returning for his second season as Brass Caption Head, and Brenda Perigrim, Color Guard Caption Head, who is in her third season since Skyliners’ return to the competition field in 2014. Jeff Crawford, Skyliners Visual Caption Head, is the third of four generations of his family involved in drum corps. His marching experience includes: the Southern Tier Grenadiers Jr. Drum & Bugle Corps from Tioga county New York; Empire State Express from Elmira Height, New York; the Watkins Glen Squires, and 27th Lancers from Revere, Massachusetts. Jeff’s teaching experience includes being on the Visual Staff of the Johnson City Wildcat Marching Band, and working with the Wyoming Valley West Marching Band as Assistant Band Director, Visual Designer, and Coordinator. He was on the Skyliners’ Visual staff for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and was named Caption Head for 2016. Patsy Vankirk, Skyliners Percussion Caption Head, has been teaching percussion for over 30 years. She began teaching at Shikellamy High School upon graduation from there. Other high schools she has worked with while living in Pennsylvania were Southwestern and Bloomsburg high schools. She also marched with the Reading Buccaneers from 1998 thru 2000. She then moved to Rochester, NY and began performing and instructing with Empire Statesmen from 2002-2010. She is currently in charge of the battery at Victor High School, Victor, NY. During her time there, the marching band has won 6 New York championships. She is also involved in the Victor Indoor Percussion Ensemble (VIPE), who are a 5-time state champion, including the 2016 New York State Percussion Circuit Champion. In 2010, "VIPE" were a Scholastic A finalist at WGI championships in Dayton, Ohio. In the last 12 months, Victor Percussion has been undefeated, both in indoor competition, and as part of the Victor Marching Blue Devils. Shane Startzel, Brass Caption Head, also started teaching at Shikellamy High School. He was 2001 Brass and Visual Tech, and Brass and Visual Caption Head from 2002-2003. Shane has worked with the Victor High School Indoor Percussion Program (VIPE) from 2007 to 2011, was Visual Teach in 2007, and has been The Victor Marching Blue Devils’ Brass Music Instructor from 2008 to present. Starting as Contra Tech with the Skyliners for the 2006 season, Shane became Brass Caption Head mid-winter. Shane’s marching experience includes being a member of the Shikellamy High School Marching band from 1988 – 1992; The Blue Coats (DCI) from 1991 – 1992, and the Empire Statesman (DCA) from 2003 – 2007. Brenda Perigrim, Color Guard Caption Head, returned to the Skyliners’ Color Guard Staff in 2015 as Designer for Flag and Rifle work, and Instructor. She became Caption Head for the 2016 season. Brenda also has worked with the New York Skyliners Alumni Corps Color Guard over the last few years. She marched guard in the Speigleaires from Troy, New York from 1971 to 1975, and Avant Garde from Saratoga Springs, New York from 1975 to 1981. After aging out, Brenda taught Avant Garde from 1982 to 1983. Brenda is a Skyliner alumna who marched with the Skyliners from 1985 through 1996, and Winter Sky from 1992 to 1996. In addition to teaching Avant Garde, some of the groups that Brenda taught include the Mohonasen Field Band (1997 to 2007), Mohonasen Winter Guard (1997 to 2007), the 1996 Duanesburg Winter Guard, the 1995 Cherry Valley High School Winter Guard and Band, and the Volunteers Drum & Bugle Corps of Troy, New York. Under the guidance of these Caption Heads, The Skyliners established protocols and a competitive rehearsal program that fostered their growth to an 11th place finish at Drum Corps Associates in 2016. With further vital consistency in instructional direction and focus, the Skyliners expect to continue their re-establishment in the DCA community and achieve their long term goals of becoming a Finalist corps once again. The Skyliners’ Open House will take place in November 2016. Details to be announced as soon as possible. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join the Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org.

Plans are underway for the 2017 Bushwackers Drum Corps. The music design team is returning to the corps in full. Jim Dugan is returning as program coordinator in 2017. Jim was part of the design team that brought the Bushwackers a large part of their six DCA world championships. His dedication and commitment to the […] ... Read the rest of the article here - http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2016/09/bushwackers-announce-2017-music-design-team/

Jenison High School (near Grand Rapids, Michigan) is seeking a Color Guard Director beginning in the winter 2016-17 season. The guard program includes two winter guards, and is a strong and vital part of our competitive marching band (BOA Semifinalist). The Varsity Winter Guard has been the MCGC Scholastic A State Champion six of the last seven years, and has been a WGI Scholastic A Semifinalist and Finalist as well as a Scholastic Open semifinalist (2016). The students, staff, band directors, parents and school administrators are committed to continuing the success of our program. The Color Guard Director will manage and rehearse both winter guards and the fall color guard. Salary and schedule will be negotiated based on experience and availability. Please send a resumé and/or any questions you may have to Dave Zamborsky, Director of Bands, at dzambors@jpsonline.org.

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps completed their third successful season since their 2014 return to the DCA Field of Competition. Finishing in 11th place with a score of 83.50, this is the first time since DCA 2004 Prelims that the Skyliners finished 11th (in 2004 with an 81.08). This is also the highest score the Skyliners has achieved since DCA 2001 Finals, when Skyliners placed 9th with a score of 86.50. Despite not breaking into the “Top Ten”, the Skyliners were invited to perform an exhibition in front of the DCA Finals crowd, and our battery was given the honor of playing all the DCA Finalists corps onto retreat. In addition to the growth of the Skyliners over the 2016 season, fan appreciation for the corps has been rekindled as well, as was indicated by the standing ovation at Prelims this year and through the season. The corps brought their traditional “An Evening with the Corps” drum corps show back to DCA Competition on June 25, 2016, and will sponsor this show again next year. Over the 4th of July weekend the Skyliners participated in the Ijamsville, Maryland DCA show and stayed through Monday to march in local parades. The continued mutual appreciate and support with the New York Skyliners Alumni Corps is also a bright spot in this season. The Skyliners will hold its Open House in November, with dates and place to be announced. Our winter schedule will be ONE camp per month January through March. We can also boast that we have one of the lowest dues/tuition costs in the circuit. The Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps is a charitable non-profit, self-funded competitive marching organization located in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. Founded in 1945, they are one of the Nation’s oldest and most beloved corps and are sponsored by the Michael Steiner American Legion Post #411 in Jessup, Pennsylvania and the Garbarina-Mazarakos American Legion Post #1523 of New York City. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join the Skyliners 2017 Interest FaceBook Page at https://www.facebook...971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org.

Impulse! is holding an 8-hour percussion clinic on July 6th from noon to 8pm. This clinic is open to all sections, including front ensemble, and all ability levels. Come out and drum with the Impulse! drumline. Lots of door prizes and everyone registered for the clinic will receive a general admission ticket to the SoCal Classic, Open Class Championships on July 17th. For more information, CLICK HERE

I have a show in DC that requires used (see also beat up) drum cases for props. looking for bass drum and three tom cases. Please PM me if you know anyone looking to get rid of old cases.

If you are from SoCal, or anywhere, Impulse is looking to fill weapon and flag spots for their tour this summer. We have a full California performance schedule, and are doing a national tour ending up at championships in Indiana. Our next rehearsal is this Sunday from 10am-6pm at Marina H.S. in Huntington Beach. Come out and meet the staff and current guard. You won't be disappointed. Please visit www.impulseyoutharts.org or email impulsecolorguard@gmail.com for more info.

The West Orange HS (NJ) Color Guard is looking for new staff members for the 2016-2017 fall and winter seasons. Candidates must be a certified teacher or have the appropriate substitute teaching credentials. Please contact Lewis Kelly, Band Director, at LKelly@woboe.org for more information.

Heat wave Of Florida, Florida's only DCI drum and Bugle Corps, has a few guard openings. If you, or someone you know might be interested, please contact our Guard Caption head. This is going to be an exciting year for us, and you can be a part of it. contact guard@heatwavedrumcorps.org or go to our website at: www.heatwavedrumcorps.com Thanks!!

Come join The Southern Knights from Birmingham, Alabama! We are just starting guard practice now that WGI & band trips are over. Our next camp is next weekend April 30th & May 1st at Pell City High School in Pell City, Alabama. WE SERIOUSLY NEED GUARD MEMBERS! Our show is based on "In The Spring When Kings Go Off To War" & "On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss" by David Holsinger. Info can be found at our webpage: http://www.southernknightscorps.org and our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/southernknights1/?fref=ts PLEASE pass this along to anyone who might be interested! THANKS EVERYBODY!

well since i have not seen anybody start one i will, any opinions on any guards as of yet?

No doubt Flanagan could spin their butts off. Maybe better BUT at top 5 level they all need to do that. IMO and many others I believe, it came down to who set standards. Many believe Flanagan has become same ole same ole. different theme, change colors , stick a prop out there and music could be anything and fit to any previous year. Now with that said I dont think noone can deny the talent there and the training. At this level It may have come down to design and maybe who was setting a new standard for WC.

Recently, I learned about a unit whose staff decided they would enter their guard at a regional (WGI) in a division for which they clearly did not belong, just so they could 'win' the show, (Which they did), because they have never won one in the class the usually compete in. Perhaps it's just me but, I find this to be rather shallow. Surely the members had to know they were competing in a class with guards that were not on their level of competition! If their egos are so fragile, what would have happened if they had lost to a guard from the lower classification? Would this have ruined the rest of their season as they go back to the class they belong to at the local circuit? I'm sure this isn't the only time this has happened. I just find it to be rather sad that the staff was more concerned about the 'win' than they were the performance. Just my two cents, what are yours?

Saw scores from Monmouth today. Les Eclipses.WTH?!?!

Is "adult humor" (without obscenity) against board policies?

I've been wanting to get some stuff for my guard, and Algy has the only flags I see that I think would go with our show, and I've never ordered from Algy before and I'm unsure of their quality of craftsmanship. I usually order from Bandshoppe, and I love their quality and quickness. I just wanted to make sure, before ordering, what Algy team is like! Thank you!! Nick

Now that I'm trying this Facebook thing that everyone seems addicted to, I've posted MY Top Tarp Shows of 2011. Feel free to share your FAVES, as we get ready for the 2012 version OR end of the world, which ever comes first.

Hi everybody! My name is Kevin and I am with the University at Buffalo Thunder of the East Color Guard. Things are picking up fast and we want to let everybody know that we'd love new members! If you are graduating soon or attend a college or university in the Buffalo area, then performing with us may be a great decision! We are a favorite at UB games (which are often televised nationally) and local New York State Field Band Conference Competitions where we exhibit our performance excellence! We've performed for many non-local events, as well, including the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto and the Mid-American Conference Championship in Detroit. With excellent choreography from Nick Boucounis, each season is challenging and rewarding! We have huge plans for this year! If we can get enough members we intend on having a fully featured number, alongside our other great routines. Plans for a weapon line are also in the works, so if you enjoy spinning rifle or sabre you should stop by! If you have any questions about membership, events, time commitment, or anything else, please visit our website ( marchingband.buffalo.edu ), email me at kew9@buffalo.edu or find us on facebook! ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Thunder-of-the-East-Color-Guard-and-Majorettes/175030919220649 ) I hope to hear from many, many guardies! This year will be amazing with your help!

That recoup investment thing only works for the "Big Boys" who are operating on multi-thousand dollar budgets. As a Director of a Start up Corps we ran into a good deal on some 2 Valve G Bugles then some 3 Valve G Bugles. We plan on using them for a long time and then buy a G line from Kanstul in the future.

Angels and ministers of grace!! Do you know where you store that many GG horns? In the contrabassment, naturally. Cincinnati Tradition is on G horns, although from year to year we may have someone come to the corps that is not comfortable in G-land who will play a Bb or F horn. These (typically) younger folks seem eager to drive a g horn in subsequent years. Robert

Vigilantes are all G's - mostly Kanstul with some Dynasty's sprinkled in where the sound works better. Our plan is to stay on G for the foreseeable future - but plans can change in a hurry.

Yes, one could actually consider the G three valve soprano bugle a alto trumpet keyed in G.

Yes... there was an interview with him in the 1976 DCA championship yearbook/program book. His basic point was that G instruments of that day were, for all intents and purposes, trumpets (and whatever) keyed in G, as opposed to a "pure bugle"... and he advocated the use of three valves, but with the key remaining in G to maintain that "drum corps sound."