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In episode 4 , they show Denver vs. Indy opener. Although they didn't say it was a head to head, that might be implied until you see that Cavies were at both shows.

I've offered that suggestion countless times, and usually see a response that mocks doing that, with some retort that has to do with the directors and board laughing at people that do that and mocking them. That being said, you are 100% correct in their open door policy and willingness to share information they see fit. As for the new visual staff, anyone that follows the activity even a little bit know the performance level of BDB. The fact is that there are great instructors at all levels, so downplaying or criticizing Madison for bringing in a staff that can clearly teach and clean is just absurd. To be honest, the fact that the BDB visual staff that Madison now has was able to achieve the results they did with members that probably have less experience than those auditioning for Madison proves that they know what they're doing. As for the money thing, and Madison hiring them because they may be a cheaper option, I think that's bogus as well. BD spends money at all levels of their organization to make sure that they get top instructors that can do the best job possible. So if Madison was trying to get a staff on the cheap, why would they hire instructors from an organization with the highest budget in DCI. The problem is, that instead of taking questions to the source to get legit answers, it's easier to sit behind a screen name and criticize everything the organization does. Next it'll be complaints about the new percussion staff, I guarantee it.

Kind of like in Bullet when Steve McQueen burns out on Mullins drive in Bernal Heights and then is zooming down near North Beach.

At Indy, didn't the Cadets have some guy/statue walking from the sidelines out to the field during the closure? And I think I remember he looked almost nude, not with any of the statue costume on. It took a looooong time for him to reach his spot, too.

The audience scenes are killing me. They're at DATR and I see people I was sitting near in Indy in the crowd. LOLOL

I would like to see them do the music by Han Zimmer from "Man of Steele" & either "Batman vs Superman" or "The Justice League".

After four episodes, the show isn't doing much for me. It's mostly a reality show issue, I think, not necessarily the Clash idea or production. After following a few reality shows when they first appeared, I don't watch them much now. The exaggerated tension is a bummer. Like an HGTV show when they discover an electrical problem that might ruin all the design plans and force the home owners to go bankrupt... But after commercial a contractor fixes if for another $500. I sort of get that from the Cadet's foot problem, for example. Not at all belittling an injury or real pain he might suffer. It's just that, well, what was the deal? For a few minutes, his season might be all over. Then it's apparently not so bad and he goes on. On the other hand, the Cadet 3rd trumpet, and the two BD snares, are fun to follow. And as a BTW, in a shot of the (kind of half-empty!) seats during Cadets' opening Indy show I could pick out yours truly. I was applauding but not standing. Was probably perplexed by the show concept.

And pretty soon it'll just be down to the dozen or so folks on this thread. (I'm hoping it does better.) Do we get a prize from Fuse for sticking with it? Something from The Rock would be nice.

Yep. I was really disappointed they didn't use the correct audio to the Cadets opener. They DID start with Pines of Rome in the first show, correct? Glad to see quick glimpses of other Corps (busses, trucks, props, and on the field), but I realize this show is focused on BD and Cadets. I had no idea about the BD prop issue at Mile High. I guess it was discussed on the BD thread, but I rarely venture to the Dark Side. JK.

After I pay rent.... I am ordering this!!

The whipping sequence was a fantastic moment with a decent lead up. But afterwards, the effect just pettered out. Such a lost opportunity on phenomenal music. Though no reason to think the corps won't right the ship with better design.

With the emergence of music based programs versus themed programs (ex. The Cadets 2013) we should start a forum with ideas that would be good music programs. My submission is The Rite of Spring both movements. Also post which corps you think would be best for the music I think crown would make a lit program based on Rite of Spring.

The only reason they showed SCV was because the BD prop problems were a huge distraction during SCV's show. Pretty sure we wouldn't have seen them otherwise.

I'll just repeat my request from prior years: Madison Scouts: Music from "The Incredibles." I am aware that the movie is now more than a decade old, and that the score has already been done by Impulse, not to mention numerous high schools. Don't care. That movie score was made for Madison.

Looks like this isn't even preorder? I just received notice (Oct 20) the Blu-Rays had shipped, arriving in 5-6 business days.

Honestly, this scene is the only problem I've had with the show. Aside from the one conversation with the BD snare drummer who just graduated high school, I feel like the ages of these kids/ages of drum corps members in general has never really been discussed on the show, and it's really easy for reality shows to fall into the sexy trap. This scene felt super out of place for anyone who knows the ages of drum corps members, and super in place for the average reality show.

To you and craiga, I actually think it was a lot of design and execution and less outside factors. My impression finals week is that the crowd was behind Madison. The show evolved from Allentown to Finals, there was clarity of idea and execution from the performers. Though if the kids had been given a better product from the beginning they probably could have been up towards 10th. And with Madison, the clarity wasn't there. It just came at you as a mishmash of JCSS.

Ok, just got through Episode 2 (yeah I'm behind). I marched several years of drum corps and I'm not oblivious to what happens during the summer... however. The scene half way through with the sound of the beds squeaking - as the parent of a 14 year old, 13 year old and 10 year old, does nothing to want to make me send my kids on tour with a corps. Apologies if this has already been talked about, but my kids won't be rolling with the Cadets if this is what Hop is allowing over there. (Waiting to get pounced on).

You're probably right, but I'll be so sad if you are right. That was a genius closer and still got a chuckle whether it was the first or fiftieth time I watched/listened to it.

I myself, through direct conversations with both Chris and Greg, have had the exact opposite response - open, honest and thorough. But I do know others who get more what you're talking about....and those people always seem to start those inquiries with an accusatory and/or combative tone. I personally wouldn't want to engage such people with more than a canned response either. But Chris and Greg show much more patience to them than I would. But believe what you want and act accordingly....and one day, if you just hang in there long enough, you might even persuade the staff to bring back the spats!!!

For some reason I'm thinking of Dolly Parton now.......

Blue Stars announce and retain brass staff for 2017: http://www.bluestars.org/story.php?story_id=843

I'm auditioning for The Cavaliers in Chicago this year! I don't exactly expect to make it, but I'm sure going to try :) Worst case scenario, I have a great experience with a great group of guys! (P.S. I was going to audition for B.A.C. but the scheduling didn't quite work out. Still a great corps though!)

Bold move by the Scouts organization! I applaud their decision...best of luck with this new great staff.

I think the hires are a good hire personally. The Blue Devil Organization as a whole has nothing but quality instructors across the board.

Talk is cheap. Finish in the top 12.

From the Broadway world... I always thought that a total "Ragtime" show could be wonderful. If it lasted, I think the music in "Allegiance" has potential as well. Big band 40's swing, some nice ballads (one showstopper sung by Lea Salonga was magnificent), and some Asian flavored music, such as the tune "Gaman".

Phantom Regiment 2008 is one that definitely comes to mind. If I were in that corps, I would not have expected to win the World Championship a week before Finals.

Umm...aren't you forgetting that the Cavies only finished lower then 3rd once (4th in 2009) between 1999 and 2011 and inbetween won 5 titles. So doesn't that mean everyone else benefited from the Cavies "stumble". This arguement makes no sense wether in drum corps or any competitive activity. If you're not on the top of your game there's always someone there to take your spot. Can happen to any corps on any given year.