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Showing content with the highest reputation on 12/15/2016 in all areas

  1. Is this the "dreadful hornline" you're referring to? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIRdkW6okkE I can see why they chose to "cover up" that hornline. Those tricky 'Coats.... People sure do say some..."interesting" stuff on this forum sometimes. (June video, BTW)
    3 points
  2. once upon a time I was considered an "expert" in this stuff... and what I learned is that these figures are the most misunderstood and misleading figures you could possibly look at... and while the web site that helps you "mine" this information may serve a useful purpose... god knows there's enough crooks out there hiding behind the not for profit status... when it comes to drum corps there are several issues but many are based on how good the accountant is hired by the drum corps... unfortunately HOW they prepare the IRS forms can vary greatly and cause some strange figures to pop out. further... these figures often tend to PUNISH a corps that is fiscally responsible by putting out figures that make them look affluent compared to the many that aren't... when in reality... there's a big difference between being fiscally competent and affluent... Trust me... the laws, legalities and IRS rules do not mix well with drum corps... when it comes to a cursory viewing of the figures... PLEASE... take these figures with a grain of salt...
    3 points
  3. I personally want to see a solid, enjoyable and creative show that places solid and does well in GE so they don't need rewrites That's my take as a fan, George
    2 points
  4. Honestly, the audience is marching band kids (potential members) and their families. And as much as it pains me to admit it, that was the correct decision for DCI to make years ago. Mike
    2 points
  5. It was a disaster beyond what people actually realized. Towards the end of July, viz techs left or were fired, new drill was being taught and new techs were attempting to clean that new drill (more than half the show). It's history now but lessons learned. I think we'll see a more typical Cadets this season after that wake up call.
    2 points
  6. who is the target audience of DCI currently? potential members? age outs? or the general populace? I always remember DCI groups doing what marching band did, but had more advanced shows in all things on the field. (playing, spinning, marching, dancing, props..etc) They used all sorts of things to tell the story on the field and to give you a bigger wow effect than you got from fall marching groups. And to understand who's really buying the most tickets, I can't say because I don't have that data. But I'm going to guess its the marching band world, who aren't going to pay to see something that's on the same level that they've seen in the fall. And they aren't going to audition for something that's not as challenging as what they come from. Why would they?
    2 points
  7. Hmm. I seem to remember several corps playing RUSSIAN Christmas music...
    2 points
  8. OK, I'll bite. I'm a HS music teacher, father or two (one a frosh in HS), and 40. I marched DCI WC drum corps in the late 90s and have been a DCI fan since I learned of its existence in 1990 when I was a frosh in HS. LOVE shows from the 80s, early-mid 90s, etc. I wouldn't call myself a dinosaur per say, but I have an affection for shows that were performed long before I knew what DCI is (there are some 70s shows I also like, but not nearly as many as 80s-on). Now that we got my perspective out of the way... Right now there are not a lot of audiences who want to see simple marching/playing/spinning on the field anymore: audience want to see some sort of big production of music, visual (not just marching or equipment work). Audiences want multi-media stuff, they want pop-culture references, they want circus-type environment. If you see any sort of big summer concert, music is not just a band plugged into amps and doing their thing: there are screens, lighting coordination, maybe lasers and smoke or fire, etc. We still have traditional symphonies, but many of them also incorporate modern "awe" factors into their shows (maybe not every weekend, but at times they'll show stuff on screens behind the symphony, do a multi-media type thing or educational "lecture" type of thing during a performance, etc). Even at the dawn of, say, 'moving pictures' before color or sound movie exhibitors added live music accompaniment to make the pictures more exciting, even when the pictures were cool space locations, gun fighting, train wrecks, etc. The audience currently seems to want big productions, and that's what DCI is providing them. Synths and speakers to give the sound more depth or interesting alternative music effects (such as sampled dialogue from a movie or other cool FX); props to enhance a visual idea more or to just flat-out entertain (like Bluecoats did last year); maybe we'll eventually see coordinated lighting effects or screens used to display imagery during a show. In answer to your question I would say no, it's not enough. That's not what the kids see on TV watching musical programs, that's not what kids see at HS marching band competitions or WGI events. It's what they likely expect out of modern DCI. It seemed last summer Bluecoats were almost undisputed crowd favorites not just because they performed well, but because they performed well AND had those crazy ramps to up the entertainment value. As with anything, sometimes this stuff works (2016 Bluecoats) and sometimes it doesn't work as well (2016 Cadets w/the statue guys on wedding cakes or whatever ). That can be said about ALL elements of a DCI show, only in these cases far easy-to-indentafy aspects other than, say, percussion arrangements. We've always taken the good with the bad though. And when this stuff works well it works amazing for the audience. I'd personally MUCH prefer the "cheese" or "goofiness" or whatever adjective used to describe Bluecoats 2016 than the same cheese and goofiness for Phantom 08. One, IMO, was far more inspiring and original, and one felt like clown-hand GE.
    2 points
  9. And first in overall music. No award given, but it's very important to understand how it played into the win. It wasn't ALL about GE but overall balance, of which music supercaption was a huge part.
    2 points
  10. Mine for real this year, too, Mike. Off to San Antonio tomorrow. He's handling it pretty well; I'm a wreck and his Mom is nearly always on the verge of tears with excitement.
    2 points
  11. Which is why the 990s thread we had for the junior corps was such a great resource. We learned some of the wisdom behind the numbers. People familiar with individual corps came forth to explain how they do things. I have felt better ever since, knowing the financial sense those corps administrations are applying. And if you are a marcher (or parent) considering investing several thousand dollars in a drum corps experience, you will feel better knowing you are investing in a fiscally responsible organization.
    2 points
  12. On a serious note, though... I hope no band has its experience denied or ruined as a consequence of political hyperpartisanship.
    2 points
  13. Wait, I forget: which corps did Vladimir Putin march in?
    2 points
  14. I personally think it is absurd to claim that brass was "relegated" to a supporting role in this show. If anything, brass soloists dominated the musical performances. Blueoats have purposefully designed shows to maximize General Effect. That is the whole point of this scoring system. Whomever wins GE likely wins the gold. Everything should "bleed into" everything in a great show.
    2 points
  15. I for one welcome our new Bluecoats Overlords. I look forward to the Drum Corps community's on field response this summer. Mike
    2 points
  16. Paul Revere may have said â The British Are Coming â, however Drum Corps Associates can say that the Kidsgrove Scouts from Staffordshire, United Kingdom, are returning this season for the fourth time ! Established in 1910, the Scouts will be arriving here on August 21st and this season they will be competing on August […] ... Read the rest of the article here - http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2016/12/kidsgrove-scouts-return-to-dca-in-2017/
    1 point
  17. nothing will ever ever push me into the woodwinds camp in drum corps it's a great tune though - great performance
    1 point
  18. SCV - IMO - is in for a medal year Coats - hard to see them dropping out of Top 3 - but 4th is certainly possible. They are just on a design roll BD is virtually a lock for a medal IMO that is your likely top 3 in some order I'd slide Crown/Cadets in there behind the medalists - then the Cavaliers/Regiment in 6th/7th -- for all four of these corps show design will decide a lot I'd say Crossmen/Blue Knights/Boston in the next cluster (8-10) - Crosmen should have a more veteran corps, Boston the talent in teaching/membership Gets tough at 11/12 as it always does. One of those spots maybe goes to BS - but I have some doubts for some reason Troopers/Madison will be looking to take Academy's spot back. They'll be about 5-7 corps fighting for the last 2 finalist spots - each with a realistic shot on paper Geez - could give one a headache trying to figure it out in December Bottomline is - none of us know
    1 point
  19. Hope they can build on last year...really enjoyed "Forbidden Forest," even if the ending was a tad lacking.
    1 point
  20. Touche. Well played, you sh--. But are you just describing Hop's vision for this year's zag?
    1 point
  21. I thought of that...I try at times to tone down the rhetoric over there in that thread as well for sure...especially because many times I think many posters are not as ill-willed towards the corps as some want you to believe...that said..I do many times even get caught up in my passion towards the corps as well...
    1 point
  22. dear Boston homer known as Ghost. Your fellow homer colored his comments by opining a low vet turnout of horns to Cadets camp without qualifying the number of excusals given due to school obligations such as college semester exams which have always been given a priority by Cadets. That is very much a disingenuous agenda. Did he ask admin for facts. No, he opined without them.
    1 point
  23. This thread has become fascinating.
    1 point
  24. Sorry X, I didn't read comments by Craiga as being a "definite political agenda" or giving the impression the Cadets horn line might be dismal. He mentioned facts about two kids that were cut by Boston and getting a chance to march with the Cadets. There was no spin to his comments.
    1 point
  25. Other corps have gone through far worse than that...
    1 point
  26. If you are fabulous, you are fabulous no matter what piece you choose. Excellence, teachability, able to work and travel well with others (compared to being a diva, and capacity to fulfill commitments will sound as wonderfully. Good luck.)
    1 point
  27. One would think a world class drum corps would spend a few minutes proofreading their announcements before posting.
    1 point
  28. Garfield, Let's just say my shock was a bit "amplified"!
    1 point
  29. You might consider this section of DCP for your topic. http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/index.php/forum/59-historical-junior-corps-discussions/
    1 point
  30. (pops popcorn...) Hey! Welcome back! I like this sentence: "The landscape has changed a little since I last followed." Since 1991? Whew, you must be shocked! Hope your son marches - it'll do your heart good. "...Star doesn't march anymore"?? Lol. Dino.
    1 point
  31. Squabble free no but it's a contract and will be honored. Tom is a Cadet and wants them back where they could be... up top. Word on the street is many of the superstars would return home to Cadets in the future if Tom was st the helm. As for now, let's max out with the new team, mostly Cadets alumni... Here's to the nurturing of new superstars!
    1 point
  32. Celebrating our 20th anniversary season in 2017, Atlanta CV is excited to announce our program for the summer "Through the Glass Looking...." Movement I -- Shattered Glass Movement II - Reflections Movement III -- Stained Glass Movement IV -- Prism We look forward to sharing this program and our 20th anniversary celebration with fans and friends throughout the season. More details to follow soon....... Atlanta CV 2017 -- "Seeing is Believing" Alan Armstrong Staff, Show and Instructional Coordinator Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps
    1 point
  33. It was one of those three-initial corps, but not SCV. Wait, I remember - KGB!
    1 point
  34. Dear Mr. Blair, As a 40 year, local television broadcasting veteran who has Executive Produced, Directed, Edited (16 MM Film and digitally!) thousands of hours of syndicated programs and feature films, and ran Studio Camera for countless of hours of live news and remote sports programming for PBS,CBS,ABC and ESPN, please accept my congratulations and relay my appreciation to your entire production staff on the absolutely incredible, profesionnally crafted production and coverage your team has provided us Drum Corps fans on the 2016 DCI Blu-ray Finals. As a fan of yours since, I forget how long ago (I am 65) memory just not what it used to be ( - : I've admiried your incredible production values and knowledge and skills in presenting DCI Cinecast/webcast in the brightest light. RE: THE ACADEMY...I've continually volunteered/Tour Co-drove with them since 2004, BRAVO! I thought the needed edit was handled beautifully.The camera shot transistion from the pit to the full field coverage shot of THE ACADEMY's first "Hit" musically is exactly how I would have cut it myself. I absolutely loved the added backfield/crowd reaction shots, You captured so many of the guards equipment and Corps performance highlights not seen in any other "DCI LIVE" webcasts. You embellised every Corps performance and made your final Blu-ray cuts so "FRESH" making it a real Treat loaded with surprises to the viewer. What a "Gift" you are to he Drum Corps Activity and Drum Corps International in particular. FWIW: $129.00, This was actually the first year I purchased, (stimulated by The Academy's 11th Place Finals Performance) the Blu-ray Deluxe Bundle. Hopefully the first of many years to come. Thank You and Salute!
    1 point
  35. Having an endowment of this sort is just good practice for a non-profit. I work in theatre, where the goal typically is to have an endowment of restricted funds which is two to three times the size of the annual budget. You get to draw down 5% of the endowment each year. MBI has reached that level. Good for them. Note that in P&L terms, MBI actually did less well in this particular calendar year than the Bucs did. MBI lost $24K, reducing their net assets from $683K to $655K. Bucs lost $7K, reducing their net assets from -$42K to -$49K. The difference being that it doesn't hurt MBI so much. Obviously it would be very good for Bucs to get rid of that debt, which is more than 20% of their annual operating budget, and is presumably costing them in interest payments. Time to launch a big fundraising campaign?
    1 point
  36. Does the parade route go past Comet Ping Pong?
    1 point
  37. Heading to Genesis's big camp this weekend. Hard to believe it's been over a year since we first went to help out for the fun of it. You should have seen the looks on their faces when volunteers would ask "so which kid in the corps is yours?" and I'd say "none." I was a bit of a unicorn for a while there. My daughter's auditioning for reals this year on baritone. We'll see how it goes. I've tried to interest her in other Texas corps, but she's undeterred - this year it's Genesis or Bust. When we've talked on here over the years for why kids only audition for one corps and then go home, I have an up close and personal view of it. And maybe a kinder, gentler understanding. Anyways, wish us luck. My kiddo may not need it so much, but I know for sure my poor back does! Mike
    1 point
  38. If that was a major reason, we can only sit back and see how long the agreement lasts.
    1 point
  39. Well crap lol. I'll probably just do it. There's a good chance it won't even be B's Mass, I've been preparing this piece for a while, ad there would really be no way I would know (except here), so I think it's okay. And thank you!
    1 point
  40. No hype machine here. Just commenting on the positive changes at the Cadets and the renewed sense of optimism at camp last weekend. No predictions of competitive success...so what's the problem with some positive energy about the Cadets. Has there not been enough negativity surrounding the Cadets in recent years?
    1 point
  41. I love the fact that this corps comes to the states, spending a great deal of money just to compete at DCA. I LOVE Kidsgrove!!!!
    1 point
  42. 1 point
  43. If I may - that's kind of his point. "Right on schedule " has produced non- medal performances of late. So, right on schedule for a sixth place finish makes one proceed with caution when it comes to enthusiasm.
    1 point
  44. keepin' the minivan under 55. nice.
    1 point
  45. Linda, always loved going to The Golden Triangle Invitational in Kitchener-Waterloo and seeing all the corps, especially the "C" and "D" corps. Ventures were one of those little corps as were Dutchboy. There were a ton of them! I think at one show my corps and Bluecoats were the only 2 American corps there. We spent a lot of summers in Canada going up against Krescendos, Princemen, Etobicoke Crusaders, Flying Dutchmen, Precious Blood Cardinals, etc. Also remember having to borrow a soprano from a Seneca Princemen for a show as mine broke....it belonged to a young man who had a hook. Very nice young man from what I remember.
    1 point
  46. I would REALLY like to hear a horn line pre-1990 that could play what Crown did in 2013. Or 2014. Or 2015. Or basically any medalist/Ott winner in the last five(ten?) years. Sure, some problems have been "fixed," but it's not a less difficult activity. And phasing is NOT a thing of the past. Just ask the Bluecoats this year if you want proof of that. Also, DCI is no less entertaining than it was 30 years ago. It's just less entertaining to you.
    1 point
  47. Of course, your argument has a few holes since the MSG myth isn't actually true.
    1 point
  48. We wanted to preserve as much of the introduction in The Academy's show as possible so we had to make a pretty hard leap to avoid the material Tim Burton wouldn't license. Musically, it's not bad. With Cavaliers, we were lucky in that the corps placed their speakers perfectly so we could control the volume of the amplified sounds. Been working with the corps for years now, trying to getting better placement of speakers relative to our mics. We were able to close some mics and the jingles went away with no edited loss of show coverage or content! Thanks to The Cavaliers for working with us!
    1 point
  49. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Slaughter on 10th Avenue, arranged first by Dreitzer for the Skyliners, thence for The Madison Scouts by Ray Baumgardt about 15 years later. Both were iconic openers that emphatically stated, "HERE WE ARE!" When I marched in St. Catherine's, playing Genero's original Dancing Serenade (thank you, Elphaba), my secret favorite opener was French National (Le Regiment Sembre et Meuse), penned for Garfield by the peerless Donald Angelica.
    1 point
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