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I really would like Flo to let the show stand for 24 hours so it can be watched and/or re-watch for a limited amount of time.

get one before they're gone! https://imgflip.com/i/26emc1

Backflip Jesus, someone spinning wrapped Christmas presents or random mannequins appearing in the end zone are also key indicators - and of course Oprah banners are a given

You meant to say Trumpets right? LOL

Anyone planning on attending the DCA show run by YEA/C2 in Nazareth, PA, in July... make sure to stop by that new specialty-foods shop there: "Cheeses of Nazareth." I'm here all week, folks. Try the prime rib.

I find myself agreeing more often than disagreeing with Ream these days. It’s like we are all converging on the same “undeniable truth”

When I watched them play and heard more of the show, I wondered how they were going to pull off playing AND marching some of this music on the field at the same time. This brass book is just insane. Definitely one of the hardest books ever to come out of Rosemont that I can remember. Of course this is only at this time. ...and they keep adding difficulty in ways that maybe I'll explain after they announce their show. I'm super stoked about how much this hornline is playing. Right now, difficult passages aren't being sent to the pit ( this was a brass only camp), and there weren't that many empty sections where the hornline was tacit. Anyway, I'm hyping a little bit, but it's our 70th anniversary, and so far things are going very well musically. I can't wait to hear them next month and then finally in the summer!

o lawd!

Old habits die hard.

2017 show development code name...Wicked Abs.

2017 BAC Sopranos !

1993. This year is why I'm a drum corps fan. And this show is why I've always been a Regiment fan. Very different pieces of music arranged to fit together perfectly, and oozing GE that DEMANDED three standing Os (something they haven't had in a while). 1996. My first drum corps show to see live was in Tulsa that summer, though rain forced Regiment indoors - still incredible. Visual minimalism that wouldn't be competitive today and was even pretty different back then, but it worked so well. 2005. Freaking toe tapper, with some "aren't they too stiff?" jam. First year with Jamey Thompson and Adam Sage, with greatly improved performances in brass and percussion. 2007. Great concept, especially visually. As others have said, I wish they would've gone with a different closer, but still a great show. For the fifth show, several stand out to me for different reasons: 1995, 2006, 2010 Dishonorable mention: 2016. Couldn't be more disappointed for an anniversary year.

Can confirm on the difficulty of the brass book at this current moment. Lots of really impressive stuff in all the videos. Kevin Leboeuf has brought some heat to the line finally that might turn more heads. Probably lots of heads that have written the Cavaliers brass off for decades.

I've been waiting for this one! Seeing the broadcast in '89 is what introduced me to drum corps, and Regiment hooked me immediately. Favorites Spartacus (2008) - I give this one the edge over Defiant Heart because of the story. Defiant Heart generated its GE through music, Spartacus did perhaps the best job ever in DCI in adapting an honest-to-goodness narrative story into a 12 minute show. Past that, the music was incredibly sophisticated - being honest, the brass book was much more technically demanding than Phantom typically does - and they pulled it off with a bang. This year was my first and only live Finals weekend, and one thing that stood out was how they kept cranking the tempos up ever so slightly each show. On the last night it felt like they must be on the edge of it just falling apart, but it never even came close. And yes, the crowd reaction on video - it was that crazy live. Defiant Heart (1996 2006) - One of the more unconventional - but most effective - music books they've ever done. Not many corps are brave enough to start with the ballad (such as it was), but the payoff was well worth it. The poles in the drum feature were awesome live (less so on video), and of course the closer brought the house down. Not much else I can say about it - just brilliant. And the black on black was a masterstroke. Harmonic Journey (2003) - yes, yes, yes, Libera's Sanctus and the reprise. But the rest of the show is mega-awesome, too. They managed to make some pretty complex modern pieces work with a very traditional-sounding ballad. Musically, this show had a little bit of everything, and it totally should have been a blueprint for what they could have done moving forward. Honestly, if they're looking for inspiration now, they could do worse than maybe watching this show again. 1989 - scores were <a bit> inflated that Finals, and I don't think it was actually a 98.4, but Phantom did a brilliant job of adapting a pretty lengthy work, with a lot of great melodies, into a fighting-trim package. I don't care what Jeff Ream says, the drum riff in the ballad was fine. The corps had a very mature, very dark sound, and some amazing drill moves in there as well. All in all, it felt like a group comfortably at the top of their game. Phantom Voices (1991) - Not the cleanest show ever, but one of my favorites because it wears its heart on its sleeve. No needing to deconstruct what they're going for - it's pretty much front and center. Absolutely brilliant musical choices that all fit together nicely, and I would love to see them figuratively let their hair down like they did with Pagliacci, which is still one of my all time favorite charts. Their second stab at Bacchanale was much tighter, and the battery much improved from the year before. All in call, it's "classic" Phantom, and if you had to show a new fan one show that represents all that Phantom Regiment is, this one wouldn't be a bad choice! Not-so-favorites Songs from the Eternal City (1998) - After the title in '96 and such a strong brass program in '97, this show kind of felt like falling off a cliff. It was a musical and visual mess. I blame the staff - there was an obvious lack of clarity as to what they were going for here. The Red Violin (2009) - I get what they were going for, but it didn't connect. The story wasn't as interesting, and the music was... well... boring. And the new uniform jackets were awful. Swan Lake (2014) - Felt like another corps trying to program like Phantom Regiment. And the uniforms... yeah. Phantasm (2017) - I'm not sure where this one came from, but they should have put it back. The voiceovers added nothing, and distracted greatly, and for all of the years waiting on Finlandia to appear in a show, they sure didn't do much with it. Mike

Judges, are you watching?

This one should be interesting. Some of my favorites when I got into the activity were from Phantom Regiment, it saddens me that I personally haven't connected with recent efforts in that way. 1996 - I think this is a perfect representation of what Shostakovitch is represented on the field, the emotionally charged nature of his music is perfectly communicated and it's always been a favorite of mine. 2007 - Yes, Firebird is awesome but I really connect with the front half of the shows minimalist nature, Vespertine Formations and 1000 Airplanes on the Roof REALLY fit into what I enjoy and they really did those justice. 2005 - I read a lot about how people were pretty shocked that they picked this rep. and I can see how but man. It worked. SO WELL. Just 12 minutes of fantastic music and drill. 1993 - Lovelovelove this whole show, incredible field coverage visually paired with pretty aggressive and in your face music. And the ballad. Fantastic stuff. 2006 - They were masters of ballads, and Ave Maria is just........incredible. Whole show is amazing but that part specifically is just wow. Honorable mention to one show, though just one part. The Schoenberg ballad in 2000 is something I cannot listen to enough, the rest of the show doesn't do a ton for me but the ballad is incredible.

I had one of those cool random DCI encounters tonight when eating out at Mod Pizza. Two of the guys working behind the counter are current marching members, one in BK and the other in Boston. I was good, and didn’t harass him for the theme... but I did get a hint. Two, actually.

You’ve all had time to play the 2017 audio and video recordings a couple dozen times - what is your go to show? Which one have you listened to most? Me? Has to be the Blue Stars show... can’t put my finger on why, just love the book.

I wrote an article about using some online marketing techniques for drum corps fundraising. Hopefully this helps some people. Don't hesitate to email us if you want free help setting up your fundraising initiatives. https://imarch.biz/blogs/marching-arts-blog/how-to-fundraise-for-drum-corps

so a tattoo then

Best of both worlds - Cheesus? Mike

On the C2 end.... the two dozen rocking chairs last year on the field were also rather easy to figure out.

Our lists are exactly the same.

Good article. Yes, it's important for the artists in this activity to find ways to fund their passion. Post season withdrawal is a drag. I would readily shell out cold hard cash for more access to what is going on with each organization, in the off season. Anything. It doesn't have to be show reveals or copyrighted stuff. Show me some brass lines doing tuning sequences... batteries and front ensembles warming up. Throw in a few flag tosses from the guard. Anything to see/hear how the performers are. Many of us miss being MMs. Bring back some good memories for me. I'll pay.

If we start seeing mice running around with cheese we will know for sure.

I’m not sure which block is theirs, I got tickets for the 640 level which is dead center at the top level. The last few years I’ve had tickets a few sections over from the 640 on each side, as close to the top middle as I could. That’s just me

5 Favorites in chronological order. 1982 1989 1991 1996 2008

The week I've been waiting for. Phantom has given us some of the most amazing shows this activity has to offer, as well as some of the biggest stinkers. Favorites: 1989, 1996, 2006, 2007, 2010. Honorable mentions: 1993, 2003, 2008. All great shows, but the shows I listed above are simply better in my mind. Least favorites: Literally every show post-2012. I could go on all day about the poor designs and executions of these shows, but I won't. Needless to say, Phantom has never recovered since JD and the Rennicks moved to SCV, and I'm not expecting this recent pattern to change anytime soon with all the hungry competition around them. Dishonorable mentions: 1999, 2009.

Favorites.... 1989 " New World Symphony " 1991.... "Phantom Voices " 1996... " Defiant Heart " 1977, 1978, 1979 2003.... "Harmonic Journey " 1994... " Songs for a Summer Night " 2006..... Faust " 2nd tier likes: 2011.... " Juliet " 2008.... " Spartacus " 1982..... " Spartacus " 1992...." War and Peace" 2007..... " On Air" Swing and Miss... 2017..." Phantasm " 2014.... " Swan Lake "

85

I can't speak for BK, but this is the March 2018 Pizza in Boston.

Quiet is the way Bloo likes it.

All’s been quiet with Bloo this winter. Looking forward to creative and innovative stuff from them in 2018.

That is true, but the initial Toy Soldier idea was pretty cool. I know this from a friend of mine on staff that year. The show turned into a mess when George had his ideas incorporated...just saying.

Their mellos...dear GOD their mellos throughout the whole show. Reminded me of mid 80s Cadets.

Of course, DCP members don't necessarily know which ideas come from Mr. Hopkins or from someone else, so what this really means is that "If we like things, we'll say that he stayed out of it, and if we don't like things, we'll blame him for it."

It's not the people playing that need to shut up though.

I remember last year and in 2016 they announced around the 21 or 22 of April. Hopefully that trend continues because I caught myself recently getting excited that it’s a little over a month away from any kind of announcement. I’m so ready for this upcoming season, I’m having major withdraws. I already got my Finals tix too. It put a smile on my face when I read that they’re making a lot of progress for March. I cannot wait to see what this 70th edition of the corps does.

More like shut up and play is an apt statement.

Sorry, Dublin, OH. It's the largest parade in the area and is a lot of fun!

Alright, strap in. We've got 24 corps in World Class and I have a slow day at work so I have 24 opinions to share. Let's go! Blue Devils, you have an odd history with me as of late. I tend to really like your shows after the season. This past season might have been because I was all aboard the Vanguard hype snake train, but this has happened a bit lately. I would love to love your shows from day one. Blue Knights, just keep being weird and keep being you. I've loved everything since NoBeginningNoEnd, so keep doing you! Blue Stars, just keep your sound how it is and I will be super happy. I've also loved your past few "story shows" like Le Reve and Star Crossed, so maybe this is your true niche. Bluecoats, as much as I enjoy this hip new rock vibe you have going, I tend to think of shows like Metropolis and Brave New World when I think of you. I would personally love a return to the dark tech sound you had going, but if not just keep rocking out like you did with these past two shows. Boston Crusaders, I'm so glad you went dark again with Wicked Games, and Animal Farm is one of my all time favorite shows, so I would love to see them come back this year with a dark and gritty show like those. Who knows, maybe they can medal this year (please medal this year!). Carolina Crown, I really dig the bold choice you took last year with the singing and the Akiho. I never thought I would say that No One To kNOW one would work with Crown. I want to see them take this same newness and freshness and maybe combine their darker side of Inferno and Relentless back into it. Unleash the beast! Colts, last year was kinda cool, but I really feel like Dark Side of the Rainbow and ...And A Shot Rings Out were better, so it would be cool to see them return to this genre. Crossmen, I really want to hear them groove harder. Like Unity or Fragile levels of groove. I also like the contemporary vibe they took last season, so maybe mixing the two would make it awesome! Genesis, The Other Side of Now was a cool show, but it just seemed like a generic "First Year in World Class" chow. I'd really like to see them get a stronger sense of identity that I can recognize. Jersey Surf, why did you leave the Bridgemania and Soul Surfin' identity? It worked so well for you! Please go back to that, we need another corps like Bridgemen or Velvet Knights. Madison Scouts, last year was a really bold choice, and I feel like you pulled it off very well, but my Madison thoughts tend to go with A Drum Corps Fan's Dream I and II, so perhaps they could find a way to be new and fresh while also mixing in those Latin tunes. Kinda like Reframed, but grittier if they want. Mandarins, I just want to see them in Finals. Last year was fantastic, and I love the idea for Life Rite After, so seeing them move forward with that would be awesome and could lead to something special. Music City, welcome to World Class. My comment for Genesis kinda serves as a warning to them. Stand out and don't disappear in the crowd. I loved Tribe and this group has me excited. Oregon Crusaders, I like the blend of classical and pop that they had going with Hunted and ENcompass, so continuing that would be cool. I hope to see them rise a bit. Pacific Crest, just keep doing what you're doing. Golden State of Mind was fantastic, and I have a feeling this year will be awesome too. Keep climbing! Phantom Regiment, I like the darker show from last year, but if there is one corps that I think should lose the electronics, it's you. Just let the classical music be your identity and stick with it, I don't think you have to modernize it. Be more Into the Light and Juliet, less Voice of Promise and Phantasm. Pioneer, just keep showing up and doing what you do. I love seeing them still around, and I feel like they improve year after year. Santa Clara Vanguard, I would love to see them keep with the edgy and kinda minimalist music of Ouroboros, but go even further like they did for Inventions for the New Millennium, Pathways, etc. When I think Vanguard, I think of those shows. Seattle Cascades, I also just hope they keep in the same genre. O worked really well and I loved Set Free. Keep it up! Spirit of Atlanta, I fell in love with Crossroads last season. The show overall was great, I loved the music, and it just works. I see great things in their future, just keep at it. Welcome back, Baby Blue! The Academy, I feel like you lost me a bit last year. I loved A Step in Time and Drum Corpse Bride, and I feel like this is your niche, so I would love to fall in love with your show again this year. The Cadets, I really like last year, but it didn't feel like The Cadets. I know the rep for this year, but just please make it feel like I'm watching The Cadets, The Cavaliers, welcome back to greatness. I love this attitude of great shows that don't take themselves too seriously. Please medal this year, I would love to see the return of the Green Machine to greatness. Troopers, I have a challenge for you: Please make me look forward to a Troopers show. I'm not saying they're bad, but I've never really been a Troopers fan except The Road Home and Magnificent 11, and I would really look forward to looking forward to you.