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Showing content with the highest reputation on 07/04/2018 in all areas

  1. I really don't care about placements this season. This Cadets corps is an inspiration and these kids are all winners! The Cadets did not just survive a serious tragedy, they have the best corps they have had for several years. The 2018 Cadets have already proudly made a statement and left their mark. God bless the 2018 Cadets!
    11 points
  2. Of course I gotta say Bluecoats.......so many moments I just love to death. So much variety too. - Fake out company front and the proceeding mello feature. First time I saw that like my first day at ST they got me good. - The Bird and Bela trumpet feature. - All of part two, but specifically the low brass fugue and the company front that collapses into itself into the block. That part makes me wanna deck someone it’s so exciting. - Dry Cleaner. The contra solo and of course the singer. And that “it’s just luck” tag at the end is just awesome. - First time I heard the ballad in ST I high key cried. Doug Thrower’s ballads year after year just let a piece of music breathe and be what it is. The soundscape and mood of it are just......ethereal and sublime. And the subtle layering of “God Bless the Child” on top of that is just......UGH. So good. The sung part into the last hit will be something I love for the rest of my life. That’s got a special place in my heart. It never gets old and it never will. Getting to stand in front of that almost every day is incredible and I’m so lucky. - And the closer is just a party. Love the trombone stuff and the straight up face melted ending is just awesome. I have not had a chance to keep up with shows as much as I’d like but of what I have seen of everyone else: - SCVs ballad is incredible. - BDs ballad is also incredible. - Carolina Crowns Bruckner opener is fantastic. - I love love love the way Cavaliers weave Bolero throughout their show and just manipulate and morph it into everything - LOVE the Salvation is Created hit in BACs show right before the drum feature. - The Cadets ballad is pretty stunning. - Phantom Regiments mega tenor feature is great. - Crossmen make Tchaikovsky 6 slap. And their hornline is powerful. - Blue Knights take on Rite if Spring is great, and the percussion is as killer as ever. - I love Blue Stars opener. Beautiful stuff. - Mandarins whole show is incredible. It’s a type of show I have been begging for for a long time. I can’t pick a moment. It’s all great. - The Academy doing a ballad closer again is awesome, beautiful stuff. - Spirit of Atlanta’s whole show is a blast, but I particularly like the opener. - I really enjoy Madison Scouts opener visually. Some cool drill. - Colts have a beautiful music program. - I love love love PCs La La Land ballad. Whole show is great. - Troopers sunburst is always great. - Music City’s closer is awesome, very emotionally satisfying. Still need to see Oregon Crusaders, Jersey Surf, Seattle Cascades, Genesis, and Pioneer. But IMO this is an incredible year for drum corps. I like all shows to some extent which doesn’t happen a lot. Can’t wait to see them all!
    9 points
  3. The Bluecoats " beatnik " 50's singer is fabulous. She's got the look, the vibe, the moves, the voice, the costuming down pat.
    9 points
  4. I guess the "We never attack the members, just the staffs and admins" spouted by some doesn't apply here.
    8 points
  5. Dear Scout Management. I’m heartbroken. I no longer recognize the Madison Scouts that I have been in awe of since the first time seeing the corps in 1972. I’ve donated annually because I wanted to support that fantastic organization. I then do another donation to the corps that entertained me the most during the year. I’m in the tough position of whether I just do the second donation, because I don’t know who the current Scouts are. If modern day corps experience includes learning leadership skills you can offer an exceptional lesson to your members. Sometimes providing leadership means admitting to those that report to you that a poor decision was made and you accept responsibility. Now give the MMs the opportunity to help figure out how to fix the problem. Ask their opinions on what can be modified within the parameters you have to work with (time, money, people, etc). Allow each section to nominate a certain number of MMs from their section to participate in the discussions/actions. They may not point fingers at other sections but may offer suggestions related to their own section or the overall design of the show. Listen to what they have to say and allow them to participate in the “fix” – because there definitely is a problem. You don’t have to feel like you are giving up control, you are providing a significant teaching moment. Not everyone gets their way, and that includes you. What do you have to lose? It doesn’t look like the show is on the right trajectory now. And, unless there is already a firm decision to go co-ed next year you need to do something to renew the cache of being a Madison Scout to attract future members. And if you do go co-ed the Madison Scouts will no longer exist – it will be a brand new corps. My “outside the box” two cents worth before I go back to lurking mode. I’ve watched the show a few times on you-tube, so my comments are solely based on what I saw and heard there. Change the underlying theme of the show from the workings of the heart and soul to re-finding your heart and soul. Allow your female MM to be the one that leads the corps back to their heart and soul. It was hard to tell where she was on the field. Get her into something that is more visible. At some point she should be in white with a red sash. Music doesn’t seem to be a problem, except you need to expand the music to replace the awful narration at the beginning of the program. Could you work in a soft version of Memories? Or modify the narration … “Sometimes in the course of trying to explore a new identity it is possible to lose your heart and soul. Join us on our journey to finding ourselves again.” Some of the one-off comments like “Dr. Ellis(?) call me” to “(Founding member) call me” could work. If I was seeing correctly, MMs were going through a door in the heart periodically. When they come back through the door have them in something that resembles a traditional Madison uniform. That MM has found the Scouts heart and soul, etc. By the end try to have as many MMs in something “traditional” as possible – even if it is a Scouts t-shirt. The heart – OMG – please make it go away, except you need it for my idea in the previous paragraph. OK, have a few members come out in Blue Star Bob the Builder uniforms and “paint” the heart by throwing tarps over it. And there needs to be one huge tarp with a fleur-de-lis on it. Accomplishes including the corps symbol and makes me laugh. Don't lay down on the field - Scouts don't lay down to anybody. For next year, explore a little but don’t stray too far from your identity. And I’m still waiting for a Rat Pack show (hint, hint.)
    8 points
  6. Yes. They're winners! However, I want them above 6th place so keep on pushing Kadets.
    8 points
  7. The Sky is not falling. Bluecoats didn't have their best run last night. Boston is very good and Cadets are catching fire.
    7 points
  8. Forgot to mention SOA. Love that show! Hoping for it to knock on finals door!
    6 points
  9. I just bought some lavender jeans. They’ll go great with my new Bloo shirt.
    6 points
  10. Blue Devils are the best thing to happen to drum corps. They set a high bar, especially in the staff and creative culture areas. They showed how to sustain greatness. We wouldn't have Crown without BD, probably wouldn't have Bluecoats competing for medals every year.
    6 points
  11. I hated electronics.... until Bluecoats used them to perfection in their 2014 production Tilt. I hated singers..... until Bluecoats found a way to make it work this year. So my favorite and most surprising moment so far this year is Bluecoats incredible vocalist.
    5 points
  12. Happy 4th to you, too! This meme makes me
    5 points
  13. Or was it a panel of five oddly configured men? Sorry... couldn't resist.
    5 points
  14. . Overall thoughts Sunrisers: I did not see too many over 21 members. Might it be time to think about fielding an Open Class DCI corps? 7th Regiment and Spartans: I don’t want to sound contradictory, but you could sense that three full days of rehearsals and three shows was getting tiring. However, both had good runs and if the energy in some spots was lacking a bit, you could see a few changes and a few kinks worked out. Winds did not help props but most likely were welcome by marching members. Spirit’s show was a bit more nuanced than the past two nights. You could sense the show was made up of different parts. How they fare against Colts, Troopers, Academy, and Mandarins will be interesting, though all signs point to Mandarins making finals. If Crossmen or Blue Stars loose steam, and Madison does not gain ground, Spirit could be a wild card. Cadets had a great run tonight, so too did Boston Crusaders. Bloo was amazing.
    5 points
  15. Bluecoats ballad at the end, when the singer has the big hit with the brass coming in after, thats truely a "You Win" moment. Since we are on the subject, if there was a Heismann for drum corps that young lady should get it.
    4 points
  16. As it stands now, the three corps arriving this Friday are still good to go. We are working with the school district and hope to keep the Blue Devils on schedule for later this month. I will keep everyone informed on this one.
    4 points
  17. My only knock on this years production and I won't be repeating myself...ditch the singer at the end...leave her playing on mello where she belongs...not everyone can sing like Aubrie last season...and IMO it kills the musical momentum that is built up to that point...why not use one of the opening singers instead?...or replace with a musical patch...I think even a deep male voice might be even better for Amazing Grace... I'm sure i'll get heck for this comment...but I'm just saying how I personally feel about it...
    4 points
  18. I'm less sold on BD's props for the majority of the show. I like when they finally all come together, but until then it just feels a little too cluttered to me. So I'd be more likely to put those under Honorable Mention. I agree with you on SCV's nesting scaffolds--those are so brilliantly conceived and used. For the Confusing, I'd actually add in Troopers' compass needles. The show is about going West, so compass needles make sense theoretically. But for much of the show, they're pointing east. And, when I last saw them, even by the end one of them was STILL pointing east. Maybe they've changed that by now?
    4 points
  19. Yes!! This is the 40s and this is "scat". They certainly have put it all together this year. It all works together. What a team!
    4 points
  20. Well since we are on the woulda shoulda train, till this day i still think the judges got it wrong in 2008. BD out performed PR that night. And i loved Spartacus! Now for saying that on this forum, i am going into witness protection for my safety lol.
    4 points
  21. Some of my favorite moments so far this year: Bluecoats - The Big Band Jazz part in the middle of the show with the guard dancing around the old style microphones - just plain out fun. To be honest, the whole show is just pure GE for me !!!! Cadets - they have my favorite arrangement of Sensemaya - so dark !!! Blue Devils - the all male dance feature and the all female dance feature. Their movement program is extraordinary ! Mandarins - the entire beginning of the show with the solo dancer who "dies" on stage and gets dragged off Crown - love that the guard has grown tremendously over last year. Their weapon line is pretty sweet Cavaliers - the guard book - all of it. So well written and so challenging !!!! Later Mike
    4 points
  22. I've seen 8 of the top 12 corps live. 1. The first time I saw SCV's props come apart! (mindblown...like 2016 bluecoats running out from behind the slides...or 2013 Carolina Crown dancing into the opener) 2. SCV's baritone duet during "My body is a cage" (Rick South...calling Rick South.... is this a reincarnation of your '79 duet?) 3. Bluecoats Vocalist (this isn't drum corps...BUT IT IS!!! IT IS!!!)
    4 points
  23. I couldn't care less who the crowd favors. I could but that would require effort. I have never liked crowds anyway.
    4 points
  24. Not sure if everyone will agree, but great designs from pretty much every corps this year! Liked every show so far. Hats off to the designers for some great work in the off season. Variety, originality + interesting
    4 points
  25. Boston's " Marimba Spiritual " Percussion piece. The FE, and the battery playing here is fantastic. Even the visuals that the Battery does in the piece is fabulous.
    4 points
  26. I concur, but would enter Cadets as a wildcard to jump into this mix. Last week, I counted them out completely, but now see them bringing their strong brass/percussion content to life.
    4 points
  27. Bloo: the singer-tuba duet, and the trumpet-trombone trio that starts the ballad. This is just pure music. And extra credit for Bloo's color scheme and uniforms. There are not many corps outfits that you could wear to go clubbing.
    4 points
  28. SCV: Ballad. The whole thing, but especially the back and forth between the baritones, then the horn snap and the immediate wall of sound from the undulating horn line. Man, that is sex and a Bugatti Chiron.
    4 points
  29. Happy Fourth and safe travels BAC with this awesome start to the season! So proud of you all. Carry on, Giants and have fun towards the finish.
    4 points
  30. Overall I think that “BAAAAAAOOOOOOOwipwipwip!!!” ...provides plenty of ”BAKABAKAJUTGADUZH!!!” ...and allows the DC viewer to ”oodilieoodilieoodilieoooooo....” (ppp) ...allowing them to contemplate the “GLOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNN!!!” (Synth) ....thus enriching one’s experi— “GIZHHGIZHHdutdutdutduRAMMAGAHKUNHGAHKUNHGAHKUNHHHH.....GUUUUZHH....!!!!”” I think that about covers it.
    4 points
  31. You sound just slightly excited... lol I would have loved to have been at lynn and cranston... I will see them again on the 5th in Clifton though... Setting my bias aside... this is the best rendition of BAC I've personally witnessed in my lifetime.. I would not want to be in the camp of betting against them this season... posted from the DrumScorps app
    4 points
  32. Can't WAIT! I'm driving up tomorrow just to lose my voice.
    3 points
  33. Still some shows that I haven't seen yet, but so far, Crown brass is to die for as usual so no surprise there. That Bruckner and those bass trombone baby! SCV soloists! My goodness! Just wow! Bluecoats singer is stunning! It's like she was born to play that role! Spirit of Atlanta knocking walls down with one hell of a comeback season already!
    3 points
  34. Cadets look and sound great, George. Happy for the kids and staff/alums.
    3 points
  35. Me too. Can we also just all take a second to appreciate that this show does NOT have narration? Because this is the kind of character-driven show any other corps would’ve strapped with a narrator in a heartbeat. I’m gonna bang this drum all season.
    3 points
  36. I marched that year...2 of the four were rookies if I remember right (Jim Corrigan and Darren?); section leader George Brown was a 5th year age-out. Trivia note: the whole “wailing mellophones from hell” asecending run, bopooowah-ooowah—oohwah oohwah rips and the following descending/ascending run that repeats twice you hear in the last bars of Fanfare and Allegro were all written in secret by the four guys that played it. It went like this at camp after sectionals: ”Ok guys, let’s play it the way it’s written (with the ‘74 “boppa-dop” ending.)” we do. ”Ok, new ending version.” Everyone including the mellos play the “new” long (boring?) sustained note ending. It’s loud. ”Ok, John (staff tech) says he wants to try something...can everyone play the long note version ending again...” We do, and at the appropriate moment John points at the mellos to cue them to cut loose and do their thing. The sky explodes. GR and staff at the front of the room pick pieces of DEG Mello out of their faces. The rest of the hornline can’t belive it either as we stare at George & Co. GR does this little giggle...Thinking back, that was the moment the hornline *really* began to gel.
    3 points
  37. Maybe look at it this way; opening scene stranded on a beach, an island. It doesn't matter who how or why, only what follows. The show is in three acts. First is about loss and being lost, second is turmoil and the beginning of discovery, third is being found, salvation. The entire story is being told with development within each act leading to the next act. There are distinctions in each act that do make one different than the other but the story is told as a total story. I think you will see a lot of development over the next few weeks. This week imo seems to be about working on performance level (with some changes made and 6-7 performances in 8-9 days). There will be longer breaks between shows to layer and change. I expect by their next Lawrence show, this show will be signicantly different in elements and performance quality. Judges are realizing the horn line and drum lines are pretty darn good.
    3 points
  38. Put this guy in charge.
    3 points
  39. If I had to label one favorite moment well I could listen to BD ballad all day but I have to say from top to bottom (of top 15ish) this year is just plain fun! I’m still not sure who is going to be wearing hardware at the end of the year but man, the fans are sure winners this year.
    3 points
  40. Fair question... I guess I referred to it as " beatnik" inspired, as the outfit and the beret headgear, dark shades, seemed to give off that 50's Greenich Village, NYC, vibe for me. Not the 40's so much. But, I'm not sure about what this singing style is actually called. So you could be right on this, as far as I know..
    3 points
  41. Hope you all have a great July 4th !! Can't wait till tomorrow and Clifton!!!!!
    3 points
  42. Remember 2015 when Crown was counted out for half the season, pacing off, bad transitions, etc? And then they won (but ultimately didn’t win)? FTNK remembers
    3 points
  43. I’m not anti new unis and new looks, but free range on everything really opens up the possibility for some very tacky unis. Maybe it will settle down after a few years. SCV - fantastic. Blue Stars - I’m still wondering if it’s all an elaborate prank. Crown du Soleil.
    3 points
  44. It’s an incredibly moving moment and her expression is just everything. Wow
    3 points
  45. The snare line is playing beats that are UNREAL. SOOOOOO much more difficult than any other corps...by FAR.
    3 points
  46. For your homework, I want a full report, on my desk, Mr. Liahona, And fully charge that cell phone of yours, and don't be late to class anymore, you understand ?
    3 points
  47. Yeah you’re reminding me of another super difficult BD visual thing that doesn’t get enough respect, IMO: They will let a single big visual idea evolve over a really, really long time span. Take the part we’re talking about, for instance. If it starts at the noir section/snare and soprano feature, the MMs are performing that same drill move through the entire snare feature, the mellophone lead-in to the “Laura” reprise, and the entire Laura reprise. lol. Just looking it up on a YT recording, that’s just over 50 seconds, by my count. That’s a huge chunk of show! All given toward accomplishing one giant, moving beast of a drill form. It’s crazy. Also: GE GE GE GE GE GE GE GE. Edit: Actually it’s closer to a full minute, because the form persists through a few measures of the pit break. I reiterate: Crazy.
    3 points
  48. what you refuse to read is that it's so much more than gender. if having 150 ####'s were the sole issue, Cavies would be fighting to make finals too.
    3 points
  49. Let me be among the first to welcome you to the dark side! For the first full year as a member of BD Nation, you get a free package of thick skin (You will need this on DCP), industrial strength troll repellent, and your own personal DCI Judge clicker so you can keep count of how many times haters say BD is paying off the judges. Enjoy your stay! DO IT UP DEVILS!
    3 points
  50. I'm really enjoying this show as it comes together. I've never been a BD fan, but after being properly schooled last year on these forums about their incredible design process that progresses with the season, I've grown a deep appreciation for the corps, and have fallen in love with their last few shows (always by the season's end). This year appears to be another masterpiece. To think this show isn't easily championship material is either to delude oneself or to be ignorant of their process. Tons of excellent moments already cropping up and we're barely into July. I really like where the corps is headed with this program, and that Natural Woman ballad is hot hot hot. The glass breaking guard feature is BIZARRE and I love every second of it, although it's obvious that the crowds don't know what to do with it yet! Really love the dim, noir, gritty mood of this year's production, and it's a nice mood shift from anything else they've offered up in recent years.
    3 points
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