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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/18/2018 in all areas

  1. Full context Well, a week has now past since the end of the 2018 drum corps season, and my time has been full of processing all of the experiences from this past summer with the Phantom Regiment. And while I could write a novel about the memories I had with this group of incredible members and staff, I will do my best to stay on point. To all of the members of the 2018 Phantom Regiment, I speak not only as an instructor, but as a proud alum when I say that your performance last Saturday gave me the undeniable joy that only this drum corps can provide. Watching each of you standing tall at the end of your performance was the embodiment of all that our drum corps represents, and I simply cannot say how proud I am of each and every one of you. To the staff, having worked with many of you for the first time this year, I have to express just how wonderful it was to get the opportunity to meet and collaborate with all of you. Truly one of the best experiences with a group of instructors that I have ever had; every day I was excited to meet, discuss, help each other, and do our best to help guide and shape some of the most talented musicians and athletes anyone could ask for. I felt very grateful to see amazing teachers in action, so thank you all! Looking back on the last 17 years of my time in drum corps, one of my greatest privileges has been to both march and teach with the Phantom Regiment for 15 of those years. It has given me so much, and I will be forever grateful for the friendships and incredible memories that I have had during these years. There is simply no way to put it other than to say it has truly been my home. I wouldn’t have so many things that I cherish, most notably my beautiful wife and family, were it not for this organization. With all of that being said, there comes a time when a person may recognize that a break is needed, and I believe that time for me is now. Therefore, I have decided to step down as the visual caption head for the Phantom Regiment. It has been a thrill and absolute honor, and for that, I must of course thank Rick Valenzuela for the opportunity to be a part of such a special organization. It has been one of the most rewarding challenges in my life, and I cannot say thank you enough. I know the drum corps will continue to thrive and entertain in a way that no one else can, and although I will surely miss it terribly, I look forward to finally putting down my microscope and supporting the home team from afar. SUTA!
    6 points
  2. I would propose that any vocals (singing and/or spoken) in a corps performance must be live and not a recording.
    6 points
  3. I doubt the rest of the Open Class corps think of their division as someplace a corps is sent when they are being punished.
    4 points
  4. I need to do mine don’t I? :I
    4 points
  5. You sound as if people have a right and entitlement to march drum corps. If a woodwind wants to do DCI, they can learn to do something that will get them into one. But turning DCI into glorified marching band would ruin the activity. So I have really no idea why anyone would even propose woodwinds to be allowed to march. I certainly wouldn't watch it. If someone had enough talent to march a corps, they certainly have enough talent to learn a mellophone. It isn't that difficult when you're learning to play the same 5 minutes of material over and over and over again. Turning 80 brass into 40 brass and 40 woodwinds. Lol. I've never even really heard a marching band where I can hear the woodwinds over the brass anyways. DCI is unique because of its sound. And its loudness. That's the very essence of what sets drum corps apart from other similar activities. Loud brass. Take that away and it's no longer what it was. If you want a competitive marching band activity during the summer, nothing is stopping you and others from "band"ing together and starting Marching Band International.
    4 points
  6. To my simple mind, GE = Visual + Music. Of these 2 components, the fall of the Regiment since the Rennicks and alumni JDShaw left after the 2010 and 2011 seasons, respectively, is largely tied to the failure of my corps to figure out and/or apply the Visual components at a medal level. In the 9 seasons from 2003 through 2011, the ordinal rankings of GE Vis and Total Visual exceeded the Regiment's finals placements only once (2011) and only twice equaled this (2005 and 2006). Strong Music performances and rankings usually offset these deficiencies. In the 7 seasons since then, only once, in 2012, did their GE Vis and Total Visual match their finals placement. Since then, the caption slides have spiraled downward with GE Vis ranking 15 and Visual ranking 12. By the way, the Percussion team, in a very competitive environment, has stabilized this caption and it is on it's way back. It is galling to me that DCI's Best Visual Performance Award, which honors John Brazale, a former Phantom Regiment guard and visual designer in the 70s and 80s and DCI Hall of Famer, has rarely, if ever, been won by the Regiment. It is annoying to me that in 2013, Triumphant Journey was dominated by a laughable Puppet Queen; that in 2015 a show about Paris, the City of Light, was turned into celebratory shopping exhibition; that in 2017, Phantasm was mocked because someone thought that seductive moans and groans were an appropriate trademark of the production and in 2018, an abstract program attempted to help express it's ideas by using mobile gymnastic vehicles which simultaneously muddled and covered up terrific guard activities. So, what can be done. First, I would recommend that the Design Team be expanded to include all Caption Heads and that all be included from the beginning of the design process. It is my hope that these specialists will be encouraged to speak up when certain design choices are introduced that may sound great when voiced but that are likely to be really problematic when they are attempted to be applied on the field. Second, understand the judging rules well enough to be able to present competitive top 6 shows without having to accept DCI's current artistic inclinations. Third, return to programs based on classical, elegant music programs performed by brass lines powered by mellos, euphs (the Buicks) and contras Return to our musical roots. Concentrate these programs on musical and design parameters which do not require a detailed libretto to explain what and why the Regiment chose it. Let the music rule and let the visuals speak for themselves.
    4 points
  7. From the Scouts' FAQ page: Our 2017 program was a bold risk for us, and we were told that pacing and variety were the keys to climbing higher competitively. We listened. And this year, we have taken the calculated risk of moving in a new direction with a show varied in pacing and emotion. While pacing, variety, and emotion are important, (What successful Scouts show has not had good variety, pacing and emotion?), in 2019 I want the Scouts to avoid trying so hard to calculate what the judges want and just do very good - and very modern - drum corps.
    4 points
  8. A year ago I alluded on here I wanted to volunteer or spend my summer some way on the road with a corps. I’ve now been home a few days and had a chance to reflect on the amazing and life changing summer I spent with the Bluecoats as an administrative intern. Had a hard time writing this one, it was so hard to say goodbye to easily the best thing I’ve ever done with my life. Details on page 53. https://www.drumcorpsworld.com/publications/2018/august_17/#page=53
    3 points
  9. I was surprised to see that there were only 6 show reviews for the whole Summer. Those are my favorite threads to read on DCP. So, with that said, what are your reviews of the corps you saw this summer (live or online) and how their shows and seasons went? HERE IS MINE... SCV - WOW! Complete game changer. That horn line? When they aren't poking you in the eye, they're shoving you in the chest. High, loud, and long.... Just how drum corps brass fans like it. Guard? Amazing! Staging? The guard coming into the middle in the ballad was the simplest and one of the most memorable moments of the summer. BD - Nobody knows Saturday night better then them. I just wish the end of the show wasn't so obvious from second one of the show. BLUECOATS - Amazinly amazing performers that were consistent from the very first show of the summer with this beautiful and trendsetting show. CROWN - (Disclaimer: I have history here) By far the best show title of the Summer when I heard it. Horns never let down, percussion was their best in their history, and the guard is coming into their own after the change of designers. Crown never disappoints with their precision and quality. BOSTON - No one could say they didn't get their show. They spelled it out for you. Fun ending. The guard is a proverbial fireworks show. CAVIES - Interesting concept. Lots of new mixed with old in the show. It gave the long time viewer plenty to wrap their mind and heart around, the new viewer something to talk/think about, and had amazing musical concepts. CADETS - (Homer review here - beware) For nearly 30 years I stayed away from the corps, because I did not feel welcome. This year was different. Nods to both the old and the new. They played well, marched well, and if you saw the video of the z-pull to the end with the maroon and gold uniform coming out, you also saw that the guard was freakin' clean. They came a long long way over the course of the summer and should be very proud of their growth. My pride for this organization and the past 5 months is both wide and deep. #marchstraightandtrue BLUE STARS - (Disclaimer: I have history here) Always a fun and entertaining concept. I wonder what would happen if you get a little darker and edgy, while mixing in some entertainment.... Hmmmmmm? Think Tarpon Springs "Paranormal" show. BLUE KNIGHTS - A few years back when you did the show with the mirrored props on the field, I fell in love with you. I guess I have been waiting for that same sort of connection again. You always march, play, spin well, but I want to "feel" when I watch you, like that show a few years ago. MANDARINS - Welcome to Finals! Fun and unique show. Great brass line. I hope you mix more staging with drill next year. I am sure you will. REGIMENT - (Disclaimer: I have history here) - WOW! You guys certainly stepped out of the norm for you the past two years. Regiment without helmets some how seems odd to me. Such an iconic look that was missing this summer. The guard and sets/performance environment were fun and a great foundation for the future! When I think of Regiment, I think of opera, passion, big, huge, almost over the top, then subtle and inviting. My only wish this summer was when you got to the final wedge in the show, that the musical arrangement modulated back to the original. Somebody called this the Windam Hill version of New World. I don't know about that, but sometimes you just need to leave the classics alone. CROSSMEN - Another team that I love to watch because of so many people that I know that teach there. It's so hard when you are good at a particular genre of music (jazz). If you do it too long, you get pigeon holed into it and sometimes when you get away from what you are good at, your audience scratches their head. I hope in the future you can find your roots and move into the future at the time. SPIRIT - I was hoping for a tie on Friday anywhere in the top 12 that would have made you a Finalist. If you keep doing shows like this year's you will attract more talent and make it harder on the Top 12 to not fall out. Good for you. Keep knocking on that door... better yet... go kick it down next year! I got to put your uniform on for one parade in Nov of 1983 after Garfield won DCI when I visited a girlfriend that was in the corps. Freddy Martin handed me a uniform and a baritone and told me to get into the arc. When I said I didn't know the music, he said, "You will learn it as we go, but play LOUD!" LOL Sage advice and I am glad to still call Freddy a friend and mentor. I guess that makes me a Spirit alum, huh? LOL ACADEMY - Fun show. You took us to school... and you did it well. You made the case for Finals having 15 corps instead of 12 and I would have to agree that I would have loved to see you again on Saturday night. You deserved it. COLTS - Another team that should be a shining example of why there should be 15 corps in Finals. Fun show. Done well. Good for you. MADISON - I don't get it. I really don't. I sincerely enjoyed your show this Summer. The judging community kept you out of Finals a few short years ago with more standing ovations on that Friday than any corps that made Finals that night. Last year, you were unique and different, while still keeping your trademark "machismo." I love this year's show, but I did find myself craving that classic Madison long, loud, high, make me want to stand up and pump my fist in the air moment. I hope that next year you can find the balance between the two. TROOPERS - Two sunbursts in the same show? One in the traditional and the other in more of a costume? You literally pointed yourself into the future. I can't wait to see what comes out of Casper in 2019. PAC CREST - What you guys do on a short season always seems to amaze me. You do World Class drum corps on an Open Class length of season. You should be proud of all your accomplishments. Every year I love what you put on the field. MUSIC CITY - Welcome to World Class! Fun show. I have a few people there that I know from over the years and could not be happier for how they are contributing to our activity. Keep being you. What the Hell?! Give us an all out Nashville show next year. I bet that would be fun!!! OREGON CRUSADERS - Another corps that does not play the tradition role and not only loves to be "out there" but craves it. Keep exploring what you are digging into. Who knows? Maybe somebody notices you and rewards you for it real soon. (The remainder of the top 24 world class corps I really did not see enough to comment, so I will not) A couple more that I saw this summer... SCVC - SHUDDUP! NO SERIOUSLY... SHUDDUP! What the world corps was to their championship, you were to yours. Game changers in the Open Class. You always live up to your name... VANGUARD! BDB - Another corps that looks more WC than OC. WOW! LEGENDS - Your hornline always sounds like a Finalist to me. You certainly know how to train a brass line and then unleash them on the audience. LOUISIANA STARS - This corps has some serious talent and performers with grit and determination. I hope you stay and make that corps something really special and if you don't... There will be some World Class corps with some new members that will probably outwork their vets. ENCORPS - Fun... Entertaining... and you put a corps together in what seems like 6 months and did it as well as any other Sound Sport group... or better. Who said that the NJ/NYC/PA area couldn't have another drum corps and it be successful? You stomped on that theory with some NJ attitude for sure!
    3 points
  10. The majority of corps in open class are more world class than Pioneer.
    3 points
  11. Random internet troll (easily identified by the use of terms like epic fail) proclaims he is an expert. Said troll teaches us the rules for good music (source: himself, the expert) Troll baits unsuspecting users to defend music based on his rules. Troll replies with even more "truths" about internet law and evolution. Makes cocky remarks about how no one has proved him wrong. Wow. One of the best troll bait threads I've seen ever. Either that or you really are a dbag. I mean I really hope you are a troll, for your own good. This is not an acceptable way to make arguments or express your opinions.
    3 points
  12. Oh, one thing I would propose: corps can only perform music that they have the rights to include in the Blu-rays. This modern trend of full minutes of silence in the world championship production is ridiculous. DCI needs to figure that out.
    3 points
  13. Well we all have flaws
    3 points
  14. The board needs more non Corps voices. Like people with real world business acumen
    3 points
  15. and it was that simultaneous pack move that was the parallel with Star which I was drawing upon: Prime, Van Doren, Zingali, and Hannum all moved from Cadets at once, just like McNutt and front ensemble techs and Gino and techs to Boston.
    3 points
  16. If Roman was not there then Dan A did not meet w/ Pioneer staff.
    3 points
  17. Their show design this year and last year had no through-thought that was discernible or interesting. Putting helmets on or taking them off would make no difference to an audience whose eyes are already glazed over.
    3 points
  18. it's obvious the kids in the corps disagree greatly
    3 points
  19. As someone also studying for his BM, I’m confused how someone could go to Juilliard and come away with such a two dimensional sense of what good music is. I’m Confused with several of your points, especially the one concerning tempo as it changes about maximum 5 times, a pretty average number for a full DCI show, which are rather short in comparison to other musical compositions. The show follows a standard form of Fast, Slow, a Dance section, and a triumphant finale; a tried and true musical journey if there ever was one. The music takes you through chaos (Metropolis), Loneliness and Sadness (ballad) and finally resolves in the finale. It’s pretty self explanatory. As far as melodies, I could probably sing almost the whole show for you. Not trying to come down to hard on you here, but frankly, when you come down on a show trying to use your credentials in order to establish an opinion as a factual analysis, it makes you seem pretty elitist. Sorry you didn’t enjoy. I’m gonna go listen to Babylon again!
    3 points
  20. I'd love to see Jamie Thompson go back to PR...Turandot show comes to mind and so many others as well...well one can only dream..
    2 points
  21. Agree there is a difference. The focus of Pioneer, as was already stated. Is a bargain basement drum corps experience and has been like that forever. Now we are realizing what that really means and are pointing out that it went too far. It affects the well being of the kids and affects the attitude of the staff and the Director rules with a hammer. Pioneer seems to be a family business and they are ducking their heads in the sand to protect their own livelihood, sad a structure like this exists and should be prohibited in the by-laws. The solutions, the steps it will take to fix things (looking in from the outside) is way outside the financial means of the corps. Changing attitudes or pep talks is not going to make any difference at this point.. Dci needs to step-in now explain to Pioneer what it needs to do to stay active or they are forced to go in-active till minimum requirements are met. Now is the time not after kids pay tour fees for next year. Other corps can absorb these kids and Shadow is right in their backyard. Get it done now.
    2 points
  22. Kids at Pioneer might care.
    2 points
  23. I thought you sounded especially brilliant all the sudden for some reason.
    2 points
  24. It's funny how many are talking about Mandarins meteoric rise into the top 12 with unknown staff...my question is WHERE was this unknown staff trained and by whom?
    2 points
  25. Regarding your first sentence, my memories instantly turned to Michael Klesch being given the reins at 23 or 24 when the Cadets had no arranger and look at what resulted. On the visual side, I think of George Bonfiglio's risk and reward in letting young George Zingali write 27th's memorable drills.
    2 points
  26. I was at the Indy airport on Sunday after finals and awaited my flight home. I was seated at a table with three open chairs and offered one to a jacketed Cavalier laden with luggage. He mistook the dark green (Jets) shirt I was wearing as a Cavies alum-wear. He sat down anyway, tour tired and all that. We chatted about people we mutually knew in the organization while he was soon joined by four other Cavie mms and new age-outs. By the end of the time, ten Cavies had passed through the table conversation and Evan from Box 7 ministries had also joined. It was a most worthwhile hour or so which I wished I had taped. After the backstory season admins at all corps have had this summer, they should relish in what I heard. Unprompted except for the question I asked: "what did you like best about your season?," all ten readily and immediately chimed in about how each had grown as a man from the beginning of ST to banquet, how they felt changed and challenged, how they felt obligated to keep the growth moving forward and how that obligation had to echo in their community generosity at home, at school, and in the larger community. (I am deliberately here choosing words which they used and echoed often, not scripted but pivotal from the heart.) They joked about putting up Kevin LeBoeuf for canonization for his leadership with humor, how they learned White Heat Playing techniques from the Martins, how they were pushed to maxim by the percussion staff. In the end it wasn't about placement or rings but maturity and being a gentleman. Several spoke about how the first four days of ST and afterwards challenged their spirituality or lack of, their attitudes about others, and their respect for family and authority. As an educator who has worked for churches and schools as well as drum corps, I heard the life-long lessons any teacher dreams will be the success for our students. Well done, Cavaliers. May this be repeated in 2019. Isn't it one of the major goals of drum corps? And as I said to the Green Team mms as we parted, thanks for their candor, their enthusiasm, but mostly their honesty and self-searching. They are better men for it. Move it forward.
    2 points
  27. Sorry....I am calling complete and utter BS on this one...there was plenty of melody -- the Metropolis section near the end comes right to mind. And since SCV pretty much followed the SOURCE material verbatim, perhaps you should direct your arrogant ire at Peter Graham instead. Seriously...did you even compare the source material with what SCV played?? You have no cred at all.
    2 points
  28. No offense, and this isn't a criticism of Boston's achievements in the last two seasons, but they have some committed Board members who were willing to pony up some money in summer 2016 to buy an improved staff. Nothing wrong with it, but it's not accurate to claim that their improvement, in very material ways, isn't related to this hiring of established staff members from other corps. They could, and they did, and good on 'em.
    2 points
  29. Except that the reply above was the comparison between what Star of Indiana did and what Boston Crusaders have recently done. As if they were simiilar, but they are far from similar in most respects. Context is everything, Slingerland. Star of Indiana started out with the 2nd richest person in Indiana in 1984. ( Bill Cook.. multimilliionaire ) who had a Son that marched Star, and who looked at what it would take to quickly move a Star of Indiana up the ranks quickly in DCI. Star was funded with principally his money, and the Corps never started in Open Class. They started in World Class, and shot up the ranks quickly and almost immediately with their well funded Corps right from the outset. Cook brought in top national staff from other Corps almost from the beginnings of their Corps there in the mid 80's. Boston Crusaders however, had no principal revenue source. They had been up and down for years since the 1940's, even into their bankruptcy years.. almost folded on a number of occasions. A few years back, 2010, the Mgt changed hands, and they put in a 10 year plan to raise more money, seek out multiple and diverse revenue streams, and restructure their organization from top to bottom. It took a fews years of even moving down in placement, in order to position themselves to raise the money they would need to be more competitive long term. There was no sugar daddy here that fronted most of the the money to improve things from top to bottom, and right from the getgo.. When staff at other Corps wanted more artistic freedom, more money, and/ or just a change of scenery or fresher challenges in 2016, Boston financially now was able to take advantage of staff looking to make a change. Nothing new under the sun with this, as dozens and dozens of staffers and marchers change Corps each and EVERY season in DCI and have done so for decades in DCI. Corps at the top do not develop marcher talent " in house " either, lets be " intellectually honest " with that as well. Most top 12 Corps with feeder Corps don't get even a quarter of their marcher talent from their " in house " feeder Corps. Where do they get the bulk of marcher talent ? Not " in house " . its mostly from other DCI/ DCA Corps. The Star of Indiana AND the Boston Crusaders should be applauded for the manner in which they were able to attract staffers and marchers to their Corps. But they are not similar much at all in how it was done. Star of Indiana had a phenomenal run of 9 years ( from 1984-1993), and were exceptionally well funded throughout. It took Boston over 75 years to be organizationally strong and creative enough and to develop diverse and multiple revenue streams for themselves in order to finally take advantage of the staff/ marcher opportunities that presented themselves to the Corps in 2016.. Just sayin'.
    2 points
  30. DCP was consistent with FloMarching's polling in this regard too. Music City got high marks for their show this season from their polling of fans there too. Many of the young enjoyed their show as one of their favorites as a demographic too.
    2 points
  31. someone record Frans sign off
    2 points
  32. Yeah, I'm a Steelers fan.
    2 points
  33. This is a good summary, methinks.
    2 points
  34. I think the message the show ended up sending made up for any annoyance with the changes made on the musical side for me. With the environment and events going on at the time, I found it to be a very tasteful and thoughtful change that brought the show to another level. So even though the musical changes did take away a little momentum from the closer, it added a really nice layer to the show
    2 points
  35. They "caved" because many of the members in 2016 had friends or knew people who lost their lives in the Pulse shooting. The staff AND the members decided that it was the right way to go. I didn't like the change, but I definitely respected it and still do to the point of not bashing them for it every time I get the chance.
    2 points
  36. Sean Phelan - Resignation as brass caption head! “ This morning, I tendered my resignation from the brass staff of the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps. For twelve years, my association with this organization has been among the most formative, rewarding, and definitive experiences of my entire life. As a member and then as an instructor, I've had the privilege of working with some of the best people in the world. They have made me into who I am and continue to challenge and inspire me to do even better. I will forever cherish the trust placed in me by my mentors, students, and colleagues this past year and through the whole span of my time teaching. I see in the members and the culture of self-improvement and cooperation that they embrace so much that the world so desperately needs these days. The Madison Scouts have some great times ahead of them, and I'll enjoy continuing to be their biggest fan.” A great member when he marched and staff member since aging out! -LIA
    2 points
  37. What’s really great is many on here, myself somewhat included, who have been involved or at least watched this activity for as long as we have (30 years for me) get to follow a young person’s development into what has become for many of us a lifelong obsession. We all have different stories of what got us here. It’s great to read yours, DrumMan!
    2 points
  38. Count me as one of the many people that loves Scott's arrangements from his first stint with the Scouts. That said, I don't think he did anything that distinctive in his more recent stint. Maybe he needed more creative control, or maybe he just needed an old school show design to bring the sound back, but to me this is more of a sentimental loss than anything. Really #### poor attempt at trolling from a guy who has less than 90 posts over the last 16 years, almost all of which have been about Madison, and almost all of which have had some type of negative implication.
    2 points
  39. Because DCI is not just a "level" in your personal pyramid. It is a distinct and separate activity (until they decide it is not).
    2 points
  40. At Billboard's website, the Grammy producer explains how that happened. (Speaking of Pavarotti, the infamous ballad that Blue Devils performed in 1989, "If We Were in Love", comes from Yes Giorgio, a movie in which Pavarotti starred.)
    2 points
  41. If I consider retreats from an MM POV, I am against them. Think of it this way: I arrive in town around 4 am, after an hour or two of "bus sleep" (and we know how great that is) on a 4 hour ride, lay on a gym floor for a few hours, get up, eat breakfast, rehearse, slam down lunch, rehearse more (in the heat), have "dinner", shower, jump on a bus, warm up, line up, perform, now hang around for a while, line up again for retreat, wait for the awards, finally get back to take off the uni, get a snack, and get on a bus. Retreats for touring corps are time killers. We worry about MM safety but we are OK with rest and sleep deprivation. Retreats are passe'. Not needed.
    2 points
  42. after reading the first 5 paragraphs, i'm pretty sure I disagree with you on multiple levels. I felt lots of groove, i was moved emotionally, and I cant stop humming the ballad and closer. so your 1-3 towards the end of your dissertation i disagree with every one 10000%. And this from a guy who has #####ed about DCI arranging for years
    2 points
  43. A limit on the number of seconds a show can use pre-recorded singing as part of the musical score. If singing is key to an arrangement, it should be done live, just like any other soloist.
    2 points
  44. Two guard judges at major events. The groups are all achieving such levels of excellence, with different approaches to choreography, that judge preferences for one style over another seemed to be more an issue. Weird, dramatic swings in placement from event to event all season.
    2 points
  45. At a minimum, it's about time they separate Percussion into separate judges for Battery and Pit, since it's ridiculous for them to be running back and forth between the two, especially when they have to go all the way around the huge pits of today and avoid all the speakers and mics, etc.
    2 points
  46. No. However they should at least biannually review the financials and on tour every corps should be surprise inspected at least twice to gauge conditions
    2 points
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