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BigW

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Everything posted by BigW

  1. It's excellent that they've been able to sell these groups on the value of what they do and to be able to keep them feeling their donations and support are well worth what they put in. It's obvious there's a lot of hard effort from many people to enable that success.
  2. Interesting! While eating, I thought about more of this- Historically, the corps have been very autonomous. In terms of sponsorship and income, they pretty much appear to be of the thought, 'Thanks for your money! We'd like no strings attached, now go away until we need more.' The problem is, with modern high level sponsorship with real money, it's not how things work. Since Auto Racing's been brought up- and I've been a lifelong gearhead thanks to my Dad- Let's look at Red Bull and how it's operated. Why does Red Bull operate an F1 team? There have been a few articles on it, and in essence, what they pour in monetarily, they get back and more in terms of advertising revenue. When that car is in front, when it wins, when the drivers are making headlines, when crusty, crazy old Helmut Marko is saying crazy stuff that gets reported, it's free advertising for Red Bull that they don't have to do. According to the metrics, they get more advertising from their expenditure from the media attention and the TV footage of the cars in the lead. Red Bull used to sponsor a NASCAR team. It left- why? The cars weren't getting the air time in front... the benefits were under the expenditures is my educated guess. Would a DCI corps be willing to make a deal with something like Red Bull? Good question! The Red Bull (insert corps name) or would the corps be the Red Bulls? Who knows? I'm certain that for that money, the corps would have to be involved in various public appearances, an internet presence, media exposures... and expected to win. Would a corps be willing to give up a level of their autonomy, maybe all of it for the cash!? We'll see. Just something to ponder. More than willing to discuss, I've found this thread very educational and thoughtful.
  3. Thanks! If not for the good wishes and prayers from so many... I'm deeply thankful. Hopefully the post provided some perspective and food for thought. I'm thinking more about it over dinner!
  4. This was done 50 years ago with the "First Federal Blue Stars." IIRC there was a kerfluffle back then from other competitors. Commercialism, crass, so on and so forth. Circa 1980, there was a small corps in NJ called Fantasia III that competed in Garden State and DCE which had, if I remember a Burger King sponsorship and they had a BK flag in the Main Guard, which caused another kerfluffle from competitors. Needless to say, they folded after that mainly because they lost sponsorship over rules changes, pressure, and complaints from other competitors if I remember correctly. Then we had Suncoast and the Circle K fiasco, biting the hand that feeds you monetarily is never smart. There's been a real resistance to these kinds of things for literally decades. The situation now is that the spice must flow, the corps are looking at seven figure budgets. There's no scaling down or looking back. FYI... I'm finally healthy enough to try and post again. Been reading for several months when I felt up to it. When Jeff and his Dad saw me at Williamsport DCA... I was pretty ill. Been a long road to recovery. If not for the discipline I learned in this activity- If I was really, really, lucky, I'd be on dialysis. Not lucky, prolly gone from a stroke.... It takes a heckuva lot to kill a Baritone Player.
  5. Thank you, Chris, very, very thoughtful. I hope to meet you sometime in the future. I thought about your review, and I think it's good you have high expectations. I respect that. For me, I was just happy to get to a contest, but I think the facilities, etc. were better coordinated as well as parking. Thanks again!
  6. Spot on, Jeff. The corps put on honest and good performances. Nothing half-finished, half baked. At times, I was getting that feeling and vibe pre-covid from certain teams. I'm not looking for perfection, but there were just some instances from some corps where I felt they were serving up raw brownie batter off the mixer beater and not Brownies and expecting the audience to lick their lips begging for more.
  7. If you're there, get that crowd rowdy and standing near the end when they roll the orange prop into the horns while they're blowing Andromeda plasma.. If you do it, they WILL follow. Don't wait for the Crown. 😸
  8. Scores notwithstanding, the East crowd WILL give it up for Crown if they can nail the program. DYNAMIC.
  9. Conclusions: When I decided to attend, I was very worried. Worried about seating, and worried I'd be looking at a lot of half baked and unbaked cakes. I realize the cakes aren't perfect but they're baked through where I can enjoy them. They just have to get the decorations and frosting on a little better. As for the numbers, I have no dog in the fight. I'm paying for the ticket and not paid to render a decision, I just want to be inspired, entertained, and think of new ideas and concepts. I was. That being said, I did look at the rundown later. I can read a tote sheet. The answer is, Game on, Baby. Right now, the way the numbers fall, the panels are saying it's anyone's game. If you perform, this is what you live for. What corps can avoid toxicity, drama and pull together? A lack of respect for an opponent can cause failure. The Bucs and Cabs' guards are both passionate, professional, and tough as steel. Westshore had a Championship guard one season when I performed, and both of these guards have those inner qualities/character that they need. The battle's on! The percussion numbers are also mixed. Reading's scoring top Book, Cabs in Performance. Two swordsmen hard at it. It's not gonna be pretty. I deeply appreciated everyone's efforts, but it's time to hop off and go back to being BigW, the GunFu wielding Space Samurai in Black fighting to save the universe in PSO2:NG... It's how I kept my sanity during lockdown and I enjoy it. Maybe I'll see some of you there on Ship 2!
  10. The Cabs' Alumni was a bit smaller, but I think more musically focused, less of that G spread and scatter that can happen with the old horns. They seemed really solid and tight that evening. I stayed to watch the Honor Guard. I know, it may sound odd. Something told me to just watch them that night when they set up for the flag presentation. I look at many things. I search for great moments. Side 2 move to the 50, perfect file, the flags at exactly the right heights and carry angles, the kick pleats spot on. The Left Face on the 50 and Present Colors, PERFECT. Just so right and iconic. Lead that company front forward. Right here, right now. I thought about this a lot. Everyone can learn something from this. What? That squad never mails it in. Ever. People would love it regardless. My guess is that if I talked to them, they'd say, "It's our job! We respect the colors. We respect our corpsmates. We respect Post 199 and all who have served." They also remind all of us that there is something special in this activity when something is done well and with excellence. I'm certain George would have been proud of that moment. Thank you.
  11. The White Sabres' show "Heavy Metal" has a unique Timbral palette. That's a good thing. What's the point of sounding like everyone else when you can develop your own sound that the fans will enjoy and appreciate? They have a darker tonality which fits the material. and they're only fielding 3 Tubas- who are getting the job DONE. The Bari feature in "Nothing Else Matters" is right on- they get it. The battery is small but gutsy, and plays musically and well. They seemed a bit tired at the end of the program, and gave away some low hanging fruit, but with reps, that should clean easily. The show was quite enjoyable.
  12. Needed hype. A ton of it. Right here, right now. The Cabs' "Timeless" program is another taken direction for the corps. It's different. How? The horns had several out from positive tests, and I hope they're all well. Losing a friend to COVID hasn't been easy for me. It did make some subtle differences to the brass performance. They're really young, and when you're missing people next to you, it can challenge one's confidence or finding the ensemble balance. I believe they have the right staff in place to build and develop those young people. The music's varied. Swan Lake...Billy Joel, Meat Loaf... but it all works well together. Strong, thoughtful arranging is in place, and what's also interesting is how the Battery is used in this corps. One usually expects the brass to carry the drama and passion for the Cabs, but this season, it's the battery that frames the emotions and excitement. They have a very different personality from the Bucs' percussion. How so? I see the Cabs as Inigo Montoya, and everyone's killed their father. They fight with the rapier, as a swashbuckler, focused and elegant. The Bucs percussion are like Toshiro Mifune, the OG Samurai in Part two of the Samurai Trilogy. 80 people take him on thinking the fight's in their favor. Up goes the body count. Brash, ferocious. There's a particularly fine Flugelhorn feature that's quite artistically shaped in this show that I view as a strong highlight. There were some unsettled brass ensemble issues that I think will easily work through once everyone gets more comfortable with the pop style pieces at the tail of the program and with the brass ensemble getting more time together. Thery just need some time to build their trust in each other to deliver the goods throughout the program.
  13. The Westshoremen had some of those kinds of Tigers, Fran, one of them being a married couple. John and Julie Close could drop the hammer and make the bell rattle. I still remember John rolling into rehearsal on his Harley. I know both were ex-Y-R/Southwind. in 1982/3, the hammer drop before the ending fanfare in "All the Things you Are"? Art Murray. The Contra at the beginning of Winnetka '82 and with the Alumni? Art. In the 90's Nelson B. was one of those guys with Westshore and later, the Cabs. There's a pic somewhere on FB of Art, Nelson and I at a pre covid TubaChristmas in Frederick, MD. Playing "Mele Kalikimaka" with those guys at that gig on my Euphonium was a scream. In 1979, the Contras had T-Shirts made that read "3+John=12". TRUTH. Those two cats at Fusion are doing some kind of new math where 2=8. Please bear with me, White Sabres and both Cabs organizations. I write when I have the energy and can give all of you the time and thoughts you deserve (In a good way, I hope!)
  14. A later start would get the earlier corps out from the brunt of the heat. I like that move from a performer and spectator safety standpoint.
  15. The Bucs' (Size, too many to easily count and big enough) "Alter-Ego" show was a rather fascinating and unique experience for a lot of reasons. The aesthetics of the uniforms work, even though at first, I had doubts. Careful design of the uniforms themselves and the drill make it happen. If they want a certain amount of mental dissonance, they're getting it from that aspect. The show is basically a psychological drama and exploration of one's self, and this one is well done. I've seen some of these types of shows where it didn't work, and this one is laid out and paced well. All I can say is that something different and unique took place. I'm going to try and describe it. The Brass is as it's always been. They played hard, played well, compliments to the Low Brass who threw the punches they were asked to.... The Battery. Dear God, the battery. Why, how, I'm uncertain. Chip on their shoulders? A very intense and aggressive overall personality? I didn't expect the battery to come out and be that insanely compelling-not too loud-not musically overbearing... but by sheer force of personality, they stole the program. They MADE me watch them. They threw down HARD. And we're dealing with a typical strong and very capable Bucs' brass section, not a bunch of apologetic sorry we showed up at the show milquetoasts that begged to get thrown under the bus. What this exactly means, I'm uncertain. I've never seen a battery take a show over by sheer force of will like that. Maybe.. some of Rennick's lines in DCI? Does it mean that the Brass and Guard are going to have to push even harder to line up with that level of raw force of nature intensity? Dear God, how? I know they're driving hard. It's like, "We want you to be as intense as Godzilla is when he's stomping Osaka and flossing his teeth with the castle. For most of the program." They'll figure this out somehow. There are too many bright individuals who have been around for too long in the corps. I never worry about cleaning with the Bucs. They had their issues, but it will get done. I'm still boggled by the experience. In good ways, energized and excited by that intensity, but left wondering.
  16. Next up, Rogues Hollow Regiment and "The Other Side of the Door". (7 Battery, 7FE, 21 Brass, 2 CG). I'm diggin' the fat, split third, dense harmony Blood, Sweat and Tears/Tower of Power Funk vibe. All they need is my Grandma's Leslie Speaker to hook up to the Hammond organ. The Low Brass plays strong and fat, which sets up all the stuff on top. The narration sets things up well and doesn't dominate the conversation. Very 'Beat Generation' feel that works well. I like the fast show pace. Now, Let's talk some turkey. I LIKE this show. I WANT to see this show taken to some serious levels because all the ingredients are there to take it there. What's gotta happen? 1: Clean all the low hanging fruit, especially off the battery. When the Lead Bari player hears dirt in the battery, there's a lot to clean. There's a lot of musical things that some of the brass are being rather cavalier with. Everyone has to be tight and consistent across the ensemble in terms of intonation and articulation to make jazz/funk work. When it works for Rogues' Hollow, it WORKS. But it's gotta work all of the time. When the battery cleans up, it'll also help the brass to stick the re-entries after the percussion features. Right now, there appears to be a bit of hesitation because of that issue. 2: "White Rabbit". Everything is set up for the shout chorus... and everyone goes stiff. AAARGH! Only The Cadets do things like that and get away with it because that's part of their brand. Do I need to get some of the ole Westshore crazies to dance around you cats in rehearsal to loosen you all up!? Have fun with that moment!!!! Cut loose to help sell the moment! This is a cool show. I love the fact that they have a very distinct sound and personality. All they gotta do is refine, clean, and push.
  17. Let's get back to business. "Chega de Saudade" by T-Bones Brasil, on.... Next Core, Fusion Core 2022 roster 7FE/10CG/15 Battery/13 Brass. As a warm-up, I found the 2021 "Smile" show available for viewing, so forgive me for commenting on last year, but I'll start with a statement- I've never been disappointed by Fusion Core. Ever. They have a way of lifting me by the shoulders. Always positive, energetic, fun-loving, and a sense of kindness pervade their performances. I have a dislike of the trite and corny as well on the field. "Smile" took some music that's usually arranged and performed cornier than the Jolly Green Giant and the Litle Green Sprout combined and did something very thoughtful and intelligent. There was a lot of thought and effort from Staff and performers put into that program to make it that cool and to overcome so, so many bad arrangements and performances of that same material from a lot of College and High Schools. Thank you to he 2021 Core! What about 2022's "Royal", a tale of power and the effects of said power? There's a lot to talk about here. The way the dialogue is written and performed between Battery and Brass so they both work together very well. when Battery numbers match brass numbers, there can be a lost battle from the brass in the balance of the program. There's a great dialogue and respect between the two elements. Both have their opportunities and have a real musical conversation that's very well staged and set up to allow the performers to shine, and shine they do. Fusion Core could apologize for being smaller and sulk around on the field and people would be understanding, but that is NOT their way. They ATTACK. 13 Brass who can't be humans, they're ****ing tigers! None of them let the rest of the section carry them. Ever. Pound for pound, as tough as anyone in the circuit. I hope they realize how special they are, encourage one another and have respect for each other's talents. (but don't get too cocky!) The two Tubas are likely kept secure, fed raw meat, and only turned loose for the show. I knew a couple of power players back in the day that were legendary for their raw power in the Westshoremen and these two are right there. There's a descending line later in the program where they drop the hammer and knock the listener out. Yeah, there are things that need refined. There's a month to go. It's a lot easier to dial back than beg for more. I tend to avoid talking about performance issues unless they're really glaring at me. My thanks to the Core.
  18. I was happy to see all of you, It was like medicine for the soul. Hanging with your Dad makes me feel like I'm in my teens again at practice with Rook. There is no price I can attach to that.
  19. I have no idea if anyone's looking, if anyone cares, but I figure I'd at least start to get the review up for the contest. It's the only contest I'm headed to this season, and I had concerns. I'll start by saying that a lot of things I feared didn't take place. The Hosts did an excellent job getting the reserved seats resolved and sold quickly. The food and hospitality were fine. The stadium can have a way of cooking the spectators due to sun angle and stadium facing but starting the show later in the day alleviated those issues. It was a very hard day to rehearse in, for which I offer all of the performers my appreciation and respect. I've not been feeling exactly well of late. I think the effects of COVID have hit on all of us in one way or another. I'll go through the show in order. When Listing estimated counts, if I'm off a bit, be understanding. I realize that certain people were missing in various corps in various sections because of positive tests and I hope their health is good. The Skyliners (11 Front Ensemble, 9 Battery, 14 Brass, 6 Color Guard... NOTE: EVERY corps exceeded 35 total membership whether or not that is being enforced now. Just sayin' in response to some folks who carp on that issue.) are performing a show based on the classic "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue". I believe the brass book has a lot of very thoughtful and imaginative content. It looks back to the past yet is very fresh and contemporary to today's activity. The performance left me to believe there's still a final section to be added to the total package. The corps is very young. Right now, the Brass is still in a process of gaining confidence and finding themselves and where they contribute. When everyone is confident, they project a solid sound for being so small. There seems to be a lack of feel for the continuity of the show, how each phrase and element flow into one another. When things are going right, one can feel a seamless transition as one idea hands off to the other musically, and right now, it seems the Corps understands each individual chunk, but not how each of those chunks flow into the next idea. The Snare section performed with confidence and excitement, which was appreciated. There's a really fine Baritone Solo in the program, and I encourage the player to play with confidence. They know what they're doing, but I sensed some nerves and hesitations. They have the right stuff, play with self-confidence. Once this show is complete, flows, and is performed with confidence, I believe it can really be a vehicle to really move the audience. I know the team is hard working, dedicated, and is capable of performing with all the details that are needed.
  20. 4 Years HS. 6 Years DCA. Many in Alumni Corps. Years instructing or as a School educator. Been around.
  21. One of the basic rules of photography is to photo down-sun, not into the sun. Once I had that explained to me by people who do it seriously, my pictures became MUCH better. My guess is lens filters can solve some of those issues if you have the know-how and hardware, but you just don't want to do that with sun and the lens, period.
  22. Watching online, maybe. With all the grousing in regards to online streaming of DCA and DCI... who knows.
  23. 100% as we say at work. Talking to family of the Father and Son team yesterday, for instance, they have to have two settings for the Skydome for the roof closed and open because of broadcast interference from the CN tower. Set up for the Olympics was far ahead of it to check everything. Again, Jeff, you pay and pay well for excellence in that field. There are few who do it well. Great job opportunity for those who like travelling.
  24. Hmm... A former student of mine and his Dad as well as an old family friend work in this field. One was with ABC developing a lot of the initial tech-NASCAR in-car cameras, etc. Later on, they started outsourcing to companies like my Father and Son friends work with because frankly, the travel's exciting, and the money was fantastic, but the intense travel can wear you out unless you like it. Not many people can do this stuff at any level, let alone at a professional, competent top end level. They wouldn't have their arrangements with ESPN/ABC, NBC, TV Globo, et al. unless they were really good at it. The outsourcing company they work for covers the various Pro Sports, the Olympics, Cycling events, Helping with the David Letterman/Paul Newman stunt with the balloons, Helping Robert Ballard and David Cameron set up the video when the send stuff down to the Titanic... they're very, very professional. And... they demand and get a ton of money for their services. My friends involved live nicely. The questions I have would be this: I have a sinking feeling Flo is getting people who aren't as top end to do it. To do so would be very expensive. VERY, very expensive. I know for fact Cameron shelled out beaucoup to the gofer in Newfoundland to get stuff for the trip to the Titanic. Most of us would have loved to be paid that money and given a nice rental car to drive to hardware stores and the Wal-Mart for stuff. Also, it sounds to me that they're tossing in these people without any chances to test anything beforehand audiowise. One thing I do know from listening to the guys I know is that stuff needs to be tested when you're into unfamiliar territory. Once they understand what's needed, how it's needed, what kind of equipment is needed, then they can attack the problem professionally and consistently. They solve problems. They're very smart, adaptive, and innovative. Reading between the lines, they've never sat in a venue with a corps for any significant time to test everything out, have they? Testing to find issues, try and corroborate to solve the issues...but that time takes real money. Serious money It would arguably take rehearsal time away, but if it's audio, the Guard could get things done while the rest of the ensemble plays. If it's the front ensemble, just test that. Just my mulling on the matter. Until they can sit down and hammer out solutions regarding hardware and software directly testing, this will continue to be painful.
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