Braun452

Thanks Buffy...... Way to forget about the middle children.

Only when we have the 1AM bus trips! :P I hope we dont have any of those this year!

I totally agree. Thats exactly the reason why I joined, and after marching just one year I can tell you I will never be marching anywhere else but Hawthorne. I dont see anything wrong with performing music that made the Caballeros what they are today, and honoring those who put that effort in 20+ years ago to make those charts as popular in the drum corps sub-culture that they are. Is it wrong that Phantom Regiment will always put out a classical show, that the Blue Devils will always put out a show with a hint of jazz or swing? Is it wrong that we can probably expect The Cadets to have something amplified in their show this year.. I dont see why it would be. Those great performing organizations use what was given to them to make them great, that what the Caballeros do. (I do also respect the opinions of others and I am not directing this at any individual) Regardless of all that... If you are as excited as I am (and already wrote your dues check out )... you know where to be this Sunday. Post 199 in Hawthorne at 12:00 I'll be there at 10:00!

toche' good sir. Toche See you at the open house brother. 14 mellophones...... Awsome!

I thought you couldn't teach an old dog new tricks?

No... its true. He has a very "unique" way of reminding you he's there. :P

No its true... he really is the better looking one.

You know.... some how I knew either you or Laura would have that comment.... I just knew it.

You know... after yesterdays game, I would be cool with Tom Brady working with the visual team! How intense would that be?

:P Practicing!... I'm still giving my chops a rest!

I can only speak for myself and what has worked for me; then transulate that to the kids I tech and agree with you. I would argue one point and that is "Tuning is an embouchure and tone quality issue." If this is a continuing problem with an individual, then yes, the problem is extending beyond just air management. However, if this is not a common problem and rather something that pops up in the middle of tuning before a performance, then I am willing to bet if the individual just takes a full, seamless breath and a confident attack, without changing his/her embouchure, the pitch will center itself or come closer then the previous attack. I would say that I teach the importance of taking a full warm breath regardless of the level of sound the player will be releasing; to treat each dynamic with the same breath and attention during the inital attack and throughout the phrase. When I was referancing "Air Mass", I was refering to the actual amount of air intake; at a static state. (This is the point where I take it to a scientific level and ultimately kill the conversation) Air flow would be measured while the air is moving from the lungs through the instrument, and obviously air pressure is self explanatory. I like to break this down for any students to help them understand that even though the movement of air needs to be seemless, there are check points such as the ones listed above. Obviously, this will not address an embouchure problem. Okay- Now I am raising the :OT: flag, and its my fault. Thoughts... comments, educational advice? Anything I can use to improve my quality as an educator is welcome.

It was said already twice and in my opinion it is correct and one of the biggest overlooked areas.. air support and air management. Taking a full breath, expanding the lungs up to 100% and beyond, then attacking firm. Its not always about air speed either, air mass plays a big part. I am not on any corps staff, but I do encounter this with the bands I have worked with in the fall; and I encourage those players to do some extra breathing exercises during the time off and before rehearsals.

There is also something to be said for the level of talent coming into the drum corps community now and days. With high school and college music programs being as demanding as their are, using Bb and F horns makes it easier to utilize the players already finely tuned ear for that key, thus resulting in better musicality from the individual. Plus, if you cant use a corps horn in the off season, you can still practice at home with the proper charts. You may think this is so insignificant when talking dollars and marketing, but dont be suprised if that detail made the decision easier for any corps to switch.

Looks like a great venue... Kind of wished we were there, but then again.... really enjoyed the weekend off. Congrats to all.

Just to be fair..... standing next to the 2nds... they can put out some power too when they want. Dont ever march infront of Sam and Kayla in a parade.