Tracey Wofford

Spain Park did a great job with the show. Hats off to you all!

Well here goes, folks, I'll pitch this into the melee and all pundits, critics and experts can pound me. I love that there is a show and event reviews thread and I think it is gutsy to post critical feedback rather than sugar-coat it. But in all my 29 years of loving drum corps, I cannot for the life of me abide rude jeers, heckling and laughing at kids doing their best to perform what designers give them...as if they have a choice. It is great to have a forum where we can debate narration, singing, amps, etc., and it is okay that some don't like Boston or Crown, but I will go down swinging at those who make the kids pay for their foul moods by heckling. To yell "unplug the amps" during Boston's show was one of the lowest things I have witnessed and the no-class who yelled it should be ashamed. I was there, heard it too, and was furious. I would now no more support any anti-amp sentiment than slap my mother, just because of the rotten behavior If you want to express your opinion, go for change a different way. Sign the petition. Write the staffs. Write DCI. Vent and rage here. Build your skills, go join a staff and outlaw once you're king. Boycott shows. Go tell the judges. But leave the performing kids alone and don't be disrespectful during their shows. A fundamental principle of art is the critical consumer who can view or not view, listen or not listen, and buy or not buy. Let it fly here, but when you're at a show, be a fan or be gone. Let the rest of us fans, friends and family of drum corps express our appreciation without having to put up with you.

Stay at home fans are curious about the Lima, OH show start time, judging panel, etc. Seem to have no luck finding it on the DCI page, here or in any show site page. Does anyone know the scoop?

1978 was an amazing year for that little baby blue group from Atlanta. I was a 16-year-old guard member in absolute awe of the guards of Phantom, 27th Lancers, Madison Scouts and Santa Clara. You could have all worn potato sacks and still been the hottest thing spinning guard equipment, imho. You're the drum corps giants of my childhood, and I will always be a fan. Mr. Zingali was always very kind and supportive of Spirit, and 27 should still be here. I now have two daughters in Spirit, even though it is now in Alabama, and tell them stories of legends like Jim Ott, George Zingali, Gail Royer, Scott Stewart and George Bonfiglio. They've seen "Brass Roots" and know they stand on the shoulders of all who went before and still love drum corps fiercely. That said, Spirit went from startup 23rd in '77 to 6th in '78 and I will always be proud of that. Thanks, Jim Ott!

Homer, I have to agree with you regarding Joel Schultz. His solo for Georgia in '78 and '79 are tops in my mind, and I loved Hunter's interpretation, too. I am proud to tell all of you who are saying you once knew this soloist or whatever happened to that soloist...Homer and I are lucky to be associated with one of the strongest corps alumni organizations around, Spirit of Atlanta. We are also lucky in that we get to see and talk to Joel and Hunter pretty often...(Homes, Joel just got through teaching brass at my kids' band camp!) Do yourselves a favor and JOIN or FORM an alumni organization with the corps you were lucky enough to be a part of. If you never marched, but are a loyal supporter, join that corps' booster club. You will be glad you did and your support will carry a more tangible, lasting result.