Jason Lence

Check at www.atlantacv.org for updates on the CV Home Show. There is likely a location change to Rockmart, GA. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Jason

I think there are video issues prior to 1998. I have not been able to find any videos from prior to 1998. I have found audio recordings prior to that date but since I am new to DCA I'd like to see some of the earlier shows just to have a better understanding of the history of DCA.

I noticed there are no videos from Magic of Orlando when they made finals. In 2002 there are only 10 videos. I can't remember who the other finalists were that year or if there were any copyright issues. Just an observation.

This thread is confusing so I'll reply on 2 points: All 150 members must audition - I see this as starting with a clean slate to not scare away potential people to audition. It would not be good marketing to say "we only need 1 here, 2 here, this section is full, 4 here, etc." Just bring everyone in and have a big audition weekend. Synthesizers - I don't have a problem with this. The problems I have are during setup when the performance is delayed because they cannot find the power outlet, or the plug doesn't work, or it's really loud and your ears are bleeding or it doesn't work and a key element is left out of the show because you cannot hear what is being played or said. I like how MFA/BOA bands have incorporated synthesizers in their performances, but yes it does seem like cheating when the only thing playing is the synthesizer in a 250 person marching band, but it is also entertaining. It will be interesting if DCA does approve synthesizers or amplification in the future. Either way it will be interesting to see what Scouts come up with this year. Jason

Southwind had guys in the guard in 91-94. Then when they moved to Kentucky they went back to all female guard. It was probably 4-5 years later that they went co-ed again. 2004 was all female for music from the Mummy show. I think 2006 had guys in the guard. Spirit is the first co-ed guard I can remember. It was nice to see guys in the guard in the PBS broadcasts, especially Madison Scouts and Cavies. Jason

Since I marched in 92 and 93 I would skip those years for now. In DCI I would probably pick any year in the 90's like 90 (Cadets) and 91 (Star, Blue Knights). I followed the 94 year and 95 year but only a few competitions. I pretty much kept up with DCI on a yearly basis after that. The 80's would be nice to explore. My first DCI Finals experience was in 1988. I'd go back to any year prior to that. The 3-peat years for Cadets (83-84-85), 1987 for Appalacian Spring, the Cavies in the late 80's, and the rise of Star. If I could go back to any year for a specific group it would have to be DCA for the first year that video cameras were available and highly recommend that they video the DCA Finals for future prosperity. DCA videos are currently available only back to 1998. It would be nice to see videos from the earlier days 70's, 80's, and 90's to see how DCA has evolved. Jason

Or you could get the BOA season pass and watch it from the comfort of your couch. I've never been to BOA finals either but might try the webcast this year before making the trip. Jason

Good thread. A related discussion would be "which shows incorporated dance of the guard/corps/members as a key to the show design?" I have a big video collection and have watched many shows, but all of the "dance" elements seem to escape me right now but these stick out: The ones that come to my mind are Garfield Cadets - 1987 - Appalacian Spring - key dancer during the show (true ballet) and guard member dancing Star of Indiana - 1992 - the corps danced during Amber Waves Star of Indiana - 1993 - the corps danced during Medea Suncoast Sound - 1988 - had the girl that was the dancer during most of the show Blue Knights - have added dance to the corps responsibilities during many shows Another topic of discussion would be "how long does a guard have between doing L-R-L-R or R-L-R-L then a dance move then back to L-R-L-R or R-L-R-L to be considered true dance?" and "what elements are considered dance - strictly ballet, street dance, hip-hop, etc." Some groups go a long time between dance steps whereas others seem to have dance fully incorporated into the routine/book. Also, which corps was the first to like "run" instead of march, possibly during a drum break or certain feature during the show? I think all the replies are very good. DCI guard has been influenced a lot by what has evolved in WGI guard as well. 1990 - Blue Devils - Tommy - guard was very good and WGI influenced with the tarps on the field as well Jason

You just have to know someone that has a video from SCGC Circuit Championships that has a DVD burner- hint hint. I just watched this show the other day.

I remember in HS that we had some videos from the DCI PBS broadcasts from 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, but these were only the top 5 and sometimes we didn't see all of them. I borrowed these one weekend and watched all of them. The first live DCI show was in 1988. I actually went to the 1988 DCI finals in Kansas City, MO, and loved it. I religiously watched the PBS broadcasts over the next few years. I remember coming home from work and watching Star of Indiana in 1991 when they won that year. I went to DCI South in B'ham in 1991 and saw Southwind and marched there in 1992 and 1993. I've been an addict ever since. Some years I couldn't get enough, whereas, other years I followed a little and watched finals DVD's when I could.

I lived in Texas from 2000 to 2005. Texas is a completely different country when it comes to Drum Corps, both junior and senior. Remember that Texas is a powerhouse of BOA marching bands. One year recently had 4 Texas HS bands in finals at BOA Grand Nationals. Prior to living in Texas I lived in Mississippi but taught winterguards that were in the SCGC (back when it included Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama). I was surprised when I moved to Texas that there were not that many independent guards (Ind A, Ind Open, or Ind World). Over the years there have been more Independent guards but there tend to be more HS guards in Texas. The same can be said for the marching activity. With large BOA size bands pushing 200 it's hard to recruit for a "new" corps in Texas. Revolution went thru this and now Crossmen. I do remember Bluecoats recruiting from Texas as well as Cavies and Blue Devils. It all goes to the marketing ability of a corps to attract members and how much the member is willing to pay to travel to camps and if they want to be based out of a local group or one elsewhere in the nation. I'm sure there are students that want to take a summer off after surviving their HS BOA competitive season. I honestly thought Crossmen were going to be in finals this year. I liked their show this year a little better than last year. I think Revolution can hold their own. They have done great in the past. I also hope their winterguard comes back out as well.

Are there any other videos from the Guard I&E online? Just checking.