DITD

As advertised on Cadets website, Hop answered questions on the Cadets FB page this past Thursday. I wasn't sure exactly how it would work, but was on the page at 7:30 this past Thursday. The corps was heading out of TN and got snagged by weather, so they took a rain check but asked people to post their questions on the wall so he could answer them later. I guess he took the time to do that today. Some cool things that have already been discussed but since answered from George himself: -Pit will stay neutral in traditional uni -50% of the corps is first year members, but doing well. -Show concept is pretty much complete and will take July to fill in characterization -If some have seen the Angels/Demons battle in 160bpm, they initially were tossing "sticks" at the climax but was deemed too dangerous by Dci (judge or admin person could get caught in the middle). Feature was re-written. Interesting as there is another thread regarding safety issues with field show choices. -Implied that there will be 2 variations to end of the show. He said tonight, the Angels will win. After that, who knows. What a crazy cool concept to have a Q&A like this! He responded to every question that was posted. Technology and Hop's willingness to reply have given drum corps an "interactive" setting that is simply fantastic.

What he said!

Agreed. While endurance and over all reps affect the quality of music/overall performance, I think the presentation will still ring positive for a "newbie." The OP poster has a point that tempos could be an issue, and in my eyes, if there are holistic problems with the program that might be changed over July/August, but the impression should still carry enough weight even as a first show. Dci usually does a pretty good job in the theaters. I think multi-cam angles and the setups before each corps will help with pacing/entertainment.

If only drum corps were on a capable stage to make that work! Indeed!

Too many good points by previous posters to quote. I like the observation that these corps will get several reads by judges in the same show. Previous season schedules rationed the number of times all would get a read by the same panel to regionals. . .which I understand why this was done, but seems that TOC shows will provide more balance. Interesting to see what the take will be at the end of the season on this. Also the idea that 9th and 10th place corps will be "fired up." I find this to be true as well. And exciting! I know the G8 concept is with its bitterness still, but I'm pumped to see the shows. It'll be a great ticket to see them go head to head several times.

2 bottles of Gatorade (or Powerade) each. One for them to drink right there on the field/track/parking lot; the other for them to carry with them on the bus. I vividly remember when alumni of a particular section would hook up as we passed through their hometown. It was like winning a mini-lottery.

Good points. Interesting that Phantom Regiment has utilized the writing of Jamie Thompson, Nick Scotella (Spartacus), Rosander, and now back to Thompson. I don't feel that the oscillation of drill writers has effected their image, as each season seems like a strong Phantom Regiment on the field, but curious nonetheless.

Well said! Intriguing because I think of Michael Gaines as such a juggernaut in the activity, it's boggling to think he did emerge from Brubaker. Did '95 designer Greg Poklacki come from the same roots?

When I voted "no" the Cavaliers were exactly who I thought of. In addition to '95, 2004 is another year where they made a come back. I vividly remember it being a year that people I know gawked at the idea of 007 being a field show (prior to the season starting) then seeing it in the movie theater thinking "holy smokes!" That said, Blue Devils have left little to the imagination the past 2 seasons as far as movement and shifting goes. All the more reason why I'm excited for this summer, and for all of the teams to give it all they've got!

My bad. Interesting that PR went back to Jamey Thompson. I've always thought he did good work. Is Myron writing anywhere this summer?

. . .literally just saw that on Sports Center.

I'll be at the one in Pinellas Park, Florida. I'm bringing 75 students from the marching band too. We've made the trip to the movies for quarterfinals the past 3 years, and they are excited to get an early season comparison of some of the teams. It's a cool idea from Dci. I hope it is successful and sticks!

I heard a standstill of the show at their Crusader day at Lakewood Ranch, FL in May. . .Les Mis is certainly the foundation music. 1812 is "spliced" in the phrasing at opportune moments. Opening is still "I Dreamed a Dream." Of course it's a different treatment, but the first 2 bars at FFF are quite redolent of '89 CBC which imho is a GREAT thing. :) I'm expecting fantastic things out of BAC this summer.

-Sacktig and the Cadets each year have the most musical and aesthetic approach, imho. I enjoy their form development because it is a fresh perspective yet reminiscent of Zingali. -Gaines and the Cavaliers have the geometric thing down. His ideas are in a completely different direction than Cadets, yet quite effective at creating motion. -Leon May at Carolina Crown evolved from the Cadets school of thought (having marched there). A very underestimated performance: look up 2009 Crown; Sensemaya. He belongs in the elite! -Myron Rosander, currently with Phantom Regiment. IMHO, they moved fantastically more than anybody else last year! Long time drill writer with SCV, he's still got it. -Pete Weber and the Santa Clara Vanguard. From the lineage of Michael Gaines, I believe, his hornline drill in particular is quite entertaining.

It has little to do with the "competitive instincts" of the corps or marchers...corps just don't want to look bad in a performance. And bravo to them. A dress rehearsal gives them that opportunity to see if costuming, full uniform, etc will work in a real scenario, but allows wiggle room if it doesn't. Many times, corps proper uni's are ready before guard uni/costume. In a dress rehearsal, a unit could do a mock-performance with what ever they have ready at the time, and the rest of the performers may where what they have at the time. To do this in a performance with paying audience would not be classy. Start date this year is consistent with normal.

Along with all of the correlations between marching band and drum corps, one could also draw connections and correlations between the outdoor activities and Wgi guard and indoor percussion. Bottom line is many of the mainstream core designers create year round: summer; fall; winter/spring. I don't think the intention is to regurgitate ideas, but that each programmer has their own "signature" and as their works evolve, it is carried by the groups that they write for. And yes, if it is felt there is more to be done or an idea could be organic, there will be some overlap through the idioms. The 2010 Tarpon "paranormal" production was so articulated that I feel it is influencing current programming, in both large and small ways. For example, the Demon-choreography in the Cadets show reflects some of the sharp head movement that Tarpon displayed in their show. What's fascinating is whether one truly influenced another or was it merely creative choice. Either is equally possible!

Hey, you have a point. Some corps seek out a "Dr. Beat Tech" but at least that individual could look forward to being part of the performance program. That could make all the difference in his or her summer.

Yep. When you watch the "This is my Rifle" segment from Cavies last year, the hornline portion was kept pretty simple. I think the audience barely noticed as it was quite effective. My hope is that the designers have something clever in mind while keeping the spinning responsibility low for hornline members. With a concept between Angels and Demons, that leaves some pretty intriguing potential!

1. Madison Scouts- with the arranger switch from Prime to Smith, will the total package stay intact? 2. Cavaliers- with the design potential of this organization, all they have to do is release a Program graphic concept to create all the intrigue! 3. Cadets- their return to designing towards the audience coupled with the off season media output and a good looking package at first-glance. Fun to root for Holy Name. HM... 4. Crown- design team/corps is in "the pocket" season after season. 5. PR- I feel that many of us "brace for impact" when this corps takes the field. Anticipation of how aggressive they could be! 6. Devs- in HOT pursuit of the 3-peat that have eluded them.

I don't think that Hop and "the powers that be" designed the uniform around purists of the corps. It's just their style. For example, if Crown, Cavies, or BD were to depict an "Angels & Demons" concept in their corps proper uniforms, the concept choices would each look different. I know my personal ideas were different than that of what Cadets came up with. They might have been closer to your ideas. But I think what the Cadets are doing this year (from what we've seen) is consistent with their usual tastes. That said, I dig the conservative approach. Can't wait to see the development as well as all of the corps. June is a'coming!

Exactly. Even in grad school, I was checking my etude studies in the practice room against a metronome and discovering massive disparities at times.

Agreed. A huge challenge with ballad/legato playing is changing notes together. At times, we tend to mix up emotional expression with not playing together. The technical aspect, because it is outdoors with visual responsibility, is even more important.

Yes.

Wouldn't you say that ensemble tears can occur also from not "checking" the ensemble with Dr. Beat from time to time? I think of the way drill shifts and morphs through the season if you don't check dots. Even top placing corps experience this and why the Cavies dot system circumvents the issue.

Good point. Dr. Beat is to an ensemble the same way the metronome is to an individual. I feel that young players do not practice enough with a metronome. Given simultaneous responsibilities and listening environments, a Dr. Beat is essential.