How important is a theme to you?

[ouooga]

I never really notice themes in drum corps shows, and marching band shows for that matter. I get the concept behind them, I think, but in general if a show has a theme or doesn't have a theme, I really feel unaffected. Like Bluecoats 06, for example...I get that it was about connections, and I like how the straps made use of the title, but I was listening to the commentary and it mentions that the whole show was meant to describe how we're all connected and exemplifies all of the underlying meanings, etc. etc. That last part I did not pick up on. In fact, I don't think I've ever picked up on that sort of thing.

I was told that the mello feature in BD07 was changed to the darker version because the original Pegasus lick just "wasn't dark enough." But dark enough or not, I just enjoyed the Pegasus lick.

Even SCV 89, ya it's about Phantom, and I know the music and I know the story and characters, but I couldn't follow the story with their show....I just identified with the parts I liked (which in general was most of it).

I spend a lot of time lately on MicroMarching.com, and the number one thing I get nicked for is not having a theme, or not following the theme or anything like that, and I honestly just don't get it.

So really, how important is a theme to you? If a show is just fun and entertaining, with catchy music, fun drill and clean execution, but really just falls into the lines of "Well, we thought this would sound pretty cool together" and has no depth what so ever beyond that, does it make it less appealing?

Sorry...just trying to understand. Thanks!

[Hrothgar15]

Not important. I mostly disregard theme and focus on performance. I much prefer the shows of the '80s and early '90s in which the degree of musical expression, variety, and complexity was virtually unconstrained.

Also, I think DCI should have a three-year moratorium on themed shows in order to allow corps to be more creative and effective musically.

Edited May 5, 2008 by Hrothgar15

[DrinkinOuttaCups]

I like shows that sound good. That's basically it.

[Murph]

For me, personally, the theme is "drum corps". That's all I need.

[Bob J]

Well, its kind of hard to be artsy-fartsy without a theme...

[Latrobe's Finest]

Well, its kind of hard to be artsy-fartsy without a theme...

lol yep

A lot of times, it seems like the corps are trying to be philosophers on the field. They have these long, winded and abstract show themes and descriptions.

Similair thing with guard. Corps like to have "characters" like it's a stage show on the field. Come on guys, it's drum corps. Play music, spin things- that's all you have to do!

[FTNK]

I am shocked, SHOCKED to read Hrothgar's opinion.

Themese can be good or bad, like almost everything else in the activity and life in general. Good themes IMO:

Crown & Coats '07

Cadets '05

BD 2003 and especially 2004

I really can't think of that many horrible themes, because usually even if a theme is bad you can just tune it out and enjoy the music. Capital Regiment '05 was a pretty botched theme. I think usually bad themes are when shows work without one and designers have to work too hard to make one.

[NR_Ohiobando]

Both types of shows can be either great or not-so-great. However, the success of a show with "lack of a theme" is more impressive to me than a successful "themed" show.

I was amazed at SCV's "lack of theme" Eureka show. Not much to work with(though I guess it technically was a theme), but they sure as heck did wonders with that.

But that doesn't mean that I don't like "themed" shows.

Examples of great "themed" shows.

2006, 1991 Phantom Regiment

2002, 2000 Cavaliers

1992 Crossmen

2007, 2000 Blue Devils

1995-1997 Madison Scouts

1992-1993, 1984 Cadets

1991-1994, 2004-2006 SCV

In contrast, here's some of my favorite examples of great "non-themed" shows

2003, 2001, 1993, 1989 Phantom Regiment

1983, 2003 Cadets

Pretty much anything from the 70's-early 80's

1990-1991 Cavaliers

1991-1992 Blue Devils

1998-1999, 1988 Madison Scouts

2000, 2007, 1999 SCV

Keep in mind there's alot more though...

I think doing more with nothing is better than doing that same amount with everything.

[BigSnareline]

There is really no need for a theme. Just give me loud hornlines, Precision drumlines, and precision guard - Music I can recognize - (how about complete songs for a change) NO PRANCING! and I'm happy!

Edited May 6, 2008 by BigSnareline

[notelvis]

Double-edged sword here -

On the one hand I hate that every corps has to keep up with the Jones and do a 'themed' show. If the show is full of entertaining music performed well I could care less if it's themed or not. Too many corps have sacrificed entertainment value for staying within the box the theme presents.

Take a 27th Lancers show for instance - You go from a Vaugh-Williams wind band piece into Don Ellis into Broadway followed by an Irish folk song.........all fun but certainly not within any kind of a single theme......not one that comes to mind easily.

On the other hand, the themed show has provided a canvas for some really creative people. I'm thinking of the Cavaliers 'Machine' show which was remarkable. Without the themed show would we have ever gotten something like that?