WOW, I wish my adult years were in the Ninties...

[NeutralNovice]

This is not a critique about the service at all. I absolutely LOVE the service as I am FINALLY able to see shows that I haven't seen yet. I've only seen 2003-Present so Fan Network is definitely WORTH IT!

This opinion is coming from a person who is inexperienced in music and drum corps in terms of actual participation. I've been an active spectator/fan since 2003 and have been limited to the performances since 2003. I'll also admit that I am not very well versed in the history of DCI but hopefully that will change soon. In addition, as a person who likes the "here and now" things in life, I never really had too much desire to look into the past; meaning, I never had a dying interest (for lack of a better term) to look at performances that pre-date 2003. I lack of interest in pre-2003 shows also has to do with the fact that there was no easy access to watch them without it getting too expensive. I do have 1 favorite that pre-dates 2003, which was SCV 1999; however, I saw that performance on VHS when I was in band my senior year of high school... and mind you, that was my only year playing an instrument ever so my experience is still minimal relative to many on this forum.

With access to the Fan Network, my interest changed. With finals and college now DONE (woot!!), I had A LOT of time on my hands... no homework, no school! I still have work but still, LOTS OF TIME! :)

Anyway, I still have a LONG way to go in terms of watching shows from the past; however, I have watched several shows from the 2000s decade and 1990s decade so far. To go back to the title of this topic, "I wish my adult years were in the Nineties." The reason why I say this is because the shows that I've seen from the 1990s compared to the shows of the 2000s were, IMHO, different in a better way.

Now of course, EVERY individual show is different; however, I do feel like there has been a trend. Now, I don't know if the differences I hear and see are the effect of different media recording technology, but here is what I see and hear:

For some reason or another, the shows of the 1990s have a much higher intensity. To me, when compared to the current decade, the current decade seems a little more reserved and watered down. The impression I got from the 1990s were like "BAM, IN YO FACE!!!" Whereas, the feeling I get from today's shows, while also powerful, feel focused on something else that I can't articulate.

To be blunt: 1990s v. 2000s = BADA## vs. COOL

They also seem to sound different too...

Again, I emphasize that this was just the first impression I got from the 1990s decade... and it was BADA## :)

Discuss.

[HornsUp]

They also seem to sound different too...

Them's BUGLES, son.

[Ryan H. Turner]

WATCH THE 80's!!! Back when men were men, women were women, and the sheep were scared.

Oh wait.

That's Wyoming.

My bad.

[NeutralNovice]

Them's BUGLES, son.

Are they different than what they are now? Aren't they all bugles? I seriously don't know.

[mad_scotty]

yeah, drum and bugle corps used to use bugles, tuned to G, now they use B-flat band horns. tuned lower, a little easier to play in tune, a little less intense sounding at full volume. drum corps arrangers write a lot differently now, also, they don't develop themes as much, and tend to arrange in a very choppy style with a lot of quick hits. this is mostly a function of judging, which has completely taken over the activity as far as design considerations are concerned. a ge score is built up through a series of individual events, you just can't afford to spend long amounts of time on anything, gotta keep moving along and picking up tenths, it can make for some pretty disjointed viewing experiences.

[bass5]

As in anything the more you know about the history of things the more you understand it.

I watched some early 50's drum corps for the first time last year and was amazed. Maybe that's a bit much for for the younger crowd but even comparing

things since the DCI era you can see the progression. Watch 72 compared to 75 compared to 80 - they're all old school but the progression is very evident. One thing about the 70's & 80's is the "emotion" is front and center at all time. Some may say the technique was lacking but everyone left a show being very entertained.

History is Good!

Edited May 15, 2008 by bass5

[84BDsop]

Are they different than what they are now? Aren't they all bugles? I seriously don't know.

As defined in the rules, yes...but in reality, no.

Not to even TOUCH the bore shape arguments.....

Prior to 2000 ALL drum corps brass was in the key of G across the board (a minor third down from Bb....a lot of noobs -- myself included -- practiced with the third trumpet valve taped down until we got a soprano in our hands just to get used to the pitch difference...because the notes are read exactly the same...a C is a C)

Earlier than that, prior to 1990, all G bugles were 2 valved....we couldn't play those 4 notes in/below the staff because the horns couldn't physically play them.

Listen to 80s shows and you'll hear the difference as arrangers worked around this limitation. (or Star any time, since they never went 3 valve during their DCI days)

[JimF-LowBari]

Coming from my era it's still hard to imagine that the Bb corps and marching bands use exactly the same instruments. And the difference between todays G horns and Bbs is only the length of lead pipe.

*sigh* Still miss the era when you could look at a pile 'o horns and see the difference. Or the days when you played piston/rotor and people would ask "What the Hades is THAT!". Ended up introducing a lot of people to DC that way.

[Perry S]

Are they different than what they are now? Aren't they all bugles? I seriously don't know.

Edited May 15, 2008 by Perry S

[WWonka]

Well the G horns created a unique sound but that is not all of it. I think the emphasis shifted from raw power to control. Everything in control. RFL kinda died as a volume level. I hate to admit it but Cadets early last season has been the only Bb horn line I've heard approach that open up and hammer feel. And I heard they toned it down going into finals. I don't know since I saw them early-mid season and they were hammering.

There were some nasty sounds produced from time to time from horn lines but I think was offset by those times you were blown away. Like the OP said there was a lot of aggression in the hornlines. I can imagine if things like BD's "When man loves a woman" were done now they would have a totally different feel. Perfect intonation, controlled sound, neutered.