btracht Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 As I was watching the Fairfield Contest last evening I began to think how so many things have changed over the years in this activity. There are some things that have changed or disappeared that if brought back would really better the drum corps experience for the fan. Now, I am not talking about huge changes but ones that could easily be done. I thought it would be interesting to start a topic that was a bit of a suggestion box for the activity. I am hoping that this doesn't turn into a ##### and moan tread but one that contains some good, truly doable ideas. Let me be the first to start. Bring back cadences when trooping the stands. Is there anything less anticlimactic than watching a corps leave the field in science without a cadence. It seems as though hardly anyone extends the fan experience with a cadence. I always found watching the corps troop the stands to a cadence really added something to a drum corps contest. It provides some excitement between groups and does wonders in sustaining interest (and applause!). How much work does it take for a world class drumline to prepare and perform an excellent cadence? Quote
84skyrydr Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Bring back the finale. Every show deserves a finale. I am not sure of the reasons it was dismissed, but it certainly leaves you with a sense of awe at all the kids in the lines marching past, filling the field up and then being able to salute the winner with a song as they leave the field. This didn't hurt anyone, but a lot of fans miss it. Please don't tell me its to get the corps moving to their next destination, because I usually leave after the drum majors get off the field and most corps are still sitting in the parking lot eating or gabbing with parents. Quote
Perry S Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Bring back the finale. Every show deserves a finale. I am not sure of the reasons it was dismissed, but it certainly leaves you with a sense of awe at all the kids in the lines marching past, filling the field up and then being able to salute the winner with a song as they leave the field. This didn't hurt anyone, but a lot of fans miss it. Please don't tell me its to get the corps moving to their next destination, because I usually leave after the drum majors get off the field and most corps are still sitting in the parking lot eating or gabbing with parents. I agree! I've asked about this in the past and have gotten the "corps have to leave" excuse. I'm sorry but full retreat was sometimes as entertaining as the show itself. Please DCI Please bring back FULL RETREAT FOR ALL SHOWS. Quote
wishbonecav Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Given the travel demands, the kids need a break, too. Perform and "out of uniform" to chowline is not unacceptable given that the buses need to leave. But an encore by the winner is a nice bonus. After tabulation, strap it up. Or an exhibition corps that can carry the freight (like St. Joe's did in Buffalo last year or Royalaires in Chicago in 2004)...that can be cool, too. When St. Joe's performed after SCV and their average age was announced as 58, the stands started buzzing. When they were done, the crowd was throwing babies. It was the biggest, most sincere and sustained ovation on the night. Quote
Dale Bari Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 I agree! I've asked about this in the past and have gotten the "corps have to leave" excuse. I'm sorry but full retreat was sometimes as entertaining as the show itself. Please DCI Please bring back FULL RETREAT FOR ALL SHOWS. Retreat wasn't really eliminated because "the corps have to leave". It was for the smaller corps who went on early in the show (and who'll go on early again at tomorrow's show): they are forced to wait several hours to participate in tonight's retreat - and have less time to drive, rest, and rehearse for the next show. I sympathize with their position, but I'd rather see a full retreat myself. Completely agree on the cadence off the field/trooping the stands, though. Quote
27/soa Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 I don't feel a need to bring back Retreat. The show's the thing, and getting on the road again promptly is best for the members. Who knows if maybe that extra 30-60 minutes of rest on the gym floor helps a marching member's body recuperate from the day-to-day stresses. I can be unselfish enough to acquiesce to a Drum Major-only retreat. Everybody still gets an encore. Quote
Hrothgar15 Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 G BUGLES! Oh BigSnareline, don't ever change... Quote
WWonka Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 (edited) I don't feel a need to bring back Retreat. The show's the thing, and getting on the road again promptly is best for the members. Who knows if maybe that extra 30-60 minutes of rest on the gym floor helps a marching member's body recuperate from the day-to-day stresses. I can be unselfish enough to acquiesce to a Drum Major-only retreat. Everybody still gets an encore. Well honestly being in one of those corps that always went off 1st, 2nd or 3rd most nights, some of the best rest and down time was while waiting on retreat. We got into 1/2 unis, got something to eat, hung out, some slept, what ever for an hour or two then buttoned back up and headed out. We got to see all the top shows, BS, some of the best memories were made in that time. Edit: sorry meant to quote Dale Bari since he mentioned the little corps. But it still works with the one I clicked. Edited July 3, 2008 by WWonka Quote
BigSnareline Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Oh BigSnareline, don't ever change... Not much chance of that happening. I'm too set in my ways! Quote
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