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Definitely an interesting concept, but it's got a couple questions around it, specifically how would you get a hornline to mimic Cash's unique tone?

I believe PR showed the way...nothing higher pitched than a Euphonium.

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That's a great show theme. And I think the name of this thread would be a great show title. Seeing as they are inactive and would be coming back.

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It would especially be cool if the corps came out in all black uniforms (similar to the DMs).

It seems to lend itself to so many creative things they could while still retaining their identity.

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Starburst drill move idea in my head and that line from that song ... chills ... applause ... SWEET..

OMG Geno you're such an old fart! :rolleyes:

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Ain'na gonna happen. . .

We parted ways many a moon ago. . .

I'm a "free agent". . . LOL

:rolleyes::worthy::worthy:

best,

Chuck Naffier

Chuck, from an arranger's perspective is this a doable, realistic show concept? What would be some of the pros and cons?

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Chuck, from an arranger's perspective is this a doable, realistic show concept? What would be some of the pros and cons?

Hmmm. . . off the top of my head. . .

Pros:

1) Sets a great mood

2) Understandable concept

3) Visually appealing costuming

4) In some cases, recognizable melody

However, true Man In Black fans would be disappointed with what you'd have to do to these pieces to make them competitive on the field.

Limitations:

1) JC had a very limited vocal range, and the pieces would sound very different if you tried to voice anything other than baritones in the melody.

2) His words told the story -- the music was repetitive at best.

3) Limited harmonic vocabulary

4) Tempos are "safe", and authenticity would be lost if you had to try and move at a tempo where you could generate visual interest/speed. And if you moved in double-time. . . how would that relate/coordinate to the mood of the music?

I think, if you really tried to do it, you'd run into so many road blocks. . . and the fight would always be this (and everyone will differ on this). . . be true to what many love about JC's music, or do you "drumcorps-ize" it. . . and lose the connection to the music? Perhaps there are other versions of JC's pieces out there that are more orchestrated? Hmmm. . . don't know. . . never looked. . .

Ultimately, I submit for your comparison in the "recognizable" category. . . "Jethro Tull" as done by the Cadets. . . did anyone really feel like they'd just heard a Jethro Tull show? Really? Or was it Jethro Tull done to the specs of today's sheets, and gone to some bizzaro world? They did what they could. . . but without variety and true melodic content in the originals. . . usually what happens is the arrangers and designers quickly turn to tried-and-true methods of generating "variations" on a theme, and "playing drum corps". . . which is where the original songs show their limitations as it relates to what we do on the field. (I, in no way, mean to insult the hard work of my fellow arrangers -- I've been caught there a few times myself!)

I personally think the Troopers' destiny lies along a different path. . . and I mentioned that many times when I was there. They may prove me wrong one day. . . and I will be first in line to say "way to go!" if they find a direction that works.

B) B) B)

Chuck Naffier

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I personally think the Troopers' destiny lies along a different path. . . and I mentioned that many times when I was there. They may prove me wrong one day. . . and I will be first in line to say "way to go!" if they find a direction that works.

B) B) B)

Chuck Naffier

Chuck,

I just LOVE thoughtful posts like yours. Thank you! After reading your post, I have gone from thinking that it was an AWESOME idea to thinking it sucks. Impressive.

Based on your quote above, what do you think would be the ultimate show for the Troopers?

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