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To say that the Drum and Bugle Corps Activity is a fraternity of youth organizations that look out for and each other, was reinforced this past evening. The Pioneer's food truck was having some mechanical problems, and had to be left behind for some needed repairs. So the corps and its equipment proceeded to Charleston to compete. The Phantom Regiment, hearing about Pioneer's dilemma shared their evening meal with Pioneer. That was definitely an unselfish, brotherly act on their part. Pioneer and the Regiment share resources when the need arises. Pioneer makes one of their buses available to the Regiment for their use at winter camps. Pioneer's members and staff want to express their sincere thanks to the Phantom Regiment Corps for a wonderful and unexpected supper! Music City Corps, also finding out about Pioneer's challenge gave the corps food for today's lunch in case our truck is still in repair. Wow! this is an overwhelming expression of the "togetherness and friendship" that many of the corps share. And oh yes, an Executive Angel from the Michelin Tire Company from Greenville, SC has donated tires for our food truck to be installed as it is being repaired! People such as have been mentioned, not only make the Pioneer, but every corps, "Better Every Day!"

This a great show with great corps. There will be a ton of band kinds there from the camp at WCU, so expect plenty of talking during every corps performance. Just remind the bandos, NO you didn't do that first!

Hahahahahahahahahaha. Oh, we believe it alright. Especially us old goobers who had to deal with these idiots in retreat.

Here's my opinion for what it's worth... This is a ridiculous state to be in. 1. DCI should have a rule that enforces all relevant permissions should be granted before the season starts. If you don't have permission then you can't play it. 2. If DCI are happy to allow several minutes of silence on what is their premium end of season product then they should not be charging as much as they do. 3. Did I say this is a ridiculous state to be in...?

Oh, you mean like intentionally butchering songs that symbolize and honor our country at retreats? That, unfortunate trend in the last 10 years, is my only real gripe with BD.

They were probably getting "tony hall-ed". Tony is one of the few drill designers left that writes the drill on the field... in rehearsal. He's responsible for 93 and 94, as well as the revamped endings most every year. Tony is a pretty interesting guy, to say the least, but it's good stuff. Tony's eccentricity and creativity are his biggest positives, and negatives. If he could write it down (or pyware it), meet deadlines, and not throw everything and the kitchen sink out on the field every second--- we'd be talking about hall in the same sentence as Sacktig and Gaines. Tony Hall is one of the most interesting drum corps people I've ever met, and I really hope that everyone who gets the chance to meet him gets a nice long talk with him. It is a VERY different perspective, even compared to the other drum corps eccentrics we meet.

I know this isn't top 12, but the troopers baritone solo has a wonderful tone!!!!

Why is this limited to only top 12 corps? There are plenty of excellent solos outside the top 12.

on any given day you never know what the judges will do. its a close race down to the wire. tight drum score as well. great improvement by madison drum score 17.10 boston 17.00 good work by all corps in salem va. good luck to all

if you play Crown's 2010 show backwards you find it's actually the 2009 show

That was embarrassing to read. I mean, I was embarrassed for the people replying to that thread. Talk about delusion! Yeah, it sucks because there's no jungle beat to shake your ### to. Excellent point!

Yes! GO SCV! BREAKING 90!!!! KEEP GOING GUYS! ALL THE WAY UP THE STAIRCASE!!!! and also, go Cadets! Keep it close! .05 back, really making up ground. This one is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight all the way to the end!

The thing about BD...it's not laziness...it's simply the ability to flip the switch between laid back and hardcore...when necessary. I ran back to my sets plenty of times...I also strolled back to it. If the staff was in discussions while we were resetting, why kill ourselves to get to the set simply to stand there for longer period of time? Work smarter not harder isn't a new thing...

" whitest " arranging ? So the opposite of this would be what ?... " blackest " arranging ? What a silly description. I guess I like a lot of " black arranging music " and " white arranging Music " but just didn't know it. By the way, are the classical music we routinely hear played in Drum Corps " white arranging " music or " black arranging music " by the classical composers ? Oh never mind answering. I don't really need to know if it's "white" enough or "black" enough for some folks. It's just plain downright silly to discuss in such terms, imo.

I agree. I think we all just need to live with the fact that BD, Cavs, Cadets, et al all have radically different design philosophies, and that it isn't up to the judges to anoint the 'best' philosophy -- they're all great -- but rather to reward the corps that play that philosophy out most effectively. BD's difficulty is almost always at the level of the ensemble. All of their shows since at least 08 have been an ensemble nightmare waiting to happen / an ensemble nightmare that usually has happened, until they got it right. I think their designers get off on setting weird conceptual challenges for themselves and thinking themselves out of those challenges -- not unlike Sacktig, this year, and his dual-uniform mathematics. re: BD, Who else would be crazy enough to place a glass wall between their higher and lower brass during the main portion of a postmodern jazz ballad? Who else would have a 40-person guard perform with loud, zebra-striped swing flags in front of a wall of mirrors, where every small mistake is (literally) doubled (ie, from 2 mistakes to 4, from 40 mistakes to 80 -- assuming each person was only being reflected in one mirror, which is actually not true)? The ensemble responsibility in these kinds of moments is daunting.I think in all the complaining about the mirrors (to name an example), people tended to overlook the basic fact of what mirrors do: reflect things. Duplicate things. Including mistakes. It was a genuine risk by a design team that, like its competitive peers, thrives on risks. When it comes to evaluating difficulty, I think we should start thinking less exclusively about the stresses placed on individual members and make room to think about the stresses put on the corps as a unit, deemphasizing a tabulation of how many people are jazz running how often and emphasizing big picture conceptual difficulty. BD's staff does. The judges do. We should, too. We will even see new things to appreciate about the Cadets, Cavs, etc. when we do.

It doesn't quite happen to every corps, because not every corps wins. And what really fuels the flame for a lot of the criticism of BD around here isn't just the fact of people not liking their shows; it's the fact that BD consistently wins with shows many/some people don't like. I think that factor makes a huge difference. If CC were to have won every year from 2008 onward, let's say, the tone of peoples' complaints about CC would be slightly different. Their endearing design excesses would become a lot more of a problem. Instead of a conversation about demand and DCI, we'd be having a conversation about everyone's least favorite flavor of cheese and how certain flavors are going to ruin the activity. Not a dig against CC. Also not a defense of BD. My point is that a corps' design philosophy is only really threatening, it seems, when they're winning. Response to the Cavs taught us that much last decade.

Actually, the last time Madison beat Boston in Percussion wasn't June. It was the 2nd week in July at the Madison Scouts home show in Madison, Wisc. It was nice to see Boston get a smart and brave enough Guard judge tonite in Virginia to reflect reality and not go with the peer pressured status quo too. These things do have a way of evening themselves out most nights it seems.

If you watch Madison 95 backwards, you catch a lot of babies.

OMG. I literally belly laughed on that one.

Some from 2009: BD - You see a bunch of people running around a field who get tired so they sit down in chairs before getting up and leaving. Bluecoats - You see a bunch of people wearing cloud shirts being put into the witness protection program. Blue Stars - You see a woman get left by her husband and then forced to go work in a factory to support what is left of her family. Phantom - You see a man leave his wife and become a great violinist. Then the wife re-enters his life, gives away his good violin, which causes him to lose everything and hegoes back to being a crappy violinist.

If you play BD '10 backwards, you'll actually hear people clap at the end. I'M SORRY, PLAN!! IT WAS TOO EASY I HAD TOO!!!!

If you watch 2011 PR backwards, it is about a girl whose boyfriend dies and her life is just dandy after that.

It is kind of interesting how those G8 shows had great attendance numbers this year. Something that is not really being talked about here on DCP.

without a doubt the Boston Crusaders baritone soloist. bring him home . the last note 21 counts long amazing

Hey all, Testing a new feature. In DCI's Fan Network, you'll now see a headphone icon in the lower right on "On The Field". It'll launch another window, and stay independent. 1972-2010. It's a pop-up, so it's possible but unlikely your pop-up blocker will prevent it. Any feedback here, positive, negative, or neutral appreciated.

I honestly think Blue Devils are the least entertaining of the top 3. Really enjoy both The Cadets and Cavaliers show. And I haven't seen BD since San Antonio but at least there, it was just to much crap going for my liking. Loved the hornline. But all the props and blah, just not my thing. And yes I'm slightly biased, but I think The Cadets have the best package this year!

What about Cascades and Teal Sound they both were suppose to go on before the Colts.

I would just like the record to reflect.... I love this show.

YEAH SANTA CLARA VANGUARD! Great job popping 90 tonight! All the way, Santa Clara!

Many corps regard DM's as junior officers of the orginization and promote them only from within. The theory being that they will recieve more respect than an "outsider" would. That's not true of all corps of course, but I'm not sure if I would want to be a rookie DM.

A flute player with 8 years conducting experience! Her mom < ------ also a flute player

It has changed in the last two years, but up to '09, it will still very old school. One, maybe two water breaks per 4 hour block happened a couple of times. But now I believe they get "water breaks" of 5 minutes or so, it seems like things have relaxed a bit, but it's still very much the SCV style. And the retreat thing has always been one of their biggest things. Never moving, not looking around, standing at perfect attention, no matter what the other corps are doing. Always been one of their signature styles.

The Cadets have more championships than the Cavaliers edit: maybe we should divide corps by "gush and go" vs. "water break"

Eastchester, NY. One word...like Bluecoats. IMO, if YEA brings these kids in as part of the camp, then they should caution them on etiquette before they break from their camp classes. It's as much YEA's responsibility as the kids'. Garry in Vegas

Yes, SCV had a day off on the day after the rained out FirstBeat, so they got some rest, and then two days of solid rehearsal and no travel. That should be great for them! I think they're going to pop 90 tonight, and really be in the thick of the competition. This show is really starting to come into it's own, and really becoming effective. Can't wait to see what they do for the rest of week, but I know it's going to be legen....wait for it....dary!!!! Go SCV!!!! Climb up that staircase, one step at a time, all the way to Indy!

I think if you truly want to have a positive impact on the activity, you need to do something more than complaining on an internet forum, or even complaining to an alumni association/corps meeting. Volunteer your time to a local corps. Not just for a camp or two, or even for a full year: volunteer for several seasons, get to know the members & director enough for them to confide in you and you can give them advice they might consider following. Better yet, start your own drum corps and/or circuit. Follow whatever philosophy you feel is best for the activity to guide your corps or circuit down the road. The only way to truly be influential and change the activity in a meaningful way (not just talking a buddy on a drum corps staff to sponsor a rule that has zero shot at being approved) is to entrench yourself in drum corps: volunteer for years, get elected to a corps' board of directors, start a corps or circuit that fits your ideals, etc. Anything short of that is just wasting time on an internet forum...

Yup.... 'Sader soloist shows stupendous stamina. ( lots of s's there... haha ) Modern day marchers with these high velocity drills that can then stop and do these types of difficult long count required brass solos... in 100+ degree temp. sometimes... is just astonishng, imo.

I agree. And while Charlie's sound is absolutely beautiful, I think for we older fans, the mere idea of an extended length horn solo in a modern show is such a rarity these days, that it becomes a special treat. Talk about "hummable" music! BTW, he is also one of the nicest guys around.

So, I wonder if a letter-writing campaign might be in order. In case you're wondering, the writers are (LAST NAME FIRST NAME): AUGELLO-COOK ALICIA J CARTER SHAWN HUNTE ANGELA ANN KEYES BERT ROBINSON SYLVIA SEWELL JANET ANDREA SHUCKBURGH ALEXANDER WILLIAM Publisher Names and Addresses are: Publishers/Administrators: CARTER BOYS MUSIC C/O EMI APRIL MUSIC INC C/O EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING ATTN: AUDREY ASHBY 75 9TH AVE FL 4 NEW YORK, NY, 10011 Tel. (212) 492-1200 Email: COPYRIGHTADMIN@EMIMUSICPUB.COM EMI APRIL MUSIC INC C/O EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING ATTN: AUDREY ASHBY 75 9TH AVE FL 4 NEW YORK, NY, 10011 Tel. (212) 492-1200 Email: COPYRIGHTADMIN@EMIMUSICPUB.COM GLOBAL TALENT PUBLISHING C/O KOBALT SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING % MICHAEL PETERSEN 1501 BROADWAY 27TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY, 10036 Tel. (212) 247-6204 Email: Contact.USA@kobaltmusic.com J SEWELL PUBLISHING C/O EMI APRIL MUSIC INC C/O EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING ATTN: AUDREY ASHBY 75 9TH AVE FL 4 NEW YORK, NY, 10011 Tel. (212) 492-1200 Email: COPYRIGHTADMIN@EMIMUSICPUB.COM LELLOW PRODUCTIONS INC C/O EMI APRIL MUSIC INC C/O EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING ATTN: AUDREY ASHBY 75 9TH AVE FL 4 NEW YORK, NY, 10011 Tel. (212) 492-1200 Email: COPYRIGHTADMIN@EMIMUSICPUB.COM Thanks to ASCAP's ACE Database for the information.

Setting aside the issue of "talent" for a moment (which in my opinion is distinct from technique).... I paid my way through college and grad school by playing drums in dozens of different bands. Not once did anyone ever care about my technical proficiency; the only thing that ever mattered was whether I laid down a good groove or not. There were a lot of drummers that could play circles around me but weren't hired because their lack of groove hurt the music. There were also drummers with less technique than me who were a cut above me because of their time and artistry. For the vast majority of music in the world, technical proficiency is really a minor factor. Just think of the great musical innovators -- some of them aren't technically strong at all (Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, etc.). I think that it takes more "talent" to keep a beat or make a good artistic decision, than to play paraddiddles at 140bpm, which is a skill that can be learned by just about anyone willing to practice. I'm not saying that DCI should change to that mode... technical prowess is one of the things that sets DCI apart. But there ARE times when DCI goes astray musically, despite technical awesomeness. Lack of groove is a major musical omission in corps shows recently, and in my opinion will ultimately cause corps audio recordings from the 70s and 80s to - in general - stand the test of time better than recordings of today's corps, even if they are lesser technical achievements.

Taking a look at the thread over there, those posters are generally being pretty complimentary about the performance and very respectful of DCI. I think it's always good to hear honest opinions about what DCI is putting out there from non-drum corps fans. Personally I have a lot of respect for the type of shows the HBCU bands put out on the field. My sister went to the Battle of the Bands at the Georgia Dome this year and she *loved* it. I'm hoping to make it myself sometime soon.

What is a HBCU band? Garry in Vegas

If you watch 1980 Spirit of Atlanta, you see the stands get closer to the field.

Revolution scored a 84 at their last show. Music City a 75. And Revo is smaller. Even though scores don't matter to you, you are really putting your corp on a pedestal. To say the musical package of the program is TOP 12 in world class? I cant see that sorry. I've seen the show live and it is not as demanding as Colts, Academy, Pacific Crest or Cascades.

If you watch it backwards, Phantom Regiment 2006 was about Faust reviving Mephistopheles and then asking for his soul back, which Mephistopheles eagerly gives back. If you watch it backwards, Bluecoats 2007 was a bunch of super spies returning a stolen briefcase and turning themselves back into prison. If you watch it backwards, you can see in The Cadets 2011 in the opener that a demon uses telekinetic powers to grab a horn 20 yards away.

I was proud of the fact that I proved her wrong and made her admit she was wrong on RAMD. I believe I was the only person to acomplish that feat.

Thanks, Howdy! You sure Schmidted this review! Good boy!

If you watch Godzilla backwards it's about a friendly giant lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt down city and then moonwalks into the ocean.

Effect is the ultimate goal, not demand. Demand is only important if it leads to effect. Demand for it's own sake means nothing. For example, I would not call Phantom's show particularly demanding, but I would call it very effective. Drum corps is arts & entertainment. It is not athletics. It is not a loud, fast, & high contest. Those elements are merely tools with which to obtain effect, not ends in and of themselves.