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Oh. Something else I thought of. One of our pit techs this past season was talking to us about changes in DCI. I remember him mentioning Vanguard (but I forget which year). He was talking about the first show where the drill was not symmetrical the entire time. He said they placed low that year because it was new and nobody "liked it", but the next year more corps used asymmetry. Now, if a corp had a completely symmetrical show, both the judges and the audience would hate it. I think the same is with electronics. Synths are still relatively new. In a decade, a show without a synth will be "weird". Just my thoughts.

They probably don't allow "dutting" on the podium.

Hey guys!! Thanks so much for the kind words!! @GeneralTsoChicken ~ You have us horribly confused with another mobile repair shop. We have actually documented what you are referring to via photo's etc when we would get instruments to re-repair. I would never allow myself or any of my guys to let a horn leave my trailer without being properly wiped and cleaned. (We all went to Red Wing to learn the proper way to repair instruments.) We actually even hand rag the areas we work on so it would appear we had never repaired the joint we worked on. On vary rare occasions will we not spend detailed time cleaning up and polishing the area we're working on. Typically if it is at a show sight or the busses are about to leave. The photo's I have of other repair work however would indicate whomever attempted repair did not properly clean the area they soldered. When the area is not properly cleaned prior to soldering the solder does not stick, nor will it go into a joint to form the bond. With this poorly attempted service the solder will glob all over and create a mess. Again, not our style. We repair joints with the thought that we will not have to worry about the joint breaking again for the rest of the season. This is contrary to poorly attempting a repair that breaks the following day. So, I wanted to state for the record that your comments about our mobile repairs are simply not true. Yes we are sometimes limited in capabilities in our mobile trailer, but we are quite well equipped and have actually hand made small parts and braces in the trailer with our tooling. We even have a small precision lathe that has allowed us to modify mouthpieces in the past. If you want to make sure you're not confusing us with another mobile repair shop, feel free to visit our facebook fan page where you'll find pictures of my goofy mug: B.A.C. Horn Doctor Facebook Page --Mike C GeneralTso - where and when did you march? We just started repairing horns with our trailer starting in 2006...

The Reading Buccaneers are proud to recognize the achievements of brass player Tyler Walthers, who was selected as one of 125 high school musicians to be part of the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Tyler's been a standout member of the hornline for two seasons and his mom, Joann, has been a great volunteer. Way to go, Tyler! Reading Eagle article

Sorry Olive, A few of us were simply attempting to offer solutions to the actual CONCERNS brought up in the thread, seeing as how no one outside of the C2 staff could possibly answer the vague question in the SUBJECT line. I fail to see how helping another young person get a successful start in this activity is a "hindrance of DCA's growth." Feel free to respond. Maybe add something constructive this time instead of accusing half a dozen folks who are trying to help of some evil misdeed. PS - I'm not a corps representative - just a voice in the crowd. Take my statements however you will. But for the record, the subject matter in discussion is absolutely relative to the conversation. And again, I wish b2trumpet the best of luck in getting their marching career off to a successful start, regardless of who they are marching with.

That's pretty much the same technique used by geeks on sports message boards. They see something they don't like and instead of disagreeing with the content of the post, they procede to attack the poster, asking him if he ever played or coached in college or the pro's. Same thing here. A lot of people can't handle having their opinions and beliefs "challenged." Those individuals with massive ego's that can't tolerate opinions that differ from their own might be wise to stay away from internet message boards. Personally, the only opinion that I care about is my own. If I see something that disagrees with me, I'll respond with my opinion and move on. Could care less if anybody doesn't like what I have to say.

Maybe Teal could actually fly in an authentic Zulu Witch Doctor to play the African percussion. That would be cool. How about exploring the sound of a guillotine blade hitting wood as an added texture and color. (Amped of course) Would be a great Pit addition. Another suggestion. Let's change the name of D.C.I. to C.O.A. (Corps of America- A wholey ownned subsidiary of Bands of America)

Word on the street, they're changing DCI to SI - Synthesizers International.

Yep, hometowns should definitely be listed with every post. It's interesting to know what part of the country the poster is from.

Garfield.........You don't have a GAARRRLFRIEND, do you?

Life is funny sometimes. I lived in the New Orleans area most of my life, (Mandeville) but never did have the opportunity to meet him. I was a big Drum Corps fan but for one reason or another, never became involved with any of the local Corps. (Southern Rebels, Stardusters, Bleu Raeders, Regiment Militaire) I did become a much better drummer while at LSU, because a large % of our snare line were former students of his and I learned a lot from them technique wise from them passing on the "Hurley Technique" Still use the "Left hand pinky pulled back with the thumb and second finger pinched together" grip. We (LSU) were one of the first college drumlines, (if not the first) to use his split shell snares. I'm sorry all paths never crossed...........

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I e-mailed JW earlier today and got an update directly from him. Thanks......

Mendy328.........Anybody..............How is Marty doing?

It's been two weeks since this was posted. Anybody have an update?

I like the tails and the overall look of the uniform this year, but I wouldn't mind seeing them back in the traditional BD uniform of the 80's. (And most copied ever) I was Quartermaster back in my LSU Band days and even designed a Gold version of the Blue Devils uniform that Tiger Band started wearing in 83. (One year after I graduated)

South: Spirit of Atlanta on G-Bugles playing old school music, with only melodic percussion and timpani on the sidelines and no props on the field. Northeast- North Star, 27th Lancers (With their old school Guard) and Bridgemen as World Class Top 12. West Coast: Updated Velvet Knights as World Class Top 12. (Yeah, I know that SOA, Bridgemen and Velvet are in existence today)

Don't you mean Deep Southeastern Louisiana? Ya mama say da Southern Rebels and Regiment Militaire kick BR's and Star's butts.

I really have a problem with people that try to censor thoughts of other individuals. If you're one of those people that can't tolerate opinions that differ from your own, it might not be a good idea to be hanging out on message boards. Don't like what you read on here, then state your own contrary opinion, but don't any of you dare to tell anybody else what they can and can't say. Oh how boring it would be if this entire board was comprised of nothing but Michael Boo style "See No, Hear No, Speak No Evil" rosy and dreamy Alice in Wonderland sunshine pumping.

Well said. I'm WAY past hs/college age, but I'd pay $15.00 to watch Finals. (And I'm no big fan of what's happening down on the field) DCI needs a thorough house cleaning in their Marketing department. EVERYTHING is too expensive. They have a massively overinflated notion of what their product is worth.

$18.00 admission. That's even more than last year. Should be ten bucks tops. There are some stone cold crazy individuals at DCI thet are setting these prices.

It wasn't a hip injury. That's false information. It was demonic possession.

What was the piece that the Cadets played in 80 that sounds similar to Malaguena? I think it was Fernando's Fantasy. Correct? 1980 was my favorite year. I play the 80 Finals DVD on a regular basis JUST FOR THE MUSIC. Don't even need to watch it. Spirit of Atlanta (Let it be Me ) Cavaliers (Sambandrea Swing ) Crossmen (Pictures of Spain ) Bridgemen (Big Noise from Winnetka ), Madison (Malaguena :worthy:) North Star (Tiger of San Pedro ) Also liked BD and SCV in 80.

I have had quite a few awesome moments in drum corps....believe me....but this past week I had a one that will stand out in my life. I finally met George B. formerly of the 27th Lancers. I know, huh. His daughter, who it was also a pleasure to meet, works with the Santa Clara Vanguard organization and I was volunteering. What an Honor Oh I also met Vic Firth...that was cool too.

The BAC Horn Doctor saves drum corps lives. Drum corps puts huge wear and tare on brass instruments, but ever horn the BAC Horn Doctor has fixed makes those worn out pieces of marching metal look like nothing's happened. Ode to the Horn Doctor. Post previous experiences you've had with the Horn Doctor here. Give 'em some love!

This guy save my life this summer. And was very friedly, and did an excellent job.

We're challenging everyone in marching band to download the all-new Cadets2 poster, post it in their band room, take a photo and we'll send you a FREE Cadets2 t-shirt. It's simple and all you have to do is print and post! Post the photo on either the Cadets2 or the USSBA Facebook page and you're [...] ... Read the rest of the article here - http://www.drumcorps...hoto-challenge/

Dude, I kinda have this personal dream to have an organ part in a show. I'm kinda jealous of Nick because he had an organ part in Crown's 2010 show, haha. The sound and presence of the organ is so powerful, in my opinion.

Probably the best brass staff top to bottom I've ever had... they are such a great team of people that know each other very well and work very well together.

NOT JUPITER.

Also, back to the original question, I agree. More talented pianists are going to start participating. Piano based synth writing will become more prominent. I don't know if that will happen as soon as this coming season, but definitely in the near future.

Okay. So. I don't think woodwinds should (or are ever going to) be on the field. Somebody said earlier that woodwinds in the pit would be okay. I think that's good. A mic'ed oboe solo would sound awesome from the pit. Someone else also said that after we include woodwinds in DCI, the next step is to add other instruments to string quartets, and they made a good point. Drum corps are ensembles that in their nature don't have woodwind instruments. Adding a woodwind section to the corps would be like adding a brass section to a string quartet. It might sound good, but then it isn't a string quartet. Now, adding the electronics would still be okay. A string quartet with an electronic violin would still be considered a string quartet.

For the last 4 years I have posted live 'thoughts' about the drum corps shows I've attended using my iPhone - and 'felt' the flames when others answered me back instantly. I listen to and have other people listen to Phantom Regiment's music via their iPhone app. Can't tell you how much my iPhone has changed this old lady's life - from buying tickets, to finding stadium locations, ordering food, taking pictures, sharing thoughts, receiving live thoughts from others and SO MUCH MORE every day......wow, Steve Jobs' really given me the chance to do things I didn't know I needed to be able to do. Here's hoping Apple keeps his vision going for a few decades! RIP knowing you changed a lot of lives Mr Jobs.......

Money is, of course, always an important component, but for H.S. it's just as important to have parent organization support. I good parent organization and supporting student body, will transport a good marching music program into an excellent one. Also, there is a very special kind of H.S. music director that builds successful marching band programs. He/she is both well organized, musically exceptional and has marching music chops (understanding what excellent is). That's alot to ask, but it's critical for a successful H.S. program. Then....this success follows into the drum corps level.

At the risk of repeating myself, it really comes down to the motto Pioneer has been known for. We see it every year on the field, of course. You see Pioneer in June and then in July and August and you see it on the field. They do "get better everyday." But, as an organization as a whole, I am still left with questions regarding the accuracy of that motto. Here's my question...in what ways does/has the Pioneer organization gotten better everyday? And this is not just Pioneer. Few organizations have grasped the idea of...what you ask these amazing young people to do year in and year out....to go and do what THEY THINK is impossible...should be the mission for the entire organization...the ADULTS TOO. If drum corps...this almost truly American wierd little sport/art/music/not marching band but is marching band...if this is going to succeed and grow, the adults leading these corps...the management/admin/Board of Directors/instructional staff MUST take on the same mantra. I believe Pioneer's motto is one which could be adopted by every drum corps. Get better everyday. Get more creative. Think outside the box. Try new things. Find new sources of revenue. Artistic folks...if you want a more expensive program...help the admin find the ways to fund it. Innovation is accomplished all the time on shoe string budgets. Computers started out of people's garages. But that vision grew...it caught on...people wanted it and they paid for it and money was raised and it became successful. Innovation can't just be what occurs on the football field. It has to be organization wide. So, again...what is Pioneer doing as an organization to challenge ITSELF to get better everyday? Thanks for your consideration of this question. I look forward to an answer.

That was a stand-up post Tom. Good on you.

My guess would be because they are the DCUK Champions and they've already been here once and proved they can be competitive. Coming back again with a better idea of what to expect, well I could only expect them to improve upon their previous visit. So now I have to answer your question with a question of my own: Why do you think Cadets2 is more likely to break into the Top 5 than Kidsgrove? You said it yourself, "Lets give the corps that are consistently in the Top 5 every year a chance first." And I'm inclined to agree with you on that point. So I'm curious why so many people are expecting C2 to win it all, when they haven't even had a rehearsal yet. Granted, I'm expecting big things from them (as many of us are). They have a top-notch staff and they certainly know how to get it done on the DCI side. But let's be realistic here - they haven't held Camp #1 yet. (And as far as I know, no other corps has held a camp for their 2012 season yet.) It's way too early to make any speculation on the 2012 Championships. I know, it's fun to play "what if" in the off-season. I'm just baffled by the declarations of folks who think the 2012 title is already won. <insert generic waiver about how this is not meant to bad mouth Cadets2 and how my opinions are only those of myself and not any other corps that I've ever been affiliated + something about the expressed written consent of Major League Baseball...>

Don't know about drum corps, but my wife (the guard instructor for the band I tech at) has all of our band's music on her iPod. That way she always has it with her as she works out her choreography. I'm sure she's not the only one that does that.

Who played M & M? I'd like to send them a large "Thank You" commission check. Since most of us only get to attend one show in person at best, I'd rather hear all the dependable and popular songs at that one show. My soul has no desire for any "Original Compositions" or the off the wall esoteric stuff.

Why are so many people counting Kidsgrove as a Top 5 automatic?? They are good, don't get me wrong. But they haven't broken in to the Top 5 yet right? And their only DCA finals placement was 2010 in 6th place by a decent margin between them and 5th. Lets give the corps that are consistently in the Top 5 every year a chance first. I think its more likely to see Cadets Part Duex breaking into the Top 5 in 2012 than Kidsgrove, but- best of luck to all.

OK...Let me just say...as a major doubter..when you guys got started...I was wrong. Way to go and way to stick with this idea. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished in just a few short years. I mean it. Congratulations. I was a doubter and major critic, but you, sir, have proved me wrong. I apologize. Now, keep doing what you are doing because it's growing!

Sometimes when I can't find something I use a search engine such as google, yahoo, bing or ask. I'm sure there are more. I think people are afraid of Cadets2 and the offseason competition is rearing it's ugly head. Cheers!!! Olive

Does anybody else feel bad for the origianl poster besides me. The OP asked about Cadets 2 not any of the other drum corps that responded. I am sure that if someone from C2 would have posted in a seperate thread asking about a seperate drumcorps some of you would be up in arms. Please stop living in a double standard world. To the original poster - The director for the Cadets2 is Eric Kitherman. Here is his address Eric@yea.org Hope this helps Olive

Well in the 2010 season, Crown did have a coffee pot for those extra long, mid-afternoon blocks after lunch. =p

The real question is how many waffle irons can they use simultaneously in the pit during a performance?

Word is that corps are only using electronics next year. That's right. Nothing else. Personally, I think it's a step in the right direction. After all, we are a technologically developing nation.

" should tonque depresssors be allowed in DCI ? ". I fall on the side of " yes ". They should be made mandatory for all Vocalists and Narrators.

Could we not as easily conclude that they just feel they could get higher scores with A&E; or just as easily conclude that since they have spent egads amount of money on A&E equipment that it would not be feasible to revert the rules? There are a plethora of possible other reasons besides "they are happy".

I'm marching on a Kanstul Contra. It's amazing! Mine has no corps' name on it, so I have no idea who owned it before, but I just needed to give it some TLC. Projects very well. With the new SB Tuba mouthpiece it makes it even better. I've also played on a Kanstul Euphonium (before they fixed the problem) It played sharp, so they were almost useless. But from what I've heard through friends at Kanstul, That problem is long gone. Kanstul Baritones: The way to go King K90 Contra: Loudest 2V Shoulder Subwoofer ever made. Overall, I'm a fan of Kanstul for G bugles, and King's SB line of Bb/F horns.