Leaderboard

Every corps from Cadets to Pioneer receives criticism. (So do open-class corps.) However, this is the first time I've ever seen a corps supporter count DCP posts in an attempt to prove that his corps is winning some self-contrived criticism contest. But please, continue....you need to pad this thread's post count. Besides, this is entertaining. BD entertains in so many ways!

I've read a few topics in the last month or two when posters for one reason or another have mentioned CDs that are no longer available to buy from DCI. E.g. the echos CDs... artistry in brass/percussion etc. There must be a new market out there for these types of product. A bit like how Disney release their classic movies in 7 year cycles... i.e. sell them to parents for a new generation of kids. Not just CDs, no longer available DVDs & classic tshirts I suspect would also sell. Just a thought.

i just talked to tom. he's out of ICU. the bleeding has stopped. he's extremely tired from blood loss. but he's doing better. hopefully he will heal now. could be in the hospital for a week. but i think he's out of danger.

I was able to make it to their ensemble rehearsal yesterday...WOOOOOWWWWW!!! I knew Robert W. Smith could compose great music...this will POSITIVELY be a historic season for the Scouts. Of course, I am a homer and love the Scouts, but I truly enjoy the level at which other corps play as well. Honestly, last year it took me a bit to get to the point where I really enjoyed the music. This year, however, they grab you from the first few notes. Talk about "Wall of Sound"!!! The music is so intelligently written...it takes your ear on a journey from one gorgeous line to the next. So many details you can focus on and fall in love with. Pictures on an Exhibition has DEFINITELY been "Madisonized" in an amazing way. If you can't stand the Scouts, prepare to fall in love with them this year. They're absolutely ready to mop up some top corps in the aspect of brass. All sections contribute equally to the "wall". Screamers...check, check, check, check, check, check, check. Battery has notes on top of notes and are executing at an pretty impressive level. I can't wait to see the visual package associated with it. Some of the men were saying that Smith said they won't be below 120bpm on the field. Plans change all the time...who knows. I know the term "hype" exists, but my comments about this weekend don't do those gentleman justice. Over 4:00 of completely memorized music that they received last week...not a dip in energy. It's January folks. Appreciate your face while you still have it.

i just talked to tom. he's out of ICU. the bleeding has stopped. he's extremely tired from blood loss. but he's doing better. hopefully he will heal now. could be in the hospital for a week. but i think he's out of danger.

You sound like the uncle at Thanksgiving dinner..who is nodding off..and blurts out "hey, this conversation about the economy is boring...I'm gonna take a crap!" Also, unless you are mesmerized by the title of the thread (like a bug to a night light), there is no need to open it.

Southwind just started a Kickstarter campaign. We have some pretty cool rewards on all levels. Please help us with a contribution. Thanks! KICKSTARTER LINK

Confederate Regiment presents: "Drum & Bugle Band" "Spartan Fanfare" "Falcone Fight" As Performed by the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band "Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuse" As performed by the Ohio State University Marching Band "Malagueña" Ernesto Leucona "Hail to the Victors" As performed by the University of Michigan Marching Band The Alamo Scouts present: "Music for Mother Russia" "Procession of the Nobles" Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov "Toska po Rodine" Anatoly Trofimov "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" Sergei Rachmaninov "Farewell of Slavianka" Vasily Agapkin

First rehearsal of the 2012 Defenders Alumni corps yesterday. The tradition formula for DAC programming it to commemorate some the Holy Family Defenders & Defenders of Plymouth County. Then, we recreate some of the "benchmark" numbers of the heyday of Old Time Drum Corps. For 2012 we added a ballad commemorating Anaheim Kinsmen's 1974 arrangement of "So Very Hard To Go." (This video was our first run-thru.) It was dedicated it to hopes for the quick recovery of Kingsman Ron Cain, their Lead Soprano of this song. Other commemorative numbers include "MacArthur Park" as performed by 1972 Madison Scouts, "Legend of One-Eyed Sailor" by 1975 Blue Devils. (Filmed by BFD-TV's Dave Halter.)

One of my favorite shots...the Jersey Surf Cymbal line: BTW - Last year the following corps had cymbal lines: 1. Spirt of New Jersey 2. Colt Cadets 3. Forte 4. Jubal (the largest with 7 performers) 5. Raiders 6. Legends 7. Yokohama Scouts 8. Spartans 9. Vanguard Cadets 10. Oregon Crusaders 11. Blue Devils B (2nd largest with 6) 12. Pioneer 13. Jersey Surf 14. Cascades 15. Mandarins (new in 2011) 16. Teal Sound 17. Pacific Crest 18. Crossmen 19. Colts 20. The Academy 21. Spirit of Atlanta 22. Santa Clara Vanguard I think the three lines I really miss are Madison, Bluecoats, and Troopers. If Cadets are indeed bringing back their cymbals, my heart just burst with joy. Zing and Hooya to all my platepeeps! Mav

Over-reaching explanations? Hate-baiting? How low you sink? It appears you're out of ideas.....(Anything But Boring Discussion). Later audio...time for a sound check!

Not comparing it to the others, but here is just my opinion which amounts to nothing: -some ideas/staging slow to develop -second half of program a step-down in quality and difficulty from first half -movement looks a little SO, maybe those little ball things didn't help

Nice post, flippin sweet!

Dutch Boy Cadets . . . . . in either 1975 or 76. I grew up in a small town ouside of Marion Ohio and each Summer a corps competing in the US Open would stay at our high school. The DB members were so kind to a kid like me as I would literaly stalk them and watch rehersals. I was 12 at the time and immediately hooked. I did indeed march corps a few years later and I remain friends to this day with one of those Dutch Boy members.

In 1986, my band director, God rest is soul, asked this awkward, lanky, bass drumming kid who hadn't even technically started his freshman year of school (ahem, that'd be me) if he wanted to go to this thing in Bloomington with him and some other bandos. I had no life, so of course I said yes and my parents acquiesced. Hopped into a van and road tripped. But first we stopped at some tiny school outside of Bloomington. There was one of my drum instructors, as well as some other recent band graduates. Apparently, they were preparing for another performance of the show that was to become last week's DCI Download Of The Week. I had little-to-no idea of what was going on here. But the scale of what was taking place with the loading and prep was impressive. Our drum instructor gave us some goodies (sticks, mallets, heads, etc) and we were off to Bill Armstrong Stadium. And this what I saw: Wednesday August 6, 1986 Bloomington IN DCI 1 Cavaliers - 92.000 2 Suncoast Sound - 90.500 3 Garfield Cadets - 89.100 4 Star of Indiana - 87.600 5 Sky Ryders - 80.200 6 27th Lancers - 79.600 7 Les Eclipses - 69.600 8 Connexion Quebec - 57.700 I was in way over my head. I remember the experience of Sky Ryders, Star, very little of Cadets and also little of Cavies and 27. I know the shows back and forth today, but I'm talking about remembering the moment in time. I also distinctly remember my dear band director leaning to his son, my other drum instructor, and whispering "mingusmonk (not real name) is going to like this" and then Suncoast threw down their incredible bass feature. Mind ... blown. So that was my introduction to drum corps, but it is NOT the answer to the question. About one year later, I was asked if I wanted to go again. Still loving band, still having no life ... of course! But this time I came with knowledge! After another stop at Brown School to check in with our friends (which I was now fully aware of), this is what I saw: Thursday August 6, 1987 Bloomington IN DCI 1 Santa Clara Vanguard - 94.900 2 Star of Indiana - 88.800 3 Velvet Knights - 88.400 4 Dutch Boy - 78.200 4 Troopers - 78.200 6 Boston Crusaders - 74.000 7 Colts - 73.700 I remember just about every detail of that show. And the ultimate answer to the question posed is this: Experiencing SCV's Russian show killing it in Bloomington Indiana was the moment that I knew "this is what I must do." They were incredible. And then the standstill of Russian Christmas after the show was like nothing I had ever experienced. Just ... wow. I distinctly remember going back to band rehearsals and spending the next 2 or 3 weeks pissing off the rest of the drumline, because they OBVIOUSLY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON HERE!!! WE NEED TO TRY HARDER! IF YOU ONLY WERE THERE!!! A couple of them actually were there, heh!! Some of them had known drum corps 3 or 4 years already. Stupid kid (SMH). Luckily, they didn't hate me forever. I was fortunate enough to march along side of 4 of them in the same corps. And compete against some of them that would march elsewhere. And that's the moment that started it. Sorry so short. Blame Boo. He asked.

...other corps get flack. But not to the extent BD does. When I said I wanted to march Devs, I got SO MUCH flack. In fact maybe only two people among my peers really supported me. Compared to other friends who went and marched Phantom, and when I marched somewhere else last summer, we had the full support of peers. At least with the people I know, Blue Devils definitely aren't exactly a favorite. There definitely is a lot more flack going their way than others, that much seems obvious.

here's the update on peashey. he's still in ICU. he's bleeding internally at the jucntion where the gastric bypass is. he's a 2 transfusions. the doc's are fighting over what to do. as i told him HE needs to make the call. he's a little frutrated but i'm sure a decision will be made soon. just keep up the prayers.

here's the update on peashey. he's still in ICU. he's bleeding internally at the jucntion where the gastric bypass is. he's a 2 transfusions. the doc's are fighting over what to do. as i told him HE needs to make the call. he's a little frutrated but i'm sure a decision will be made soon. just keep up the prayers.

Good choice. The Blue Stars could always be counted on for an enjoyable show. I’m not sure I would have predicted 79 would have been the last time Blue Stars would place in DCI until the next millennium since they always had a solid show and populist appeal. I remember feeling bad for Blue Stars in 1980. They bested Guardsmen a number of times and even Garfield, but placed 13th behind these corps. There’s also another thread that has a North Star member saying she was surprised North Star bested Blue Stars in prelims. By her account they did a lackluster show that day. I’m glad Blue Stars persevered, though they are a very different corps.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, everyone! Saturday, January 21st, 12:00 to 6:30 at the Sacred Heart Parish Center! Go to our website for more information - http://www.enfieldcenturions.org Thanks! Larry

13 hours into our campaign, we are up to $145. Thank you!

North Star was one of the greats! Their 1979 show was awesome! I'd like to see some of that music revisited!

1979 Drums Along the Rockies. What a show that was. Madison Crossmen Spirit of Atlanta North Star SCV Blue Stars Velvet Knights Florida Vanguard SkyRyders Spirit won that evening, and their hornline was deafening. SCV and North Star's drumlines were incredibly tight. That North Star show was what did it for me. Best drumline of the night and their soloist was by far the best screamer of the show. I was hooked from then on.

This is going to be something. Gold has been pretty good these past few years. Last year they weren't far behind from SCVC and BDB. With a tour who knows they might place top 5 in Open Class finals.

"Farewell of a Slavic Woman" is a great march. Just FYI, I'm a gigantic parade march nerd, and have a collection of over 50,000 marches from around the world. Do you have a recording of the Motherland march? It's possible I will recognize it under a different name, or know who composed it.

quick note: I just hung up the phone a few minutes ago with a very coherent Tom Peashey. He's had a rough couple of days, but he seems to be heading back to the right direction. Tom is still in ICU (with his cell phone- which we shared a laugh about). And, he will likely be in the hospital a few more days. His tone in his voice was upbeat... Tom is strong and we know he will soon be back here sharing his love of drum corps.

Is there any possibility that this topic could be closed? I think it is obvious there is no longer any good discussion going on. There are two sides to this issue, and neither side will be able to make the other see their on it.

I'm glad you mentioned "following the conversation". In that regard, let's review what I just posted: "At least you confined yourself to the crowd response to score announcements. But this thread contains several assertions that...." See the distinction? You spoke specfically about the score announcements. Others made assertions about crowd reactions to the shows themselves. My comments that followed, therefore, focused on what other posters had to say....most notably, the tinfoil-hat theory that all Eastern audiences are biased against BD, and the claim that audience response for 2011 BD dropped audibly for two days in August when they were winning by fractions of a point, then audibly boosted again when someone else won by fractions of a point. But alright, you want a thoughtful response to you. OK. Since you mention "claims of non-demanding drill" as a factor potentially influencing crowd reaction to BD in '08, shouldn't you be a little more open to the likelihood that reactions to BD '09 and '10 had a lot to do with show design....especially when people say exactly that when asked?

Stay on your path Larry... Donny

Apparently, there is no room for humor on this thread.... OK, stop right there. "Hate" is vitriolic. The vitriol in this thread began with it's title. How it manifests itself, whether real or not? Indeed. Really? Well, like you say, you hear what you want to hear.... At least you confined yourself to the crowd response to score announcements. But this thread contains several assertions that general audience response to BD and/or rival corps is audibly affected by a similarly contrived storyline that far too few people could even be aware of in the first place. Oh, it was because PR hadn't won outright yet....oh, it was because the Cadets had narration....oh, it was because BD wins too much....oh, it was ABBD....oh, it was the hashmarks....and so on. But it definitely, never possibly could have anything to do with the show itself. Now I realize what "ABBD" really stands for...."anything but boring design".

I don't think that the vast majority of Drum Corps fans " hate on BD " at all. I reject that premise. Sure some do... for any number of reasons. But if a Corps gets a lukewarm reception from an audience at a variety of venues, and across a cross section of the country, it would be folly to attribute that tepid response at the completion of the show performance to " placement ". By and large, people pay money to go see a show to be entertained. Unless they have some connection to a Corps, of some personal animis or jealousy, the placement is ancillary to whether or not a particular Corps show was entertaining for them or not ( however one defines " entertaining " ). From my observation, BD received a more favorable national audience response to their show last year where they finished 2nd, 3rd in a lot of shows than the year before where they went undefeated from start to finish. The reason was that more people seemed to enjoy last year's show design a bit better than the year before when they went undefeated. Trying to figure how why BD got a bit better reception with national audiences in 2011 than in 2010 is not like trying to understand the inner workings of nuclear physics, you know ?

Fine; that means that within the context of their mission as long as DCI corps finish their season in the black (they made money) any corps can be involved within DCI irrespective of their competitive quality. I will go along with that!

5 out of the last year 8 years, people did get " a new champion " other than BD, so on the face of it, that can't explain it it would seem to me.

ah,................I couldn't figure it out either,............I was quite sure DCI I&E didn't used to have a party percussionist catagory,..........

First show I ever saw. 1995 Cavaliers. From then on, I was hooked.

Wow....what did I miss? So no one really liked PR's 2008 show after all? They were just cheering the thought of someone beating BD? OK, that explains it. See, the truth is that BD has all the best shows, and if they just didn't win so darn much, they'd be the most popular corps with fans every year. There are less butts in seats for open-class and lower WC corps because they aren't threatening BD. People are in the lot searching for corps that might be good enough to knock BD off. People only cheer for other corps to spite BD. That's why they're Blooing, not booing. SUTA and Splooie are really just coded messages about taking BD down. They aren't really yelling "Vanguard!" during SCV's show....if you listen closely, you'll discover they're really yelling "ABBD!". Even the acronym USSBA had something to do with sticking it to the Blue Devils....that's why they've renamed the circuit now that they accomplished that goal.

hi everyone i just got off the phone with tom peashey. folks he's back in the hospital. he's in ICU with complications from surgery. he needs our prayers so please let's all keep him in our prayers. he asks that nobody go see him. i will call him tommorrow and see how he's doing. hopefully they find the problem and correct it. i don't wan't to say to much untill we have some answers. i'll keep youall posted.

I had seen several years of DCI finals on PBS, but the shows that really got me hooked on drum corps were at the Pageant of Champions at Cooper Stadium in Columbus, OH. The year was 1987 and it was my first live show... Wednesday July 29, 1987 Santa Clara Vanguard 94.1002 Phantom Regiment 90.7003 Spirit of Atlanta 86.7004 Bluecoats 83.8005 Velvet Knights 82.5006 Dutch Boy 78.1007 Florida Wave74.7008 Freelancers 67.700 I remember Dutch Boy, Freelancers, VK, Florida Wave, Bluecoats, Spirit of Atlanta, Phantom Regiment, and The Santa Clara Vanguard performing. Though I really enjoyed the first several corps, the night belonged to Phantom Regiment and Santa Clara... All the corps were really great, but man those two Russian shows were just magical. It was some of the best brass playing that I had ever heard up to that point! For those who know that stadium, it was a horror to march on! For the audience, it was great for sound and the angle of the stands was also steep enough to get a good view of the field. I really miss that stadium!

<What was it about the BD show that made is less fan friendly than 27th? > I think there was a definite air of 'playing not to lose' with 80 BD. It sounded great (better than 79 and way better than 81...), but it lacked spark. This is just my opinion, of course. 27, on the other hand...on fire! Especially at Allentown -

I would submit that being the top selling audio download is less about being a crowd favorite and more about having one of the few shows that is enjoyable in an audio only context. Several shows I saw and liked this summer don't hold together without the visuals.

I would like to see the Cadets redo their 2011 show, only with different music and a different drill.

Well, I'm one of the guys behind the documentary on the Madison Scouts. We are in the early stages of production. I went on the road this past summer for 8 days with the Scouts to shoot test footage. We've been raising money online through the site IndieGoGo and would love some help spreading the word. I marched with the Scouts in '95 and have been working in the film industry for the past 11 years. Our goal is to make "Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood" unique. We want to examine what makes such a strong brotherhood within the Madison Scouts by following a few members throughout the season, talking about the history of the corps, and also interviewing alumni. While the Scouts organization has been very supportive of our film, they are not financing it. It's a completely independent project. Please visit our campaign to learn more about it: Scouts Honor IndieGoGo Campaign We have a number of videos linked under the "GALLERY" tab on there. Also Chris Komnick has posted the one show that we shot during the 2011 season in a small stadium in Summerville, SC: 2011 Madison Scouts - Summerville, SC This was the first and only show where we got to do both video and sound (we did full 5.1 sound which you don't get to hear on Vimeo unfortunately). Not too bad for the first time. You can also follow me on Twitter (@ScoutsHonorDoc) Thanks for taking a look, and please help us get the word out!

Also, congrats to Crown! Great to see their 09, 10, and 11 shows all finish so well! Crown IMO is definitely the "second" crowd favorite as this suggests!

Troopers should do a western show and Pioneer should do an irish show. Oh yeah, and Mandarins should do an eastern show.

I loved the Tommy show! BD was definitely at their most entertaining in that period. They did pretty well competitively as well!

reminds of 98 with peer Gynt

To be fair, you're intentionally reading a thread about 2012 programs on an independent fan message board - there are going to be rumors, speculation, wild guesses and occasionally actual scoops. Meant rhetorically, not challenging, but... what did you expect? Mike

Maybe Surf's drumline can be in a modern Twix ad!

I'll admit to not seeing Boston way back in the 90s but I really like what they've been doing the last few years.

Did you see the one of William Tell?