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SCV is far ahead of where they were last year. Last year they had a ton of holes- this year they have maybe 4 at most. The show is coming together NICELY.

3rd in 2012 behind Bluecoats and Blue Devils. No slouch though, they just have a great staff that turns rookies into absolute diddleflamaque monsters that drum into your very soul.

8 snare, 5 bass, 4 tenor. Their show next year will be a tribute to small town high school marching bands. 2 snares, 2 tenors, 3 basses, 1 cymbal, 1 marching zylophone.

Got my first goosies of the year from the Crusaders in the piece before the ballad. So thoughts on what I just heard. - LOW BRASS GET IT. - Can't tell a whole lot transitionally since they stop after each piece. - LOVING that drum and pit book, definitely not as.....reserved as the past few. - Ballad is gorgeous. - Love the weaving in and dark versions of the classic children's songs. - Can't help but compare the writing to Phantom, and I am MUCH more impressed here. Difficulty, effect, ect. is just to me, stronger right now. - Ending is a bit abrupt right now, sure that's gonna be fixed. I don't think 5th is out of the realm of possibility right now, of course depending on the competition, I'm really digging what I'm hearing. They went from a corps I was kinda excited about to one I'm dying to see. Nice.

My only thoughts on the state of Florida

let's poll about it to be sure

There were a lot of beheadings recently?

Drum corps wakes are some of the saddest, esp when the person is young. My saddest ever was when our (Garfield) great DM Richie Chirichella died suddenly after the 71 season. We used to play football against the Muchachos, as Hawthorne and Garfield NJ are adjacent towns. He broke his leg at a game, and it was set as normally. He was on crutches after that, as one would expect...he was a senior at Montclair State College (I think a math ed major) and I was a freshman music ed there, so I would see him hobbling around campus every so often. He threw a bloodclot from the injury, it went to his heart, and he died instantly. That wake was the absolute saddest I ever attended...laid out in his DM uni, with his shako, gloves and baton (he was an early user of a baton) next to the casket...the entire corps came in and sang the "O' Holy Name" corps song...not a dry eye...I still get the shivers remembering it.

Ohio is "down" from every state in the union. You want to keep the stink downwind. That was just too juicy to walk away from Gar.

God bless the Cadets, though. While other corps are having YouTube videos taken down left and right, lest you interfere with realizing Gary's vision*, the Cadets are hosting multiple showings of their program. Mike (*Addams Family reference, there.)

I think Colts are a corps to watch, with the return of Chuck Naffier and Jason Buckingham this year to that great visual staff they got from BK, I think they are going to have a fantastic show for us. They're kinda flying under the radar right now, but I think after their first show they won't be anymore. We'll see.

Literally one cymbal. He just whuffs it from side to side. The technique is in how the air flows around it. You just have to understand the art form, man.

They suit the show theme though... and do say "gypsy" loud and clear.

Small update for everyone: I plan to submit v1.0 of the app to the Windows Phone Store this weekend. Depending on how long it takes to get approved, it should be available in the store Monday or Tuesday. I will post a download link and QR code here when its available.

lol just love how brasso changes the OP's scenario to suit his purposes. op: it's just like hs kids apsire to play at great schools brasso: if the hs kid goes to one great school then decides to switch to another great school....

Madisonscoutsfan is sure addicted to DCP polls...

The side-tracking is the entire discussion of irrelevant activity transfer policies that you brought up. If and when such events as you describe start to happen as a matter of course...that would be time for DCI to put in whatever policy they think is needed, IMO. How many instances of the above examples can you bring up in the real world that create a driving need to have DCI thnik about creating such a policy?

I have seen first hand the visual production...well, 5 parts out of the six earlier in the week. I have been intentionally vague about what I've seen because I frankly don't like to get into preseason hype in any year, and since many of you regard me as a homer for BAC you would probably discount my thoughts in any case. Now that the music is out there, I guess I'll just say this: Boston's visual design is on a level several notches above last year. It is engaging, exciting, creative, thematic, and wonderous. And wait until you see the guard...they placed 6th at finals last year, and Lamar's team this year is out for blood. (Holy Weapons Line!). As has been noted throughout this past off season, there is something going on right now in Boston. Organizationally, creatively, financially, and competitively speaking, this Inspre Arts & Music group (run by a 31 member BOD of mostly BAC alums) is on a mission. I'm only a spectator here, but my take: the whole exclusivity of the G7 thing a few years ago SO ticked off so many people in Beantown that some decisions have since been made to put the pedal right down to the floor. Is this hype? Watch the Cinecast and then you decide. As for me, I can't wait. I think some chickens are coming home to roost. Pun intended.

Unfortunate that even when the Crossmen are the only ones to perform, they still get 11th I think I'll go hide now from the very vocal Crossmen supporters that are on DCP tonight

my ex father-in-law was in Europe during the war. he got a purple heart. he was cru's guard captain from 59-70. we used to talk about the war and when i asked him if he ever killed anyone he wouldn't answer. other old timers would never answer or say they didn't know. one told me it was to horrific to talk about. they were all humbled by the war.

Look closely at this US Army Signal Corps photo. The young paratrooper (who would be in his 90s now) is about to jump into France on June 6th, 1944. http://attic.areavoi...12/06/dday4.jpg Just barely visable, tucked behind his belly chute, is the mouthpiece and lead pipe of a regulation camouflage Aman plastic bugle, custom made for the army to save brass for ammunition. (Look just above the wrap of rope.) There's a photo here of the Aman, from the Middle Horn Leader: http://www.middlehornleader.com/Evolution%20of%20the%20Bugle%20--%20Section%203.htm It was men like this of my father's generation (for most readers here, their grandfathers') who saved our way of life. And when they came home, they started the hundreds of junior American Legion, VFW, CYO, Scout, ANZAC, PAL, Jewish War Vets, Fire Department and other drum corps that grew into our beloved activity. We owe them, ...big time.

Some excellent points from all. Someone had asked about why Texas gets much better treatment from DCI and why more out-of-state corps seem to hold satelite operations there, even when Texas has only 1 World Class Drum Corps (Crossmen). This is a multi-pronged answer: 1. DCI did try to push hard for Florida. DCI Finals were held there 4 times (96, 97, 98, and 2003). They held a regional in Orlando for many years after. For a myriad of reasons, attendance wasn't great and the fans complained...a lot. 2. In terms of school band programs, Texas is a lot more like Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, etc.--only much bigger. In terms of sheer talent, Texas easily has the most "really good" band programs in the country. There are plenty of prospectives for all the corps to go after, so of course those corps cater to that talent by hosting camps in the state. 3. Because of this there was little reason for World Class or Open Class corps to start-up in the state. High school and college students had an easy time of finding just about any corps they wanted, right in their back yard. For many Texans, they prefered to ultimately march with corps located in the northern midwest, plains states, or east and west coat. But location wasn't the only thing. Many of Texas' best players wanted to go perform with the BEST corps. They wanted already-established groups with proven track records (as someone else mentioned). 4. DCI is not concerned whether more corps sprout up in Texas. The Texas DCI shows are all about recruiting talent. Period. I am not as aware of the quality of Florida's band programs. I do know that many are outstanding. I am sure there is a lot of talent in the state, and I do believe more drum corps should try to get that talent. Also, at one time Florida did have a track record of having several wonderful drum corps. Suncoast Sound was legendary in the 80s, and Magic of Orlando also gave us many thrilling shows. I miss both dearly. The state of Texas never had a D1 World Class corps sprout up internally. The Crossmen were bought from YEA and relocated to San Antonio. All in all, Texas supports drum corps shows in an incredible way. Attendance at shows down there are typically really good. The shows make money. Corps are paid well. There are plenty of schools and facilities for the corps to use when traveling through the state, and there is a PLETHORA of talent. Just about every top 12 corps has some Texas talent in their ranks. This is why DCI pushes Texas. But in fairness, DCI really pushed Florida, too. It just didn't pan out as planned. I, for one, hope that changes.

Very interesting

I'll agree....there are a lot of crazies in FL.

I won't speak for Chaos, but my opinion of the film music: you pick a Bernard Herrmann film score if you want a great piece of (thematic) orchestral music, something Regiment is known for picking (e.g., North by Northwest, even Cape Fear). They've played other great music that happened to be made for films. If you want to build a show with effect in mind, maybe you pick Horner or Howard, as Regiment has done this year. The source material isn't an iconic orchestral score - we're talking about King Kong or Weekend at Bernies or something. I don't have a problem with a corps playing film scores - but I have high expectations for the film scores that Regiment chooses. Similarly, what miffs me a bit is that they've chosen this Horner/Howard stuff for the ballad. What is Regiment known for? Iconic ballads that have been introduced to drum corps by Regiment (e.g., Novorssiysk Chimes, Claire de Lune (they did it best), Shosty's Piano Concerto, No. 2, Concerto for Orchestra, Paganini Variations). What did they choose this year? Unmemorable, run-of-the-mill movie stuff. (and what did they do last year? a ballad played several times in the last few years). When Regiment hired Jeremy Earnhart, I was hoping for a little fresh air. But not James Horner and King Kong.

To clarify, here's the link to the schedule: http://dci.thefannetwork.org/schedule/ The Crown Preview (6/15) is not VOD, it's live only. However, the Opening Night event (6/18) is live and VOD, and is only 3 days later. So everyone on FN will have a chance to see an early season Crown show whenever they want, so that's really not bad. Then the movie theater "Tour Premier" is on the 23rd (no FN coverage). Crown is in all three of these events.

Trust me I've thought about it but I would need like minded individuals and I've yet to fine any in central Florida...among many other things...

Looks like a Tuxedo but faded blue to black. Old School meets Cesario's new fad.

Hmm, perhaps it was a good idea for Cadets to come out with Cadets2? I guess time will tell.

Of course it is. Everybody who's anybody has a fade in their uniform!

Seems it worked out after all... not the way you intended... but worked out nonetheless.

Wow. I learned a lot from this post. Nicely done.

great they won persuasion, but what about percussion?

Yes I am but they are fun.

How come the cymbal line is always the most bad-azz part of any corps?

http://instagram.com/p/pKWWlwvGVr/

I'm sorry you can't respect honesty and truth and I have to "dance" around the subject to win your approval. Indeed in the early 80's it was that way but in the later 80's this was not the case, unless you weren't paying attention. I would also point out, and again another pet peeve of "if you can't do it well don't do it", was Regiment's Turnadot. In the beginning of their show they had the guard doing exposed tosses in like threes. ALL year including finals the toss catches were just bad. HOW could you not clean that? As a side note they changed the music and added body to just add "body" because the music IMHO didn't fit to add a silly visual. Not to pick on just Phantom doing this because they ALL do it. Nope, I never said that. But there is a LOT of it but you would have had to have taken dance to understand how bad it really is. Sometimes, it's good kind of like amplification. Sometimes. See I actually watch everything, you know what it takes to watch a DCI show these days. I was also the one that called out the "bums" running the sound boards on the 50 yard line a few back as well. I didn't say they needed 'straight" backs. I DID point out poor playing technique to LOOK emotional rather than play well. Just like the poor playing techniques we still see being taught with amplification that was supposed to be eliminated with amps.

Getting better!

Oh my GOD stop taking every little criticism so personally, what is this, Sharia law? I know my opinion means nothing, just saying what I think. I think I have that 1st amendment right. Geez.......I think it looks great and you still go after me. Sorry not EVERYONE loves it, not everyone is going to. Get over it. I dig it, and sounds like quite a few others really like it too.

I did not think I would like Boston's uniforms too much from a distance because of the fade effect that was mentioned, but I actually like them. From a distance they are very dark, and the blood-red makes them seem menacing. I don't mind that the logo is not able to be seen very well from afar, and they would not have designed it that way if they wanted you to clearly see each logo from the stands. They're winning the new uniform contest in my opinion - they did not change too much, and the design is not overly busy (especially from a distance).

It's a double edged sword though. Sharing your show with the world this early means DCP freaks out and stops just short of saying "this show is so terrible, I wouldn't be surprised if they were permanently banned from DCI."

I'm shocked that with all the Marching Band talent in Texas, coupled with all the DCI shows now in Texas that have taken place there over the years, that there has not been a serious World Class DIivision Corps that has come out of this large and growing state. Florida at least has a perennial Finalist World Class Division Drum Corps that has cultivated good outreach with the schools there, and has convenient camps there for Floridians to enable them to more easily participate in DCI at the highest levels. ( lots of BAC retiree alums now are residents of Florida, or at least " snowbirds ", and a few of them go over to Bradenton, Fl. to help out now there with the kids and their staffs at their winter camps ) Texas has lots of camps for Western, Midewestern, Northern based Corps, and has had DCI bend over backwards for the state in providing lots and lots of shows there in Texas ( some in outdoor venues as , muggy, rainy, hot as a pistol too ), but this effort has resulted in zip.... ie, no serious World Class Division Corps of their own in Texas that has come up thru the ranks to seriously challenge for a Top 12 status.... Yes, I know the Crossmen relocated there from back east, but no start up Corps have been serious movers that have been hatched and nurtured from the Lone Star State. Whats up with THAT ?

This is just the mirror image of a dinosaur who comes on DCP to rant about how they can't stand grounded pits, dancing guards and Bb horns. Different eras of drum corps are different. When we marched, we all thought our era was the best. You actually have to watch a bunch of shows from another era before you start to understand what's normal, and therefore what makes exceptional shows exceptional. The audience reaction to Madison '88 makes clear that those people thought they were watching something amazing. If you don't think it was amazing, you could be right, but it's also possible that you don't really understand where the activity was at in 1988.

I don't live in Florida, but I have family there and spend some time down there when I can. Florida is an interesting beast when it comes to funding a drum corps, hosting a show, and factors with local schools and the state's eco system (climate, economy, businesses, etc.). For starters, it does rain a lot, making it dicey to run a show. You would inevitably have many rain outs. An indoor venue would almost be a necessity. The last time DCI ran Finals there (2003) we dealt with serious rain each day. Semifinals ended at nearly 1am in the morning due to several rain delays, one of which I remember being almost 2 hours long. It's difficult on the marcher. The heat is just incredible with high humidity, especially in the central part of the state. Additionally, local public schools begin in early August so acquiring fields and gyms is not easy for the drum corps. I know that DCI was hoping to attract more of a Florida fan base for the activity, and also more marchers from that state. Most that want to march must leave the state, with the nearest corps being in Georgia or Alabama (not counting the few small corps that still exist in Florida--and they are not active or touring as of now). The eco system down there is very different. Tourism, retirees, and plenty of summer jobs for college students has an impact. I personally didn't mind DCI Finals being there once in a while. It's a big region with tons of hotels and lots of resorts and theme parks. If you paired your trip with a short vacation it was perfect and you didn't let the typically once-per-day rain affect you. But if you were just traveling to see the corps ONLY, then I imagine it wasn't the best experience. If DCI wants future shows in the state, I'd strongly suggest sticking with coastal regions (where it cools down a bit in the evening). I'd also suggest one show per year at Disney where DCI could tie it in with tourists, and the revenues might be good for both DCI and Disney. I'm not talking about using the Citrus Bowl, but some facility in the Disney complex...maybe at the sports complex. Maybe also having a parade in Disney and Epcott. If nothing else, these events would be revenue generating, even if they were not your traditional shows. But yes, running a traditional show in Florida is not easy.

This was discussed on the Marching Roundtable podcast, and they hit the nail on the head. Top-level marching bands have long gravitated to neutral colors - white, black and now gray - in order to give a neutral palette to visual designers and guards. DCI, however, is so entwined with "brand" identity that colors tend to be brighter and bolder. Michael Cesario said during his guest appearance that in the most recent Cavaliers uniform redesign (2010), he pushed hard to limit the amount of green on the jacket as it limits what you can line up next to it. However, the corps powers that be have pretty much guaranteed him that the next version, whenever it comes, will have *more* green, as they think it's gone too far to black. In that context, it's no surprise that Spirit ditched the previous unis (white, black and gray) for a bolder, more colorful "Spirit" look (blue). I still like them a lot, and I don't think the deltas on the front will be any better or worse looking than Cavies' gears or Phantom's shields were. Mike

Black sombreros, Traditional White Satin Blouses, Black pants with Red/Black/Gold stripes and red kickpleats, Black shoes. Of course there is a White t-shirt underneath the White satin shirt. Are you expecting something different?

If you find a drone has wandered away from the competition and is continually hovering just above your seat, you may have said some things on DCP...