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Seems to me, you aren't getting a lot of meaningful help here. Full disclosure first....I am an alumni of Blue Devils back around the time the dinosaurs went extinct so my experience with auditioning for them is irrelevent. However, my son auditioned for them this year so I can tell you a little of his experience. First, I'm not going to lie, it's an intimdating environment. Probably no more so than any top drum corps but intimidating none the less. You're going to be nervous so telling you not to be is just dumb. Try to remember though that everyone else there is just as nervous as you. Your best weapon against nerves...be prepared. You have to go in knowing the audition packet cold, knowing your etudes cold. You are competing against the best of the best, usually for very limited spots so you have to give them no excuse to not take you seriously. Don't be too concerned with a specific marching style but you need to be very comfortable with movement. They stressed staying relaxed a lot at my son's audition. Also, if it is at all possible get some formal dance training. It will help you with your balance, control, strength and confidence. They spent a huge amount of time (maybe 3/4?) in the movement segment of the camp doing ballet and dance basics. Most important, don't let anyone tell you you're crazy or that you don't have a prayer...you do. You just have to remember that the Blue Devils are going to attract the very best of the best, and usually a lot of them! If that's where you want to be then do your homework, go in prepared and give it your best shot. Good luck! Dan

I can't take the Pepsi challenge with Madison 88 and Star 93. How about: SCV 2004 v SCV 2014- Scheherazade Cadets 1984 v 1994 v 2009- West Side Story

Ya, I really don't care to know what they are doing as long as when I go to see it; it's good. I feel no need to slot corps from music/show design before I see and hear it on the field.

I'm looking at it from 2015 eyes, no doubt. In 1993 I was not a fan of Star, but I honestly wasn't that big of a fan of 1988 Scouts either (I liked SCV a lot better in 88). In 1993 I honestly don't know what I would've said: the drummer in me would've chosen Star 1993 in a heartbeat over Scouts 88: I still think that 1993 percussion section was one of the best ever. The general drum corps fan in me would've likely chosen Scouts 88 as it would've been more tolerable to sit through to me than Star 1993. But I don't think that 88 show has aged well (as most most have not either) while Star 1993 has.

Please send our best wishes for Krista's Birthday!!! Here's to MANY, MANY more!!

As much as the testosterone from Madison in '88 powered a great performance, the demand on the performer was greater in '93 Star whom I was surprised did not get a higher score over Cadets. I too saw both performances of '88 Madison and '93 Star live at championships and several times that season. The fear of the Star's design, particularly young JVdK's visual program, wrought panic among most corps' administrators that this was where the activity would be headed if Star won. Questionable percussion scores earlier in the week further handicapped the whole Jackson championships. The activity went the way of Star '93 anyway even though they didn't get the placement they deserved. Their legacy looms larger than a name on a trophy.

I voted Star 93, but only because I listen to it more often. I also love Madison 88. As many before me have said, apples and oranges. Star 93 was groundbreaking, with lots of body movement, silence, and finesse. Madison 88 was loud, proud, face-melting awesome. The drum corps activity needs both, or else it would be a boring grey mush of sameness.

Star. I to this day believe Madison wasn't the best corps on the field that night. I haven't since I saw it live

I think DCI is doing just fine

Now those are logical comparisons!

There are also plenty out there that will put on their armchair directors hat and critique, question, assume how the show will be a failure. Announcements may also cause some to donate or purchase things from the corps, but I seriously doubt it would help the corps significantly. As I've stated, Chris Komnick has great reasons for waiting on an announcement-including making sure the legal bases are covered-and if people really need an answer contact him, he's open about discussing the subject.

Sometimes when you present something new, it doesn't get credit until years after.( when someone else does it) You have to realize that Star 93 was presenting something new to DCI audiences and some judges. They took what Academie Musicale and L'Insolite did with body movement and visual expression( in class A now open class) and put it on the big stage in world class! Star 93 was unique, they were Avant Guard. They got boo'd, They were chastised, Now champions are doing what they did. Like the 2006 Cadets or 2004 Crown.People crapped over their shows but, now Corps are singing, Talking, carrying benches ( even jumping off of them) Props and Characters of all shapes and sizes. And, its excepted and winning now! Cadets 93 were great! Star 93 was ahead of the curve!

right. a pole with a flag is "equipment" :-) fwiw i don't think this definition applies anymore (at least it doesn't in WGI). "any hand-manipulated prop is also considered an adjunct of the equipment library."

Three days left for the Nashville showing and 60 seats need to be reserved ASAP!!!

Go Madison Scouts!

" I am curious as to how much they were paid" A lot, and worth every bit of it. "Spirit of Atlanta was also a bunch of 'bandos'. Indeed, and they too had a dream team staff, including Jim Ott, Tom Float and Scott Chandler.

One thing that can never be taken away from Star ' 93 Finals performance that endears themselves to so many current newer fans is that this powerful and emotional petformance was done entirely without any narration, props of any kind, amplification, etc and yet has stood the test of time.,, even with fans of DCI that were not yet born in ' 93 . That in itself is amazing and a worthwhile lesson to learn from this, imo

I think this comes from the percussion ensemble as a whole was written in a way that not only featured them in a quality way, but was also performed at a high level. The Rennick's put lots of notes when it was appropriate, and didn't try to be flashy when it wouldn't have made musical sense. It was intelligent writing, performed by wonderful musicians. At least, that's why I feel it is regarded so highly.

The people that were around in 93 and for 88 by and large have moved on. So they don't count . But if the ones that saw both shows live were around today and were included In this poll, ' 88 Madison would win this current poll today , imo .,. even today . I believe the judges got both placements right. I do think that Star '93 however is in the top 5 for best 2nd Place performances. As for what " kind of shows" do we prefer, I don t understand the question, so can't answer it. I like lots of variety generally however .Thus, I liked both shows about equally well, but if pushed to choose, I suppose I' d give the edge to '88 Madison as they were not ranked in the top 4 early that early summer season, but really turned it in at Finals with their performance and won over both the large Finals crowd as well as the judges for a convincing win.

Really? I loved Concerto for Guitar and Jazz Orchestra.

. It lasted apparently until Tennille told the Captain not to " Do That To Me One More Time"

You know, Fran, the more I listen to "Billy the Mountain", I think of an intensely blazed Garrison Keillor doing this on Prairie Home Companion.

I think when one looks at these very different shows you have to ask yourself , are you looking at it through 1993 eyes or 88 eyes or 2015 eyes. Ones answer can be very very different then. As with most things also subjective.

If we're talking about the same facility, it was approved by the board of trustees in 2010. The pledge from the Athletic department took place in 2012, and as of February 2013 the fundraising drive was still short of the $5.5 million mark (which the university stated it would match through private funds). A press release at the time stated: The Band Practice Facility project was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2010 and will provide more than 32,500 square feet of space for the nationally renowned program. The total cost of the facility is estimated at $10 million and will feature a concert band rehearsal hall, percussion studio, marching band rehearsal hall, practice studios, administrative offices, archive gallery and a music library. From the sounds of things, it appears that the project would have applications beyond simply the Marching Band. I'll see what more I can find on the matter...

I was privileged to see both shows live. To me, the answer to the question is simple... I prefer the 1988 Madison Scouts show to the 1993 Star of Indiana show. As we sit here in 2015 and reflect on it all, it's easy to see how 1993 Star was clearly more influential, intellectual, etc., all of which I can appreciate, and I believe credit should be given for what the show has achieved long-term. Having said that, I don't appreciate 1993 Star for it's impact back in 1993. In fact, as many would agree, it's impact back then was quite unappreciated. Today, I see its relevance being associated with transformation of the activity... which runs the gamut of good, bad or indifferent, depending upon the person. Bottom line, I choose Madison because of what it afforded me back then... in real time... and what it does for me today. The show was designed for a specific purpose, and to me that purpose was achieved in 1988 and it continues to deliver today. My opinion is based purely upon design, performance achievement, and the somewhat obvious effect that the design and performance had on the vast majority of those experiencing it live. Similar to Star Wars - Episode IV "A New Hope," the movie was great then, and it still is. Today, when I discuss and describe drum corps as an exciting, entertaining, emotionally spectacular musical genre, to me, an accurate reference and example would be the 1988 Madison Scouts (among others). There isn't much need for in-depth analysis of that program to understand how the above adjectives apply. When I discuss or describe programs that fall in the vein of 1993 Star, those adjectives would be more along the lines of innovative, intellectual, provocative, emotionally dark, sophisticated, etc. To me, that show example (though appreciated for what it is) is a different discussion. For me, Star 1993 was not what I was looking for in 1993, and thus, it didn't do much for me. I appreciate it now mostly for it's influence factor and the mystique that surrounds Star's lasting legacy. Had Star stayed, there would likely have been similar shows (and championship trophies), and 1993 would be a defining reference point overshadowed by what was achieved by Star subsequent to that production.

Not only critiquing it, but there is also the fact that it may take months to get clearance for music rights. That would then mean that the design team would need to have the music picked possibly 6 months or more in advance, which puts them in the middle of the previous season. Just wouldn't work. It cracks me up that people feel as fans they are entitled to information when they're not involved or supporting the various corps in any way. It wasn't that long ago when most had no idea of what a corps was performing until June.

The thing is, if they would stop the super secrecy & just announce the show, people would be talking about it. I have never understood the benefit of holding back show information. DCI should have an announcement day sometime in January where all Drum Corps announce their shows. Imagine the anticipation & buildup to that!

"The first noteworhty piece of real estate they destroyed was edwards air force base".... Yes, BD could definitely do this.

My method for breaking puppies is related to my method for breaking kittens. For cats I use a catapult - check wind speed and direction - do the math - aim it for the neighbor's pool. Puppies you have to use a dogapult, but same general principle. Make fewer allowances for wind direction, but more for drag.

No rules congress = thank goodness. DCI the org could use a little less drama. Mike

I'm sure George Hopkins complained...sorry someone was going to say it.

Scouts Scouts was a much better live show than Star, this is where the video lies. it fails to pick up the GE and impact of Scouts performance and gives a lot more GE to Star than what was on the field I saw both live and the feeling after Scouts was much different than after Star. Scouts gave it up; it’s what I want from live drum corps, a punch in the face. Most the people that gush on Star 93 never saw it live; from the stands it was pretty boring where only the first half of Scouts 88 was boring

I like waffles.

2nd year out...give 'em a break. OTOH...I think this is the very first pics I've EVER seen with the infamous "Gerbil Wheels."

Phantom

Also BRASSO, may I point out this you said the following in the Boston Crusaders 75th Anniversary post (post #29) Why exactly have you written the EXACT POLAR OPPOSITE of what you wrote in this topic here? It seems like you have a little thinking to do about which side you're actually on. If you're going to try to derail threads by pointlessly bringing the G7 into every single thing you post, atleast do it right.

yup... actually too broke... I'd have bought them if I had had any money... but started with nothing, am ending with nothing but had a ball in between...