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You're right. Everybody looks the same. Oh wait.....

This is not news if one has been present at DCI practices for a while now. The change is based on 3 reasons: DCI'd medical committee took the suggestions of the emergency room staffs, medical schools which studied drum corps (such as Indiana), and best current practices to heart. Better understanding of skin cancer, hydration, audio and aural health, and nutrition and rest have led to better practice procedures (number of water breaks, types of diet, physical training, etc.) The matter of neighborhood and school district standards have been given greater respect. No smoking on school property, strict adherence to laws concerning alcohol and intoxicants, and the issues of sexual pressures/assaults/sensitivities all come into play beyond common decency. If the school district has a rule no one is shirtless on school property it applies to the corps as well. Corps almost always give the clinics to band kids in some sort of uniform look whether matching tee shirts or section clothes. Corps today practice more often in practice shirts, section colored shorts, show head gear, show shoes etc. It is easier for the instructor(s) from the box to see the problems, give advice, and correct them. With so many faculty flying in and out of the whole tour, it is easier for the visiting faculty to teach. It also gives a better sense of the total package and whether proposed changes actually work in reality, not just theory..

I am posting this link to a video NOT to ridicule this family-owned business for stating their beliefs regarding this law and the LGBT community. I am posting this link to ridicule their belief that a couple (gay or otherwise) would order pizzas for their wedding reception!!!

Oh please....the only 2 corps in WC that might look a little similar -- and that from a distance -- are BD and BK...and not even BK now (edited because I forgot they had completely new unis last year) If you can't tell Mandarins from BD from Cavies from Cadets from Crown from Colts from Xmen from Madison etc...you must not be looking at the same corps I am. How mahy corps way back in the day wore silks in solid color with a printed cross sash, or wore cadets? A crapload...I can't tell Garfield from Vagabonds (when they wore cadets). The "they all look the same" trope is old and tired...and it's not true.

5 days and 55 pages later, and we still have people making "20 states have the same law" posts. Which then kicks of the same links in reply as the previous 17 times. Are y'all actually reading this thread? It's like living my own Groundhog Day movie.

DCi should just move finals anyway. the left coast is way overdue

Come on, dinosoars, get with the program. With the new types of uniforms/costumes on the field, many corps already do give the kids the "show whities" for under the uni. Of course, the cost is paid out of the tour fee package. Many corps do make the suncreens available, sometimes free, sometimes at a discounted cost. This is similar to the Eastern corps giving their kids Deep Woods, etc. when they tour in Minnesota and Wisconsin and meet the state "bird." And for the Swamp tour of the bayous, well I don't think anything is strong enough, (although some use the stuff one uses for the clothes driers.) Even Cadets have relented and now allow the MMs to wear sunglasses on the practice field so as to protect the eyes.

Do you think DCI will make any kind of formal protest or statement about their states new "religious freedom" law? How many more years are they locked into that stadium? Time to pull out IMO

It definitely is.

That's certainly one way to look at it. Or SCV finding consistent design and instructional staffs. But sure, it's because of someone else that they're doing better now. /s

Hate to spoil the party, and sure, I could be wrong on this...but am I really the only one aware of the calender date?

Again...you entirely missed the point of what I was saying. But..you do highlight it yet again in my mention of Bayonne. Bayonne from 76 on was what you say. Before that they wer just another corps in either a satin top or later the cadet-style jacket. And...in 76 there were people when they came out in those distinctive unis who hated that look and said they were not a drum corps. I loved them from day 1 in 76...but some did not. As to today...the posts after yours put that to rest.

You might want to check the date before you take that too seriously...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206394600322729&set=pcb.10206394606362880&type=1&theater https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206394602882793&set=pcb.10206394606362880&type=1&theater https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206394603402806&set=pcb.10206394606362880&type=1&theater https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206394604562835&set=pcb.10206394606362880&type=1&theater https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206394605322854&set=pcb.10206394606362880&type=1&theater (and he DID, too!)

They had a good brass-only camp this past weekend, with special guest-instructor Al Chez. Everyone seems to be pleased with the current level of playing (though what corps does NOT say that?). 92 days and counting until their first competition.

... If it weren't Holy Saturday night with the Easter Vigil, I'd be there. Gene deserves this and much more Agreed ... Easter Week is tough ... maybe the organizers will have an alternate Memorial get together during the season ... like a tailgate at one of the NY Metro shows ... maybe in Bridgeport at the Barnum or Hurcs show (both at Kennedy Stadium) ... Bpt is always friendly to dc and tailgates ... :-)

Also, it is likely that WGI's timeline was driven by sorting out solutions by Dayton finals. DCI has less urgency in this area ... currently.

Anyways... I believe we are now on Magic... The Hit... For me this is an absolute dead heat between 1990 and 1994: The Miss? Probably their most "professional" look (and also tame and boring....) Next up... BLUE STARS

Sitting in the stands as a soon to be freshman in high school, in '92 at my first corps show, and hearing that drum feature from the Crossmen. I turned to our band's drum major and the upper-classmen members of the drumline that brought me with them to the contest, and I said, "I am going to march for the Crossmen one day!!!" The drum major said, "Better get practicing." and some of the senior drumline members laughed. All of them came to watch me my first year at Finals!

Ray P and all: How Lucky and PROUD I am to have competed in: The National Dream (Both JR and SR parts. Many years apart) and VFW Nationals at Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ American Legion Nationals in RFK Stadium in Washington, DC Barnum Festival in Bridgeport, Conn. March of Champions (Yankee Rebels show) at Baltimore Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, MD Can't remember the show name. But, the Big Show in Harrisburg, PA I was actually trying to find out more about the BIG shows of today. But Four of the biggest memories' of mine were: 1 - Standing on the Staring Line at the '66 Dream (my First big time Contest). Looking straight ahead to the Finnish Line Seeing a Solid mass of people in the End Zone seats. . As Full as at the 50 yard line. Watching the Kilties on the field, and scared 1/2 to death. "What have I got myself into?" But as most of you know. That disappears once you start. 2 - March of Champions in Baltimore. We had started the season not doing very well. So we Changed the Entire off the Line. Both Music and Drill. But this was the night we put in the NEW stuff. AND by God. We hit it off Fantastic and that made the rest of the show Also as well. The Crowd went absolutely BOZO Crazy. We did not win and the Crowd was really Angry. The 4 Season Song "Oh What A Night" always reminds me of that Night. 3 - Barnum Festival in Bridgeport. Thought I was going to Choke to Death with all the Fireworks Smoke at Retreat. Great show Great Fans though. 4 - Montreal Olympic Stadium in Canada. We were hired to do the 1/2 time for the CFL team. The Stadium had a part of the Olympic Closing Ceremonies Pre game, then us for 1/2 time on that Huge football field. Remember it was marked for a CFL game. Longer and Wider than American Football. What Great fun. Special also for me because I got to ride the Corps BUS. I always worked the Equipment Truck with Gene Warden and another guy.

True but SCV is operating on a new tier the past 2 years regardless of others

Please consult with Phantom Regiment's "Queen Joan" and Cadets '14 first before attempting such. :-) Then again, Crown might re-utilize the trampolines for a wonderfully mid-air flying somersault before landing down the Satanic tunnel. However, would they have to pay royalties to Gibbs if the prop looked like Satan and the devils or to Hopkins if they were merely Demons?

http://yamahacorpus.tumblr.com/post/110751534476/madison-scouts-and-yamaha-dci-history

I agree 100%. They've been searching for an identity since Scott left. One of the unique things under Scott Stewart was that the staff was pretty much 99% former Scouts. They didn't need to explain it to anyone because everyone already knew. In '96, I think the only staff member who was not an alum was either Taras Nahirniak (sp?) or Jeff Moore. Can't remember which. Don't get me wrong, I think Scott had rubbed too many people the wrong way with his attitude and it was time for him to go. I appreciated that attitude at the time, but it's easy to say "screw the judges, we play for the fans" when you're still drawing top-end talent and placing well. This is now the 6th complete staff turnover (give or take a few guys) in 13 years (averaging every 2 years at this point) and still no identity in sight. That once powerful brand has now been turned into a cookie-cutter DCI "also ran" corps. I never thought I'd see the day when I could say with begrudging confidence that the freakin Bluecoats are more likely to win a championship before the Scouts will.

It certainly is the reality of the situation. I remember calling my brother in '01 when they finished 11th. We were utter shock. The thought of the Scouts not being in the top 6 was inconceivable. Then we chose to go to quarter finals in 2002 to make sure we saw the Scouts. 2003-06 were trying to find a brand in my opinion. Keep the Scouts history but place higher. Below par in my opinion in design expect for 05 in my opinion. The bottom dropped out in 07, and it's been a struggle to fight their way back since 05. I never ever ever thought that it would be this hard of a struggle. I never thought I'd see the day when the Scouts would be offering a reduced rate for someone that could throw down some double G's, but I guess it is what it is. I'm happy with the staff changes this year. I hope we don't have to hear Malaga or Malequena again to tell us that they're still the Scouts. I'd like a show announcement soon. I'd love a great show design. I thought a Kenton/Ellis show would be great. I want my favorite corps back. I want some cool grooves from the drum line, and a powerful horn line and some screaming soloists, and a return to the top six. Too much to ask?? Who knows. I was part of the hype in 07-09 here, and I'm ever hopefull now. Sorry for the length.... Rant over

I think the important point is that I quite clearly care about the state of the corps within the activity. I'm just done sugar-coating and am to the point of speaking frankly and being honest about the reality of the situation. If this year doesn't live up to even reasonable expectations, they are looking at once again dropping out of finals. That's unacceptable. You don't have to like the messenger...but this is the reality of the situation.

Gotta tell ya Justin, you are good for a lot of laughs.But I gotta tell you I'm done here. I mean you're literally a walking contradiction. From your posts that contradict themselves, to the BigBadMadMan name, just not worth the read anymore, and certainly worth the response.

This is caring? Anyway, if our corps is mediocre, and you don't want to belong, take 1996 off your signature, get rid of your jacket and #### off. You probably don't stay in touch with any of your brothers, that won't be an issue. Why don't you just move on. There's a great 2015 Colts thread going on, hand out there.

Supporting the corps that gave me so much, and continues to is being on a high horse? Then if that's the case, I'll keep riding.

Don't feed the troll, It's not worth it.

mvbailey, I believe we may have met at one of the winter drumline shows; I remember you telling me about your two kids. If you're interested, I can send you a copy of the Chops hornline book. It has a range of exercises to cover lip slurs, articulations, fingerings, etc. Also, you are certainly welcome to come check out a rehearsal, even if you won't be able to march this season. Our next hornline camp is April 11/12. You can reach me by PM here or email spandy@chopsinc.com.

Is 4 closed posts in two days a new record here?

Don't sweat it to much. Most of the time, if you can put your left foot in front of the right, and your body temperature is 98.6, your in!

Don't know if I'd say EVERY line sounds like that, though I can think of a few that definitely do.......blech. And I dig the Mylar as well. I really like the deeper, wetter sound myself, has lots of punch. Just not TOO wet. Are those snares tilted a little in the vid. or am I just crooked? I dig that clip quite a bit. Has Sparling been caption head the past few years? If he's responsible for 2012 - 2014 I've been really impressed with the lines the past few years, excited to see that continue, if so. They've definitely delivered for me the past 3 years in the percussion department.

I've read more than my share of your posts, and no, I'm not going to go back many years. I simply find it sad that you would bail on the corps simply because they have not been a perennial Top 6 corps in a very long time. Furthermore, if you feel that strongly about their placement, why even come into the thread about the corps? Why even comment? I'll be honestly, I'm not thrilled that the corps hasn't placed where they used to, but at the same time, I really don't care about that. Didn't when I marched, and I really don't now. Reason being, I know that the lessons the guys are learning on and off the field are the right lessons. I'm sure the corps appreciates your driving abilities, I know I certainly do, as that is outside my skill set. I'm just pointing out the simple fact that your recent posts, which you referred to have been largely negative, so why bother? You bring up volunteering for the corps, which again, I appreciate people that do that, but why not send Chris Komnick, Dann Peterson(who clearly you know well having marched with him), Gregg Auby, a message. Voice your concern, they'll listen. I fired off an email to Gregg Auby days after finals and had a response within minutes, and the funny thing is, many of the thoughts I had are changes that came in the fall. I'm not suggesting it is because of me by any means, but I appreciate that they took the time to listen, and respond. As for James Mason, I had higher hopes as well, and the same hype happened when Sal/Cesario came in for the fall of 2003. My point is that at least they're making an effort to fix things. I just don't understand why the energy is taken on here to criticize and defeat what they're doing in March, when it could be better spent contacting people that have some control over things. As for the visual program and guard, from what I experienced with the current members at Macy's and watching the corps last summer, mixed with the new people coming in for 2015, I am sure that area of the corps will be vastly improved over 2014. The hard thing too is that those aspects of the corps may not have been given good numbers, but they were talented and performed a high level. Did they in the judges eyes, no, but let's be honest, hasn't that been the case many times in the corps history?

So the changes made in 2010 didn't help? The changes in the fall of 2014 won't help? You honestly believe bringing back much of the talent from the 2014 staff, along with KC Michel, David Veda, and Scott Boerma coming back, as well as the additions to the staff that will be new in 2015 won't help? I guess we're all entitled to our own opinion, but the one you expressed is comical. As for the troll thing, sorry dude, that's all this crap that you write is. You don't support your corps in any way on this site. I am sure you haven't supported the corps in any way since you aged out-financially or volunteering. You simply write things from your account on here, and probably have never addressed a single concern with people that are teaching and running the corps who can actually listen to your thoughts and possibly take ideas from you. I've written emails, made phone calls, spoken to people with the corps at shows, rehearsals, and at Macy's, and I can tell you first hand that they listen and want to hear from people. It takes less time than writing a post on here, and will actually make a difference.

They are a deeper, sometimes described as "wetter" sound. Kevlar head's are much tighter on the drum and can sometimes feel like you're playing on a table top if they're cranked too hard. Many say it's harder to play clean on mylar heads, and often parts may not contain as much intricacy as those lines playing on kevlar. If you listen to a snare break up until the late 80's, then listen to snare break from after that time period you'd probably be able to hear the difference. Here's a snare solo from an SCV member in the 1970's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aZPHXyGP3Y on mylar. Here's a snare solo from Pat Fitzgibbon from 1999 Madison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08UcgR2Fv6o

Announcing the Bluecoats 2015 Show..."STILLt"

PS - very happy and proud to say that my son will be marching with JS this summer.

Now as a brass player I would have to say depending on the the position you are carrying it in can really make the difference. OK first off all soprano and mellophone players sorry you will never have any room to complain. As for the big boys in brass, baritones you make a good third behind contras and euphs. Contras are just a beast no matter which way you work it. Having to flip the horn at the same speed of someone carrying a sop is quite the adventure. but by far one of the coolest things to watch. Contras will just beat you in many different ways. If you are carrying the horn in carrying (CHOP) position imagine all of that weight on your arms and hands, then the rest of your upper body has to adjust as you try to carry this wonderful piece of equipment. This is really painful during basics when your instructor decides to rant on and on and on and on and on and on and he forgets that he has everyone up in chop position. Now Euphs in playing position is very painful because of the design of the horn. the bell is way out there and the horn is not balanced the way it should be. I am a contra person, I would have to say Euph's and contras are equal and Iw ould never say one is more painful than the other. Percussion-I always hold mutual respect for the big basses and the tenors because of how they can pull on the body because the weight is out in front of you. Which is best. Anyone who can carry a big insturment and make it look like it is light as feather, you are the best. Shannon