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Don is THE reason I'm involved with writing for DCI. He asked me to write the LP liner notes in 1984, followed by writing for DCI Contest Guild, (the predecessor to DCI Today), followed by asking me to write the DCI program book in 1989, which led to all sorts of stuff and everything I do for DCI now. He meant so much to me that on his very last day as Executive Director of DCI, I took my marimba to the DCI office and gave him an impromptu recital of corps songs..."Over the Rainbow," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "Somewhere" from "West Side Story," "Danny Boy," "Send in the Clowns," and others. In the most literal way possible, he changed my life.

I once met a Dora, a Flora, and a Nora ,.. but I never Metamora

I predict there is a 180 page topic that has this exact thing on page 2 and predict the threads will be merged

Finally, my first live showing of Bluecoats, PR, and Troop in 2015! I will give this review my best shot. I liked or appreciated something about every performance. Racine Scouts- I think the show idea is good. They try to convey the story of Van Gogh when he was insane, painting from his wild imagination. The production contains a "Van Gogh" figure represented by a guard member, and a painting easel that is often a visual focus. I believe the painting is "Starry Night", though it is hard to tell in that when it is finally revealed at the end of the performance, it is the size of a children's book. That is a silly design flaw if you ask me. Really? Make it 8 times bigger. I can't imagine you cannot find even free resources to make it so. The percussion section is full and they are extremely aggressive in their approach, but also have moments of quiet, tasteful parts that are pretty cool to listen to. The guard is okay, having work completed in about half the show. The paintbrush props for the guard are clever, but need to be brighter. The vocalist in the ballad did a nice job. I will not belabor the issue that there are only four brass in that those kids probably feel extremely vulnerable already. I thought that when I could hear them, they did some decent things, including a ballad moment on the front sideline. For our oldest corps still in existence, I tried to fully appreciate their efforts tonight and hope they have a fun summer. Colt Cadets- This show was a clear step up from Racine. Their show theme is "Fire and Ice". It seems interesting to me that the things I would have guessed were most easily put together (the idea of fire with aggressive music, fire imagery, a fiery voice over, etc. would be easier than a transparently scored ballad, and super exposed visual and musical ideas) though I thought they pulled the "Ice" stuff off better than the "fire" stuff. They have fire influenced flag designs that work well. In the Ice portion, the brass and then percussion take off their jackets to reveal a blue and white top that supports the Ice theme. They have somewhat of an open class air about them that I thought speaks well for the design team and instructional staff. They of course have a lot to clean up in that they were pretty dirty. I did enjoy them, though. SOA- The show starts with a fine soloist and then bam, we are hit with some brass impact and a short loud intro. You can hear the Tara's theme in the intro and at other times, though it is pretty altered. I did not feel an old school Spirit connection to it though. The brass have a big sound and at times the pitch locked in pretty well. As the program persisted, pitch seemed a real struggle. There were some interesting electronic fire sound effects and the guard is wearing what looks to be a theme-supported fire-type design on a dark unitard-like base. I thought the drum writing was cool at times, but those times seemed drum-centric and not really supportive or idiomatic to the show theme. They also had some pretty big snare blow-ups and a tenor moment that seemed like someone forgot the change. They hit you with sound and not much else in way of variety of effect. They do have a fantastic soloist that plays very musically. There was some play-acting that I think was intended to display oppression or maybe being caught by a fire, but it was not sold well tonight. The color guard is still underdeveloped and is not too often integrated into the drill. They did have a few long guard phrases that were pretty clean. It seems to me the designers need to make a lot of changes in order to keep up with everyone else's modern day shows. The production ended in a major key and was much more upbeat than the rest of the show, but I am not sure what caused that. I had an hour-long car ride to think about my review and had the hardest time formulating what I would say about Spirit. It is like they are a rough diamond that you are looking at through six feet of dirty glass. It seems like parts and pieces are there somewhere, it just doesn’t all connect or communicate an overall idea or aesthetic. I was hoping that what previous viewers were saying would have proven different by the show last night, but it does seem another poorly designed offering. Still time for changes, but not too much. Colts- Another narration show, which is fine, but if you are going to claim that niche (which is original), do it in such a way that everyone really likes it, really understands it, is pulled in by it, and remembers it. I cannot say that is yet happening to any measurable degree. I wanted to get my negatives out of the way first- All that said, I do like the show. The brass have some good punch and like most, still have some balance issues and cracked pitches to clean up here and there. The guard is all in various costumes to fit the 1940s noir Radio Show theme. They were quite good and extremely well integrated into the visual package. There is a tall stage on the right side of the pit where actors occasionally go to play-act certain scenes- that all needs much more development. The radio announcers/personalities are in front of the stage. I almost think they should be on the stage the entire time, as that would help with visual focus- and, if actors come up there from time to time, we can get that they are all in the studio together. I guess I want to see what the show announcement described as the audience seeing behind the scenes of making a murder mystery radio show. The drums are fine and will clean up. The guard will clean up as well. The drill is super well done and will help them stay above several groups. Feet are coming along really nicely. If the right changes are made (a parent in the seat next to me said they have made changes the last few days. Some were in the show, some not yet), this could be the dark horse corps come August. They just have to be the right changes. I think the instructional staff will get them where they need to be, the designers just need to really make the narration and show so well intergraded and complementary that as I said before, we are pulled in immediately and are on the edge of our seats following along with great anticipation for what is coming next. A killer ending (pun intended) story-wise and drum-corps-doing-drum corps-wise could put it over the top in regards to jumping a place or three. Troopers- They come on the field and just seem to carry themselves in a way that proudly says Troopers. I am not sure exactly what that is or how it is accomplished, but it is palpable. All the talk about comparisons to "Triple Crown" are perhaps justified, but I found myself not really making or even thinking about those comparisons. The guard does take on the role of horses and the horn line, the trainers. White fences are used to create different stages, looks, and toward the end, one big horse corral. The brass sound spectacular most of the show. Better than Spirit or Colts. The drum line is fine, and had a few really crystal clear moments in the show that may be a sign of some good cleaning starting to happen. The first half is a bit more traditional Troopers. The ballad is good, but seems to need some tweaking for the effect to come across more powerfully. The closer is the most non-Troopers and I really like it. They are not performing it as well as the rest of the show, but I imagine it has been on the field the least amount of time. The guard is better than last year. I wish at least one flag was a bit more colorful, impactful. At the end, all the horses are pushed into a open corral-like stage using the fences on the right side of the field. As the corps proper moves toward them, the horses “escape” and run off the field. I think it pretty effective considering the show is called “Wild Horses”, but it seems that just before that moment, we need a bigger wow. I really enjoyed them and felt they placed where they should tonight, though Colts maybe start invading their scoring space really soon. Phantom- Like Troppers, there is a persona that the corps carries as they come on the field, but it isn’t the same aura that they have had for decades, and even three or four years ago. As of the past few years, they always seem to look dumpy/apologetic to me. Part of it is how they wear their plume. Letting it sag so much in the middle that it bounces and flails around when they march. It drives me crazy. Coats used to do that too. Part of it seems to be the body training in that while they march fine, their body stuff looks stiff, un-natural, forced, not ergonomic. The show is a bit old school, but I really enjoyed it. A lot of that is because of the guard and how much they add to the theme and how well they carry themeselves as you think Audrey Hepburn would. I am able to dispel disbelief in that of course Audrey would not march around a field throwing sixes or jazz run at 180 beats a minute. Somehow through the drum corps guard requisites, they look elegant and mature, calm and in control. The costume and flags, the arm poofs and skirt change for the ballad are so well conceived. While praising the guard, I cannot short change the brass that sound just wonderful. Phantom-rich and broad. Their book seems a little thin compare to others, but the book is pretty true to the originals and not full of technique for technique’s sake. Not my favorite arrangement of "Claire de Lune" however. It came across as stale. The drums are good as well. The snare tuning seemed a bit boxy to me and I don’t think the heads spoke well in that stadium. The drill is big as usual, but I liked it more than the past few years. The opening set is stunning and the other concrete images that appear add to the programmatic intent. The ending needs to be changed. That is probably planned. It will be interesting to see where the judges place them in that their show is very different than everyone else’s. I do think they could modernize and still be their typical big orchestral selves. It seems though that Cadets and Crown have taken on that role, at least this year. Bluecoats- My, my, my. What was that? Its like the first time you see the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Its flies by at break neck speed, looks nothing like anything you have ever seen before, and leaves you slack-jawed and asking “What the hell was that? It was awesome!” This is a game changer. Some have described BD as that the past several years- not BDs moniker any longer. They brass, drum, and guard amazingly well. The guard costumes of various swirled colors that is then used as the palate for all the flag designs works really well against the corps proper uniform. The drum line and brass are again smokin’, both candidates for top honors, albeit in company with several other strong candidates. The rolling silver human-sized hamster cages are cool and used really well for all kinds of purposes, not just staging. The talk of the town is of course the use of electronics. Talk about spending considerable time thinking all of this out. Speakers in front and four across the field are used in so many ways: 1. Sounds to add to the brass/percussion orchestration for various colors. 2. Electronic effects that are on top of the orchestration. 3. Side to side effects. 4. Doppler effects. 5. Live music played by small ensembles that are recorded live and then looped back through the speakers (WHAT?!) 6. Random short sound effects that jump from speaker to speaker. There is so much to take in at one time. I cannot wait to see it again. Head and shoulders above the other groups in all areas. They have some transitions to work out, especially getting soloists, small ensembles out and back in to the drill. Regardless of any current flaws, a B-2-Bomber-Wow! if there ever has been one in DCI. Afterburner: With so many different approaches to effect, a very healthy thing for the activity in my view, I wanted to spend some time doing research as to how DCI judges deal with the differences. How do they compare apples to oranges, as they say. Though I did not find much about the actua judging, I did find myself thinking about how design should use the sheets in the winter when constructing the shows. It seems some staffs hardly consider many of the things indicated as the foundation/repertoire for creating effect. I looked up the DCI GE sheets this morning. I was surprised that there are so few words on the left side of the sheet, the repertoire side. There are only five bullet points, fifteen words total, and three of those words are two ands and one of. The third bullet point is “Programmatic Interpretation” and the fifth is “Creativity, Originality, and Artistry”. These two bullet points seem to me as the most critical in the winter when design teams are initially creating the show. Not that it is a checklist sort of planning, but a constant reminder that with so few words on the sheet (which I think makes a lot of sense- clear, to the point, not check-listy), you need to constantly ask if you are planning for these elements in your effect design. How often? At what points over the timeline of the show? The fourth bullet point, “Variety of Effects”, seems the next thing to consider, though hardly separated from point three and five- all important things to consider as the show design is coming together. Then point two, “Audio and Visual Coordination”, seems a logical next step in making the effects happen with both audio and visual elements. Finally, bullet point one, “Audience Engagement”. Through the other four bullet points, this is of course your ultimate goal. I think it important to consider the audience as the old and young, seasoned and new fan, first time viewers and the judges. A strictly old school show is a risk. A overtly heady show with no understanding to anyone but the design team is also a risk. How do you engage everyone while being creative, artistic, original, allowing for your chosen programmatic theme to be followed? With last night’s show, it seems that some staffs considered all of this carefully and worked to have their repertoire effect you every second of the show. Every second. Others seem to have effects that come around less often and in some cases, much less frequently, sometimes using the tried and true, the predictable and unoriginal. While everyone has some of those in their show, and they should ( loud is good, unison tosses and catches are good, fast clean rolls are good), some teams seem to really work to up the frequency of effects or constant engagement. I think you can stick to your niche and do all of these things. Winter planning seems so critical. The days of writing three tunes, handing the brass book to the drum guy, then handing all that to the drill writer, then handing all of that to the guard person are clearly over.

My wife, who has exactly zero knowledge about drum corps, knowing only that it's a thing that I did when I was a kid, heard part of the run through and said, "That actually sounds good." This #### is for real. Holy smokes.

removed post - sorry

Alright here are all the cases for this season... Louisville show: both Madison Scouts and Crossmen outperformed in brass. Clovis, CA show: Blue Devils, SCV, and Mandarins outperformed in GE. Plainwell, MI show: Madison Scouts, Crossmen, and Colts outpeformed in Music Analysis Akron, OH show: Crown and Cavies outperformed in GE. Lisle, IL show: Crossmen and Boston Crusaders outperformed in GE, Colts outperformed in Music Analysis Santa Clara, CA show: Blue Knights outperformed in GE Hamilton, OH show: Troopers and Boston Crusaders outperformed in Music Analysis Evansville, IN show: Colts outperformed in Percussion. Michigan City, IN show: Boston Crusaders and Spirit of Atlanta outperformed in GE. Bowling Green, OH show: Troopers outperformed in Percussion Allentown, PA show: Troopers outperformed in Music Analysis Olathe, KS Show: Spirit of Atlanta outperformed in Music Analysis Foxboro, MA show: Carolina Crown outperformed in both GE captions and in Percussion, Troopers outperformed in one GE caption Renton, WA show: Oregon Crusaders outperformed in GE Lynn, MA show: Jersey Surf outperformed in Visual Analysis Whitewater, WI show: Madison Scouts outperformed in Visual Analysis Clifton, NJ show: Jersey Surf outperformed in Visual Proficiency Wasau, WI show: Madison Scouts outperformed in GE So, obviously outperforming in a caption has happened quite a bit this season. And it happens to both the top and bottom corps. I didn't even include on this list the corps that had corps with a plateau (same score on both content and performance). If I did, I would have to have listed way too many corps and captions that I would care to type out and it has happened in pretty much every. single. show this season.

Not the same thing: 1. the "kids" in the top sports programs in the NCAA (being discussed on sports radio) are riding full scholarships in extremely well funded programs, they are horrifically coddled compared to the DCI "athlete" 2. you are comparing a sports activity to a musical art activity - in DCI only the top 3 or 4 corps are well funded, the "design" represents much of the "score" - not how many times they drive a ball through a hoop 3. the top "kids" in the top sports programs in the NCAA go on to earn potentially millions in professional ranks. Their are no "professional" drum corps. Some DCI "kids" go on to be a middle school or high school music teacher at very low salaries 4. DCI kids literally PAY to do this. Much of the "staff" volunteers or even loses money by "working for" the corps 5. DCI isn't a thriving, well-known activity that gets national broadcasts on commercial tv with fans in the millions -- it is a virtually thankless, hot, difficult, unappreciated, tough "love" that doesn't result in a congratulatory phone call from the White House when you win a major championship All that said - most of the "criticism" on here isn't directed at the "kids" in the first place George.

If anyone can break BD's guard winning streak, it is this edition of Crown. Many times in the past they have been heavily hyped, but they didn't really do much for me (a part of this was their often horrible color design). This year, however, they are fantastic, shockingly clean already, and so, so effective (and for the first time ever, great color choices!) With that said, I get the distinct impression that the BD guard show (and really the whole show) is not nearly finished yet. They always build their productions in major chunks, with details filled in down the road, and it all seems a bit behind schedule this year - probably due to less returning vets. With everyone performing at such an incredibly high level already, it is easy to forget that there is still a month to go. That's a lot of time to add detail and complexity, so the die may not yet be cast. As an aside, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the complexity of the BD rifle tosses up and down the high chairs. It's challenging enough to catch someone else's spinning toss when it is coming down, much less going up, and how they are doing it so cleanly as a group is insane. There is zero margin of error or recovery time. Just incredible skill and coordination.

Nothing wrong with having your face melted off. :)

Confirmed with a board member. A general request for fundraising that was blown out of proportion. Back to the field!

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t50.2886-16/11673898_858685064184732_1931911644_n.mp4 Some new ending drill and music. (Headphone users be warned, video can be loud)

Alright then,,.stun us with your design background....put up or stfu.

I'm just glad I marched in a period right before socal media took hold of people's opinions and thought processes. One of the best things about being in DCI was how it secluded you from society. We lived in a total bubble, and if there was any criticism about the corps we never knew about it.

HOw about we discuss the looks people would have given you ten years ago if you said "Crossman will be up there with BK and Madison will be a hard hitter fighting with the Blue Stars and BAC will be pushing the upper tiers with PR." The talent this year is absurd. I'm cheering for my home team but I really can't be upset if they don't win because HAVE YOU SEEN THE SHOWS THIS YEAR?!

I think the 2015 Cadets are going to be right there in Indy with a great shot to win it all But if I am wrong, I will come back here and immediately delete this post and swear I never said this.

Sneak peek of the upcoming release. Apologies if the following images induce any headaches

Crown Guard with another win against BD in Fort Wayne!

Because George Hopkins.

why does the soloist stand on the prop and just spin?

And you have to do what everyone else is doing to succeed?

They will add more at the very end.

WOW!!! I just saw the 'scope of BK's closer, with I'm Alive and Fly To Paradise. Awesome!! Thank you, BK for the 'scopes today. It's been a real treat. You know, I've heard it said that this show is a direct extension of last year's show and It just occurred to me that it would be really cool to have one video, say in Blu-Ray quality, of both shows back-to-back. Heck, I'd pay a couple bucks or so for that. Something to think about, eh BK?

Definitely the most Cadet-like ending in a while, but I agree with MikeD that it feels like they could pull a Steve Jobs and give us "one more thing".

As more and more of the original founders, leaders, and great contributors (whether as an adjudicator, Corps Administrator/Instructor/Teacher, or Marching Member known throughout the activity as a pioneering or influential performer) pass on, I will take this opportunity to suggest some form of "In Memoriam" List. I know...many of these same individuals have already been acknowledged in various Halls of Fame. Maybe this could include those members...yet serve as a place of remembrance for others who have both earned and deserve the same recognition in our minds and in our hearts. I don't know how it would be accomplished...or who would be responsible for ultimate selection. Maybe some form of panel, with nominations going out as these great individuals leave this earth... Then again, maybe this is nothing other than a hair-brained idea from an equally hair-brained romantic. Take it or leave it...

Not sure they are that much better unless in the hands of extremely mature performers, which I guess most of Spirit's brass players are not. So why the purchase? Why are the top corps not playing Kanstuls? There is a trade off between quality and initial cost as well as maintenance and repair costs. Did those with the purse strings do their research? For Spirit supporters that are offended by my statement about mature players, let me define such: All state high schoolers from states with a lot of top programs (Texas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, etc.), players in the top of their college studios, players that could be in the top of their respective college studios but are not majoring in music. Players without notable embouchure issues, range issues, pitch matching issues, breath support issues, articulation issues, etc.

honestly.... I laughed about it and to this day tease the snare line for playing like wimps

David I marched in that show that night with the Memphis Blues!

Why should we spend time criticizing kids anyway, when there are pseudo-intellectuals all around us we can criticize?

Actually, THIS feels MORE reasonable.

here i'll criticize a performer for ya in 96, there was this top bass drummer in Westshore named Jeff Ream....big roll right after the Explosion drum solo, and the ####### idiot over hyped it and was louder than the 7 man snare line. Judge called him out by name ( judge knew him). happened at the Barnum show oh wait I just criticized myself and broke a DCP rule LOL

Anyone know what's up with the plea for funding that an SoA alum has posted on the DCP Facebook wall? If it's legit, it seems out of line for an alum to be going public with something like that; I would expect the president or board chairperson to do that. If it's meant to be a spoof, it's a terribly unfortunate one.

Well, that's a good thing. I just wish that we would get as much good conversation when they are doing good as when people complain when things are not so good.

And of course, when all is said and done, the big question will be "How many of you just voted for your favorite corps, regardless of what their guard outfit looked like?"

I got bit in the question marks once and it was not fun.

It's refreshing to be discussing 13th - 19th, or 22nd or even 25th because the top 12 get more than their fare share of love here! But the corps trying to make finals - some for the first time ever - is very exciting to me!

If "Death Camp" pre-Minnie Regional is El Cierro, the running of the bulls, here are the mellos "in training": https://instagram.com/p/43-B_SvGZM/ Meanwhile BDI is being inspired by Regiment 2015 https://www.facebook.com/thebluedevils/photos/ms.c.eJxlzsENwDAIQ9GNKmyggf0XS6RcWnN9sj7AkE5kEWWFyAcfeVU6h7T~;haBsDg3RMoPaidbNGlLjVmvZ7z8bPKIufw~-~-.bps./10153215821808145/?type=1&theater That completes my "Cut & Paste" Merit badge project at Summer camp. Now onto swimming, given today's show weather.

Apparently you've never seen someone do the splits? Teens (people around my age) do silly #### and most of the time it's innocent and not sexualized at all. You're reading way too much into the picture in question. The caption doesn't even suggest anything malicious either.

Well pick up a crayon and color me excited.... .....that was so corny....

You have to understand the idea that, once something is clean, you can get credit for it.

He wasn't saying anything negative about Crown, just interpreting score sheets. He even encouraged them to keep pushing and mentioned that they are a world champion caliber corps.

Holyy ####. I finally got around to watching the Periscopes. This show is absolutely insane. I almost like it more than 2013. And I definitely like this show better than Crown's at the moment. Hopefully both Cadets and Crown have some more in store for us.

I dig it. Not head over heels yet, but it is a lot better than the one they had before.

GROHG!!!!!

Hey Big John...the Hurcs have to be in there somewhere!

Why thank you. Bluecoats broke 80 and Blue Stars/Madison 73 so my hands are intact, although I pulled something at work this morning...........ow. I ain't goin nowhere.

Honestly, I don't think most kids are as sensitive to these "criticisms" as many people say. They get "critiqued" on the field every day when the staff is trying to make corrections in the members' marching and playing abilities and in some cases, get "punished" by running laps when they do something wrong. I could be wrong though seeing as how I do not have children.

Cadets have won 10 DCI World Championships too. On Finals Night this year in Indy, after most of the entire the show is about the number " TEN ", they will unfurl a large banner in their closer that will say across it : " Eleven ?????? "

My prediction is Academy over OC by 3-6 full points.

Because it takes his thesis and counters it with a simply "well, that's your opinion - I'm sure others have other opinions; end of discussion". The purpose of the board IS discussion, not just empty dismissals of his point (regardless of whether his point is correct, incorrect, or merely his opinion). If someone wants to counter his thesis, and list the virtues of the types of general effect practices he's mentioned, then THAT would be a worthy response to the thread.