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I feel so dirty watchin this. ._.

Third times a charm? https://youtu.be/r71gof5wXgA For the love of God, someone put me out of my misery.

yeah he forgot Bluecoats ( j/k , j/k)

Me thinks he thinks you left someone off that list.

From my very limited understanding, the matter was all handled privately and quietly between all parties and resolved. Had the "lid been kept on the kettle" and not opened---by someone associated in some manner with the corps from my limited understanding; the corps could had (as example) simply mentioned they would not be attending the next DCA Championships due to costs involved---which certainly would had been perceived as very rational and sensible reasoning, case closed; they return the following season. Sadly, a scenario as such did not happen. Great corps, sadly missed.

let us be clear in what we discuss. While there are MMs who join a particular corps or move to another particular corps in order to heighten competitive ranking success, there are as many MMs from my experience who join particular corps because they like that specific corps' identity. Sometimes they prefer it even over competitive ranking success. I use for an example from a few season back Charlie, the outstanding baritone from the Boston Crusaders. It is said even on the BAC thread that he was offered contracts with corps or two who scored much higher than Boston but he liked Boston's identity and his experience there over several seasons. He aged out with them. If a design/creative team shifts an identity, it is not only the judges to be considered, or the legacy of the alumni to be considered, or the sources of the corps' funding to be considered. Another facet is considering what drew the membership to this particular corps and how do they feel about discarding that identity for "modernity" as outsiders view it. Whether it be Regiment, Cadets, Spirit, Troopers or Boston Crusaders, what outsiders view and what insiders feel about a corps may not and often is not identical.

I can't WAIT to see what they do with Saturn as the closer. It would rock people's worlds as the ballad, but as the closer, there won't be a person in that stadium who isn't crying by the end. Well....I definitely will be. But maybe that's just me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Lol you guys are nothing but teases.

Looks like they've got the whole show on the field. And much cleaner in spots than last night's run. The potential is there for something super special. I think Helen Hess will be proud.

I just checked myself into the Bellvue psychiatric ward. I. AM. LOVING. THIS!!!!!

this will make you feel better.

Starts with a C

Agree. Cavies played a tough musical book last year and I thought their brass made big strides from the past few seasons. Losing so many bodies to sickness right around the Atlanta regional hurt. It slowed down their progress. Had the Cavaliers stayed healthy last year I fully expected them to give the Blue knights a run for that 6th spot. It didn't work out that way, but they competed like crazy and in the end that's all that matters.

They improved that caption a lot last year and I thought the hornline was VERY underrated by season's end. Tough book, for sure!

Carolina Crown 2016 singing the corps song for the very first time together.

One other exciting development at Camp Crown: In addition to the usual incredible horn line and guard, the drums sounds especially crisp for spring training. I am extremely encouraged by what I heard and saw from the battery last night. This should be the best drum line we've seen from Crown. For me, that's no surprise. The drum line ascent is a continuation of what we saw from them last year. 2016 is shaping up to be the whole enchilada for Crown!

Especially during Roxanne. So many things happening.

At the risk of appearing to pile on Cappy (not my intent), I would like to note that the poll question mentions nothing about themes. It is a simple question of who you are highly anticipating this season. Which corps, based on whatever reason, are you going to make sure you get to the show early enough to see, or make sure you are appropriately fed and bathroomed before they go on, or do your daily youtube searches to hopefully get a glimpse at what they are going to be putting onto the field? Yes, fans of (and those with offspring in) certain corps are going to vote for those corps regardless. What is more interesting, to me, is the amount of votes for corps that don't usually have extremely active show threads on DCP (like Academy and Oregon Crusaders). Personally, I voted (for various reasons) for Academy, Bluecoats, Carolina Crown, Cavaliers, Madison, PR, Spirit of Atlanta, and Troopers.

Just watched Crown do their nightly run through - HOLY HELL MAN! 11 minutes on the field, what a fun show. This will be a crowd favorite!!!

In regards to "they got caught"- the hotel laid it out thick and clear to DCA something had to be done, stat, or the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce was going to be brought in to the scene and that they wouldn't have championships there next year. They didn't want any lame excuses, they wanted something done. Now. Times have changed. In regards to antics of the past, I somehow doubt the damage bill was anything approaching theirs even with inflation taken into account. Yes, it's sad that it put a dagger into the corps. But don't excuse what happened, please. It's not really excusable in this era when the activity is trying to present a positive appearance and everything is amplified in the "age of outrage". You can't have folks complaining why the activity isn't as popular on one hand and then try and fluff off stuff like this on the other. You can't have your cake and eat it, too in this regard.

So this is pretty simple, what shows are you excited to see in 2016? Think I did this last year and it generated some very interesting discussion. Pick as many shows that you are really anticipating, tell us why if you want. I'm doing a top 12, but whatever piques your interest, whether that be one or all 22 (I'm interested to some extent to see everyone of course). Mine: The Academy, The Drum Corpse Bride - I think they've really established themselves over the last two seasons. Well known music, fun simple themes, and increasing performance levels that have led to two very well received, improving in placement shows. I think their title this year is evidence that'll continue. I can't wait to hear and see this show, looking forward to seeing something Tim Burton inspired take the field, and I'm not sure I could see anyone else do it like I could see them. This should be a lot of fun. Blue Knights, The Great Event - I love the direction they've taken the last year, really love it. I think the music for this show is incredibly unique, and the theme even more so. I'm not really sure what to expect here, but I mean that in a really good way. Can't wait to see what this show is like. Blue Stars, La Reve - I love that they brought back Kevin Ford, what I've seen so far seems incredibly strong and incredibly exciting. Regardless of where they place, I think they'll be a much stronger corps than they were last year. Always rooting for these guys. Bluecoats, ? - No title, but if you were a fan of the last two years, I don't think it's possible to not be excited to see what they have up their sleeves next. The music is ridiculously fun. Groovin. And Great Gig in the Sky thrown in there too? Hell yeah. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us. I have a good gut feeling about this one. Boston Crusaders, Quixotic - If I'm being honest, last years show overall was pretty flat to me, but I've grown on it. This one however, seems incredibly intriguing and exciting on announcement. Really interesting thematic inspiration, and an even more unique take on it in what they've described. Pair that with some very melodic emotional music and some good staff changes, and I think this one could be really good. Cadets, Awakening - Boy do they sound amazing. I'm very interested to see the total package of this show and see if what they've been hyping in terms of thematic approach and visual design hold true. Regardless of that, they're going to be one of the best musical corps again this year. Carolina Crown, Relentless - Their show title is the perfect descriptor for what I've seen so far. It's so unrelenting and incredibly intense. Their hornline is going to be absolutely stellar again, color guard is ridiculous again, and I think the drums are really up to something good this year. I sense a bit of a fire lit under them, I'm really excited to see how far they push themselves. Besides that, this show is just downright entertaining. Can't wait to see this thing all together and in uniform. The Cavaliers, Propaganda - Most excited I've been about one of their shows since 2011, easily. Besides some staff changes, I've read a lot of stuff about them bringing in a bunch of former DMs and stuff to work with them. I dunno, I have a good feeling about the way they're approaching things from every aspect. Show theme is a billion times easier to understand on announcement than last year, and the music is incredibly unique, diverse, and in the case of the John Adams downright fun. Paired with some stuff I've heard from people, and it sounds like these guys are going to deliver something really special. Madison Scouts, Judas - The more I hear about this one, the more I'm interested. I've been familiarizing myself JCSS, which I hadn't before this, and it's some great music. I like dark shows, and this one seems like it'll be one. After last years phenomenal show, I'm excited to see what the men from Madison are up to. Oregon Crusaders, Hunted - One of my favorite sets of source music this year. Bjork, Muse, Queen, Hermann, ect. all in the same show? Cool stuff. They've really carved out a niche for themselves that's incredibly fresh and exciting. One of my favorite non finalist music programs as well, drumline grabs you by the throat. Theme seems really fun too. Santa Clara Vanguard, Force of Nature - At first, was very meh about this announcement. Four Seasons and a broad nature show? Eh. But once I started listening to the music and who they added for brass, and I'm starting to think these guys will come out of left field and potentially shock us. They aren't using straight up four seasons, paired with the Stephen Melilio stuff, and this could be a really exciting show. They have a dream team of a staff, they're going to pump out a monster one of these times, and who knows. Troopers, hero. - Uniforms aside, this remains a show I cannot wait to see. The theme has absolutely huge emotional potential. They're stepping into some musical territory I didn't expect them to, and I think that's a great thing for a corps to do. This show still seems Troopers on the surface, but a modern take. I think some more corps should try that. Sounds like they made some great changes visually, so these guys could potentially be dangerous. That aside, I'm sure they'll have fans on their feet once again. That's the important part. Honorable Mentions: Mandarins - Great total package last year, can't wait to see what they do this year. Seattle Cascades - Huge progress the last two years, and last years show was one of my favorites. Just fun drum corps. Open Class Top Pick: Louisiana Stars - I think these guys are the next big thing. They were incredibly fun to watch last year, and I cannot wait to see how they do at their first championships season!

We just got home from going up to Hudson, so we could attend the Caballeros practice and then go to the parade. NOT Man it was pouring buckets, the drum line was outside in the parking lot rehearsing part of their drill and the rest of the corps was somewhere in one of the buildings????? I'm happy to be able to say that the drums were covered in plastic and looked ok to the casual observer, however the percussionists may not be dried out until they rehearse in the sun at Widwood. They may be able to have the parade tomorrow. If the weather cooperates we will try to make the trip again tomorrow, I need my Drum Corps fix, and nobody supplies a better high for me, than The Caballeros. Good luck for the 2016 season.

I agree, I think. I wouldn't let it get you too steamed, though. Will definitely be interesting to see how it plays out in the rest of the design.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! I get to see and hear a little of Crown's show! All of the talk is getting old. I need sound and visuals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That and now I've fallen into the trap where instead of feeling satisfied (I will never be satisfied....) I want more.

no worries -- btw that clip was Hallelujah not Roxanne. (maybe that's why there was no blurring?)

you just gave away "the thing". make it private and use the youtube tools to blur it out.

It's not heaven. It's Ohio.

I thought they sounded like the best 10th place hornline ever last year. But from the small things I've heard they sound decent, but I really haven't heard much.

Yes, the Couchmen are feeling relaxed about their 2016 production, Ommmmmmmmm. Gentle, quiet synth music at quarter note equals 65 bpm--the pace of a resting, healthy heart--will be featured throughout. As in the past, horns and drums will be slowly manipulated by the members as seen in the above linked photo but not actually played, as the Couchmen do not want to interrupt anyone's repose. Cots will thoughtfully be set out for the judges at field level hoping that they will enjoy a nice 11-minute nap. Couchmen have asked all show promoters to stage them in the middle of the contest. First, or last, would not be good for overall contest momentum.

That's a completely fair point, themes weren't mentioned.

"Well, now... ...seems just like old times."

boy this one member really takes a long breather during the opener: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFbSr8Ig-k&feature=share

Crown Vlog Week 3

Ditto Bill... and better than I could have said it. From what I remember the can o worms was opened from the West Coast and any East Coast responses were said in defense. Having a family that ran a (less than Hilton standards) motel for long term people I know that any problems like illegal stuff or room trashing could kill you. Rooms out of service while being fixed, cleaned up... investigated..... takes $$$$ out of the pocket. And then there is that reputation thing which could be a downhill spiral.

Sofa so good!

A bunch of the drum guys I marched with agree with those statements, for this time in the season.

I just realized there is a 2015 Spirit of Atlanta DCI finals performance on Youtube. @ 1:27 you can heard the sound of Kanstul Powerbore, and the 5/4 Kanstul Tuba at the cord of that particular passage. The mellophone is still on the edgy side but that's what Kanstul are known for. It's actually very good. Specially at 3:50, 7:20 and 10:00, you can hear the blending of the cord with a clean solid note on top. The trumpets did not stick out near as much as the Yamaha and Jupiter horns. It's a shame that Yamaha and Jupiter have bought all the corps through sponsorship and contracts while refused to make horns that are truly for this activity. I bet you if they perform right before top five corps, people will think they're louder. I think my horns can do better, but at the moment I really dig the sound of Spirit of Atlanta. Kudos to them!

Was treated to something extremely special tonight here at Gardner Webb. Sorry, I won't give details. Wow, is all I can say.

They have everything on the field through the ballad. All three sections are solid this year. Interested to see what the closer looks and sounds like. Oh oh the Wells Fargo wagon she's a coming down the trail...

If I could just once hear 80 current brass players in the Blue Devils, in a 2016 technology enhanced G format (ie, Sopranos ), I think I would just about uncontrollably soil myself.

I love reviewing recaps & the sheets. My interest level in this activity has just gone down...again. This decision might just be the dumbest ever. Wow.

The answer, I think, will reveal itself over time, in glacial movements. The answer will emerge from the consensus of instructional staffs emerging from a season's worth of critiques. It will emerge from the competitive rankings at sequential regionals, and from the fluidity, if any, of the rankings from Prelims to Semis to Finals in August. It will emerge from whatever panels and evaluations and conferences the judges themselves participate in. It will emerge from whatever assessment reports are ordered up by the board. And, of course, it will emerge from the feeding frenzy that will attend the release of all the fine-grained numbers after the season. Personally, I don't buy the website argument. DCI isn't in the online eyeball business, and good thing: It's a lousy business to be in. Even the biggest news websites with the most eyeballs are losing money. There's diminishing returns in trying to sell ads against website traffic. CPMs are low and falling.

It will be nice to not see the "oh God judge xxxxxx is judging my favorite corps tonight they are SCREWED" comments.

A great corps. Still missed.

DCI hasn't updated the master schedule page yet, but they have listed us on the individual pages for all of our tour shows. Here is where we will be this summer........

BLACK UNIS FOR CADETS WITH SILVER AND GREY ACCENTS