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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/18/2019 in all areas

  1. I am fascinated by this topic, because in my puppy love years of following drum corps, I COULD NOT STAND the coming innovation. World Championships were coming to Birmingham, AL; I had secured a volunteer role with DCI's Public Relations Office. It was a dream come true! I was going to be a part of something that had become oxygen for my young professional self. Drum corps was wonderful; I wanted the world to know! And now I had a bit of a soapbox from which to proclaim it. The Blue Devils notched the highest score ever recorded in its championship show. Phantom Regiment seized hearts with "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral," and Santa Clara's guard dropped into the bottle dance at show's end, to round out the medalists. Atlanta's Spirit was the hometown favorite with its wall of sound, and the 27th Lancers previewed what would become its just-about-almost 1980 championship show for fourth and fifth. No matter. It was the sixth place corps that rocked the stadium and that became the viral sensation (of the times): The Bridgemen. The Bayonne "bananas" played into the never-ending clapping hands of the rousing Southern audience with its off-the-wall, off-the-drum-corps-grid show. I. Was. Mortified. What was to be made of this mess, I sulked. There was not the precision of the Anaheim Kingsmen, who I revered. There was not the innovative color guard of the Troopers, that thrilled me. There was neither Spirit's nor the Madison Scouts' soaring hornlines. I know not a whit of the intricacies of percussion, but I KNEW that this drum line was not the razor-sharp sort of the Blue Devils. And isn't all of that what drum corps is all about, I whined, almost apologetic to the very people who I had urged to come experience drum corps. "They were great!" was the retort. And the next year the Bridgemen offered a rejoinder to my question of drum corps appropriateness by just-about-almost passing the Lancers for second place in front of one of the most raucous, rabid crowds of fans I had ever seen. What was my conflicted drum corps heart to do? __________ When I least expected it, grow to love it in the same way that Birmingham's crowds did, as drum corps crowds everywhere did, and as we all did for Bayonne's first cousin from California, the Velvet Knights. Good drum corps, it turns out, is good drum corps. No matter the style, the approach, the innovation, the current times: drum corps was bound to change over time, as it has for all time. Aren't we glad that "Autumn Leaves" is the corps song, not a performance requirement for The Bluecoats? Take this year's splendid Open Class Bronze Medalist, Gold; structurally it was a color guard show. The themes, "acts," and narration could be manipulated, and shortened, to make a life-affirming Dayton-bound production. As for guards not performing "the drum corps way," the mind-boggling, breath-taking, all-rifle backfield unison feature during the Boston Crusaders' "My Shot," begs to differ. (My heart rate jumped just writing about the moment.) All three choices are good ones, with no conspiratorial coup nor organizational take-over in mind/intended. At least in my view. I am going on 50 drum corps seasons. I love that the Bridgemen of my stiff-minded youth made Legion Field's upper deck sway just as a touchdown in the Alabama/Auburn football rivalry played there used to. I love that the Blue Devils turn choreography into kaleidoscopic drill. I love that the Blue Knights mesmerized with music and drill. I love the adeptness of Santa Clara's cast. I love my drum corps more than ever. Please don't stop. Any of it.
    9 points
  2. easy. until names come forward, including the author, it's an unsubstantiated rumor.
    5 points
  3. Through all of the changes, one thing is clear about DCI - today, 10 years ago, and 30 years ago when I fell in love with it... DCI is the best of the best of marching music. Even BOA grand nationals look like a video played at 1/2 speed in comparison. It is phenomenal what these kids and young adults are doing in DCI. It is shocking how good these corps sound today. Keep it going for the next 10 and I’ll be happy.
    4 points
  4. Question to those who follow that side of the activity. To recruit a younger audience, why would anyone hold a Championship on Labor Day weekend? That younger audience is doing halftime performances with either their high school or college marching bands. DCI Championships are held each year at the same time so staff and MM’s can get to their band camps and also begin school. What value is there to DCI to absorb essentially a circuit the would be in contrast to their mission, not to mention their Saturday morning SoundSport and DrumLine battles. With all the events going on during DCI week most people are burned out come Saturday morning. Sunday is corps banquets and a travel day. I doubt there would be a lot of interest to attend another event with all-age groups. Unless these organizations can afford a limited Open Class tour schedule, WGI Winds might be their best option for the future. WGI has a large footprint for performance opportunities.
    4 points
  5. Fascinating to look back ten years (to the day!) and see what people here thought about future trends.
    4 points
  6. Yea, no kidding. The things that we were allowed to do in the Scouts, well, other drum corps were jealous of us. I remember touring with the Crossmen in 1981 and after the show near our buses, I fired up a cig and cracked open a bear, and this guy from Crossmen said to me "holy sh1t, you can do that? Is it allowed?" YUP! Scott Stewart always said that we will be treated like adults, just dont be stupid. We always had coolers full of cold one's in the bus luggage storage area. I will leave it there...
    4 points
  7. that's not the issue at all. modern guards are outstanding. the guard judge was finally added to the panel around 2000, and i think this was a good thing. the activity seems to be morphing itself to a place where the guard is the focus of the entire show, and the other sections provide background music. i don't have a problem with a killer flag feature on the 50 yard line, because it is incredibly impressive. my beef is that the top shows are starting to look a lot like wgi shows you see in the independent world class: academic, technically proficient, and almost void of any relation to the music. the music is only there because it has to be. we see guard performance and design expanding its role on the sheets, and it is a bit alarming. i don't necessarily think that one section of the corps is more important than the other, but dci claims to be "Marching Music's Major League", but the music is starting to take a back seat. more and more it looks like "WGI - Summer Division" and i don't particularly care for it.
    4 points
  8. Yet another thread just opened regarding the fear of DCI adding woodwinds. But it seems to me that the more immediate concern should be over drum corps being significantly affected by a move away from show designs that focus on music and movement and toward shows designed around the color guard and WGI-type themes. You need only look as far as Blue Devils 2009 for an example of this as a trend that show designers are taking and, more significantly, that judges are rewarding. And with judges rewarding this design style, it won’t be long before many other corps follow suit and, as a result, change the face of drum corps forever. And if finals remain in Lucan Oil Stadium (with its crappy sight lines and disturbing echo), corps will have even more reason to play/march less and act, pose, do gynmastics, move chairs, etc. more. So while everyone is so worried about woodwinds, drum corps is changing significantly right under our noses and few seem to be saying or doing anything about it.
    3 points
  9. Here is my Drum Corps World review of the August 5th Tour of Champions Akron Drum Corps International World Class competition. http://www.gaminnet.info/?p=5879
    3 points
  10. Have you SEEN the attendance at the Alumni show the last few years?! Maybe 500 people? Look, part of DCA's audience really likes the alumni thing, but alumni corps don't put additional butts in the seats.
    3 points
  11. I don’t think it’s the number of corps that they necessarily need to be concerned with. When I was one of the young ones there last year, it’s a problem.
    3 points
  12. I'm still in London enjoying drinking my sorrows of this season away. Give me a few days. I'll be back.
    3 points
  13. Newly hired Executive Director. Newly hired Corps Director. Announcements at Corps Banquet that virtually all of the educational staff will return. And that educational staff is second to none. I don't expect any changes to the staff for the 2020 season.
    3 points
  14. Take down a corps? Anyone can ask a question here correct? That does not equate to "taking down a corps". This is a message board - things are discussed, things are questioned. Just like in life. You would think if there are some type of glitch in the matrix at the corps ,,,, that there just might be some staff changes coming. Since you are so sensitive I will leave "your" thread. Have a stellar day.
    3 points
  15. I know many focus on these numbers as a measure of health, but I’d encourage you to resist the temptation. Instead, you should peruse a look at the total, top-line gross revenue in DCI’s 990s. Has “record paid attendance” translated into more shareable revenue coming in from the tour to share among the corps?
    2 points
  16. Also a corps needs to do an exact remake of Star 93 because I’m salty I never got to see that live 😂
    2 points
  17. Heck some of the alumni corps members don’t even go to prelims or finals. They were all checking out of the Genetti on Sunday afternoon after alumni show.
    2 points
  18. Yep. I'm not too far off myself at 47. But DCA is doing nothing PERIOD to recruit, showcase or even maintain their audience. DCA can be captivating just as is DCI. But it's going to take work that I don't think they're willing to put in. That's why I think DCI should take over the day to day operations of DCA. But that's just an opinion.
    2 points
  19. Bluecoats were selling some pretty sweet varsity style jackets for $84. I passed partly because it might have been mistaken for a member jacket (even though they look completely different). Also, $84.
    2 points
  20. I bought a Cadets2 zip up hoodie in ‘15. I guess it’s a collectors item now. I’m keeping it.
    2 points
  21. My first show there was 1984. I leaned over to my father and said "I'm going to do that." I think he replied something along the lines of "Then you best get busy." I went to my first audition camp in 1986 and marched my rookie year in 1987. We share a similar experience and I would agree...don't change a thing. What I don't like, I'll find a way to find the good in.
    2 points
  22. Very true Mike. But Star also had the best model for drum corps that could have existed at the time. They were already sustaining the corps with revenue from Star Tours. I don't think anyone would argue that Bill made Star possible with his financial clout...but also with the model he created. ####### brilliant if you ask me. Raising money is always the elephant in the room. I know some corps can manage the bingo gig. BD set themselves up for success by cashing in on their status as a world champion group over and over again. Camps, secondary companies and performance groups, etc etc etc. The key to both Star and BD is that they have run their corps LIKE A BUSINESS rather than like a niche activity.
    2 points
  23. Get the three Essentials Collections Blu-ray’s, they are worth it.
    2 points
  24. Also interesting to see old DCP member names that don't post anymore. Lots of talk about big changes ahead and ahead and ahead... Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
    2 points
  25. https://bluedevils.org/programs/a-corps/about/https://bluedevils.org/programs/a-corps/about/ The photo in the upper right corner might offer a little perspective. There was no silver spoon. Their success has been earned, not gifted, just like all the other corps on the field these days.
    2 points
  26. Pretty much agree with the Bluecoats, Cavies and Devils. Always seem to enjoy Crown's brass book. But all these dark, angry shows disturb me. What is the activity so mad at and why are we teaching the young people to emote hatred and anger? There is so much to celebrate in life that only music can foster the emotions of a positive future and happiness. Anger is such a base emotion I see no reason to continue teaching it. I for one see no gratification in paying serious money to watch perhaps the most talented young people out there snarling at me.
    2 points
  27. Cadets have handled things the right way since everything came to light. Could that statement come with an asterisk in hindsight? Sure. There wasn't precedent for what happened or how to handle it. It's like being a parent. You can always look back at specific things and probably find a better solution to things. But overall, I think they did a pretty good job at doing what they had to do this year which is moving forward. It's going to take years to rebuild. The first job when a warship is damaged is to get it back to port and make it safe to sail...not to make it pretty again. Give Cadets time. I've never been one to say "I love the Cadets" including when I was marching corps. But man you gotta give them props for moving the needle in the best direction they could.
    2 points
  28. Dare I say that the Cadets are the cradle of drum corps from the ‘80’s, ‘90’s, and early 2000’s. Look at all the people who wore maroon and gold who are innovating in the activity today. It’s amazing to think about.
    2 points
  29. Played pipe band for 10 years. Can’t wait to hear them with shotgun mics. Mike
    2 points
  30. Ya! Let's go back to color guard doing nothing but drop spins. It's oh so entertaining. If you don't like guard integration, might I suggest getting your music heavy fix from a symphony, jazz group, or rock show.
    2 points
  31. been building this way for a while
    2 points
  32. You sir, or madam, win the grand prize. I've been thinking the same thing for some time, but just haven't had the energy to participate in the debate that is sure to follow.
    2 points
  33. DCA Final Regular Season Standings as of 8/25/19 Open Class 1 Buccaneers (3) 93.85 2 Atlanta CV (1) 93.70 3 Caballeros (2) 93.15 4 Bushwackers (3) 87.25 5 Fusion Core (3) 87.15 6 White Sabers (3) 86.00 7 Hurricanes (2) 82.95 8 Cincinnati Tradition (8) 74.95 9 Sunrisers (2) 73.60 10 Southern Knights (1) 73.00 Class A 1 Skyliners (3) 77.80 2 Carolina Gold (5) 75.75 3 Govenaires (7) 69.15 4 Columbus Saints (9) 55.85 (1) Hiram, GA 8/25 (2) Seymour, CT 8/24 (3) Reading, PA 8/24 (4) Woodbridge, NJ 8/17 (5) Goldsboro, NC 8/17 (6) Kingston, NY 8/3 (7) St. Peter, MN 8/3 (8) Peckville, PA 7/27 (9) Pataskala, OH 7/20
    1 point
  34. It's just so basic for such an epic moment! Lol. The school I work with has played The Canyon before. One of my favorite pieces on the field.
    1 point
  35. You can't compare when subjects and content are different..oh and by the way tics were just as subjective...I taught and judged under both..yes guards were trained in technique but what makes you think they aren't now and with way more responsibilities
    1 point
  36. Blue for the VFW color and Devils for neighboring Mt. Diablo. https://bluedevils.org/about/history/
    1 point
  37. 1 point
  38. I'd like to hear Klesch/Crown take a stab at some Sara Bareilles.
    1 point
  39. Boston was fun because it was so on the nose..but for that reason, for me, it didn’t seem to wear as well as other finalist shows. Still, I think it’s great for the activity former 8-14 corps climb into the medalist realm, and they certainly deserved to be there.
    1 point
  40. BD’s whirlpool drill is becoming a thing for them and it is mesmerizing to watch. Can’t imagine how hard it is to perfect!
    1 point
  41. Cavaliers, and why is this even a matter of discussion? 😎
    1 point
  42. Do you really want to go back a decade based on what you read on "REDDIT" in an attempt to take down a corps? Based on previous comments, it appears that is your goal. Everyone that marched BITD can remember more than a couple of things that occurred that were unacceptable in today's world and were unacceptable BITD. Obsessed would be the correct word since you keep bringing it up in a forum based on a different subject. If you feel the need to pursue, create your own Topic/Thread on the subject. This is about staff changes, not the subject you are pursuing.
    1 point
  43. 1 point
  44. You could mix EWF very well with Tower of Power music
    1 point
  45. bass drops at every major phrase ending
    1 point
  46. O lawd have mercy! looking forward to another 12 months of discussion.....
    1 point
  47. I’m grateful to have Flo. Way better than nothing. I’m all for improvement though, especially with regard to rights and recordings.
    1 point
  48. actually Flo has the control, it's their platform. And if you want dvr etc, be prepared to pay at least triple what you are now to cover the costs...and that's provided Flo/DCI can get the rights to do any type of recorded replay/delay. DCI cares. DCI is also not made of unlimited money. to live stream thats one fee. it's another fee for recorded playback/dvr. Plus the other fees for various things. Blaming DCI is honestly not knowing the laws or caring and just looking for a scapegoat, cause if they did decide to pay for all that, everyone would complain about how much they had to pay to get it. DCI isn't getting rich off of the streaming rights from Flo.
    1 point
  49. Coming up on twenty years married to my guard chick . Met in one corps, went to another one together a couple years later, still going!
    1 point
  50. I actually signed up just so I could post in this topic, because I have a pretty unique vantage point to share. Whoever said that the synth book wasn't very challenging was both right and wrong. Just technically, if I were playing it in a solo recital, it was 90% stuff I could have played after 2 or 3 days of memorization and rehearsal. There were patches that were more challenging, but nothing extremely high-level. What I did get this summer was a crash course in attention to detail and playing with an ensemble. I'd never seen anything like the level of excellence that our pit techs and members (and really the whole corps) strove for. I'm not a mallet player myself, so seeing the level of scrutiny that went into their height system, and getting comments from the staff on the rhythmic accuracy of as much as 2 or 3 sixteenth notes in a fast run was really impressive. Unfortunately, there was no one there really qualified to "tech" the synth, as it were; they could work on my rhythm, but it was up to me to try and improve my technique. The amount of scrutiny I saw from everyone else inspired me to try and be a more meticulous player, something I've always felt is my weak point. Going along with that, I'd never played with an ensemble this large, so there were all sorts of new challenges: listen to x section, don't listen to y section, play slightly behind so-and-so, etc. Cliff's Notes: As a synth player, I gained very little in terms of piano technique but I made up for it in spades with learning how to scrutinize my playing and how to listen more precisely.
    1 point
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