Leaderboard

Welcome to DCP.

Ooh. All jazz show from BD again plz.

The hand gesture gives me Fosse vibes, but the stance suggests something else...?

From Twitter, a few hours ago...discuss.

Just got my DCI tickets for the Tomball show! YEEEEEEEES!!!! COME ON CAVIES! And I got some new Cavies gear coming in the mail! YEEEES!

I'm looking at those hands and thinking, "Oh its a show about AI generated sign language manuals!"

There are key people in key positions who guide the corps and the IAM organization. There is a strong CEO who is a great manager of a diverse group of people and the skills that support the goals and objectives of IAM. With the help of select people they look for other skilled smart people who are willing to offer additional skills and experience in a variety of roles beneficial to all elements of IAM. BAC is one group in the IAM structure. As an example, the COO/ED of BAC, is a lawyer and has a music degree and has been with the corps for well over 20 years. He has a team under him that strives for operational excellence in their operational and financial roles. There are similar people managing the HYPE group and its daily function. The same for Great East Music Festivals and the music store. It took a lot of years building the org, and was done so no one person, or faction within, could control the organization. Yes it’s a lot of cats, but these are cats are happy doing what it is asked of them. And no doubt there are watchers of the cats in the mix too.

Interesting. That suggests that at the top of the organization is someone strong and wise enough to herd that many cats.

First, shout to Fred and 1whoknows, and for anyone who read that thing. Sorry it was not proofread, so it may have been rough. To answer your question Jeff, it's critical to point out what you're enforcing. I didn't want to get heavily into the rules because the permutations can get a bit ugly. Thus, let's keep them a bit generic: The main cheat: hiding What BOA is calling out is that musicians on the field are being "hidden" by the playing of others, mimicking a better result to the box. I'm sure this handcuffs judges bound to the press box. It's why DCI has had field-level judging for so long -- you can't get away with it. That said, the way you can eliminate this cheating *easily* is by eliminating all wireless microphones. You can be a bit more specific, but you can begin to impinge on creativity. If I recall, the pit box is 15ft for BOA. So you can set a rule that says all reinforcement must be done within the Pit Box or the 15ft on the field. Or you can enforce it by saying that all members that are not in the Pit may not wear any electronics or have anything other than an analog instrument on the field. To me, the subtleties are too much. Despite the problems with some creativity, I'd draw that line and be wired-only. It also tends to be higher quality, no latency, and little chance of frequency interference. Most of those issues are negligible anymore, but you can't march with a wired mic. That problem gets solved. Other cheats: Frequency or digital signal processing This one's a bit more difficult. As you'll recall it's a rarity - it happened with BD, and they weren't called out for it, but I cannot think of any time where this has been an issue and a broken rule. In DCI, it would be permitted now from what I understand. If you were working to prevent this sort of thing, you can't outside of saying "don't". "Reinforcement of any instrument or voice is not allowed to alter the analog playing properties upon its amplification. An exception is allowed for equalisation in order to preserve the effectiveness of reinforcing the original sound." If this is done in conjunction with the mics-in-box and wired-only mics, the only consideration you might see pushed is base or chipmunk stuff just as BD did with human voice. I wouldn't expect a repeat of that. The tricky part - bass guitars We can't go without calling out Thundergoo. While this is obviously a LONG-running discussion, thunder goo doesn't exactly fall under what I'd call "cheating". 50 clarinets and 1 bass guitar, and you ask "how loud should it be?" That is essentially "how long is a piece of string?" It really would need to be a judged decision. Thunder goo is not 51 clarinets with one loud and 50 quiet; they are different instruments. The fact that an electric guitar (or synth, or sample) gets played isn't necessarily right or wrong. If an ensemble is making up for a lack of low brass, is it within their purview to do this? In BOA, I'd be really careful because of the nature of high schools, etc. In DCI WC, you have the brass, so it becomes a creative decision. If the sampling rules apply from the other post, I would not allow sampling of instruments that are already being fielded. "All digitally sampled instruments to be used must not be the same or a similar nature to those on the field, nor those traditionally found on a marching band field. For example, a tuba sampler should never be used." If implemented, it's up to a judge to define whether an electric guitar (that is amplified) is balanced between the ensemble. Also, going back to the traditional technique note on the sampler, you would be prohibited from using, let's say a double-bass sampler with a piano-layout keyboard. Thus, you're more pushed towards the traditional electric bass being played by a student. "Digitally sampled instruments should be implemented by a student using an appropriate technique. Thus a percussive sample should be played with a velocity-sensitive pad, a piano sample via a velocity-sensitive keyboard, and so forth. When a digitally sampled instrument is provided for a student, the virtuosity of the student should be maintained through a similar triggering technique." Then you might say "keytar". If it's a keytar, or a Theramin, or whatever the instrument actually is, play it as it is, physically. The *sample* should be appropriate. What's appropriate for something like a keytar? It's still intended to be an electric guitar sound. The student could play a keytar with that sample set using a velocity-sensitive hardware unit, plugged in to the appropriate amplifier, and judged on its ensemble balance. But to wrap this, cheating as it's being called out is on the *field*. Eliminating the ability to overbalance through wireless microphones attached to better students is easily stopped by disallowing reinforcement of any traditionally-marched instruments through wireless means.

I’m getting a ‘87-‘93 vibe from yesterday’s Phan-a-thon. Bringing the past to the present and onto the future. From Tchaikovsky to Herrmann, from Shostakovich to Muse. Very exciting!

As always, a top notch production. Thanks Robert Cawthorne and the entire Regiment organization. I’m truly excited for the 2023 production of Exo Genesis. SUTA!

A while back, Jon Bilby had posted a video short of what the drill was supposed to look like for that show if they had performed it back in 2020 before the Pandemic hit. Let me just say, I hope the drill in this year's show looks somewhat close to what he posted in that video.

https://marching.musicforall.org/philosophy-amplification-enhancement/?fbclid=IwAR2xZyZ2XBcdbJpLNtbCOMXg4pJTmVtQDkoRHnjv1BO6XO-1LHVqTQ7lelc BOA puts in guidance regarding certain areas of amplification during ensemble moments. Interesting to see.

Oh yes, Absolutely... Gonna press Scott on the idea again. lol

It's not a all jazz Gordon Goodwin show...........but I will take it.

I'm sure I am wrong. But there is definitely a story in that photo.

Hmmm.... Let's see. Great idea by the way

Def see some 2003 in there.. lol

It could be a Bob Fosse influenced dance show that puts the pieces back together in a modern way, hence the body being cut up like a puzzle. But I kind of get a 60s, early 70s feel to the color background photo. Almost like "Soul Train" or something along those lines.

Performing their 2023 program - "Dismembered" - Drum Corps International is proud to present The Blue Devils!

ooh, capoeira maybe? That would be way cool!

I predict a 49ers QB injury

Blue Devils 2023 show teaser

I like the Moby Dick metaphor, chasing a championship and all. I hope it ends better for Boston than it did for Ahab and his crew.

A nuanced, researched take on overhead and donor expectations in the arts np sector: https://www.philanthropy.com/article/nonprofits-may-need-to-spend-a-third-of-their-budget-on-overhead-to-thrive-contradicting-a-donor-rule-of-thumb?utm_content=buffer73641&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer

That was the ultimate goal. Six or seven “Supercorps”. It wasn’t exactly a secret in the 90’s. They were out-and-out saying it.

That was Dan Crosser son of "Doc" Crosser ( Corps Director).

In the sage words of brass guru Frank Williams: "Let me sing you your new part: (silence)."

"76" was a fun summer with Osage...

Thanks for sharing the rep and art for the uniforms! The Phan-a-Thon event was great, and is the perfect new annual tradition to kick off another season of the Regiment, brilliantly done by the staff and organizers of the event! Overall I really think the theme for the show and new look is going to be special! I believe it was mentioned during the reveal that this is not a "storytelling" show, but I do think that in someway they will illustrate the story about life and the human existence/experience: where we've come from and where we are going. The Regiment is looking to reinvent itself yet again for a new decade/generation, building off of the momentum from the past two seasons. The look for this year reminds me of the 2015 gold-tinged uniform for the brass/percussion, and the guard outfit has some touches of that 2018 teal. The chevron headgear is phantastic, reminds me of the outfit change from the 2014 show...you can definitely include the chickens and other forms of plumage with a lightweight head piece! Would enjoy seeing the headgear trend return like this in a fresh and modern way. Building upon their brand/identity, there is no mistaking this corps for anyone else! I did some digging and this looks to be the third iteration of the Rach 2 piece ('95 and '17) by the Regiment, and I'm super excited for what JD and this corps can do with a unique blend of music this summer! "You gotta be bold to wear the gold!" Let's go Regiment!

One of my absolute favorite corps of the 70s. They were Blue Devils cool even before the Blue Devils were cool. That swagger and confidence they had was inspiring. Competing against them many, many times was difficult early on, but finally in 75 we had a corps capable of getting within tenths to them in June and July, but then I don't know what got into them, but they just left us in the dust from then on through DCI. I'm sure I've told this story before, but in 76 they did Evil Ways. My God, it was awesome. One show when critique was being done, I overheard the brass judge telling their staff, "When that guy on the baritone solo started playing, I stopped judging completely and just listened."

Didn't get to see it, but the reviews have all been glowing. Great job, Dr. Snead, staff and MMs.

This one I can sure relate to. I’m Tired by Labyrinth and Zendaya

Sounds like an Alien or Prometheus show too!

I'm very bullish on Boston's organization right now. Maybe not my absolute favorite shows and designers, but I RESPECT them. I have a corps brother whose oldest child is marching there, so I'm going to root for them hard, BUT I'm also rooting for Bluecoats because he has the youngest child marching there. That being said, Santa Clara absolutely should have been trying to work this angle in the Bay area. I believe that Blue Devils have done this there at least some, and they've gotten performance opportunities for BDE in the past, and who knows what else.

Another factor that helps with BAC’s BOD success is its unusual size for a BOD. It is quite large with over 40 members. This enables unavoidable visibility of its function. It is quite diverse in talent and skills as well as personal successes of each member. There is much to draw on, to IAM’s and BAC’s benefit as well as the other groups IAM supports.

Maybe. But there's also a whole professional field dedicated to raising funds for non profits (off the golf course.) Some call it Advancement, others Development. Others Donor Cultivation. And they don't just get the money rolling cause the flood gates stay open naturally forever. It's a profession for a reason. Because donor cultivation requires constant attention and care. Constant communication and synchrony with other departments in the non profit. Constant pats on the backs of donors who want them and constant, painstaking hoops to jump through for big corporate donors who will easily take their demands to the next non profit who can meet them better than you. The work is constant.

I’m also excited about the 2026 Alumni Corps announcement. Just enough time for me to figure out how to play again. (The last notes I played were the parking lot run through in Foxboro stadium after 94 Finsls.)

Oh we are! We fly into Indy Wednesday evening, flying out Sunday afternoon. Going to be our first world class finals. Super excited.

"You gotta see these cats from out in the cornfields!", DCI Judge Rich De Cola raved to me in 1975. He wasn't kidding! The main driving force was Darvin Omer "Doc" Crosser, a Korean War vet who founded the corps in '65 and became their first drill and music instructor. They were 'way too hip for their own good when they began knocking on DCI's door. Check this: As the story goes, Jim Ott and some of the Blue Devils staff saw the Precisionnaires and said, in effect, "That's it!". For 1975, these charts, and (particularly) their interpretations, were superior to almost everything else on the field, but a bit ahead of the judging techniques (except for the aforementioned De Cola and a couple of others like Lloyd Pesola). The drumming was too musical to get much credit vis-a-vis the prevailing standards. Argonne had suffered the same kind of undervaluing a couple of years earlier. The only Osage brass instructor from this period that I knew was Bobby Hagglund. He was playing trombone in a progressive R&B band out of Minneapolis called "Haze". They were opening for a kid who called himself "Prince". A peek at their roster will reveal a future corps director and more than a few important instructors and adjudicators, in addition to no small number of members who became professional performers. Like Camelot, they seemed to exist for only "one shining moment" but they certainly sparkled.

This isn't a DCI thing. We do this in sports as well. The Super Bowl has been around since 1967. But the NFL has been playing football since 1920. Nearly a half century of championships won by teams, but we (in general) only look at and care about the SB titles won by the teams. And we are all guilty of it in some way. For example, the Detroit Lions have never been to a SB. But they do have four titles from the pre-super bowl era. But if some Lions fan tried to talk to us about the championship they won in 1935, we would laugh them out of the bldg. We live in a "What have you done for me lately" society.

We should also remember that it's the CADETS that have the most championships when you combine the championships since before the inception of DCI. BD has been the most successful corps in DCI, but the Cadets have been the most celebrated drumcorps in history. Both are great accomplishments!

So now I'm the one being negative. What a turn of events! Guess it's okay talk #### this season on the Crown thread. Got it.

Seriously, thank you for typing all this. The insight is greatly appreciated and fun to read. I find it interesting that it's becoming almost controversial to say we want musicianship to be musicianship. I really think there is common ground where we can appreciate effects that electronics can have on a program, but also state that the players should play the freaking instruments. And maybe go a little further and say there should be organic sound and not reinforced (as far an ensemble goes) sound.

drumcat - Thank you for your brilliant analysis of this issue. You have provided a well-written and comprehensive piece. For several years now, I have felt uneasy about the way technology has reshaped our beloved product. We are treading on the artificial, toward an unnatural substitute, an illusion, so to speak. Way too much of this in today’s America, I think. Limitations are needed Yes, I’m old (72). I’m sure this is a factor, but so what? You know, I am amazed about the detail now possible in producing artificial flowers and plants. I see some incredible results there. But, my greatest pleasure is derived from being in the presence of the real, growing, genuine articles on which those man-made products are based. Your Conclusion, for now segment is excellent! Much appreciated. 👍

Respectfully … Isn’t it a little early in the season to be letting this stuff get to you so much? No one on this thread has really talked out of turn about Crown so far this season, but the prevailing attitude from your end has felt a bit negative. Crown is a great corps. They can survive the occasional snide remark on the internet. But that hasn’t even really happened in this space. You really gotta lighten up.

I'm rooting for BK and I expect they will be competitive, but "Unharnessed" seems such an uninspired name. Unharnessed Unleashed Undaunted Unchained Unbreakable Unmasqued Unsquare It's been dun -- er, done. Especially for a corps that has carved out a unique and successful space in the form by pushing thematic concepts to the boundaries of esoterica, "Unharnessed" feels like a sharp reversion to the mean. A generic selection from Central Casting. Here's hoping the performance on the field makes me forget all about the name.

Heck we have synthesizers, why have brass in Drum Corps? Just put 3 synths out there and play all the formerly brass parts on synth. Heck, arrange it in key of G. While you’re at it, put all percussion in pit as well. Amp the whole thing to the max. And then add about 80-100 more guard.

Specifically, here's what's proposed banned: All music from traditional wind and percussion instruments or electronic instruments must be performed by a student live and in real time. The use of sampled, prerecorded, or sequenced sounds of woodwind, brass, and/or percussion instruments is not permitted.