shawn craig

I think most, if not all, of the top 15 or so will be using electronics. I can live with that as long as it's minimal and doesn't take away from the brass and percussion. I hope they don't use any narration.

Ok it I agree the higher you score/place the more scrutiny you come under and that doesn't mean people are against you. And the Blue Stars do still seem to be fairly popular. There are some who do get very defensive (not sure that's the best word) when their corps doesn't do as well as they think they should competition wise.

Seems true. When you're the underdog they love you. When you're breathing down the neck or beating someones favorite corps, they're suddenly the bad guys. GO BLUE STARS!!!

Maybe I watched the wrong announcement becuase what I saw didn't make me think of Machine at all. It seems like this show will be more about what a job in a factory meant to people and working together for the war effort; more of what the factory meant to people not how it's a type of machine. I don't know what direction they're planning on going in but I'll reserve judgement until I actually see the show.

At one time many years ago I also thought it would be great to start a corps. But that time has passed. Now I'd supprt a corps or sponsor members, volunteer but not start anything up.

A tenor in my church choir for two yeears, never marched but was a percussionist in HS. Some Crossmen staff worked with his HS band and he knew some about it and loves it. I joined a community band last year and a percussionist had corps stuff on. He marched Bucs cymbal line a couple years ago and is going to march Colts this sumemr.

Considering what my social is, it would be interesting to see how many "best friends" and "long lost relatives" I suddenly would have if such a thing ever happened.

Some mentioned DCA only but many of us mentioned both DCI and DCA. I like to look at the bigger picture. I love DCI and what it does (mostly) but I don't want to be exclusive and not forget our activity is bigger than one circuit even if that currently is the dominant circuit.

Of course the exact amount makes a difference. I would hope any one would first take care of themselves (and family); establish a portfolio, buy a house or fix up the one you have etc. Besides giving money, not working a full time job would also give more time to volunteer. I love to cook so I would want to work in the food trailer for a couple weeks. Of course cooking for 200 four times a day in a travel kitchen isn't the same as making a fancy dinner in a gourmet kitchen, but I'd still want to do that.

I think if I gave the large amount in mind to a favorite corps that excellent finals seats in their block would definatly be part of the deal.

I'd give substantially to one or two favorites, perhaps help establish an endowment that would help with future stability. I'd give some to other corps of my choice. I would agree with Mike D about wanting to see a business plan before giving to some of the more finally troubled groups. I wouldn't try to convince a DCI Jr corps to go G bugles. I'd support one of the DCA groups for that. While I'd prefer mostly to give to corps I would support DCI and/or DCA in some publicity efforts, TV broadcast etc.

As a contra I'd have to go to Regiment!!! Close second would be SCV

A fun topic for fantasy and dreaming. If you won a large multi-million dollar lottery like the Mega Millions or Power Ball, when they're up pretty high, what would you for drum corps? Lets assume you've established a portfolio for yourself/family and done some other charitable things for your church, community, etc. and now you've got a large amount designated for drum corps. Have FUN!!!

I have some co-workers who do a lot for relay. They sell snacks and fund raise her at work. They also organize a team from work to participate in an annual spring event.

The drum major was Chip Deopker. His brother Nick is the middle tall French horn player in the upper right photo marched Madison after we folded. The short snare in the lower right is Mike Bailey who marched Troopers for several years after we folded and is a free lance drummer based in Nashville. I believe he won or placed very high in snare I & E one year (86 or 87).

Maybe we should retiltle this thread "Much ado About Nothing."

I'm going to try and go. SPARTACUS on the big screen!!! I voted for 4 of the 6 finalist. Consideriong the results from last year and this years first rounds maybe next year DCI should consider a Crownp-Phantom only countdown.

I'm much more concerned with any corps who mics a brass soloist or ensemble. It's very rare (including my experience at a Blast concert) where miced brass sound good. Add to that having a miced solo/ensemble mixed with the accoustic horn line and I can't imagine it will sound good. I think a small amount of electic keyboards blended into the pit will work better. At least until a corps way overdoes the electronics and they take away from instead of enhance the overall music ensemble.

I'm willing to give electronics a try. Unlike someone talking through out the show, at least it will be music (hopefully). My concern is balance. In most situations (indoor concert situations as well as outside concerts and marching groups) the electronics almost always stick out and dominate the accoustic ensemble. Most of the pit amplification is working ok. BUT there are still times, especially the sensitive quieter moments, when the amps overpower the horns. The recordings are also very pit heavey. At least SCV hired a specialist (more money) who will hopefully make it work well.

Seeing a Corps caravan as your on the way to a show! In a few cases I've followed the caravan to find the stadium in a town I'm not familiar with. As for the song I love whiskers on kittens.

Along with the Golden Garrison someone else mentioned earlier we also competed with another lesser known Michigan corps Praesidium. It was an all gril corps. Golden Garrison were very nice corps and kids; younger group. Don't remember a lot about Praesidium except they were fairly small and also a young group. General Putnam's Men along with Bandettes, Golden Garrison, and the Coachmen competed a lot together in Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario.

Voted Blue Stars

Piano is a LOT better than narration.

Five of my original votes made it. I originally voted for Crown 08 instead of 07. My six 2008 Phantom 2008 Blue Stars 2007 Crown 2005 Madison Scouts 2004 Cavaliers 2004 Vanguard

How about the phrase "neccesary evil." Our corps primarily did small town shows many of which were associated with a festival of some kind. All the corps often marched in a "festival parade" either in the morning or the day before the show. I don't know how many poeple came to the show after seeing/hearing the corps in the parades but publicity is always good.