PCOP_trumpet04

I'm pretty sure that's not entirely correct. It's been a couple weeks since I've seen a show, but I distinctly remember a couple of the Div I corps out here on the West Coast are unamped too. Mandarins? PC?

Yeah, can't wait to see it. The trailer looked pretty good... And I popped in the DVD as soon as you mentioned it, hehe :) EDIT: Sorry for the OT post... I really like the lyrics to History Repeating. It's catchy. I'm still not entirely clear on the symbolism the original poster was referring to other than the obvious.

Boondock Saints. One of my fav movies ever b**bs

According to the recaps from the Newbury Park show, Impulse competed in Div III at that competition and was awarded the gold medal with a 60.45

2003 Santa Clara Vanguard. Pathways was just...so... HM: 2005 Blooooo 2004 Phantom 1997 Madison 1991 BD 1986 Suncoast

Best yell: 04 hands down. That moment in my life was truly inspirational and watching that show on finals night was awe-inspiring. Mad props yo Best show: Personally, I REALLY like 01, 03 (yes, I'm probably in the minority), and 04.

I voted Cavies across the board, the closest for me being the second one. As someone said, it's hard to tell what exactly the impact of The Zone has had on the activity as a whole being that we haven't had another season to see. I will say though, that in my mind, Cavies 00-03 were just on another level in terms of design, namely visual. It really pushed their competition to new levels to achieve the same--- the impact of those shows (especially Frameworks) has been huge. In that sense, I thought Cavies deserved the choice for question 2. The others explain themselves, and are more opinions than anything... Just my $.02 :D

Yeah, Sunblock is VERY important. Not being burned for your first couple weeks at spring training will really help towards surviving it comfortably. Remember: -The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15+. -Take precautions while outside and always wear a sunblock on exposed areas of skin. Don't forget to protect your lips, ears & under eye area. -Just because it's cloudy outside does not mean you are safe from sun damage. The UVA and UVB rays easily penetrate clouds and haze. THe worst sunburn I've ever had was when it was cloudy and hazy all day. -Always make sure that your sunblock provides both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays can cause long-term damage such as wrinkling, while UVB rays are responsible for most sunburn. Spray sunblocks are usually the easiest to apply and help get the best coverage. A lot of corps people will recommend the Coppertone Sport Spray. It's water-proof and works well on the field but leaves this gross layer all over your skin that peels off in the shower. It's also pretty greasy and doesn't feel too nice on the skin. Liquid blockers on the others hand feel nice on the skin but are fairly easy to wash/sweat off and most need to constantly be reapplied. It's also easier to miss spots with rub-on liquid sunblocks and requires a lot more time to apply. For people with fairer skin, look into kids sunblocks. They usually tend to have better protection and can last a long time out on the field. After having used tons of different sunblocks over the years in corps, I'd have to say that the best is the Bullfrog Quik Gel Spray, hands down. It's extremely water- and sweat-proof (I only had to apply once a morning, maybe once again later in the afternoon just in case) and provides both UVA and UVB protection, plus aloe and vitamin E to moisturize and heal your skin. It's PABA free (no worries damaging anything like uniforms and such). It's quick drying and needs no rubbing in---literally spray and go, so it's AWESOME for drum corps when you have little time for breaks. The Spray Gel comes in SPF 36, which is all you'll need for most people. They developed this stuff for surfers out here in Cali that were in and out of the water and constantly moving around, so it definitely lasts out on the field. I got everyone in my corps hooked on it and it really is the best stuff you can buy for marching. It can be hard to come by sometimes, so stock up on it before you leave for tour.

To me, drum corps is about the lessons you learn. It's about the skills you aquire. It's about meeting your most lifelong friends. It's about dedication, excellence, and rewards. Drum corps is also about traditions and the history of the actvity we hold dear. It's about being a part of something bigger than yourself that only a few people have ever been privileged to share. I'm a firm believer in tradition and respect for history and the people that came before--- for these reasons I have a hard time agreeing with the acceptance of woodwinds in drum corps. The ideals would still be there, but the flavor of drum corps would never be the same. It would be marching band, and I would not march if they were accepted, simply out of protest. Guitars and electronic instruments, while hard for me to swallow, would be easier to accept.

Like Stef said, voice only works effectively (IMHO) if it's used as part of the ensemble. Seemless integration is the key, whether it be vocal solos, narration, or even drum speak. Bluecoats are really the only corps I can think of that made vocals seem like a genuine part of the show, and not something "gimmicky" for lack of a better word. All of the vocal usage in the past has seemed sorta tacked on, like they're trying to feature something that, in essence, isn't up to the level of performance and attention to detail as the rest of the shows. It always seems awkward really... Drum corps people are picky. We're trained to notice things that stick out and it bothers us to no end when they do. Vocals are the same as anything else in drum corps. If you choose to use them, make it seemless, make it effective, and make it #### good. I'm trying to think of an example that many people have heard, and the only thing I can come up with would be something like the music of Enya or from the soundtracks of Titanic and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (namely Fellowship). I think anyone that was at BOA Grand Nationals this year can vouch for me when I say that vocals used like Richland HS would work WONDERFULLY on the field. That show had me from beginning to end on a level that only a few drum corps shows have done for me. The vocal soloist (actually a duet) was mindboggling. Man could that girl sing; had me nearly in tears. Honestly, has anyone else seen this show? I think that Richland's use of vocals within the ensemble were impeccable. I actually LIKED the narration, and was in absolute AWE of the vocal solos. This band seriously changed my perception of what vocal use in marching pageantry can do. If you have the chance to view this show, DO IT, and see what you think of vocals after.

I have a hard time agreeing with your statements regarding the role of the staff member's involvement. Here is why: While I do agree that they are not "some big mix-master in control over the entire drum corps", it's difficult to say that they are not having a significant involvement in the production and performance quality of a portion of the corps. Balance is something they teach us from day one. I can remember hours and hours spent on the filed in ensemble perfecting it. The corps must work together to produce the best balance and sound possible. Giving a staff member direct control over that undermines that. Period. As you said, "all the staff member would be doing is adjusting for proper balance". Well, isn't that something that we are supposed to be learning ourselves? Later on, you said, "Balance should be reflected in score. If the amps are unbalanced and sound bad, the judges should take notice." So basically the staff member's involvemnet and skill at balancing the ensemble FOR us during our performance would directly affect the performance quality, and in turn the score? I understand not wanting corps to sound ####ty, especially with how bad the balance has been on the recordings the past two years (nevermind how selfish that sounds, IMHO). But that shouldn't mean that having a staff member control an aspect of the performance is the solution. I'm sorry if I sound selfish, or heaven forbid TOO competitive, but I would be extrememly ###### if I found out that my corps' score was lower than another because their sound guy did a better job. I mean, it would be one thing if it were a performing member of the corps handling the soundboard that I was competing against--- that would be more fair. Having me and my corps compete against a sound guy on staff from another corps is crappy and just plain not fair. We shouldn't have to compete against a staff member from another corps, we should be competing with our peers... Does any of this make sense to anybody?

Yeah, I tend to agree with what has already been posted. BUT, I am open to hearing what was said and used for the justification of this rule, before making any real decisions or forming any opinions about this... I mean, if it passed unanimously, there's GOT to be a good reason as to WHY. Anyone know what was said?

Sound Board and Front Boundary Rules Pass "The 2006 DCI rules proposals regarding the location of the sound board (and who operates it) and extending the boundary of the front sideline to 15 feet (originally proposed as 12 feet) were both unanimously approved by the DCI board of directors tonight in Pasadena. The proposed rule that would change the sheet that judges use to adjudicate color guard performances was withdrawn last night during the instructor’s summit and was never voted on by the board. In other board of directors news, John Phillips was ratified as chief judge administrator for 2006, and George Oliviero and Gary Markham were ratified as educational directors for DCI for 2006."

I guess I don't really have a problem with the location of the sound board, so long as there is no staff involvement and it is run by a member. There's nothing else during a performance that a staff member can do to directly affect the performance itself, so why should this be any different? My beef with the sound board rule change is not with it's intention or it's merit. I hate the poor balance we've heard at shows recently just as much as the other guy (or should I say, YEAguy...) My beef with this rule change is the fact that someone that is not a performing member can have a direct effect on the corps' performance, and, in turn, the score. I mean think about it: Changing the balance at the flip of a switch, turn of a knob, or slide of a key is directly affecting the performance quality that the audience (and judges) perceives. Isn't this blending and balancing issue a part of the music ensemble score? It just doesn't seem right, or fair for that matter, to put an aspect of the performance (during the performance) in the hands of people that aren't performers... (For those questioning my amplification stance: I actually don't mind the use of amplification. I think it opens up the possibilty of better and more diversified instrumentation and provides for more creative opportunities.) As far as the other two rules go: I'm not too familiar with guard or guard design, so it's really not my place to have a viable opinion. From what I've read, the rule proposal SOUNDS logical and benefitial enough... I agree with the extension of the boundaries. It doesn't seem to hurt anything. Gives the pit more breathing room and better alines the rules with that of other pageantry circuits.

I'd like to see BK get some new unis, maybe a new take on the dots? I loved those uniforms...