cavies79

Very true. You also see how musicianship has improved in band programs all over the country. For those who have seen Carmel High School, you know what I mean. Awesome program. There are many others just like Carmel. Congrats to all band directors, corps instructors, designers, etc. Great work!!! :) I just wish I was about 26 years youngers so I could march again. :(

Hey Paul, Don't get any blisters tomorrow. :) Seriously, have a great time! I wish I could still march, but I live too far away. Dennis

First of all, congratulations Blllloooooo!!! Very well deserved. Does this mean that they are definitely winning DCI? No, of course not. We still have to think about Cadets, Phantom, Blue Devils, and Cavaliers. Also, there might be a slight possibilty that Crown could surprise us all. But again, great job to the Bluecoats and I hope my Cavaliers are up to the challenge. One last thing......I remember in the 70s/80, the talk was about somebody beating SCV and BD because they were always winning. I believe most people were pulling for Regiment to upset them. Came close three different times. Then in the 90s, the talk was about who will knock out Cadets. Anyhow, now people seem to want Cavies to lose, Cadets not to win, but somebody else taking the title. My opinion is no matter who wins, the top 7 corps all championship calibre shows this year. Great designs, talent, etc. Kudos to all!! Dennis

And what place did Cavies take at finals? In other words, congrats Bluecoats, but the season is long from over. I think there will be many changes in placement throughout this season. Again congratulations Bluecoats!!

My prediction is somebody will win. In other words, too close to call. I hope Cavies win, but you never know.

To all of you who are giving up on Madison, please don't I remember when Cavaliers were not in finals (last time 1978). I marched in 1979 when the goal was to get back into finals. Well, as you all should know, the rest is history. I think Madison can do the same think if they get a great leader. For Cavaliers, Jeff Fiedler has been that leader. When he aged out, he became a staff member. He has been very inspirational to the success of the corps. This is what Madison needs to get back to the being the power house we remember. I thought Sal was that person and still believe he would have gotten them there. But, now it is time to find somebody else to do the job. I hope it works out.

Amen.

I'll throw my hat into the ring. (Not in finishing order) Cavaliers Cadets SCV Phantom Regiment Outside chance: Bluecoats :)

Cavies will win tonight..........I believe they are starting to pick things up a bit. I want Cavies to win............I marched with them, so I have to be loyal to them. I've enjoy both Bluecoats and Cavies.............I haven't heard SCV. If Cavies don't win, I would pick SCV because they have always been a class act. Plus, Pete & Sly are working with them and they are Cavies. :) Of course, there are many Cavaliers working with Bluecoats too. Both drill designers (SCV and Bluecoats) marched in Cavaliers, so it is a tossup between the two. But, I'll have to go with SCV.

For the most part, I think your comment about Cavies has been said the last few years. However, they usually play with great intonation, articulation, balance, and blend. They will probably crank it up a little as we get closer to August. I feel that volume helps with GE, but the other qualities help with musicianship. They probably are a top 3 brassline again. Great to hear about Colts. I hope they make finals, as well as Blue Stars. The only down side is somebody has to miss top 12. I think Spirit might be one of those corps to fall out. Still early, but they are struggling with visual this year. We'll see.

I feel sorry for Madison. I don't want to see them fall out of the top 17, let alone the top 12. I still feel the Board should have left Sal and his staff alone. I feel losing Colin and their percussion staff has hurt, as well as losing Scott Boerma and his arrangements. I hope they can prove all of the doubters wrong. Congratulations to the Cavaliers! Still the corps to beat. Keep up the great work!

Oh give me a break. Way too early to tell anything. I'm sorry but I don't believe that is accurate. Cavies in 3rd or 4th. I had some people tell me in 2004 that Cavies wouldn't make top 3 and they won. This year's run for the title won't be decided until August. Too close to call.

I disagree. IMHO, the season is still very young and Cavies will be a contender. In 2004, a lot of people wrote them off saying the show wasn't competitive enough. Look what happened, they won it all. I'm not saying they will win it all, but to write them off this early in the season is a big mistake. Never count them out. They are talented and also have a very good staff that can help put them over the top.

I've always been a big fan of Madison, going back to 1978 when I first saw them live. So, please don't get too upset at these comments. I think it was a big mistake getting rid of Sal. I believe he had the corps on the right track. Yes, last season wasn't the best, but I believe he understood programming and putting the right details in order. Nothing against the current staff, but I still believe Sal was a plus for the corps. Just my 2 cents worth.

Add Cavaliers, SCV, Bluecoats, and Blue Devils, and you have a different situation. It sure will be an interesting season.

Amen. BTW, when BD was winning championships one after the other, I would the same thing that they were arrogant. The truth is, the Cavies have a lot of confidence.

I think we really won't have a true picture until they all meet together. Also, we need to wait until they have complete shows and changes.

Didn't Troopers also perform "Red Pony" in 1986? I think they didn't, but wouldn't swear on it. I also like SCV's 85 version the best.

Bring back the rabbit. Just kidding. On the serious side, get rid of the narration. Let us hear the performers playing their instruments, please.

If I remember correctly, there were many people who thought that the 2004 "007 Show" wasn't good enough to win. They were wrong. If Cavies don't win, it will be either PR, SCV, or BD winning. I don't see Bluecoats winning. I like Bluecoats, but I think they can beat those 4 corps mentioned.

Cavies in 4th........sorry, won't happen. Top 2 for Cavies.

I'm just happy that they didn't have to talk through most of their show. When will the Cadets learn to let their playing and marching do the job? Awesome Cadets show minus the vocals. Regarding Cavies drill, they didn't perform the closer. Secondly, if you haven't learned by now, the Cavaliers always make big changes in their drill. That goes back to the days of Steve Brubaker. The visual program will be better by mid season. One last thing. I think Cadets, Bluecoats, Cavies, and a few others will be battling for that top spot. I think 2007 will be a great year for drum corps. I just wish there were more active corps out there.

I'm not sure Cavies did their entire show. I thought when I heard the audio a few days ago, there was a little more. Am I wrong? Drumline is better this year. Horns about the same. Colorguard did more than others. Drill will be changed and tweaked before Pasadena. I have them or Bluecoats in first. It will be close.

Nope, too early to tell. Cavies haven't even gone on yet. I predict Cavaliers will be the surprise of the evening. I might be wrong, but they're going to be strong.

Wow!!! Bluecoats have an awesome sounding show, so far. Impressive!! Their narration is short and classy. It will work for them. Now they need to finish their colorguard work.