cavies79

I think this year is still a toss up with several corps in the hunt. My favorite show is definitely "Immortal". Cavies are the most improved corps for 2014. I love their percussion section, especially the marimbas. But my favorite moment is their ballad. Beautiful phrasing and what a lush baritone solo. They are definitely miles ahead of the past two seasons. Don't count them out of the top 3 or 4. This hornline is better than 2011 and so is the drumline. That year they placed in the top 3. I have a feeling by the end of July they will be a contender. Forget the last two seasons, this is definitely a better corps with a much better staff (especially brass). If the guard can keep improving and their visual scores keep climbing, I think they will be a surprise.

Hi Jeff, Thanks for the help. I switched my browser to firefox and everything is great! I really appreciate it! Dennis

Hello fellow DCP Members. I am having technical issues with the viewing of "videos on demand". I have the latest flashplayer 12 installed, but yet I see no screen to watch the shows. I disabled Active X too. Any suggestions? I can never contact the fan network support because their hours don't match with my work hours and they are closed on weekends. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Dennis

I'm not going to make any predictions yet. However, I don't believe Cavies will finish below 5th. With the new brass staff and having excellent audition camps, I think are going to be very much improved. My biggest concern is not the brass for 2014, but the visual. The design was good, but the execution was not. I think SCV marched more like Cavaliers, than the Cavaliers did. If they get the visual better, I think they will be a big surprise.

Very interesting poll. I personally believe that a lot of innovative ideas come from other sources such as: opera, broadway musicals, art, and great literature. For example, a visual designer can get plenty of ideas from studying art. I am sure there are other sources that I completely missed.

I believe Michael wrote the drill in either 1993 or 1994. Mitch did one of those years and Michael the other.

How about 1977,78,79 Phantom Regiment? Always the bridesmaid during those 3 years.

I think today's shows get more applause on the visual side, but shows of the 70s/80s really musically more exciting. Today's arrangements are more difficult, but the selections are not always familiar to the listeners. I remember hearing "Let it Be Me" played by the 1980 Spirit of Atlanta...the place would go bonkers. Mostly because of the power and emotion of the song. If the music is familiar, I believe the crowds would be even more vocal.

Thanks for the insight. I do feel Madison should be in the G7. No matter their placement, they are always a huge fan favorite.

Nothing against Bluecoats or Carolina Crown, but if you are going to call this the "Tour of Champions", I would put Madison in and take those 2 out. Remember Madison won 2 DCI titles (1975, 1988). I really thought that this G7 (TOC) was meant to be those corps that won at least 1 title.

Before I post this, I am a fan of the Boston Crusaders. I thought the TOC was supposed to be corps that had previously won a DCI Title. Am I wrong? If that is true, shouldn't only Blue Devils, SCV, Cavies, Phantom, Madison, and Cadets be in these shows? Wouldn't that be the best thing to do? Just my 2 cents.

I think 2013 will be a much more successful season for Cavaliers than 2012 was. The difference will be the show design. I believe their 2013 production will make more sense both visually and musically.

Phantom Regiment used to host a fall show for marching bands. I'm not sure if they still do. It's a good recruiting tool, plus a bit of a fundraiser.

From what I remember, Marty Hurley wrote the percussion book from 1987-92. I believe Jeff was on staff and then started writing in 1993.

I think I know who Cavies new drill writer will be. I think it is somebody who wrote the drill for the corps back in the mid 90s....Greg Poklocki (spelling?) He wrote the drill for the 95 and 96 seasons. Am I correct?

For the best hornline, it was tough, but I chose 2002 Cavaliers. Everything was so well blended and the intonation was superb! For the loudest, I was deciding between the 1989 Phantom Regiment and 1988 Madison Scouts. I think the use of G bugles helped their projection. I went with Phantom Regiment.

I am for having something similiar to Division II and III again. Maybe, just maybe, a few more smaller corps would start up and have a chance for success in a division III.

I actually liked the Billy Joel show. My wife, who is not biggest drum corps fan, really liked that show. Of course, she is a big Billy Joel fan.

Yes, you are correct.

He actually mentioned that he would not write for anybody except Cavaliers. Of course, I believe he wrote the drill for Spirit a few years ago.

I bet the music is already written, knowing Robert W. Smith.

If Michael comes back in 2013, I think he might return to the Cavaliers. Don't be surprised if that might just happen...crossing my fingers.

I agree somewhat with the OP. There are less kids participating in the activity today. Due to a lot of issues, mainly economy, this has happened. The quality of performers is much better today than 20 years ago. It's just too bad there aren't more kids participating.

I totally agree with you. This show has improved a lot, especially the guard. The brassline is holding their own and I think the drumline scores are being shafted. That drumline is good enough to win another Sanford award. The drill actually makes sense with the dollar signs and other symbols used. I still like Madworld and Xtrordinary better.

I actually thought that the guard uniform fit the theme of the show very well. Remember the title was "Spin Cycle"...so, you have to remember the type of clothes a bicyclist would wear in a a race. I didn't personally like them at first, but after a second look, I realized the reasoning behind them. I've been watching this show on Dvd several times and personally think that it should have won. Yes, it was a visual masterpiece (another great Gaines drill), but everything was so well coordinated (music, drill, guard, etc.).