cavies79

Didn't Rick Temby write part of the Scouts drill in 88 or 89?

Robert also arranged Spirit of Atlanta (1986,87). I know Robert will adapt his writing skills to fit the traditions of Madison. I am still curious why Jimmer left. Good luck Scouts!

Phantom Regiment (1970s era)- crowd yelling "Suta". Madison Scouts (1970s/early 80s)- somebody (I think staff) doing some type of yell (like an animal sound) before the start of their shows. Listen to 1978 beginning and you can definitely hear this. Several other years too. Cavaliers (early 70s)- crowd yelling "go go green machine".

1. Cavaliers 2. Madison 3. Bluecoats 4. Cadets 5. Carolina 6. Blue Stars 7. Phantom 8. Boston 9. SCV 10. Blue Devils 11. Blue Knights 12. Glassmen

Many great choices! I cannot disagree with any of them. Here are mine: 1. 1980 27th Lancers- This was an eye opening show for me. I feel that George Zingali was just developing his name as an elite drill designer. Wow, that colorguard (especially rifles) were fantastic. They almost became the first DCI Champion from the east. 2. 1980 Spirit of Atlanta- The last show arranged by the late Jim Ott. I happened to see the corps at Whitewater, when they were first wearing the black patches in memory of him. They played their hearts out for Jim and the other staff who were injured. "Let it Be Me" became a classic with this corps. 3. 2008 Phantom Regiment- Awesome! 4. 1984 Garfield Cadets- Breathless! 5. 1977 Bridgemen- This was a great show with the awesome playing of Jim Brady. This show will go down in history because of the disqualification. So, I selected it because of that reason.

Marching in my hometown (Canton, Illinois) as a member of the Cavaliers. Probably my worst performance, but I was still very proud to be part of that great organization! DE

I remember, when I was on staff with the Geneseo Knights, we competed at the Illinois State Fair. Spirit and Suncoast also competed there too. Do they still have that contest? Who still attends the competition to compete? DE

I have two children, so I would pick for my son: Cavaliers.......excellent organization! Phantom Regiment.....always have been a classy organization. Santa Clara Vanguard..........with Jeff Fiedler in charge, I'm sure a great experience! Madison Scouts..........another classy organization Crossmen.............close to home with a really good instructional staff. For my daughter: Santa Clara Vanguard................same reason as above. Crossmen....................same reason as above. Phantom Regiment............same reason as above. Blue Coats...................I have had several students march with this corps and enjoy the experience. Colts....................I believe Greg Orwell is a very caring individual and that the kids are treated well.

I would like to add 1985 Geneseo Knights doing "Jesus Christ Superstar". Even though Madison did a great job of this production, I like the Knights better. I kept wondering what it would have sounded like with a larger hornline. I bet it would have been spectacular.

Congratulations to all!! My only question is why Marty Hurley has not been voted into the hall of fame. Marty did so much for Phantom Regiment as their percussion arranger in the 70s, 80s, and even early 90s. Also, I believe he wrote for the Belleville Black Knights. Does anybody know why he continues to get overlooked?

I think this is my favorite option. As a former member, I enjoyed playing either our corps song or a bit from our show to salute the champs. I know it is a bit long, but the season is over after the finals. Just my 2 cents worth. DE

My first show was 1978 Canton, Illinois (DCM) show. I remember seeing Phantom Regiment, Madison Scouts, Colts, Geneseo Knights, and I cannot remember the others. However, seeing that show got me to join a corps (Cavaliers) the next season.

I would have to say Garfield 1984 and then Sky Ryders 1987. Both great productions!!!

Don Warren...............thank you for starting the Cavaliers.

1990- Cavaliers 1991- Phantom Regiment 1992- Cavaliers 1993- Cavaliers 1994- Cadets 1995- Cavaliers 1996- Phantom Regiment 1997- Madison Scouts 1998- Cavaliers 1999- Santa Clara Vanguard

Mike, That was a difficult season for the corps too. They had just lost Steve Brubaker (drill designer) from brain cancer. The show was dedicated to him. I believe if the drill could have been cleaner in 93, they would have a chance to win it all. But, they I believe it was Michael Gaine's first drill or else Mitch Rogers. Both have become very good writers.

I actually liked Madison 1989 because of their opener "Make His Praise Glorious". I thought the second half of the show was kind of lame, but I really liked their opener. Mix it with a better second half and they would have been better.

Since most of the posts have been of recent selections, here are a few oldies but goodies. Theme from Ice Castles..........Madison Softly as I Leave You........Cavies Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral........Phantom My Heart Belongs to Me..........Blue Devils Let it be Me..........Spirit

Good copy- Music from "Fiddler on the Roof" (done by Monticello, Il. High School back in the early 1980s). Bad copies- Seeing bands try to do shows by the Bridgemen. This happened several times in the 1970s/ early 80s. Only the Bridgemen could do those type of shows!! VK too.

"They're Playing Our Song", "Ice Castles", "Make His Praise Glorious"..........Madison Scouts "Softly as I Leave You", "Santa Esmeradla"..........Cavaliers "My Way"...........Dutch Boy "T.O.", "La Suerta De La Tontos", "My Heart Belongs to Me".........Blue Devils "Music from Jesus Christ Superstar"............Geneseo Knights version (1985) "Niner Two"............27th Lancers "Schools Out for Summer"............Velvet Knights "Spanish Dreams", "Into Stone".................Bridgemen "Appalachian Morning"..............Crossmen I better stop because the list could go on and on. I do notice that on about everybody's lists that they write titles of songs that can be easily remember...........great melodies that can whistled and hummed.

There have been some great soprano players mentioned. I would like to mention just another, the soprano soloists during Guardsmen "Tiger of San Pedro" in 1979. Great work!!

What corps show was the most memorable for you to attend or compete in? I'll start with the most memorable for me to attend. I really enjoyed watching the 1981 DCI Midwest Contest in Whitewater, Wisconsin. First of all, there were some great shows performing that night and second, I always enjoyed going to Whitewater to see shows. For actually performing in, I enjoyed playing in the DCM shows in DeKalb, Illinois. As a performer, I found that it was great being around the other midwest corps. DeKalb offered a great venue for both the performer and spectator, IMHO. One other show, was when we competed in Canton, Illinois. This was a great experience to perform in my hometown.

I believe that they will be in the top 5 again. Their staff is still very good and I believe that they will have a good nucleus of members return from last year. Their drumline will be stronger, guard very good, visual still strong. The big question is how will their brassline be? They still have the same arranger from last year, plus their new caption head is very good. I don't think they will decline. If they do, it won't be much. They might even surprise everybody and move up.

From the past, I would have to mention that the most influential designers included: George Zingali, Steve Brubaker, and John Brazale. My favorite designer today has to be Michael Gaines. His work has been very original and I really like the use of body movements they use. The one move I have seen many high school bands attempt was the the dragon from Cavaliers 1986, 87 shows. This is the move they do during "Korean Folk Songs". My favorite show in terms of drill has to be 1984 Garfield Cadets (great staging and the "Z" pull) and 2006 Cavaliers "Machine". There are many others, but these 2 shows are my favorite in terms of design. BTW, Steve Brubaker wrote the 92 Cavaliers show design.

I cannot believe everybody thinks Cavaliers are going to sink this year. I actually believe they will be in the top 3 again. Yes, they had some staff changes, but their drumline should be just as strong or stronger than 09. Their brass will surprise us all. Remember, they have the same brass arranger, visual staff, visual designer, and I believe the same guard staff (for the most part). I've already talked to a few members from 09 who are exciting about returning. The other major change is Adolf DeGrauwe becoming corps director. Adolph was director for many years before and had a big hand in helping the corps improve to championship status. BTW, I also believe Madison will make top 12, but not above 9 for this upcoming year. Just my 2cents worth.