RiverRat

I'm really surprised this hasn't been done already. This is the perfect venue for widescreen. Just not having to pan the High camera would be a plus and of course the higher resolution with HDTV would be terrific!

Proving that you're never to old to get a Tat, I just got mine in September and I'm 43. It's my sig picture and it's my old drum corps logo. It looks really cool on my arm and is a natural conversation starter.

Bohemian Rhapsody! :)

OK, I re-read the email I got from Steve V back in October. I guess there is a chance... When Ken passed away, his will left the master tapes to DCI and specified that they not be used to make money. There is also a copyright clearance problem on a huge amount of the music that is contained on the tapes. DCI has, so far, indicated they will never make the material available. Perhaps someday they'll change their mind or figure out how to clear the music with BMI, ASCAP and the Harry Morris Agency. In the meantime, rest assured that all of the material has been preserved. Every minute of every reel-to-reel tape has been transferred to digital computer files to ensure that these historical recordings are not lost forever. The people who own the Stetson D. Richmond and Alf Wateska collection are willing to allow that material to be used and that's where the 50 CDs come from. Likewise, Dale Johnson's material is also available (38 CDs). Steve Vickers, Publisher Drum Corps World www.drumcorpsworld.com

Steve Vickers himself replied to me that Ken's master tapes have all been transferred to digital media but that it was in his will that they not be sold to anyone. I've tried too.... :(

This should be a great show, assuming it isn't too cold. It may be in the low 60's by show time!

For our inaugural season in '78 our original black and red cadet style uniforms all burned in a fire. For the season we were given black pants, a white polo shirt with an SCR patch and a black baseball cap. Very bad...

That would be Rivermen, as in St. Croix. B)

I don't see the 1127 or 1129 being advertised on King's web site. Any way to actually see one or buy one yet? Is PR using the same Bari/Euphs next year or what?

Actually folks, there is one I in Roberts Email address: rpilottc@aol.com Robert, Thought I'd help you out dude! :D

Thanks! I think it's accurate. I just talked with someone and told them I was going to Madison next week and what it was for. I ended up taking about 20 minutes to explain it. She still didn't understand!

Nice job! You definitely show great enthusiasm. You have a great advantage I didn't when I joined corps. See, I didn't exactly understand what it was. I new it was a musical group and it traveled during the summer, but that was about it. Then they stick this big horn that stuck straight out and had a piston and a rotary on the inside of the thing. What's that! :( You will experiance something you will always remember, and something you'll never be able to explain. You mean you have to PAY to do this! Anyway, you'll be very prepared and that's good. :D

Since I was noticing many Corps going to Bb instruments ( and I hadn't played at all since I marched I picked up a: DEG Dynasty Baritone Bugle (3-valve) from the Crossmen sale after Finals last year. It's a bit beat up but it works! I even play it on occasion. When I marched we had the DEG Dynasty II's

Wish I had a recording too! Unbelievable!! Must have hurt!

Holy Scooby Doo! Nice review! I'm starting to wonder if you get more points if your review is looooonger! Yeah! That's It! Can't wait for Madison!!!

Bob, How the h### are ya'! I thought you'd join DCP sooner or later! I actually went to your friend OldSopPlaya on Corps Memories and got copies of the MP3's you made for '80 and '81. Thanks! 82 Video? I'm definitely interested! Going to Finals? I'll be going with my daughter and it will be my first as a spectator. Maybe we can work something out? Mr. McDowell, I'm coming at you dude!

Roger, We also know you are quite a soloist yourself! Saw you guys at the Hastings Show (you can see my review under Performance Reviews) and I was very impressed with yours! Screamin' Dude!! :D

Excellent, in-depth review! Wish I wrote it but I wasn't there. Curses!

What can you say when it’s 97 degrees with a 72 dew point? WOW, that’s HOT, MAN!! We’re in beautiful, historic Hastings Minnesota at the recently renovated Todd Field. 20 rows of wonderfully crafted metal benches and no seat cushions. Comfy! I’m 19 rows up on the 35 yard line, sweating like a pig, and drinking lots of water. Pretty picture, eh? As this is my first review for the venerable DCP, I am not responsible for its content, up to and including, spelling, grammar, or opinions! Also, as I’m a former Baritone player please don’t expect that I saw everything; I did try halfheartedly to watch other sections, however. RACINE SCOUTS—35.70 For this small corps their M&M was good but they need work on horns (10) and percussion. There was also some nice solo work including a Baritone player that did a Mellophone solo. Very nice. CHOPS, INC.—45.05 Well folks, they finally got rid of the shorts, the loud shirts, the funny hats, and the red sneakers! Okay, all except for their drum major who actually wore a Zoot Suit with, you guessed it, red sneakers. The new uniform is more cadet style with an almost maroon accent. A very different look but they seemed to keep most of the “fun” in tact. Lot’s of clowning around out there. Horn line needs to project more, percussion was OK, and guard looked good. They setup 3 large tables on the field they used to highlight individuals from all sections. For the most part, it worked. GOVENAIRES, SR---50.00 What can you say about the oldest Senior Corps in existence? I’m not sure but their drum major made sure we knew it before the show started. Nice rapport with the audience and not a bad show. I only wish I could remember some of it and that may be the problem. BLUE STARS---58.65 Like the “Jewish Trilogy” thing they have going. Brings me back to the old days when they were among the elite. This drum line is almost big corps size and is clean as h###. Most impressive! Horn line is pretty good for as small as they are. Guard work was there too. CAPITAL SOUND—59.50 Only a point higher than the Blue Stars, this much larger corps has a lot of cleaning to do. Not a bad sound though. Being under the “Madison” banner can’t be all bad. 40 horns or so strong, their M&M isn’t bad. If they can clean the rest, they’ll do well. MINNESOTA BRASS, SR—69.40 WOW! The loudest of the evening! Of course, the 65 person horn line didn’t hurt. Or maybe it did!! Their was actually one point during the show where the Sop/Trumpet soloist hit a note, I swear doesn’t exist, it’s that high. Anyway, percussion was good and the Guard was OK, but small. The new uniform is very BD like but a much more professional look than they’ve had in the past. I think it helps them in how they carry themselves on the field, much better overall. PHANTOM REGIMENT—79.55 Run Run Run! This is by far, the fastest Regiment I’ve ever seen. And they play at the same time, cool. This is a nice show, my favorite low brass line in the world is still there but they have managed to get all sections some nice licks. Like the Guard uni’s too with the bright red. Hot! I think with more clean up, especially in M&M and this is a top 6 corps. Hope they can do it! CAVALIERS—85.05 An 85? I’m not sure about that folks. Yes, this is a beautifully played and marched show but it ain’t THAT clean! In fact, one horn player had a nasty wipe out on the field, managed to get back in and complete the show, but was taken away in an ambulance after. Weird! This totally original show does have it’s moments, it’s definitely “pretty” but it’s also “easy”, at least from the horn book standpoint. I guess we’ll see. The Green Machine looks to be one to beat for the title in Madison. The RiverRat :D

Thanks for the review! Great job! I will also see Regiment in a couple weeks in Hastings. Cavies will be there too. I will be posting my first review here also! B)

Ditto on the Thank you!

I'm wondering if anyone out there may have any recordings (tape, CD, etc.) of the St. Croix Rivermen. Any recording anywhere between 78 and 82. I am willing to pay $$. Help! :o Paul Kuehn

I saw the Opening Night show here in Minneapolis last month. This was really an excellent program! 2nd row seats didn't hurt either--you really got the "wall of sound" down there. A season ticket holder in front of us even had earplugs. Shades of many Corps were there including the "step" over the guard and the obvious musical #'s.My only disapointment was the omission of Villa Borgese, my favorite # from Star.