bluecontramom

Last year saw major changes in the show during the Scouts time in Louisiana. They came to Atlanta and proceeded to rip the place apart. All good things come to those who wait. GO SCOUTS!

What a shame. Looking for head to head competition again. See you all in Minneapolis.

When a show is rained out, no one receives scores. They do receive feedback on their performance however.

I have to say when I sat in my seat for finals I was pretty upset. $75 for tickets 1 row from the back wall in section 642. I was expecting a horrible evening but let me tell you it could have been one of the best seats in the house. Row 20 sits just under an overhang in the stadium. All the sound funnelled up into this overhang and we could hear everything that was played and said. I was so shocked. I'm not a music afficianado, just a mom who loves drumcorps, but I thought the sound was GREAT. Plus we had our own flat screen tv in front of us, since we couldn't see the jumbo-tron due to the overhang. Yes it was up high (and we needed an infusion of oxygen when we got to our seats), but we got to see it all. Not sure if it the good sound was due to the packed house or the overhang but I loved it. I was one happy camper at the end of the show. And I'll probably ask for the same seats next year, just closer to the 50 yard line if possible.

Thank you. Thank you vferrera. It seems that almost no one on DCP these days is happy with anything the Scouts try to do. Make changes to this, what is the staff thinking, they want a male character performer, get rid of the directors, bring back Sal? What a soap opera this has become. The corps has been handed an enjoyable, complicated piece of work. They are still making changes-every single corps is making changes right now. Some may work, some may not. Let the boys do their jobs, the staff do theirs and you all just try to sit back and enjoy the product that is put on the field. This is a show about good vs evil, it's supposed to be FUN. It's a comic book super hero story that is an entertaining show, with great musicality. I certainly don't tune out as I watch this corps perform. It's fast moving-I don't see very much park and blow involved in the drill. They are always moving. And I also think the guard uniforms rock. Can you tell those guys are having fun being super heros? I can. It's one of the few shows that make the audience laugh. There are even the sop screamers, who are awesome by the way. Everyone is working hard. Everyone. Madison has 10 shows over the next 12 days. Don't count them out of the hunt just yet. And thank you again vferrera for your wonderfully stated comment. Please forgive my ranting, but you all have had your turn. This was my turn. Enjoy the show, folks. Madison mom

Those of us who love our RV's are staying at the KOA campground in Greenfield. Can't wait for the games to begin. Mad Mom Chris

Thank you to all who helped provide such a spectacular feast for the members and staff. It was great to know that rain didn't put a damper on the occasion. Great pictures too. I enjoyed looking into their day. Miss my boy. See you in August, Matt. Chris

Mr. Elvord, I'm new to the Scout organization this year, so not familiar with who you are, but thank you for your words of wisdom on our Men of Madison. They are pouring their heart into their program this year. I sure wish you could give them a pep talk before one of their perfomances. I believe. I believe. Thank you. A rookie Madison mom.

353 users. At midnight. Too funny. Gotta love drum corps. C'mon Scouts. Dig in. See you all tomorrow. C

Wow!! Way to go Stars. C'mon Phantom, I love you too. Bring it on folks. C

Does anyone know if the closer is finished? They were worried about the length of the show at one point. I know they were taking out parts to add the "real" closer. Maybe they've not finished cutting and pasting yet. Hang in there Scout fans. I have faith it will all come together soon.

Scouts needs their Wheeties. C'mon Men of Madison. Let's pour it on tomorrow. POW.

I was at the Michigan City show with my father, who is in a wheel chair. We sat right near the area where patrons are let into and out of the stadium, in the handicap section. The usher there did a nice job of containing folks who arrived mid-show, but one particular moment had me nashing my teeth. 2 "gentlemen" arrived moments after the introduction of the drum major and the section was closed. After giving the usher a hard time about waiting on deck, they proceeded to have a conversation and catch up with each other during the run of the Glassmen show. They didn't even bother to whisper, just kept up their mindless chatter, which got louder as the music volumn increased. One man was a Cavies supporter. I would think if you were proud enough of a corps to wear their name on your back, you wouldn't want to be lumped into this group of rude, inconsiderate folks that we are discussing here and now. I know we are preaching to the choir here, but if you can't take your seats at least shut your mouths. These members work long hard hours under less than ideal conditions and all of them deserve our respect and attention. Chris Madison Scout mom

As a parent with many years on the foodtruck, I can't tell you how awesome it was to have a school volunteer (with a car) offer to take us shopping. Locals know where the day old bread stores are, the best grocery stores, even Aldi's or Sam's club. Maps are great. Drivers are better. Also, any access to ice machines will earn your school eternal glory. There is nothing more satisfying than telling corps members they can have ice in their water jugs. COLD gatorade is such a tremendous treat.

My son aged out of Phantom last year. Did I catch a lot of grief for that?? You bet. "Why couldn't you and dad have waited one more year?" I hadn't seen the show since Rockford, but I knew from that day it was going to be an incredible experience. With all of the tremendous theatrics to the absolutely incredible ballad and solo, right through to the death of Will, I was holding my breath. This was simply an amazing show that kept all of us on the edge of our seats. It was absolute, pure genious and went way beyond the traditional drum corps show. Thank you Phantom members for your passion and dedication. Chris

Another classy move, in my opinion, was the helmet with the red plume on the podium. When I saw that sitting beside the new shako, I couldn't help but tear up. Many, many emotions last night for the old and new Blue Stars. Also enjoyed the "old" uniform, including the guard in hot pants, marching alongside the current conductors during retreat. A fine tribute to what was then and what is now. They've updated their image but still remember their roots. Welcome back to finals Blue Stars. Long overdue. Chris

I'm sure there are time schedules somewhere but I don't have it. As with all DCI shows the lineup is available on DCI.org under "schedules". The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL Bluecoats - Canton, OH Colts - Dubuque, IA Glassmen - Toledo, OH Spirit - Jacksonville, AL Madison Scouts - Madison, WI Blue Stars - LaCrosse, WI Troopers - Casper, WY Revolution - San Antonio, TX Dutch Boy - Kitchener, ON Colt Cadets - Dubuque, IA H.Y.P.E. - Hamilton, ON Legends - Kalamazoo, MI No H.Y.P. E. from what I'm hearing. They are not fielding a corps this year. Even so, it promises to be a good show. Legends is also holding their own Open Class show on July 31st in Vicksburg, MI. It's just down the road from Waldo Stadium. Hope you all will look into attending. Chris

Hey CHSsnare, thanks for the interest. Kalamazoo show starts at 6PM. Legends is first on. We are totally psyched for our first competition EVER in front of a home crowd. 50 members strong with a sound that will surprise everyone. Make sure you're in your seat before 6. Chris Legends mom

Looking forward to my first drum corps show of the season. Can't wait for my favorite corps-Phantom and Blue Stars. My son marched both. Now he's an age out and will be watching from the stands. Our friend's son marches Madison, so hey, the gang's all there. Only thing that could make it better were if Legends were performing, then it would be a totally perfect night for our family. Let's hope for sunny skies and dry fields. Good luck to all. Chris

What about: Pee-buy Squealers Screamers

How about 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'?

Not to nit-pick, but the Blue Stars defeated the Crossman in 2006 at semis. Don't be so quick to count them out of the quest for finals. It all remains to be seen, my friend.

A Top Chef special would be great but it should be cook for a drum corps for a DAY. That is the real challenge. One meal is not that hard, it's 4 of them back to back, plus the traveling to the show sight in between. Loading, unloading the truck. Plus they can only use the food that is on the truck, no special shopping trips. Some folks from our corps seriously entertained thoughts of writing to Trick my Truck to see if they would be interested in outfitting a new cook truck. Then we realized it was geared to the cab part of the truck, so we let that one go. It was fun to think about though.

Not at all tubawarrior. I'm truly enjoying all the speculation. Don't you find it simply amazing the amount of discussion one simple logo has created? There are two threads talking about this. The hype over two little words and some birds is incredible. To say that this is marketing genious might be an overstatement, but it's pretty darn smart. Can't wait to hear what the final selections actually are. Gotta go watch my DVD now, need a drum corps fix.

I think we're all just a little TOO starved for drum corps. :P