Fred Windish

Tigger! I have been in this business for a very long time. Your review was comprehensive, professional, thought provoking. . .and groundbreaking, so far as reviews on DCP go. You really MUST do this again. Thanks.

Great crowd response at Allentown is usually expected. Allentown's audience has a high percentage of NE drum corps fans who have spent their entire lives appreciating good drum corps. I chatted with many friends who have been coming to Allentown for 25-30 years and have fond memories of their annual trek to the "ancient one." I met a few new friends this year who pointed out an important development that takes years to build. They mention they marched at Allentown and now they are thrilled to have their own kids do the same. In another post, I described how about 300 spectators lined the Carolina Crown practice field during the afternoon. It was pretty incredible and I was pleased for Crown's members. Allentown has some convenience issues but, I suppose, so does Wrigley Field. There IS a parallel.

This message is for the benefit of those Carolina Crown fans who are unable to be in Allentown tonight. Just back from watching their practice for more than an hour. Full ensemble runs. Beautiful, RECOGNIZABLE music. Masterfully arranged and played. Great body movement throughout, guard work looked VERY together. But, here's something that was really cool. About 300 spectators lined the front sideline and end zone near the street. They were 5-6 deep in places! I don't know if this kind of interest is usual for them, but I'm thinking what I saw this afternoon should be a real motivator for Crown. Congratulations!

I'm in Bethlehem right now. Outside my window, looking in the direction of Allentown, is beautiful blue sky, white, puffy clouds. There was rain passing through earlier, but according to radar the worst is past. A very small spot of trouble out beyond Harrisburg, but the movement suggests even that might not get here. My guess is, rain will not be a problem. Enjoy the show!

Gary, I would think "no." The area you refer to has been fenced to create a baseball field. Another example of Allentown placing a nail in its own coffin.

Ace, Hope you're well! I think you nailed it. I visited a Bucs practice over the winter. They spent at least 3 hours receiving instruction how to breathe into the horn, where their tongue needs to be at what moment. They drilled that suggestion over and over. Actually, I thought it was overkill, but then, I'm a color guard guy. Right now, the Bucs have a winning formula in place, and YES, given I am alum, I expect them to win the championship this year. Anything else should come under serious question. That said, other corps ARE catching up, just not enough in 2008. The DCA arena will be here for many years to come. Others will have their own moment, I'm certain. Sorry if my honest opinion offends any of DCP's readers.

IcedVentiChai, Thanks for your predictions! I find them interesting, and appreciate your sharing. I would like to know how you view places 6-10. My instinct tells me, one of either Renegades or Minnesota Brass WILL come in and make a serious run for a top five placement. Too bad neither can compete regularly against the top five you suggest. It's a disadvantage for them, a handicap going in, I think. Anyone else agree?

First of all . . . Tom, yes. I did once march Buccaneers. Dick, I apologize for not including Shenandoah Sound in the predictions. I was working from a schedule/order of appearance print-out that is more than a month old. Sound is not listed for that event. So, here goes: Chambersburg, PA 6. Shenandoah Sound 62.400

Hello, Tom! No, I am not directly involved with the DCA organization any longer. I decided to move on to something else after the 2006 season. You are correct, it would have been inappropriate to post as I now do if I was still in that capacity. I am also a huge college football fan. Although my favorite team is Alabama, and they won't be at the top of any lists this year, I thoroughly enjoy rankings, game predictions, etc. It's stimulating, draws others in to the discussion, keeps things fresh, etc. I see no reason why predictions should not be a part our our "sport." Everyone who reads here has similar predictions in their own mind. I see no problem with anyone who chooses to share them on a discussion board. Of course, staff persons, administrators, judges, etc. need to take a higher road, but even those individuals ponder about and decide what might happen as the season rolls along. Thank you for challenging what might appear as bad form. I find predictions entertaining and an inducement to visit places like this often.

and predictions for the rest of the weekend . . . . Chambersburg, PA 1. Buccaneers 88.200 2. Brigadiers 81.500 3. Bushwackers 81.300 4. Carolina Gold 70.450 5. White Sabers 67.500 South Milwaukee, WI 1. Minnesota Brass 81.500 2. Kilties 74.300 3. Chops, Inc. 68.650 4. Govenaires 65.100 5. Lakeshoremen 58.500 Houston, TX 1. Gulf Coast Sound 66.850 2. Frontier 62.500 3. Austin Stars 59.950 Racine, WI 1. Minnesota Brass 82.000 2. Kilties 75.200 3. Chops, Inc. 69.200 4. Govenaires 66.400 5. Lakeshoremen 58.750 Enjoy !

Here's my prediction for Saturday's Lawrence, MA showdown: 1. Caballeros 84.500 2. Hurricanes 84.100 3. Emp. Statesmen 83.000 4. Crusaders 77.750 5. Fusion Core 73.100

Listen folks . . . "Let it rip" with your predictions! It's fun, it's alive. It's ENTERTAINMENT. Isn't that what DCA is all about? GET IN THE GAME!

Mr. Pronti - I hope to do that, as soon as you are of age. Take care, bud.

Geez! Right Forum, wrong Forum, I kinda like predictions. I see it as an entertaining and FUN exercise! Here are my current predictions. Biased, unwanted, idiotic . . .who cares? 1. Buccaneers will win again this year. 2. Hurricanes will end up in 2nd place. 3. Minnesota Brass will come in and give either Empire or Cabs a real challenge. 4. Kilties will make Finals. 5. CorpsVets will be pleased. 6. Renegades will be well-received (and have a very good time in Rochester). 7. The weather will be good both days. 8. Spectators will be happier with PAETEC Park concessions. 9. The crowd will be slightly smaller due to the economy. 10. Drum Corps Planet's DCA web audience will be its largest yet, this year. Fire away!

Look, when I go to a Broadway play, I don't expect the seamtress to become part of my experience through his/her obvious and vocal joy that injects itself into my experience. Any sort of staff person can become part of the audience simply because THEY PLACED THEMSELVES THERE. They did not purchase a ticket months in advance, they joined the assemblage as a non-requested seat mate. They have NO place among the paid audience, but they're there, and they're an INTRUSION. This has been a problem for years. Staff persons barging in, exerting their exuberance among persons who might not share the same opinion. It's NOT welcome in most instances, and really is not a professional contribution to their organization. Sorry, just had to rant. I've been bugged by this for many years.

VERY well done, Sayre! Like you, I most appreciate reviews that discuss BOTH positive and negative thoughts from the reviewer. Anything else is too unnatural to have real value. Do it again, guy!

Scooby15143, I'm not sure we've ever met, but I do want to take this opportunity to thank you for making the effort to march with the Buccaneers. You have helped to continue a legacy that makes me proud. Your sacrifice is appreciated by this Buc alumni! As an aside, early in my Buccaneer career (late sixties), the 5 of us who drove down from Allentown (a mere 40 minutes) were treated as "folk heroes" for our sacrifice. My, how times have changed! If you are not already a member of the Buccaneer Alumni Association, I encourage you to contact me directly at f419w@rcn.com. I'll send you a few newsletters. You'll enjoy the connection. Fred

Oops! Make that 1 block to the WEST !

Attention drum corps fans/hot dog lovers . . . if you're going to Clifton, you simply MUST make a trip to Rutt's Hut. The "Ripper" is one of the most respected hot dogs in the nation. For something more upscale (much more) the Italian Restaurant , La Riviera Trattoria is exceptional. It's across the street from the stadium and about 1 block to the east.

Eddie D, I'm root'n for ya! I once sent a sizeable PayPal donation to a previous Florida all-age corps to help keep them afloat. Never heard a word of thanks. Please don't let that happen to anyone else.

Totally agree with Gary M. on this one! Al Murray and his company (Dynasty) truly understand the value of DCA and all other all-age activities. They answer the call EVERY YEAR to help sponsor DCA's programs. In return, DCA (the organization) does all it can to demonstrate its appreciation for the loyalty Dynasty has for its programs. Isn't that how it should work?

I doubt Fran would rather spend his birthday doing anything other than what he and Barb are doing in Wildwood tonight. I'm doing the "attend important wedding thing," but congratulations, Fran! Check your mail for that all-important message from AARP! It's coming.

Doesn't "Danno" look a little like Bill Murray in that photo? Let's wish Dan and the rest of DCI good luck with Bloomington and the rest of the 2008 season!

My thinking is, the liability mentioned is to this activity's image to the general public. There is no question, those already familiar with some of our Friday night antics are OK, and even look forward to, whatever someone's wild imagination brings to the table each year. We get it! However (isn't there always a however). . . looking at what DCA hopes to bring to any community over Labor Day Weekend, in totality, has NOTHING to do with outrageous and controversial behavior, nor should it. Although understood, and seen as fun, by we "insiders," ANY POSSIBLE display of this activity that is far-removed from what an unknowing public and media would expect from this type of gathering is best to be avoided, or kept as hidden as possible. If but one corps appears naked (for example), ALL corps are seen by that community as equally naked, provocative and inappropriate. Any group that seems most likely (based on past history) NOT to understand, nor care, how its unique presentation might confuse the host community, is a group that should not be welcome in certain highly visible settings. That determination (right or wrong) is the privilege of the governing administration. In other words, Lee . . . ZIP IT!

Blackstar, Unless there are chartered buses involved, and it's a performing group (or personality) that folks along the route would travel their OWN "expensive distance" to see, 3g's is too much. Then again, this is NOT a good year to attract non-local performers. Sounds like you do not have a group of local business's willing to kick-in $500 minimum to co-sponsor a musical group with all of the publicity that can be gleaned from that. My suggestion, contact a few LOCAL (less that 25 miles) American Legion bands, Hobo bands, baton corps, fife & drum groups, junior high bands, bagpipers, etc. ALL will probably take notice at $600-700, and the folks along the route really won't care. Blackstar, thanks for trying to make this work. Sorry if this hurts anyone's feelings, and again, the opinion I express here is strictly my own.