gottalovit

Since that felt so good, maybe time for a few more. Madison Scouts, how sad that you sucked so bad last year, that people are excited just to see you scratching and clawing just to make finals. And with a show that just didn't quite have any of the energy of years past. Colts, I love you dearly, but it's a shame that at the beginning of the year, you should have been top 10, but the staff were unable to improve from the beginning to the end of the season. Cadets, it's a darn shame that you aren't able to perform to your ability, due to the fact you hired two people to act out a show, and didn't even have the ability to look like they were saying what was being said. What a waste. Santa Clara Vanguard, that show should have been top 3, why was it not finished until July? And people wonder why I think this year was way below par? It's like I heard at a show a few years ago, if Phantom can make the top 3, most of the good corps must suck eggs. I guess if DCI has to bail them out of financial devastation by giving them the title out of sympathy, (waaah waaah waaah, we went to California too many times and bailed on our bank loan, because we spent all our money on those trips) then I guess it's time for me to pull my financial support. The product is starting to SUCK people. Ok, maybe not suck but it is NOWHERE near the level it has been in years past. Live or Die...Lame I have breast cancer...Lame Our show isn't finished...Lame No improvements during the season..Lame Sunburst with 13 colorguard... Lame Unrecognizable renditions of planets.... Lame Judges playing games during the season to try to increase the fan support... Lame DCI having a corps win because they screwed over the bank on their loan.....Lame The fact that alot of the people on this board don't have an IQ over 20? Pathetic Dang, that does feel good.

It doesn't really matter to me whether you enjoy them or not. I enjoy them alot, so I go to the shows. I enjoy DCI so I go to the shows, although this year I didn't waste the money to go to finals, I just went to the theatre and saved a bunch of $$$. The shows this year overall just didn't do it for me, so I didn't want to waste a thousand dollars going to Bloomington. Maybe next year, if the quality of shows improves overall. I personally saw Carolina Crown clips on youtube as the season was starting, and thought I wasn't going to like their show. I did change my opinion the first time I saw them live as they totally blew me out of the water with that show this year. The top corps like SCV, Cavaliers, Blue Devils and Crown all had shows that blew me away this year, but other than corps like Blue Stars and early season Colts, I just didn't see the excitement, or well written shows in the lower tiers. Sure, Crossmen and Troopers were better than the last couple of years, but they just didn't blow me away. Yes, Madison really improved from early season to late season, and deserved to place 12th, but I wasn't anywhere near as impressed with them as I have been in the past. I am not sure what everyone else saw this year, other than a Phantom victory, but I am glad alot of people really enjoyed DCI this year. Hopefully next year will be back in the books for me as well. I am very much looking forward to seeing BOA live, and seeing how much I enjoy that experience. One thing I noticed, instead of just expressing opinions, some people have to be extremely rude in their responses. There was absolutely no reason for the rudeness. None. There was no need to make rude comments regarding bands, or Sally Field as Sybil, or actually being spiteful because some people have an opinion that differs from their own. I can easily see why some people leave DCP and stop posting.

Have you actually ever even seen any band from Iowa live?

I personally like alot of the DCI shows more than band shows. It used to be going to the first show of the season, and watching the small classw 1A and 2A bands was almost painful. But lately with the slide in the number of corps, and the lack of amazingly designed shows like I used to see from DCI corps, I think I will definitely try to hit up BOA in Indy this year. That is one nice thing about the marching band competitions, is that there are alot more of them really close to home. And if you go to Valleyfest, it starts at 8AM, and runs til about 11:15PM, with over 50 bands in competition. If I didn't love Drum Corps, I wouldn't be on DCP in the first place, and I wouldn't be so disappointed in the drop in quality of alot of the corps in recent years. But when you look at bands like Ronald Reagon, Marion Catholic, Avon, and a bunch of the other regulars in the top 12 of BOA, they are also accomplishing some amazing things, with younger members, and less rehearsal time. Yes the overall level of DCI is better, but the quantity of very enjoyable units(at least in my opinion) is probably going to be twice as many when you get to the BOA finals week, with that many units performing. Are there shows that want to make me gag in BOA? Yes, but a couple of corps have given me shows like that in recent years. But overall I am really looking forward to seeing BOA live instead of just on DVD/online.

You know, I haven't seen Central since 2006, HOWEVER, I have seen every show they have put on the field since 1983 up til 2006, minus the last 2 years. And unless they have just sucked the last 2 years, which I doubt, I don't think there is a year back to 1997, that I would have thought Pioneer was better. 95-97, Pioneer would have beaten them handily, but since that time, Pioneer has kind of fallen back, and Central has put on some fantastic shows. I think that is pretty tacky, the comment about Sybil. Sally Field did an amazing portrayal of that character.

Sorry if I offended anyone with my opinion, but I honestly thought 2008 was weaker than any year this decade. I enjoyed every show I saw this year(even Cadets minus the talking), but only about 8 shows really excited me, and most years there are between 11-15 shows I just absolutely can't wait until I get the high quality DVD in November. Some years, like 2000, there have been 18 shows I just couldn't wait to see. The only school that I am aware of that has competed in BOA from Iowa lately is Davenport Central. I think if you would compare them to DCI corps, I would put them close to the level of Spirit. Now granted it has been 2 years since they have been at any of the competitions I have been to, but just in general, I think the product they put on the field every year I have seen them is fantastic. There are other bands I think that would possibly be competing for semi's in DCI from the state of Iowa. Cedar Rapids Prairie, Waterloo West, West Des Moines Valley, Independence, Oskaloosa, and Pella. These bands are definitely better than the lower placing corps that I have seen in DCI most years. And these bands wouldn't even come close to competing for placement at BOA. So for example, let's just take Pioneer as an example. I like Pioneer every year, and usually there are 19 shows that I like a little bit better. But after seeing video of BOA, I think most of these bands appear to be better than Pioneer. So yes, the very top corps may be a lot better than the best bands of BOA, but in general, there will probably be 65-70 bands in BOA that are better than Pioneer, who I really do like, so that means there is a much greater chance that I will love more than 25 bands performances each year. For example when I go to West Des Moines IA to see valleyfest, I have an absolute blast. Fantastic bands from the midwest, including Valley, Waterloo West, Bellevue West NE, Irondale MN, Waseca MN, Cedar Rapids Jefferson-Kennedy-Washington, West Des Moines Dowling, Independence, Pella, Oskaloosa, and Eddyville Blakesburg are some of the bands I enjoy watching year after year. That is tons of bands that I love, just in one show, and these aren't even the best bands across the nation. I don't always love some of the gimmicks that they put on the field in BOA, but then this year corps like Cadets, Bluecoats, and Phantom put alot of gimmicks in their shows too.

Ok, so after what I consider to be the most boring year of DCI since the mid90's, I am actually more excited about the upcoming band season that ever. I am seriously thinking about going to Indy for BOA championships. It also got me thinking about which organization is better. I always thought that alot of BOA bands were a ripoff of DCI, but after listening to alot of BOA cd's lately, I realize that just as many corps have performed musical shows that were previously and recently played by BOA bands. Another really nice thing about BOA is the number of participants. I was reading if you go to finals weekend, you can see over 90 bands in competition. Sure beats the # 20, which is the number of corps you saw at quarterfinals this year. And the level of talent of these marching bands is starting to rival DCI. I would say after watching video performances, if you took the 90 bands in competition, and the 20 corps in competition, at least 4 bands would probably make finals. That is if you took away the brass caption, and changed it to winds. And to think the average age of alot of these bands is 16 1/2. I know of a local band from Iowa that competed in one of the prelims for BOA. This band would probably be rivaling DCI corps for 15th place in quartfinals. They compete in BOA regionals, and average placing between 29th and 35th. And from what I understand, the band director thought the placements were accurate, as they watched alot of the other bands in competition. In all honesty, I am thinking that maybe BOA gives you alot more for your money as far as the competitions go. And maybe after seeing all the political judging that goes on in DCI, I consider the whole thing a joke. I have gotten to the point where I just go to see the shows, and don't even worry about the scores. I usually know the scores in advance. I don't think BOA is quite as political, but I could be wrong. From the videos I have seen, it seems like the right bands have won, and placed where I would have thought they should. Looking back at this season I enjoyed every corps, but there were only 6 shows that really excited me. I have the feeling out of 90 bands, the numbers of exciting shows will be at least double that. So for those of you involved with both activities, which do you think is the better deal for your money?

Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Jamie Kennedy, Louie Anderson,and Harland Williams would march Cavaliers or Scouts Colorguard Rosie O'Donnell would march Bandettes Barbra Walters would march Cadets "what kind of tree would you be to find happiness?" as the host of the show I believe Tonya Hardy and Nancy Kerrigan marched with Velvet Knights in 94 or 95 Johnny Depp would be drum major for Madison Scouts Michael Jackson would march Blue Devils C

I absolutely love this show as well. Definitely the best ever 4th place show of any corps ever. 2000 was such an amazing year from all corps, probably my favorite year of DCI. I love the way SCV always takes some risks with their show. That ending in 2000 was absolutely amazing. And that entire show had so many WOW moments. Probably the best ballad ever put on the field. Vanguard is always one of my top 3 favorite shows, every year except 1 since the mid 70's. Whether they place 1st or 8th, you are always in for a treat from SCV. 2000 SCV ranks right up in the top 10 shows most watched on my DVD player ever. And when they focus on the guard soloist during the ballad, I get chills. The emotion is just unbelievable. The staff, members, and volunteers of SCV 2000 should be extremely proud of their work on that show. GREAT JOB SCV!!!!

Sorry to all the Troopers people who are upset with me. I really hope that all the kids that have been with Troopers this season stay with Troopers. I have always said, I wish that more kids would stay with the corps they start with, and if that happened, I think all the corps would be closer to the same level, from top to bottom. If kids who marched with Pioneer stayed there, then the ability level would go up, and they could write more difficult shows and perform them even better. So anyone here march/work with Cavaliers, Cadets or Blue Devils in the last few years? Does anyone from here know how many members that marched that year came from other corps?

Looking at all the members of lower placing corps that leave to pursue a top 6 corps, I was wondering, do you think if corps like Pioneer, Troopers, Mandarins, Pacific Crest, Colts and Spirit weren't around, do you think the level of the top 6 corps would drop some? I have seen members leave Colts, and march in a top 3 corps the following season. I have heard of members leaving after a year in Pioneer, and then marching a top 12 corps the next. These kids are gaining valuable experience, and then using it in the top performing corps. I know the staffs at the top corps are excellent, but if they didn't gain all the experienced performers that already have valuable knowledge of corps, do you think they would still be getting the same results year after year? For example if a member had marched Capital Sound, and then marched Pioneer, and then marched Colts and then went to Cavaliers, think of the verasatility in the performance level of that individual. Cavaliers are going to be getting a well developed performer. I would love to know the numbers of each of the top 6 corps, and find out how many members marched previously with another corps.

As we have seen for at least the last decade, in most cases corps like Pioneer and Trooper always go on first of the World Class corps in any given competition. And while I personally love the way the corps get better and better as each one performs during the night, sometimes I wonder if it isn't really hurting the activity, and some of the corps. For example, if there was a show with Pioneer, Troopers, Cavaliers, and Cadets, and that was the lineup for several consecutive shows, I was thinking if they had Pioneer perform either after Cavies or Cadets, they might actually get a little more attention. So many shows, people don't even see the first corps on the field, but if you had them perform every once in a while later in the show, maybe more people would see their performance, and actually realize how much the smaller/lower placing corps have to offer. I really think membership could increase if they were given a chance to perform at later times, when more people would see them. I know alot of people wouldn't like it, as the judges wouldn't be seeing all the "groupings of corps" in order, but as rigged as the judging is anyway, I don't really think it would matter that much. I am thinking more in terms of getting more support for the corps that aren't getting it. Corps like Pioneer, Troopers, Mandarins, and others that have placed near the bottom of the ladder. These are great corps, and to let them perform later in the evening once in awhile could really benefit them by allowing people to see that there are wonderful performances and corps, outside of the top 8 placing corps. And once you get more people interested in the lower tier corps, you have more people wanting to attend quarterfinals, instead of just finals. It would also maybe increase ticket sales for the 4 and 5 corps shows, where 2 of the corps performing may be Pioneer and Troopers.

It has been nice, in the last 3 years, we have had 2 new corps break into the top 4. Bluecoats in 06, and Crown in 08. So just curious, which of these 2 corps do you enjoy watching more? Up until 2005, I would have chosen Bluecoats. They have always put on some very entertaining and enjoyable shows. I have liked every show I have seen by them. But then after 2005, something seemed to happen in Crown. It had been building up for a few years prior, but in 2006 something just clicked. I don't know whether it was staff, returning vets, musical director, drill design team, or just a combination, but the last 3 years they have just totally thrilled me with their productions. I would love to see either of these corps become our next new champion. Both corps are fantastic, but as for right now, I think Crown has edged out Bluecoats for being just a little more entertaining, at least to me. Which corps shows do you enjoy more?

I don't see anything as being overhype with Crown in the last few years. They have put on some amazing shows, and they have been rewarded with praise from the fans. As far as Adam Sage goes, I don't see that as any type of improvement for Crown. If you look at Crown, their guard program has been much better than Phantom for the last 6 or 7 years. I would say Sage could actually be a step down in the guard department.

I am actually very shocked at all the top 12 placing shows that people claim didn't work. I have really only seen 1 show from a World Class corps that didn't work. It placed at the bottom the year it was performed. Other years this corps has placed last, but to be honest, I think most of that corps shows work. The other 2 that I felt completely didn't work were open class corps. Colt Cadets one year had a show that just didn't work, and one year Racine Scouts had a show that just didn't work. I personally feel there is a difference between a show that doesn't work, and a show that just may not be quite as good as a corps usually puts out. I think an enormous amount of critique goes out to corps like Cadets, Cavaliers, Blue Devils, SCV, and Phantom because of the success they have had in remaining in the top 5 almost every year. I don't think just because you don't like a show doesnt' mean that it doesn't work. For example, I will mention that Phantom Regiment in 2005 had what I considered to be the most overated show of the decade. I didn't think it deserved to be in the top 5, let alone the top 3. And it was by far a step down from the 2 previous seasons. I didn't care for the musical selections, and thought the arrangements were not done very well. But to say the show didn't work would be completely innaccurate. I think there is a huge difference between a show not working, and simply not liking or caring for the show.

The difference there, is that in gymnastics, the judges are already aware of what is going to take place in the routine. That is how the start value is determined, as the routine is already planned out. For example, if a gymnast has a routine with a double back flip with a full twist, the credit is given on that jump. If the gymnast has been having problems landing it, and changes it midair to eliminate the twist, with just a double back flip, there is a penalty on the score. So every judge in drum corps would need to be aware of exactly what elements of difficulty the show was going to have. I think logistically that would be a complete nightmare, with most world class corps marching over 100 members(with maybe the exception of Pioneer and Mandarins). So if a corps watered down the show during finals week, the judges would need to be notified in advance. But if they didn't notify the judge, and the judge noticed the soprano soloist didn't go for the high note they were supposed to hit for that bonus point, then there would be a deduction, and that would hurt their score just as much. Or if Cavaliers dropped Diamond Cutter from finals night because they were having problems performing it, same thing. It would either alter the start value, or they would get the penalty for not performing it. As for gymnastics, I have been a fan for almost 40 years now. I remember watching Olga Korbut in the late 60's and early 70's. And as a huge fan, I can see that as the scoring goes, it is fairly easy to judge, and for the most part fairly consistent. Most moves are named and have a point value. From the number of rotations and spins in the flip, to the hop on the landing. But there are several judges all looking at one individual. And it used to be if there was a discrepency in scores from the judges of more than a couple of tenths of a point, the judges had a conference to see why before releasing the score. This is fairly common in college gymnastics here at Iowa as well.

One of my good drum corps friends was telling me at one time, there were 6 active corps from Racine WI. Well, 5 corps from Racine, and 1 from a suburb area. Anyone know what the record number of corps from a single town is?

Dixon, that's the place all right. That stadium bit the big one. And I'm sorry you marched at that stadium, but not as bad as I feel for those of us who paid $18 a ticket for no visual views.

I remember the worst stadium I ever went to for drum corps. It was a little town in Illinois(can't think of the name of the town now) where they used to hold a fair . So you would be watching the corps show, and you could watch the carnival rides at the same time. The bleacher seats were so small, if you weighed over 120 lbs your butt wouldn't fit in the spot assigned to you. The bleachers were also so low. I think it only went up maybe 25 rows. I don't remember seeing it on the calendar for this year. I think I only went to that one 3 or 4 times. Then they started scheduling it opposite another show on the same night, with better lineups and better stadiums, otherwise I suppose I would have still gone. So what is the worst stadium you have been to, and do they still host a show?

I think alot more of the problem is the gas prices more than the ticket prices. Tickets to the Madison show were very reasonable this year, especially when you consider there were 19 corps there. I think the biggest problem is the lack of shows in a centralized area. It used to be living in Iowa City, I could attend approximately 18 shows, all within a 3 1/2 hour drive. Now, over half of those shows are gone. In order to attend 18 shows, I would have to drive at least 10 hours for 3 of them. I think gas prices have lost more fans than ticket prices. Also, the motels are much more expensive than the tickets are as well, for someone going for the entire week of finals. And yes, I think you have completely changed personnel from the 70's. Most kids were local, and the expenses of touring weren't so high. Lack of corps today changes it first, as alot of kids could audition in a town within an hour or 2. Today, kids have to travel alot further to find the nearest corps. And since corps aren't localized anymore, they pick their favorite corps, rather than the nearest corps, and that really changes the focus on who participates. Also, as an auditionee, if someone lives in a town where there is a top 8 corps, and they are very new to band and corps, chances are they aren't going to be able to make that corps. So in order to march they are also going to have to travel farther to audition. I think the activity as a whole has changed, some good changes, some bad changes. And yes, the fan base is probably changing as well. Going to a show, and taking a day off of work these days can cost you over $200 for one person. And that may not include a hotel for that night if you stay over.

Maybe it has been like this in the past, but it just seems to me like there are more and more staff members changing corps this year. I know there are always a few here and there, but if I'm not mistaken we have had at least 6 major changes since finals 2 weeks ago. It is almost seeming like when you read the NBA or WNBA transactions pages. The Blue Stars have traded Eric Sabach for Howard Weinstein and a first round draft pick in the upcoming 2009 season. Phantom Regiment has released Adam Sage for a guard instructor of their choice. Jeff Pearson has left SCV and is now a free agent. Just curious, but wondering what is sparking so many changes? Is it finances? Personal differences? I don't think the pay is all that great at any corps, seeing what tight budgets most of them are on these days. And while I know it is public record if we want to look it up, I don't really see the need at this time. I know most of the staff I have met do it because they love it so much, not because it pays that well. I can also understand, while people are so involved with their corps, creative differences can arise, and things can sometimes get heated. And maybe, I have missed seeing so many transactions in former years, and this year isn't that much above average. I really hope all these instructors manage to find the jobs of their choice, as I think everyone who I have read about this year are wonderful instructors who bring so much to the corps they work with. For those who are simply retiring, I wish them all the best, and hope they can continue to enjoy the activity as a spectator.

I think the original poster does have some valid concerns as a parent. It is nice to see parents getting involved and overseeing their children's activities. And that is part of the key to raising successful, well behave children. And yes, I am sure there are isolated incidents of bad behaviour here and there, but for the most part, these young men and women are extremely well behaved. They aren't getting arrested and thrown into jail. And I would guess if you send your child to public schools, more than likely the activities that would occur in one weekend from the youth in that school would outnumber the entire amount of negative activities that would occur in an entire season of marching corps. To address some of the points, like the clothing worn by the performers during rehearsals. I haven't ever seen nudity at any rehearsals. I don't see any difference between the clothing worn at rehearsal, and the clothing you would see at any swimming pool or beach during the summer. As far as showering, I have never heard of co-ed showers. Most schools have seperate facilities for boys and girls. And in a few instances where they haven't, they usually send the girls first, and boys after all the girls have left the facilities. As far as "Hooking Up", yes I am sure there are some instances of this happening. But I don't think this is anywhere near as often as some people might want to believe. I mean think about it, where are they going to go? The busses have 50 people on them. And while a few might sneak off into the bushes or whatever, most areas near a corps rehearsal or show site are very busy with people in the area. As far as the food situation, yes, there have been recent incidents where corps haven't had much food for the corps. This is not an ideal situation, and hopefully public attention will help prevent this from ever happening again. But rather than prevent your child from marching if that is what they really want to do, sit down with your child and have a talk with them. Morals begin at home. Go on tour as a vounteer so you can monitor the situation better. Not only can you help your child, but you can also be a role model/parent figure for other members of the corps. And remember, your child has the opportunity to meet 200 instant friends, when you look at the members of the corps, the staff, the vounteers, not to mention other people involved with other corps and the activity itself. And if you still have concerns, call and talk to your corps director and staff. As far as bad behaviour, you will see some once in a while, but have you been to any high school basetkball or football games lately? Have you been to any college sporting events lately? There is so much bad sportsmanship and foul language at those events. I am glad you are a parent who is looking out for your child's best interest, but before you close the door on them, check out the whole situation.

I think the most logical would be Santa Clara Vanguard 89, Phantom of the Opera. This set the standard for so many years. Great music that is recognizable, some wonderful drill, and the magic disappearance at the end.

Well, I got one right at least. When listening to Colts preseason, they had one of their best sounds ever, and I knew they were well above any other year in drill for that early in the season. I really thought they could be going for possibly as high as 7th during finals week, and as rough as Phantom usually comes out of the gate, I thought they had a chance to beat them early season. I was pretty sure that Blue Stars were going to be in the finals night show even before the season began. I was really happy to see that happen. Even though it meant the Colts were knocked out.

I have heard that I.P. Freely was dismissed from the staff. Rumor has it he was caught cruising in the men's room during finals week. Maybe someone else on staff can confirm this?