funkrocker049

I enjoy reading all the responses that are foretelling the end of the activity. I prefer to take a wait and see attitude with the electronics. There were moments in Allentown and at the QF broadcast where I was keenly aware of the presence of low synth sounds in addition to the brass. Some corps that did it well did so because they achieved a good balance between the two. This resulted in an additive effect that I found somewhat pleasing. The corps that did not balance well, or had timing problems between the pit and other sections, failed to achieve the same effect. At no point was I "surprised" or "duped" by the synths. Regarding the BD soloist playing into the mic...I can see why they had him do that. It helped to maintain consistency with the other players (sop, mello...) that played before him. Now, was it completely necessary? I don't think so. He was staged up close to the sideline, so he likely would've projected just fine. Anyway, at some point in the season, the staff decided that the music was better served by having him play into a mic. Not a huge fan of the show, but I can see why they did that. Just like narration and amplified pit, the various corps will figure out how to use all these tools more effectively. An equilibrium will be reached.

Absolutely. Great guy. Terrific designer with an excellent sense of staging.

Here are some quick thoughts from Friday night in Allentown. I'm not one to take notes during shows, so this is going off of what I can remember. I was seated around the 40 yard line (side 2) a bit less than halfway up the bottom level. I made note of my score predictions as the show progressed. These scores were based mainly off of what I perceived the point spread to be. Cascades - Good to see them back on the field. Their hornline is getting some nice impact from about 40(?) horns. There were some tuning/ensemble issues due to overblowing, but I didn't feel as though it took away from my enjoyment of the show. The visual training of the members is pretty weak. There were upper body issues aplenty and feet out of time in many spots. Shoulders during shifts were cringe-worthy and certainly not helping their sound. Overall, I enjoyed the show very much but it was very dirty. My score: 72.5 Actual: 73.85 Pioneer - This corps seemed to take on a show much more appropriate for the level of the corps. They displayed generally good visual technique with fewer instances of carriage and feet problems than Cascades. The hornline had many individual stick-outs but approached the show with much more control than the previous corps. The show itself did not hold my interest at all. My score: 72.95 Actual: 74.0 Mandarins - After seeing them last year, I did not expect much coming into this show. Nonetheless, I kept an open mind and was pleasantly surprised. The horns sounded good....especially during the tango while standing still. If they can maintain the sound while moving, they have the potential to move up. This was an enjoyable program. (as an aside, I was sporting a mandarins tshirt this evening. Never really been a fan either way, but I like to give some money to the corps that most need it). My score: 75.2 Actual: 78.85 Pacific Crest - I can't remember much about their show except that they used the field quite effectively. The horns had some nice impact moments. That's about all I can speak to for these guys from memory. My score: 77.6 Actual: 78.3 Academy - I had to make a bathroom run, so I got stuck up top for Academy's show. I wasn't in position to really critique their hornline, but they sounded pretty good. They also looked better than last year. My score: 81.0 Actual: 82.8 Troopers - I was very excited to see this show live. I've watched it several times on the Fan Network, but nothing compares to the live experience. It's obvious that this is a finalist-level show. The forms were much cleaner than I've seen previous. The brass sounded great, but they need to work details (attacks, dynamics, etc.) in a few spots. It also seemed like endurance became a real issue in the sound as the show moved on. Enjoyable, but I'll be happy to never see WSS on the field again. My score: 83.1 Actual: 83.8 Glassmen - I've always either loved or hated Glassmen shows, but this one is probably somewhere in the middle. The techno part of the show was probably my favorite. This was some nice use of the new synth rule. I know that will probably be contentious, but it worked for me. I can see hints at the "one" concept, but the music didn't really contribute to the theme as I was watching. Staging of the various sections was quite effective. This drill doesn't "wow" from the high cam angle, but it definitely works wonderfully from the mid stands. Good energy this evening. My score: 85.2 Actual: 86.35 Bluecoats - This corps rocked out tonight. I like this show since the first viewing on Fan Network, and it has definitely grown into a great product. The horns sound terrific and all the sections seem to be locking in much better now. There are many visual details that, taken as a complete package, really improve the viewing. Hunting Wabbits is especially good in that respect. The drill is well written, though the last form doesn't have me completely sold. This group can march, too. Their contras were the first of the evening that didn't distract me with bell angles. The wardrobe change is VERY effective from down low. Not sure if they can challenge for 5th, but I'd love to see it. My score: 91.5 Actual: 91.1 Cavaliers - This is a good show, but somewhat unmemorable to me. It lacks the "wow" factor of previous Cavaliers' shows. Having said that, I think this is the best brass book they've put out in several years. The horns sounded very nice. Good blend from top to bottom. Visual was the usual Cavaliers style. My score: 93.2 Actual: 94.1 Holy Name Cadets - Like I said, I'd be happy to never see WSS on the field again. This is an exciting show with frenetic drill that keeps you engaged throughout. Their colorguard was very good...probably the first to really draw me in. The brass did not sound as loud as 2007, but definitely showed great energy. The pacing of the show musically feels a bit off to me, and I can't really explain why. An enjoyable drum corps experience. I was pulling for them, since I know many people in the corps. My score: 94.2 Actual: 94.3 Blue Devils - This was a great show...if I sat there with my eyes closed. With the exception of a couple moments, the visual program bored me to tears. Nonetheless, they marched with excellent technique and brought their A game. There were a couple jam sections that just smacked you in the face with intensity. I like that. They're very good and I'm not sure they can be caught by the end of next week. My score: 95.0 Actual: 95.75

SCV's show this year is the kind of show that draws you in rather than smacking you in the face. I was in the stands in Allentown and I, too, noticed the silence. But it definitely felt like the product of intense concentration/interest rather than boredom.

I went with the $39 package because of scheduling problems with the live webcasts. For that kind of money, I have been nothing but thrilled with the Fan Network. Waiting a day or two for the videos to be posted isn't a problem with me...it's not like they'll be any different once they are posted. Sure, the the video/audio quality could be quite a bit better, but I think it's generally acceptable for being recorded in so many different places with varying setups and who-knows-what for broadband capacity.

Listening skills. Individual -> small group -> full ensemble. The best brass instructors (any music teachers, for that matter) strive to improve the listening skills of the performers. Working chords is a great way to do this. These often used chords work quite well for this purpose...the common progressions are so familiar to the players and they are easily voiced for the ensemble. Anyway, that's my quickly hashed take on it.

We wore the same helmet as the rest of the corps without any problems. I can't stand seeing the contra section in different headgear.

Don't share water jugs. Eat everything they're serving at meals. I know my corps was excellent as far as feeding us complete meals that were quite edible and contained multiple food groups. Load up on watermelon, bananas, other fruits when served. Always take the vitamins. And dress warm on the bus.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.d...SBLOG/902259956

The corps hall was used for weekend practices during the winter months, weekend housing during the summer months, equipment/uniform storage, bingo hall, administration, and trophy/picture museum.

This focus on WSS kind of struck down a lot of the excitement I had for Cadets 09. Oh well, I'm sure it'll still be interesting.

The "ideal" is to have equal half-steps throughout the range of the horn. Even if your horn is perfectly "in tune with itself" you would still need to listen and adjust according to the needs of the chord (i.e. lower the 3rd, raise the 5th, blah, blah...)

Yes, Teal only performed twice in Bloomington. My mistake.

Seems like a poor excuse to overblow. I was in the stands for all three performances in Bloomington, and if Teal can raise their level of marching they will be in great shape. The weaknesses in foot technique, timing, and body carriage were readily apparent and had obvious effects on the brass sound.

Spartans have participated in 5 inaugural parades: Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Bush(2001+2005)