Keith Laubhan
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Everything posted by Keith Laubhan
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I find it more interesting than weird... Like anything that evolves over time, there will always be things that carry over from previous incarnations. The thing that I find most interesting is how uniforms, while still influenced by their military influences, have taken on a life of their own. There's not a corps, save for maybe the Troop and possibly the Cadets, that one would mistake as being an actual military unit. The uniforms are a weird mix of sports uniforms and military uniforms.
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2008 Season Uniform Changes
Keith Laubhan replied to BigSnareline's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Really? They've never been... or are you kidding around? -
2008 Season Uniform Changes
Keith Laubhan replied to BigSnareline's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I actually really liked the color... I sorta get what you guys are saying about blending into the turf, but I think between the collars, the hats, and the cuffs that there was more than enough contrast. In terms of finding a color that would balance with the black, red, and white without being loud or gharish, I don't think they could've made a better choice. All and all, I thought Madison had the best uniform redesign of the year. I liked the streamlining of BK's and the addition of the dots, too. I like the idea behind SCV's, trying to make them more dynamic, but I think the finished product came out a little awkward. I'm torn on the Blue Stars. I like the white pants, and in a vacuum, the shakos are an improvement over the imbalanced helmets.... but they don't really carry any cues to their history anymore. I probably won't mind in a couple years, but for now, I'm not sure. Didn't care for Blue Devils' addition of white... I respect the level of retro-ness that it brought to the fold, but it took away the sleek style that I've always appreciated in their '94-'97 uniforms. As for a subtle change, I LOVE the addition of gold trim to Glassmen's jackets. I think it really sets them off. -
Auditioning for more than one corps.
Keith Laubhan replied to crazymello's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I don't think there's anything wrong with auditioning corps while they audition you. You spend too much time and energy to not do due diligence on where you want to march. If you've got a couple in mind, try out for both and see who fits you the best. -
The Blue Knights lose Debbie Blaiszik
Keith Laubhan replied to Keith Laubhan's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I suppose it was about 18 months or that I knew she wasn't feeling well. I didn't know the severity of it until this spring. I think you're absolutely right. We're involved in such a wonderful activity to have so many people so dedicated to it, from the kids to the staffs to the parents to the volunteers like Debbie. -
From a BK email: Blue Knights lost a friend and a strong supporter this morning. Debbie Blaiszik passed away at 12:30 AM due to complications from liver cancer. Debbie's love was "her kids", whether at the bingo hall, at camps, on tour, or the numerous members she has hosted in her home. (She holds the record for housing 12 members at her home at one time!) She served as Booster President for two years and as a result, always completed jobs not filled. One such position was scheduling workers for bingo games. She took it on herself to make bingo fun for the workers by periodically providing pizza (for workers) or made sure the candy jar was never empty (both players and workers). She always called the players by name and had nice comments to say to each regular player. Other volunteer hours were spent cooking at camps and placing food orders for camps and for summer tours. Debbie took many work days off to shop for the camp food. She had a good eye for merchandise and always knew the "buzz" for members' needs while she was in charge of marketing souvenirs. Debbie will be missed! She is survived by her son, Kurt, of Denver and parents, Lee and Margie Hall, of Ottawa, Illinois. A memorial service will be held in Illinois. A Debbie Blaiszik Memorial Scholarship Fund will be established in Debbie's memory to assist Blue Knights members in need of financial assistance. Please send donations to the: Debbie Blaiszik Memorial Scholarship Blue Knights Office 1137 South Jason Street Denver, CO 80223 Make checks payable to: Blue Knights/Debbie Blaiszik Fund ------ On a personal note, I can't speak highly enough of Debbie. She's the one that got me back into the fold volunteering with BK. She paid, out of her own pocket, for me to attend the 05-08 World Championships, and take friends each time. She was an enthusiastic fan of drum corps. But most importantly, she gave of herself completely to the members and volunteers of Blue Knights. I'll miss her sense of humor, her awesome dedication to an activity that she knew shaped kids for the better, and her big hugs. The Blue Knights have lost a tremendous supporter.
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Let them know that it's a Fathom Events deal... they'll have to have satalite compatibility with our Network. If they have the "FirstLook" promotional reel before a movie, that means they'll have a better shot than if they don't.
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I actually work for the company that presents the DCI in-theatre events. Fathom is owned by National CineMedia, and I believe (though don't take this as gospel truth) only shown in in-network theatres that have the tech to pull it off. If you're requesting theatres, focus on AMC, Regal/United Artists, and Cinemark owned theatres, as they will be much more likely to be able to make it happen.
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I think many of DCI's past patriotic shows have fallen hard into the "cheesy" realm, but my all time favorite patriotic show is 2002 Boston. I thought it was a very poignant show, especially compared to the pandering that a couple other corps did that year. It was cool to see a group celebrate what is good about America without forcing it or going for lowest common denomonator type stuff. Might be my favorite Boston show ever.
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New Caption Head for SCV...
Keith Laubhan replied to TexasRepresentn's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Hopefully, depsite the change in caption heads, there will be solid continuity for the members, with Andre being involved last year. I wish 'em well... SCV has always been one of my favorites. -
Crossmen Post New Percussion Team
Keith Laubhan replied to EastCoastFan's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Good for Ray... He's a good guy, a good arranger, and a Blue Knight alumnus... Wish him the best. :) -
Drumline at Jacksonville Jaguars Game
Keith Laubhan replied to KeithHall's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Well, I don't know how something that increases exposure for the activity, gives ageouts a forum to perform, raises money for the non-profits that produce many of them, and entertains the crowds at the events is lame or dumb, but I suppose you're entitled to your opinion. -
Drumline at Jacksonville Jaguars Game
Keith Laubhan replied to KeithHall's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
That's cool... I always thought Peyton whining would work well over the top of a cool drum cadence! :p -
Drumline at Jacksonville Jaguars Game
Keith Laubhan replied to KeithHall's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I believe close to half, if not more, NFL teams have drumlines since Blue Knights started the first stand-alone battery for the Broncos. We just started our 6th season. I believe the Jags and Seahawks drumlines are in their 5th seasons now. -
Lucas Oil Stadium's first concert
Keith Laubhan replied to davam's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Agreed, though I'd rather have a closed roof and bad acoustics than a full cancellation and a resulting loss of thousands of dollars for DCI and the corps. Hopefully the weather will just be perfect like it was this year and it'll be a non-issue. :) -
Cymbal Lines are Officially Dead
Keith Laubhan replied to CymbalMaster's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
As other posters have pointed out, there's been something of a resurgence of cymbal lines the past season or two, not a drive to extinction. The increased membership limit is obviously one reason. The crossover of WGI to DCI is another. Frankly, if anything, amped pits have helped the plate line. Look how many more cymbal lines there are now compared to '99 or so through '03. I hear what you're saying about the number of finalist corps as opposed to non-finalist corps, but I hardly think that it's a result of amplified pits. -
Which corps will add woodwinds?
Keith Laubhan replied to Hrothgar15's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I don't have to imagine the awesome colors that woodwinds would bring to the fold. If I want that sound, I'll listen to a good marching band. Drum corps is unique in that it's sound is characteristically all brass and percussion. It's a sound that I like and that is different than marching band. I'd sure be bummed if that sound just up and disappeared. No disrespect to DCA, but DCI is by and large the caretaker of the artform, for better or for worse, and a rule change there would have dramatic effects on the rest of the activity. If you want those awesome brass and woodwind colors, please go see a marching band or a wind ensemble. Please don't ask an artform I love to go away for your listening pleasure when you already have access to the alternative. -
For the select few brave souls who marched Blue Knights in 2001, there is one word that will live in infamy: SNOWPEAS!!!!
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What was your “first” Drum Corps show?
Keith Laubhan replied to jstdrumn's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Blue Devils 1996.... I got drug to a Yamaha camp at a local high school by the rest of the drumline the summer before my freshman year. My first taste was their running block (in-step and breathing in unison), which was instantly impressive. Even having done some intensely competitive youth sports, I had never seen such an awesome aproach to warming up. We then had a drumming clinic with Fred Sanford (I wish I would have had an appreciation for who we was at the time), followed by lunch. After lunch I followed my friends to BD's battery warmup just in time to hear them play Ditty... I was hooked on the drums at that point. We then got to check out their full ensemble rehearsal, and the first thing they played for us was the opening statement from that show. As the corps proceeded to peel my face off, I was instantly hooked on the whole package, too. The next day, we went to see Cadets and Blue Knights... The team-to-team competition along with the different personalities of the corps was really what sold me on the activity, and I'm so thankful to have been exposed to it. -
Drum Corps and the Olympics...
Keith Laubhan replied to silvertrombone's topic in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
I don't see drum corps being feasible as an Olympic sport, primarily because of the lack of truly international support. That said, I'd love one day for there to be a Drum Corps World Cup... I could see it working every 2-4 years. Countries like the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Netherlands, Germany, etc. could all field corps that competed under a common set of rules. Could you imagine the US corps? Top 150 American performers, regardless of age? I'd buy tickets to that. :) -
I'd suspect as the Xmen deepen roots in Texas, more local kids will become interested in them, and drum corps in general. I'd guess that could very well benefit Revolution, too.
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Of course it comes into play, but don't you think it's possible there are kids who tried out for Crossmen, didn't make it, and went to Revolution? Might there be some kids that can't afford/aren't ready for/or don't prefer the World Class experience and time commitment that Crossmen offer, and would rather go to Revolution for the Open Class experience? As with many Open and World class corps sharing the same area, there doesn't seem to be a reason why they can't coexist and thrive. About the only strategic benefit I could potentially see them sharing is some joint operation costs.
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I don't really see the benefit of them merging. First off, they both serve different needs within the drum corps community. If they were to combine, (probably as world class), that would leave one group under-served. Also, as talent rich as SA and Texas are in general, I don't see any reason why they can't co-exist.
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Get together with DCI, make a compilation DVD of your championships exhibitions, and split the profits. I'd loves me some tradition all on one DVD! (And wouldn't hesitate to spend decent coin on it, either) Jus' sayin'....