Iplaytimpani

And me and Holton are both talking about reaching out to a different fan base than you, Dan. Yes, I understand that the older fan base has more money, but we both believe that the current programming is intended for the younger demographic and the ones that the next year could be paying almost 3000 to the corps and spending at least one whole summer being a part of an organization. It's easy to go out and buy a jersey and call yourself a fan of the new rage sports team (I wanna use a Lions reference but I'm still too scared) but it's another thing to be a true fan. I know you understand what a true fan is, but I don't think you're willing to acknowledge there's a major difference between being a fan, and being an actual supporter.

Not offended at all. You know I enjoy a good discussion especially about the Toledo Team. While it's hard to argue that 97-2001 were the most successful years as far as placement, I don't believe it's the right direction for the corps in this current age of drum corps. It's over ten years past those days and drum corps changes and every team must continue to evolve. Not live in past success. The most successful corps are the ones that have adapted every year to current trends and in the process created new trends. The corps current design team is a big proponent of a new direction they've been trying to carve out and I definitely feel Rob Ferguson is a driving factor behind this. And I believe it's a GREAT thing for the corps. But that direction may not be shared with all, especially old school drum corps fans that don't seem overly interested in change. (No offense Dan) To see Rob's work at it's best you only have to look as far as Matrix PIW and see what happens when he has full control over a program. And they've been quite successful especially working out of an area of Ohio heavily populated with good percussion programs. This success can be seen transferring to the Glassmen percussion section since he took over I believe. And while he is not the "program coordinator" by any means, he is a driving force for the Glassmen staff and educational team as far as I can see. And hopefully his writing and influences can gel and work with Key Poulan better than they have with Don Hill and those two can create the music style that as of now, the Glassmen have seemed to be trying to achieve. Will it work? Who knows. But I know I'm going to support the corps in any way I can, no matter if they continue on a marching band rave path, or go to a full on Catholic Orchestral Mass. I'm a supporter of the organization, and that extends way past the going ons of the performance. They may have "lost" some fan base, but maybe they're trying to appeal to a different group. I question those that they've "lost" though. Being a fan of a certain program or music is nice, but it's no different or better than jumping on a sports team bandwagon. Fan's stick by a corps for reasons way past the music on the field or the placement. I think that the corps, who is usually incredibly quiet, have at least made a name move in this crazy off season shows that they fully intend on competing back for Saturday night. Last years show may have been 13th, but I believe it appealed to the high school crowd very much. And oddly enough, those are the kids that are drum corps age and could be showing up at the renovated G-West in November for first camp. Those are the kids paying tour fees that want to be a part of the corps whose interest caught them, whether it was the techno vampire style, the carnival, or whatever else gets them interested in drum corps and specifically the Glassmen.

Yes. While I don't think Weber's drill has been lackluster or anything, I do wish that he was only working with Glassmen or that they found another talented person to do it. Remember, these are just my opinions, but I just prefer to have someone around or working for a group that I believe is fully invested in them.

I can't remember which release mentioned it, but one of them did mention that Key would not be on the road much with Glassmen due to family issues. I'd say whatever they are they are not solved, but clearly he's ready to write for drum corps again and the Glassmen are excited to have him. I'm very glad they are not continuing with Don Hill. Not only have I not felt his work was a great fit for Glassmen, but I dislike having people doing jobs for multiple corps and in the Glassmen's case I have sometimes worried if they were getting their A quality work, intentional or not. With Mr. Hill at PR, Glassmen needed a new arranger who can partner with Rob Ferguson to hopefully find a successful formula.

ouch, a minus for being excited about Rob and Sal? Someone wanna explain themselves?

my favorite part of that announcement is probably the mention of Rob Ferguson and Sal Salas as people Key is excited to work with, which must signal their return for another year.

Love it!

I hope it's not the case as I'm selfish, but maybe someone like Rob Ferguson may make a move up. But I hope not. I love his work with Glassmen. One of the most inspirational people I've ever had the privilege of learning from.

I've loved Don's stuff in the band realm. And his stuff with the Cadets was pretty good. But I haven't been impressed with his writing, especially living through a summer of it in 08. He always seemed to be a stand up guy and knew his stuff, but for whatever reason his writing for the Glassmen never showcased the skill he seems to really possess. Someone mentioned maybe it had something to do with the percussion writing at Glassmen. Maybe that's true. Rob Ferguson is a GREAT percussion writer and has taken that aspect for the Glassmen to a new height. Maybe with a somewhat more low key percussion staff at PR (not Rennick) the brass can be more of a focus and he can be the right man for the job, where he never was for the Glassmen. Good luck PR, but I'm a little skeptical personally.

The food network has already purchased the Glassmen flags.

Man... if this BrasslineDesign guy was half as good as he seems to think he is, he wouldn't have had to pay to watch the show.

And I've mentioned before... she's a cutie.

And it continues to be ridiculously close! Night ya'll.

1 Boston Crusaders 86.200 2 Blue Knights 83.700 3 Spirit of Atlanta 80.650 4 Glassmen 80.150 4 Troopers 80.150 6 The Academy 79.150 7 Colts 77.500 8 Crossmen 76.850 9 Pacific Crest 75.600 10 Teal Sound 72.200 11 Jersey Surf 71.600 11 Mandarins 71.600 14 Cascades 68.750 14 Pioneer 67.300 International 1 Jubal 64.900 Read more: http://www.dci.org/scores/#ixzz1TSnysoIR

what about em?

c'mon scores...

Glassmen hopefully having a great show... *Chomp*

Glassmen time I do believe. C'mon G team. Need a great run here!

No ill will meant by me Wes. Just messing around with ya! I love the competition and in the past it's been us and you guys neck and neck. But this year, you guys are surging and we're fighting for Saturday! C'mon Glassmen! Let's get this starting tonight!

Don't gotta BS me. You pick against Glassmen consistently for the same reason I pick against BK consistently. And that's okay with me!

Always keeping down the Toledo team, and we're not even squaring off with your team!

Kinda like watching your son FINALLY on a DCI snareline, right Mrs. B? ;o) That boy needs to shave though, let me tell ya.

Glassmen are on at 9:58 and have the encore tonight.

I'm not even saying I love it or defend it, but it is part of Rob Ferguson's style I believe at this point. It's very present in the stuff he designs for Matrix in PIW and when I was there (pre-synth) you could tell he wanted moments full of the synth effect. He just has a very DJ/techno style and I believe that's what you guys are not enjoying. I will say when I saw it at BG, I felt the synth was too loud and actually detracted from the hornline and made their impacts almost non-existent but on the reverse side, I very much respect Rob and he's VERY good at what he does. I know they have a very competent sound board operator on tour with them, and love it or hate it, it's the mix and sound they have in mind for the design of the show.

Hoping the judges see it the same way tonight!