oldguard

Boston Crusaders ... for the finest moment of the night at Stellos Stadium last July ... Boston Crusaders as they perform for those who know and love them in their northeast kingdom ... Spartans ... just good drum corps ...

Personally, I am inclined to agree and to say "It's all Greek to me." However, if the OP poster is so interested in Greek history, I suggest he might read up on the Persian Wars where Athens and the other city states of Greece temporarily united to expel these invaders and the subsequent plan to build the Parthenon since the temple to Athena had been destroyed by the Persians. At it's conception, the building of the Parthenon was an issue and a symbol for all Greece, while Cimon was the leader of the then oligarchic party in Athens. When Pericles assumed this position from his rival, the Peleponesian Wars and the fight between Sparta and Athens went into full thirty year swing. This was a disaster for Athens and established Sparta as the dominant power in ancient Greece. The construction of the Parthenon which had been intended as a symbol for a united Greece was delayed due to this conflict which was largely due to Pericles' political wheelings and dealings and his attempts to subjugate and collect tribute from the other Greek city states. All of this, of course, did not matter a few years later when Phillip of Macedon overran all of this area which had been weakened by their own conflicts, so it became a disaster for all of Greece. The Parthenon, as we know it, was built in stages, but when it was started during the "golden age" of Greece, Sparta and Athens were in alliance. My memory of Greek history may be a little rusty. Feel free to correct my errors. And anyway ... when I see the Spartan trucks and busses pull into the lot this summer, I will be thinking ... "Bring it, Spartans! Let the show begin!"

Raiders Blue Devils B Bluecoats

Phantom Regiment Blue Stars

Yamato ... "Elements" music was really nice last year. I'm going to miss Yamato this year. It always impressed me how they practiced an ocean apart and yet put it together so well and so quickly when it was showtime. Spokane Thunder ... interesting show about the human inclination to persevere and rebuild and the earth's natural ability to heal.

I've been saying for some time that I enjoy the Div II and III shows. So ... Oregon Crown Surf

Speaking only for myself, I viewed both shows a few times and enjoyed the Spartans much more. It is not a put-down of anyone at Capital Regiment and not a statement against their organization. I enjoyed their show and appreciate the effort they put into their performances. I respect all corps and all performers and stand for everyone whenever they past in review. It's just personal preference. I, also, respect your right to have your own preferences. As I said, I do not usually do these poll things. This one caught my eye because Mr/Ms Neutral Novice obviously put a lot of work into it and made an effort to include all divisions. On the rare occasions when I do a poll, I like to say how I have voted. It is just a sharing of thoughts and opinions. I don't think my opinions are better than anyone elses, they are just based on who I am, what I've seen, what I've done and what I like. Carry on ... :)

It is based on last year, I believe. Vanguard Scouts Spartans

I'll play. I don't usually do these poll things, but okay, here goes: Colts Crossmen Revolution

I enjoy reading this stuff, even the inside jokes where I have no clue. The message that comes through loud and clear is that everone is working hard and having a good time. Nice update on the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets' weekend in the DCP News. Full story here: http://www.scvanguard.org/about/news/news....2b-87985dbac795 Sounds like some good shows this summer. Best of luck to everyone. See you all soon.

I second that emotion. Welcome back, Velvet Knights! :)

It is shaping up to be a very interesting summer in Division II and III this year. Best of luck to everyone! Hope to see all of you on the field this summer :)

You may want to check out this thread: http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/inde...94129&st=10 There are two people who have posted here from a corps forming in Portage, MI, http://www.legendspaa.org/ which would be located close to you, I think. I am not affiliated with this group or any other corps. If you want more info drop them a line. Best of luck, I am just a member of the old guard

Best Wishes, Network Drum & Bugle Corps Make it happen! :)

Thanks! I figured the "j" was most likely silent, but was not sure about the vowel sounds. Are you taking notes, here, Mr. Turner? :)

Yes, indeed ... more than a few. Yes ...and he is a really good guy and he has his own inimitable style ... and is an east coast drum corps icon. I mean no disrespect. The man does a great job. I do admit, though, that I personally do not enjoy audience participation in corps introductions. But I could not imagine his introductions being any other way. And I recall Mr. Jack Sweeney, too. Another great east coast announcer. Back on topic ... to the west ... Mr. Ryan H. Turner, looking forward to hearing you make your own mark on the Divsion II/III Finals this summer. B)

And please do not make try to make the audience say it with you ... and point. Somehow, I am thinking Mr. Ryan H. Turner will have his own inimitable style. :D

Here's one for you to research and practice: For Teal Sound's "Voices of the Sun,' the music of Rajaton ... ahhh, yeah ... ... "Rajaton" ? No clue, here. On their website they tell us that "The Finnish word Rajaton translates as 'boundless'..." So you best start learning Finnish now, too.

Congratulations, man, I'm sure you'll do a fine job. Bakersfield and Pasadena? Way to go! :) Just remember the cardinal rule in drum corps ... Strange pronunciations? I've heard a few. I swear in '05 I heard 20 different pronunciations of the Spartan Show. You could tell which announcers had been forced to sit through 50 replays of the Disney video, Aladdin, with their kids and grandkids. Those were the few who could actually say "Vizier" like they knew what they were talking about. Speaking of the Spartan show ... how do you say "Tarot" ? Does it rhyme with "carrot" or "arrow" ?

May you have just a wonderful age out year, Ms. Melloness! So is your new corps called the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps? Great name! Please let us know where you will be performing this summer. I hope to catch a couple of shows in the midwest on my way to the west coast. I'd love to see your corps perform. Best wishes to you and your corps for a great summer and a long and successful future.

Can't wait to see Surf in the northeast this summer, either ... and in Pasadena. It really is great that some of these corps we have long enjoyed here are finally getting to the fans on the west coast. Go, Surf!

Great news! Thanks for filling us in with what is happening at Teal Sound. ... here in the damp and the cold in the northeast wishing I could make that parade ... Best of luck to everyone at Teal Sound and looking forward to your early tour in my part of the woods this summer. :)

I bet the SCV Cadets are hoping to feel like the SCV Cadets 2000 with the title. This sounds like my kind of show. ^OO^ I checked their website to see if there were more details. There is a camp report with photos and such here: http://www.scvanguard.org/about/news/news....95-766efac1d35e Looking forward to seeing this on the field. Best wishes to everyone at Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets for a wonderful and successful summer!

I do not usually quote an entire post, but every word here should be read again and again. This post makes my day. :) When I started reading it, I started smiling and word after word, my smile grew bigger. :D Thanks, Mr. Mello-Benji. May you have another great, great summer and come back and tell us about it.

A sad situation. :( I've read some good things on their website and had been really looking forward to seeing this new corps in the New England shows this year. I wish everyone at Northern Light the best. Hang in there, stay as active as possible, keep recruiting. I shall remain hopeful that we shall see you on the field for the 2008 season. To those of you who have chosen to march elsewhere this year, may you have a great summer, may you spread the word about the good things you found in Rhode Island and may you think seriously about bringing back what you have learned and giving Northern Light another look next year ... and bring friends. :)