G-horns

Looking at the prelim placements, I have to disagree with taking only 6. What would the incentive be for Alliance, CorpsVets, Renegades, Tampa Bay Thunder to make a very expensive trip just to do prelims? If your response is "they get to vote", then it is like buying an election. They could pay DCA $5000 to get a vote and still be waayyyyy ahead of the game. Leave it alone. (If it ain't broke...)

Mr. Fallon, I beg to differ slightly. Those Imperial mellos were like 56 Buick car bumpers...minor injuries might result.

Thank you to all who attended the Spectacular yesterday. All the corps were great and the applause we received was very rewarding. See you all in Annapolis or at another alumni show down the road. BTW, if you were in the stands and have the urge to try being on the field next year, check out an alumni corps in your area.

Every one of us who sets foot on the "field of battle" knows that feeling. I hope your health improves and you're able to be with us in Annapolis.

Yes, the weather does not look good, but the show goes on unless there's a decision made by DCA to cancel. Don't expect that to happen unless there's lightning in the area. Alumni corps don't perform for scores, but for the audience. I really hope that the fans consider that before deciding to sleep in and blow off the show. Alumni corps work as hard as anyone to bring a quality product to the field and our only reward is the applause we receive. While canceling the evening finals would be a disappointment for everyone, playing to virtually empty stands or having the alumni show canceled would be just as disappointing if not more so. We haven't played a note in the stadium yet. Let's hope everyone gets a chance to show what they have to offer. I hope I see your face when I'm standing on the 50.

Well, that's good news since I'm traveling through there on Thursday morning!

Why is it that Frank can say it and everyone shakes their head in affirmation, but when a guy in the peanut gallery says the same thing he's a voice in the wilderness? Thank you, Frank, for discussing an issue that has needed attention for quite some time.

I have to agree, my West Coast friend. Planning to catch the corps at the NEW rehearsal site on Thursday or Friday. BTW I owe you a beer or three.

Latest report is 750,000 without power in Connecticut. I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't even see a blink - yet.

I have to agree, Fran. The Renegades went on pretty early in the prelims show and the stands were virtually full. I know they were thrilled just to be there, but the standing ovation they got sent them over the edge. It was a very memorable day. (They actually did a color pre during their warmup! Anyone else remember that?)

The evil part was Lee's idea.

Every member of every corps is critical. It isn't about the individual, but the team. If you can't commit to that concept, maybe competitive drum corps is not for you. Just sayin'.

Learn to read bass clef. It isn't hard and remember, pianists have to read both treble and bass at the same time!

Yes, 7 people with a dream (no pun intended). I think there were 5 drummers and two horn players - Munson Chan and Mike Nash, both midrange guys. If you read Lee's book, he says that it's my fault. I'll happily take the blame for this one. Looking forward to seeing my Cali buds in Rochacha.

A class act. Again.

Two comments.... First, to paraphrase Bill Cook, "drum corps is a business". Remember to run it like one. Second, and not for nothin', Renegades first DCA appearance was in the mini-corps competition - where they raised the bar about 10 feet.

If the governor or mayor declares a state of emergency, I don't think even Charlie will be able to change it. Not saying it will happen, but here in the Constitution State we don't wait until levees break to order the evacuation buses.

You get any response yet?

To me it looks like a Getzen or Elkhorn (Getzen's economy line) G-D with F rotor. Circa 1965. How about it, HornsUp? P.S. Hope they cleaned the mouthpiece before she put it to her lips. No telling what poop would be on there. Just sayin.

No problem. Better now than discovering it at the rehearsal.

Wow, 22 years. YOU deserve a medal!

Anyone downloading the Sop II part for Battle Hymn of the Republic: It is in the wrong key for G bugles. I'm sure this was just a faux pas in transposition and hopefully Donny or Tom will read this and be able to transpose the part for us. I can sight transpose from concert to Bb instruments, but not so good at going from Bb trumpet to G bugle. (Yeah, I know, up a minor turd.) FWIW, Sop I and III are fine and I didn't look at the other parts.

I thought the nose breathing was a bit much too, but after doing some research I discovered that Caruso's intent was essentially a muscular workout, not a performance technique. It is pretty much isometrics for the face. Couldn't agree more that a good private teacher is an essential ingredient in the process.

I'm a horn player, but I gotta tell ya...the individuals in today's tonal basslines are the only people in the whole corps that play solo for the whole show. No place to hide.

LMAO! Way to go, Andy!