Tom D'Bomb

OMG, we agree (kinda). Apparently I'm the only one who reads this guy's reviews. All year it's been "Empire's Dirty." Now it's "Empire's Max Out." Maybe he could have said "Great job Empire, you really cleaned up." And yes - though I don't know if I need to apologize for this because I think anyone who has ever taught a corps is probably thinking the same thing - my reaction to his unnecessarily detailed and personal "Inside Baseball" reviews is, "Oh yeah, who do you teach?" And another thing: The beauty of DCP is that it ISN'T RAMD. So if you want to say something you should use your REAL NAME. Putting my name on the bottom of my posts is my mistake.

Have you read this guy's reviews? He has a Phd in everything, but I can't question ONE thing out of his 50,000 words? And don't worry, I won't DEFEND Empire. I'm just an alum... but I wouldn't mind seeing some of those kids enjoy what other Statesmen have enjoyed.

Nevermind... I'll take your word for it... You DON'T know how Empire will squeeze more juice out of their show. But on behalf of all Rochestarians, we invite you ALL to come see for yourself.

Big W wrote... "I frankly don't know how hard Empire can squeeze their orange and get any more drops out of it. I think they might have gotten all of the juice out of themselves and their program that they can humanly get." That's why you aren't on a staff of a corps that has been in the Top 3 for the past 20 years. Go down the list of Empire's staff and count the rings (Empire and Brigs). They'll show up.

I'm trying to think of a come back for Fran.... I got nuthin'

2003

Well CT-Horns, when it does move, it's moving farther away, not closer, to CT. I'm torn - it's obviously a great tradition (although fairly recent, right?), and a big of part of the experience... But, the people in that neighborhood deserve the same respect that you would want in your neighborhood. In fact, I'm surprised the RPD has been so cool about it this long. That's a brutal neighborhood, and the cops have kept your stuff pretty safe... it can't be easy for them. But again, I'm torn... that area hasn't solved the prostitution or drug trafficking problem in 40 years... but loud nasty "band" music after 11pm one night a year... no way. I think if the right people talk to the right people this can be handled.

If you go to Bruegger's Bagels watch out - cuz NYS adds an extra tax if they slice it.

Your comments won't be necessary since you weren't there... again.

Right - just because he wasn't there doesn't mean he can't do a review... that's his whole schtick.

Didn't VOReason go to Scranton? Where is he or she?

You're right - people seem to forget the days when the drum major was the personality of the corps.

Did you notice I was replying to HairBear?

"If you only play for the 9 judges, then pretty soon that's all you'll have in the stands." Vince Bruni

Clicking the LIKE button

I loved the old "showboats" who would twirl a big ol' Mace and stick it in the ground.

I was hoping I could stay out of this... but a "campy" show like that is supposed to be "allowed" to win if they ARE the best corps. And yes, those families with kids bought tickets, and let's hope they keep coming back... Empire's emphasis on entertainment is the reason that Rochester is one of the few places in the world that can sell 5000, 8000, maybe 10,000 tickets to watch Senior drum corps.

I was thinking the same thing... but keep in mind, those kids and their families have gotten used to the type of resources available on the Fan Network. DCA would have to kick it up a notch in that area.

Just found out the Drums Along The Waterfront show from "The Ralph" will be on Rochester TW Channel 26 tonight at 10pm.

New Info: The Start Time has been moved up to 3PM

Well, after seeing them all day in Buffalo from the System Blue Clinic on through to the night show... there was a snowball effect of overwhelming impressiveness about the whole operation. So, my reaction to the show on the field was enhanced by the fact that I'm totally convinced that I'm watching the most qualified collection of talent ever to participate in this sport (MY sport). They had me at Full Ensemble Low C to high C 8th note Lip Slurs. The show is written up to the level of the talent. And for people who think it's too intense... let me warn you: If they DID add an 8 count Major chord at the end of their show for Finals, the stadium would literally (and I literally mean literally) explode from a mass Blue-gasm. Now here's the ONLY problem... the other 5 teams the paying customer has to sit through before the Blue Devils come out. These staffs seem to be so inspired to be "mind boggling" and "overwhelming" that it's uncomfortable. If they think they have to be just like BD to get a score then it's just 2 hours of "Desperately Risking Redundancy." I hope BD keeps pushing themselves to do this again and again... but I DON'T need to see an 11th place corps trying to do this year's BD show 2 years from now. They should allow themselves to be unique.

Funny, sitting next to Billy Krishna and SugarBear watching the Blue Devils practice ... Bear asked "Remember the last time Devils were in 10th place?" Yep ... 74 prelims. Jodie asked that we keep this thread "bumped" so help me out... I'm not even a Lancer alum, I'm a Greece Cadet.

Saw the corps for the first time last night - great corps, great kids, great performance ... After the day they had - planes, trains, and automobiles - pushing the buses, moving all their equipment by hand, no showers, no practice ... and then to perform with that much professionalism was amazing. Getting wrapped up in scoring and placement is foolish in a judged sport. What these kids are learning is much bigger than what place you come in. We are all lucky that kids like these are involved in the activity.

Hate to be the guy with the bad news, but it's nerves. The "Fight or Flight" mechanism kicks in. Relax. Breathe. Visualize. Think of something that doesn't make you want to "Fight or Flee." I used to get it bad playing high school football, but once I got into "The Fight" it went away. I used to get it bad competing in drum corps, but it went away after the first roar of the crowd. BUT once I started volunteering to play Taps, I never get nervous, because the performance is so much more important than just me. (Note: can't comment on your medication... but I'm sure that has some effect)