PRAng

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Sad news to report. From John Wooton: "I am sorry I have not posted more news about Marty lately, but recently there hasn't been a lot of good news. Today Marty decided to move on. He has been released from the hospital and all tubes have been removed. He is comfortable and at home. He requested no visitors during his final days. God Bless Marty Hurley."

Thanks, Garry! Me, I'm just glad to know that there are drum corps people in Chicago other than the ones I already know and all the others who wear green.

Thanks for the offer! But I already have my ticket. I live about 2 miles up Western from the theater, so it's convenient. I went there for quarters in 08 and didn't have any problems other than the regular movie crowd being primarily teens & pre-teens. Granted, I don't think I've been there again since then, but I just don't go to movies much. Anyone else going to this theater?

AMC City North Showplace 14 on N. Western Ave. in Chicago, IL

Corps build stamina by having lots of days like the one you've described, not by resting. Nevermind the fact that if they didn't have full rehearsals on show days, they wouldn't have anywhere near enough rehearsal time in the season. Major (regional/championship) show days generally have a more relaxed feel to them and staff makes sure they get plenty of sleep the night before, but they can't ease up on rehearsal time - that's what's building stamina and getting them to their mental & physical peak. If a corps "had no energy, ran out of steam at the end or just looked tired" then either A) there were some extenuating circumstances (bus issues, etc) that affected them or B) (more likely) they haven't yet built up enough endurance to fully perform their show on a regular basis and they need MORE tough days, not less.

From the DCI website...... "DCI World Class Quarterfinals will be reverse order of the average scores of San Antonio, Atlanta and Allentown. If a corps is not in an averaging event, then the next closest date score to that event will serve for that event’s score." DCI Quarterfinals Performance Order

Getting a little excited for the show? You'll get to see all the corps I missed in the tornado. :(

In the nick of time..... a housing site for Regiment...... Judson High School Gray Campus 9695 Schaefer Rd. Converse, TX 78109

Apparently there's a challenge with housing in San Antonio. From the Regiment Facebook page earlier today..... "Unfortunately, DCI has yet to secure housing for us in San Antonio." And they're supposed to arrive in a little over 48 hours.

No guard should be audibly counting during a performance. Counts (and sub counts) are at the root of all guard work and counting out loud is a very appropriate rehearsal technique when learning and cleaning work - it helps the performers memorize the work, nail down the tempo and develop the muscle memory for what they're doing. But during a performance, they should only be counting in their head, not out loud. At the same time, guard members should also be looking to those in front of them to help ensure correct timing but not as a que for anything unless they're doing a ripple effect. Newly learned work is likely to be less clean (i.e. have timing and technique issues) than work that a guard has had and been rehearsing for weeks. The Regiment guard still has a lot of work to do to improve their performance both from a content stand point as well as a cleanliness and technique stand point. And they're working hard on it every day. Regarding the new entrance that we saw in Rockford..... that was unique and designed specifically for that show because of the stadium's access points. The entrance (and exit) at each show going forward will likely vary depending on each stadium's access points with a special entrance and exit plan for Lucas Oil Stadium..... just wait and see.

Interesting.... a friend at the show posted this on FB 12 minutes ago.... "DATR fail - one ticket taker, one gate, long lines = surprise, delaying show half hour before it even starts..."

I too am driving up from Chicago on Friday evening. For brunch or lunch on Saturday, will be getting together with some other PR alums from the 80s who live up there. Plans TBD. I recommend the Marriott Courtyard in Roseville. Easy access, free parking, good rates and about 10-15 minutes from the stadium. Plus, the Director of Sales is a PR alum. I won't be doing any post-show activities because I'm getting up early on Sunday to drive back down to Rockford for the Show of Shows. You'll be driving right through Rockford and should stop in for the show there that night. I'm driving back home to Chicago Monday morning, but it's feasible to drive back Sunday night after the show in Rockford. Looking forward to a great weekend of drum corps and old friends! PS. I'm obvioulsy not a Cavalier person. (Though I have many friends who marched Cavaliers way back when.)

My bet is that these two things are directly related. Fortunately, the season's young. :) I also feel like their sound is a little "bright" this year. That's not something we're used to hearing from Regiment. It's probably partially due to lack of enough tubas at the moment but also probably because of the show's theme.... Into the Light. Thanks for the review! PS. Thanks for the disclaimer & background at the beginning of your review! I hate reading reviews from other people who are completely incognito yet expect us to believe they have a high level of expertise.

I believe it's July 10.