dgilday

I can see GH's POV on this, c'mon they march some crazy drill. The way it happened was what I beleive most people have a problem with. Conspiracy? Who knows. Did someone at the stadium hear what the guy in the audience said to make everyone crack up? It happened in the closer, right after the kid talks about "I never fit in, kids made fun of me, now I play my horn, etc..." <---- everytime I hear that, my Gag reflex kicks in. One positive thing may actually come out of this......George may be too busy trying to push new field lining proposals that all of the other Electronics/Woodwinds/Membership ideas on the table will be an afterthought. DG

In 2001, at Regiment, we had a rookie soprano that was 13. He wasn't going to age-out until 2009. He was still marching as of last year. I thought that was pretty remarkable. DG

Anyone notice the judging panel had many familiar faces from the Allentown shows? DG

Greg, I agree with you and I hope that my post wasn't read in a negative tone. While I think we will both agree that there were some rough years, I don't have any idea of what happened behind the scenes. Your assessment about Dan Farrell is spot on, as well as Rabon and other current staff members. As I mentioned in my initial post, I am very impressed with the current state of the organization and the direction it has taken. DG

Tough love my friend....Tough love.... My rookie year I moved a uniform off of the rearview mirror as the busses were taking off. It ended up being one of the Contra players (I think Birdman). As a "penalty" for moving his uniform, I was summoned to wax the entire Contra line. After that day, I've never looked at the Contra line the same way. Maybe I was taking out some built up aggression on you. Gilday, aka The Equipment Truck Lord! **EDIT: I meant Wax the entire Contra lines HORNS. Don't start getting all X-Rated on me.**

No, his role was as the brass arranger. But the impact his routine had on the corps had a profound impact in everything we did. The way the corps evolved under his leadership was phenomenal. One of the best in the activity. D.G.

Couldn't agree more with your entire assessment Nikk. I marched a few of the "rough" years, and to be honest, didn't really know any better. Being new to the activity, I just took it in stride and did what I was asked to do. The thing that is the worst for the members though, is when they start to beleive that their product is inferior to the competition. Once that happens, you've already lost. In 1998, we started the season out on very shaky footing. I never saw, met, or heard from the drill designer that year. We dealt mostly with Chris Church (who I have not seen since). The next 8 weeks we were playing catchup. I don't ever remember cleaning drill that year, we were constantly adding/changing what we began with. Maybe some of the other vets can attest to this, but I think we changed Roman Carnival twice, Un Bel Di SIX TIMES, and Pines of the Appian Way three times. 1999 Tony came back, and he was great to work with. I only wish we were given some sort of drill to go along with. He came into town knowing what he wanted to do, and how he wanted to do it, but didn't give anything to the kids. I'm know this worked in 93 & 94 with a more mature corps, but honestly we were not ready to take on that challenge. That being said, Tony is an absolute genious, I hope the corps is lucky enough to utilize his skills throughout the next few years. Also, considering the management state of the corps at this time, I think all of the members can remember Heath Hopper during everydays. There were visual blocks where he was the ONLY person there. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him back since that year either.... In 2000, we began the year hearing that Brian Hildreth was the drill designer. I think that we were all excited to see what he could do, he seemed to have that designer mentality. I think he only lasted a week or two, before they brought in Leon. This was a pretty suprising move, and I dont think anyone ever said anything to the corps. Brian just kind of disappeared and now Leon was running the show. I think that considering the circumstances Leon was put into, he did a great job. He had to fix quite a bit, and jumping into the mix right as the season started couldn't have been easy. I know that Brian went over to design for Capital Regiment, but I never did see him around the corps again...... 2001.....FINALLY the same designer two years in a row!!! Leon did some great things with the show, and came out prepared. The show was well designed, but not championship quality. Granted, the corps wasn't performing it at championship quality either. I was suprised when Leon left in 2002, but considering the change, I can understand why. I beleive he is still at Crown?? More than any of the things that I mentioned above, there was just a general lack of motivation from the corps in 1998 & 1999. Even beginning in 2000, we were lazy, and needed a hard-### to come in and get us into shape (Enters Michael Klesch). Man, what a breath of fresh air. To this day, I beleive that if it were not for him, Regiment would not be around today. His style of direction turned a young, not very good corps into a great ensemble (4th in horns, 4th in drums). I was pretty critical of the drill last year, but they put me in my place. This year, I feel that they have a package that could deliver them the trophy if they are able to perform it. If not, it will be a vehicle that had all of the tools, but juuuust couldn't make it. I for one, am enjoying the direction of the corps, and hope that they continue to build upon their success. It is interesting to see how much fans truely root for the underdog. Not long ago Phantom was the one that was "out for blood" and trying to once again become elite. Now that they have been there for a few years, there are alot of people suddenly voicing their opinions on the possibly of Crown beating PR & Bluecoats winning it all. I liked it better when everyone was rooting for PR, not against them! B) D.G. PR 98-01

I realize that I don't post here often, and that some may interpret my words differently than others. Maybe next time I simply won't post my corps affiliation, as that seems to be the brunt of the issue. No harm no foul, aren't we all hypocritical to some extent? Dave Gilday

No need to rationalize, Crown has an amazing show, and I think they haven't received enough credit for their work the past few years. I was just pointing out that this might just be that little extra something to push them above PR before Allentown. I know that if I was marching Crown this year, I would veiw this as an incredible opportunity. I marched PR, and I would love to see them win, however I am also a fan of great corps producing great shows. No disappointment on my end if CC ends up the victor tomorrow.

Man, what a rough draw for PR tonight. After two Top 12 corps and Intermission (total 1:11), I have a feeling the judges would be more apt to give the edge to Crown. We shall see.... Whatever the result, both nights at Allentown will be intense! 7:15 Teal Sound 7:32 Spartans 7:49 Crossmen 8:06 Phantom Regiment 8:23 Intermission 8:43 The Cadets 9:00 Blue Knights 9:17 Carolina Crown 9:34 Boston Crusaders 9:51 Crusaders All-Age Dave Gilday PR Soprano 98-01

I think the staff hit a home run with this show. Given the amount of changes made in recent years, I have no doubt that the final product will be phenomenal. They are doing some impressive things in Rockford these days. Dave Gilday Phantom Regiment Soprano 98-01

In reverse-chronological order: 1 - 2006 Encore performance in Dallas - (Spartacus, Canon, New World, Elsas) the single best moment of the night 2 - 2003 Finals Night - what an amazing feeling that must of been for the members. 3 - 2001 Daves Diary - I still remember midseason posting that I lost my towel in the locker room. The next day, I was the happy owner of 9 new fluffy towels :D 4 - 2000 Hornline & Drumline - to sum up a great underrated show; 4th in Horns, 4th in Drums = 7th place. BTW, if anyone out there witnessed our dress rehearsal this year, then only you know just how much this hornline improved this summer. IMO, it was truly remarkable. 5 - 1995 - the reason I chose to march Phantom. I heard it was a rough season, but d**m the membership was stellar. 6 - 1994 - Clair de Lune - Need I say more? 7 - 1989 - JUDGES, ARE YOU LISTENING?!?!? 8 - 1987 - Hey, at least it wasnt "Not the Nutcracker" - An awesome comeback year! 9 - 1977 to 1979 - So close, yet so far, Dr. Dan still cant step into Mile-High/Invesco 10 - 1974 - MY DOGS HAVE FLEAS, AND I CANT FIND THE POWDER!! So many great memories, its been a priviledge to be a part of such an amazing organization. Dave Gilday Phantom Regiment Soprano 1998 - 2001

I remember a few years back they decided caption placements on either quarterfinals or semifinals. Is this still true, or have they moved it to Finals night? Dave Gilday

DOH!

To the Cadets and Cavies?? I think you mean BD and Cavies

My beef with the scoring system is not the fact that certain corps end up in a certain position. However, it is merely the fact that the judges seem to already know that Corps A show design is destined for the Top 3. Corps B, whose show design is destined for 6-8 has no chance in #### of beating a Top 3 corps. I have my opinions on show design, but in the end I think the judges are pretty accurate when it comes to Finals night placements. But lets just say for example, BD noticibly has an awful show either Thurs, Fri or Saturday night in Madison. Do you really think that the judges will "punish" them for those flaws? Do the Bluecoats REALLY have a chance to jump 2 points in one night to catch the Blue Devils? Corps should be judged on that nights performance, not on their expected Finals placements.

I disagree. Look at the Cadets show back in June (I think Huntington or Columbia, SC). Hopkins said it was one of the worst ensemble tears he has ever seen on a Drum Corps field. Apparantly from the stands it wasn't all that bad, but I'm sure the judges had to notice. Now they did not only beat Phantom again on that night, they kept the same margin of victory as well. It just seems as if the judges have a "range" of scoring for each corps before the show begins. If Corps A has the worst show of the year, their caption score can only go as low as the judge has predetermined. Likewise for Corps B that has an amazing performance. I've noticed, however, that the judges have become less partial to the corps ranked 6th and under. It seems as if they are getting honest feedback on performance each night. For example, Glassmen dropped 1 point last night, Colts dropped 2 points, while Madison and BK rose up in the rankings. The top 5, now with Bluecoats in the mix, will probably have a few mix ups by Finals night. But the "any given night" theory is a load if you ask me.

Visual Ensemble seems to be pretty up an down with PR recently. Ed Warren gave PR a 17.6 in Louisville and an 18.2 in Jacksonville. Tonight they shot back down to a 17.1 Bluecoats Brass must be smokin, beat BD last night, topped PR tonight Look at that Regiment colorguard!! Am I mistaken, or was Randall Brownlee (the colorguard judge tonight) on visual staff for PR for the 97 & 98 seasons?

I have only seen the show via the live stream tonight, so take this for what it is worth. The Brass and Drums are phenomenal. Everything you expect from Phantom each and every year. The show has a very complex story that is supported well with the music, and will mature as the summer progresses. However, the biggest problem I see is the drill. And this is not an easy thing to fix this late into the season. It just seem way too cluttered and with very little coverage. The forms are unreadable and uninspiring. During Ave Maria, you expect this big beautiful brass section to draw you in, but I kept focusing in on the drum line running in circles on the other side of the field. Same thing with the horns, they were marching so fast during the ballad it was almost confusing. Being that this is my initial viewing of the 2006 Regiment, I try to remember my initial reaction to moments of the show. For me, I beleive it was during the 3rd piece, I kept thinking about the original drill we received in 2000 for Rite of Spring (which was some of the most non-sensical drill I have ever seen. It never flowed, it never progressed, it was never staged well. This time of year you expect individuals to be sticking out of the group. But when I compared tonights show to the clip from Lisle, IL (their first show of the year), not much has changed from a M&M perpective either. Granted, some of the drill that is in place makes the members look ridiculous (i.e. after the opener, the corps is in a triangle, turns to the right and "squat runs" toward the goal line. It looks HORRIBLE!!) I hope to god I am wrong, and the show was recorded at an angle that was just to low to appreciate. I'll know for sure after the Dallas show how I feel this show can do come August. The one thing they have going for them is that they are only 2 point behind the leader. Heres to them proving me wrong on Thursday!

thats what I get for trying to be a smart***, put right back in my place.... if you need me, Ill be in the corner

They arent 2 points behind. They are 1.075 behind them.....which is .0425 higher than their last meeting at Mankato, MN David Gilday

Over my crappy computer speakers, it almost sounded pre-recorded.....I'm not up to snuff on the rules, is this allowed?

On the feed I could barely make it out. But someone on the Battle Creek thread confirmed it "An Offer you Can't Refuse", right after the opener I beleive.

I dont think it was the changes that held Bluecoats back tonight, I think it was a political hump they have to get over. Just my opinion, but on the feed I thought Bluecoats by far had a better show tonight. It was my first viewing for all of the corps this summer. Regardless of the scores, I'll still be rooting for PR all summer long. SUTA!! Dave Gilday Phantom Regiment Soprano 98-01

Some quite thoughts on the Battle Creek Feed: 1. Blue Devils are missing something in their design. It just doesnt feel complete. Performance was fantasic, especially the guard. I hear they are doing rewrites to the ending, maybe that will push them over the top. I cant beleive I am about to say this.....here it goes......LOVE THE AMPLIFIED MOVIE QUOTES, WISH THERE WERE MORE!!.......whew......that was harder than I thought. 2. Phantom Horns & Drums are amazing. But the drill was just so blah. I'd like to think it will be better in person, but I think the design is just so lackluster. Being a proud alum, Im usually right on the PR bandwagon, but I think without rewrites, they will have scripted their way to 5th. Ave Maria has to be the Brass moment of the year....talk about goosebumps! 3. Let me first begin by saying I have only once enjoyed a Bluecoats show, that was 1995. Since then, I have felt that every year sounds identical to the previous year. Now, with that said, I REALLY enjoyed their program this year. The hornline is special, and the drill flows very well. A little cleaning time and I think they can be as high as 3rd and no lower than 5th. 4. IMO, Crown has more potential in their show than any other corps this evening. It is full of great moments, but not many WOW! moments. Once again, the hornline is making a name for themselves. Is Leon May still writing their drill?? They are being underscored, should take 6th at Finals. 5. Boston just looks and sounds way too easy. I have felt since 2000 that they dont push the members hard enough to make it to the next level. Musically and Visually they just dont take any chances. Its just difficult for me to enjoy an easy show, no matter how clean it is. 6. Love Madisons new uniforms. I was never a fan when they switched a few years back, but these have a very classy look and feel to them. The white tops can really show off the dirt on the field though. Musically they have the Madison feel to it, but the drill hurts the way it grabs the audience. I hope some rewrites are coming soon, I would love to see them fighting it out for 6th in August! 7. This years Glassmen remind me of the Glassmen from the late 90's. Visual design is definatly the strong point of their show. I thought this show was entertaining, and told the story very well. The brass caught my attention at the opening statement, they sounded great! But began to lose that confidence as the show went on. and........ Thats all I was able to catch. The live feed is incredible, I only wish they would announce their broadcasting plans as soon as possible. Dave Gilday Phantom Regiment Soprano 98-01