TerriTroop

The subscription format is why I didn't purchase streaming video this year. For several years in a row I was willing to pay a flat price for the season, and it wasn't $150, and I didn't have to remember to cancel anything. I would have paid for one-shot shows, non-subscription style, but that wasn't an option.

I'm in Texas so I suspect we won't see any drum corps from afar today. I envy all those East coast and Midwest folks today!

I'm sure a lot of us have marched in 4th of July parades. I mostly remember neighborhood parades around Chicago. We'd rack up 3-4 parades, a mile or a little more each, then we'd have the rest of the afternoon off for a free day at Navy Pier and stay for fireworks. Like many drum corps members, I may have complained a lot about the parades (yes, I was one of THOSE drum corps members - I'm sorry!!!) because my feet felt like they were on fire in my black shoes on that black asphalt in 95 degree heat by the end of our parade day. But, I also understood the service we were doing for those neighborhoods and how appreciative they were for our participation. My own little neighborhood is having a parade today. No bands or corps, just kids with bikes and happy families marching to celebrate. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

My thoughts are with the driver's family, as well as the entire Phantom Regiment organization. May those injured recover quickly, and may all the members, staff and volunteers find comfort in each other and the entire drum corps community.

Wow, 4 weeks is a long time, Kevin! I'm going to miss your play by play!

From what I understand, they have people that cycle in and out all season based on schedules for band programs and such. I also believe the full section staff has many meetings (I assume online) and work together so all instructors are on the same page.

Today the Troopers announced their caption heads: Troopers Caption Heads 2017 For those who like a quick list: Donnie Van Doren - continues at program and staff coordinator Lauren Teel - percussion caption head Anthony Cruddas - brass caption head Susan Hanggi - guard caption head Todd Clevenger - visual co-caption head Pat Miller - visual co-caption head Go Troop!

As I reflect on the few live shows I got to go to and the webcasts I watched (mostly from high cam), I keep coming back to two particular moments that really stick in my mind because of their uniqueness (at least to me). Both from BD: 1) during the ballad climax when the color guard picks up two members and they swirl around, it felt like a "whirlpool" effect to me 2) the "storm" formation after the ballad near the end of the show (I don't know how BD described it, but that's how I saw it) and how it moves Both of them are incredibly memorable for me in musical and visual content, and I looked forward to those two moments every time I had a chance to see BD perform. I have several other favorite visual moments from other 2016 corps, but I don't want to list them all so others have a chance to chime in first.

Huge Trooper homer here, obviously. (see screen name) I love my corps, and almost always love Madison as well. But I saw them on Friday (via the webcast). Like any other non-finalist, that's where they will end their season when they aren't in the top 12. I think top 12 is good the way it is.

This humidity is making my waffles get all floppy. But seriously, I understand the gesture of the thread. I just think sometimes we are so quick to be couch potato directors, and few of us have real skin in the current game. Numbers are not useful year to year, especially when there are changes to the sheets. Judges come and go, we have the secret recap thing - and who knows if it really did any good. I don't care, honestly. But I get the stats people, too. My spouse is all about Fantasy Football right now, so he's studying stats and stuff. I just don't care enough about that any more in drum corps. I have no major complaints, other than I can't afford to travel to as many shows as I want to every year.

I've seen the longer video as well. What TroopAlum12 describes is correct. I don't know the right or wrong answer here. All I know is that the 150 Troopers of 2016 put a very emotional last show on the field on Friday, August 12. Whatever is happening now because of this altercation might be very painful for them. I hope folks will keep that in mind.

Thank you Bridgemen Alumni!!!!

I would also note that from a movement standpoint, they have a lot of similarities. I like it.

Yep, this home-run of a show is so well-written. It's so hard to get this magical design blend, along with the talent to perform it. Congratulations, Academy.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I opted to not go to the theater this time. First time since BLL started that I've missed it, except for the year I went to Indy.

Agreed! Horizon participated at San Antonio as a small soundsport group with a drum corps focus. I hope they get to open class next year!

If you look at how the pit is set up, they don't have the connection to each other visually that a typical pit does, so the in ear monitor makes sense.

I was at the Alamodome from the first Soundsport performance onward. (I did leave before Crown since I've seen them twice already and I wanted to get a jump start on the traffic - had to get up very early on Sunday morning) I'll comment a little bit on a few, but not everyone. I don't have the energy yet! First off, I want to mention Horizon Drum and Bugle Corps (Soundsport participant): For those who didn't get to see them, there is something special happening in northwest Texas! Props to Andy Miranda and Paul Garza for getting this fledgling corps together in short order. I can't wait to see what happens next. Take a look at Horizon. I think they'll be going places. Michael Boo took notice on the live feed blog, from what I understand. Genesis (Austin) is really impressive this year - so glad to see more corps in Texas really making it happen for them. When I marched in the Nighthawks from Houston in 1983 and 1984 (until we folded after our home show), it was not clear if drum corps could make it here. Finally, after a few decades of drum corps alumni joining the ranks of band directors, Texas is becoming the drum corps powerhouse it was primed to be even back in my day. In any case, Genesis' show is beautiful and very well performed. (though I could do without the Phantom Regiment style killing, LOL!) I think they'll be heading to World Class soon. Seattle Cascades: really lovely show, I enjoyed the "O" props. I have a big fondness for one particular detail in their marching style: the turnout of feet at the halt. I love their particular angle: just large enough to make me notice, but not so much that it looks weird. They have talent, and the show is demanding. Mandarins have been a head-turner for me for a few years, and this year is no exception. There's a maturity in their style that I'm very fond of. It feels subtle, and I can't explain it. But I like it. I enjoy their shows, though I rarely understand them. This year is no exception. Good stuff to watch and listen to. Obligatory homer comment here: TROOP! Yes, I like the show, a LOT. The brass is gorgeous, the percussion book is very musical and well played, and the guard has improved greatly this year. But, as I always tell people when they ask me "will they move up this year?": the only thing we can control is our own show. What other corps do from year to year is the X factor. Can Troopers make top 12? Yes. Will they? I don't know, and I don't care. This show brings me the feels, and I love it. I'm particularly fond of the Corigliano section. It's my second favorite part of the show (the first being Fix You). Go Troop!!!! Academy: WOW - now this will be a show to remember. Incredibly good story telling, high quality musical and visual performance, very good design - including excellent musical choices and arrangements, and they are selling it like crazy. It's one of those elusive home run shows where everything falls into place, and that every corps hopes to create. Blue Knights: huh. Loved their 2014 and 2015 shows. This one isn't doing it for me. If I have to read a website and watch some kind of video or movie beforehand to get it, then the design is flawed. (in my opinion of course) As always they play and move well. This show just doesn't grab me. (again, just my opinion and taste) Blue Stars: What a musically rich show! I don't care for the bed(s), or the weird lady in the gold dress. I just want them to play that music and make me drool. Very tasty percussion arranging, and the guard is, as is par for their course, outstanding. Last, but absolutely not least: SCV. Such a beautiful show, musically speaking. The last time I enjoyed SCV this much was their recent Les Mis show, and before that their 2009 Appalachian Spring show. Edited to add: someone else mentioned BK's pants color difference. I also feel like they look odd - to me they look like they are limping. Not sure if this affects perception of marching or not from a judging perspective.

I actually think it would be BD first. They have such a large and successful list of programs, and having a professional performing ensemble on stage and touring nationally would seem a natural progression for their brand. And I could see them sustaining their DCI presence along with it.

I love this part of the show! It's also the most problematic right now in terms of communication of the idea. I know the Corigliano symphony fairly well and I am very moved that the Troopers are taking a moment to bring light to the topic of AIDS. It's San Antonio Regional Day. GO TROOOOOOOOOP!!!!!

I was there, but we headed out before encore since we are pulling out early early early tomorrow for a 9 hour drive.

CrownBariDad I'm here with my dad and sister and my daughter in center section. Pacific Crest has a really enjoyable show - this intimate but nice stadium really helps the crowd connect with performers. Pac Crest pit brings the smiles - love it!

Genesis got us off to a good start! Crowd responded well.

Demanding show, lots and lots of room to grow. Have I said lately how much I love that Troopers are playing Corigliano?

Best thing to do is to contact the corps on your list and ask the question. I don't know of any rook-out DM's, but that doesn't mean there haven't been any.