Stuart1283

hmmmm...the "Triple CROWN" what an excellent idea for a show concept. ha

Does anyone know if there are any nationwide video rental companies (Blockbuster, netflix, Movie Gallery, etc) that rent out DCI Finals DVDs? I was searching around online with no luck. If DCI doesn't give permission for this to be done, then I think they should really consider it. I think it'd be a big money maker especially if they go back decades...

Right on with these comments. I would also add Florida State to the list. And I do not attend any schools that are on that list. Most of those schools would be considered top Music Education schools by college professors and top band directors. I am also from Alabama (I go to UA) so some programs you should check out are: LSU isn't necessarily known for music education, but they have an awesome music program. Tennessee has a descent music program. UNC Greensboro also has a great music program. If you want to stay in Alabama; UNA, Troy, and JSU have ok music ed. programs (smaller schools). If you want to go to a larger school, UA is the place to go because Auburn's music program isn't good (they unfortunately aren't funded very well). Do the research....find 5 schools that you like the best and go visit.

Crown's show was amazing regardless of the low percussion score. With the staff and members that they have, they will continue to give great shows. However, they won't compete with the big guns until they get a harder percussion book and do it well. Their show design, brass, and guard compete with the top 5 well. Percussion is bringing the corps down. It's ridiculous to see how low they are scoring. There is lots of talent in the pit and on the drum line. They just need to figure out how to get it together and quickly....

It goes to show how much one very weak caption can bring down an entire show. Crown beat BK in most captions. At the level of competition in the top 12, you can't afford to have such a weak caption. Crown FINALLY got some credit for their brassline by finishing with a 18.3 (6th place) so thats probably pretty close to where they should be. You could even argue that the brassline should be right there with the Cadets. Crown's design, guard, and brass are strong. When and if percussion figures it out, they'll be a contender in the top 5. I talked to some friends in Crown tonight. They are bummed about the score, but the reaction of the crowd in Madison seemed to cheer them up quite a bit. They are definitely aware of why they dropped....

In Birmingham, AL we lost most of Madison's show and lost Southwind, Capital Regiment, and Blue Stars. Losing the beginning corps were because of severe thunderstorms.

I've never understood why Crown can have such a great sound and great visuals within the colorguard, but not compete at all in percussion. What does Crown's percussion lack that allows it to be scored so low? I am not a percussionist, but maybe a percussionist can answer that

.05?? Crown will over take SCV at the Alamodome. Go Crown!

I'm a former Crown member. They will be rehearsing at the Rubber Bowl and will probably be housed at the U. of Akron. I haven't confirmed this with someone in the corps, but it's what has been done in the past few years.

For those that were in S.C last night, in N.C. tonight or have seen Crown's show....what did you think about Crown's show design? What did you think about their performance?

From a Crown member: First of all, it's great that you are learning another instrument. Make sure when you audition, the staff knows that you haven't been playing long. It's very possible for you to make it. There was a flute player that played mellophone last year, just as an example. Definitely work a lot with breathing exercises and your basic buzz on the mouthpiece. Then do some basic slurs like Bb-F-Bb, Bb(high) F Bb(low) F Bb(high) D Bb(high). Those some examples slurs used in Crown, but, really most slurs found in Arbans or other method books will do great. Second, I'd work some on articulation since its somewhat different than sax. Work on accents, staccato, legato, and combinations of all three. For Range: as i'm sure you've heard, long tones work great. It will build range and endurance. I can tell you all this, but if you can get a brass teacher to work with you, you will be even better. Go in with a "kick butt" attitude. Outwork everyone there and show the staff you are serious about wanting to do this. Go to all the camps, it shows you are committed. React positively to criticism. Be open to change. Don't worry so much about the technique and posture; it will be taught to you. You will have a blast. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me or ask me here.

I haven't heard anything either. I thought we would have music by now, but they seem behind. Hopefully we'll get it soon. I'm ready for some Disney World