Ghost

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=gilbert-s-mcdonald&pid=160320186&fhid=5914#fbLoggedOut I believe Gil also was credited with designing "Waldo" in the early 60's. Once had a great picture of the Crusaders marching at the Johnson Inaguration Parade with Gil jogging off to the right side of the corps. He also got me to take an audition with the AF Academy D&BC, but never could make it since I didn't read music. Just one of the great people in DC and life. Rest in peace friend.

Another future generation with hearing issues.

Does this mean Mountain Time is somewhere between 7 & 8 hours behind?

The decade is still young MB.

I noticed that one of the moderators has had to focus just on this one topic so they could jump on their "gotcha" moment.

Was a few months shy of 65 this Spring when the buzz arrived. I had the pleasure of directing a 40+ hornline and 12 member drumline. With the size of todays sections, I'm shocked to see the number of DM's and any corps/staff member who does not wear ear plugs. It's required in some sections, but should be mandatory for anyone on the field. Hell, I wear them if sitting in a small stadium.

Just before turning 65 in July, tinnitus kicked in. I asked a DM this year why they didn't wear ear plugs, even during the evening performance. I believe all marching members/teaching staff should wear them. The other condition that will show up decades down the road is rosacea.

All valid points Padre, but my thoughts are about the "free" portion. The majority of my BAA gigs have been free, but if it feels right, I've told the funeral rep that the charge would be $25 which I then sent off to BAA. With bag pipers hardly ever doing a funeral for nothing and charging around $250 (in MA), the extra charge is not much, and they appreciate to learn that it is headed to BAA.

One poor brass player didn't as they fainted (left front) right before the end. You see DM's and staff responding.

+1 Not interested in seeing all the phony facials, especially from the pits.

Will there be legal services available at the stadium for those who get "nailed" because the thrower couldn't reach the field and they're looking for a quick score since they were hit while walking back to their seats and fell down mucho stairs?

While Director of the MA group of BAA members, the roster was around 103. Of those, only about 6-8 were very active. The others, do to work conflicts, were not available during the week. Even on weekends, they never volunteered when the funeral was close to their town/city. Getting rid of the deadwood takes time. The current director, John Collins USCG, has done over 300 funerals in a year. Back in the 90's the Army had teams of 2-3 members, out of Fort Drum, that would be on the road for a week or two covering funerals in the Northeast. I imagine other regions of the USA had the ssame set-up. They'd finish one funeral, check in, and be given another one. With the number of veterans dying in the thousands weekly, the government developed the bugle you saw in the video. The military had do away with many of these active duty folks and now rely on Reservists in the various branches. At the National cemetery in Bourne, MA, they can handle up to 22 funerals a day. A bugler could spend a good portion of the day going between the locations they have for the funeral sevice. No bugler available, the funeral home rep pushes the button on the column and taps comes out of the ceiling. Tom Day has been busting his butt for years to get more live buglers. But, I also agree that a phony bugle is better than a boom box. It would be great if more D&BC members would check in with their local funeral homes, even if not a member of BAA, and let them know of their interest to pay respect to a veteran. The toughest one I ever did, was for my own Mother, but it was also the proudest I had ever felt of being her son.

Look at the problems Dmitri Shostakovic had throughout his career with the Soviet Union.

They will by mid July and then again at finals.

Wasn't there a topic 2/3 months ago where you could buy shirts that looked like the front of a corps uniform?

####! Still can't add photos.

As much as you try to practice equal stride length amongst the corps with many different leg lengths, I believe after a few strides, your stride might be off. Back in 71, I first saw SCV (was in the USAF from 10/66-11/70) at the Danny Thomas Invitational. Prior to their start, several staff members came out with poles that they laid on the field (they were beginning from the far left) and positioned the members at each end. I said to my friend that within 10-12 steps, they would probably be off. Thanks for your input. I'd still like to read about ignoring the DM(s) once moving and concentrating on marching.

Never marched a DOT taught program, but have a question or three. 1. Basically, I guess the marcher has a certain spot to end up at even for a split second before heading off to another one. Yes? 2. You can practice trying for equal length strides, but once you take several steps, all bets are off. Yes? 3. As I've watched finals DVD's, there are always spacing and columns that are off. Why is this after weeks of training? Stride issues? Am I correct in my thoughts that once you're moving, there is no need, for now, to watch the DM(s). You have the beat, you know the music, etc. You should be using your eyes to try and get yourself lined up/spaced properly with those around you. But, if you do this, are you now putting others into line up/spacing issues? It seems to me that those corps who march better score higher.

Show off!

I'd love to see the NFL, with their better athletes, play on a CFL sized field. Plus, add in a few of their offensive rules. That would be some change without any hope needed!

Even though the person filming was down low and may have had camera support, they did a very good job. Better than many done from the stands currently.

Only if you get a sex change sir!

Let me give Mike's very diplomatic reply a Reader's Digest version about any D&BC going this route. I hope not in my life time!

You missed Brasso's humor. http://www.google.com/search?q=mamie+van+doren&hl=en&prmd=imvnsol&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qIU_UIODCc3KiAL38YD4Dg&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=687

Too much man crush for me!