J. Miller

Chuck and George: Since I know you guys and you were there when the policy that I speak of was first implemented--your insight is invaluable. (Ahh Chuck the days when Gene (that is the person who is the leaf on the Fruit of the Loom commercials) and I were in the gymasium lobby in Fort Madison in early June 1983 calling all leads to fill up the ranks in 83 and counting all the people who use to march now marching with another (top 12) corps was frusterating--yes the Colts were a stepping stone to make it in the big time. Like George said, when you and Jeff got on board the Colts moved up and I was very proud. And yes George I remember the 89 season and the implosion--just like it was 10 years earlier in 79.) My last question is--and maybe I missed it, but is the policy still the same regarding if a vet tries out with another corps are they barred that year to return to the Colts? I think (after aging out 19 years ago) that is a great policy--would have not set well when I marched when I tried out and made the cut with a top 12 corps, only to return back to the Colts in 82 from the prodding of some great vets (thank God that they did)--and am so glad that I did (that is come back to the Colts.) My experience in drum corps in general, but the Colts specifically, has aided me gargantually in my professional life. Jason--give us a kick ### season this year. Though I live in far west Texas (the last frontier) I am going to make it a point this summer to see the Colts as many times as I can. I have a real good feeling about the Colts this upcoming year. I spoke with my Dad yesterday, who lives in DBQ, and who is not a drum corps conneissuer (sp?), who mentioned the Colts camp this past weekend and what he heard. This from a man who does not mention anything until he sees the Colts over Memorial Day Weekend. Something is up. J

Since they have taken off the discussion boards for each section and each corps-- Does anyone know where Keith "Ping" Dawson who worked the Pride of Cincy, Colts, anc Glassmen Colorguard is these days?

I just checked out the Colts website and it says that all spots are open for auditions. Did they not have a policy where a returning member retained their spot and any newbies would only be trying out for vacant positions? If true, does that mean the Colts are playing with the big dogs and may move up a position or two with better talent in the ranks since nothing is guranteed to returning members (whom may not be the best talent)?

Skippay should know.

Bartyount?Why do you have a picture of PR when you nmarched Sky and Blue Coats?

The BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Coats are the first corps to make the top 12 from Texas. Way to GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Que?

Howl711 it is time to go to bed. I have told you time and time again, it seems as we have been telling you this the past 59 years. Drum corps will go on.

When ever did Pantom Regiment have a guy in the guard?

Before we go any further: E veryone S hould P lay N icely with one another 2 day

For the love of God! Did you folks sign some contract with your corps after you aged out, quit, were cut, etc. etc. that you cannot tell us your affiliation for the fear that your alma mater would fail to send you monthly requests for $$$$? All I am asking on behalf of those who read these posts is to know any potential bias that one may have when reviewing a corps' performance when posting. This lends credibility to the poster and the overall review. Is this not what you would expect of yourself--legitimacy and self-respect? When a person starts writing a review and glows about one corps (which is suspect) when flaming another (which makes it doubly suspect) shades the overall review. The assumption, on my part, is the review is taken with a grain of salt--if read at all. If you want to spend the time writing a review and not heed the advice given then don't expect your written word or your overall credibility in other posts to be given any weight. I have, and reading most of the responses from others, strongly suspect that the folks here appreciate candor. Would you not expect the same in return?

Is it just me, but DCM_ALUM nailed this review. First spoke of vantage point, corps affilitation, the positive and negative for this particular performance and the potential each corps has in the very near future. Going to Naperville?

Allow me to first state that the show reviews this year have been OUTSTANDING!!!! Secondly, do not be afraid to state your corps affiliation or allegiance to any particular corps-- BUT, please state in clear and specific terms your corps affiliation and allegiance, i.e. my son, daughter, neighbor, student from band, lover, my third cousin from my step-mother's side of the family brother-in-law's, sister's, third son daughter's mailman's sister's nephew marches third from the left cymbal line in XXX corps in the third movement. OR how many years since you marched such and such corps and the extent of your involvement as an alumni since then. This allows US as readers to gauge your assessment of the evenings performance and truly assess your review. (Is there not a contest each year as to the best review?) Keep up the good reviews! Living out in the hinterlands where the sheep run scared makes for a pleasent divergence!

From the late 70's until his age out year in 1982 with the Colts would be (hands down) Gene Steichen. Many many funny moments with Gene, but the one that sticks out in my head is during/after the corps performed in Madison in early June 1982 (Drums on Parade?) Gene had collapsed on the field in the closer, apparently due to dehydration. But Gene, like always seized the moment. Two staff members ran out onto the field to pick him up and carry him off the field as the corps paraded the stands. The audience seemed occupied as to Gene's condition and you could hear the murmur of the crowd as their attention was diverted to the field where Gene lay. The staff members picked him up ala a football player being helped off the field with a leg injury with Gene's arms around the shoulders of the accompanied staff members. They got Gene over to the 50 yard line as they walked him towards the front of the field. On the fifty, suddenly, Gene collapses and the crowd in unison screach out with a wall of "OOOOOOOh!" Then suddenly Gene jumps to his feet with his arms outstretched like the Blue Devils mascot/symbol of old and the crowd erupts with the loudest applause of the night. Gene can now be seen in the Fruit of the Loom commercials--he is the Leaf. This is just one of many commercials he has been in (Snickers, Ameritrade, Subaru, Subway, SBC, to just to name a few.)

Ding, ding, ding!!! We have a winner. This is the best review I have read. Great positive review with CONSTRUCTIVE criticism without flaming anyone! Even better--it came to be a review of the core of drum corps--division II/III