JT76

Been hunting all over for that CD and Myth AMerica but can not find it... :( I found more than one on E-bay just a few months ago.....and for just a few $$ as well! I actually ventured over to EBay right after I left here and found the Secret Stories cd. Still looking for Myth America.

Been hunting all over for that CD and Myth AMerica but can not find it... :(

Not necessarily. All sections have their difficulties, bass has to blend anywhere up to 6 or so people just to make one musical tonal phrase. if one of those people is missing from thier part, it just dont sound good. Tenors have drum to drum patterns and sometimes just as many notes as snares, plus having to feel through 5 or 6 different head tensions trying to play them all equally to create an equal sound. And everyone should have good chops becuase a line is as they say "only as good as its weakest player." I know that isnt always true, but it does make a HUGE difference. $.02 Equality of players = good line Well said! It is has to say which section is the most difficult and requires the best chops. I think they all have their thoughness. Basses = Timing, Tenors = Sticking, Snares = Cleanliness, Pit = togetherness. Don't get me wrong those are just a few right off hand. And not the main one for each. I know when I when I started playing drums, there was a lot of "territorialness" about the different sections. Even trying to out do each other, which at times affected the line as a whole. I have seen that in teaching a little bit as well. Anyway, I know some bass players that have better chops than snare players and play just as many notes on their bass as the snares do.

snare

It was a perfect night for Drum Corps! I love having the show at Kennesaw Mtn. High School. It really is a great site and it is only an hour from my house which makes it even better! :P Anyway...this was my first show of this season and it was a great one! Plus, I brought a friend with me who had never been to a drum corps show or even seen one on video. Needless to say he was like a kid at Christmas time opening presents! I will share some of my thoughts on the shows and some of his. Notice: I want to try and not be too critical of any of the corps, because these kids (and adults) are working their butts off to put on the shows. But, I do have a few opinions on a few things. They all deserve a BIG round of applause! And every corps got a standing ovation which I think was deserved for getting out there and playing with their heart! With that being said here we go... Corpsvets Senior Corps Judged Exhibition They rocked! It was so great to see and hear them again. (I have not heard them in about 2 or 3 years...I think.) These guys and girls can play! The show was very fun to watch and listen to. of course there was dirt in the marching, but hey, who cares, it was a fun show and they played it well! Plus, it was great to see one of my long lost friends from high school playing in the pit! Jennifer told me I would be kicking myself for not trying out, after I saw the show...she was right. Anyway, the thing that stood out the most to me in their show was the sound. They have great sound quality and they are loud, at the same time. (They can be soft when they want to, too.) The guard was great. There were a couple of drops, but hey, who didn't have drops. :) I liked the uniforms. They really look sharp on the field. Great show! I can't wait to see them again! My friend just had a BIG grin on his face after their show. Court of Honor Div. III Score: 43.30 I was very surprised by this young, but confident corps! They played beautifully. By watching the show you would have never had known that this was their very first show ever. One of the biggest things I remember about the show, well really two things, is that you could tell these kids were playing with emotion and they were having fun. Isn't that what this is really all about? They did selections from "The Wiz". This is a great vehicle for them to start out with. The music was very balanced and performed very well. The brass had a very mature sound and visually the corps did well. This corps might be small and they might be new, but I think they will be a force to be reckoned with in the up coming years. Great job, CoH! My friend was surprised that they were a new corps. He thought that they were very good. Memphis Sound Div. II Score: 47.50 I don't really remember much from their show. That is not a bad thing. It is just that nothing stood out to me. It was a balanced show. The guard was good. Sorry, nothing just blew me a way with this group. Teal Sound Div. III Score: 47.00 I am really not sure about this show. The kids did a good job, but it is just missing something. There seemed to not be consistency through out the show. I don't think it was the playing, maybe it was the overall visual. I just really did not get the show. The guard seemed to perform very well. The percussion seemed to be having some problems tonight. I am not sure what it is about their uniforms. I mean they are effective and simple. But, there is just so much black, almost too much. Just my opinion. My friend really did not like their show. He thought it was missing something, also. Scenic City Div. III Score: 42.25 This is the hardest show for me to review. (Please remeber this is just my opinion and from my view point.) This show just seemed so incomplete. There were several times throughout the show that all I could do was cringe. The drill was not clean and at times the different sections were very exposed at times were I don't think they were supposed to be. I did not what so ever understand what was going on with their guard. (2 guard memebers.) I mean no disrespect, but one guard member was pretty good, but the other one just looked like she started learning the routine a couple of days ago. Which that might just be the case. I don't know. I know the guard did not do any work the second part of the show. A full guard, or at least about 8 members would have added so much more to the visual program. The music was a little rough at times. An enjoyable part of the show was the rhythm part where all of the brass picked up the different types of wood and were doing syncopated rhythms along with the percussion section. That was a little fun. The only thing about that was when they laid the wood back down, the brass members ended up marching on them and over them and there were a couple of times it looked like someone was going to trip over the wood. My friend did not have any comments on them. Revolution Div. II Score: 65.10 The first thing I thought of when they came out on the field was that some one had taken the Glassmen and thrown them into the washing machine and they had shrunk. Their unifroms look almost exactly like the Glassmen's uniforms. They played very well and had a GREAT sound quality. Their brass sounded full and mature. Their drill was fast paced and complimented the music very well. You can tell this corps is acustomed to winning and striving for a championship. They have picked right up where they left off last year with their Div. III championship and they are striving ahead this year in Div. II. There is still some cleaning to do, but they are right on top of things to be high up in Div. II. My friend thought that they did very well. Carolina Crown Div. I Score: 65.80 Now, I do not attempt to know everything about drum corps and everything about judging. Of course who in the world knows what might happen with the judges, but I thought Crown was on top of their game tonight. I would have thought that their score would have been higher than what it was. I was not sure how I would like their show or their new uniforms, but I liked both! Their uniforms are sharp and they work well. It just takes some getting used to with the plume being on the side. The music for this show is awesome! The bell tones at the beginning and right in the middle of the show were great. And the visual program compliments the music so well. The guard was on top of things as well. There were some drops, but the routine goes right with the music and as the season goes on I know it will be cleaned up. The guard uniforms make sense with the music and theme, at least they did to me. The percussion seemed to have a couple of problems tonight, but they did well. The drill needs a little cleaning, but was great. Now, "Carol of the Bells" was AWESOME! This is my all time favorite Christmas song, so I couldn't wait to see what they were going to do with it. I absolutely loved it! I just had a big smile on my face the whole time! They really carry through with the theme through out the whole show. I was impressed by their show. It was very enjoyable and I felt very accessible. My friend was impressed by their show and really enjoyed it. Good job, Crown! Crossmen Div. I Score: 70.15 FUN...FUN...FUN!!! b**bs This show just rocks! This show, to me, just has everything. It just seems like a very complete show. The Crossmen are always fun to watch and listen to, and this show is no different. They came out on the field and just took control of it and the stands! They always seem to have a presence about them that says "Sit back, relax, watch us and have a great time!" And boy, did I ever! This was probably overall the most entertaining corps of the night. There is still a lot of cleaning in the drill, especially the closer. I know that will be cleaned up quickly. And when it does, watch out cause here they come! I just don't understand how those snares are marching backwards and playing so fast and not falling all over themsleves and being ran over by the racks! :P The guard was fantastic! There was a couple of problems with the fabric they were using during "Somewhere", but that happens from time to time when the fabric has a mind of its own. :) And did I hear a glimpse of "Somewhere Out There" in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"? I thought I did, but was not sure. The percussion seemed to have a pretty good night, and they were throwing out some pretty good licks out there. Overall, an AWESOME show! They really let it loose at the end when they group up at the side line and in the pit and blow their brains out, what seemed like forever. This was the show that I went home humming. My friend was floored by them. Crossmen, you have picked up a new fan. He even went and bought a Crossmen T-shirt. That is just about all he talked about the rest of the night. Bluecoats Div. I Score: 70.70 BLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCOATS! They had a great show tonight. I was finding it very hard to get into their music after hearing and seeing the Crossmen. Don't get me wrong, they played well and marched just as good. It was a very balanced show. I know the Bluecoats fans out there will probably give me evil looks when I say this, but they reminded me a lot of the Glassmen of years past. That is not a bad thing, but the music seemed inaccessible to me. That is just my opinion. Visually, the Coats have it going on. They have that down pat this year and they seem to do it well. Much more body movement this year, than what I remember seeing from them in years past. It seems they are building on where they left off last year. It will be neat to see where they go throughout the rest of the season. My friend thought that they show was kind of boring and was just "ok". I think he was still mesmerized by the Crossmen. SPIRIT Div. I Score: 68.95 I am a little biased towards this show... B) It was a great show! And the more and more I hear it the more and more I fall in love with it. It was great to finally see the drill to what I have been listening to for the past month. This show has so many touching moments and is fun at the same time. And man are they LOUD!!! b**bs These guys and girls can belt it out. But they just aren't playing loud to play loud, they do it VERY musically! That first hit after they turn around...WOW! The visual program has been turned up a big notch this year! And the guard is notably better than years past. The drumline was rockin' tonight! They had a good show. The brass...have I said they are loud, yet? Man, this brass will make you want to through your first child onto the field. :P They are very mature sounding and balanced. And I know they will just get better and better as the season goes on. "October" is absolutely beautiful and the "Let It Be Me" solo is very touching and a good addition to the show. "Nutville\No Jive" is fun and exciting. This was probably my favorite part of Spirit's show. I think the ending will have to grow on me. I am one that likes that in your face, blow my brains out, light speed endings. But, I think it will evolve nicely over the season. I am not sold on the guard uniforms right now, but I know things are subject to change. Overall, I could not have been more happy with Spirit at the show! I thought that they would have been a little bit closer score wise to the Crossmen and Bluecoats. But, I just sat there in awe of what these kids, staff, alumni and supporters have done. Just thinking back where this corps was heading just a couple of years ago and to see them now...WOW! It is about TIME! My friend really enjoyed Spirit. I think he was still captivated by the Crossmen. My Placements: 1. Crossmen 2. Spirit 3. Bluecoats 4. Crown 1. Revolution 2. Court of Honor 3. Memphis Sound 4. Teal Sound 5. Scenic City Most enjoyable: Crossmen, Spirit & Court of Honor My Friend's Placements: 1. Crossmen 2. Spirit 3. Crown 4. Bluecoats 1. Revolution 2. Court of Honor 3. Memphis Sound 4. Teal Sound 5. Scenic City Most Enjoyable: duh! Crossmen Overall, I think the overall scores do not really show how close the preformances really were. I think this is going to be the toughest fight for finals in a LONG, LONG time. This was a great show and was put together nicely! Many thanks to Robin and Tracey, and everyone else invovled in getting this show together and making it an enjoyable experience!

Thank you for putting into words what I was thinking. I am really trying to like this uniform, but to me it is so plain. I don't know maybe it is just my perception.

I am kind of split on this issue. I said in the stands for a more overall look. But, having a judge on the field really always him\her\it to get in there really see what the kids are doing (which can be good and bad). But, it does allow for more of a look at technique. We had a field judge my junior year in high school (way back when...) who did a good job going back and forth and commenting on the front ensemble and the battery. Granted he was completely worn out after the show... B) , but he did a good job. That is the problem with one judge, when you try and focus on one area at one point in the show, you are bound to miss something in the other, unless you have watched the show before and know.

Ah, shucks Thanks!

Disclaimer: This is the first real review I have ever written, so be nice. Also, I am doing this from a pure fans perspective, not a drum corps expert. Now with that being said, on to the review... Jubal: (judged exhibition) I was pleasently surprised with this corps. They had a good sound. They looked like they were having fun out there. Execution was not great in the marching, but heck, they were having fun and it was a good show. They had some great impact points during their show. Bluecoats: (7th Place) I really enjoyed this show. It was fun and very accessable to the crowd. The guard really got into the personality of the show concept. I thought the visual program was much better as a whole than it has been in years past. Glassmen: (6th Place) Ok, just to be blunt. I do not like this show. I tried but I just could not get into it. It seems to me that this program is just missing something. I could not put my finger on it. The drumline is one of the strengths of this corps, as they have been in the past. It is very evident from all of the exposure they get in the show. They did a good job. A comment on the unifrom, ptu the triangle back as gold. With the triangle bbeing balck the uniform kind of looks dull. Crossmen: (8th Place) Ok, what is up with this corps?? They were having a big off night to night, it seems. Some of the parts at times seemed to be kind of muddy (add more water). Marching was not the best and their were quite a few interval problems (it seems a lot of the corps were having interval problems tonight). It seemed that some of their sets just did not stick, especially some of the straight line moves. I absolutely love this corps, but it pained me to see the struggle tonight. I love the music. The opener is very intense, and you can tell it has to be hard to play and clean. The ballad was beautiful. And I loved Strawberry Soup. It was scary to think that they, come finals week, might be deep in the battle with Spirit, Crown, Madison and Seattle for some of the lower positions of the top twelve. Phantom Regiment: (5th Place) I aboslutely loved this show! I have not been able to say that for the past few years about them, but WOW! This show is great! A very balanced corps. This was the first corps of the night that completely captivated me with their whole program. The guard was great. The brass had a very rich sound. (Side note: I could not help but think how good this show would look with the black uniforms. :P ) I was just completely impressed with them. I can see them and Boston battling it out for 5th or possible even 4th come finals week. If they continue to clean and work just a few small things out. Santa Clara Vanguard: (4th Place) Right off the bat...the uniforms. I am not sure I completely like them. The green seemed to get lost in field. Don't get me wrong they are nice, but I think I liked the old ones better. Maybe, these will grow on me. On to the show... This is an interesting concept for a show. They pull it off well. Nothing really stands out from their show to me. I do remember several guard memebers having some problems with the shiney box things, during a very visible part of the show. Their pit is very good and their cymbal line are just phenominal. Blue Devils: (3rd Place) What are fun show! The arrangements are different, but they work. Many of the selections don't even sound like the original songs, but I liked them. House of the Rising Sun was just plain awesome! They have a very strong guard with A LOT of personality. And they get to show it. Great impacts during the show, with lots of energy. The Cadets: (2nd Place) This show has everything... :D Literally. This is a very crowd pleasing show. Very good throughout the whole corps. Of course, the crowd went nuts over the pledge. I thought it was great, but I am not sure if it exactly fits the context of where it is at. I don't know, I could be wrong. I kind of feel like they are trying to put too much into the show. The musical selections are great. Boogie Woogie was one of my favorites of the night. The Brassline has some power behind it! They can really put the sound out. The guard, as always, does a great job telling the story. The Cavaliers (1st Place) WOW! This show rocks! I was concerned at the beginning of the season with more original music, like the past two years, but I really ejoyed the music. I was even humming it on my way out of the stadium. Visual...Visual...Visual! I have always loved the Cavies drill and this year is no different. Very crisp and precise drill. They are non-stop moving machines. I know a lot of people don't like the dancing part of the show, but to me it was one of the best parts. Both of them. In the middle and right at the end. WOW! this show is just, in my opinion, complete. Just continue cleaning and shaping up and it is good to go. I know there has been a lot of talk about whether they can be beat. I think so, but it will take a lot of hard work and determination to beat this program and corps. But, it is possible. My order of enjoyable shows (not best shows, but enjoyable) Cavaliers Blue Devils Phantom Regiment Cadets Bluecoats Crossmen SCV Glassmen Overall, great night for Drum Corps. I really wish they would change the Murfreesboro show back to the two day event, and bring back all of the corps. It is a great stadium and a great set up for the show. Bought my 1991 Legacy DVD and can't wait to watch it!

Great review.

Great review, Steve. Sorry, I did not get to meet you in person last night. It was funny, I was sitting in the midst of Crown people during the show, and they even were left with the "that's the end?" feeling. Some one needs to tell the Crown guard it is not sfae to run with lightning bolts, someone could put their eye out. ;)^ It was a great night for Drum Corps!

Great review! I love the reactions of your niece. Especially the part where she was comatose.

Great review! I can't wait till next week at Murfreesboro, to see how things will be by then!

WOW! George, great review. It was entertaining just reading it!

I was just looking around at the recaps of this show and noticed that there was no Music Performance judge. Everybody got a score of 12.00 for music performance. This means some scores are lower than what they should be and some are higher. Example: the Glassmen were scoring in the 13's the night before but they got a 12.00, because of no judge. So, there score should have been higher. Interesting...

George, You are pushing to win your own contest! :D Great review!!! I look forward to reading more of your reviews...very balanced and visually inticing. Thanks!

Wow! Great review. Thanks! :D

This just makes me more excited about seeing the Crossmen this year!!! :D