kyushujet

It warms my heart to see so many congratulations from those associated with the Colts, Academy, and Scouts. Through it all, we are really one big drum corps family, coming to each other's aid in times of need or trouble. We all have a competitive spirit, but when it comes down to the activity we all dearly love and cherish, we set aside the competitive spirit to cheer on our brothers and sisters. And this is the gift drum corps has given us that the outside world doesn't understand and calls us all "nuts." Thank you Colts, Academy, and Scouts for showing your love for the Troopers.

Ouch!

Another interesting tidbit about Troop making Finals tonight. In 1986, we barely squeaked by 27th Lancers in Semis with an 85.9 to their 85.6, the exact same score as tonight.

I think because marching bands allow it, so DCI has to follow suit. (zing!)

Wow! I was holding my breath on this news, and now that it's a done deal, I'm almost close to tears. I was part of the last Trooper's Finals Corps back in 1986 and 23 years is a long time to wait. So many people should be thanked for this moment, especially the members, staff, volunteers, and fans during the lean years. We all play a part in the success of this drum corps and today is our reward. I would also like to say a heartfelt congratulations to the 2009 Colts. You all had a great program this year and would not have been surprised had you all made Finals.

Please don't attend Finals week next year and send a message to DCI that selling their soul to BOA will have consequences. But go and enjoy the outdoor venue of Allentown by all means.

You don't sign a 10 year deal, and be able to opt out after the first year. There's no way that's true.

Crown will not win. Slotting.

Yes, my worst experience in a dome was the RCA and I too said never again. I will say San Antonio was not as offensive as RCA. Still a dome's a dome. So, with all the negative comments about domes and the terrible sound, what does DCI do? They slowly schedule more shows, year after year, in DOMES! And to top it all off, they decide, "Hey, let's do Finals for the next 10 YEARS in a DOME." And they give us some line about the new stadium was built with acoustics in mind. Puhleez. You know, we were lucky really, last year. Thank goodness the Dome wasn't ready and Finals went to Bloomington. Can you imagine how Spartacus would have sounded in that thing?

This thread confirms my prediction from the "RCA DOME spells DOOM for DCI." Just replace RCA DOME with LUCAS OIL DOME. And the point of the poster paying $7 more for a walk up ticket is not that he went ahead and bought the ticket and made the coffers of DCI more full. It's that DCI will nickle and dime the activity into Oblivion. Next year, he probably won't make the effort to come out to Qtrs knowing that he'll have to pay above face value. How's that for business acumen?

Drill teams have been emasculating marching bands in Texas for years.

The "In your face" style of the 2000 Cadets. J/k. Actually, just watched that show last night on the TIME magazine thread. Love the music (just back from Epcot a few weeks ago), and the marching is always top notch. Impressive show. Sort of an off topic question. Were the stands full/packed last night for Qtrs?

Confused. Is the sound abysmal or great? And would like to hear from as many people that are there as possible, to get all the different perspectives. Thanks. I can imagine the upper deck people aren't getting the greatest sound.

Sorry if this has been discussed. (Too lazy to read 47 pgs). How's the sound at the stadium?

Lest we forget, Connexion Quebec.

Oh my goodness people. Only one other person saw what I saw in 2001? Here's the list: 2001 Four Corners One of THE best shows for ANY corps this decade. The rest don't even come close. (But if I had to choose, Niagara Falls 2000 and 007 2004)

The Blame Devils from Chaircord, CA.

The fact that it's in a dome has affected my future attendance. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

In 1986, we (Troopers) had a tight race with 27th Lancers for 12th place. 27th had gotten 13th in 1985, so they were chomping at the bit to make it this year. I felt like we had a terrible semi-finals show. Our soloists were off, our forms were off, etc. The pressure was on and we were all feeling it. And to top it all off, I had one of those terrible summer colds and couldn't breath through my stopped up nose. Well, we barely squeak by and make Finals. (by 3/10ths). The next night at Finals, we were so relaxed, we all just went out and played and enjoyed our last performance as a corps. And it showed. The soloists were on and everybody did great. And the judges took notice as well and rewarded us with 11th over VK. So, I think the corps that is most relaxed and plays their show without the nerves will get 12th. All 4 corps will be feeling the pressure, so it's easier said than done. GL to all. (and Go Troop!)

If there's a tie for first, it should go to penalty kicks.

Phil Becker? Did he used to march Troopers?

I second Granny's sentiments. HNC are definitely one of my favs this year (along with BAC and Troop of course). I had the pleasure of sitting next to one of Hop's friends at the Dallas show. Even though she and I didn't agree on the new introductions to DCI (i.e. electronics) we had a nice conversation through the evening. We both watched HNC for the first time this season and really enjoyed the show.

I will never attend Finals in Indy not because it's in Indy, but because it's in a DOME. The worst listening experience I've ever had was in the old RCA Dome (see my old thread "RCA Dome spells DOOM for DCI"). And yes, Lucas Field isn't the old RCA. And yes, the Alamo Dome has a lot better acoustics than the RCA. But for me, a dome's a dome. That's another reason I won't go to San Antonio when I have 2 (now 3) great shows in Dallas and Denton. I don't wish failure on those at DCI HQ that made this decision, but...somebody or somebodies didn't think this one through.

I can't wait to see how DCP treats the first sax player in the pit.

I remember playing a show in Omaha, NE at the stadium where they play the NCAA College World Series. It was ok, except for tripping over the pitcher's mound on occasion.