dc oldtimer

The Chi-Angels from St. Michael's in Old Town Chicago. From the 60's. Inner city kids in drum corps. They weren't shy and they were no angels.

1976 Oakland Crusaders. WHAT A SHOW!!!!!!!

Wow, MAJOR flashbacks here.. I marched in the Cavaliers in 1976 remembering vividly standing on the starting line at DCI finals hearing all the boo's and having everything but the kitchen sink thrown at us. I remember marching to the back of the field (a group of Muchacho's were grouped in the back upper deck stands in the front rows) and a mouth piece hit my horn denting it. Couldn't believe someone actually threw their mouth piece at us! It was raining hot dogs, coins, paper cups, everything... Inspiring, yes. We played our butts off. In fact, the boo's inspired us in prelims too. We took 5th overall, 4th in horns. Pretty good during those "tougher" days in Cavalier history. But in finals, some judge made some questionable scores and we fell to 7th with 27th and Bridgemen beating us. After finale, as we walked to our busses, some words were exchanged between some Muchacho's and us. Also, some idiot put their busses right next to ours. Let's just say that the words being said are not printable on this site. At one point we had enough and some of the "older" guys told us to take our shirts off and get off the busses but cooler heads prevailed and corp management to us to sit our butts down, the busses were started and we were out of there. Good thing too. Remember, we were 128 guys mostly from Chicago. They had a few guys but some girls were amoungst their ranks too. It would have been ugly!!! Not one of the more "prettier" times in drum corp history.

OK, that's it. I am never writing another review ever again. I just wouldn't be able to handle the criticizim. Never to be seen again on this section of DP,

Well, here it is Monday night and I have had three days to think about, contemplate and digest my first show of the year. Above I say “misc. thoughts” because every year I go to DeKalb with intentions to see as many drum corps as I can so I judge for myself where everyone is this year. At least all the midwest corps but this years show, as everyone knows, was a little different then in many years past. This year, I was not able to get to the show as early as I wanted due to numerous reasons that included a golf tournament (just missed the money by 1 stroke, darn!!), trying to coordinate three groups of people and fight traffic. (The ‘ol saying in Chicago “there are two seasons in Chicago, winter and construction” held true this weekend) Anywho, we pulled into the thriving metropolis of DeKalb to the fresh smell of cow manure. Take a deep breath of Gods Country!! After parking (illegally for sure but it’s only illegal if you are caught!!) we made our way into the show. Now, here is where I say I have good intentions to see all the corps but for some reason it just didn’t happen. By the time I talked to 10 FMM’s of the Cavaliers, got a Pepsi, talked to another 10 FMM’s of the Cavaliers, give the ‘ol “hey, howsit going” to an ex, I was in the stands just in time to see the Scouts. For those of you who were not there, this is like half way through the show. Just a quick note on the stadium; I feel that NIU Stadium is one of the best venues for a drum corp show. They have MANY seats up high, many concessions and plenty of parking. If it wasn’t for the small Cessna sized corn fed bugs dive bombing the fans during the show, it would be perfect. The Madison Scouts OK, now, I just spent the last hour reading the “Scouts got Screwed” post. All I have to say is what many others have said, “the Scouts are Back!” I found the hornline, although not up there with the best of their lines, quite impressive. I am not a drummer so I am going to stay away from the “dropped two points” discussion. But I did like the guard, which until recently I never really watched. I usually do not have any heart wrenching opinions about guards but I guess this comes with dating a “guard person”. Oh, well, we all make our decisions in life. As in the recent past Madison shows I found their show entertaining but lacking the cleanliness needed to break into the upper echelon. But, I am very happy to hear what I heard and saw what I saw. Keep it going Madison!! and you’ll be back in the thick of things soon!!! (Note on their uni’s: Liked them but for me, I would like to see that “Madison” red in there somewhere. Up close I saw the red outlines but you cannot see them from the stands. Sorry, I am guy who still wishes they had the red velvet drum covers) Had to run the restroom. All those Pepsi’s went right through me. After talking to another 10 people I made it back to my seat in time to see: The Bluecoats Some words for my friend Mitch Rogers “Great job my friend!!!” This is the best Bluecoats I have ever seen. The horns were great, the drums (will like I said, I have no idea) drummed and the drill was outstanding. They deserved second. They were clean, very entertaining and I could “feel” their show, something that I have been missing in years past. Loved the various “pulls” in their show. Again, great job Mitch and great job BLU!!!!!! (I know it’s corny for us veteran corp guys but I still love saying it!) OK, I have to admit, I got hungry and thirsty so I again had to run to the concessions and you know what that means, yep, I again saw 10 more people who I haven’t saw in years. Talked to them and HAD to get back to my seat… The Cavaliers were on next. The Cavaliers OK, now. I had my doubts about if they could fourpeat. I felt that 1) the judges just won’t allow it 2) the fans would just get bored by it and 3) other corps will close the gaps quickly. I haven’t seen The Blue Devils or Phantom yet but from what I saw Saturday night it’s going to be tough for anyone to beat the Cavaliers. I echo everyone that has said that up close the guard uniforms just are plain wacky and someone needs to smack someone up side the head and say “what were you thinking!!!”. BUT, I was amazed how well they blend into the design of the show. My previous sentence is a key sentence in the fact that, even more then last year, all three sections of this corp move as one all 11 – 13 minutes of their show. I am amazed that they created another gem again. YES, the first few seconds of the show was a little ragged but they pulled it together quickly. Honestly, the first section left me rather blah and needs to be beefed up a little. Same for the last minute of the show. From what I understand, they are adding/changing numerous charts. But the middle part of this show is just astounding. Astounding not only because it is an incredibly well designed section but it REALLY shows off the talent of the kids. And you know what, isn’t THIS what it’s all about?! The kids. You can tell they are into this show and perform it beautifully. LOVED the “pop up” section of the show and being a soprano player, I am not sure I have heard a Cavalier horn player hit a higher note then I heard on Saturday night. BRAVO!!! Not sure what all the whoha is with the lack of volume this year. I felt they were much louder then previous years. They are no take back to the 60’s and 70’s like when I marched but the volume was just enough to add emotion as needed. Lastly, it is MHO that scores are just a tool to position corps for that night. If someone thought that the Cavaliers were 10 points better then the Scouts then so be it. I believe they deserved third just as much that the Bluecoats deserved second. The Scouts will be in finals. I read someplace on this sight that the kids in the Scouts are just in it to entertain. It could be that this is somewhat true but how many of those kids would be marching if they weren’t “The Scouts” and have the chance of performing on August 9th? Think about it. Oh, and Steph, great seeing you!!!! We must “tip a few” rum and cokes in Orlando!!!! Like I said, no long dissertation on the night just some misc. thoughts………….

I am one who has been rather critical of the Cavaliers hornline in the past. A running joke in the Cavalier forum amougst us alumni is we sign our posts "play louder". Because I am from the old schooll, I can tell ya that rarely does a good loud horn not impress me. But I gotta tell ya I actually LISTENED to the Cavalier hornline last year and I was thouroughly impressed. The DVD and the CD's do not do them justice. You had to be there in the stands, block all the great drills moves out and just listen. If you did this at all last year and understood music there is no reason why you shouldn't agree that they were the best horn line in the activity in years. Quite honestly, I see no reason way this year can't be better. Being close to the corp I can tell ya, they probably have even more talent this year. It all depends, as with any corp, on the show that they are given by the staff. From what I have been hearing, this should not be a problem. We'll see but I can tell ya this, it will be interesting to see how other corps respond to how the judges responded to the Cavaliers last year. If corps respond accordingly, it will be a VERY interesting year. Especially since the Cavaliers and Garfield (sorry, like I said, I am old school) see each other like what, 10 times this year? Can't wait!!!!

Not a long list but there were so many good ones that it is easy to pick a few top lines... and NOT just because these guys had great soloists. One or two great soloist do not make a great hornline!: 1) 1975 Scouts 2) 1991 Star 3) 1973 Muchacho's 4) 1985 (?? - whenever Kansas City was) Blue Devils 5) 2002 Cavaliers (I know, I know but the more I LISTEN to the DVD the more I love the hornline. The ballad section moved them WAY UP the list)

I don't know but I have to tell you, 1974 Muchacho's soundeds pretty darn awsome with 16 mello's playing spanish music. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

You obviously have a right to your opinion, and for what it’s worth, here is mine. To restate my comment over the summer, I felt that this years version of the Cavalier hornline was the best they have ever had. This coming from a guy who marched in the "lean” years including the 1977 hornline that tied for first in execution (back when there was an execution caption), second in total horns but 7th overall. Now, also coming from the years when “Louder was Better”, I loved being in a corp that “blew the stands down”. Drum corps. just are not as loud as corps back then but for good reason. Quality, intonation, tuning and musicality are too important in today’s judging to ignore it, unless you don’t care about the judging and just want to “blow the stands down”. There were a few of these corp out there this year and honestly, there is nothing wrong with this as long as everyone understands that you are NOT going to make it into the top five if this is your number one goal. BD was the best hornline this year. My heart goes to my brothers in green but when I heard BD’s hornline, they not only played loud “when they needed to” but played very well during the softer times in their show. Add the fact that they finally had a drill to match their music, I was VERY nervous in the stands after seeing them for the first time in Quarter Finals. They are a great example of a corp that uses “loud” within the frameworks of their show. Dynamics mean almost everything in today’s drum corps. Now, the Cavaliers hornline may not have had that dynamic sound that BD had but I gotta tell ya, not too many corps can pull off what they did. IMHO, the middle part of their show is what brought them the high brass trophy. I think even you have to agree that they created an incredible sound and effect. But, I do agree with you in the fact that other hornlines were better as a total hornbook. Personally, I feel the last 30 seconds of the Cavaliers show was a train wreak purely because it is VERY hard playing what they were playing and literally RUNNING to their sets. One last point, I respectfully disagree with what you said about the Cavaliers writing their horn show to fit their drill book. What the Cavaliers have done the last two years has rewritten the formula for winning. The guard work, drumline and hornline books, and drill are written together to form a “marriage” (to quote the last two finals judges on the DVD’s) or what I like to call “package” that is extremely seamless. This is apparently what the judges are looking for and I can see more and more corps trying to emulate the Cavaliers in this regard. Not that all the corps need to write original music but corps now need to focus more on integrating all three sections more closely then ever before. This, in my opinion, will take the entire activity to another level.

1) Absolutely, 1000% agree with you. Why don't other corps get it? 2) Yea know. I was sitting there Thursday, Friday and Saturday thinking why their show made me so uncomfortable. Your right, there never really seemed to be a "flow" to their show. Jagged little snippets is the best way I can describe there horn book. BWBB was pretty cool though even for this hardened drum corp vet! I was indifferent about the two "firemen" additions at the end of their show. Like I said in my review, too many gimmicks. 3) Someone asked me after the show if I could hum any of the Cavaliers show. I couldn't but not too sure if that is a problem. I could pretty much hum their entire 2001 show but I did like 2001 a little more as far as hornbook and drill. Great review. You pretty much saw the same things I did.

OOps. Sorry. I still liked them though!

Well, just got into work after picking up my Grande Skim No-Whip Mocha so I can make it through this day after a LONG tiring weekend in Madison. I didn't realize how tired I was until I was finally able to relax on my couch last night and proceeded to zonk out for two hours. I had to wake up to go to bed! Here are my impressions of everything that went on this past weekend. Instead of looking at each corps each day individually (which would take up about half of this server's space) I'll try to blend everything together except where necessary. (DISCLAIMER: These views are MY views only and in NO WAY reflect the views of the organization to which I am affiliated to, as noted to the left and below!) Drove about 90 MPH from Chicago after work on Thursday to see if I could catch as many corps as possible. After waiting for a friend (one of those friends that is ALWAYS late! We all have them) were we on The Road to Madison. After finally deciding the best way to pull into Camp Randall and whether or not to eat something "good" or the junk at the stadium (we chose the junk) we drove past the stadium twice trying to find decent free parking. (what can I say, we're cheap) Now for those of you who where not in Madison this weekend, "decent" parking is a relative term. Quarterfinals: After finally figuring out where to buy tickets we climbed the seemingly twenty ramps to the upper deck and settled into our seats just as SCV was marching off. Which was good timing because I have already seen SCV and was anxious to see The Cadets and BD; two corps I haven't seen yet. I was especially anxious to see The Cadets since they seemed to be the corps that would give the Cavaliers the most competition this weekend. This impression would change, as you will see later on. Note on the finale on quarterfinals night, DCI can do better. In fact, all the finale's were too long. Sitting with us was a drum corps virgin. Her first impressions were that all the corps were great but these finale's have to be shortened. I agree. If it's long for us drum corps veterans, they are even longer for the new fans who just want to hear America and the standings. Thank god my bother called my on my cell phone (I had it on vibrate. HINT, HINT TO ALL THE OTHERS WHO DIDN'T!!!) to tell me that the Cavaliers must have really done well because of their score. I said, "what score?" The scores were posted on the internet before they were announced at Camp Randall. He told me the scores and we were outta there. Semis The next morning we got up early to play a round of golf. It was interesting to hear the echoes of a couple of drum corps practicing in a distance as we were on the 9th tee. After the three S's (Sh**, shave and shower) we were off to semis. For some dumb reason we again decided to eat the junk at the stadium but we did get a big Badger Jug out of the deal!! This night's finale was MUCH better because we got to see the Royal Aires. This was the second time I saw them this year and what a GREAT reminder of what drum corps was back in the "olden" days! Everyone LOVED it.... except maybe the three 14 year olds behind us who didn't seem to get it. My brother called again to ask if the Cavaliers score was a record. I again said, "What score??" After the show we bounced around a few bars near the stadium and then ended up going to DCI headquarters for their annual party. Every year I grudgingly go (because I am so tired) but every year I am happy that I went. What a drum corps junkie's dream!!!! All of the "who's who" of the activity was there. Every year it is great getting the "inside" scoop on the activity. It's a reminder that there is more to the activity then what we see on the field. For many people, it is their livelihood. After getting pushed out the banquet hall after closing, we stag.... er...... made it to our hotel room by 3:00am. Finals It was GREAT to sleep in a little bit on the BIG DAY! After finally getting some decent food we were on our way to Jordan's for the Cavalier Alumni Reunion party. We shared the bar with the Phantom Regiment Alumni Reunion Party. I was reminded of one the drawbacks of marching in an all-male drum corps. I must admit PR's party was a little livelier because of the lovely young ladies of the Phantom Regiment! But, I digress... or maybe not. Anyway, after a few "pops" we stag.... er... walked on over to Camp Randall. I was a little disappointed because we didn't make it in time for the start of the Santa Clara Alumni performance but I did get to see the Bottle Dance (Yes!!!!!!!!) and was able to hear Send in the Clowns (Yes!!!!!). This was one of the highlights of the night. I am a HUGE fan of SCV's, second only to the obvious. Seattle Cascades - What a great addition to the top twelve. Loved the show. My heart said, "I wish The Scouts where in this spot" but my brain said Seattle deserved it! I met a couple of "Seattle Parents" in a convenience store before the show. What nice people. They were SO excited to be there not only because their kid was marching but because they loved the whole experience of Division I competition. I was reminded that I have been spoiled for many years. Great job Seattle and see ya's next year! Magic of Orlando - Cool uni's. Man, we saw what I thought was the worst wipeout in drum corps history. A tenor got nailed and was sent for a major tumble. What was so cool was that he calmly got up, put his hat back on, placed the tenors back in his harness (by this time he was all by himself on the left side of the field) and marched to the other side of the field to get back into the show. Great to see the judge take time to check on him. Welcome back Magic!!!! Spirit - Because I haven't seen them this year I was confused by their name. While waiting in line to get into the stadium a lovely young lady with a great southern accent explained the affiliation with Jackson State. Hey, I say what ever it takes to get funding, GO FOR IT! Man, I forgot how much I missed "Georgia on my Mind". Good show. My brain kept wanting to hear the great hornlines of the '70's but that's MY issue not Spirits! Hang in there Spirit!!! Crossmen - They blew me away. Man! Their hornline was loud. They didn't seem that loud in the semis. Maybe they just laid it out there for finals and said, "What do we have to lose. Just let it go!" and they did. Loved the show especially the horn entrance from the back right of the stands. VERY COOL! Funny comment from my bother, "Man, the compitition just when up a notch, didn't it?" Yep it did. After the X-Men were done I had a flash back to the Superman show of the 70's and the capes. God I loved that show!!!! Glassmen - Good clean show but I wish they could pick it up a bit in the excitement category. I can't seem to distinguish their shows through the past several years. Seems like the same old, same old. I find it interesting that the corps seems to know that they can be boring at times because they sell shirts that say it. Don't get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with their show except that they need to pick up a few pointers from the top 5 in the excitement elements. I am not a drum guy but I was surprised to see that they took 6th in drums. Like I said about they Cavaliers 4 years ago..... Please! You obviously have the talent, use it! Bluuuuuuucoats - Good clean show. I found myself taping my toes getting into their music. Like The X-Men, good loud hornline that sometimes loses tone quality but you gotta love them. They've been around awhile now. Maybe they can change a few things to get them to the next level. Top 5 Phantom - I saw Phantoms show three times this year and it just got better and better each time I saw it. I found myself humming their opener while I was on the train this morning on my way to work. LOVED the show. POWERFUL hornbook! I tried to figure out why PR didn't do better this year. I read some place on this forum that maybe their show was a little too difficult. Hmmmm.... I may agree with this a little but Phantom has ALWAYS played difficult shows. Maybe that's why they always seem to be stuck in the middle of the pack. I don't know. I'll have to ponder this a little bit longer. While Phantom was marching off the field my brother said again, "Well, the show was just taken up a few notch's again, heh?" Yep, it sure did! Boston Crusaders - WOW, loved their show. Not sure if they should have made it to the top 5 let alone tie PR but I thought they tugged at our hearts with their patriotic show beautifully. LOVED the last flag formation. VERY tastefully done. SCV - Like Phantom, I sat there trying to figure out why they didn't do better in scoring. Loved their show and it is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the Vanguard's on and off the field. Then it came to me after I started comparing them to the Cavaliers. They didn't seem to use their high impact portions of their show to their advantage. Don't get me wrong, they had some great drill moves but they seemed to come during the wrong parts of their show. Am I wrong??? During finale they showed AGAIN! why they are the class of the activity. They were the only corps to salute the champions! The Cadets - Ok, now, I fully admit I am not a big fan of what The Cadets have done on the field in the past. I was hoping that what I was hearing around the activity and on this forum was being blown out of proportion. Well, it wasn't. In fact my level of enthusiasm for the Cadets dropped a few more notches after what they did on finals night. (as discussed by others on this forum so I won't get into it) I truly feel that until The Cadets stop focusing on impressing the crowd and start "playing the game" while remaining entertaining they will not win. I REALLY HATE to be so negative about a drum corps because I know how hard these kids work. I've been there. I truly feel for them because they obviously want to win!! They OBVIOUSLY have the talent to win. I don't want to rant on so I'll end this by trying to say something positive because there ARE a lot of positives about the Cadets show; their horn line is phenomenal. I am not a drum guy but I can tell that they kick butt and deserve their top placing! When the corp marched as one unit they were VERY good. It's just to bad that they didn't do more marching and less gimmicks. They might have won. Also, in regard to being the first corps to march off the field during finale; let the kids enjoy their time on the field! Especially the age-outs. Blue Devils - As a Cavalier fan I can say that after the Devils' Saturday night performance I was very nervous. THEY WERE HOT!!! When I first saw them Thursday night I felt that if anyone had a chance to catch the Cavaliers it was they. I said to myself "Oh, oh, the Cavaliers are in trouble, BD finally have a drill!" As usual they have an incredible horn line and their drums were very entertaining. (Loved the rotating drummers!!!!!) The guard, well, I only remember the long hair! I don't remember anything after that! WOW! I was maybe a little bit disappointed in Channel One Suite but hey, I still have the 1976 version embedded in my brain. That version will ALWAYS be my favorite song in the history of drum corps! The Cavaliers - I admit it probably took until Thursday night for this show to grow on me. Maybe because I wanted to see how this obviously "different" show matched up to what other corps were doing. To quote another FMM of the Cavaliers "there is NOTHING wrong with this show" but it may leave you wanting a little bit more at the end. I feel that the hype may have been a little too much for them. When people say things like "Best show in the history of drum corps" that is a LOT to live up to. To some people maybe it is the Best Show Ever but I personally don't see it. Don't get me wrong, I think the horn line deserves more credit then what they get (by the fans) and until I saw their show up close two weeks ago, I didn't think their drill was too demanding either. But when you see them up close you can see that these guys BOOK across the field. I think that they just make it look easy. Were the scores bloated? Probably. Should BD have scored closer to Cavaliers, yes! Was this the best guard ever? Well, no. But, right or wrong there is no question that The Cavaliers are taking the activity in a different direction. Just an overall comment about the top 5: To me it is quite obvious what direction the judges want to see the activity going. The bloated scores of the Cavaliers are, to me, a signal to the other corps. The Cavaliers 'play the game" in regard to General Effect, Visual and how they bring all three sections together as one unit for 11 minutes. My friends friend who saw her first drum corps show Thursday night said it perfectly "After the Cavaliers are done performing you sit there and try to remember things about the guard, hornline and drums. You can't because they do things as a whole as opposed to three separate sections doing their own thing. It is truly a totally integrated show." Boy, if she can see it, then the managements of the other corps should too. There is no reason why other corps can't do this and still keep their identities. That's what makes this activity great, the individual styles can stay in tack but the basis of where the activity is going will ALWAYS change. Not everyone likes it when these cycles happen but they happen. Like what The Devils did in the 80's, the Cadets in the 80's and 90's, and now The Cavaliers, the all the corps will have to adapt to what is happening. Those who don't will be left in dust.

Hey, you said Part 1 of 2 in your first post!!! Tease!!!!

LOVE IT!!! At first I didn't read your first paragraph all the way through and I said out loud "HEY, I DIDN"T SAY THAT!!" But then I went back and actually read how you set the sceen. VERY CLEVER!! Hey, an old Cavalier joke from years ago (who knows maybe other corps also) when we entered Stillwater for their annual show: Guy #1) "Hey, is it soup yet?" Guy #2) "No, it's Stillwater" Guys 1 & 2) (HAHAHAHAHA) OK, you were in Cottage Grove but you get it! BTW, I was wondering why the Cavalier guard looked so dirty to me in certain spots in their show. You gave me an answer; those dumb sticks and "frames". They have an OK effect when they are on the ground during the "Fight Club" but when they use them as they are marching just makes them look dirty. As I mentioned before, I never did like props on the field!!! Great review though!!

Boy are you right about this. Adding the fact that many Royal-Aire family and friends who haven't seen each other in years were there just added to the excitement of the night. Even though you had to wait an hour for a hot dog and the potty's. Kosmo!!! How the h### are ya?! Jesus, I think I haven't seen ya since we stepped off the corp busses after DCI in '76. I knew that ol' Joe Boyle was marching Big Blue but I didn't know you were too! I gotta tell ya, everytime I watch a Seinfeld episode I think of ya. Hope all is well. CYA in Madison??!

Tease!!!!!!!!!!

DONK, I think the large crowd had more to do with the Royal- Airs then Santa Clara or the success of the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have been successful the last several years and last year BD was here. It seemed like every time I heard someone talking they were family or friends of someone within Big Blue. I especially liked the kid screeming before their show "Good Luck Daddy!". You don't hear that too often at drum corp shows. BTW, I love their show. It is "old time" drum corp at it's best. I am also amazed how serious many of the members are about what they are doing on the field. I guess I feel when you get a bunch of "old guys" together, it's just another reason to party but I see no signs of that on the field. Although I am sure some does happen off the field!! I would be disappointed if there weren't. Good luck Big Blue especially Joe Boyle. As the person who introduced me to the Cavaliers and drove me to practices in 1973 he is the reason why I was and still am part of this silly thing we call Drum Corp.

Matt, Stick to your guns my friend. Good review. I too have been very critical of some of the things the Cavaliers have done in the past. Especially when it comes to their hornlines. Last night at DesPlaines (and your right, everything was long last night; finale, intermission, potty lines, food lines) was the first time this year I have had a chance to actually sit and listen to their hornline. As others have said in this forum yes, they are not very loud and yes they may not play the most difficult of books the entire show but I gotta tell ya these kids can play beautifully as a unit. As I said earlier in one of my reviews the musicians in the stands will have to pick their jaws up off the ground after some the segments of this show. Personally, I feel you don't need to play a million notes per second while moving 220 BPM's to win. Although there are parts near the end of their first song I think they are. The Cavaliers have improved dramatically since I first saw them in late June. The changes they have made through the year are subtle but effective. There were some marching "brain farts" but once they stop adding new changes and start cleaning I see no reason why they cannot continue to remain the corp to beat in Madison. Will they be undefeated this year? I don't know. I find it hard to believe that the judges will let this happen but you never know. I haven't seen Garfie.... er .... The Cadets (sorry, I'm old) or BD yet this year so it's hard for me to compare them. I can only go by what the judges, fans and this forum tells me. Once I do see them in Madison I plan on winning the Performance Review contest!!!

I applaude your review. So far you are in the lead in the contest in my book. But, I am sure you'll have pleaty of compitition after DCI Finals. Me included. Thought about making the 3 1/2 drive from Chicago but my Saturday chores got in the way. Thanks!!!

That's OK Trish, if the Cavaliers ever put out an alumni corp my knees won't be the only things cracking. I haven't played a horn in years!!!! Also, good thing one of my former marching members is an orthopedic surgeon!!! We might need him!

Wow, I didn't know that SCV had an Alumni Corp. let alone that they will be in Madison. Can't wait to see them!!!!! I usually show up at finals just to see the top 5. (I usually see the top 12 in prelims.. err.. semi-finals. Showed my age there) Ya know, I ALWAYS get a chill running up and down my spine whenever I talk about The Santa Clara Vanguard. SCV was in one of my first drum corp shows I attended when they did the original bottle dance. From that moment on I was a HUGE fan! My admiration grew through the years as I realized that they are not only great on the field but are probably the classiest corp in the business. While listening to my 1992 Legacy DVD the other day I watched the interview with Gayle Royer (sorry if I misspelled) and I can see exactly where the corp learned the RIGHT way of doing things. My undying respect for SCV grew even more (if possible) when they turned to the Cavaliers during finale at last years in finals, played for them and saluted. The only corp to do so. MAN, I have those chills again right now!!! I am sure in their hearts they felt that they should have won but they were not so buried in their own self pity to show the RESPECT toward the Champions. No matter who the corp was. Keep it going SCV. You bring the activity to a higher level. So high that I feel that some corps just don't get it!

Man, do I have an opinion about this!!! From the winter of 1973 through the summer of 1979 I pretty much played/practiced (trumpet and baritone in bands and soprano in corp) every day. In grade school and high school I was in various concert and jazz bands with practices and performences almost everyday during the school year. Then around Mothers Day drum corp started kicking in. And anyone who has ever marched knows how much we practice there. Once drum corp ended for the year, then the school year was just around the corner again. Quite honestly I got burned out and didn't march the last two years of my drum corp career. I didn't miss it then but I do regret not marching those last two years. Especially since when you "age-out" of the Cavaliers you receive a plaque with a Cavalier buckle on it. THIS I DO regret not having especially since kids who marched only one or two years received their buckles and I didn't after 7 years of marching. Oh, well. We all make some decisions that we regreat sooner or later. Kids, practice but not too much. I am a true believer that you can get burned out fast especially someone who is young. In moderation is what I recomend in all facets of life.

Hey, I gotta tell ya's, I just received my Legacy DVD from 1995 and I was reminded that Madison's hornline that year (the spanish show) was just F'n unbelievable!!! I don't know, I think you NEED to add them to this list.

Hello everyone, As promised in my first ever post to DCP I would like to throw my 1 1/2 cents in on the hot topic of "Is the Cavalier horn line REALLY this good?" As mentioned earlier, I have been very critical of the recent Cavalier horn lines. I was part of a GREAT Cavalier horn line back in 1977 (Thanks to Jim Elvord). We were super clean (tied for 1st at DCI in execution, back when there WAS an execution caption) but Jim was the master of making a horn line sound great with a somewhat water downed show. Yes, this year's music show seems to be "easy" or "not as difficult as other shows" but a lot that has to do with the fact that they make it look easy. You don't need a lot of wailing soloist to show off your talent. Doing what you do musically within the "Frameworks" of the show is the true test. I believe that the Cavaliers have the most talented horn line in recent years and their musical show shows it. The sounds that come from this line are something that we have never heard on the field in the past. It is mesmerizing. You just sit there with your mouth open. Any true musician out there will thoroughly enjoy this show but I wonder how many of the fans sitting in the stands really appreciate what they hear. I think most people in the stands enjoy a good entertaining marching show and great music is gravy. This, in my opinion, describes the Cavalier shows of recent past. Madison, although very entertaining, haven't been the most "musically" talented in recent years but the fans (including myself) love them. I hope that by DCI Championships the Cavaliers improve their marching show. There are definitely great moments but overall the marching show needs a few more of the great drill moves that we've come to expect from them. If this happens, I feel that we could be seeing the development of one of the best drum corps ever seen. Interested in hearing your responses and opinions!!