MelloRick

Well it's been nearly a year since a small group of us got together at Jim and Linda O'briens home to explore the possibility of bringing yet a 3rd alumni/all age corps back to life in Massachusetts. We began practicing once a month starting this past May, and it's been going very well. Let’s just say, we are quite enthused about the level of commitment! While I am not here to make any announcements or predictions, I would like you all to know that we are here, and we intend to be out this June with a full corps production. I promise, we WILL be a complete package. And probably the number one question I hear is, how about the Chrome Wall… Well yeah, it’s very much intact, and smokin’ hot! ! Of course there is ALWAYS room for more, and that goes for every section, so if you’re interested in some great 70’s/80’s drum corps, why not check us out! You can visit us at www.northstarcorps.org and come down for a visit. None of us own a hammer (well some do, but we don't bring them to rehearsal), so we won’t beat on you to join us. You are more than welcome to come, watch, sit in, and of course join. One constant rumor I hear is that “The North Star will be a competing corps”.. There are NO plans at all to do that at this time. We truly want to get together play some of our biggest hits and see where that goes. I guess because we chose to identify ourselves as an "ALL AGE" corps, that sent some sort of thought that we were looking to compete. One thing we (or at least I) would like to do is present a competing minicorps for DCA next summer, but that is still in the planning stages as our primary purpose is to put a rocking corps on the field for your enjoyment. I thougth I would share this photo from one of our summer practices.... yeah yeah, the drums aren't chrome yet... :)

Congratulations on regaining the thrown Star United.. and of course all the mini corps.. I can't tell you how much I missed being in the mix this year!

Most Excellent...So look forward to seeing the corps on the field of competition again!

To answer some of the questions. It is the intention of the management, board and staff to begin as an exhibition corps. BUT...It is also the intent to evolve as the membership desires. Jim O'Brien made that very clear. To say we are excited is an understatement and the support here is both humbling and exciting. Our first rehearsal will be Sunday May 4th. Jim made also made it clear, we will be good or we will not go out. We have made a decision to use G horns. Many of the original arrangements are being used. (I personally still had my copies complete with coffee stains and cigar burns - LOL) . Door is totally open to perhaps some parades for those who like that sort of thing, perhaps resurrection of the "Chrome Wall" Concerts, we did back in the late 70's, Perhaps a minicorps will grace the stage of DCA in the not so distant future..... Stay tuned... There is always room for another Star...tip of our ausie hats to my fiends in Indiana. :) Please know EVERYONE is welcome. We have tried our best to work around the other alumni corps in the area so those who wish to be part of this party also, can do so. As a North Star from 78, 79, and 80..., this is a dream come true for me, and I can't wait to get to the first rehearsal!

Important to note Mr. Fallon...NOT all of us are Irish!

Seems to me they are focusing on solving the problem! DCA in it's wisdom said you can't come to our game next year, so they are taking their game to a new venue! Problem solved IMO! Of course I don't know what caused these issues in the first place, so I can only react by what I do know. The Renegades are made up of some of THE nicest people I have ever met. they have made my wife and I feel very welcome every year we visited them at DCA. DCA had a bee in its bonnet and it couldn't be resolved for what ever reason. Those are the two things I know for certain! So again, this is what I base my opinion on. Not speculation! GO GADES!

While I am in support of everything Renegades, I am extremely disappointed I will not get to see the corps the upcoming year. I just see it as one less reason to stick around the stadium in Annapolis that weekend. This does not by any means knock any other corps at DCA, but it's kind of like going to a dance your junior year in high school, and that girl you are hot for won't be there, makes the dance less relevant... This all said, it has been an absolute pleasure for my wife and I to visit the corps while at DCA the past few years and help by pushing, pulling or what ever else it took to get the accessories, pit or props to the field at prelims. The corps is a class act, exciting and a great group of people! I wish you all the luck in the world, and while it would be a thrill to march with the corps, the 3,000 mile commute and lack of finances would make it impossible. Good luck and we will be cheering from this side of the pond..

Again, wish there were a "like" button here...very well said jeff...There are quite a few things DCA admin can control, weather is not one of them, but safety definitely is, and they controlled that really well! (IMO)

I sure wish there were a like button here for some of the posts! LOL I absolutely agree this has been one of the very best locations I have ever been to. Only other one I liked equally was DCI in Denver at the old Mile High. Of course some of that may have been my first time making the big show in 78. Back to Annapolis... I have never run into so many people so excited to have us there, ever. The locals really reached out to make sure we knew they wanted us there and appreciate us. Not that you look for a pat on the back, but that was very refreshing from previous places. Rochester, while the block party was nice, as a competitor in both the I&E and minicorps show, I never got to really enjoy that part, so that had no impact on my time there. The stadium in Annapolis was very comfortable, and by far one of the best to experience all the corps had to offer. I often sat at the 20 yard line area, and was very satisfied with the sound from every corps. So the only negative I can think of is, we are there for only one more year! Thanks Gil, Allen, Kevin and all the staff involved for giving us the best available. I know it's not easy, but you guys knocked it out of the park on this one! My advice if you were there and enjoyed it, get on facebook, twitter, or the phone and let all your friends know what a great place it was and invite them to join you next year. This place can hold a crowd! I know I plan on being there Thursday, to Monday (maybe beyond) next year.

GO 'GADES

Can't believe I was there last night moving equipment in the field for the Renegades, tonight I sit reading instead of hearing here in RI where it is 65 degrees...thanks guys...I appreciate it....GO 'GADES!

I see nothing wrong with "some" artistic license to be taken with ANY arrangement... Of course it was originally a British drinking song. I have heard many arrangements and some of my favorite which would not be considered "straight" were from the civil war era, but then it was not officially adopted as our national anthem yet....it was not adopted as the national anthem until 1931... But I agree...heck I'll bet there are enough horn players hanging around that wouldn't mind stepping out to play it prior to any show....

Dick, my comment in no way was a criticism of you! I appreciate very much the work you do to put this on!

I have to agree. It just seems "some" judges (meant to mean NOT all) don't take the I&E seriously! We all practice our collective ***** off only to get some comments that are meaningless. I had a comment about my vibrato interrupting the melodic line. I play with no vibrato at all, so that comment leads me to believe that my sheet belonged to somebody else with my tag on it. Not quite fair to ANY of us participating. Of course I stand on my reasons for performing in I&E being because I just love doing what I do for people that appreciate it, but I can do that for free on any street corner! (and maybe make coffee money in the process - LOL)

NOT in DCA they don't! :)