Kyle

I've always wanted the cymbal players in my line to fly.... It'd be nice to light them up on fire and watch them fly across the field. And while I do like the idea of the Renegades summoning a volcano, I think it'd be a whole lot sweeter if Phantom managed to use necromancy to bring back Dmitri Shostakovich halfway through their routine. Then, the second half of the show would be him ranting and raving about the state of communist Russia (in Russian) while composing another symphony, using only Mexican Mariachi band and traditional Appalachian (i.e. Washboard, spoons) instruments. Then Phantom plays it.

There are two fulcrums on the right hand: The index finger, and the middle finger. This is known as the moving fulcrum (pretty obvious, haha). The index finger is the more commonly used, "modern" technique, and is more useful for the precision work necessary for today's drumming. The middle finger is a more old school technique, and is much more relaxed, and gives a fuller sound on those old low-tension drums. The relaxation (which is ALWAYS important) is the explanation for your better triple strokes.

Not to repeat the greatness: :P 1. Phantom, 2003- Canon turn-front and blast in opener/Canon reprise 2. Phantom, 2006- Ave Maria... 'nuff said 3. Phantom, 1996- Crescendo into layers and percussion in opener 4. Madison, 1999- End, Jesus Christ reprise, with Cross and Star 3 way tie for 5th, sort of in order of "preference": 5. Crossmen, 1992- Horn re-entry in percussion feature, with soprano "descant" 5. Cavaliers, 1995- Ballad (Not sure which movement, maybe Jupiter), particularly percussion entry into huge crescendo 5. Bridgemen, 1980- Big, dirty (bluesy dirty, not dirty playing), swinging breakdown in Big Noise with soprano solo over top. I said the 3 way tie to just add a few more that people hadn't mentioned yet... :)

Oh definitely.... that got me to laugh aloud...

And while it's not DCI...

Unfortunately, I have no marching band stories. I do, however have a jazz band story... Our jazz band did an adjudication with a super awesome Ralph Hardimon-esque African-American gentleman. His comment during a rhythm section break, with just bass (me), the guitarist, and the drummer grooving: "Wow, you guys don't groove like you're white!" That made my day. Sorry if it was a little off-topic, I thought people would enjoy it.

Ave Maria- Phantom 2006 4th Ballet Suite- Phantom 1996 Dancer in the Dark- Cadets 2005 The Rain Forest (a.k.a. Puma)- Crossmen 1992 Jupiter (I think, whichever the one where the guard member climbs the pole-ladder is)- Cavaliers 1995 And as far as DCA goes, I think 2005 Bucs' Adagio for Strings deserves a mention as well.

Unfortunately, I only witnessed it once, and I have no pictures to show for it, haha. It was very cool, though. I hadn't even thought about using these on flags, rather than uniforms.

See, that's the sort of mindset I've got, only instead of going Div. 1, I'd like to just go Div. 3. I know this is completely off topic, but it'd be nice to be able to get corps experience, in a smaller group, and still be able to give back in the means of being able to put another corps (albeit small) on the field.

In all seriousness, The Magic have a whole lot originality (sort of) going for them. Their book this year was fairly good, and although they may have lacked the execution, it was a fairly impressive step forward from the previous few years. I don't want to undermine Pioneer. I, being Irish, enjoy the heritage-inspired shows... just not year after year. I was very very surprised with how small they were looking this year. All-in-all, I'm thinking the Magic.

Off topic, my girlfriend's old marching band used to do a light show once a year, where they'd turn off the stadium lights, put glow sticks on their instruments and in clear flag poles/on flags, and attached flashlights to their feet. They performed their whole halftime show after the preceding football game. These shirts really made me think about that, and how cool THAT would be. On-topic, the stadium lights were the first rational thing I thought of, although Hoppy might find a way to get the stadium lights turned off for GE purposes. *rolls eyes*

What a fitting tribute... :) That brought a somber smile to my evening.