PurpleKnights

Newsflash... rule changes like this are like attempts to use a defibrillator on an activity that is DYING. The activity isn't under attack by 'bandos,' it's crumbling due to disinterest, cost, and the success of alternatives. Embrace changes that make it easy to get more horn players on the field or get used to six or seven world-class corps touring together in psuedo-exhibition, forever. And yes, I know the OC thing is a joke.

He can keep a public diary of his bowel movements, it's a free country. Doesn't make it a good idea.

Of course they are. All you have to do is watch them.

Honestly if he would just stop the unfiltered stream-of-consciousness Facebook posts every time there's a non-controversy, these things would fade a lot faster.

I'm not an idiot. March the #### out of an OC-caliber show and you'll beat the mid-lower WC corps that are actually trying to work their way to finals. That's the way the sheets work. Doesn't mean people have to be happy about it.

They are literally telling them, directly and explicitly, "write an easier show." I know plenty of staff members. It's not a 'wink-wink' situation. The message is being made clear.

Yup, easy solution: bring it back to Cali.

Judges are telling World Class corps in the 14th-18th range very directly (not just with their scores, but with their comments) to write less challenging shows. I don't think that's what we really want, but it's what we're going to get.

Takes the sting off Colts missing by 0.1 a little.

Don't be condescending. They wouldn't have placed that high 5 years ago.

The current sheets create a disincentive to attempt a World Class caliber show.

There are going to be some livid corps directors at the next DCI meeting. And I'm talking about Academy/Oregon/Spirit. Expect sheet changes.

It's pretty meaningless. I knew an instructor on a World Class corps that was having a lot of trouble with their new head drum major. People on staff had conversations speculating that he might have been the worst DM in the history of the corps, or at least recent memory. Guess who won the Jim Jones award that year?

Did Oregon have a bad show? Dropped more than a point from three days ago and only 0.25 ahead of BDB?

If championships hadn't been in Pasadena that year, the corps would have almost certainly folded. I don't think you know how dire it was. That corps started that year with: No staff (taken by another corps) No instruments No equipment truck No food truck No rehearsal site (taken by another corps) No home show fundraiser (taken by another corps) Almost no members (many went to... that other corps)

There were less than ten 2006 vets in the 2007 corps. Less than 10. That was more than just a staff overhaul.

I'm from the 1970's and I'm in a frat. Interesting. I'm just telling you how things are. College-aged kids drink, do drugs, and have sex. Always have and always will. Pass some of the ganja that the Blue Devils love so much...

Newsflash to all the people (moms) saying 'I hope this stuff doesn't happen in DCI,' it does! Today! Drinking, drugs, sex, and inappropriate nicknames! Finalist corps! Championship corps! Believe it.

You can think it's wrong for a bunch of college kids to call each other names like 'Ballsacagawea' or play instruments in their underwear or party and *gasp* drink, but if you're shocked by it then you remind me of someone...

The only thing that shocks me about this is that anyone is shocked by it. Did you people go to college?

Oregon went from a 16.6 in drums to a 15.0 in 24 hours?

Point differentials, San Antonio 2014 vs. 2013: Blue Devils: 91.650 - 89.450 = +2.2 The Cadets: 90.975 - 88.450 = +2.525 Bluecoats: 89.850 - 85.050 = +4.8 Santa Clara Vanguard: 89.000 - 87.600 = +1.4 Carolina Crown: 88.700 - 89.200 = -0.5 The Cavaliers: 86.925 - 83.200 = +3.725 Phantom Regiment: 84.725 - 85.750 = -1.025 Blue Knights: 84.100 - 82.050 = +2.05 Boston Crusaders: 82.425 - 80.950 = +1.475 Blue Stars: 81.725 - 78.050 = +3.675 Madison Scouts: 81.425 - 83.250 = -1.825 Crossmen: 80.250 - 77.500 = +2.750 Troopers: 77.900 - 77.050 = +0.85 Spirit of Atlanta: 76.550 - 79.200 = -2.65 Colts: 76.100 - 75.050 = +1.05 Oregon Crusaders: 74.800 - 71.350 = +3.45 The Academy: 74.775 - 71.950 = +2.825 Pacific Crest: 73.050 - 75.550 = -2.5 Mandarins: 69.650 - 71.250 = -1.6 Cascades: 67.200 - 64.950 = +2.25 Pioneer: 64.125 - 63.000 = +1.125 Most Improved: 1. Bluecoats (+4.8) 2. The Cavaliers (+3.725) 3. Blue Stars (+3.675) 4. Oregon Crusaders (+3.45) 5. The Academy (+2.825) Biggest Drops: 1. Spirit of Atlanta (-2.65) 2. Pacific Crest (-2.5) 3. Madison Scouts (-1.825) 4. Mandarins (-1.6) 5. Phantom Regiment (-1.025)

I counted 146 in uniform at the preview show. That makes them the biggest corps in the history of the Northwest.

What do you mean, "in this day and age?" In this day and age the corps director can pull a device out of his pocket and send an email to every corps member, staff member, volunteer, and parent in thirty seconds flat. He can do this from anywhere in the country, including a moving bus. None of this was possible 30 years ago. Incredible communication skills are required just to run a drum corps tour. The members don't have phones, but these guys are not Mennonites out there.

Was the best part of Oregon's show this year.