Ace Holleran

I am not a day over 90. I know, 'twas a different era. But those BAC corps were awe- and fear-inspiring. Sometimes, they innovated so much, that the VFW and Legion judges didn't know how to score them.

All told, it's nice to see some corps making a move--hello Hyde Pahhhk.

They would have to work hard to beat '67.

I dunno. I was there when BD did an eastern swing in '94. The fans went bazooey.

Of the "Big Three," I have seen only Cadets this year, in late June. I must say, while keeping my DC World objectivity, that Hoppy's drummers are displaying true excellence this year. And yes, I do come from a percussion background. I purport that this line is one of the best I've ever seen in 20+ years of writing about the activity, . All IMHO: The pit is a more integral part of the show this year. There have been years when the Cadets' pit were somewhere lesser-utilized than say, BD or PR. The battery just knocked me out. They showed me all the criteria of a great line: articulation, demand, dynamics, musicality and technique. There are some flam phrases by the snares in the feature that border on the impossible -- for ONE player to execute. Yikes! I also favor some judges over others, in that I concur with the numbers they deliver. These people will go unnamed. When I see scores from certain adjudicators (in all captions), I tend to trust them. Also, note the consistent numbers from SCV percussion. For me, this is a function of having Paul Rennick at the helm. Just look at his track record. I cannot directly comment on CC's drums, since I haven't seen them in person. But I can say they are butting heads with a flippin flamtastic Cadets crew. My fifth of a dime.

Both tubs and brass bowled me over in New Haven. As I was on the track, cannot properly comment on the feet. The snare line is flam-tastic, IMHO, with a book fraught with demand. I agree with many posters in the the horns are the fullest I have heard from Hoppy family in some time.

Well, I was there, steamingly, but hesitate to give a full review due to my fealty to DC World. BUT: Windsor: sprightly, fun, accessible. Bush: still small, but a nice "greatest hits" show. Sun: also rising. Great to see them back on the field. Empire: death-bed reports premature. Big, traditional ES-wallops (esp. NY State of Mind opener). Flashy guard. KILLER battery. Plus, Joey Pero in da house. Cabs: tighter, cleaner than Beepo. Bolero-tastic. Knew it would be close between Bellbottoms and Brunimen. Cabs alums: Flamenco Cha-cha worth admission price. Scout House: ditto Matilda and Col. Bogey. I know, too short. Watch for my Sideline Confidential in DCW.

I was there on a Schwedy Balls night, and, believe me, Statesmen are in fine fettle. Watch that battery, gang.

BRING IT ON, KG!

Saw JS back in July. Loved every minute of it. Throw out the scores, I say. Sheer beauty ... and fun!

Absolutely!

Have we forgotten how much better drum corps is (talent-wise) now than back in the day? I marched in a top 12 corps back in the Jurassic period. That corps would place dead LAST against any Open Class corps today. You marched in your neighborhood; you played on weekends (with rare exceptions) in the summer. Then: A way to spend the summer No auditions Out-of-tune horns Drummers ratamaceuing for 11 minutes That stupid color presentation Judges with zero musical training Start and finish lines The "concert"; nothing like a 3-minute standstill to liven up a show Inspections Corps members milling around on the track during other corps' shows Drinking; fights; racist corps Corps full of thugs Governed by veterans' groups Now: A commitment Want to march in a batter corps? Buff up your skills. Judges with extensive resumes More discipline, more respect Brass and perc playing musically Eye-catching design Corps full of music majors Discipline; toughness Governed by itself ... and more My pernt: With this excellence comes smaller numbers. I am in favor of less travel, more local shows. I think the meshing of band and corps has been a good thing. I believe I have strategies to widen the audience, but I am a professional marketer, so I ain't giving it away. Many good opinions in this thread, IMHO.

I fully agree with this. Really enjoyed the corps in New Haven. Great use of electronics!

I don't know where the numbers will fall, but I thoroughly enjoyed Colts. It's an emotional show with a killer ending.

I was truly impressed by Dem Bones last night in New Haven. The "Fire Drill" perc feature was worth buying a ticket!