Phan Doris

So you did not have a good time at the show? Such a cynical review on a first week contest was a bit disappointing to me. Perhaps someone who enjoys drum corps will also write a review of this show, so we can get another perpective of it. But thanks for your effort to do this review.

Oh, Nikk, you're making me blush again.

Hey, Nikk! Glad you are teaching honors chamber winds this summer. That sure beats shop math, eh? As always, you provide us your great, insightful views. Thanks.

Regiment did Spartacus in 1981 & 1982, I believe. They did an all-Tchaikovsky show in '83. BTW, this is 2008 -- not 2007. I agree, Mike, that this year's production contains only nostalgic hints about the earlier Spartacus shows: just enough to revive those great memories but substantially different additional music to take the show to new heights.

It may be even harder in Texas if she is attacked by those pesky fire ants.

Regiment really feels at home along the left coast. There's even one red t-shirt out there that shows up now and then -- it says, PHANTOM REGIMENT Rockford, California SUTA!

I think I have been a Crown fan before it even was born. If memory serves me right, it was a hot August day in Charlotte, NC when Phantom Regiment bused downtown to play an outdoor concert "to give people an idea of what drum corps is all about" -- or so what someone told us that day. He added that a group of visionaries were starting a corps in the area and that their vision was to present performances of highest quality similar to what Regiment was recognized for. The year was 1988 and Regiment performed "Romeo and Juliet." There was a contest in Charlotte that evening and Regiment took second to some corps from Garfield NJ. Crown has not disappointed us -- assuming my memories are on target But let us not glorify something beyond what it really is. We of the seasoned generation of corps fans remember all too well of other corps that were crowd favorites but did not win the big contest in August. If we keep things in perspective we will continue to enjoy the moment and cherish the memories.

Two thumbs up for this great new feature I've just read the Stillwater review articles. Both are excellent! This will surely prove to be a widely read and very much appreciated addition to DCP -- and may also give Drum Corps World a positive kick in the pants for increased readership and subscriptions. Kudos to Steve Vickers for sharing with us.

Days like this I get weird thoughts in my head. Just a minute ago I was wondering whether someone who liked listening to tuba music could be called "contraceptive"?

It is going to be a great drum corps season this summer, based on what we witnessed tonight in Rockford, Illinois at the annual Show of Shows. A big crowd was on hand, the weather was clear and pleasant, and it was 2008's opening night. Nobody we talked to seemed disappointed. Quite the contrary, most corps seemed well prepared and we could see that everyone was really pumped in eager anticipation for drum corps season to begin. What follows is my (our, if you include my co-conspirator who is a well-known DCW staff member) impressions of opening night in Rockford. Colt Cadets opened the show without us. Sorry, but we were slightly tardy in getting to our seats and could only hear their show from behind the stands. But what we heard was very impressive. The youngsters from Dubuque, Iowa sounded much more mature than what we have come to expect over the years. Their show theme is "New American Signatures" and it includes "America" and "American Tune" by Paul Simon and "Song for America" by Kansas. (Score: 52.80; 1st place in Open Class) Next up were the familiar chrome domes, officially known as the Racine Scouts. It was nice to note that Andrea Birbilis is corps manager this year. The repertoire, "Frankly Sinatra" was a mix of a half dozen Sinatra tunes. Kudos to the lone snare drummer in this tiny corps. He performed well. So did many of the 16 horns. (Score: 46.50; 2nd in Open Class) Boy, what a surprise! Most years the Rockford show has had more than two of the "smaller" corps in the first part of the contest. Tonight the third corps to perform was the Madison Scouts. That, of course, brought smiles to the audience who suddenly realized that Show of Shows would include mostly World Class corps. The Scouts did not disappoint! Their forest green jackets and red neckties were quite spiffy. Their show is titled, "La Noche de la Iguana" and includes an array tunes from south of the border. On a light note, I'm betting that a majority of show announcers will mangle the pronunciation of most of Madison's repertoire and composers' names this summer. And don't expect me to try to spell 'em either. Suffice it to write, though, that this show will -- in due time -- rise high on the long list of Madison Scouts' favorite shows. (Score: 61.50; 6th place in World Class) It is of special note that the absence of judges on the field was, at first, hard to get used to. But, as the contest continued, it dawned on people that this change is a big improvement over past years when judges could intimidate individual performers by their "in your face" antics. At this writing, I must say it should stay. Does anyone remember those old "Hooked on Classics" tapes? If you do, you will immediately think both the Blue Stars and Carolina Crown are in contention for the best such show of 2008. The Blue Stars show, based on a Tour de France bicycle race theme includes snippets from about ten classical or pseudo-classical tunes. The guard costumes leave no doubt but that they are bicyclists from their shoes up to the helmets they wear. Several cute props and flags with handle bars help develop the bicycle race theme. These Blue Stars (Bluestars?) sound very reminiscent of the powerful sound the corps produced in the late 1970's when they often were national finalists. (Score: 62.50; 5th, World Class) Carolina Crown was one of my favorites last year in Rockford -- all season, for that matter. Their 2008 show repertoire, titled "Finis" includes a baker's dozen of your classical favorites. Sporting the biggest tuba line of the night (maybe of every night this year) Crown used 16 tubas. I'm inserting Crown here in my review despite the fact they performed next to last. It's part 2 of the "Hooked on Classics" remark from above. Crown's arrangements were well-conceived and admirably performed. The tempo changes and mood changes in the music kept everyone's attention along with cleverly splicing bits and chunks of various classical favorites. This is a good show and will, in my opinion, be a great show this season. Congrats, Crown! (Score: 70.20; 3rd, World Class) Colts have another great show again in 2008. After viewing corps after corps using solid colored practice flags for much of the evening, it was nice to watch a show that utilized what could be late-season silks. Their "Night and Day" them featured music depicting New York City. When the guard first appeared carrying out their props, it seemed the unit would don Bridgemen banana coats some time in the show. Much to our surprise, the yellow fabric was worn as beautiful skirts near the show's end. Well performed tonight, this show has potential for DCI finals if the staff works hard and the show doesn't peak too soon. (Score: 64.50; 4th, World Class) Cavaliers are hot, hot, hot! How do they keep coming up with such original shows? This one is a dandy one to watch, hear and, did I say watch? What clever new drill maneuvers will they think up next? They have one or two beauts this year. The authentic Japanese drums and the clever lip slurs that changed the pitch of the brass notes were quite interesting. I was dumbfounded trying to figure out where various sounds were originating in the pit. Of course, there's still much to improve upon; but look for Cavies to have another super season. (Score: 73.40; 1st, World Class) This brings us to the host corps for this great evening of music. Phantom Regiment, performing a new rendition of "Spartacus," has the potential for another big year -- if, in my opinion, they would remember some of the things that made Spartacus so wonderful in 1981 and again in 1982. This year's brass and percussion probably are better musicians than in '81-'82; but I really miss those red capes that were displayed as the corps made its grand entrance onto the field. More and brighter color may be needed for this production to reach its potential. It was obvious -- and typical-- that Regiment did not have regular show flags for this first performance. As the summer moves along, some great silks will appear at appropriate times for building up the score. Let us also hope that the guard costumes will get colorful enhancements too. Right now they really look like gladiators, dirty ones at that. The costumes have a blah color (my opinion) and the guard choreography at one point gave me the impression of a big mud pie churning on the field. I am amazed that I would write such words about Phantom Regiment, my all-time favorite drum corps. Let me also state that the individual guard members all performed very well. It is the lack of color and definition that was disappointing tonight. (Score: 72.40; 2nd, World Class) One final note. If you get a chance to witness a Phantom Regiment encore concert this summer, you will be impressed. Tonight Regiment's special encore concert included some of Rockford's great shows of the recent past, plus a repeat of "Elsa's Procession into the Cathedral" -- complete with percussion.

I hope they are flamingoes! :P :P :P :P :P

Thanks, Stephanie, for another great review! Did you notice how big the crowd was, despite meager advanced ticket sales? The walk-up sales were phenomenal! The rain held off again, and the lingering clouds gave us the added bonus of not having to peer into a bright sun for the first few corps. How 'bout that PR percussion, eh? In the encore performance (which you missed) there were comments about whether Regiment might have won DCI titles outright in 1979, '89 and '96 had the 2007 drum line been around then. The encore was to die for despite the fact we did not get to hear this year's show again. For those who weren't there, Regiment took the crowd back in time with stirring arrangements from '96 (Defiant Heart), '91 (Nessun Dorma), '89 (New World Symphony) and a wonderful rendition of 1979's "Elsa's Procession into the Cathedral." :) Yes, it is only June, and nobody's show is in August form. Most believe Regiment will -- as before -- add many things to improve their performance and GE scores. Among them are certain to be changes in those "black things" you referred to. Close your eyes and imagine beautiful artwork and colors that will greatly enhance the look of those panels and bring them into the "On Air" theme. Also, the single guard performer in those lovely wings may become a beautiful flock of birds (or butterflies?) flitting about the field. And anyone who knows Regiment's ability to "put teeth into their drill and GE design," already can see several places in the show where loads of nice stuff can (and will) be added. And don't forget the new silks that surely will appear as the season progresses. Thanks also for the pic of a Beef-a-Roo restaurant, home of the very best fries in the world! On a final note, I hope you weren't referring to my neighborhood in your "ghetto" comment.

See below

Not to worry (much?). Of late there has been the good old Rockford Weather Bubble that prevents rain from touching the ground here. No matter how bad the radar looks, the storms seem to dissipate just before they reach the immediate Rockford area or they just go around us -- rather than through. Just look at our lawns! :( On the other hand, Madison seems to get plenty of precipitation; and the Scouts are scheduled to compete in Rockford's Show of Show after many years of absence. And if Sky Ryders were still active, I'd bet on rain for sure. :P

Do corps still have the option of performing a judged exhibition? If so, an early season performance could please the audience who want to see a full-length show while, at the same time, give the corps valuable feedback from the judges. That way, almost everybody wins! What if early season scores really reflected whether a show met time requirements, with no corps getting a pass -- regardless of who they are? Wouldn't there be added incentive for everyone to be ready from Day One? Personally, I'm not as concerned about the drill during the first week; but I'd at least like to hear the music. Back in the day, most shows featured a concert number with the musicians standing still. Who complained then? Nobody.

If it sounds as good as the actual performance, it will be truly amazing! I've ordered a copy and look forward to playing it often and loud. :P

I dunno about any discussions, but I do know what tape I still play almost every day in my car. It is the 1978 DCI Finals recording that has Bridgemen and Phantom Regiment (and others) on it. I still enjoy playing that cassette as loud as that scratchy, old thing will play. Whenever Bridgemen came to Rockford, they were very well received. I vividly remember the blindfolded drum line, the guy falling "dead" when the timer's gun was shot, and that v-e-r-y l-o-o-o-o-o-o-ng final note the corps played while the DM bowed to the crowd. :P If that was controversial, then I love controversy!!! Now it's only a couple days after Finals at Madison and I'm having a hard time trying to remember any such great moments in The Cadets' show.

When Tour of Champions played at the Rose Bowl in 2004, it seemed that the corps using amped speakers to project sound up toward the audience were much easier to hear and enjoy than corps that did not use amped speakers. I'm no big fan of using amps in drum corps, but it seemed underwhelming to have to strain my ears to enjoy the usually loud horn lines. I presume judges in the press box will feel similarly disenfranchised. BTW, my seat was six rows from the top and about the 45-yd-line on side one. Compared to stadiums like Camp Randall, where steep aisles and an upper deck assure some pretty good seating possibilities, the Rose Bowl has no upper deck and, even worse, has gently-sloped aisles. Thus, the higher your row is, the farther you are from the field. And the first available seating row already is quite far from the sideline. There is nothing a corps can do to change that, but making sure your sound gets projected up to the judges is a problem corps can try to solve. Comments?

Shakespeare said it best: "What's in a name? etc." Of course, Doris -- being an insider -- always uses the choice of nickname to ascertain whether the person is a traditional insider or a newcomer/outsider. :) Regarding Capital Regiment, I've wondered why they picked their name in the first place. If they did it to capitalize on Regiment's fame, then it is amusing to speculate about a possible origin of their name. :P The mere fact that Columbus is the capital of Ohio could just be a coincidence. If they did pick the name to benefit from Phantom Regiment's prestige, then they have to take the baggage too. Phantom Regiment was called "Regiment" long before the Columbus corps was formed, so don't use that as your defense as to why Phantom Regiment should be called "Phantom" instead of "Regiment." Taking this line of reasoning to ad nauseum status, let's identify the 2006 DCI champion as "the The Cavaliers" and the 2nd place corps as "the Phantom Regiment," okay? :P

Over the years, DCI -- and their predecessors like VFW, American Legion, etc. -- have allowed (read that "encouraged") change. Peoples' likes and expectations have changed, corps membership credentials have changed, especially for Div. I corps, and judging has changed. The rules also are somewhat different now from what they were in years past. Some corps today probably still exist to provide an activity for local kids in the summer, but let's agree that every current DCI corps wants something more: to win or, at least, to beat some (all?) of their competition. And, to do that, they create, rehearse and improve their shows to please the judges -- not the fans. So who gets left in the lurch? Us! Unless, of course, our tastes in music and show design are similar to the judges' tastes in music and show design. We can pontificate all we want on this forum about how our favorite corps should change, in order to place higher next year; or we can comment on how we agree or disagree on show themes and/or music choices. But, unless the changes meet the criteria to be used by next year's judges on a certain Saturday night in Pasadena, all our discussions here are moot.

My pink feathers aren't ruffled at all. In fact, I'm in complete agreement here.

I thought it ironic that The Cadets maintained their placement edge tonight over SCV after those same Santa Clara boosters in the stands who chanted, "S-C-V" over and over during Vanguard's entrance tried to disrupt Cadets' show by yelling "Don't do it!" (open the door), and " In Madison!" in response to the vocalist's query, "Where am I?" :P I really enjoyed SCV's performance on an evening of really outstanding performances, so their placement seemed about right to me. My only objection was their guard continuing to act out their perpetual motion show theme while scores were being announced. It was somewhat distracting to see so much movement when all the other corps were at parade rest. Just my personal feeling here. <**>

My heart bleeds for Crown too, but let's put some things in perspective. Their percussion scores have been consistently in 12th place all week, so no matter how great their horns played or their drill looked, the drum scores seem like a large weight around their necks, like the proverbial albatross for the ancient mariner or the monkey on someone's back. All the percussion judges seem to be in agreement on this, people. Also, there were a few color guard mishaps tonight such as rifle drops and one flag that just fell from someone's grasp -- on a night when almost every guard had near perfect performances. Let's emphasize the positive things we enjoyed so much about their 2006 show, tell the kids how proud we are of them and then wish them luck for next season. Probably everyone on this board has had a similar year (or two). It's like the guy on Phantom Regiment's 50th anniversary DVD said in response to a question as to how he felt after Regiment came in second three years in a row ('77, '78 & '79). He said something to the effect that he felt pretty good about it, adding that most corps would have been overjoyed to finish that high. Crown, you guys did well enough this year to win more new fans than ever. Pull your chin straps tight and go for even greater heights next season. We'll be there for you!

Before I forget, thanks, gellio, for sharing your comments with us this week. I know you took some flak for your quarterfinals review; but, having written a few reviews myself over the years, I appreciate the fact you made the effort to give us your take on the 2006 championship week in Madison. Nice job. :)

Comments I heard tonight at intermission: "Boy, Carolina Crown corps was really good -- by far the best of the night so far!" and, "Carolina Crown is so Phantom-Regiment-like, with their poise, great brass sound and all-around showmanship. Their white uniforms look somewhat like Regiment's too." Those same people booed loudly when Crown's placement was announced. Me too. <**> On a much brighter note, congratulations to Phantom Regiment for their very strong finish. :P A pretty cool way to end their fiftieth anniversary year, and their first DCI finals ever that they took top honors in percussion. Way to go, Rockford!