musicdad

Phantom's Flower Duet and the only thing that erases it is Phantom's Firebird. Loud music on the radio won't stop it. Somebody helppppppppppp

I’ve seen many of the threads about the Cadets and narration so I have to say something about it. This is from a Phantom fan with personal bias because my son is in the Phantom pit so take it for what it’s worth. I am a long time (1966 – present) Drum Corps participant, supporter and fan. I learned to play a soprano bugle with a thumb valve and a slide. Then, wow, a thumb valve with a rotor; then????? Two valves!!!!! Years later, three valves etc. I learned to accept B flat instruments although I was worried about Drum Corps becoming bands…… By the way when someone calls a Drum Corps a Band, I’m quick to correct them, aren’t you? Anyway, these changes over the years have dramatically improved the quality of the music, don’t you think? I am a traditionalist. I don’t like the idea of Narration and it doesn’t matter to me whether it is good narration or cheesy narration. I don’t want it! Next week I will see the Cadets at two shows and I will love the Cadets and hate the narration. Sight unseen, I guarantee it. The Cadets have proven over and over again they can win with great programs and they don’t really need narration. But……. The Drum Corps activity is a fragile one. Rising costs, increases in entertainment options for fans etc are a threat to the existence of our activity. To stay healthy, we need to be progressive and be prepared to change so that our corps can appeal to the masses and our activity can prosper. Drum Corps can’t only appeal to traditionalists like me. They have to appeal to the masses in order to survive. So, yes I will hate the narration but I believe Hoppy sees the big picture. This is about being progressive, about mass appeal, and about survival. They will make it better and over time, it will be good and it will be accepted. I will love the Cadets, hate the narration and cheer Phantom Regiment but someone has to lead the change, don’t they?