MikeySaysWoof

Anyone who doesn't think that Drum Corps is a rich kid's sport needs to have their head examined! I've worked for years with kids from disadvantaged/under-served communities. The cost alone would scare away a significant amount of kids. This doesnt mean that ir's not worth it, you get a great value, etc... It means that kids will self-select to not to participate. This is what often happens in California for kids from low income families when deciding not to attend community college - and you can attend a FULL YEAR of community college in California for under $1,000. It's incredibly expensive to march (and I apologize if the dork economist comes out here) the opportunity cost for students that decide to march is significant - a full summer of wages lost. While the experience they receive is indeed amazing, that doesn't help pay tuition, rent, food, insurance, etc... In order for Drum Corps to survive, something has to be done about the escalating costs. If not, DCI (like many activities/sports currently) will be a playground for the rich.

Hello! I plan on marching Renegades (hopefully!) this year and was wondering how many people from Sacramento will be joining me. From reading the various posts, it seems like there will be many of us, but just curious to see how many of us there are. I'm good for Open House, but was interested in seeing how many people would want to carpool and/or share hotels. I am really excited! Thanks!

I reallly liked their show last year and am excited to see what they do this year. I really, really, really, really, really wish they would also use "Night & Day" from the Polyphonic Spree - I really would LOVE to hear the Polyphonic Spree in Drum Corps! :)

FEVER was awesome this year! Until I saw FEVER's show at Elk Grove this year, I didn't consider Div II/III (now Open Class) "real" Drum Corps. They totally changed that! I remember half way through the show thinking, "holy crap - how could I have been so stupid!" Their guard was AWESOME. Thanks FEVER for helping me see the error of my ways and helping me become an Open Class fan & supporter!!

I plan on going to the Open House!!! I'm 80% excited and 20% nervous. I've never marched before, so I'm not totally sure what to expect. What goes on during the open house? (If it matters, I hope to march guard). Thanks!!!

I thought that they wouldnt need to be reinstated... aren't they still members? They are still listed on the DCI webpage...

I'm really confused... I heard very promising news about CR a few weeks ago, but nothing has been announced yet. Very, very weird... I would think that they will have to make an announcement ASAP in order to have time to recruit. I really wish someone from CR would make an announcement providing insight into the coming year. It's not fair to those who have marched, supported, or volunteered with CR (and for those that hope to in the future).

Did any of the kids from Jester go over to The Academy?

In: Academy & Southwind/Mandarians (the second spot is a tie!) Out: Spirit & Glassmen

I really liked the Bluecoats show. I even bought one of their really cool retro Bluecoats shirts after finals. Crown's show was amazing! The music was great, they moved well, the guard was insane (more on this later), and they were able to connect with the crowd all season, unlike any other corps this season (to steal/borrow a line from the ESPN Broadcast). I have watched Crown's part on the ESPN broadcast so much that my TiVo could probably perform the show. Triple Crown was able to do something that can be very challenging - performing a show that is accessible, funny, and challenging. They took what could easily have been a cheese-fest and took it to another level. IMHO, Crown had the best guard this season. If you watched them closely, every guard's member total commitment to character and the show was fantastic. It was brilliant!! As some else said earlier, I think that Crown just had all of the right pieces and the ability to connect emotionally with the audience. I'm a little suprised at how some people can easily dismiss their show calling it cheesy. Was it cheesy when Cavaliers did the Robot? Or SCV did Phantom? The list could go on and on... I can't wait to see what Crown does next year!!!!

In response to the questions asked.... I am 29 and I live in Sacramento and in terms of what Corps I am thinking about, well... I feel I need to the evil in me come out!! Has anyone heard of anyone in guard giving one-on-one lessons? And thanks to all the Renegades folk for letting me know about the open house in December. I plan on going! ^0^

Hi There! I have a question - I am seriously considering trying out for a DCA/Senior Corps in Guard, but have never been in a guard (or drum corps or band) before. I twirled when I was little and played with my friends flags, but have no performing experience. Would it be possible for me to successfuly join a Sr Corps? I'm a quick learner, but just wondering what my chances are. For those that are/have been in guard what would you recommend I do now to start preparing? Thanks!! ^0^

AWESOME! I still wish that Open Class (bonus point for me for using the new name!) corps that score high enough could compete/perform at Division One finals.

I don't want to fuel a fire, but what happened with RCR? I now live in Sac and was going to join RCR next year - how could a drum corps with 20ish people have so much drama? Can someone give me the backstory? If you dont want to do it here, please private message me. Thanks!

Ditto about Crown. They had such an amazing response from the crowd - and finals was on the other side of the country from their home base and don't have a strong/huge alumni base because of their youth. You can even here it on the ESPN broadcast. And the announcer dude (can't remember his name) even said "This corps has connected with the crowd again tonight" and "the crown has connected emotionally with the audiences across the country this season perhaps like no other corps"

I was talking today to a friend of mine who told me some really huge news. It involves new staff at a Division I corps that did not tour this year. HUGE news. I didn't believe it until I got confirmation from another source. This will definitely light up DCP like Times Square! I CANT WAIT FOR THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

i wish crown's uniform had more purple - it was very distinctive!!

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i think the bigger question (although somewhat negative and unpopular to discuss) is who will move down ni 2008. Corps cannot move up unless other Corps move down. And I just had another thought - what do you mean by move up? Scores? Performance? Experience? Show design? I think we all gravitate to discussing "moving up or moving down" by placement, but I don't think that tells the whole story. According to scores, Bluecoats moved down this year, but I dare you to find anyone who thinks that their 2007 show is a "step down" from 2006. Having said that, I would say that two Corps on their way up: Carolina Crown & The Academy Two Corps on their way down: Spirit of JSU & Boston Crusaders I think Carolina and Academy both have really promising seasons ahead of them. And with no disrespect, I don't think Spirit of JSU & BAC have a clear path - I don't think they have found what makes them special. I have to clarify however, I enjoy all Drum Corps, but when talking about moving up and moving down, there has to be some winners and some non-winners.

I hosted a small gathering of 7 people to watch the DCI finals - none of them had even seen Drum Corps before. One is a middle school music teacher, one is a high school choir (oops) vocal arts teacher, and one teaches dance to physically challenged youth. The other four don't have music backgrounds. They loved it and all want to see a show in person next year. However, they all disagreed with the scores. ALL of them, without any hesitation, did not understand why Crown did not win and why they scored 6th place. I thought it was interesting, because they all had different reasons, but all thought that Crown was the best. They could not understand why they did not receive higher scores. The musical teacher was stunned at how amazing their horn line sounded and the dance teacher was beyond impressed at the guards perfect execution of the theme. I agree with them and had a difficult time explaning why their scores were low. Combined with the commentator saying "I would have scored it differently, that program needs more points" it was very confusing to them. Did anyone else have similar experiences? What would you say to them?

Below is a post taken from www.capitalregiment.org Sounds like good news - What do people think? I am EXCITED!! Hello Everyone, This post is being placed to say we hear you all. There are many efforts on the part of Capital Regiment to make an announcement soon. The Board is meeting consistantly and is well aware of the need and the time crunch that exists. It is the goal of Capital Regiment to have information soon. As for the information currently on the WEB site. I know that what is there is indicating 2006. It still says 2006 intentionally. It is not the goal of Capital Regiment to deflect interest for the 2008 season but we are also not wanting to lead an impression that may or may not be true. As soon as information is able to be posted, it will be done. To those that are new to drum corps or even new to Capital Regiment. If you are wanting information, I still have online the '2006 Member Information Guide'. That document will be updated with the necessary information corrected when the time is right. But, in the meantime, if you are looking for something that gives you some insight, that document is a good place to start. Again, keep in mind that a revision will need to happen before it will reflect 2008. We know that here. Historically, Capital Regiment conducts its Audition Camp the weekend before Thanksgiving. This year, that weekend is November 16, 17, 18, 2007 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Capital Regiment is lining up what is looking to be a great staff. A dedicated group who will be here for the right reason and who want to be here. Unfortunately, this is not the time to disclose any of that information. I can tell you though, there is a tremendous level of interest of people who are interested in working with Capital Regiment 2008 and to give the members who march a GREAT experience. I will also state that staff announcements will occur on the Official Capital Regiment WEB site only. If you read in any other location of anyone working with Capital Regiment, I would not place a lot of confidence in that. I've read where people claim they are working for Capital Regiment for 2008. I can assure you, those who have posted that, I have had no communication with. The Capital Regiment WEB site will be that place for information. We have gotten and continue to get calls from interested parties wanting to march here. There is a lot of interest and the only thing I can ask of you right now is to hang in there until an Official Announcement is ready for release. I understand this may cause some anxiety but just hang in there a bit longer. Also, Capital Regiment still has all equipment. The only items that have been liquidated are the buses. Outside of that, all equipment is still owned and in the possession of Capital Regiment. Thank you for your interest in Capital Regiment for the 2008 season. If you have any questions, feel free to send a note to me at CapitalDBC@aol.com. I'll do what I can to respond. Thank you and take care.

Wow - 80% I agree about the comment with sabres - they don't add much visually. However, I think batons, when used effectively, could add a great deal visually. Throws/tosses can be much higher and can add a great deal of excitement.

I was reading the discussion on rifles and thought this could be an interesting discussion. Aimachi, which came in 3rd in the World Open class at WGI this year very effectively used baton in their performance. Do you think guards could do the same? If you haven't seen it yet, go to the WGI website to see a clip from their AMAZING show: http://wgi.org/multimedia/videos.php -Click on CGTV -Click on Independent World -Click on Aimachi

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Vote and discuss! If you vote for 'other,' please explain. This was an AMAZING year!