MikeySaysWoof

RCR needs to come back!!!! Any update?

I've also heard this - from 2 Corps from California...

I am a little confused... I thought DCI had to pay for hotels if housing was not secured. But there are some posts on here that seem to state that is not true. Does anyone know what happened?

I am auditioning for The Cadets on microphone. :P Sorry, couldn't resist!

I was so excited that I was able to attend finals. I didn't have too many challenges with the Rose Bowl, but it clearly needs some major work. I'm going to the UCLA/Notre Dame this year and I can't even imagine what the place will be like with a sold out, mostly drunk crowd. Hmmmm Anyway, here is my finals review. I purposefully waited a few days to write it - I wanted to see what stayed with me. I have never written a review before, so I hope this makes sense! SPIRIT -Okay, I was disappointed that Academy was not in this spot. I think it would have been great for them to make finals in their first year. Spirit show was good, but I don't remember much of it. GLASSMEN -I don't like their new uniforms, but they did look cool because they kinda sparkled. I thought their guard was great. I don't remember too much musically or their drill. Great job! COLTS -WOW! I loved this show. I love the new uniforms. I found myself humming some of their music yesterday. Their guard was AMAZING. Their uniforms were, well.... interesting. I enjoyed the story - very accessible and entertaining. I love this Corps. I hope this show is just a peak at what is to come! BOSTON CRUSADERS -I don't understand why the guard used the easels. It didn't make much sense and was a feable attempt to connect to the Picasso theme. (I think it was Picasso). I have never been able to really get into their shows, and this year was no different. I did not like the ending. I kinda forgetable show. One of my least favorites from the night. BLUE KNIGHTS -Before finals, I wasn't much of a fan. I thought they were trying to hard to be dark and dreary. Before finals, I desribed them as Emo-light meets Drum Corps. But this show changed all of that. I was in love with how much movement the Corps used throughout the show. Very entertaining. I thought their guard told the story well. Really enjoyed this show. BLUECOATS -WOW! It's insane this show finished 7th. Very entertaining show. I liked many aspects of Criminal, but I think the show didn't challenge them enough. Bluecoats have been on a steady climb, and even though the scores say differently, think this show continued the progression of the Corps. LOVED THE NEW ENDING. One thing bothered me though (and it's not related to the show at all). I was purchasing a bluecoats tshirt after finals and told the woman in the truck that I loved their show and its crazy that such a great show finished 7th (meaning how strong the competition was). She kinda snapped back, "We only got that score because we are on the West Coast. If we were in the midwest or east, we would have been much higher. The judges didn't judge us fairly." I just shrugged and walked away. I know it was only one volunteer at the end of a long season, but it was a little disappointing. CAROLINA CROWN -Holy Batman! This show is what Drum Corps should be: challenging, entertaining, beautiful, funny, and great to watch. This is easily on my top 5 favorite shows of all time. THE GUARD WAS INSANELY, FREAKING FANTASTIC. I think this has to be one of the best guards in recent history. The quality of their horns is mind blowing. The drill was challenging and entertaining. Considering they were on the other end of the country, easily one of the loudest crowd reactions. I feel this show should have been top 3. I can't wait to see what they do next year. I think I might have a new favorite Corps. SANTA CLARA VANGUARD -Great show - entertaining and fun to watch. The opening effect with the silver poles and the guard was AMAZING. So many cool moments in their show. I'm still not sure if they should have beaten Crown, but great show! I was suprised how many people at the show were Vanguard people. I love the cymbal line! PHANTOM REGIMENT -I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed with this show, in comparison to last year. I think Regiment 06 show is one of the best shows ever I liked this show and it was beautiful to watch, but it lacked the emotional connection that I usually feel with Phantom. Guard was good, but I think their uniforms did not work. On a random note, how many wings were in shows this year? Crazy! I loved the ending!! Running and playing was totally awesome. CAVALIERS -Good show, amazing drill, but weak musically. I don't think this show was all that it could be. I think they failed to take it to another level. One of the more disappointing Cavaliers show in recent memory. I want more WOW moments. THE CADETS -I am indifferent about narration. I think it can work well in a show (i.e. Crossman '06) but often times is defintiely not needed. Having said that, this show was very, very awkward to watch. The narration was distracting and frustrating. Minus the narration, WOW. CRAZY challenging - this Corps has so much talent. I was floored with the comments during the show. People around me were very vocal over their dislike of this show. How did this show score any points in GE? I wanted it to end. What will next year bring? I'm hopeful for a return to Cadets I love (ie 1995). BLUE DEVILS -Great show. The guard was awesome. I think they dance too much. Great to watch. The show lacked an emotional connection. I am a little sad to admit it, but I don't remember too much of their show. I remember thinking it was good, but it lacked something. I was bummed I didnt stay for the encore - heard it was AWESOME!! I thought retreat was absolutely beautiful. I am mad that full retreats no longer take place at almost all shows throughout the year. Watching all of the Corps enter the field was so much fun. A highlight of my summer. I am still in awe of how competitive this season was - so many Corps performed amazing shows. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

What? I thought this was DCI's responsibility.... Cany anyone explain?

Hands Down, that is the best news segment I have ever seen on Drum Corps on a major news channel. Way to go FOX LA!! :)

HMMMMM Inquiring minds what to know!

HMMMMM Inquiring minds what to know!

Sylmar is one of the sketchier parts of the Valley. I wouldn't want to stay there. It has one of the highest robbery rates in all of California.

I heard that Madison ended up staying at a hotel - did any other Corps get housed in a hotel because DCI wasn't able to secure housing? OOPS - this should be moved to the Div One forum... Sorry!!

Crown 2007 has become one of my favorite shows, ever. THANK YOU for showing that you can play beautiful music, have an AMAZING guard, challenging drill, AND be entertaining. The future is so bright for ya'll it's insane. I can't wait to see you next year!!!!

I talked to people at the Southwind trailer last night at finals about how Capital Regiment loaned them their kitchen trailer (GO CAPITAL REGIMENT!!) and they said that indeed Capital Regiment will be returning. Someone sitting behind me at finals said she might be teching for them next year, so that's a promising sign. I hope they come back (with the kinks worked out) :)

I loved the Colts show!! But I had a question - did anyone see the girl in the guard who marched, but did not equiptment work? She knew all of the movement, but never touched a flag, sabre, or rifle. Does anyone know the story? I was thinking that maybe she sprained her wrist or hurt her fingers, but couldn't see a cast from my seats. Thanks!!

Thanks! I'm leaving for the airport in about 10 minutes. It's my first finals and I am sooooo psyched! WooHoo!

anyone?

14 by 14 inches seems small. So a "regular" backpack should be OK, right? Are you allowed to bring in bottled water? What's the weather supposed to be like tomorrow night? I know I could google to find the answers, but pressed for time and hoping someone could share their wisdom. Any advice for people headed to finals?

Honk if you Honk for Academy! :P

Seeing the name Capital Regiment makes me feel warm & funny and sad at the same time. Imagine how the race for finals would be with CR added into the mix. I can't wait until they return - stronger (with thr kinks worked out!) :)

Crown's guard is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who does not think so must be a fan of suckiness.

Go Academy!!

Step On Soapbox. MME sounds gay? Is that a bad thing? Regardless of how I feel about the Drum Corps/Band/Marching Music Ensemble word battle, I think it's interesting that you think MME is gay. One of the things that I love about Drum Corps is how open it is. You choosing to call something 'gay' as a negative isn't just being political incorrect, it's being immature, demeaning, and wrong. I would urge you to think about the words you use. I volunteer as a Child Advocate in California and I work with a number of kids who have been abused, kicked out of their house, and disowned because they are (or are preceieved as) gay. Using 'gay' as a synonym as 'bad' is insulting and hurtful. Off soapbox. :)

I am interested to see if the performace of the The Academy in SA has changed anyone's opinion about The Academy making finals. Please vote and share your thoughts!

That there are straight dudes in guard and gay dudes in the drumline..... Oh wait (inside joke)

GO ACADEMY!!