Newseditor44

I's with you Geno, I ssaw a little bit of something from everyone this past year that I thought was very tasty. But there were only a few corps that had me wanting more at the end of the night. There really wasn't anything bad this yeat at all

Respectfully I see your point, but if a corps doesn't have some "wow" moments, doesn't touch me with their music, doesn't tap into one of those basic emotions like happiness and excitement, I am headed to the restroom or to get a hot dog. Just because the corps is on the field and playing something that resembles music doesn't mean I am going to be entertained. I, like many others in this world, have too many other things in life that can help me tap into anger, frustration, rage, pain, etc etc... The last thing I want to do is put down $20 to go watch a drum corps show that points me towards these feelings. Not saying that others aren't down with that, and if that is the case, more power to you. But I would much rather be excited by a show such as Madison 95 or Cadets 02, than have to rack my brain trying to figure out what the corps was trying to convey in its 12 minute epitaph. Just play clean and loud, give me cool drill, and make feel good!

To each his own. What entertains me might not entertain you... and that's cool! I think it all has to do with a persons individual taste. But there is something about a show that gets everyone in the stadium off their butts and on there feet. These are the electric moments that seem to be lacking in recent years. IMO, part of the reason for this has been the emphasis on visual presentation. It seems there is less emphasis on musical productions and more emphasis on music that compliments the visual portion of the show. In the 80's and early 90's, the shows were created around the musical selections. Now, from what I can tell, it seems the shows are created based on a visual idea. Not saying any of this is bad. As a fan, I would like to see more shows that entertain the audience rather than the judges. I think too much emphasis is being placed on winning and placement, and not enough is being done to factor in general effect and foster a true connection with the audience. If something isn't done to brdige this gap, I truely believe that DCI is going to have problems in the future and may find some units leaving (ala Star) to pursue other ventures. Just my two cents worth.

Wow, didn't relaize the last show there was 1989... I marched that show. YIKES!

There are a lot of people that dig that sort of thing. Wondering if there is a good middle ground.

How bout Memorial Stadium at BC???

I agree! Sal and Cody have nothing but class! I think I speak for everyone when i say we wish them nothing but the best, and know they will still be a part of the activity in some way shape or form. It's not meant to be a slap in the face, but I hate to say it, the argument has some weight. It's not the membership's fault that the shakeup is happening. I think the resounding cry of the hardcore fans is starting to catch up with the corps. I think you would agree that this year's Scouts do not resemble the classic Scouts era of the 80's and 90's. This is niether good nor bad. My concern is that the Madison Scouts feel thay have been put into the position of having to "try and adapt". I believe the corps management sold themselves out by putting too much emphasis on competing and not enough on entertaining. IMO the struggle for most corps is understanding that general effect is still king, and what's even more difficult is finding a way to design a show that can compete and have the fans dancing in their seats. Having the ability to connect with the audience is a lost art in this activity... but its something that Madsion used to do better then anyone. The connection has been lost... the Madison Scouts are no longer that corps. I think the goal for the corps doesn't have to be revisiting the great shows of the 80's and 90's. Rather, the Scouts need to tweak this new identity and find a way to connect with the audience again. This corps used to do that better than anyone else. My hope is they can one day do it again.

Amen Ryan!

I believe that there is plenty of material for the Scouts to explore out there, while returning to a more fan friendly type of style. Agreed, we don't need to see a return to Malaguena, but I do believe one of the falts of the scouts the past several years has been the lack of ability to connect with the fans. Not saying this was Sal's fault by any stretch. Sal Salas is a wonderful man who stepped into a nearly possible situation and succeeded right from the get-go. He should be congratulated and saluted! Congrats Sal, great job!!!

Thanks Tristan... Sorry bout that bawker

Scott Stewart? (ducking)

Madison Scouts announce new direction for organization 8/22/2006 -- 3:14 PM CST From a Madison Drum & Bugle Corps Association, Inc. press release: At their post-DCI meeting on Aug. 21, the Madison Drum & Bugle Corps Association, Inc. board of directors voted to not extend the contract of Sylvester Salas, who has served in a dual role as executive director of the organization and director of the Madison Scouts since 2003. Salas is an alum of the Scouts and also served on the instruction staff for several seasons after his ageout year. After leaving Madison, he worked with Spirit of Atlanta and Glassmen, as well as his own winter guard, State Street Review, in Madison. The guard is the holder of the longest winning streak in WGI history. Board President Jeff Manion stressed that the Association recognizes and appreciates the contributions Salas has made over the past four seasons, producing field shows, hiring staff and managing a business that represents 135 young men, a vast alumni base over a 68-year time period and scores of volunteers and boosters who are scattered around the United States, Canada and the world. The board will soon announce specific details of its plan for the future of the Madison Drum & Bugle Corps Association, Inc. and the corps. Members, supporters and fans can rest assured that the coming seasons promise great things for the Madison Scouts.

You know what, I have come to the conclusion that there are a lot of people here that are all a bunch of freaking whiners! You ##### for years that the west coast has been left out of the Championship rotation, and when we finally get a Championship in Southern California, you can't stop #####ing about the stadium. People, get a freaking life already. The DCI board of directors has visited the site numerous times before making the decision to award the Rose Bowl with the contract. If these people (who obviously love this activity as much as we do and are fans just like we are) can give it there stamp of approval, than I am guessing the Rose Bowl will be more than adequate. Those of you #####ing get a life!!! In fact, here is a better idea, if you don’t like the Rose Bowl, don't go and don't watch. Excuse yourself from the activity for the next 12 months so the rest of can enjoy it. With the whiners gone, there will be more room for the rest to enjoy the 2007 DCI World Championships. The rest of you can go sit at Qualcom, UC Berkely, Fresno State, Stanford Stadium, AT&T Park, etc, an enjoy the silence.

My prediction: It doesn't really matter what so ever.

respectfully Kev, It would be nice if Madison would just be MADISON and quit trying to be something they aren't. That, not the leaving or arrival of various staff members, will ultimately decide the corps future.

Wil - c'mon bud, don't make me break out the Sun's photos! lol!!!

Here are the facts - DCI has announced the show(s) is the second week of August, 2007. I for one am planning on sticking to those dates unless DCI says otherwise. Any other rumors are just that. rumors. The Rose Bowl is a more than adequet site to host the Drum Corps International World Championships. If you need proof, ask any one of the 10-thousand plus people that attended TOC a few years back. I was there, saw the show, thought it was fabulous, and my opinion won't change. It will work folks, I promise. Pasadena City College is a more than adequete site for the Div II and III DCI world Championship competition. If you need proof, ask any one of the thousands of people that have attended the Tournement of Roses Band Fest over the years. Ryan Turner is a drum corps genious! Need proof, ask anyone that has worked with him..

See, therefore, you shouldnt amaze yourself, becuase in fact, by your admission, you were wrong. Thanks for playing, we have some nice parting gifts for you at the door... Next topic please!

Yeah, and Anaheim is in Los Angeles. Whatever

Before you go overboard, relax. Nothing has been said about any dates being changed. The fact is, everyone is getting in a huff about a schedule posted on a website that is more than likely an error. There should be no reason that the dates would need to be changed. The contratcs have been signed, and the City of Pasadena is way to anxious to have DCI than to screw things up at this point. From what I have been told, Pasadena courted DCI, very heavily! If this is the fact, than I doubt Pasadena would be changing dates at the last second. Everyone chill...

Hey, DCI wasn't going to make this official until next week...

yeah, agree with Stef here. I practically live at the Rose Bowl during Tournament time, so I can tell you with no uncertainty that the city will NOT be closing any roads for DCI. This is a minor event for them comapred to what they deal with during football season.

Add to that: No chewing gum No partial uniforms in public Always be respectful of other corps and other corps members Stepping out of form to nail unsuspecting judges on the field of battle... ENCOURAGED! :P Off topic: One night in God knows where, We were lining up to march onto the field for retreat, and for some reason we were in the horn block before going out. Some kid in a Marauders(sp?) uniform comes prancing through the horn block, saying 'excuse me' as he is walking through the ranks. UH OH! Here comes John Rouchon (Horn Sgt.), very quietly, battle axe in hand, walking towards the kid (mind you, he has only taken about three steps inside the block). Three other members of the hornline snap tp attention and block the kid from moving any further. John, battle axe in hand, takes the young man by the shirt, and politely escorts him out of the box, and stands in front of the box to watch him walk away. I think the poor kid pee'd his pants. Rouchon walked back with a "you've got to be kidding me" look on his face. Must have been a rookie. No worries though, we all live and learn. Well, at least some do... (evil laugh!!)

Ahhhhhhhh.... 3am death blocks! "You muxt not be too tired, sounds like a good time for some basics review!" Those hurt!

Assuming this in a Texas, could the horse ride 'shotgun' in an '89 ChevyPickup with an open container, with on hoof on his polished gun rack... all of course while imagining he was on the second the story of a buiding ?