Regis

So on Wednesday, Joy and I decided to go to the Louisville show. We were short for time so we had to hop in ABC's helicopter after taping the show in the morning. The trip didn't start smoothly though because Joy forgot her Cavaliers t-shirt. Women, I tell you! Anyway, we made it there in a couple hours and made it to our seats which were in the pressbox, courtesy of Mr. Acheson. Good man. The first performance of the evening was the Star Spangled Banner by some all-age corps I forget the name of. It was ok, I've heard better. Although it is good to see a drum corps playing the national anthem instead of some high school marching band! The first competitive performance of the show was by the Memphis Sound. Overall, it was a decent performance for a Div. III corps. Something that struck me was that they began their show with the Cadets' closer. Singing is a weird way to begin a show but I suppose it set the tone for the show well. I was surprised that they sang the first note in tune...something they couldn't do on their horns! I'm just kidding! Next up was the Troopers. It is good to see this corps back on the field after a year of inactivity. The show had a lot of energy and made me feel like I was out west with the cowboys. I believe there were too many backfield moments. The trumpets need to work on their intonation at the beginning of their ballad. There was a lot of visual dirt and the recurring "X" drill design lost its impact after the first couple times. I love the high stepping (takes me back) but some of the members were out of control, especially coming out of the "sunburst" formation. Overall, it was a decent performance, but it is easy to see why their scores have been plateauing recently. Then came Southwind. The corps had a lot of fans there and the corps had a very strong show. The corps added the color guard soloist since I last saw them. She begins the show shouting something about being out of the loop. I believe this is why we passed amplification, but if Southwind's directors don't want her heard, so be it. Her involvement in the visual program seemed like an after thought and did not flow well in the show. Also, the storyline was not too compelling. She starts the show marked with a Red piece of clothing and then gradually becomes "in the loop." By the end of the show she has lost the red marking and is dressed just like everyone else. Of course, the show didn't have as much demand or excellence as the big boys, but they were a step above Troopers in show design and concept, in my opinion. Southwinds's percussion always has some good grooves that I enjoy. Next was Glassmen. I love the percussion groove during the setup. The show was very solid. I like the musical selections and the guard does a very good job of conveying their personas. If they continue to clean they will be a solid top 12 corps. The Boston Crusaders were next. The easels were a good idea but I'm not sold on their actual involvement. It seemed difficult for the corps to move them around the field and it even caused a near disaster when one of them fell over. (I'll finish the review soon..got to go back to Gilman at the premiere!)

Although I haven't marched corps, I do have a show every weekday morning on ABC, as many of you know. Well, one time in February, Kelly and I were showing our baby pictures on the show. When I showed Kelly's picture I accidentally said, "And here's baby Kathy-Lee." Let me tell you, I was embarassed. And I never heard the end of it after the show! Women and their feelings! Just don't get it.

Tell me about it. You know what it's like being married to Joy? Cold and dry I tell you!

There's nothing wrong with kids joining a championship-caliber organization in hopes of a ring. I remember this happening in the old recruiting days at Notre Dame. Hopefully Coach Weiss can bring us another title!

I'd love to go to the show tonight but I have to go to a movie premiere with Gilman!

George may have created this site, but he was wearing my shirt and tie!

What a first-class site! Thank you, George!

I'd like to introduce myself to all you fine people out there. Believe me, drum corps is an absolutely fantastic activity and I can't wait to discuss it!