BugleB

I would think that the lack of coverage for BAC is more of an issue of their schedule and not that of the Fan Network. Because they came out late (a few days prior to the July 4th holiday) the few local shows that they have done made it a little difficult to give them the same coverage.

"One of the most important positions in the corps."

I would think that the recent contra sections that the Bluecoats have offered would probably be some of the best in the history of the activity.

Not really. Based on last nights performance that I saw live. I would put PR's drumline closer to Glassmen's. I really don't see where Jay Webb is getting this number.

Blooo

That's what was announced.

The drive in to Charleston was nice. I was a little concerned about the weather for a while but it held out for a nice night of drum corps. Parking was easy and I got a chance to watch some of the action in the lot before the show started. The stadium had a colossal track that takes a little away from the drum corps viewing pleasure. Also, the proximity to the interstate causes some distraction. I kinda liked it better in Huntington but can understand that the finances are more reasonable in Charleston. Now to the corps performances. Teal Sound - A very young corps. They're really dirty and the horns show some fundamental weakness in the visual department. What I don't understand is the real purpose for the guitar, bass, and two keyboards. I'm no drum corps dinosaur but those electronics are used very well. I never heard a note that the bass player played and when the guitar player was featured, the sonority was less than desirable. Welcome to the big time Teal Sound. I'd like to see you head to head with corps like The Mandarins, Pacific Crest, and Jersey Surf. Spirit - REALLY NICE NEW UNIFORM. The program is a better offering than last year. I actually liked their use of voice sampling.As always, the Spirit Colorguard had a lot to offer. I was entertained by their show but I don't know if we'll see them on the last Saturday night at the Oil Can. Glassmen - Standard Glassmen fare. They can play. They can march. Do they give me goosebumps. NO. Unfortunately, the most that I can remember about the Glassmen's performance was how proud Cassidy's parents were of her. I was hoping to feel more in my spirit about "The Prayer Cycle." Carolina Crown - Wow!!! They are good. CC marches and plays better than anybody I've ever seen in June. The horn line is spread out like a week's wash and plays with great power and accuracy. There are a few visual moments that are really nice. They march and play the snot out of a bout nine minutes of a show. If that's what you want that is what you'll get. What this show lacks is a bigger idea or story. If you think about the underlying message......it's a little pretentious, don't ya think? Gold horns.......that will probably be the only things gold that they carry of the field at the end of the season. Cadets - My favorite show of theirs in recent memory. I don't know if I like the recorded music in the preshow but I loved the herald trumpets and the block coming on the field. They communicate the toy soldier story very well. I'd like to see the guard get out of the corps proper uniform a little quicker and all together by the end of the show. I like the "old school" weapon spinning in the show. I look forward to seeing this show progress over the season. Bluecoats - I am an unabashed Bluecoat homer and have no problems saying that I just didn't like last year's show. Maybe I'm not smart enough but I just didn't understand it. Now, this year's production is about as opposite to that as it can be. In a word......mean. This is not the "nice" Bluecoats that we're used to seeing. Everything about this show is aggressive. The horns, the drums, the guard all have a different attitude. Enough can't be said about the contra section. The best in the activity is the only thing that comes close. This is one of the best programs that the Bluecoats have offered. The best use of electronics of the night. Phantom Regiment - The're better than last year. As always, PR has a great hornline that plays with a lot more control than usual. The drumline is nowhere near where they have been recently. Visually, they are still a mess. The drill just seems cluttered the whole time. Part of the reason that the horns sound so good is that they are so compacted together the whole time. Ther's a lot that I love about PR and I hope to see them "right the ship" soon. Encore - I would appreciate a little more "higher, louder, faster" if you don't care. Did anybody else notice that Carolina Crown's drum major was AWOL for the awards ceremony?

Wearing pennies.

When I marched in the early 90's, we played Autumn Leaves every night for retreat.

If you are graduating, you might consider Music City out of the Nashville area. They will only take people who are seniors in HS or older.

I remember seeing that fall happen live. EVERYONE in the audience was saying "Get up!" For the fall he had, he made a remarkable recovery.

It looks like it has an air conditioner on top like the guys from Spirit have.

Is there a way to watch full screen?

As someone who hosted a group for about 10 days in 2007, I'd offer this piece of information: Often, the school administration will work in their offices during the day. Folks in WV have a lot of the same cultural principles as those in Eastern KY and they may object to how people in drum corps dress during rehearsal. It may be in your best interest to prepare the administration about the standards of dress for corps members and maybe discuss with the corps administration the how the school wants the corps members to dress. For example, some corps make their membership wear a shirt at meal times and any time they are in close proximity to the school building.

It seems to me that sportswriters like Jim Rome and Mr. Dodd are either an athletic "has been" or "never was". To alleviate their feelings of inadequacy, they must compensate by attacking a culture that has found a worthwhile avenue to pursue.

What I believe he means by "Christian" is the idea of a practicing Christian.

Have Fun and look like you're having fun. If you are not bent on spending 24-7 with the corps, I might suggest doing souveniers. You get to do some driving, see some shows and do some things on your own. (You might also be sent on some independent missions.) I've done a lot of volunteer jobs and prefer doing souveniers. But, as many have said, a little prior contact with the corps will give them an opportunity to find a good fit for you and your expertise.

Bill Hamilton has been with the Bluecoats in one capacity or another since the early '70's.

I've seen a similar design on shirts from Hollister.

I would bet that the Japanese shirt comes back. One of the best sellers two years in a row. It will be offered again.

Ron Hardin doesn't write the drill.

I'm on the road right now with the 'Coats. The members are all in good spirits and working hard. I've been around for a couple of practice days and a couple of show days and can assure you that they are getting plenty of rest. I'm pretty confident about the progression for the next week and a half.

I'm good.

50 in plasma and my stereo surround sound make this enjoyable.

I look forward to touring with Lou. I haven't done that yet.