Rob H.

What is comical, is that most of these "passionate" drum corps Homers (I guarantee) most of them have never really played truly competitive sports on a level beyond little league (where mom checked their underwear after every game and they got a fruit roll up). I played competitive college sports (hockey and track) and I can tell you almost all the athletes were highly intelligent, more fit and cut than any band/corps geek. PLEASE.... comparing a hockey player or football player to a band/corps geek?! Don't misunderstand, my comments don't mean I hate drum corps or think one is better. We're talking "apples and oranges" and you can't compare the two. End of story.

This is a great question and should be discussed in accordance with rules and the basic motivations for the activity. From the scoring and placement of corps, Drum Corps competition will always be flawed and unfair due to the very nature of SUBJECTIVE scoring from human beings with biases and life experiences. Just look at the Olympics and sports that require judging. Those should be dropped from the whole concept of SPORT. 2 opponents facing one another in a ring, court or field, with minimal refereeing, now that's SPORT! I love sports, and DCI in NO WAY is a sport. I wish it was because most sports in my opinion are fair and based upon pure competition. The activity needs to get away from judging so biased that the winners of any DCI competition are complained about in every way and every time. A radical overhaul of the DCI and other organizations, including high school band competitions, need to take place. This is the real discussion. The activity is now based on bizarre ballet type marching, and in no way resembles the raw masculine military precision moves and historical honor that once was. Most corps I see these days resemble a ballet or dance troupe with ode-like-shows-to-Aphrodite on the field. Many of you will no doubt argue with this assessment, but the activity is definitely not a sport and not on the right road to fairness and true competition like the Greek Olympians born in the hills of Olympia. Let's call it what is really is.... a ballet of musicians without "tutus".

Let me first say that I am a huge Vanguard fan. With my beloved Sacramento Freelancers gone, I adopted SCV as my corps of choice to route for (Not to mention lots of friends that marched with SCV). However I was hugely disappointed by their show this year (that I saw on July 2nd at Walnut). I am not sure why all the "Homers" out there love the show this much. Maybe they are just showing pure support via blogs???? Is it me, or is the running of one corps member around the greater forms incredibly annoying! That's not really "creative", just annoying and distracting for your eye and been done before. I am not familiar with the music, but I can tell you it's uninteresting and boring. It sounded like a bunch of notes, and not like music (there is a difference). I guess I am used to the incredibly awesome music they've played in the past, from musicals to famous classical pieces all of which got you humming along to making the notes soar. This music just isn't SCV and they just don't "sell it" when they play it. I know most of you will call me a "Hater" or "Ignorant" of what's going on there... but to people who aren't music majors, we're in the dark here. I have to give kudos to the guard, because they "fly". Interesting and fluid, I find their performance and the instructors direction very well crafted. Nice job! Also the drums are precise, inspired and hit hard when they need to. Well done! The horn line seems to be way behind the other big corps. The sops stick out too much and the highs do not blend well. The middle section is lost and I never heard them blend into the rest of the horn line. Maybe the direction is off, or the arrangement is imbalanced? I don't know because I am not an expert, but it sounds way off. Some might think I am crazy, but the Academy had a better horn line. And the Phantom's horn line had such a rich an gorgeous tone, that I almost wet myself (and I am not a big Phantom fan!). SCV needs a show that is ground breaking. I believe this isn't the show to get them back on top. Sorry guys, I hope I am not sounding too negative or like a "Hater", I'm just sharing my unbiased-non-Homer-opinion. Good luck this year SCV, I'll still be routing for you even though I'm not a big fan of this years show. R

As I have stated before in other blogs, the DCI judging system is a joke. Why? Because it relies on someones opinion of who is a champion (and COMPLETELY subjective). In most sports, the champion is decided on the field (or on the court, or on the rink). DCI is much like figure skating, where debate about who really is the champion, suffers from subjective judging systems that creates controversy. Who is to say who was good and on what basis? You can make a strong argument that every DCI champion was not the winner and another corps deserved it. Did BD have the best flags in 87? How can you properly judge GE? There are too many variables that can be interpreted in various ways. No matter what DCI or the judges say. I think the fans, parents, members of smaller and mid level corps need to start taking up the fight for a more fair and even handed way of judging. There needs to be a dialog on just what is considered a "champion", otherwise the same ol' corps will win championship after championship (after all they make the rules and tip the balance in their favor at DCI headquarters). No one is talking about these facts. Simply; the DCI judging system is flawed. It cannot be good when subjective judging is in place by those in charge who are on staff by the big 5 corps. I have seen a lot of incredible corps get "the shaft" and it's quite sad. Moreover; What are we saying to the young people who participate in this mostly youth activity? Actually the activity mostly supports the big 5 or 6 corps well-being (and not the rest of the DCI corps). I know a lot of people will be upset with my blog and call me "a Hater", but I see much unfairness in DCI. Truthfully, I am not a hater at all, I just would like to see DCI really try and make the activity grow and become healthy and more fair for all corps and organizations involved with DCI. In closing; This DCI system of judging needs an dramatic overhaul and changed, otherwise controversy will always shadow DCI.

I think what most of you are failing to realize is that this activity is judged based on someone's OPINION and SUBJECTIVITY. You can inform me of the validity of judges and their experience all day. Or how complex and layered the DCI rules and judging has become. It still does not invalidate the argument that the judging is practically "fixed". Should we parallel sports/champions and the DCI champions? We could parallel figure skating's judging, which is a joke. Most athletes and the general public believe that fact, just take a look at the polls if you do not believe me. I played competitive hockey for 25 years and I can tell you, no one decided who was a champion except the players themselves. Figure skating or DCI cannot claim that, thus there will always been an argument who is really the champion from year to year. Many of you also fail to recognize that the DCI board and the head offices are run by folks who are in the top 4-5 corps. They have an interest in rules, judging and the way the activity is run to the point they usually tilt the playing field in their favor (wouldn't you?). If you owned a top 3 corps, most of you would not care if a small corps folded or was having trouble with a rule. Therefore....as I have stated before in another blog, DCI's activity only favors 4-5 corps, and if your not in that elite group, your screwed. And no, I am not wrong "FieldofBlueDreams". You... like most other "fans", buy into the argument, judging or virtual propaganda.... that the judging and officiating is fair and right. And you cannot go through history to make a point, because it just supports the flawed system (4-5 elite corps). How many corps were just amazing, and they got screwed because they weren't apart of the elite's 4-5 corps? The system is flawed, not the kids/members. Most shows are fairly entertaining. Crown is just another amazing corps that will get screwed because of DCI politics and judging. Maybe what should happen... is there should not be judging any more. Maybe they should just perform, because that is why Drum Corps started to begin with. After all, you can't judge in the current DCI system and not have a controversy.

BD or Cavies? Is that what this blog is discussing? Well one thing is for sure, you're probably right it'll be one of the two and not because it's based on valid judging or who is actually better. It's based on; ...yep your right... DCI POLITICS. "Yeah...same stuff every year. I am sick of it! Innovative drill, cohesive visual package with a brass and percussion book that is written together. When will it stop!" This gentleman says what alot of fans are saying these days (and alot of DCI old timers). Most of the shows shoot for pleasing the judges with music that can put a 10 year old with ADD to sleep. Only a few corps can really entertain and excite most fans (unless your just happy to see anything out on the field). "Short answer: Because judges are wacky?" No, because much like NBA referees (trying to make the championship series be stretched to a full 7 games by calling fouls a certain way and getting more "viewership"), the judges are just biased and doing what they are told too by the "powers-that-be". How can the DCI judges be truly judging without bias???? Just look at the score sheets and the same corps names year after year after year after year! There are so many corps that could win, who says WHO is better? Should we talk about figure skating and how ****ed up that scoring is????? You can certainly parallel the two. Yep that's right I am talking about subjective scoring... or scoring that is based on someones OPINION! So many corps are amazing and excels in performing art. Yet 4-5 corps can only win according to our DCI history books. Don't get me wrong, I love BD and the Cavs.... they are drum corps that (for the most part) are entertaining. Yeah I know ya'll are going to call me a "hater", but so many of us are sick of the top 4-5 ONLY being allowed to win. Unfortunately DCI will continue their biased ways because it is ruled by the top 4-5 corps directors that ensure their control over "wins", their own destinies, and their own well being of their corps. If BD or Cavs win... who cares. If Crown wins, then I'll think something is wrong with the universe... well the DCI universe anyways. R. P.S. (I am a big fan of Crown, so don't misunderstand...)

I have not yet seen any corps show this year due to moving to a new state and working a lot. I am curious of the show themes and music. Where can I find out about this? I think most drum corps fans would like to see DCI return to it's roots where a bit of showmanship, entertainment and excitement are brought back. In my opinion Crown has done that in a subtle way. For those young folks that don't know what I am talking about check out the 80-90's corps shows on DVD. Last summer in Pasadena.... Crown was the ONLY show that created excitement and entertainment (oh and the Kingsmen Alumni Corps too)... not BD or Cadets (any of the top 4). When is entertainment and excitement going to be put in the judging? HOWEVER: Getting back to the Crown argument.... some of you have failed to realize, DCI politics will get in the way and Crown will be lucky to receive 3rd place. Good luck Crown! R.

I work for the Drum Corps world designing everything from flags, uniforms to newspaper ads. If your interested please check out and/or contact me! www.robhuffmandesign.com Thanks! Rob Huffman Kingsmen Alumni Corps 07' Freelancers 89' Kingsmen 86' ***********************

I believe the gentleman who started this blog needs to go back to his DCI tapes and watch those that came before. This isn't a "Blast" show, a Rock Concert or a Broadway musical. All that doesn't belong on the field. Just like the sissy-ballet marching that half of the corps are doing these days! I do have a ton of respect for these performers and the hard work that goes into the shows, I just think those "powers-that- be" in DCI are losing the true spirit of Drum Corps and the activity. The Cadets were good... very good... but I could not really get into the show with all those stupid comments during the middle of the mus.c. Maybe if they focused on music and marching they would of won the show. Even though... the Blue Devils were the best corps that night. Just so you know... I was in the stands that night and a ton of people were making fun of those Cadets comments and some where putting their fingers in their ears. Drop the mic-ed shows!

For those of us who have been in drum corps we can attest to the immediate response of the audience when we play loud. Not softly and intense... but loud... sometimes edgy but loud. The 70's and 80's corps were loud and entertaining. Sadly most corps rarely play loud these days for fear of getting low marks from the judges (most corps aren't that entertaining, especially the supposedly elite top 12) But that's just my opinion.

Wow, I feel honored and almost speechless due to all the kind words and cool things you all have said. We worked hard to get this show right. Many, many hours of sweat and toil, missing my wife, vacation hours off of work, etc. For those of you who don't know... in many ways it's much harder to do Drum Corps now because of our aging bodies, families, work, etc, but nothing can produce that rush like when your performing in front of a stadium filled with screaming fans (and in many ways, more special). Kevin said it right... 70 pages of drill and some of it modern day drill (not like the 70's), not much standing around here! We learned some difficult music especially since most of us had not played in so many years. Most of us had a ton of aches and pains (some older folks in the corps had major health issues but managed to march through it all) ...but hearing you all cheer and enjoying it all made it worth it. Thanks again to everyone for the awesome words and your kindness. I love my Kingsmen brothers and sisters!

No, we are only performing in 3 shows. the 14th of July (Impulse Show) Long Beach CA. (Veteran's Stadium) 8th of August (Kingsmen Friends and Family Show) Long Beach CA (Veteran's Stadium) and the 10th of August at the Rose Bowl ... DCI Semi-Finals Unfortunately we aren't performing at any other time. I really wish we would because it's so fun to be wearing blue again and performing out there for the crowd!

I wanted to chime in and give some thoughts... I marched previously with the Anaheim Kingsmen (soprano soloist) and didn't have a good experience (due to the Director at the time) I marched 89' Freelancers and always respected the staff. The Freelancer drumline was the coolest, nicest and most down-to-earth drummers I had ever met. Most drummers had a tendency to be concieted and didn't want anything to do with the horn line. They were talented and nice! I regret not marching with them more, but expenses and college kept me from being more involved. I remember somewhere being on tour.... and it was back east... everyone was tired and working overtime to perfect the show.... we were at each others throats. So Charlie Anderson told everyone to go hug the ones you didn't like or someone you were mad at. That was a huge help and lightened the stressed corps. I also remember going to Montreal on a "day-off"... something we did not do often. It was like a huge party in the old town, with lots of corps there too (including Madison Scouts and some others). I remember not knowing where to go there since all the signs were in French. I remember Charlie Anderson many days talking about the meaning of life, and alot of subjects that I could not understand. I also remember having a real bad show in Nebraska and marching in block over and over in the parking lot. I remember performing in the Meadowlands and the crowd went NUTS... afterwards (with no retreat) we got out of our uni's and alot of the crowd came to us and told us how they worshiped the Freelancers. I sat next to the horn Sgt in the bus and he was really cool guy (his name escapes me)..... most of the Freelancers treated us South. Calif people very cool and like family, Even though I was in Sac. Freelancers only 1 year, I am proud of what we accomplished and can say i am lucky to be apart of the best drum corps in DCI history.D Thanks to everyone that made this fine Drum Corps possible! I so wish they were still around! God I love that corps!

I tell you what, I'll have our baritones dedicate our next show (on Aug 8th) to you "dday"...

Does it matter who goes on when? Although I have to say, I sure do love performing under the lights! and keep your hands off our rifles!