BlooBari95

This is something I've been meaning to post about .. but unfortunately life has been too hectic. After seeing the show in San Antonio, and listening to the APD about a bazillion times, when I saw the quarters show in the theater I immediately noticed that some parts had been watered down, particularly some of the wild stuff the contra line had been doing. I was surprised, because it seemed fairly clean even back in San Antonio, at least to me - certainly not anything that couldn't be polished up in time for finals. Anyone that was able to follow the season more closely know when (and perhaps why) some of these parts were watered down? Regardless, the show rocked, and I'm not really upset about placements at all, I know they did an amazing job with one of the most challenging shows the corps has ever attempted. I can't wait for next year...

Wonderful post BlueR36, and I couldn't agree more. I can't believe how much they've kept cranking it up year after year, and I can't wait to see what the future holds! Obviously when you're on tour, you don't get to hear much of the forum gossip and general reaction to the show, but these kids have got to know they're doing something special. With such an entertaining show, and the reputation they're gaining, I'm sure the talent pool at next year's auditions will continue taking the corps to the next level. Bluecoats 2007, thank you for all your hard work and remember how proud you've made everyone! Six words.

Bump bump ... Dallas / Plano TX anyone? Bueller?

I was going to post something all political, but I figure this isn't the forum - suffice it to say that I'm very glad you returned safely, and respect you for doing your job despite the unjust nature of the war, and respect you even more for voicing your opinion. Welcome back to safe ground, and thank you for your service. However, I will say that I got this funny/ironic image of a Cadets member returning from tour saying something about how they don't agree with the excessive narration :) Hehh..... And Cadets, the same goes for you - I find your musical and visual performance quite admirable, and respect you for going out there and putting on the best show possible. I'm not strongly pro- or anti- narration, but I do think there are at a minimum some technical/audio issues preventing the narration in the Cadets' show from being very effective (or understandable in some cases). Hopefully this thread doesn't turn into another narration battle now, I better shut up. I'm a new poster though, I gotta voice a couple things :)

My obligatory introductory post ... We're almost through another season, and the kids out on the field continue to amaze me and make me tremendously proud. Every corps, every moment on the field, every drop of sweat shed during rehearsals - it's all about becoming better as an individual performer, as an ensemble, and as a person. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but drum corps really is something special. I marched with the Bluecoats in 1995, as a baritone player at the tender young age of 16. Coming from trombone, the valves were a minor adjustment - and coming from a little weakling, the large horn being held entirely in front of my face was a large adjustment. I was a rather shy fellow, and hadn't fully come to terms with myself or my role in the world. I knew my corps was my family, and we did everything together, working towards one common goal. Yet I was still too reserved to really integrate with my new family. I was there to perform, and was amazed by what I found myself capable of, and how far I could push myself, and how far I saw everyone else pushing themselves. But I still kept myself somewhat isolated. I knew everyone there would do anything they could for me, and I would do the same for them - yet I didn't allow myself to truly make the connections and life-long bonds I wish I had in retrospect. We had a record placement in 95, and many ups and downs throughout the year. Looking back it still seems surreal. The video yearbook still sends shivers down my spine, and brings a tear to my eyes. I can't believe Brianne has since left this world. I'm not sure how many of my fellow alums even remember me, and I'm not sure how many of them I can really remember all that well. The lost opportunity of all those friendships saddens me, but what we all shared was something I couldn't help but experience, and can never lose. The achievement, the dedication, the pain and triumph - the emotion of the show, the moment you receive your penny - the vets in the crowd praising your tribute to their sacrifices - that stays with you forever. I faced several challenges after my first year, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to march again. Even back then, when corps dues were much smaller, the financial side wasn't easy for me - and without having made the friendships that might have found me a carpool for the six hour journey to winter camps, I had a hard time putting that burden on my little old grandmother for another year. I was truly blessed when the corps swung by my hometown on August 6th, 1996 - with a fresh hole in the bari section. I begged and pleaded with my summer school teachers, packed my bags, and joined the corps for a second chance on the road. I had a week to learn the entire show before quarter finals, and found every ounce of courage and strength within me to do the best I could for my corps. The rest of my years passed me by, and now I'm stuck looking back at my young self, wondering why I couldn't muster that same strength and courage to just find some way to march every year after that. To find a way to open myself up to my corps family and make those bonds, to find a way to break out of my own walls. Kids, take advantage of DCI while you have the opportunity. Take a step outside yourself, and learn, love, and live with your corps. And to those more outgoing members, reach out to the shy ones, and make sure they grow off the field as well. I'm honored to have taken part in this wonderful activity. I try not to feel too much regret for the lost opportunities and friendships, but I can't help but wonder what one, two, or even four more years would have brought me. I know I'm a different, and better, person for having been a part of the Bluecoats family, and I'll forever treasure the time I did have. Bluecoats 2007 and beyond - you make us all so unbelievably proud. Keep it up! The same goes for every other corps out there ... remember we're all in this together. A sentimentally Blue fool forever... Levi

I'm looking to go either to the Plano TX (most likely) or Dallas TX theaters ... anyone else going? I really don't want to go to a 'dead' theater, I'm hoping there will be some other enthusiastic fans in the audience!