ajwdad

Phantom is always a threat, especially early. Makes the summer more fun. And besides, I get to see them tomorrow night!

OC, because they are big, and the competition should be great. SCVC, like the way they shape their sound. BDB; I admit it, I am a fan. Still, they have a very good sound.

thanks for the updates! Much appreciated.

Actually I've seen it on youtube. I guess that youtube is the new media for judging shows. Not even a big screen TV or any kind of professionally done video, but youtube. After watching a ton of shows on various DVDs, I am convinced that video does a terrible job of recreating a decent experience for the audience. But, youtube is far far worse. I don't expect anyone on this board to be favourable to the blue devils, but usually, in depth comments come after a show has been in competition. So, youtube from family day seems to be a way to let people emote. Seems to show more bias than thoughtful commentary. Maybe tonight at Clovis, or even tomorrow at Stanford we can see a real show. But is it far too early for me to really make critical comments about a show, anyone's show. Rather, it is more interesting to see relative placements in shows... IE head to head. And even that does not really matter yet. My real problem is that we get 100% screwed on the west coast. Our premier show, DCI West, comes so early in the season, that no corp is really ready... And we don't get to see very many corps, like Crown, or Phantom. Kudus and thanks to Cadets/Phantom for coming to the west coast last year. I bought stuff at their booths even though i am not a fan. Just wanted to support their corps for coming out. Best,

I find it amazing when I read all of the purely intelligent comments, completely without any bias, on a show that has yet to be performed. Of course, titles and previews tell the entire story. See you at the show.

Lots of open corps still have openings. Contact them directly, and explain your situation. IMHO, any corp experience is worthwhile. If you are looking for a ring, then contact those that you believe have a chance to win... I am NOT going to recommend any here as that is an invitation to stress.

Sorry

yep, Been saying, OC, Spartans, SCVC, and BDB... Should be a nail biter...

You are so amazingly full of yourself aren't you? Typical type whinging comment, you HATE the staff, but love the members. Guess who chose and trained the members? Want some cheese with your whine?

I cannot make it this year. And this year promises to be very exciting! DCI needs to support Open Class a LOT better.

Right on. I thought that last nights jump was big, and this is almost as large. 3 corps separated by less that 2 points, and 85.8 would have been high just 2 days ago!

WOW! The least entertaining shows in history. 2 of them won. I would not really call this hate. Rather, whining. Kind of tired of hearing how great the kids are, and how their show is not challenging, entertaining, musical... How people could have marched it in the third grade. come on people, Stop the whining. It is more than a little annoying. For those of you keeping it above the whining and complaining, thanks.

SCVC jumps 3 full points in a single day! Seems impossible, but good job to the corp.

Spartans 83.?? Oregon Crusaders. 84.35 Blue Devils B 85.1 Very Very close! congrats to all/

Easy choice! Local shows. I don't like spending $1000 to travel to Indy. What a magnificent pain in the backside. And it is at least 2 flights.

No, One is performing and the other is helping with various chores traveling. I doubt that my wife even gets to see our son, but I don't know.

I cannot make it. But, my son and wife are there! just have to wait for the postings.

Daniel Schools out here have their music budgets cut, and the rules are just plain silly. In fact, the lack of good music education led us to the BD organization in the first place. I personally taught my 2 kids to play trumpet, paid for lessons for my vocalist and percussionist. The mediocre programs at the schools, grade, jr and high schools did not help at all. The exception was the choir/vocal program at the high school, but that program was severely cut.... I am not really disagreeing with you, but rather lamenting the poor state of music education in ca, or at least in our corner of Ca.

Hi Mike, no problem. Keep doing what you are doing! From the outside looking in, OC is doing a lot of things right. Best of luck, and safe travels.

Sure be nice to get this kind of show on the west coast! Late in the season, and all the top corps. Guess that is just to much to ask from DCI. Once in the history of the organization should be enough to satisfy any fan. you guys enjoy!

Again... quality > quantity. DR This kind of DCI narcisism is the root of all our problems. What it says is "as long as I can have Blue Devils and Santa Clara, I don't care if a few thousand kids can't participate any more." Who are you to declare a corps to be "deadwood" - what does that even mean? How can the existence of a smaller, younger corps possibly hurt the mighty G8? Hi Grandpa, I tend to agree with you, based on the last bunch of your posts that I read. I am not sure what is really meant by Daniel with the quality over quantity thing, but the deadwood comment is just wrong. We could apply that to the Chicago Cubs. I live between Santa Clara and Concord, and can see those two corps often. But the highlights of this year: 1) Phantom> I got to see the 3 or 4 times! Early in the season 2) Cadet: saw them 3 times. BTW, I do not like their show at all, but seeing them is still a delight. 3) VK: These guys are in open, not nearly as good as SCVC or BDB, but they are a lot of fun, and always entertaining, 4) BDC: kids! What else can I say? 5) Of course, BDB, SCVC, BD, and Vanguard. But, if the show was just BD and Vanguard, I would stay home. I like the quantity, even if it means that some corps are not as good or polished as the others. With quantity, I usually get more variety, and this year is a great example for the west coast, as both Cadet and Phantom joined our usual lineup.

pretty good question. in 9 years, it is hard to imagine that Drum corp would be larger, and if social trends continue, it could be far smaller or even fold. I am certainly not a fan of the "marketing" that DCI is doing, and the decisions made to hold finals in Indy for every year. Could be that DCI becomes very regionalized with very little support from outside the 1000 mile radius. In the other direction, the TOC seems to be successful. Certainly starting as early as it does applies pressure to the corps and will require adjusting teaching processes, etc... the down side is that great organizations will figure it out fairly quickly, and the barrier to other corps to breaking into the top echelon will rise. And I think that undefeated seasons will be extremely hard to come by... The added competition makes it that much tougher... Bottom line, I think that the activity shrinks...

Actually, that is a sign of intelligence. BTW, I am agreeing with your posts here.

Hey open class fans, Looks like OC had a great show, 83.5! SCVC and BDB have been off for 10 days, but definitely have a challenger here. Best of luck to all the corps, (I am a die hard BDB fan.)

You are right, very bold statement. And so far, no one has risen to the bait and flamed you. As for the Cavies, FTF is a different than separate shows, and this comparison places a tremendous amount of faith in both judges and the system. I am a pretty big BD fan, but would not make that statement at all.