dcsnare93

That's been an ongoing issue since 1998 when the law was passed. However, the law does not apply to bingo halls operated by volunteers. The recent issues have mainly focused on indian gaming, and whether or not certain laws covering bingo prohibit them from being able to offer the game. No doubt, smoking may be an issue there too, as smoking within casinos is allowed on reservations.

By the same token, "It's entertainment because we say it is." Entertainment value is entirely subjective, as is any one show from the next. What one may consider entertaining others may very well consider boring. Some of those average fans may find those high-quality visual moments just as entertaining, if not more, as those high-quality musical moments. And, judging from crowd reactions the last few years, I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment. Appreciate the shows for what they are, not for what they're not.

I thought it was a great show. Most entertaining? Not for me.

I think they're down to just one percussion ensemble now, though not 100% sure on that myself, as well. However, you can also add Stampede (Denver Broncos' drumline), which BK produces/operates.

The recent issue regarding bingo in California was how the laws governing it applied to the tribes. Basically, the Court found that if the state permits any form of bingo (restricted or not), then so could the tribes without state interference. The laws are regulatory but not prohibitory. So, I'm not sure how this would hurt SCV, other than more people going to a tribal bingo hall. Although, Aquamaids and Vanguard Bingo are perhaps the most well-known bingo programs in the area. I'm also not sure just how big a role bingo plays in their income revenue, but I do know the City of Santa Clara helps them out by providing grants. However, using the criteria given above (large alumni base, diversity in programs, ties with local civic government, etc), I'd put them in the top 5.

Not that I know a lot about horns... but my favorites were: Bluecoats Cadets Crown

Let's see (as posted in Jun '07)... Design Drew Shanefield (Program Coordinator) Mike McIntosh (Music Coordinator/ Battery Arranger) Tom Rarick (Front Ensemble Arranger) Bret Kuhn (Program Consultant) Doug Thrower (Brass Arranger) Tim Fairbanks (Visual Coordinator) Mitch Rogers (Visual Designer) Jamie Oakley (Colorguard Caption Head & Designer) Byron Valentine (Color Guard Designer) Brass Dave MacKinnon (Co-Brass Caption Head) George Wozniak (Co-Brass Caption Head) Ryan Adamsons (Brass Instructor) Donny Allen (Brass Instructor) Trevor Braselton (Brass Instructor) James Freeman (Brass Instructor) Bob Higgins (Brass Instructor) Mark Nichols (Brass Instructor) Mathew Hilton (Brass Instructor) Percussion Ray Ulibarri (Percussion Caption Head) Adam Clay (Percussion Instructor) Kyle Forsthoff (Front Ensemble Instructor) Allen Justus (Front Ensemble Instructor) Tim Maynard (Percussion Instructor) Brad Palmer (Front Ensemble Instructor) Eric Ridenour (Percussion Instructor) Chris Sakowski (Percussion Instructor) Chad Schaedler (Percussion Instructor) Guard Trish Gooley (Assistant Caption Head) Rory Duffey (Colorguard Instructor) Laura Gasper (Colorguard Instructor) Gustavo Jacobo (Colorguard Instructor) Marlieta Matthews (Colorguard Instructor) Ashley Studer (Colorguard Instructor) Visual Stephanie Furniss (Visual Caption Head) Kevin Stahl (Assistant Caption Head) Luke Bauerlein (Visual Instructor) Jon Cordell (Visual Instructor) Matt Garrett (Visual Instructor) Larry Hershman (Visual Instructor) Steve Hopkins (Visual Instructor) Ismael Ledezma (Instructor) Chris Meadows (Visual Instructor) Kurt Mergen (Visual Instructor) Gene Monterastelli (Visual Instructor) Junya Otani (Visual Instructor) Scott Seal (Visual Instructor) Gareth Skipp (Visual Instructor) Josh Brickey (Visual Instructor) Mike York (Visual Instructor)

Matched grip makes more cognitive sense in many respects; however, it doesn't have that visual appeal. I'd venture to say this is why most corps have stuck with traditional, and probably because most drummers are taught in 'traditional' methods. Although, the need for the traditional grip has been diminished as most corps don't use tilted snares -- seeing how that grip was developed so as to not damage the drummers wrist with their left hand's grip. Some may argue traditional grip allows more control over the angle of the stick, which also gives you a wider range of tones (though a good matched grip player could probably achieve the same). However, range of motion is decreased. In traditional grip your stick is naturally turned a little more inwards, meaning it overlaps with range from your other hand, and you have to turn your arm more to the left in order to reach that direction than you would with matched grip. However, the only real advantage to traditional that I see, though, is it is easy to do crosstick without tricky manipulation of the stick... It really just boils down to preference, I suppose. So, what's so wrong with returning to match grip? I don't think it'd be near as bad as 94/95.

*gasp* I think the judges got 1st through 3rd right (even though I wasn't necessarily happy with it). 4th. SCV 5th. Phantom 6th. Bluecoats 7th. Crown

Jim Casella Mike Jackson Ralph Hardimon Murray Gusseck Scott Johnson Thom Hannum Jim Campbell Tom Float

Some affiliates did better than others, which is why some dropped the programming and others aired it twice. Jeff Fiedler, in a reply to a discussion taking place on the cavies board two years ago (perhaps they have archives?), had briefly discussed how more and more PBS affiliates were refusing to pick up the broadcast citing a high number of fans that pledge but don’t support their local stations. I also believe a news artcile here on DCP covered this, but I'll have to look.

There was booing throughout the season in '93, though most of it had died down by quaterfinals. Semis were kind of a blur, but I don't remember audible booing then. Back to the OP.. I have mixed feelings on the issue -- probably due to having experienced it, heh. In a perfect world, it wouldn't happen. Then again, this is far from what most would call a perfect world. I personally don't do it, but if someone around me wants to, then by all means go ahead. But, don't be surprised if I turn around and BOO you ;)

I believe DCI had pitched the idea of showing the full shows to ESPN (and other broadcasters), and it met with mix results. Their reaction was mostly "People actually sit through hours of that?" I don't think ESPN will ever air the full shows of each finalist even if DCI wanted to. While DCI may produce the broadcast, ESPN still has to sign off on it. Now, I'm not saying it wouldn't hurt to at least show one full show during the broadcast, but I just don't see it happening. Unless, of course, the audience for the broadcast grows and their is more demand for it. As for PBS, they had repeatedly told DCI that they weren't receiving the pledges they needed. So, little by little, stations started to pull out of showing the broadcast at all. The tweaking of the format may have been to reduce costs, or perhaps see what they could do and perhaps market elsewhere. I don't know. Anyway, there is constructive criticism and whinning. Most do the later (e.g. I'm not watching the ESPN broadcast unless DCI shows the full shows). That's fine, mind you. But, it would serve everyone better if they perhaps offered some input on how to improve what is there. Just my two cents.

Snares used to be tilted when they were carried over the shoulder in a sling -- it's natural as someone else pointed out. Most lines use a traditional grip (which descends from the tilted snare), so it makes sense to tilt the snare. Under the right instruction and taking physics into mind, you can get some great results from a tilted snare vice a horizontal. And it's not really copying SCV, as there were no harnesses in the early '70s .. everyone used straps.

IMO, it's the writing. They have dense books, with a lot of beefy stuff, but it's not very musical. At times I am left wondering how the arrangements compliment the horn books at all. I think other lines have had more "musical" books in past years. That said, they've always had awesome talent -- this year being a fine example. Much cleaner than in previous years, as well.

There would still be full shows on PBS if so many fans didn't renege on their pledges. Now, those who want to watch the full shows can buy the DVDs, or attend the cinema showings (if they're close to a participating theatre) instead of making a pledge. I don't see what all the whinning is about. The broadcasts were meant to promote the activity, not display the full shows -- that has always been made clear.

Switching to Dynasty Drums would be like a downgrade from what they use now. They're better sticking with Pearl, IMO.

And, unfortunately, most fans were not following through on their pledges either.

Nope, I didn't catch that. However, I did notice quite a few mistakes within different corps during the broadcast that I didn't while sitting there at finals. I must say, I kinda *chuckled* when they said Cadets were going to use all the hash marks on the field right before they showed their segment.

Someday, someone should publish a book on the numerous DCI conspiracy theories. It just might rival the Bible in size Perhaps, only 10 were showcased because that is all time allowed? Sure, some segments could have been cut, but then you lose the back story (which is what average Joe wants).

<snip> Though this broadcast is targeted at individuals who are not familiar with drum corps - thus they probably have never even purchased a ticket, or attended a show. Just like the NBA, NFL and MLB, DCI chose to highlight its "big boys" to perhaps appeal to the largest audience. Sure it would be nice to have a blurb here or there, but the broadcast served its purpose nonetheless. On another note, it was clear the broadcast was going to focus on finals and be a recruiting tool -- and compressed into an ESPN-driven 2 hour time format. So, I don't see the big deal about non-finals performing corps not being highlighted. There was barely even time to do that. For now I'll settle with the fact that this niche activity even got airtime on ESPN. The broadcasts will probably never appeal to your hardcore drum corps fan, and frankly, it's not really designed to.

Indeed. It has a lot to do with V.F.W. Blue (more specifically the blue star) symbolizes the sacrafices service members have made to protect and defend our freedom. If the service-member died on duty, then a gold star was displayed by the family instead. For example, The Blue Devils (named "Blue" for the V.F.W. color and "Devils" after Concord's local land mark, Mt. Diablo). This is actually stated on their web site.

Over - Blue Devils. I liked the opening segment; however, I just couldn't get into what followed. I actually zoned out at two of the six shows I saw them perform at. Under - Crown and Cavies. This wasn't your usual Cavie show, and I think that is what has disappointed a lot of people this year. I thought it was a good show, regardless. I particularly liked the arrangements.

All of them! But, if I had to narrow it down to 5... Star of Indiana (biased ;) 27th Lancers Suncoast Sound Sky Ryders Bridgemen

Awesome. Good luck to both corps.