BlooContraGuy

I want better (and louder!) tuba sound from more corps. Bluecoats and Crown have that figured out. Madison tried. Blue Stars are pretty awesome. Boston can hold it down. But seriously. If there were more tuba lines like Bloo and Crown... The world would be a better place.

Actually never heard Vanguard's and Garfield's versions. I'll have to change that.

First of all, thanks for the review Rubble. The parts I read were pretty enjoyable and its great to get another perspective on the season. I honestly haven't seen enough of anyone's show to be able to agree or disagree with anything, except that I do agree that the Bluecoats ending could have had just that little "something" added. I don't know what or how that could have been, but after watching it a couple times, I just wish there was something more. Maybe thats a good thing? Anyway. On to the BD/rest-of-the-world debate. Honestly, I saw the show on the Fan Network and thought it was cool as hell! Visually. The things they did with the mirrors were awesome! The music was forgettable, but I can forgive them for that, they haven't done much for me musically since the Sweeney Todd organ theme they played in 2008. They deserved their victory. They pleased fans who had the right mindset and personality. Not everyone can like this show! It's not a question of open-mindedness (usually) as much as it is that the music just isn't as accessible as other corps' may be. In the OP's case, I don't think he went in there with a closed mind. He just didn't enjoy it much. No big deal.

I'm honestly not very concerned about the brass caption at Vanguard. Andre is a phenomenal educator, but the staff coming in has plenty of experience with horn lines and will do their best to keep the brass caption going strong for them. I actually find the fact that Paul Rennick is moving to Vanguard to be much more interesting. I'm VERY excited for their percussion caption and I hope that they can move back up into the top 4 or higher with these changes (even if I still ultimately want to beat my friends who call Vanguard their home ).

Yes. They want to get rid of people who pay them money.

I've never actually watched another corps rehearse... I guess that will go on my to do list when I age out.

Well I know this was on page two... But I just have to say thanks for reminding some of us that DCP is not exactly a perfect sample of the drum corps universe. And to the OP, I imagine that there were a majority of theaters across the country with at least 30 people in them. I was in a relatively small theater but there seemed to be around 50 or more people in there. And the atmosphere was great! I loved the throwback clips. I loved the high quality. I loved getting to go out with my other drum corps friends to watch the fruits of our labor. I loved getting to see the previews for Boston, Troopers and Bluecoats. The only thing I didn't like was the use of so many puns! Though they were kind of funny in their own way. Bottom line: I thought the production was great. And even if it hadn't been, having the right people around you makes it fun anyway. Wow. Is it tour yet?

So I got to attend the Countdown with a large group of fellow UNT students at Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville. I have to say that I was disappointed that we couldn't vote on our favorite shows, but the good people at DCI made a very enjoyable production (even if there were a few too many puns in there). It was fun getting to watch shows with people from other corps. Though my favorite parts were the previews of the upcoming season. Both Troopers and Boston look like they are doing the right things to have a GREAT summer of performances. The Troopers' segment was beautifully done. Every time I hear their introduction to finals last summer I get goosebumps. Love it! And Boston... I just love them. Fantastic corps. I'm glad the world got to see us at the Bluecoats getting our butts whipped into shape! I thought our preview was done well, and I was glad to see that the changes to the uniform turned out well!

I know plenty of people that have experienced exactly the opposite. Though not everyone has their best audition every time they go somewhere trying out for a spot.

I bought an aerobed. definitely helped everything. Wear sunscreen (but not too early! Get your VITAMIN D!!), and drink a lot of water. You know... normal stuff. A lot of people bring Gold Bond for... sensitive issues. But I've never had that problem.

I'd Imagine so.

Dude, the Reading Buccaneers' posters are legit.

...I was going to say that most of Vanguard's show was Ballad-ish. The show that sticks out to me as the one with the least amount of ballad is Boston's show this past summer.

WOW

It's interesting, lets just hope that the members are in shape enough for it I know I wouldn't want to do that. But maybe I'm just lazy...

lol

Santa Vara Clanguard?

Don't they usually wait to announce till like... June?

Just saw that you got sweet feet in 07, congrats on that! And to elaborate on my feelings for not ideally wanting any child I may or may not have march a (lets say) top 7 corps before they graduate high school: I did this. I do not regret it. I just don't like the attitude I got (and the attitude many other high school aged kids share) after coming back to high school from a highly efficient corps. The transition is rough and frankly I was a jerk at times. It's mostly a sign of immaturity on my part, and I just don't necessarily want my kids to have an overly egotistical attitude about their drum corps experience. Maybe they need something like that so that they can learn humility in the long run? It's a tough choice, and I'm not sure that my opinion will stay this way forever. It's one of those "I don't want my kids to make the same mistakes I did" kind of things I guess. And just a reminder, marching was NOT the mistake. How I chose to act and behave about that experience was a mistake. Hope this helps shed some light on my opinion, and understand that given the choice, I would NOT keep my child from marching before his or her HS graduation. I would just try to warn them about the differences between Marching Band and Drum Corps and hope they can make the right decisions on how to act.

Love the Colts' poster! And the Cavaliers one with the rifle was much better IMO.

This is a pretty interesting list to make. If i have kids, what will they be like? I'm just going to assume that they will have a similar personality to mine to make this easier. For a son 1. Bluecoats- The memories I've made here and the way it's run... simply can't be replaced. If I could watch my child get their first set of pennies... It would mean the world to me. 1. Cavaliers- I love this organization. I think it's great that the members can't use cell phones. They get to know each other and create those bonds of brotherhood in their own microcosm without interference. They truly learn who they are. I would want that for my son. 3. Pioneer- From what I know about Pioneer, this would be my number 1 pick for a younger starter. (early high school age) 4. Blue Stars- Simply great corps. 5. Cadets- Class. Discipline. For a daughter 1. Bluecoats- same reason. 2. Cadets- same reason. 3. Boston Crusaders- put on shows that look fun to perform. I have heard nothing negative about them, and I'm quite sure that they can't be so different from other corps. 4. Vanguard- History. Safe choice. 5. Pioneer- same reason. Thats the best I can do for being a 20 year old kid. And for the banter between BD members/fans and others. It gets to the point where I just say, why try and call them out anymore? They like to win. They know how to do it (usually). Do I like their attitude about winning? Nope. But they can feel that way if they want to. And for the record, I wouldn't want my child starting their drum corps experience at a top tier corps before they graduate. If you care enough to want to know why, I'll elaborate.

A lot of the Cadets I know are a lot of fun to be around. They just have a lot of pride in being a part of the organization and firmly believe in respecting the uniform and the people who wear it ...Which is awesome.

lol

Yeah, no doubt about it. To think I kept my thoughts to myself for so many years. Love my experience with corps, it has certainly changed me for the better.