CabsMelloGirl

You know... there's an upside and a downside to being smack dab in the middle of the line... The upside is that people get tons of pictures of you. The downside is that people get tons of pictures of you.... :) And MAN I have to do something better with my hair under my sombrero! Thanks for the great pictures and audio from BOTH shows, Tony!

Rumor had it Fusion may have a twist up their sleeve tonight.....

Thanks for the review! The Alumni tends to get left out frequently and we always appreciate what our fans have to say about our shows. Just a quick correction. We actually played Cachita to play the corps' back on the field. Cherry Pink unfortunately is not in our repertoire this year, and the last time we played it was in Plymouth in November in dedication to Ralph Silverband. I believe I was told the C2 played the Back to the Future theme coming off of the field (this was from my husband, who was standing in line with Cabs competing corps, as I was already off the field with the Alumni).

I don't know the exact tenths as I was on the field and couldn't write them down, but heres the basics.... Buccs 92 everything but honor guard Cabs 89 Hurcs 87 Empire 85 honor guard C2 84 Fusion 81

My bad... I missed that. However, it would be nice for people to see the real scores along with the review. :)

Thanks for the kind words for both of my corps'. However, I believe you have the scores wrong. There was no 8 point spread between Cabs and Buccs. Here are the correct scores from the show, just to set the record straight. Buccaneers 77.700 Caballeros 73.050 Fusion Core 67.750 Carolina Gold 65.800 Windsor Regiment 59.350

It's the Latin music that keeps me from being able to be out and about on a regular basis with my jacket on without being stopped by some random person on the street somewhere to ask a question about it.... including my own church, from my own priest... go figure... Everyone knows Cabs (not saying that they don't know other corps), but man, I feel #### proud when someone asks me when I marched... it's even gotten me out of a speeding ticket or two.... Maybe it's that I grew up with it... but I also agree that if you can do it well, continue to do it. If you consistently worked with scripting language you knew inside and out like HTML and had a HUGE project do, would you suddenly decide to write in JAVA instead, just because you know it kind of? In other words, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Anyone can play anything... but not everyone can do everything well... It's the same way that Brigs were always playing jazz, Empire plays show tunes, Bucs stick with a lot of classical pieces.. it's what they do best. We happen to do Latin best... I seem to remember another corps one year attempting not only to play Latin, but to even do a pinwheel in their show (who remembers who and when?)... Didn't go so well for them...DCI corps do it, why should it be different for DCA? And besides... no one gets tired of the Alumni playing Latin... why should it be different for the field corps? No, it's honestly not enjoyable to be consistently in 5th place. I'm not going to lie on that point, especially being with the corps from the get go with an undefeated season and through 2 titles.... HOWEVER ($1 to Eric Robertshaw) I don't think, and never HAVE thought, that the numbers and the placements are the important thing. I don't care if I go out there and score a 50.... if I did the best #### show I could, then that's what matters. Maybe that's why I enjoy being with the Alumni at this point... there's no numbers, only the quality of performance and enjoyment of the crowd to consider... I can't speak for anyone else on this matters, but that's just my train of thought. However, competition, regardless of what "sport" the competition is, wouldn't be so if there weren't people out there that were going to gripe about something. So... gripe away! I need to go find a drink and some popcorn.... By the way... how about them Sunrisers?

Actually... the rarely spoken of season of 2005.... the corps did not even compete in Wildwood. They did an exhibition of half their show. However, that being said, I think EVERY corps had some issues out there. I did not see one corps (Although I did not get to see Carolina or Fusion unfortunately, we were heading to warm up when they were on) where every player got every horns up, every direction change, were always in step, etc. It's the first show of the season. Whether or not you've had drill since March or since May, it's the first show, and no one is ever perfect. I believe every corps achieved their goals of being entertaining to the crowd. And boy, was it good to see Sunrisers back out there this season. That's a corps I grew up watching as a kid in my early years of drum corps experience. I'm excited to see how they progress this year. Let's talk about that... a corps that has been fighting since 2001 (or was it 2000?) to put out a competitive corps that has made a return to the field. That's achievement right there. Way to go, guys. I look forward to seeing more of you this summer. Let's talk about Windsor Regiment... in their first DCA performance ever. Wow... I was impressed by them on Saturday. For a new corps, they are very well put together and well prepared for their first performance in competition. How many other "new" corps have attempted to put together something and have not even made it through the winter? These guys did... New blood to DCA. That's awesome. Why do we have to always talk about the negatives? Let's focus on the things that are going to keep this activity alive. After all, that should be the most important thing, right? As for the Cabs, I have no doubt that they will be more than prepared in 12 weeks for DCAs. That corps is something else... they always have something to pull out. Will it win every time? No. But man, they're going to going to give their all every time they're out there have a good time trying, and the crowd will love to watch them every time.

Being one of those "Old-guys" (and those who know me know I'm only an honorary old guy), thank you. Sat night was my first performance with the Alumni corps... marching with people that I had remembered watching at rehearsals as a kid in the post, guys I haven't marched alongside with since my rookie year, guys I've always wanted to be able to say, "yes, I've marched alongside of him"... And being able to have Russo back up in front conducting... holy crap, batman... What a rush it was... And I thought the stage shows were awesome... I'm not gonna lie... I think I may have been the happiest "kid" (well, I guess compared to them I am a kid...) out there all night. I was honestly worried about whether or not I was going to enjoy myself out there after running around with the field corps for the past 3 years, but snap, man... I think I have officially found my "drum corps crack"....

Cavies and Scouts get away with this because they are a fraternity. I believe years ago, if I remember hearing correctly, it WAS fought, and the case was lost by the person who fought it, because, as a fraternity, they are not required to follow non-discrimination of genders. While I am a member of a fraternity, as is my sister, they are both Co-ed. Scouts and Cavies are not recognized as co-ed and therefore do not have to allow women into the organizations. In regards to C2... yes, while I'm slightly bothered by it, a good point was brought up to me by a fellow Cab and previous Cadet member... as a private organization, they are allowed to restrict membership as necessary. In the end, it's DCA that's allowing them to be on the same circuit. No one argues with DCI about the age limit, and they are a private organization that governs a competitive circuit for other private organizations. DCA is the same, just without the age limit. Therefore, is there much difference? And in regards to the younger members in DCA corps... being that I'm not 30 yet, 3 years ago I was one of 10 members out of 50 horn players in the corps that were born after 1982.... And the majority of those that weren't are 17/18 y/o. Even now. As a whole, in the 17 years I've been around the activity (which I realize is a drop in the bucket to most of you) the average age of DCA corps has been getting lower. It's just how it is. Yes, there are a few olders in the corps... I think in ALL corps there are a few of middle and upper aged members sprinkled in amongst the "kids". But I also see those "kids" pushing those older members to work harder and be better. No one wants to be out worked by a kid. I was kind of shocked when I came back in '08 and realized that I was considered old in my mid-20s... yea... so if that doesn't say something to the average ages. It could be a good thing. It could be a bad thing. We don't know until it happens.

In regards to auditions... we do the same as MCL in which your ability is assessed as to where you'll be the most benefit for the corps. It doesn't make sense to have a lead on 3rd if you need leads, nor a person who THINKS they can play lead that struggles consistently because they cannot play the part. That is not, nor has it been, the issue with us, but it helps to also fill out the balance as well... they can better assess what the ability level is, and then decide how to balance each of the parts and who will be best to place where. You will not get cut just because you are a weaker musician... as a matter of fact, there are many new to instrument members in the past years. The staff AND other members will take the time to help new comers to the instrument learn and succeed as best as they can. As long as you are willing, the corps will love to have you around, and will do everything in their power (including helping with fundraising and sponsorships to help your dues/tuition) to help you be there. We offer housing for members without places to stay, and many vets that are in the area even open their doors to members. I frequently have 5-10 people at my house over the weekends and have for the past 16 years, and I'm not active with the field corps, only the alumni this year. I know people that have more. We have several members from Canada, and in the past few years, have had members come from Japan to march with us that we have found housing and jobs for to help them be able to be a part of the corps. Basically, we won't turn people away because of ability, financial issues, etc. We will help you learn, put you in a position where you'll succeed, and work with you to help you with your dues if you are having some financial problems. We want you to be with us if you want to be there.

Let's see... with Doc being one of our oldest... in 2009... we had one that was a year older than Doc at the time, and a 14 y/o in the trumpet section, both from Canada. That 14 y/o is still marching, although not 14 now. The oldest was one of our lead Mellophone players. In 2008 I believe one of our Snare drummers was also only 14, and we had a girl in the guard that was 13/14 as well (her father was one of our long running LP members). I myself started helping on the truck at 15 and was in uniform at 16, and my sister was also a rookie at 16 back in '95, when the average age of the corps was probably a good 10-15 years older than it is now and there were less than a handful of high school kids involved... Although Doc does kind of skew that number a bit and balances it out a bit... By the way, Doc.... Cabs wouldn't be the same without you there. You make me NOT feel old... and I'm not old, but around those kids, I feel ancient some days... I just think if you can do it, I can do it. To give you a better idea of the average age of the corps... back in 2008, we were asked in horn arc to raise our hands if we were born after 1981... out of 50 horns, all but I think 8 of us raised their hands.... That number is smaller now if you had the 3 years it's been and had them raise their hands born after 1984... I pretty sure there's only 6 of them now...

I know Cabs do something along those lines... it's more like they help set you up on a payment schedule to help pay your dues once you commit to marching. You do not have to pay to be able to come, check it out, and sit in/play for a camp, unlike DCI corps. But the plan is set up so you can a little every week/camp, as opposed to the whole dues amount all at once.. makes things easier for the younger members. Whatever amount you pay every week goes directly to your dues. Once your dues are paid in full, you no longer have to make payments. So, if you pay all your dues up front, you don't have to give anymore at camps. If you're done paying in say, March, no more paying every camp. It's not really a camp fee. If that makes sense?

Well, that's good, because I won't be there for the their rehearsal weekend either... Getting married that weekend to my Caballero Sweetheart. :) But I'm pretty sure I'll be making it down for the Elks Parade... I'll be at the corner of the bar at Kelly's I'm sure at some point over the weekend. :)

If I can remember who it was, I'll definitely let her know, though I'm pretty sure I know who it was. I'll definitely pass the message along.

Jeff, I think being brought to attention while you guys played was what kept me from coming to full on tears on Saturday night... What an amazing moment in drum corps history...

There are several members that I know personally at some of the top corps that are several years older than you are (two in their 60s!), and they manage quite well. Depends on how far you want to push yourself. I say go for it. There are several corps that currently are still looking to fill some spots. Cabs I believe still have some spots open if I remember the last email I got. Show up and see what happens. No one will turn you away. If you're a willing member they will find a place for you.

Last night was my second performance with the Cabs Alumni, and it was amazing... Also my second performance on stage for Serenade in Brass. I'm not going to lie, I teared up a bit at the end of the show (the again, I teared up at the end of our rehearsal listening to Larry Hershman as well). The closing of America with Westshoremen was pretty awesome. I'm sad to see the show go. I would hope that maybe they would reconsider it. The venue is amazing for drum corps. It is a show that will be sadly missed. I know it was a personal favorite for my mom, who was unable to make the drive out to see the last one this year without having my dad around. I'm sad I didn't get to see/hear anyone else perform, other than watching Bridgemen rehearse in the afternoon before us. But the crowd was amazing... it was a baby-throwing crowd for sure. What a show to close an era with...

My first brass line experience and performance with Cabs was at the Serenade in 2000, when I was 18. It was my 3rd year with the corps then. I remember standing in the stair well getting ready to take the stage, and Dale Russo and I started singing Stand By Me, for whatever reason... As we were standing there, several of the Marine Corps members walked past us, stopped, and sang with us. It was also at the show I got to see my sister for the first time in her Bluecoats uniform... she was fortunate enough to be able to play that year with the select member that were invited to play with the Marine Corps. 3 years later, it was the first time in 2003 that I saw my beloved Caballeros perform. I knew from that night that that year was going to be special for us. This year it will be my second performance with the Alumni corps... my first being Saturday at the Dixie Stinger. What an amazing venue... I can't wait... So sad to see the show leaving...

Let's see... NOT including the two years NOT as a member that I spent with the corps.... 1997- 3rd 1998- 3rd 1999- 5th 2000- 2nd 2001- 3rd 2002- 6th 2003- 1st 2008-5th 2009-5th 2010-5th The only caption I can remember off the top of my head was high brass in 2000... But I could be wrong on this... can't seem to find an archive of all the captions through the years. Even Corpsreps seems to only be bringing up one show from 1998 in the archive...

I myself have never marched DCI... I've been a member of where I am since 1997, and I was 15. My sister's rookie year with the corps was 95 (an amazing rookie season for her) and she was 16. Previously she had gone to try out for Cadets and my dad felt she was too young, and friends of ours marched here, and suggested she should come to Cabs. We've been there since. She did take one year off to do DCI, and marched her age out with Blue Coats in 2000, also a great year to be with that corps. I am going into my 16th season with Cabs (considering as a family we started in 95), and with the average age of the corps now, I almost feel like I'm in DCI... and I'm one of the oldies now! Imagine that! Do I regret not doing DCI when I had the chance? A little bit... but I've had other opportunities to do other things that better define me than DCI would. And they're opportunities that I wouldn't have had if is HAD done DCI. I have a lot of friends that have only done one year of DCI despite the multiple seasons of DCA that they've done. And they have all agreed that it was an amazing experience... and that one year was always their age outs. It is expensive. Some people don't have the money, but there is the opportunity to fund raise and gain money from sponsorships. My sister paid for most of her tour that way. IF you plan on only doing one year, I would say march your age out. And march somewhere you want to march, not just somewhere so you can win. That's always been my motto. You want to enjoy yourself. You're paying money to do it. You might as well go where you want to. Good luck to you!

Johnny and Hanges is the best... However, diner wise, I DO highly suggest the Pompton Queen myself... growing there doesn't hurt that at all.... On top of that, if you're near the Hawthorne area, there's also the Empress on River Rd in Fair Lawn that's pretty darn amazing... stick it out and leave room for dessert, and try to Cheesecake... TO DIE FOR... Looking forward to weekend!!! Grand Prix... here we come!

I did find the English button after I posted the message, so I contacted Jacques as well. Please excuse the momentary blonde moment... or call it drum corps deprivation... Thanks, guys!!!

So after the Alumni spectacular, my fiancee's grandmother happened to find a shako by the parking area. It appears to belong to a member of Les Diplomates... it is also containing a polishing cloth. We would like to be able to return it to the owner, but unfortunately, not being able to read French, I'm having a hard time navigating their website. So, what I'm asking, does anyone know of anyone from Les Diplomates that is missing their Shako, or where we can send it so that it'll get back to it's owner?

We have three actually. The oldest is 63 and comes down from Canada every weekend. He's in the Mellophone line... actually he just had a birthday as well. The youngest is one of the Canadian's sons who is 14. Wide range of ages.