Alex M.

Sweet. Thanks for the definition.

Has there not been a thesis written on drumline arranging styles? It would be fun to study the great arrangers of our time and how they stylistically differ. It would also be fun to read the experiences and lessons learned from past students.

I apologize upfront for the ignorance. Obviously, Ralph Hardimon is a living legend. However, due to my inexperience and plain old lack of knowledge I just don't quite understand how he separated himself as an arranger. The term "musical" seems to follow him when speaking about percussion books. But, doesn't a percussion book need to be somewhat musical in order to fit with the music. Enlighten me.

Love it! Thanks for sharing the memories, Kevin.

"Amen" to that. '98 is easily one of my top 3 fav. drumlines EVER!!!! I remember them warming up in Ogden and I was totally salivating. What caught my attention was their tech. Huge heights. Monster sound.

I definitely can hear CC use the synth to get some oomph at the end of the show (Quarter Recording). BUMMER!!!!

The recent thread "Largest Gap, closed during Championship Week" has got me thinking about how corps can elevate scores during the last three days of the season. I did not march, so I have no perspective. I'm assuming that maybe corps just perform better on finals night. However, does the staff water down the the book here and there? OR Is it judging panels giving extra love because "it is finals!" Is there really much a corps can do on such short notice?

I hope this is true. It seems like Troop has a tendency to take 2 steps forward and 10 steps back. I'm concerned that if they don't make finals the vets will use this year as training and move over to a perennial finalist like BK. And, it seems like they have had a revolving door of staff. I realize Amman was in the house for quite some time, but since then it has appeared inconsistent (please correct me if I'm wrong). How long will this killer staff stick around? If they (Troop) do make finals, I'd imagine BK would have to be a bit concerned. These corps compete from the same regional pool of musicians. If Troop gets better and better BK's pool may not be as strong in the future. My fingers are crossed that '09 Troop performs on Saturday this year. I really dig some of their shows and wish them all the success in the world.

The mic didn't pick it up, but there was definitely a small group at the Utah show who threw out a "VANGUARD" right before the big impact.

"What we have here is a failure to communicate." DCI could really smooth things over with a simple email blast to all Fan Network users explaining what is happening. That's the least they could do for their paying customers. Instead, we have everyone speculating and riling each other up. I'd definitely be more sympathetic too. But, as it turns out I'm still waiting to see VOD from the Ogden show. I may get it......the day of (or after) DOTR. Don't get me wrong...I love the concept and think 39 clams is a great value to watch the season unfold. I'd pay the $39 again next year too to see early season stuff. However, my expectations would be WAY lower and my perceptions of DCI's effort would be tarnished. This is horrible PR that can be solved very easily ---COMMUNICATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think of Star 93 when watching SCV 09 too. However, for different reasons. Not emotionally, but dynamically. SCV '09 is one of the rare shows (maybe only 2 shows) that are incredibly fragile AND incredible powerful. One of the reasons I love SCV 09 is because of the sensitivity AND boldness. Anywho, same thing with Star 93. SCV 09 is handling the sensitivity like champs, and I'm loving it. So tender when needed. So "rocking the house" when needed. Do I sound like a chick?

Thanks for the heads up. They just came off as "cheese" in a classy show.

Hi Guys, Alex "the Lurker" here. I just returned home from the O-Town show. Here are my impressions... BD - Much better live than on the Fan Network. In fact, I'd suggest staying away from any video coverage of BD and wait until you can see the show live. Video just doesn't do it justice. "Smoking" all the way around. SCV - I am so glad I got to see this show live. It's for real. It gave me "goosebumps the size of watermelons." I could have cried like a little baby. The new intro is awesome and is such a great segue into the show. The only thing I don't like is the synth. Sorry synth dude. It really sticks out in two parts. One being the stupid bird chirps. They've got to go and only distract me from the awesomeness. Please get rid of the bird chirps!!!!!!! There's another place that's totally sythned, but I can't remember the section off hand. Nevertheless, '09 SCV is a gift from God! Bluecoats - Rocking drumline. Too bad they dance so much. The whole "undress" thing doesn't really float my boat. Hornline rocks. Good show Bllllluuuuuueeeeeeee... BK - Honestly, the showed didn't do a whole lot for me. No offense BKers. It's not you, it's me. Troopers - Wow Wow Wow. This isn't your grandma's Troop. They sounded great. Loud. In Tune. Drumline is rocking the house and believe it or not, they are sounding cleaner than I've ever heard Troop (ESPECIALLY considering the # of notes). I'm very pleased that I saw them. Welcome back Troop. Keep it going. I loved it. I love you. I love the color guard girls. I'm out.

This thread reminded me of a BK camp I attended in the winter of '92 (for the '93 season). Vets and percussion staff were still on a "Ralph is here" high and I remember one alumni )who was helping with bass drum auditions) state that Ralph would bring BK a championship in 2-3 years. The results have spoken for themselves. Having Aungst at BS is no guarantee their placing will move into the top 5.

That second movement is amazing. The percussion has soooo much going on and I always feel like I make a new discovery with each listen. Prosperies best work! I don't care for the opener and closer, but the middle (drum solo through end of ballad) are some of the most amazing moments in DCI.

Speaking of Phantom '96 drums, who was the percussion caption head that year? Was Prosperie still around?

Just curious, is there a monetary reward for the world champs, or top three, or ANYTHING. Or, is it all about the glory. What would the incentive be for a judge to favor a corps, other then remaining loyal to his/her favorite? Thanks, Alex

This doesn't make sense. If it is purely a copyright issue, and not a royalty issue, then wouldn't corps be concerned about any YouTube video out there? Why would ASCAP care what year the footage is? A violation is a violation, right? Policing this stuff has to be a bear. I can't believe no corps has tried to monetize on in-season drumline shots. Heck, give the power to the fans, and do like Tim. Corps can have fans submit video to the corps for posting on the Fan Network. I'm not a member of the FN, but I would EASILY throw down $70 for regular drumline footage. Alex M.

Cadets. 1999 DATR. Was that the NY - NY show? The closing of the opening movement I believe, and the corps "wound up" from a line into a box. As the box wound, someone tripped and then, KA-BOOM. Cadets were falling all over the place. I'd never seen such a scene. Alex M. (Lurker no more)