GREENBLUE

Earlier on, I tried to give a clue when I put "about 15 minutes ago".Glad some of you caught on. And for those of you who haven't already figured it out...yes, "Paparazzi" is the one by Lady Gaga. Germanotta and Fusari were the writers.

when they release the show title the musical selections will make sense

Got the Show Title and all the musical selections about 15 minutes ago...have to say i'm extremely excited for this year and incredibly happy with all seven of the musical selections.

I toally agree with your comment regarding visual design effecting other captions. Thats's why I'm not being quick to judge....yet :) There maybe some positives in the change. Maybe Cavies brass will produce higher scores if they're not running around on the field. Maybe more melodic/difficult parts through the brass as well, instead of the front ensemble carrying melody while the brass marches frantically from set to set behind them. This past year, i thought the Cavies guard, for the most part, was staged in too many small groups across the field with each group doing too many different things. I didnt really receive the effect that I had wanted from the 32 men working together. I really appreciate when guards get staged as a whole from time to time in a show. it adds alot of effect (see phantom or coats). My point is...sometimes change while being different may be for the better. Ultimately, I want a drum corps that excites me visually, but also musically effects me emotionally. If a corps can find the right combination of both....they had me at hello. The Cavies have always been a visual juggernaut, i just hope for the day when they can find that perfect mix. My dream corps would combine Cavies visual/execution with Phantoms musical emotion.

Trust me, I believe Michael Gaines is an amazing drill designer and one of the largest reasons for the Cavies recent successes. my stomach dropped when i heard he was taking a break. But, the OP had the Cavies dropping to 6th place because of Gaines leaving. Thats the reason for the post. there is no way that the Cavies show design will drop them in the score range of a 92/93(based on recent 6th place shows). For them to drop to a score that low they're going to need to have miscues in more captions then just the show design. I will admit that the past few years, I have felt the drill to be a little predictable and regurgitated from years past. Do I know if Hinshaw will be the savior, absolutely not. But I do think that the drum corps is moving in a different direction then just 250+ charts of drill. Look at the Blue Devils success the past few years, it was more about the staging with drill thrown in (they scored higher then the Cavies in most visual aspects). The Cavies have also added a consultant to the design team that will focus on corps staging and production design. Basically, we're at a wait and see at this point in time, but we will know soon enough. Michael Gaines was a very important part to the success of the Cavaliers and their visual identity. But JD Shaw was a very important part of Phantoms' musical identity, does that mean they drop to 9th because he's gone? we shall see....

6.) Cavies- I know, they're the Green Machine, but drill design has been holding back Academy, can we not expect the same at Cavs? FSUBONE, I'll start by saying, The Academy is my local drum corps, I attend their local shows, attend their concerts and picnics, donate to the uniform/gas funds, raffles, etc....BUT, and I say this meaning no disrespect.The talent level and experience of the Academy members/staff as a whole does not compare to that of the Cavaliers. To say that the product Hinshaw produced at the Academy will be the same as he'll produce at the Cavaliers is kind of underestimating Hinshaw and the Cavaliers organization. With the Cavies, Hinshaw is surrounded by a design team that knows what it takes to win/succeed. I know for a fact he's working in conjunction with Tommy Allen, he also knows that all eyes will be on him to see how he compares to Gaines. In quotes on the Cavies press release he even mentions the tradition and history of the Cavies drill designers (ie..Brubaker, Gaines) as well as how excited he is to work at the next level and design for a corps with so much talent. Besides that, Gaines is just a phone call away if any advice is needed. If you take one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and replace his current roster with that of, for example, a lower Division I college as well as their assistant coaches, there's only so much he can get out of that particular talent/staff. His coaching abilities will only get him so far without the talent and resources he's used to surrounding himself with. Give Hinshaw and the Cavies the benefit of the doubt before dropping them to their lowest ranking in 15 years. PS: very proud of the Academy and what they have accomplished in bringing drum corps to the Valley of the Sun, see you in June!!!

I wouldn't call anyone on DCP necessarily a troll. What DCP is, is a group of people who are very passionate, educated and committed to the success of drum corps and their respected corps. You have to remember there are people on this forum who have been around drum corps longer then you have been alive and have spent countless hours and dollars to ensure its success/future.

I totally understand and respect your point, but i'm sure there are alot of people (myself included) who are still in disbelief that the judges placed the Blue Devils higher then the Cavies in VISUAL GE this year....and this is in no disrespect to the Blue Devils. I do think the Cavies visually peaked a few weeks early this year, it would have been great to see all the "tricks" revealed around Allentown instead of early in the season. I honestly think if they had waited they would have had a much larger reaction and better score. For example, look at Mad World, that show started the season in 5th place, and constantly evolved and progressed in theme. Same with the Cadets this year, that show theme evolved and peaked at the right time.

FYI, Cavies got 2nd in MUSIC GE and 3rd in Visual GE at Finals. For most part were finishing 1st during the summer tour,,,,I wouldnt say there's a huge need for panic quite yet. And so far their name/talent/staff/tradition has gotten them: 5 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals since 2000. Again, no need for the life jackets. SINCE 2000: CAVALIERS: 5 GOLD 3 SILVER 3 BRONZE = 11 medals BLUE DEVILS: 4 GOLD 5 SILVER 2 BRONZE = 11 medals CADETS: 3 GOLD 2 SILVER 3 BRONZE = 8 medals PHANTOM: 1 GOLD 1 SILVER 1 BRONZE = 3 medals SCV: 0 GOLD 0 SILVER 1 BRONZE = 1 medal CROWN: 0 GOLD 1 SILVER 0 BRONZE = 1 medal BLUECOATS: 0 GOLD 0 SILVER 1 BRONZE = 1 medal

To the OP, I think that you would be incredibly happy and priveledged to be a member of either amazing drum corps. Congrats to Crown for having amazing brass lines the past few years and winning the Ott in 2009/2011. BUT, realistically they beat the Cavies by only 5 tenths of a point in brass. You're not talking a huge margin. Both have different approaches in method and teaching, you have to decide which is most suited for you. BTW, Stevedb1975 (re: your now deleted post).....Crown should be very proud of their two Ott awards, but Im almost positive the Carolina Crown organization would take 7 world titles over 2 Otts anyday.

Crusaders have already announced they're doing Pines of Rome...i'm gonna guess that one's out of the running

Although we haven't heard much from a lot of the corps' yet....i'll take a shot: (my predicitions may change after all the show announcements have been made) BD-safe to assume, until i hear or see otherwise Cavies-it is an "even" year...lol, they tend to do well Crown-time for them to medal again, and the staff changes may have helped Cadets-they seem to do better in "odd" years. is 12.25 the new Jeffey? we'll see... SCV-Do they have the talent and the show to match the level of their staff? hmmm... Phantom-with all the changes, dont see them finishing much better Coats- again, too many changes to see them in the top six, maybe even 8th or 9th Madison-think this could be the year they crack the TOC 8 Stars- last year was a fluke,take it as a learning lesson and move on up BK-usually a given for a top 12 spot, dont see why this year would be different Boston- 2012 version of 2011 Blue Stars Spirit- ride the momentum from last year, but watch out, Academy/Glassmen are close by

In the past five years at WC I would definitly say Spartacus had the biggest crowd response I'd seen. In 2011 I thought Madison had a great response, but also the crowd reaction for the Cavies after the DM started conducting upside down had the crowd on its feet till the end.

For myself, there is no hate towards the Blue Devil organization or its members. I believe them to be one of the most talented, consistent organizations in DCI. BUT, I find my contempt to be more towards how the judges have been rewarding the recent show designs in terms of effect, design and marching difficulty scores. I have absolutley no issue with the performance scores, but am still trying to figure out how park n blows, sitting on chairs and follow the leader drill is more difficult than 250+ of well executed, well designed drill sets. The same with general effect, when the crowd awards a show with polite golf claps and token standing ovations(I stand outta respect and admiration of the performers) how is that show rewarded higher then shows that receive 3 standing o's throughgout the perfomance and keeps the crowd on their feet till the very end. I know some of you are going to say its jealousy that feeds this crowd reaction, but I believe if the Blue Devils designed shows that appealed to the masses, we would once again see more fan support for the organization.

Definitly going to: 6/20: Mesa, AZ 7/01: Riverside, CA 7/07: Denver, CO 8/09: Prelims 8/10: Semis 8/11: FINALS! Possibly: 7/18: Broken Arrow, OK 7/19: Denton, TX 7/20: Houston, TX 7/21: San Antonio, TX

unless Phantom can resurrect Luciano Pavarotti....i'd prefer there to be no singing. Thanks.

Theyre gonna need to pass out Librettos for this one.... That being said. Nessun Dorma = favorite aria of all time

A big thank you to Jeff for putting to rest the rumors and speculation!!!

For what its worth: (from Cavaliers.org) Gaines Steps Down After 25 Years Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 - 2:07 PM By Christopher Lugo After 25 years of involvement as a member, instructor and lead designer, Michael Gaines is stepping down from his role as the Visual Coordinator and Drill Designer for the 7-time Drum Corps International (DCI) World Champion, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. "Of course this has been a difficult decision, but I've made sure that the corps is in an incredibly strong place before taking this personal break from the drum corps activity," said Gaines. "I've grown up with The Cavaliers, and I'm forever indebted to the organization and its leaders for taking a chance on me early in my career. I have nothing but the utmost respect for and the fondest memories of my mentors, colleagues, students and dear friends from the past and present. It's certainly been a wild ride!" "We're completely supportive of Michael's decision," said President and Corps Director Adolph DeGrauwe. "He has given The Cavaliers, drum corps and the pageantry world some of the most innovative and creative productions of all-time, and we are blessed to have experienced his direction and vision for so long. It has been a privilege to work with Michael, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors." In his letter to DeGrauwe and Koter, Gaines eased the concerns regarding his departure. "Let me assure all supporters and fans of the Green Machine that this is completely my decision, and I have nothing but love and affection for The Cavaliers and all the people who dedicate so much to this organization" added Gaines. "The members, the volunteers, the directors, the tour managers, the administration, the board, the instructional staff, and the design team are all wonderful people whose kindness and love to me has been quite overwhelming. It has meant so much." Gaines closed by saying, "The Cavaliers always taught me to leave a place in better condition than I found it. I hope I have done that, and it is my sincere hope that 2012 is the best year ever for The Cavaliers!"

completely honest, my first reaction was "OH NO!" but then i stepped back and really analyzed the situation. There is no doubt that Gaines is one of the best...but then I started to really think about it and take a long look at the Cavaliers shows from recent years and came to the conclusion that maybe it is time to move in a new direction. Let me explain. 2000-2004: some of, if not the best and most innovative drill in the activity. By far Gaines best years! 2005: didnt really care for the program that year, so that was a "meh" year for me 2006: not only great drill but a strong overall concept 2007: program and drill "meh" 2008: loved this show some great drill moments and loved the programming 2009: didnt like anything about this show including the drill 2010 and 2011: some great drill moments and staging, but overall i think it was the the theme/concept that really sold theses shows, not necessarily the drill. My point is, I think the past few years while the design team has pushed the limits on show design I think the drill writing has become too stagnant and predictable, Dont take this wrong, still incredible, but predictable for the Cavaliers. This year during Xtraordinary, it was the first time that I really felt like I ve seen this drill too many times from the men. And when the Samurai jump was brought into the ending I remember thinking to myself, this is cool, but I wish something new was created. While change can be scary, it can be exciting as well. I know Hinshaw in the past has worked with Scott Koter and Sheldon Apo so they are familiar, and Tommy Allen will be collaborating directly with him as well. Much thanks to Michael for his many, many years of excellence. But a fresh view may be what the Cavies need to bring home that ellusive 8th Championship.

kinda seems like a lateral move on the part of both corps. Obviously these were weaknesses of both this past season and it just seems that theyre desperate to find an answer. Does anyone else find all these staff changes going on in the top 12 odd or is just me?

Just completed the survey, attended both in 2010 and 11. Very thorough survey, kinda thought the question listing each corps and if you liked their show better then the year before was kinda odd. For example, Mad World was my favorite show of 2010, but that doesnt mean that I didnt enjoy Xtraordinary. I enjoyed BD 2011 more then I liked 2010, but that doesnt mean that i wanna see drum corps doing the 2011 style of show. I definitly gave my opinion on judging though, and how it should be "revised".

This is the thing folks...Michael Gaines has been a part of the Cavaliers Organization for 20+ years. He is a FMM, and inducted into DCI Hall Of Fame because of his work with the Cavaliers. I would hope if there ever comes a time for Michael to leave/retire from the Cavies, that he and/or organization would be given proper notice of his/their intent. I really dont think its in Michaels nature to just jump ship to another corps. Besides, lets be honest here, there aren't very many corps out there who could execute his drill as consistently or at the level as the Cavies. And for those, who say Santa Clara would be closer...Michael works with groups all over the country (ie Pride of Cincinnati), just not the Cavies. He was just in Thailand adjudicating. And to the DCP poster who quotes Michaels bio from his web site. That is word for word on The Cavaliers website as well and has read that way all season long. But, who knows? Ive been wrong before....and stranger things have happened

I agree with you 100%... And Im not sure that drill design has been an issue with vanguard...in fact i think theyre consistently one of the best.

along those same lines....Since 1990, except 1991 and 1993, 2 corps from the CADEVALIERS have medaled every year. AND in that same time frame, 8 times (95,99,00,01,02,03,07,11) the three took home all medals. Talk about dominating.