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We have recently discovered a problem with how our server is handling 2015 information requests. You may have experienced an error message when clicking SUBMIT, or you may have reached the Thank You page and believe everything worked as planned. It appears now that in both cases the information is not reaching our office as it has in the past. IF YOU SUBMITTED AN INFORMATION REQUEST FOR RECEIVING 2015 COLTS AUDITION INFORMATION, WE ASK THAT YOU SEND THE INFORMATION AGAIN VIA EMAIL BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: www.colts.org/info.asp FIRST AUDITION WEEKEND: November 21-23, 2014 in Dubuque, Iowa Thank you! Our apologies for any inconvenience. Jeff MacFarlane, Executive Director Colts Youth Organization #foolishmiscalculation

Seems like a rather involved concept to portray in a 9-minute Open Class show...with no dialogue. Sure has an exciting edge to the presentation. Just not sure I'm gonna know what's going on without some sort of narrative in advance.

Just found a camp video on their website in an article about January auditions: http://www.colts.org/news/news.cfm?news_id=595 I have confirmed with someone in the know that Summertime is NOT part of the 2012 program. Too bad there's not a way to transport Harpo (soprano soloist) back in time so today's fans could hear that '82 ('83?) version. I know there have been great soloists through the years but this guy was amazing!

Interesting group of names the Colts have pulled together. I have seen Mr. Lizotte in action and he is a wonderful, and very knowledgeable, educator. The members are fortunate to have him on board. And the Hall of Famers speak for themselves. Good work, Colts! Anxiously awaiting the percussion staff announcement and 2012 design team.

Why I would argue away from the encore is that it's likely to be a number of old school moments rolled out to (likely) huge applause for what it was. Don't get me wrong, I would love every last one. But I think the concert concept, while something drawn from the past, can be recreated in a fresh new way with new tunes and new moments/memories. I believe it would not hinder design but become just a different brush in the paint box. But it will not happen unless it is guided by rule (or BD makes it popular and then the rest follow suit).

Thank you. You are correct...in his opinion, which I share.

There are many required elements in a drum corps show. Fewer now than "back in the day" but still requirements nonetheless. And there are other requirements that are not in the rules. It is essentially required for a corps to amplify its front ensemble in they choose to compete for a Finals night position. It's not in the "rule book," but you would not be taken seriously if you didn't. I think the point of the OP was, what could be done to bring the musical/visual balance back in line because it is definitely tilted to the side of visual? My opinion is that this is one of the more interesting concepts I've heard in some time that feels like it could actually happen. The musical entertainment that would result would far outway any perceived visual boredom. And it would give the guard an opportunity to take possession of the visual stage (which they do anyway but hopefully you get my drift). I'm not trying to be old school, but the concert numbers were some of the most memorable moments in the activity. Legend Of A One-Eyed Sailor....to play it at a tempo that made any visual sense would destroy it, IMO. But it was awesome in it's day and to be redone in a modern arrangement would be incredible....moving or not.

I'm going to have to agree with a previous poster, HH, in that I don't think you can stop judging visual unless you forced them to wear a blindfold....which was my point earlier about them "not judging" preshow. I think there are opportunities for visual expression even while in place. Not necessarily standing still but essentially in place. If this were a rule a few years back and most people were simply doing a park-n-blow, and then BD comes walking out with white chairs, they take a seat and play some smokin' hot jazz chart for 2:00, and then get up and carry their chairs to the sidelines, the crowd would have went wild (which they kinda did) and they should be rewarded visually for how they handled the "concert" portion of their show. I think the initial point was that for 2:00 you make music the emphasis. Corps that tried to be so visually creative in their concert number that the music became uninteresting whould, in my world, be highly downgraded. To say, as an earlier poster suggested, that nothing is stopping you from stopping and playing for 2:00 is true. Except that in doing so, you are removing any competitive element of the activity from your kids because the corps would be roasted on the sheets.

Preshows are not supposed to be judged either but I'm sure they are designed create an impression in the minds of the judges who have not yet officially started the judging process. Otherwise, why do them? Corps at the highest end of the activity are not doing a 1:00-2:00 preshow for the fans. If it were not to enhance their possibility of moving up the food chain, they would not waste the limited educational opportunities they now have.

I only read through 2+ pages so forgive me if this was mentioned earlier...but I wanted to reply to those who suggested that the 2:00 standstill musical piece should be more of an encore. I'm not sure how this is any more constraining that letting the designers decide where they would like to place the standstill piece within their allotted time? Some (maybe many) might decide that it's best suited at the end of the program. But I believe that if the requirement to be stationary -- with the exception of guard -- were put in place, designers would come up with some very creative uses of the time. As part of a design team, I can confirm that MANY charts that would be enjoyable, entertaining, and educational just cannot be performed on the move for a variety of reasons. I really like the idea for the performers AND the fans! Designers can deal with whatever constraints they're given.

Just read the article. I had a chance to tour the University of Minnesota marching band facilities last year during the tornado at TCF Bank Stadium (Minneapolis regional). A friend is in the UM marching band. The facilities are amazing! Anyway... Good luck, Colts! Have a great day.

I would have to agree with Mr. Boo on the funding side of things. Getting a corps down the road is brutally expensive these days. Not to mention most bands don't have regionals in Minneapolis, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Allentown before heading to their championships in Indy.

I see that techs have been posted for brass, guard and vis. Looks like some good consistency in brass and vis staffs. A few changes in the guard. Still waiting to see how the percussion staff shakes out.

Saw Dr. Vasquez screaming a few high notes during an encore after the Kansas City show this year. I'll second your opinion!

I'm for the current system...as long as they don't try to include the Tea Party.