kickhaltsforlife

i love dcp... it is worse than politics in our gov't. Anyway, synths will be good if they are used properly, will be bad if they are used poorly. I'm sure we will see examples of both this upcoming summer. If guidry is still with the Crossmen, they have an advantage in that dept, if they choose to use synths, being that Guidry is behind the design of Ronald Reagan shows, and those shows are always great and exciting every year. They are a good BAND. I don't notice the synths replacing anything. However, i have heard many bad uses, especially in some smaller band circuits like TOB and the growing USSBA (aka George Hopkins says, "everyone wins"). I hope the drum corps designers, being "the best" in their field should create some great show designs while using synths... just like some have created great designs with voice (ala bluecoats) and just with amps altogether (ala crown, phantom). There will be good usage, and bad usage... and DCP will be in an uproar about it until they get used to it, the old cats will never stop complaining... blah blah blah... whatever. I'm rambling now... My point: Synths are going to be good and bad, until people figure it out... and figuring it out is what drum corps is all about.

I agree with the end of the Cadets show. It was one of my favorite endings of this year and is a great representation of the activity as a whole. Also maybe the end of regiment 07

Anytime phantom stands still. It does have to be "park and blow" but its still awesome. What comes to mind first: '93- last chord of Fire of Eternal Glory OMFG!!! '05- near the end, i was shocked they were actually doing that at first, but i loved it, it had a real groove to it. Phantom and GROOVE?!?!?!?!?! OH NOOO! But 1980 spirit.... Crossmen have had some good ones in the past, they tried this year with their Wonderful World hit, but it didn't quite get to the blow part. 08 bluecoats- just a wonderful brass moment all together.

honestly, i didn't notice how horribly i worded that... its what came out of my mind first, usually the filter between mind and fingers is better. I did edit it though, but its not really what i thought.. as the rest of that post comments how i liked it overall... it wasn't a bad brass book, it could have been written a little better, to add more effect.. and that i know it wasn't all him. The post was meant more to compliment Aaron. Epic fail on my part. And i have seen much MUCH worse on here.

1) The goal should be make changes that will benefit the entire activity... and all that is opinion and speculation until the change is made and put into action. I think the goal is to expand the activity as much as possible while still maintaining an identity, that IMO is starting to slip away, but it is still there. 2) Is what going to work. Are changes going to work? Are synths going to work? I hope so, I am a huge fan of "Drum and Bugle Corps" but i see the addition of electronics could be a good thing. It adds so much more creativity, and could be extremely effective... just has to be used right. But i will still call the activity drum corps. 3) New proposals should have EVERYONE in mind. Everyone is what makes the activity go. I do think that we need to calm down on rule proposals. The activity has changed so much and as things keep adding into the mix people jsut finally realize how to use them (or still don't have a clue) and already the next new thing to tackle. I thought electronics would have come along much later, especially since corps are still struggling with effectively using amplification. George needs to calm down, and so does the board of directors. We don't need to try out every rule. Give the fans some time to adjust.

My marching band is playing that right now, lol.

This proposal is a year late for the blue devils. Would have been easier than running around to just levitate around the field.

I would guess it is really hard to listen for a drum line that is all the way behind the back hash. And while picking up that timing, making sure your in time with the rest of the pit. I personally think the pit has the hardest job, they don't have anything visual, and they also can't use their feet like the members on the field do.

I've heard your work with synths and stuff. I like it, and if you are still working with the Crossmen i can't wait to hear what it will sound like. I really think Crossmen have an advantage with proper usage of this stuff having you on board.... however, I thought their brass book could have been a lot better this year. I enjoyed the music last year, but it needs to be scored to be played louder or more effective (now i know someone else did the orchestrations and such). Overall though, i really liked your twist on the planets.

changed my mind.. should have just let it die

i'm pretty sure there is a route that goes from New Orleans to Texas

Also wouldn't it take more of a sound to make it sound better through the amps... i know thats not a good point/explanation, i just remember hearing something like that. Like on marimba doesn't sound as good as three through amplification? I'm probably wrong. All i know it that pit amplification is a positive, especially when its used right (Crown 07 did an awesome job with balancing pit with the rest of the ensemble, it was really musically effective)

I'm 19, i still consider myself young--- even though when i turn 60 i'll still consider myself young

the way you are all talking it sounds like synths are causing the apocalypse... oh man, ready everyone take a chill pill. I'm pretty sure a lot of corps will have a synth in the pit this year, not just the scouts. i personally think they should make the synth players strap 'em on and march. fun stuff...

a march that isn't done too much, The Billboard March, i really like it. Other than that, ask for Andy Yozviak to arrange you something.

real bad west coast inflation

I honestly don't see the big deal... if it was voted to be allowed than most the directors want to use them... that means your favorite corps probably voted for them. If used properly i dont' see the big deal... it will be a cool sound.. a new sound. If it is over used like some have over used narration in the past, i won't like it. If it is kept balanced within the sound of the front ensemble i don't see the big deal. And almost all vets have to re audition to secure a spot (mainly so corps can get rid of tick bags from the summer before)

I remember that.. i couldn't imagine what he was going through. The focus was still on them... it had to suck, i remember applauding once he got it back on. I chuckled though.

My best friend had an air pump and a power strip

i know a lot of corps with the addition of members and lack of space under the bus have size limitations. You'll have to wait until you hear something about move in and what they require. Suitcase vs. duffle bag... no doubt suitcase. That suitcase will be squeezed under the bus many different ways, you want to protect anything that could be smashed. I've heard of a few people marching with type one. One kid in particular had an insulin pump, but he constantly had to check his sugar. He had some issues early in the season or in some extreme heat situations. I heard he missed a lot of reps though due to checking his sugar so often. I know a lot of the staff was prepared to deal with an emergency.

So many choices.. i'd love to be a conductor for any regiment show.. always a great hornline... who wouldn't want to be in front of that. I would love regiment 06, mainly because of Ave Maria, they would probably have to change my pants from black to white because of that last cadence. One of my favorite DCI moments of all time. I'd really love to conduct anything... i like conducting, i plan on going on and getting my masters and further in it... and there are too many great shows. After thought-- Regiment 93 ballad- Fire of Eternal Glory... oh **** bring it hornline.

i don't believe that their uniforms are white.

I love when there is only one working outlet in the gym.. and it becomes a mountain of electrical disaster waiting to happen.. and then all of a sudden, as someone plugs their phone in, that outlet blows... and still no one blew up their mattresses. Then everyone with a battery pump has a dead battery when we get to the next housing site. That an extreme situation.. I always know the first thing i did was claim my spot and spread out my stuff, then get to an outlet. Need enough sunscreen to get through ST. And some days in Texas. Once you tan though.. your tan, and you don't burn, at least i didn't i just got darker... yeah i'll have skin cancer.. at least i come to school tanner than all my friends. Edit- With the best sock tan in the world

Prayers from the east coast.. hope everything turns out alright for you and everyone else. I couldn't imagine dealing with this year after year