rb325th

This is one of those discussions that just gets heated and unfortunately ugly.. There are some very heated feelings among many about what they view as unwanted changes and the desire as the original poster pointed out to turn Drum Corp into Super Summer Marching Band... Doesn't make it right at all, the original poster more than likely knew the heated discussion that would follow with his antagonistic post.. What I really wanted to say to you is that despite the difference of opinions on what should have happened, what should happen with the activity I am pretty sure the overwhelming majority of us can still appreciate the efforts of the performers, their dedication and the dedication and support of their parents. Also, I loved Vanguards performance last night. They have always been a favorite of mine though going back to when I first saw them in 1979. Good luck to all of them out there performing for all of us even the pig head amongst us who want to argue over the direction of Drum Corp.. I think a valid discussion that should be held, but without the insults. I have already argued this enough, going to just enjoy Drum Corp or Super Summer marching Band or whatever you choose to call it.

First off, I thought they (Cadets) were by and far the most entertaining and my hat's off to all of the members of that Corp, and all the Corps who performed last night. I love the fact you have attempted to justify the Voice being activated by striking a mallet... but that is just it, it is activating a pre recorded piece and while yes someone must do so at the proper I am still not and probably will never be a fan of electronics beyond the amplification for certain pit percussion. That only because it does save on some wear and tear of those Marimbas, xylophones, etc... Otherwise, call me old fashioned if you really must... Because seriously it is my one and only major point of contention... and I hope there is no further changes in the electronic direction. That is just me now, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised later. Best of luck to all of the Corps in Allentown, and of course at DCI Finals.

I love Drum Corp, have since the day I had my first instrument placed in my had in the fall of 1978. I had no idea what to do with it, and all these years later I am still learning... but that is the/was the joy of it for me. Along with the competitions, the friends, the tours..

This is not about old versus new Drum Corp.. Not for me anyhow. This is about the use of synthesizers and pre recorded audio in a performance where you have a plethora of extremely talented musicians who could recreate the very sounds and emotions that are being attempted through the use of synthesizers.. As to pre recorded anything being used... well in my opinion that is just taking away completely from what should be a completely "live" performance where you are judged on how well you perform. Only chance of screwing up a pre recorded performance is if your recording screws up and you are left there with a big gaping hole... Oh which you would not have if you allowed your extremely talented performers create using their brass instruments! It is my only gripe to be honest, and I know I am far alone in this. This does not make anyone wrong or right.. It is all opinion.

It is offensive to me for the following reasons..... I stated it was distracting, overdone, and while I completely disagree with using any pre-recorded effects (too Milli Vanilli for me...you get the reference?)it is also because I find it unnecessary. When you have so much musical talent on the field that makes that completely unnecessary. I mean my God, give your Brass ensemble some credit there, they could if allowed to, if written into their score probably make you think you were hearing a choir of angels sing. You may not have heard words, but #### if they do not have the power in that Brass to truly bring to life emotions and effects... You make think I am begging for a return to the days of old, and in some ways I do and in others I do not. The size of the Corps is a good thing. The Pit.. good. Amplification for instruments in the pit to save them from and early death is a good thing. Pre recording =and use of synthesizers... just not needed, bad, totally going the wrong direction in my opinion. Overall the Cadets stole the show. Visually and emotionally entertaining! I can still disagree with and not like aspects of the activity and their show. I am no purist, but some of you on the other end of that take too much offense to others opinions as well. Change is not always good, sometimes it is a mistake.

Actually a large number of us did pay for our tickets in(I spent 140.00 on tickets), even though we had a free pass through the gate...(not sure if the poster did or not) I do not agree entirely with his post. He is entitled to his opinion and to be honest... A lot of the changes that have happened I am really not thrilled with. Electronics, vocals(recorded even).. Corps who do hardly any discernible drill.. Cadets were very visually entertaining, their brass was fantastic.. kill 90% of the electronics though please as they are distractions. You should not need to amplify any part of a corp that size.

I liked Santa Clara's show the best.. just found it more to my liking than the rest. Cadets were definitely playing on fire though, and I did enjoy their show. Boston, loved the music, drill was lacking later part of show and what is up with the white sheet? Devils.. okay clean, clean clean, but do think Cadets were better despite (and this is where the old school roots will show)... I hated the use of electronics and prerecorded material. I mean seriously there are enough instruments on the field that you can get across the emotions expressed in vocals just as well through the use of the Brass section... All I could think was "all this song needs now is more cowbell" when it came to the over use of electronics. Please, please do not expand that any more than it already is... for the love all that is good about Brass instruments play them more! I am not an arranger or composer but have heard beautiful music come just from brass and percussion over the years. The level of talent on the field is amazing, and there should be more use made of that talent than some prerecorded electronics/singing. (Make the instruments sing, I know you can do it.)

Steve Dorgan writes our charts, though "McArthur Park" was arranged by Chris Tomsa, and "Legend of the One Eyed Sailor" by Jeff Bolduc. Thanks for the compliments on our Brass line, we get better each year now and it just a blast to play again. It was awesome to see Bridgeman perform again in person! Last time for me was in 1982. It is really just great to see the Alumni Corps bringing the history of Drum Corp back to life. Hope to see you all up this way again next year!!

That was an incredibly fun day!! The fact that it was so warm for the Parade opposed to last years 9 degree weather alone was a bonus. The show itself was pretty much a blast, I know we had a couple of timing issues but nothing major... Seeing the video Saturday night at the party took away any doubts I had on the overall sound (meaning my mistakes were not as noticeable as I thought) Everything came together, drum line kicked butt!! Brass, we are really beginning to polish our sound. The Color Guard, excellent job. Never see what you are doing until there is video like this, and great job!!! January 17,2010 is our Open House as well!!!!!!!!!!!! Always looking for new faces to join the family there! If you enjoy performing and having fun, you need to come on by and sit in or just sit and listen in for a while. All are welcome!

Senseless, does not even begin to describe this... May he Rest in Peace, may his tragic death be a lesson learned somewhere to someone who can make a change for good.

Not only from the perspective of the Corps, but it was a great sight for the fans as well.

Danny Boy... So many other songs done by so many Corps, but to me and having never marched 27, Danny Boy will forever remind me of Drum Corp regardless of where I hear it. Simple Gifts... Santa Clara Georgia.... Spirit of Atlanta (yes, I know they are now Spirit) Russsian Christmas Music.... Crossmen Malaguena, Crown Imperial, Ghost Riders

Don't forget the parade the following day!!

Not to mention the pile ups we would have caused on route 3....

Oh, like the kids marching do not have enough trouble without all walking around looking like Buddy Holly... We called those Birth Control Glasses, because while wearing them you had zero chances. Hmmm maybe that would not be a bad thing in High Schools though.

It is the truth, it was real hard to hear the overall ensemble, which shouldn't have mattered if we watched Mike direct and remembered to play at the right dynamics... or notes as the case may be.

What a night...

Phil, we are not competing this year in MCA...

Which Mello are you? Seemed like half of you were late.. (kidding) That is what I wanted to do, step out of line and listen... I bet the neighbors loved us on Saturday!!

We met up with the Vagabonds in Ohio, forget what show (old timers) and we had a couple that came to march with us. I'd say that was 1981. Ahhh one of my first serious crushes was a young lady from General Butler. Weird thing was her ex boyfriend came to march with us.. Of course trying to remember his name and it completely goes out of my head. Could tell you hers, what guy can not remember their first real taste of that dreaded "L" word? Corps that fell outside the top 12, so many favorites, so many corps.. Back in my time frame it was days of prelims. All of the Corps mentioned make my list.

Just back from our last Saturday rehearsal before next weeks show... Those who will be in attendance will know they paid a bargain price for their tickets. The Legends of Drum Corp is set to blow people out of their chairs. With each rehearsal it becomes cleaner and cleaner, and the sound... Have you ever been playing with a group of musicians and found yourself wishing you could step out of line and just listen? I felt that way today, and not because my chops were ready to fall off at the end, but the talent in that line is incredible. Drummers.. just awesome. Hats off to Cisco and Mike Cahill for bringing us all together for this, and the many many more who have contributed in time, effort and money. I sure hope they have someone video taping this...

Dale, we looked good every year and I liked the 82 Uniform.... we really did not make huge changes. The cross straps were a bit of a pain with the buckle in the middle, but that look definitely was not a bad one. Ran the poor "quartermasters" ragged, I know that. Talk about the unsung heroes.

Nope, and not the last either! Hope the party goes well, and that this has not popped up on some Feds computer under a key word search, could be an interesting time.....

Ahhh brings back memories of my time in Italy. That is kind of nuts, but impressive to see. I can not imagine running and playing like that, the stamina has to be unreal, maybe way back when I could have attempted it. Today, I would make it about a minute before needing a crash cart...