Xsnaredrummer

Wow didnt know that... I am a Schenectady alum and my band teacher (formally Schenectady high school band director) was the announcer.

Have to say watching the rookies trying to stay cool was fun... Seeing them grow as musicians and their love for this new activity is... inspiring... a fun day for all

Perfect weather? except for a sudden down pour for literally 5 seconds. Loved the location (my old high school) and even my old band teacher agreed to announce for the show. I really liked the location, it was even the like fake grass/turf instead of the plain sponge feeling. Watch what this first annual show is going to be next year!

Although we were farther down the road Excelsior was their as well. It was nice to see many other drum corps enthusiasts there!

What causes an evaluation? I know you must have one to be ok'd to compete your first year but what else? When you did not compete the previous year? When you move home bases? When DCA thinks they need to look at you?

So anyone in the know heard from some of the newcomers or "possible newcomers"? Such as The Commanders, High Country Brass, Sounds of Philadelphia? I've seen some mix-up on here of who is going to be a mini-corps/parade corps/ competition corps. So if I have made this mistake in these 3 groups I apologize. Good luck to all corps, looking forward to this season! See you all on the 50!

I couldnt bring myself to step out, I am one of those crazy guys.

I know Excelsior is always in full uniform. Except for the like one winter parade we do, in that we do bibs and corps coats usually, depending how cold it is. I am kinda partial to the uniform all the time idea. I know you have to worry about your members, I personally have gotten heat stroke before but I FINISHED THE PARADE DARNIT! Hopefully we can all agree that a corps uniform makes them look their best. A parade is a great way to show off your corps and make the public know your there. When a drum corps comes down the street you dont want to hear "oh yea thats ______" you want to leave them going "WOW". I dont feel anything but full uniform can do that. To quote a funny exchange between me and a horn player: "I hate parades, they are long, hot, and boring." Me:" I am a drummer, you try playing as many notes as me then we'll talk."

Yes, we are excited about this possibility but as mentioned - paper work contracts and DCA's blessing will see it come to fruition . Special Thanks to the City of Troy 's Mayor Harry Tutunjian and DCA for giving a Class A Corps a chance to Add to this seasons line up ~

I don't think "encouraging" sponsors is going to help the small guys. I'd pay the exhibition corps, not the same as a competing but something to help them. Now so I can understand can someone explain how share points work? Is it different between open and class A? etc. etc. ... I like detail so someone please explain it please and thank you

I agree with a minimum rule, but not so confident in the number 35. Mini-corps maxes out at 22(with drum major I think?) and then that spread from 22-35 is a good size jump for a small corps. Two ways I would solve this (my opinion): 1. Lower the class A requirement to 30. Its not as much of a jump, and still ensures that the corps has enough bodies to have a potential to put out a good sound. 2. (I like this one better but its probably an unrealistic goal) DCA should create a THIRD CLASS. Having a range from lets say 25(28? 30?-55). Then have a class from 56 to 90(ish), that way the current smaller open class corps or class A's looking to move up dont have the numbers disadvantage (as much). Then have 90-150 (I believe thats current open class limit). I could be easily persuaded to change the numbers but its generally an idea. One thing that this made me think of is what happened with at least the NY marching band circuit. (STOP READING NOW IF YOU WILL BE OFFENDED BY ANYTHING THAT COULD BE SAID ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BANDS) I have discussed with multiple directors and the general consensus as to why so many classes formed is that bands were tired of losing. More classes equals more winners. I dont think this applies to my DCA model because the model was designed to help the longevity of the programs. Thoughts? Ideas? threats? .... bribes?

Interesting thread considering my situation. This would have been my age out year, after a long time to think about it I decided to stay with the corps and the people that introduced me to drum corps. Its fun to march in a corps where I feel my talent (I say i dont have any but others disagree ) will be used to benefit others the most. I hold no regrets, maybe I will one day, but for now its back to practicing! (picks up pad and sticks)

More sad news... hurry back guys

Although I am not sure my personal feelings on a corps staying quiet, I do understand the idea of being a surprise and not wanting to announce a show before the song rights are in hand. I think we all have seen there are people out there that desire to bring down a drum corps, so staying quiet would help keep enemies lost. Any other thoughts?

More sad news, I really hope this is the last of the bad news. Hurry back everyone who has been forced to go inactive, and may we not lose anymore. Good luck to all of drum corps.

Awwww come on I've "heard" lots of things about a few of these.

I've been searching and cant find a video of this, can anyone find a link so I can fully comprehend what happened (never saw what happened). Thanks!

I've heard rumors that you guys will be back this year, is it true? if its true then that could certainly change up the top 5. Depending how you guys weathered not being at finals last year, I heard pretty good.

I've said it before and I think it should be again. I think the individual member is FAR more important in class A then in open. Seriously if a class A corps gets a new awesome lead sop and lead bari their score prob. has a big chance of jumping up just because of them. Not saying that a smaller corps cant win (govies proved that last year, 16 horns one this class I believe) just saying that more talent in the pool will almost always help.

Are they bored with just the basic block and circle drill? If they are really bored and not TRYING try teaching them a mini drill, something that will work things IN YOUR SHOW. That way you can pick apart their feet and they will be focused. Disclaimer: If they are not getting the BASICS such as marching in tempo, heel toe, etc etc. then this may be to much for them. I know that you said your in the competitive arena but if they really continue to struggle you may want to ask yourself if you are expecting to much. Are you pushing them to be SO perfect that its no longer fun? Its common for new teachers to do this (i did it myself). Maybe your drill is to hard? I wish you the best of luck and hope I was helpful.

Since we are listing corps that play on G's Excelsior does as well

Best of luck to Shenandoah Sound this season! Some of the nicest drum corps people I have met are with Shenandoah Sound. Looking forward to seeing you guys on the 50!

Ok I have heard about share points, but how do they work exactly?

Your experience parallels mine pretty closely. In that I mean marching with a "smaller" corps, working our ###'s off just to put the product on the field. My corps brought competitive all age drum corps back to this area after a 25 year absence (or something like that). I enjoy the idea that my performance matters that much. I remember when we broke 60 at a show the entire corps SANG in line while marching the ENTIRE way back to the equipment truck, staff included. (haha) Did it matter were we placed? HELL NO half of us had never marched competitively before. One more story, the corps FIRST SHOW EVER. I remember leaving the field and circling up around the director, there was not a dry eye there. We did it, made it and worked SO hard to get there. Score didnt matter at that point, and NO ONE could take that away from us. Ok enough reminiscing, I MISS THE COMPETITIVE SEASON COME ON SUMMER!!

I was at "class A classics" I am pretty sure it was not announced as the top class A, which was grennies, as first in class A. I'll have to take your word on the southern shows. I'd love to go to a southern show, but alas I am a poor college student.