Bob Cole

Does anyone know of the practice sites for DCI corps coming to Indianapolis next week? I live in the area and would like to spend some evenings watching practices. Does DCI post the list anywhere?

The DM on the right is definitely Linda Shigehira of the Nisei Ambassdors. But, I've got to dispute your 1965 date. Based on Linda's uniform, it had to be at least 1966. In 1965 everyone in Nisei, including the DM, wore purple blouses. In 1966 Linda wore a white battle jacket with a purple epaulette. The CG sergeant (Tina Shigehira) wore a purple battle jacket with a gold epaulette. So, this photo has to be at least 1966. In 1967 the corps switched to white battle jackets, but the guard still wore the purple blouses. In 1968 the entire corps finally went to battle jackets. White for the corps and purple for the two DMs. 1968 was the first year we had two DMs. It was Linda's age-out year and she was accompanied by Mark Tanabe. The Nisei Alumni group on Facebook has a pretty good photo documentation of the era... posted by people who were there, so they remember.

GOD! Fleabag... where did you get this picture? This was American Legion State prelims, 1973. Our first show back in competition after folding post-1971. I think there were maybe 2 of us in the corps that had ever competed before. This would have been taken before we disintegrated on the field. Two lines that were supposed to pass each other at 90 degrees collided instead, and it all fell apart after that. Our horn instructor was pretending to applaud, except that he did it at 130bps for the entire show. We got a penalty for off-field cueing! Nisei held on valliantly until finally folding after the 1977 season. Actually got kind of good again around 1975. Thought we might be ready to "make the move". But, it didn't happen. For little kids, they sure look tough in that picture, don't they? I think those American Flag guards may be all of 9-10 years old. We may not have executed, but we always did a good job of teaching ATTITUDE. Bob Cole Nisei Ambassadors "Envoys" (the B corps) 1969-1970 Percussion, 1971, DM 1972-1976.

Living in Indianapolis, I can tell you that other concerts have complained about the acoustics at the Lucas Oil Stadium. I'm not sure how well they designed it for concerts at all. But, would this be similar at any indoor stadium? Let's put it back outdoors where it belongs!

Keep on ranting Elphaba! I agree!

Amen! Judging is subjective and corps have good days and bad days. Some corps are just better than others. And, many fans will always disagree with the final placements. That's just the nature of the sport. When I was DM of my old corps I used to hear members #####in about "pre-judging" after every show. "We got screwed" and "the judges were out to get us." Finally I got sick of keeping my mouth shut and blew up at them all one day. I told them, if you think you're "getting screwed" EVERY WEEK than you're the ones with the problem... not the judges! If you don't like the judging, then go out there next week and put on a show SO #### GOOD that the judges HAVE to give you a good score. If they don't, then the audience will boo them off the field. And, do that EVERY WEEK and, sooner or or later, they will HAVE to give you the good scores. Own up to your own problems and quit blaming them on everyone else! If you don't like your scores every week, then GET BETTER! After that, many people began to buckle down at practice and scores started to rise! Gee... what a surprise! Judging is subjective... always will be. But, the judges are honest and do their best within the system they have. Corps are out there to entertain the people, compete with others in their sport, and have fun.

Hear hear! I'm also an old timer form the "tick" days. Things sucked, but you knew when your scores varied from week to week you were having an on day or an off day. And, yes, of course "ticking" is subjective on the judges. So is today's form of judging. As long as judges are human, judging will be subjective. I have no problem with that. Over the course of an entire season it balances out. In the 70's corps were judged mostly on execution. There were small buildup categories for "Effect". But, today's system is infinitely better because it recognizes the musicality and entertainment value of the corps performance. Difficulty will be recognized because more difficult shows will tend to be more musical and entertaining. Not always, but usually. However, today's judging system does not recognize pure execution, except as it affects the musicality and entertainment of the show. I feel that is a disservice and not enough incentive to perfect your craft. I would like to see the addition of some "teardown" categories for each caption, in addition to the "buildup" categories. Sort of like judging in the 70's, but with the emphasis totally reversed. I don't feel that a "perfect" score should mean the best of the night. Although judging is somewhat subjective, the judges are skilled professionals who try their best to be objective. Scores should mean something over the course of the season. A way to measure your progress. Plus, if a total 100 means a "perfect" show, which I think it should, then a score of 98 means that only 20 "mistakes" were made over the course of the show. I find that hard to believe, with 150 kids out there performing for 13 minutes. When I was a percussionist in the late 60's/early 70's, there was a big competition going on between my drum line and another famous drumline of the era. Our instructor felt that percussion lines should be part of the music, not just rhythm, be entertaining in their own right and show off their musicality and difficulty. As a result, we always got highest marks in the small buildup categories (GE percussion and one other, I think). But, execution was always our challenge, because we were playing more difficult music than many other corps out there. Our big competition of the time had an instructor who felt that execution was paramount. So, they always played simple music, but EXTREMELY cleanly. In the judging of the time they beat us almost every time. We were proud of what we did, but always wanted to be recognized for it. That's why I say, keep the emphasis on musicality and entertainment, but bring back some judging on pure execution, too. I thought that some of the corps at this year's DCI left a lot to be desired in execution, compared to others. But, I don't think the scores completely reflected that.

A little full of yourself, aren't you Tom? I'm happy you have all these "credentials." It's too bad all the fans mean nothing to you. That's one problem I have always had with "some" corps. Some seem to be performing for the judges and ignoring the audience. At least it seems that way to me. But, my opinion must not count for much. I'm just a long time marching member and fan. I pay for the tickets to go see the shows and support my local corps (and other musical organizations). I obviously don't have all your "credentials." By the way, I would also like to see some combination of the "buildup" form of judging, along with some return of the "tick". Although I also marched in the old "tick" days, I wouldn't want to see those dark ages come back. But, some additional emphasis on execution would be my preference. Judge the corps on their musicality, but also recognize execution.

I agree with half your comments. Bring back retreat the way it used to be. Let the kids play themselves off the field and pass the winner in review. It's emotional, impressive and respectful of the champion. But, the pictures and shaking hands was all taking place in the parking lot after the show. I know the adults are trying to hurry the kids along and get on the busses. But, it never works. Didn't work 35 years ago when I marched. Doesn't work now. It's their last time to be together for the season... maybe forever for the 21-year olds. Let them enjoy it. But, take it outside where there is room and let it go. Retreat has been the most impressive spectacle of a corps show for MANY years. Don't try to "improve" it with smoke and recorded music. Let the kids control it. They know best!

Bob, I loved your review. Thanks a lot for the unbiased opinions. I'm a drum corps oldtimer, marched in the 60s and 70s. So, my opionions are certainlly not as knowledgeble as some others. but, I like what I like and I "used" to be a corps "expert"...over 30 years ago! I've been to just a few corps shows over the past 30 years. My review is posted by my friend "TommyfromHowardStreet", but it's my opinion, not necesaruly his. (Thanks Tom!). You obviously have some current, knowledgeable opinions. I think you thought more highly of Phantom than I did. And, I grew up in Illinois drum corps so I'm certainly not a Phantom-basher. But, I just didn't feel their show was as clean as you think it was. We seem to agree on SCV. I've ALWAYS liked SCV, from the years they first hit the Midwest until now. Always sophisticated, yet crowd-pleasing. Being an old drummer I appreciate their top-notch percussion. As far as the Cavies go, I just couldn't agree on their guard/visual show. I just find them more distracting than contributing to the overall show. But, we seem to agree that their musical show just wasn't up to the par of others at this level of competition. At least not this year. But, for 50 years you NEVER count the Cavies out. They always come back! I agree on excellent show of the Cadets. Very sophisticated, yet still thrills an old-timer like me! I've liked their big horn shows for 35 years. And, I agree I didn't understand the chairs of the BD, or how they got the unrealistic (at least I think so) scores they did. but, even before DCI existed you could usually tell ahead of time who was going to win the big championships. Whoever is supposed to win usually does. From an old-timer standpoint, though, I REALLY loved the sophistication of the drum corps crowd. Of course, most people have their own favorites. And, some people ignore everyone else and think "their corps" is perfect. But, overall, drum corps fans are still the most open minded, and best fans of any sport. They were always willing to discuss the ups and downs of every corps. We all argued over our opinions. But, after MANY years I still enjoyed the crowd! And, cruising the parking lot after the show... the "end-of-the-season" emotion hasn't changed in 35 years! It was touching to see hundreds of kids saying goodbye to other kids from all over the country. Celebrating... or crying. Sad the season is over and already chomping at the bit for next season. I remember that well and it may be the thing I miss most about drum corps. Everything else changes... but the important things never do. And, GOD, do I miss the smell of diesel fumes!