Photographer Jim

I do understand your point, really. My reason for saying the clip is being taken out of context is that the previous trailer that came before and the 8 minutes of video that follow, when taken as a whole might cause one to interpret THIS 30 second trailer differently. I understand that BD could have selected a different 30 seconds for the promo. But, given that this was the first 30 second lead in to the first full episode of the series, I also understand their logic in using it. I can't speak for them, of course, but I have to assume they thought that would be a good way to promote the video for those who were interested in following the video series this season. They may not have thought much about the reaction of those who were not interested or inclined to view the complete episode. And in that sense, they may have indeed "stepped in it". My motivation in my previous posts was solely to point out that the highly negative responses were based on having seen only a small part of the overall presentation, and that those making the negative statements might wish to rethink their reaction knowing there was another 8 minutes of video, or possiblly choose to go view the full video before they continued with their comments. Personally, when I first viewed the clip my reaction was, "Whoa, BD. A bit over the top I think". However when I viewed the complete video episode I saw that, although somewhat dramatic, it fit well with the overall content (and certainly came over in a much more positive light). Going forward, my hope is that people will choose to check out the entire video before deciding that this is "evidence" of BD's arrogance or self-grandizing attitude.

True to an extent, They might have chosen something other than the first half minute intro of the episode to post ( coulda, shoulda). Certainly the original series trailer posted last month gave an entirely different first impression. However, it still needs pointing out that the plethora of negative reaction epressed here, is still based on viewings of a short clip taken out of its context, and drawing conclusions and passing judgements based on that out of context viewing, without seeing the full production, comes across much more as unfounded ranting than it does insightful criticism. That is the more the responsibility of the posters, not BD.

Given the level of outrage, are those who are slamming this video aware of ( and have they watched) the remainder of the full 8:40 minutes? What has been posted here is just the opening minute, taken out of its full context, of what is actually a rather well done fiirst episode of a much larger (and certainly more humble) presentation about BD's commitment to regaining their position as world champions? The full episode talks about the challenges and effort it will take this season, the challenge of having a large number of rookies, the challenge of veterans needing to assume leadership roles, the need for the organization to take stock of its own shortcomings, etc. Dramatic? Hell yes. Arrogance with no sense of humility? Not by a long shot. The feelng one is left with after viewing the FULL first episode is that this is a group of young people who are motivated, committed, and willing to work hard to regain championship status. My reaction to the many negative comments posted here, is that they are similar to when people pan a movie,, and the actors, based on the thirty second trailer they caught during a commercial break between shows on TV. What you think you saw may not be what is actually there in reality. [edited for typo]

Dudes. Like Albuquerque and Mesa are like not on the West Coast, man. Like pardon my negative vibes here, and like I know they have lots of sand and stuff, but like dudes, they can't drive to the beach in anything even close to an hour! I mean I'm usually pretty mellow and all ya know, but dudes this bums me a lot. It's like when Boo has to read Bluecoats spelled as two words, ya know? Whoa, .... I gotta chill. Peace, out.

Not attacking you, but In defense of fsubone, he was not "making up things in his head". Out here on the West Coast there really WAS some speculating that Phantom did have a shot at a medal. By time they left their West Coast swing, they had held their own pretty well, winning a number of shows and hanging in not too far behind the Cadets and BD, enough so that it was considered quite plausible that they could stay in medal contention even after some of the other East and Mid-west corps were added into the head-to-head mix. Yes, you are correct, SCV did beat Phantom once here in CA (Oceanside, I believe). They also tied with them once (Clovis), Phantom beat SCV in the other seven shows on the West Coast.

Well, I'm here in California pouring over my maps. Albuquerque is part of the West Coast? I knew I should have paid more attention in geography class!

My first listen left me wishing I could also see the visual components of the show. I basically like what I'm hearing, and am very curious as to how some of the more avant guard sections might be dealt with visually. The big jazz sound sections have the potential to be very exciting, especially coupled with what are some wonderfully lush segments. And, the total running time on the download stream says there is still room to add more and/ or build the closer into some pretty intense stuff. I' not very impressed with the vocal narrations, but then again, I've NEVER liked vocal narrations ( ... I believe in .. My rifle .. Yow-za! ). IMHO, (based entirely on the audio stream) there is the definite potential for this to be a very strong show, and one that a lot of fans will be happy with.

No, the real source is the Canadians. Its ALWAYS the Canadians!

Why be surprised? I mean, "let's kick it old school!" stayed in there until mid-season if I recall properly.

LOL indeed, indeed. And we'll gladly inflate them for the rest of you as well!

Well, I'll give you props on that,; I appreciate your honesty and consistency on that regard. Truthfully, my gut tells me that many might find themselves thinking, "Well, I guess I would PREFER to get the scores at the theater rather than beforehand, were the situation reversed", and maybe be a tad bit less vocal on the issue. (Of course, I'm old and cynical, so what do I know? )

In listening to the outrage expressed by those who are so upset about the two day delay in getting scores, I just set me to wondeingr. IF next year, DCI were to schedule the season opener, say, here on the west coast, and the only chance to see the performing corps in "simulated live " format was to go to the theater two days later, would these same people ademently, without hesitation or reserve, still vocally insist that DCI announce the show results at the live show? Not trying to make a point here, just curious.

Uhhh, .... Revolution?

Personally, it doesn't matter a lot to me if the scores are announced at the show before I get to see it in the movie theater or not. I'm eager for the season to start and the chance to see the corps, so I'll be going to the theater show regardless. Additionally, since most of the corps at the Akron show will not be coming west, this is the only time until finals week when I can see and hear these corps in an environment other than my living room on my TV over the Fan Network. However, I can understand the position that some people may not choose to attend the theater presentation if it is minus the anticipation and suspense of the results, hence DCI's decision to hold back scores and maximize the theater audience. After all, creating the most excitement and hype for the season opener is to the benefit of the activity, by getting more fans involved right from the get go. Far from being "ret@rded", this seems like a pretty smart move on the part of DCI. As far as "the people at the show getting gypped out of hearing the scores at the competition" I guess I can't find myself sympathizing too much. Personally, if it were me, I'd gladly accept that condition for the trade-off of seeing the first show of the season LIVE, as opposed to on a movie screen where my view is at the mercy of a camera crew, and the sound level is in the control of the theater staff.

I'm thinking that despite the early season grind to come west, this trip would have some desided benefits for PR, in that by time they finish the Clovis show on the 7th day they will have had judging feedback from four shows and will have already gone head-to-head against 9 of the other 11 top corps from last year (minus only Madison and Spirit). Although they will have sacrificed some practice time, I'd think this would give them a good read on where they stand and what they need to be working on, which in turn may make future practice time much more productive and effective. [Along a similar line of thought, will the fact that BD and BAC will have had a lot more practice time before the Clovis show on the 22nd, but no judged competitions, be an advantage due to the extra time on the practice field, or a disadvantage due to not yet having had any judged feedback?]

Indeed. Fresno State is a fine school, and I have a true fondness for it. My sister is a graduate, and I am a fan of their football program whose motto has always been, " We'll play any team, any time, any where". The line about the bat guano came from a prime time soap opera spoof called "Fresno" from back in the 80's, and was offered up in the spirit of "I appreciate the place, so I can affectionately joke about it". Something much easier to do than if one were referring to say ... Bakersfield.

(spitting)" These grapes taste like Fresno!" "Fresno?" "Yes, it means bat guano".

Yes, both Spirit and Crossmen were here in California in late 70's or early 80's. I remember seeing them, just can't recall the exact year. (But hey, I'm old and don't recall lots of things!) Those of us in CA hugely appreciate it when the eastern or mid- western corps come out here. Our only chance to see ANY of the top twelve WC corps is a rather narrow window (for example this year it's June 22 through July 1), and depending on where you live in the state, and your willingness to travel the 200-300 miles between the NorCal and SoCal shows and more than likely stay over night, the opportunities are even more limited. So, when the corps east of the Sierras come west, it is a greatly appreciated.

oh boy! I love dancing bears!!!!

I think there are a number of us Left Coasters who are similar in this regard. As someone who is retired, fixed income, and who travels once yearly to a location I want to shoot for my second career, photography business, the cost of traveling to Indiana for Finals is simply prohibitive. I mean, Indianapolis is a nice enough city, but its just not very high up on my list of great photographic locations to invest my limited travel budget on! Thus, I depend on FN for my drum corps experience (after the early west coast shows, of course) as the season progresses. I too would gladly pay the full ticket price for a live stream in order to see Finals in real time.

Personally, I think that if DCI wants to stir-up a little pre-season excitement, given that it is an election year, they only need to take a cue from the political world and plant a few subtle (or not) stories aimed at creating a buzz, and let the DCP community carry the momentum until the shows begin in June. It really wouldn't be all that hard... "Reports from camp indicate that the Blue Devils may be planning a major alteration to this year's uniform; their plan is to include a three inch RED stripe on the LEFT leg of their uni pants. Insiders are saying this is in homage to the anarchists who inspired their Dada themed show. This move is considered by many to be one which could alter the direction of Drum Corps as we currently know it". or "A friend of the brother of the college roommate of a marching member of the Cavaliers let it slip that the all-male Cavies have in actuality been marching a female member in their brass section for the past three years! When asked, Cavies staff replied 'That was no lady, that was our mellophone player' ". I don't know. Just a thought.

I am so pleased that Boston is touring the West Coast this year; it will be a real treat to have the opportunity to see them perform live. I already have my tickets for the Sacramento show, and I'm hoping my schedule will allow me to get to Stanford and/or Clovis as well! My thanks to the Crusaders (and to PR as well!) for including us California fans in their 2012 tour.

Heck, I'm already working on my predictions for 2017! (Teaser: The Academy breaks into the top five!).

I don't think it is all that strange that Phantom is skipping the Clovis show; they are scheduled to do 12 shows in the first 22 days oof the season, wwhich includes their West Coast swing, with nothing greater than a two day break between any shows. The Clovis show would make five shows in six days once they reach New Mexico on the 4th day of the season. And after their three back-to-back SoCal shows they have a gruelling one day run up to Ogden for the July 3rd show. They will be doing a lot of shows and a lot of miles. As much as it would be great for them to also do the Clovis show, I can understand why they might choose to pass. Not sure why the Devils are skipping the Vanguard show; in the past when each corps hosted a local show, the two corps supported each other's shows regularly. BDB will be at Santa Clara though.

Could you provide some details as to what this is about? I seldom watch this show. Is there something DC related happening?