N.E. Brigand

It may be just because I'm from Cleveland, but the theme from Ben Casey, an early 1960s TV show I've never seen, has always appealed to me. This is how the show opened: Just five words -- although Clevelanders will add a dollar sign at the end, which is "Crazy." Here's David Raksin's theme from the show: Very much of its time, perhaps, but I really like it. Drum Corps X indicates that it has been played before, by the Tri-City Columbians back in 1963. Anybody here see that show? The composer, Raksin, is surely best known for his theme to the 1944 film Laura, which was Blue Devils' ballad in 2010. Speaking of which, here's the theme from Laura, in all its lushness, played over a clip from the movie; the actor is Dana Andrews: Mirrors! Later in the clip, you'll see Clifton Webb and Gene Tierney. Also in the cast: Vincent Price, not playing a figure of horror. I think the music is better than the film, a fairly simple detective story. I see the Blue Devils have posted the audio of their Laura on Youtube; they also quoted this theme again in their 2018 show, "Dreams and Nighthawks." Which show do you like more? I find it curious that, according to Wikipedia, "[d]uring Raksin's lifetime, 'Laura' was said to be the second most-recorded song in history following 'Stardust' by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish." For one thing, no source is given for that claim. But more to the point on this forum: neither piece seems to have been performed by many drum corps (and "Stardust" is indeed a great song). Wikipedia also reports that Stephen Sondheim said another of Raksin's themes, from The Bad and the Beautiful (1953), aka "Love Is for the Very Young", was one of the best compositions ever written for film. Judge for yourself: That film was directed by Vincente Minnelli, the father of actress Liza Minnelli. But I've gone on enough tangents, so we'll skip a clip from Cabaret. Although all can think of is Kevin Spacey's line in L.A. Confidential. No, not "Rollo Tomassi." I mean: "She is Lana Turner." Trivia question: which real-life actor is Spacey's character said to have arrested? Hint: the actor really was arrested and convicted in 1948 (but returned to a long career in Hollywood). And now: without scrolling back up to the first video: what were the five words, in order? Give us that again. Can you do that again? If you get it in order, you get extra points. They say nobody gets it in order. It's actually not that easy. That's not an easy question. In other words, you have to repeat them. And that's OK. If you repeat them out of order, it's OK, but, you know, it's not as good. Go back to that question. And repeat them. Can you do it? If you can, that's amazing. "Have ye a valediction, boyo?" What would you say is the most famous line by the actor who said that?

"Le Tour" remains my favorite Blue Stars show since their return to World Class.

Surprised the guard just stands along the back sideline for nearly three minutes at the end, obviously not having learned the rest of their routine yet; can't remember seeing a World Class guard do that in recent years even in the first shows -- or am I forgetting some examples?

Given that SCV ended the season almost four points back of BD, which is where they were in early July, did it benefit them to change the show?

From the past decade, Troopers 2013 was the first that came to mind for me. For a brief moment as scores were being announced, it looked like they might have made Finals. Another one: I prefer Madison's 2016 show to Boston's, but didn't really care much for either.

For ease of reference, here's the list (source: From the Pressbox) of all 12th and 13th place corps in the show immediately preceding Finals: 1972 -- Bridgemen 12th 78.55 -- Garfield Cadets 13th 78.45 1973 -- Belleville Black Knights 12th 76.55 -- DeLaSalle Oaklands 13th 75.55 1974 -- Blue Stars 12th 79.40 ... Falcon Cadets 13th 76.95 1975 -- Troopers 12th 79.60 -- Squires 13th 79.45 1976 -- Seneca Optimists 12th 83.50 -- Troopers 13th 82.75 1977 -- Garfield Cadets & Kilties 12th (tie) 84.45 -- Anaheim Kingsmen 14th 83.60 * 1978 -- Kilties 12th 79.95 -- Freelancers 13th 79.20 1979 -- Troopers 12th 81.90 -- Crossmen 13th 81.70 1980 -- North Star 12th 79.35 -- Blue Stars 13th 77.05 1981 -- Freelancers 12th 80.05 -- North Star 13th 79.85 1982 -- Cavaliers 12th 83.10 -- Suncoast Sound 13th 81.10 1983 -- Sky Ryders 12th 78.70 -- Crossmen 13th 78.60 1984 -- Velvet Knights 12th 85.90 -- Troopers 13th 85.20 1985 -- Freelancers 12th 85.90 -- 27th Lancers 13th 85.20 1986 -- Troopers 12th 85.90 -- 27th Lancers 13th 85.60 1987 -- Sky Ryders 12th 85.30 -- Florida Wave 13th 84.70 1988 -- Sky Ryders 12th 86.60 -- Dutch Boy 13th 86.40 1989 -- Crossmen 12th 85.80 -- Dutch Boy 13th 85.50 1990 -- Dutch Boy 12th 86.30 -- Blue Knights 13th 85.40 1991 -- Sky Ryders 12th 85.10 -- Dutch Boy 13th 84.60 1992 -- Freelancers 12th 84.00 -- Glassmen 13th 83.90 1993 -- Colts 12th 84.20 -- Velvet Knights 13th 83.10 1994 -- Colts 12th 83.00 -- Boston Crusaders 13th 82.60 1995 -- Magic of Orlando 12th 81.90 -- Blue Knights 13th 81.30 1996 -- Blue Knights 12th 84.60 -- Glassmen 13th 82.70 1997 -- Carolina Crown 12th 85.90 -- Colts 13th 84.10 1998 -- Carolina Crown 12th 86.90 -- Magic of Orlando 13th 85.00 1999 -- Colts 12th 85.20 -- Bluecoats 13th 83.00 2000 -- Bluecoats 12th 85.15 -- Southwind 13th 84.95 2001 -- Colts 12th 85.95 -- Spirit 13th 84.05 2002 -- Seattle Cascades 12th 85.95 -- Blue Knights 13th 85.50 2003 -- Spirit 12th 85.50 -- Blue Knights 13th 85.35 2004 -- Glassmen 12th 86.375 -- Spirit 13th 86.300 2005 -- Spirit 12th 85.757 -- Colts 13th 84.075 2006 -- Spirit 12th 85.275 -- Colts 13th 83.050 2007 -- Spirit 12th 85.500 -- Academy 13th 84.500 2008 -- Madison Scouts 12th 86.375 -- Crossmen 13th 85.950 2009 -- Troopers 12th 85.90 -- Colts 13th 85.60 2010 -- Glassmen 12th 86.50 -- Colts 13th 86.45 2011 -- Spirit of Atlanta 12th 86.55 -- Glassmen 13th 83.40 2012 -- Crossmen 12th 84.90 -- Blue Stars 13th 84.60 2013 -- Blue Stars 12th 86.20 -- Troopers 13th 86.05 2014 -- Crossmen 12th 85.45 -- Colts 13th 85.35 2015 -- Crossmen 12th 83.875 -- Troopers 13th 83.800 2016 -- Boston Crusaders 12th 85.525 -- Madison Scouts 13th 85.263 2017 -- Madison Scouts 12th 86.475 -- Mandarins 13th 85.550 2018 -- Crossmen 12th 87.2500 -- Spirit of Atlanta 13th 85.5875 2019 -- Phantom Regiment 12th 87.775 -- Spirit of Atlanta 13th 85.587 *Bridgemen placed 3rd in Prelims in 1977, were disqualified because it was found they had marched underage members, got a court injunction allowing them to compete in Finals (where they placed 4th), and then lost their case in binding arbitration, where their disqualification was upheld. Additionally, two corps tied for 12th in Prelims, so there were 13 corps in Finals. Looking back at the earliest years, it's fascinating to see that junior corps continued to compete in other shows well after DCI championships: not only at the American Legion and/or VFW, but other shows even into September. And some of them had shows as early as mid-May. Corrections welcome.

While I would never say that I wish him well, I don't wish this particular attack on anybody, not even Hopkins.

That raises a good question: what do the Cadets owe the victims?

The obligation to Hopkins, if he's right that it exists, has to go to one of the two organizations. My personal opinion is that he's probably due the reimbursements but shouldn't get a dime of the severance.

I had to read that three times before realizing what it meant. Was that orthography ever used prior to "S.O.S."?

Having just seen Southwind's show for the first time, while I enjoyed the design, it seems dirtier than Bluecoats to me. Haven't seen Madison's show in a while, though.

Either way it doesn't sound like you wish him well. (Nor do I, nor, I would imagine, do most people here.)

There's no direct link on OMEA's page, but under COVID-19 Announcements ... Adjudicated Events ... Marching Band, this is what's posted: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Earlier today, July 20th, the OMEA Trustees voted not to sanction any local events in 2020, and to cancel OMEA State Marching Band Finals. This action was motivated by our desire to choose the safest possible course of action for all involved, specifically Ohio students, directors, and adjudicators. Please remember that OMEA has no jurisdiction over Local Events; OMEA simply sanctions them if they follow our guidelines and use our adjudicators, and they serve as qualifying events for State Marching Band Finals. This fall, OMEA will offer the opportunity for bands to submit a video for critique and feedback from a reduced adjudicator panel, but there will be no rating. Details will be announced in August. OMEA understands this is not a replacement for marching band adjudicated events. Our intent is to offer an opportunity for directors and programs to continue teaching, learning, and striving for excellence. Furthermore, it continues to underscore the relevance of music teachers and music programs in schools and communities across all of Ohio during these difficult times. JD Latorre OMEA Marching Band Affairs Chair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A couple personal notes. First, having been only a casual and occasional fan of drum corps for 20 years, I was moved by the cinema broadcast of Phantom Regiment's 2008 show to take a more thorough interest, and that eventually led me to DCP, where I lurked without joining until late 2009, finally signing up because someone here posted that they were selling some drum corps CDs that weren't available on DCI's website. And it was conversations on DCP that led my interest to expand past just DCI's World Class to actually attend both DCI's Open Class finals and DCA finals for every year since 2012. (Living in Ohio helps: both events have been within a half-day's drive or less each year.) It was also discussions here that led me to take an interest in marching bands, and eventually to attend OMEA's finals every year since 2014. That's four days every year with as many as 120-130 bands, and every year, I've seen all but one or two. The notable exception before now was 2017, when for the first time in the history of the event (which started in 1980), they had to cancel some performances due to weather (a half day lost due to tornadoes in November). And now the whole thing is canceled for 2020. For other reasons, I was thinking I might have to take a break this year; now that particular question has been decided for me. Second, I overlapped JD in college by a couple years; we were in marching band together. We weren't close and didn't keep in touch afterwards, but after seeing his name in a finals program book, I remade his acquaintance. He teaches at a very small school southeast of Columbus, whose total enrollment is less than the size of just the bands at some other schools, and as my retired high school director told me about JD a couple years ago: "That guy knows how to put together a band."

Never saw that show before; thanks for posting that.

Posting just for informational purposes. The majority of competing Ohio bands do so under the auspices of the Ohio Music Education Association (that includes many bands that also compete in MSBA or BOA; even William Mason appeared in one OMEA show last year--although that's a rarity). OMEA's website has never been the most user friendly, and is now undergoing a redesign, and sometimes direct links are not available, but on May 29, they issued this thirteen-page statement, twelve of which are the "Guidance for a Return to High School Marching Band" that was crafted by the National Federation of State High School Associations' Music Committee and Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. (That guidance may be of interest for considering how it might apply to drum corps.) The actual OMEA statement (bolding in original) on the first page was: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TO: All Ohio Band Directors RE: Resuming Band Activities (COVID-19) DATE: May 29th, 2020 ATTACHED: NFHS Guidance for a Return to High School Marching Band On May 21st, the Governor’s Office announced that training and conditioning for limited contact sports, and full contact sports,could resume on May 26th. As part of this order Lt. Governor Husted explained that the state was altering the Heath Order that had previously restricted access to public school facilities until after June 30th. This new directive, announced in partnership with OHSAA, gives each school district the option to allow their students to practice at school facilities, under the strict protocols and preconditions developed by OHSAA. On May 28th the National Federation of State High School Associations released their guidelines for "A Return to High School Marching Band". This document strongly resembles the guidelines released a week earlier by NFHS regarding resuming sports practices, and also is very similar to what OHSAA is recommending. Band directors are encouraged to begin practice and rehearsal while adhering to the NFHS COVID-19 protocols or the stated policies adopted by their school districts. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - That letter actually appears as a link from a June 27 update (to which I can't directly link), which reads as follows: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A Return to High School Marching Band It has become obvious that there is a wide disparity in how districts are reacting to the Governor's Office / OHSAA announcement that, as of May 26, contact and non-contact sports activities can resume in Ohio. Some schools are electing to not resume any activities, some are only allowing athletic activities and no band, and others are allowing athletics and band. While OMEA recognizes that per the Governor's Office / OHSAA announcement school districts have full discretion on how and when to resume activities, we are recommending that band activities be allowed to continue with appropriate precautions. Yesterday the National Federation of State High School Associations released their guidelines for "A Return to High School Marching Band" (attached). [1] This document STRONGLY resembles the guidelines released last week by by NFHS regarding resuming sports practices, and also is very similar to what OHSAA is recommending. [2] If you are in a district where sports have resumed, but band activities still are prohibited, I would encourage you to pass this on to your administrators. I have also included a pdf letter for your convenience stating OMEA's position at this time. At this time, the NFHS's Guidance for a Return to High School Marching Band is the protocol that OMEA is recommending, although directors must of course defer to district policies and local health authorities. Please pass this on to our director friends who may not participate in OMEA MB Adjudicated Events, but could still benefit from this guidance. [3] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [1] It's not clear to me whether those guidelines were released just before the late May announcement or just before the late June announcement. [2] Checking the NFHS website, I find they commissioned a "Performing Arts Aerosol Study", whose initial results are described here. This may be of interest: "the study recommends masks be worn by all students and staff in a performing arts room – even while playing instruments when possible – and that no talking should be done without a mask on. Participants who cannot feasibly wear a mask over the mouth while playing should wear one on the chin and move it over the mouth when resting. Teachers can reduce their own emissions by using a portable amplifier to keep their voices at a low conversational volume." [3] As I noted recently in another thread, Ohio has more than 850 high schools. About 225 of those have marching bands who compete. I don't have a count, but I feel sure that at least a majority of the others also have marching bands. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you can navigate your way through OMEA's website, they do have a good collection of links on a Covid resources page with all manner of news and recommendations, including such things as "COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guidelines." Carry on.

A singer-songwriter named Emitt Rhodes died today at the age of 70. I'd never heard of him before, though he was apparently highly esteemed by discerning music lovers, with a sound in his early career very much Beatles influenced, but he never broke through. Listening to a number of his songs today, some are quite catchy and perhaps adaptable to drum corps.

There's a pop/rap song that hit #1 in 2012 and includes "Shark Week" in the lyrics, plus a catchy brass interlude.

Ever since these pandemic discussions started, I have strived to avoid both of this sins. Even so, I was advised back in March that I had crossed a line regarding the first prohibition, so I took several big steps back. It's difficult, because many lives were at risk, and many lives were lost, and many more lives are likely to be lost, and maybe many of those lives could have been saved, or could yet, if only certain decisions were or were not made, and some terrible decisions or non-decisions were at least implicitly endorsed by some people here. It's hard to be circumspect about or rational with people if you think they have been cavalier about a life and death situation. But there is a third danger. It's not against the rules, but it's possibly even worse for DCP: that of being a gigantic bore whose commentary, right or wrong, drives people away; call it the Dr. Stockman problem. I fear that bore is me. I think I've made my position as clear as it can be made, in multiple iterations. If people don't know who they shouldn't be listening to by this point, they never will. Nothing further I could add to the conversation at this time would make any difference. Accordingly I'm stepping out of this and any other Covid-19 thread that might develop for at least the next month. Stay safe, everyone.

Get everyone to wear a mask, but even that simple step is too controversial.

Me in April: 105,000 Americans will die from the first wave alone. You: Do not panic. Me in June: I was wrong. The first wave is still going and we're well past 105,000 deaths. You: Do not panic.

I'll be right eventually. I'll be right eventually. 1. Of course it can. You yourself have compared them (and pointed out some differences). 2. No. It's based on a number of factors, including much past experience in how reported deaths differ from actual deaths, as well as a spike in "pneumonia" deaths since March. 3. I think someone is counting that, to the degree that it exists. Isn't this really just a variation on question #5? Nobody is killed just be being stuck in their apartment. 4. My wild guess is 600. That assumes a 50% increase in annual gun homicides over a six-week period, which is probably a high estimate.. 5. Probably about as many lives haven't been lost to othe causes due to the lockdown: traffic fatalities are down, for example, or as I noted in the very post to which you responded, child fatalaities are way down this year (one possible reason being that parents are more often with their kids and neglecting them less). 6. For years, I have felt that were the smartest contribuor to DCP. And your writing on Covid-19 proves it, I think, although "cleverest" might have been the better adjective. You've been pretty canny this whole time, going back to late February. You've declined to make any predictions about what will happen, for example. Wise. Reasonable. Safe. Instead your focus has been reactive, merely questioning what others write: a voice of apparent calm directing the conversation away from opinion and back to facts. Mature. Admirable. - - - - - - - - - - But what would you say about someone who almost exlusively picks apart only those who warn about the dangers and almost completely ignores those who claim that the risks are exaggerated, even as those Pollyannas were proved wrong again and again and again and again? As you'll recall, I myself did go on the record here with a prediction about the number of deaths (meaning the number of officially reported deaths), and later I admitted was wrong: I was TOO HOPEFUL. My guess was too low. How did you respond to that admission?

The two maps look almost identical. The general public isn't writing down the numbers: they're noting how red the state looks.

Yes. Because guess what: if you log onto the GA dept. of health website today, you won't see that July 2 graphic where the numbers were low. So if you're checking, say, weekly, to see how things are going, your impression, unless you've been writing the numbers down, will be that things haven't changed. As always, I will allow that the reason this happened might be incompetence rather than malice.

The medical profesionals are too busy saving people's lives to be sharing news with the rest of us, so that leaves the responsibility to concerned citizens.