mckdan

I remember a show with the Troopers in 79 that the power to the lights failed and you could not see even ten feet! Some of the corps left, a few others did standstills, and Troopers were the only corps that marched their complete show in COMPLETE darkness. The crowd went absolutely crazy during the entire show and continued screaming well after we finished. It was the greatest show that I had ever marched until prelims later that year.... but that's another story!

Just wanted to check and see who people think is the biggest surprise, positive or negative, for this year. I think that the strength, early season, of the Troopers is pretty surprising. I know that it is only the first part of the year, but, I believe that the Troop could actually make it back into the top 10. Your thoughts....

Uh, Lincoln was still a Republican and he would be one today! That is like saying that FDR or Kennedy, just because their party has moved substantially to the left, would be considered Republicans, today! I know this is not a political discussion, but, facts are facts!

I only remember winning a show once during my time with Troopers. We beat the Kilties and the General Butler Vagabonds back in '79. Troopers always seemed to be at the shows with the drum corps "big boys"!

I know this was a rain shortened show, but, can anyone remember the last time that Troopers won a show? I think it's been a while!

Yeah, they folded. I was looking forward to a great showing for another southern corps. I guess money talks.

I would love to see Bridgemen back on the field. I could see them doing some impossible, Cadet-style marching move, then wiping the sweat off and doing something even crazier! They would not only do the impossible moves, impossible music, etc, they would do it with a sense of humor missing today!

You sure ended up being spot on about Troopers needing to score closer to Blue Stars and Spirit! Just too bad the judges couldn't let Troop at least tie one of them!

I like your spread between Spirit, Troop and Xmen! I really think that any of these three could make finals. (Kind of like when Xmen slipped past Blue Stars last year.) I also like seeing Pioneer finally beating someone in World Class competition. This group has struggled for so many years they deserve to hear their score after another is given!

Crossmen by TWO points over Troopers! I really think that you should stop drinking that wacky koolaid! Troopers, and Xmen will be within a tenth of each other and both will be within a point of 12th place!

Troopers..... The members of the 79 corps are all pulling for you and believe in Trooper greatness! Do not let a few "doubters" pull you down, just do your best and play the hell out of this show! You have the horses and you just need to get them stampeding in the right direction!

What are you talking about? Troopers beat Crossmen by a point last week! I really think you should include them, especially with their history of pulling out miracles! Actually, nix that last statement! Miracles are more potent when no one gives the Troopers a chance!

It seems that when the Troopers are facing their main competition their scores are higher than when they are not really facing any kind of chance to lose! They beat Crossmen and Colts in one show and the next day, while Crossmen and Colts go up, the Troopers drop. I really believe that they are a little better than Crossmen and about 1-2 points better than Colts. I just don't want the corps to settle for 13th when they should go higher!

And Troopers will beat Crossmen!

I still think that 11-14 could be in any order! You might see Troopers or Crossmen beat Blue Stars or Spirit! Any of these corps could be 11th or 14th!

I have been listening to Crown's show a lot lately and my jaw still just drops! They have such a difficult brass book and they play it like a normal musician plays chopsticks. The flow and lack of any kind of mistake is literally scary. This hornline is phenomenal and one of the best ever. I do have to agree that sometimes the narration seemed to get in the way, but, it was not extremely overdone.

I have been listening to Crown's show a lot lately and my jaw still just drops! They have such a difficult brass book and they play it like a normal musician plays chopsticks. The flow and lack of any kind of mistake is literally scary. This hornline is phenomenal and one of the best ever. I do have to agree that sometimes the narration seemed to get in the way, but, it was not extremely overdone.

So Bluesman, where do you see Troopers fitting into this with Crossmen and Blue Stars? I hope you are not counting them out yet!

Good slot for Troopers today! They are after Xmen and Blue Stars have to perform after Spirit and Boston! Troopers might be able to move up on Spirit and pass Blue Stars!

It is time for Troop to make their move! I really think that 11th place is still possible!

Troopers, 1960- 1973. Just historical domination against a huge amount of corps! There just aren't hundreds to compete against now!

Terri, I remember the crossed sabers to the age-outs and really regret that I never received mine. It was a mistake I will always remember.

Salute to you Bluesman! If you are not an actual Trooper alum the corps should make you, and every other "new-believer" an honorary Trooper! Salute again from a Trooper '79er!

Really, I guess you might have been just a TAD off!

Yeah, but who thought that Colts would beat Crossmen a few nights ago or Troopers would beat Blue Stars earlier in the season! This seems to be a year of a lot of changing in the 10-15 positions!