JayTee

... until the Kidsgrove Scouts land in the US. To say we're excited to be coming back over is something of an understatement! This year our baritone/euphonium line is bigger and badder than ever and very much looking forward to bringing you the bass. Here;s a short montage introducing this year's line. https://youtu.be/QzwVg_VdrIU

Surprisingly, I have to agree with Matt! (on more than on point too!) At the moment there's no real merit in comparing scores for all the aforementioned reasons and the fact that the two sets of judges (DCA & DCUK) are very very different - in terms of capability, objectivity & experience. As has been said, Bridgeport will give us a much cleare idea of where we sit. From the last trip though I'm sure we're all going to enjoy it and I'm #### certain the audience is going to love it! As Matt so succintly put it - bring on your babies!!

Best Wishes for a full & speedy recovery Tom!

I would also like to echo Matt's sentiments and thank everyone invovled for their tremendous efforts & support, without which the trip would'nt have been possible - you guys were brilliant! Huge thanks also to every single person who supported us, came to see us at rehearsals and/or performances & took the the time to talk to us either in person or online - the crowds and their reaction took the whole trip to a new level and is hugely appreciated by every member of our organisation. It was an amazing experience & one which I will never forget! Thanks again John

Thanks Dennis, Good to hear you're still involved. Hopefully see you in Rochester! John

Hi all, as this is probably the last chance I get to spend any reasonable time online before setting off with Kidsgrove Scouts on our big US adventure - I'd just like to wish all the Corps good luck and best wishes for Finals! To say we can't wait to get out there, is something of an understatement!! We now have a full weekend rehearsal camp, before packing up our belongings and heading off into the sunset - destination JFK!! On a personal note - I'm way more excited & giddy than a forty-something year old should be - but it's a chance to do something I could'nt do when I was younger - perform in the US at a World Championship! Hopefully we'll get the chance to meet some of you at either Bridgeport, the I&E party or Finals. See you soon! Cheers John

Hi Dennis, both myself and Chris Billington marched then with the Green Machine! I think I remember you from a wet & windy evening at the Alexandra Stadium in '84! Are you going to DCA finals this year? John

Hi all, it's now less than 2 weeks until the Kidsgrove Scouts hit the States! For more information & our latest promo video, check out our website or facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kidsgrovescouts http://www.kidsgrovescouts.com/home http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YaDtrL6x8 See you soon John.

I'll second that Matt! Can't wait to get out there and will be blogging my way across NY state. Also looking forward to meeting with people from here. Good to luck to everyone for the rest of the season & see you soon!! Cheers John

Can't wait to get out there and experience my first live DCA as botha spectator & competitor! From over this side of "the pond", looks a strong line up in both classes - good luck to everyone, let's make it a great year!!

It's a year for firsts matey - 1st time at DCE, 1st time at DCA, 1st time marching! (in 20 years that is! ) Sunday was great experience, the years just seem to fall away (although I dont remember it being that physical!) - I even got a bit nervous on the back line!!

Our trip is now just under 10 weeks away! Really looking forward to both DCA and the I&E - sounds like it's going to be a heck of a party! From a performance point of view, I'll echo what Chris said - we're looking to do our best, enjoy ourselves & put out a memorable show. From a partying point of view, oh yes KS certainly know to party!!

As a fellow member of the bari/euph line, I too cannot wait for Sunday and to get out onto the field again - for me though my last foray was 1990!! And for those of you out there that dont know us yet - our baritone line is far FAR from reserved!

Tough one to answer this, but here's my choice in no order (bearing in mind I'm in England & the majority of shows I've seen are on DVD!) Scouts 1988 - my first live DCI & was lucky enough to be sat on the 50 yard line! This whole show blew me away & I was lucky enough to see the transformation from earlier in the year whne they toured England. The music is amazing & superbly scored, the drill simply very effective and the performance from thise guys was just awesome - truly a case of "you really had to be there"! Cadets 1983 - A truly jaw dropping moment in Drum Corps! We had heard stories in th UK that they were putting out something different, but had to wait until September to get the video of the PBS broadcast. We sat and watched the other Corps do there stuff & really enjoyed it. Then Cadets came on with Rocky Point Holiday & oh lord that drill!! I've got goosebumps now thinking about it! I remember thinking at the time "Holy sh&t what have they done? Drum Corps has changed forever!" The show just gets better & better and when you think they cant get any better - that ending with the RPH reprise & "z-pull" - unforgettable!! Devils 1986 - Big, big BIG show! Not a single down moment & when the horns hit that Company front in Chick Cores Suite!! Plus I love Buddy Rich and that was an awesome Channel one Suiye! Phantom 2008 - always like the Regiment and this is their finest (&one of DCIs) greatest moment. Astonishing show, superbly executed and performed to perfection! Oh yeah and no need for a running commentary!! Vanguard 1989 - loved the show in 1988 (I was sat in the middle of the SCV crowd at finals!) and thought they took it up a notch this year. Beautiful music 7 so, so emotional. John

That's sounds great - very dramtic & punchy! Looking forward to seeing that in Sept!! John

Thanks for the info guys - I've dent an email today. John

Hi there, is there a cut off date for applications for I&E? I know there's a few guys from Kidsgrove Scouts looking to compete in individuals & we're looking at a bari/euph emsemble too. Thanks John

Hi there, I'm going to throw in a perspective from over here in England. I was going to say Cadets 84 - I watched this first time the end of season party for the corps that I was in at the time. We had had it beamed on a big screen & the whole room / music / dancing / talking stopped while everyone stared open mouthed at that amazing drill! Plus Rocky Point Holiday has one of those melodic lines that gives you goose-bumps every single time you hear it! I'd never seen a visual program like that before & it it truly changed my (&many others obviously!) perception of Drum Corps. All that being said, I'm not going to pick that one (sorry if it breaks the rules - I'm English ) I'm going for Madison 88 - I was lucky enough to see them on their UK tour & get to attend a clinic & play with thier Contra line - truly crazy group of guys! Then in the summer, I toured the US for 6 weeks & saw them at finals (Iwas lucky enough to be on the 50 yard line!) where they literally blew me away! The whole show had such a great "vibe" to it & musically always triggers memories of my first trip the US. Also I love Malaguena & the that triangle at the end always "gets" me - not as intricate & clever as some of today's amazing moves, but fit so well, looked awesome & did the job!

Hi Scott, I also stayed at Tony's in 1988 - I'd arrived in New York from England, for the first time & had 2 free days before meeting up with Suncoast Sound, but nowhere to stay. After a chance meeting with a guy called George (also big SCV fan) in Grand Central Station & spending a few hours chatting about Corps on the train North, we arrived in Ithica or was it Utica? It was 1am & George asked where me & my friend were staying, to which we replied - do you know any good hotels? George gave us a couple of suggestions & then as we were saying our goodbyes, was met by his friend Tony Pellegrino. George introduced us as his new friends from England and told him we were over in the US to watch Drum Corps. Tony immediately asked where we were staying & then insisted that we stay with him rather than a "ratty" motel. We then had a brilliant 1/2 hour ride in the back of his bright red truck (SCV number plate of course!) We slept in his "den" surrounded by the most amazing Drum Corps memorabilia I've ever seen! He even had a couple of SCV championship rings that had been given to him, so highly was he regarded! Next day was spent with George, Tony & his family - Im sure Dee wanted to fatten us both up - never eaten so much. The barn was amazing - comlete with SCV sHield - he also had a dog called not suprisingly - Vanguard! Next day Tony & george drove us to the competition where we met up with Suncoast. 6 weeks later we all met up at finals, where I met Duke and the guys had sorted us 50 yard line tickets with the SCV crowd! (much better than our top tier on the 20s!) This was followed by us attending the DCC party at the Hyatt Kansas & Duke sorting us a room to stay in, as Suncoast had shipped out early!! This was all 22 years ago now, but the memories are still clear & as enjoable as ever. I can honestly say that both Tony & Duke were 2 of the nicest, most genuine, generous people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting - they made a great trip into the best trip of my life & an experience I'll never forget. My only regret is losing touch with several years ago & never getting the chance to get to meet them again. Anyway, thanks for the reply & thanks for reading! John

Hi there, I'm fairly new to these forums. I was just wondering if any of you folks on here knew either William "Duke" Ducharme or Tony Pelegrino? My first visit to the States was in 1988 & by a combination of chance & good fortune (an interesting story involving a belt buckle!), had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with these great guys. Unfortunatley I lost touch with both some years ago & understand they are no longer with us. It would be interesting to hear of your recollections of both or either. Thanks John

Thanks for the replies & input guys Problem now sorted - DCI have emailed me to say that all their DVDs are region free & so will play on any player!! I'm off now to raid my piggy-bank & place an order!

Pimp My Ride Cymbal?

Hi there, do any of you guys on here know where I can buy DCI & DCA dvds that play in the UK ie region 2? I've looked on the official websites and not had any luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks John

Hi all, The Kidsgrove Scouts have now announced this year's production - The Heist Of The Century Music is a partly original score by Tez Smith, taken from & inspired some of the great "heist" movies. "The 2010 season is a very special year for the Kidsgrove Scouts organisation as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The senior corps will perform throughout the UK and Europe as well as touring the USA to compete in the DCA World Championships. In order to celebrate the anniversary the corps have chosen a show that will enhance and embrace the Kidsgrove Scouts tradition as well as always looking to the future in exploring new avenues and journey's. Kidsgrove Scouts are therefore very proud to announce their 2010 Senior Corps Production, click here for details www.kidsgrovescouts.com"

Thanks Geoff Things are progressing well - brass now have all the music for the show & we're very impressed with it. We should be announcing the show very soon & I'll post on here when it's out. One change to our visit, is that we are now competing in the Bridgeport Show. Thanks John