gatoradeftw
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Posts posted by gatoradeftw
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Apparently I also needed a /sarcasm tag. 2005 and 2007 were incredible Cadets shows. 2006, well, wasn't.
lollllll i'm sorry, i get so defensive about that show.
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LOL!
I will give you 2006, but 2007 was a bag.
Easyyyyy now, Cadets '07 was one of the best shows in the 2000s.
As for the topic, I would have to agree with burgerbob...Cadets and BD 2000. They set a new standard. If you've never listened to BD 2000, you reallllly need to! One of my favorites of all time.
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After the Troopers reorganized several years back there was a sense of optimism surrounding the corps. It was fairly common to see threads about them, but not so much anymore. There were arguments that they had retooled and this new approach would make them a perennial contender for finals. The optimism was at an all-time high but the results were short lived.
I have grown increasingly disappointed with the Troopers as they have simply blended into the blah blur of the unidentifiable. I have always contended that they need to embrace their historical roots/identity and let the chips fall (ala Madison Scouts).
Last year's show was at best "meh" (about the only positive thing anyone ever said was that the infinity chord was cool) and this year's show is shaping up to be one where I think some Open Class corps will be nipping at their heels. They have fallen to the bottom again.
This is where I'm supposed to sound super intelligent and say that there are so many wonderful, sweeping musical scores that could capture the essence of americana but would still be competitive and reminiscent of the old west and that by altering the uniforms they can achieve better lines, and blah blah blah. Hogwash I say! Just give it up and wrap those iconic yellow scarves around your sunbaked necks and bring us some western tunes mixed in with some patriotic stuff that makes the hair on the back of our necks stand up.
SO WHAT IF IT'S NOT SUPPOSEDLY COMPETITIVE! What have they got to lose? How's this new way workin' out?
Maybe by embracing their DNA they will actually set themselves apart as America's Corps again. Sorry to say, but right now there just ain't much to be excited about.
Come back to us Troopers.
Signed Sincerely, Curmudgeon Smith
I have heard/seen this point made, several times, but I feel like one key thing is being completely overlooked....there are fans in the stands at every show that have no idea who the Troopers are. Why should this drum corps give in to this demanding (and shrinking) fan base? What good would it do? I'm sure these kids would much rather impress their friends from their high schools and colleges than impress the old school fan base that they have absolutely no connections with.
Troopers will cease to exist without being competitive.
It sounds harsh, but we have literally the hardest time in DCI recruiting. Just look back to the 90s-2005, where the corps wore older-looking uniforms, scarves, and used G bugles. We were bottom of the barrel and membership was at an all time low.
If it means sacrificing some of that "identity," then you'd better get used to it if you want to see Troopers survive.
I talked to a staff member last year about Troopers history. From the beginning, Troop started the touring drum corps model, invented asymmetrical and curvilinear drill, the rifle for the guard, etc. After a certain point, that stopped. This staff member (who was a soloist for a top corps recently for a few years) said "Innovation should be the tradition."
I know everyone (and I use that loosely... plenty of people hate the Troopers look) loves the old uniform and style, but it doesn't work today and will result in the corps dying, again. Take it from someone with experience.
I completely agree. I hate to say it, but when all of these young fans dream about the day they march, how many of them picture themselves wearing a cowboy hat? My guess...like 2 people. I hate that uniforms carry so much weight in this topic, but they really do. Cool uniforms will actually persuade certain people to audition at a specific drum corps. After all, you spends lotssssss of time in that thing over a season.
Granny, I couldn't possibly have said it better myself. I think there should be a surcharge paid at every dci event at which the Troopers appear if they where to return to their traditional look, music and drill. But only if this surcharge is spelled out in print on every ticket printed. Like Madison, the Troopers should be in it for the experience they afford their members and the entertainment they provide the audience. They're not in it for the competition. There is no genuine competition in a dci contest. Read other Forums to learn what the learned few among us have determined is wrong with the activity . . . THERE IS NO VALUE TO COMPETITION. It is an evil brainwash designed to feed the egos of the adults running the corps.
The mind does not fully develop until the age of 23. And a young mind is a terrible thing to waste by convincing corps members that they are in a fierce contest for 10ths of a point to move up an invisible ladder. As others have argued, it is phony or fixed.
They should be in a corps to learn about life, see the country and make friends. This premise of competition is way, way, way ---did I mention WAY? down the list of priorities.
If you're not in it for the competition, then what keeps you going after hour 6 of a rehearsal, when it's 105 degrees outside?
They should be in a corps to learn about life? I don't care where you march. I don't care if you are the world class champion, or the last place open class corps, you learn about life in these 3 months. And the funny thing, COMPETITION is a HUGE part of life. Every single day is a competition, whether you realize it or not.
Do you think the Kansas City Royals are cool with having the worst record in Major League Baseball? Hell no. They aren't going to sit around and brag about winning the World Series in 1985...they are trying to find a way to climb back to the top. I think it is the most selfish thing when fans want the Troopers to "go back to their roots." Trust me, the members are absolutely proud to be Troopers. They have amazing alumni, amazing fans and support, but they owe it to fans to move forward. They have to go in different directions until they find one that works. News for the old school fans out there: YOU CAN'T USE THE METHODS THAT WORKED 40 AGO. The thing is, fans are not patient...things do not turn around in one season (unless you have the judges on your side, but don't get me started on that). The Kasas City Royals can't just turn things around in one season either. They have to invest lots and lots of time into the right people, and eventually, they will be great again. And this is what Troop is doing. Let them be.
Also, I see everyone saying on this thread that Troopers have lost their 'identity'. Oh really? So what is the Glassmen identity? It must be SO much better than Troops. I mean, they do place higher than Troop every single year. Maybe I'm just confused, because i'm not 23, so my brain hasn't developed yet. Right, 'Martin I. Zing'?
I might be a young one, but I am not one to judge a corps by what people think they should do. I judge a corps by how much the hornline blows me away, how uniform the corps moves around, etc, just excellence in general. I guess that is why I am a huge BD fan.
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It has been said many times before, but I will say it again. It is not the instrument which makes the performer, but the performer makes the instrument. This applies to the vast majority of instruments short of obviously flawed design.
I completely understand what you are saying, but at the same time...
You can't tell me (when just considering the hornline) that Phantom '09 and '10 were at the same level as '07 and '08. I'm not talking about the talent. I'm not talking about placement. I'm not talking about the brass book. I'm talking literally about the sound. The king mello. You can't beat it. Wait till you hear the Blue Stars mello line this summer. It just won't be the same.
Yes, Jupiter has come a long way, but not enough to equip 3 of the top 10 hornlines.
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That specific instance starts at 11:38 on my recording. I'd say there's about a 30 cent wide "concert F" (I even hesitate to call it that) happening right there.
(But it's so "emotional!" Ugh, give me a break.)
EDIT: Just to clarify, I didn't quite say they "sounded like 6th graders" at that spot. Just that they were exhibiting musical characteristics that should NOT have been rewarded the way they were.
Fair enough. Honestly, I've never noticed it. But what about the rest of the show? Does that one note ruin it for you? What about the mellos? They blow my mind. Also, listen to BD's recording at 11:22. You hear a lovely lead euph (or did the leads march baris that year?) playing a high F wayyyy too loud. Sticking way out of the sound and breathing on the bar lines.
This is in no way to bash either of these hornlines - '08 is by far my favorite shows of the top 2 as a pair. I'm just saying that I don't think it's crazy to say that phantom had just as much reason to win brass as BD did. I know phantom has a reputation for blowing their faces off...but I like that.
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I just don't get how anyone can say that. There were so many poor musical moments throughout Spartacus. They were nothing compared to the EGREGIOUS visual disasters, but when I first heard the end of their show and I realized that these college-aged musicians couldn't match unisons and octaves on a concert F, I thought they should have been fourth (yes, fourth...BD, Cavs/Crown, Phantom).
I learned how to do that in the sixth grade!
(Not to mention they hold that stupid note for like 30 seconds and they NEVER fix it...and I won't even get into the mistakes that happen when the other chord members enter!)
Hey if you don't mind, can you please provide me with a specific time in the finals recording when they sounded like 6th graders? I can't find it.
(This actually isn't a sarcastic post. I'm far from a music major.)
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I couldn't disagree with you more. Everyone of these shows were amazing and deserved every bit of hype they get/got.
My list:
Blue Devils 2010
Blue Devils 2009
SCV 2009
Cadets 2007
Cadets 2005
Cavies 2005
Blue Devils 2003
Phantom 2003
Blue Devils 2001
Cavies 2000
Yeah, I know there are more Blue Devils shows in there than any other corps. That doesn't mean I hate them, it's just been a bad decade for BD IMO.
Surely you were talking about the Colt Cadets in 2005 and 2007...
My list, somewhat in order:
Madison 2010 - yes, the most overrated, and it's only been like 7 months
Phantom 2003 - but i still listen to it
Cavies 2006 - so...musicless
BD 2007 - overrated by the judges, I never really hear people talk about that show haha
Cavies 2001 - cadets got robbed
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dull? really?
Yes, really. Don't get me wrong, they definitely had their moments, but overall their book was my least favorite out of the top 6. The writing seemed so...artificial to me. I don't understand why Bluecoats didn't beat them.
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2002 was 8 years ago. not relevant.
Ignorance at its best. Maybe you should give that 'irrelevant' show another listen. Although I have not been a fan of the Cavies since 06, their 2002 show is one of my favorites to listen to. Have you heard the release in that ballad? You should go listen to the release in the ballad.
As previously mentioned, the last 5 years haven't done much for me. I do feel like they opened up some last year, but the brass book was far too dull. I thought they were lucky to get 2nd in brass last year.
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This is awesome!! Maybe the Cadets will actually get the credit they deserve this year. I think they were the most underrated corps of 2010.
Thanks for the video, corpsband!
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Tell us which corps you watched first. And how many corps did you watch before you watched BD?
HH
Zero. I watched BD first.
Madison
BK
Cavies
That is all - Don't want to see 2010 BD ever again.
To each his own - Don't want to see 2010 Cavies ever again.
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What's with the recent insurgence of brand new forum members? Is this an audition season thing or have the "need advice" and "blue stars switch to jupiter" type threads suddenly spawned the desire to post for the first time? Is everybody creating new names to troll with now?
On an on topic note: I'm going to second (or third) anything positive said about the Blue Stars' choice and the jupiter line. Even if the corps early to the party took a hit because of the quality of the instruments, they've gotten enough changed to seriously benefit those joining the Jupiter team now.
I wouldn't that say i'm 'brand new'...I mean i've been a member for a little while. I have to start sometime.
Not that I need to explain myself but I don't see what makes this topic any less legitimate than the other topics on the first page right now.
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I think some folks just need to get over it. The Jupiters are quickly becoming THE horn in drum corps.
Haha. Oh really?
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I VERY rarely looked/cared about times of blocks. When I marched drum corps time was all about "go from Block A till lunch, then Block B, then dinner/show-prep, then bus to show, then warm-up, then show, then hang out till we load up, then sleep, then wake. Repeat." I agree that it's MUCH more enjoyable to forget about watches (except on free days and/or post-show free time, if any) for the most part.
This.
Haha I can't stand when people say the time! Even without a watch, I can usually determine how much longer the block will be by how hungry I am.
And for the OP...I have marched with LDS people, so I totally understand your situation. Make sure to see if you will get that bonus year. We can all sit here and tell you our opinions, but I would love for you to have the chance to see for yourself. I promise it will be the greatest experience of your life.
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But a skateboard is fully assembled and meets quality specifications in much less time than a Ferrari, surely it must be better.
Well played, sir!
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With 3 full weeks of pre tour, and several weekend long camps I would think that corps would be pretty clean... I look at the marching band I marched with, we would be relatively clean about a month into rehearsals, and we would only practice 4 times a week for 3 hours. Are corps just pretty dirty because their programs are so intense, or what? I just think that if my band was given 3 full weeks of rehearsal we would be ridiculously clean to the point of almost perfection. I know our programs arent as difficult, but we had harder programs than anyone else in my state did, so what do you think???
Hey I have an idea...let's compare a skateboard with a Ferrari.
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I think the kids today are a little too busy texting mommy after shows to think about rivalries.
I think the 'kids' today are a little too busy busting their butts to put a lot higher quality shows on the field.
I have much more to say about this comment, but i'm far too busy texting my mommy right now.
anyway..
I actually have heard from some Cavaliers that they can't stand Crown. Of course this could be a few individual opinions.
I dont believe you. Whats the reason people keep bringing this up? Especially after its been said in this thread that the Colts sent the Troopers a congratulations card.I still think that many rivalries of today spawn from the staff having old grudges they had against corps they marched against rubbing off on the members.
Hahaha. If people keep bringing it up, then it must be there.
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My original response was to someone who gave the bluestars a compliment at the expense of the cavaliers. I disagreed with it and so did the judges all season long. That is all.
......no. Read my original post that you responded to, buddy. YOU are the only one who said anything about the "bluestars".
...it's Blue Stars.
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I think crown should have come in 1st this year. Or at least in 2009 because that was just upsetting.
...........nah. (to both)
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FWIW, my dream hornline (using modern instruments) would be: Yamaha High Brass and King Low Brass. (The Yamaha Bari is OK, Meh on the Euph)
Dead on!! You can't beat King low brass. (my biggest problem with Jupiters)
As awesome as this would be, I don't think it would ever happen. Without committing to one brand of horns, a corps wouldn't get the hefty discount like they usually do. We can dream though!
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Is Jupiter affiliated with those Mapex drums?
It's part of the 'Quantum Marching Project' that the Jupiter horns are a part of. So you may have something there
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As long as the brass line sounds like they have have at least 40 brass, I'm on board with this number.
wait. are you talking about the Colt Cadets? surely so.
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Bluecoats hornline was ridiculous. So awesome. Should have outscored the Cavies in brass.
Best DCI Opener Ever
in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Posted
SCV '99: the first time I heard it, I couldn't even listen to the show all the way through...I listened to the opener repeatedly. I love how the opener just starts from nothing and gradually builds up. Sets the mood perfectly
Phantom '91: love the hornline, love the music. Especially the Mello solo
Bluecoats 2010: I know this one is recent, but I have a feeling this will be a show that I will never stop listening too. I loved the hornline that year, and the opener just did it for me. I can loop that thing for hours and not get tired of it.