Opti-Burr

For me, it would have to be winning the US Open in 1977. The first and only Canadian Corps to win Open Class!

As it was in 1977, the 2V horns weren't legal yet. These were Olds Ultratone piston valve & rotor valve horns, so they were able hit the low A-flat with no problem, as the slip slide was actually part of the rotor valve tubing.

I do believe that Conta's were allowed to use the slip-slide to play the low A-flat as it was written into the Contra score that I played in 1977. There were a few spots in our show that we (the Contra line) used the slip slide to hit that "elusive" low A-flat.

I would have to say that due to the fact that I still have goose bumps from the 1975 Madison Scouts show, it would have to be my all time favorite Drum Corps show.

I guess it's up to Tom on who wins.

Philly, 1975

Blue Stars?

Would that have been in 1982?

There sure was a "finals night" in '75 and if memory serves me, the whole thing was broadcast on PBS.

A few of my old Drum Corps buddies dropped out of the activity back in the early 80's because of the introduction of the pit. But even more stopped attending shows when DCI stopped having shows in Canada. I know of some Canadian former fans who feel that DCI should be changed to DCN. I stopped attending shows more recently due to the "hostility" that's encountered by the American border guards. I stopped all of my American trips a few years ago because of the "homeland security" and how nasty the guards treat non Americans. I now rely on CD's and DVD's to get my "doses" of Drum Corps.

I barley remember the time in 1975, and thinking it was in Algonac, MI staying at a VFW hall. the guys had to bed down in the bar area and to our delight, the draft beer taps were still charged. Needless to say, we ended up emptying every keg in the place.

When did DCI start handing out rings for winning finals? When I marched I'm sure all you got was a medal.