garfield's_kid

Alright, time for the _Kid to add some commentary. First, you beat me to it Garfield, my original intention was to semi-shamelessly promote my own video in this thread. Maybe that's why it just crosses 2k views. I've been a fan of "the corps from Canton" since '08, when The Boxer became a thing. Admittedly, what drew me in originally was the part of that show with the drumset backbeat, but as I - and my musical tastes and styles - evolved and matured, I learned to appreciate the hornline for the massive sound they produce. But for me, there has been too much hype for the corps, and the battery specifically, since about 2012. (I may regret saying that, but whatevs) Tilt was, well, it. It's hard for me to imagine a Bluecoats show that will top 2014's in pure excitement, brass achievement, and innovation. But that last word - innovation - is the tricky one in this case. They seem to be taking it a little too literally, and implementing more and more electronics every year. It worked for them with Tilt; partly because of the pitch bend, but mostly because the electronics were used in a tasteful and goldilocks-like manner, i.e. not much. Just right. Ask the _Dad: I didn't really like Kinetic Noise back in August. Something about it just didn't click for me (I did, however, really enjoy hearing the ballad - low brass has always been a treat). But I dig it more and more every time I listen to it. It comes nowhere close to Tilt, but it's still a great show. For those playing along, I'm convinced the reason it didn't immediately suck me in is because of the increased use of electronics. I prefer actual horns and drums. That said, I thought in Granville the other night that they're back to a tasteful use of the speakers and such. It complimented the music well, without becoming too intrusive. Nicely done, Coats. I'm interested to see how you do this season. And yes, I was giddy. But what can I say, live drum corps always gets me going, no matter who's playing.

So the season is almost here, and most every corps *cough bloo* has released a show title, but all have released show music. What are the favorites? Obviously there can be more than one... For those who know me, you won't be surprised when I say mine is BK's closer, "Saturn" by Sleeping At Last (yes, I'm sure I have the title/artist order correct). That hornline will do wonders with the notes, and a little birdie told me the song lyrics might be overlaid as narration. *drools uncontrollably* Note: I have been embarrassingly stagnant on this forum recently. If this has already been done, I have no doubt y'all will let me know. Let's see what we can come up with...

If anybody could find/post BK's drums, that would be much appreciated.

BK - I haven't posted much lately, but pretty much all of it has been related to my excitement for the 2016 Blue Knights. This is going to be soooooo good. Bluecoats - Went to their public performance at Denison Univ. last Tuesday, heard all but one movement of the show. It's gonna be interesting to see what they do with the music they've chosen. Side note: seeing the drumline play Vortex was in-freaking-credible. Crown - They're gonna work some magic this year, I can tell. The show theme is a perfect blend of odd and wonderful, and you know that brass staff is going to bring every ounce of talent out of that line. Cadets - Holy. Balls. This. Is. Going. To. Be. Good.

I can't WAIT to see what they do with Saturn as the closer. It would rock people's worlds as the ballad, but as the closer, there won't be a person in that stadium who isn't crying by the end. Well....I definitely will be. But maybe that's just me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ok, time to throw my two cents in... I just spent the last half an hour or so reading up on what y'all are saying, and I'm just gonna say it; as of now, all of you are correct. Those of you who are incorrect, won't have said incorrectness revealed until their first show, when all of our questions will be answered in grand fashion. You probably won't find a much bigger non-vet BK honk than me. I auditioned for the snareline last November, and will loyally fly to Denver over and over again until I earn a spot. I'm listening to the closer from "Because..." as I'm typing this. And after seeing - and hearing - this year's musical selections, I'm not sure I can put into words how thrilled and anxious I am to see how they close out the trilogy. I think that's part of it: now knowing that 2014, 2015, and 2016 are the three components of a trilogy allows me to have a whole new appreciation for the story they're trying to tell here. Personally, I think it's pretty darned genius: here we have (supposedly) a girl who is on her death bed. In one portion of the story, she (in first person) lives the last second of her life. In the next, a third party reflects on her life's purpose and greatness. Now, we're about to witness the third portion of the story: her death and its aftermath. Oh man, I get chills just thinking about it. Personally, I would think that many death-themed shows in a row would become boring for audience and member alike, but not in this case. The members obviously know that these three years are being used to tell one story, and if it were me in spring training right now, I wouldn't be able to hold on to my excitement. Even keeping track at home gets me way too riled up than it probably should, but I don't care. Lol Just wanted to throw out some fresh totally-not-at-all-no-way-biased opinion out there for pickins. As you can probably tell by now, I'm way too excited for this season. Hmmm, makes me look forward to next year: what will they do when their story is finished? *turns on "Saturn"*

Yep. That's about the best description I can think of

Also, how could I forget Santa Clara '14? That low brass hit was INASNE. Perfectly complemented during rests by the battery. Gotta love Rennick's writing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=942smREXNvQ

This is my first post in a while. Like, months. Oops. Off the top of my head... 2014 Blue Knights. The snare book that I'll never forget, accompanied by the voiceover that set the stage for the show. Du-GAH 2015 Blue Knights. Low brass chorale, then more of the corps joins in, then the drumline improves on the prior year's book with a lick that is indescribably tasty, IMO. They executed it in just the way Mike Jackson envisioned it. I kinda want to say something about the opening snare lick in BD '15, but that's too stock of a comment, so I won't mention it. 2015 Phantom Regiment. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a sucker for tasty opening snare licks. '12 and '13 Blue Devils openers were weirdly sweet, and equally enjoyable. Last one - Cadets '11, Between Angels and Demons. Just plain cool.

Agreed. Their uniforms are top-notch

Any corps, any year, any class. Idea spawned from the 2016 uniforms thread. Personally I loved BD 2014, Crown 15, and BK 2015 but there's something about the Cadets wearing black that appeals to me...

Very interesting. I like the merging idea, but I think the black and white images are being read into too much. DrumLine Battle and SoundSport are both like DCI in that they all have talk (forums), competition, and drill. Maybe it could really be that simple, and they're just trying to trick us. Whatever the final result is, this new banner has definitely provoked a really interesting conversation.

2008 Blue Devils - Abstract-esque 2012 Blue Devils - DaDa is CoolCool 2013 Jersey Surf - Just an overall fun show 2013 Blue Devils - People don't like it because it doesn't make sense. I think if they watched it more, it would grow on them A LOT. (I used to not like them at all)

Hover over it for a little longer. I let my cursor sit for a little while and something came up. It's intriguing.

Read "Not for the Faint of Heart." Great book about a 1990s SCV quad player. I think his name is Spike, but don't know off hand. I bet if you Google it it will come up. You'll be able to tell just by the cover that it's a drum corps book. It's got a picture of finals retreat (from the opposing side of the field) on the cover.

Oh my god. What did I get myself into? Like I said, there's always an interesting conversation on DCP.

(Intended for drummers, but there's always a good discussion on DCP ) For those of you who either don't know me or forget me (my bad; haven't been active on here for WAY too long), I'm a snare drummer. I'm planning on going for a corps for the 2015 season (still don't know which one yet). But I'm faced with the dreaded traditional grip left hand weakness. I'm right handed, so that doesn't help. I need to build some pretty major chops in all of my left hand, but I mainly want to focus on the index finger and building strength there. Does anybody have any tips/tricks/exercises etc. for building the left hand?

For those of you who either don't know me or forget me (my bad; haven't been active on here for WAY too long), I'm a snare drummer. I'm planning on going for a corps for the 2015 season (still don't know which one yet). But I'm faced with the dreaded traditional grip left hand weakness. I'm right handed, so that doesn't help. I need to build some pretty major chops in all of my left hand, but I mainly want to focus on the index finger and building strength there. Does anybody have any tips/tricks/exercises etc. for building the left hand?

I'm not surprised it's happened before. It's a lot to do in not a lot of time.

Snare drummer with no shako. Faulty uniform change. I bet they get docked points.

CORRECTION: My mistake; when I said "woodwinds" I meant "any brass instrument". Sorry for the confusion. *Shut up, dad.* I made a mistake. Cut me some slack. But you never know, woodwinds may be down the line.

I voted no. Why: In recent years, DCI has taken a turn for the worst. Allowing narration (exception: Crown '13) was a mistake. It doesn't work. Narration, I like. I think it adds to the creative ability of the show designers. But with DCI now allowing woodwinds, it makes me scared to think what's next in line. What is next, DCI? DCI's hayday lasted a lot longer than a lot of organizations that I can think of (correct me if I'm wrong; I'm only 14), and that hayday is sadly coming to an end. What was once, proudly, "Drum and Bugle Corps," has now turned into ***I don't know what to call it***. Let's all get some wood to knock on and hope that DCI lasts half as long as it already has. But the sad truth is, I can't say that I honestly think that will happen. I'm sorry, DCI, but your future does not look good from here.

Phantom 08 (was there for finals but it's still the best show I've ever been there for) BD '12 (Dada show; amazing) Crown '13 (Well, DUH)

2000, 2008, 2013, 2013, 2013, 2013

OH GOD NO