lalaladybug

I haven't read all 87 pages yet, but I have read enough to appreciate both sides of this discussion. First, I am a die-hard Laker fan, and almost everybody hates them. Most, however, respect them for their accomplishments on and off the court. Let's count those who wanted to Break Up The Yankees over the years. My mind travels back to Garfield's first DCI win. We sat in the stands and endured the 'EAST, EAST, EAST, EAST', etc. but we understood it, all things considered. However, I believe that was the show where the snare squad (and perhaps more of the drum group) marched backfield and went behind some time of visual barricade. I swear they were there for some minutes, and I was furious they took high drums. I didn't boo, but I was really PO'd. If I had booed, no one would have heard it for the cheers and EAST calls. I told myself it was a beautiful horn show and a great drill. The Cadets are still the only corps in DCI to win three consecutive DCI titles (so far). I don't recall every hearing people boo them for that. They do have more National titles than anyone also. Are either of those facts causing anybody to hate them? We all need to realize that there are three/four super corps this year. The corps that has the most strength in the most captions on the night of finals will win. I have personally attending more than 30 of the 40 DCI Finals, and I never saw a winner that I didn't think should have won. Particularly after thinking about it. Those tenths of points are hard earned by every unit. Some days one could be mis-granted. That is all it takes, you know. Let's just sit back and enjoy every second of this spectacular year. Every corps in the top 18 or so has something wonderful to contribute. God bless them all for what they do.

I had to watch San Antonio on the FN, which is wonderful in itself. But I did attend the top 8 show in Rockford a few days before, so my comments likely reflect some of both. I do feel the Blue Devils are better than described above, mainly because so many of the comments from last year were not at all happy with their musical choices for a couple of years. I think that this year they should get some fan credits for playing lovely music. I am sure the horn performance will improve radically soon. I agree with the placements so far, and think that the top four could finish in any order. Any order would please me. The visual of The Cadets is incredible, the brass from Crown is the best to me, the Cavies are more fun than anyone else and can easily rule. BD fascinates me by backing up their lines around those poles so perfectly, and they make a good point with that home. I love Phantom's East of Eden opener, as well as the marvelous A Time For Us. The overpass by Blue Star works for me. Very clever and inventive. Here I want to explain that I am one of those fans that is more attracted by the choice and performance of music that the complexity of a drill. There are a few drill moves over the years that stay in my memory (like the Z pull), but music stays there forever. I can close my eyes and hear Madison playing Charmaine at least 50 years ago. Therefore, I can't really appreciate fully this years Santa Clara show, and several others including Spirit and the Troopers. The Blue Knights are playing the Folk Song Suite which I love and equate with the Kingsmen and 27th, and others I'm sure. I am not a sophisticate about drum corps, I just love to watch and listen to it, whenever and wherever I can. I do know I am not alone about the music. Hopefully, there will be more for me to appreciate every year.

I want to say hello to Charlie, who first taught my daughter to march. Thank you old friend. And thanks to Puppet for the nice comments. There is no end to great stuff to see, say and love.

Well fellas, I have been trying to pick out a few memories - this is my 65th year of involvement in and love for this fabulous activity. I am sure I have forgotten a good deal of them, but some linger in my emotional tales: First hearing the Cavaliers play Sing, Sing, Sing at South Milwaukee - likely in the early 50's Participating in the shared fun of all the different corps staying in that school in South Milwaukee Drum corps night every year at Riverview Park in Chicago - parading among the coasters. Barnstorming through various downtown areas - in streets and stores in our coveralls I thought the best music came from the Kilties Then I saw the Royal Airs at Nationals - indoors, in '65 at McCormick Place Being fascinated by Madison's fabulous cymbal line in the 40's and 50's My first viewing of Santa Clara at California State - all that Fiddler!!! Seeing my then-eleven year old girl pick up a rifle and really do it - VK and Kingsmen Seeing that child win DCI twice, with two different drum corps Being very proud of Kingsmen kids I used to chaperone turning out fabulous drum lines - Tom Float and Ralph Hardimon Meeting two precious friends, fans of 27th, with whom I travelled to several DCI's - '78 to '90 or ??, and they surprised me last Sunday at Rockford. This feeling never goes away. Most of you know that, and if you don't know yet, you will. Millions of memories, thousands of kids to love. Blessings to all.