AmFlag61

Well worded, Cainan! When, if ever, did ANY Corps (yours, mine, or John Doe's) perform a "Perfect" show? Gifted as they are, this current generation of "performers" (God, I hate that word) still misstep, crack a note, miss a beat. blow a toss, etc. The idea that ANY Corps has performed "perfectly" in any Caption is ludicrous. And, IMO, impossible.

OK, I'm an idiot (standing O by the DCP audience!), but, as Director of the Podunk Piirates next Saturday I have the choice of appearing at our Annual Podunk Poppy Festival or travelllng to Orlando FL for the Orange Orgasm show. Now being a "lower tier" Corps, I expect to receive X $ while having spent Y $ to travel there & back. Do I base my judgement on the X vs Y equation? Or do I decide that I owe my community/supporters our participation in our local event? Hey Gang, if this is all about the Bucks (one of the original ideas of Combine/DCI versus AL & VFW) then let's all embrace the Hopkins vision, let's go to Orlando & fill the stadiums with woodwinds, harps, bagpipes, cellos, etc. If, instead, this is about Integrity, let's stay home in Podunk and give our Fans/Supporters the show of THEIR & OUR Lives! YO! Dudes and Dudettes, I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going Insane. What I now see happening in the DC Community is total INSANITY!

"Actually they have nothing to lose......."'. I believe this to be true, but for me the question remains - What do the G7 have to gain? And to Impulslvebari, how do you think I feel about The Cavaliers participatoin in this "revolting" movement?

Actually, Mr. Boo is the ONLY current Black Belt in the "Single Entendre" circuit! And while I understand my comrades positions, I still believe that "leaving room" is a flagrant abuse of "Judging"!

Curiousme, I wish I were more Positive about this issue. The current Director of The Cavaliers is a man who I marched with in the late'50s & early '60s. A man who, after his age out, continued to contribute to & participate (and continues to this day) for 40+ years as a Cavalier. I have NO doubt that he acts constantly for the betterment of The Cavaliers & ALL Corps.Though God only knows how he got himself and MY Corps entrapped in this G7 mess! But I, and apparently many others, just don't get this Hopkins thing. If I thought that he was working to advance The Cadets and ALL other Corps, I would stand shoulder to shoulder with him! However, upon reviewing years of his behind the scenes scheming, plotting, and conniving, I am left with the uncomfortable feeling that he merely uses The Cadets as the easiest means to achieve his ultimate goal, the George Hopkins takeover of Drum Corps! We may deserve better than that - The Cadets certainly do! FHNSAB!

Over the past 10 days DC Alumni (many of them NOT Cavaliers) have asked me why I contribute/Post to this site. (The fact that they know I do would seem to indicate they read but not write here.) To be honest, DCP affords me the opportunity to Rant, Rave, & be Obnoxious! BUT... more importantly, it presents me access to Learning - about your thoughts, your views, etc. Many of your Posts have made me see things from a different perspective, one which I had previously not considered. And for that, Thank You! The '10 Season is over and most of you would be grateful that you wouldn't have to put up with me until next June/July. But NO! I'm still confused about this whole G7/DCI mess & will be back here to voice my opinions and ask you for clarification. In the mean time, sleep well, the attendants have locled down the Crazy Man tonight. HeHeHe! LDTK! (Little Do They Know")

Unquestionably, the Blue Devils have ALWAYS had a Brilliant Horn Line, a pretty good Drum Line, and a Beautiful Guard. What they haven't had, IMO, is a challenging or exciting Drill/Visual Program. Do they deserve to be one of the most successful Corps in DC History? Without a doubt! Do they consistently produce Music that elevates the form? Of Course! Do they continually outmarch their competitors? Rarely, if ever! Their "Chairs" show was perfect for them. But "Spartacus" moved! And while I believe they could have played "Samurai" or "Mad World" to near perfection, I don't think that they could have marched those shows anywhere close to the level The Cavaliers did.

The Cadets - Holy Name./Garfield/ Bergen County/ad infinitum - are one of the greatest Corps in history. Over the years I have watched them, housed them, been housed by them & competed with them. I think 2000 & 2009 were highlights to a history stretching back 60 years in my experience. BUT... i think The Cadets are currently suffering from a cancerous growth within their collective body, one that will be painful to extract but will ensure their survival & guarantee the safety of Corps they come in contact with. That tumor is Hopkins. Cut it out! And to all Cadet Alumni, do you want to watch The Cadets, teach your children & grandchildren about FHNSAB? or urge those fine young women & men to sign up for "Sergeant Hopkins Lowly Woodwinds BAND"? There is a growing movement in the MidWest Alumni to clean up this G7 mess - we leave the East Coast to you, GAHFIELD!!!!

As i have repeatedly stated (OMG Opager is over the top in Ranting once again) the current Judging is faulted, if not corrupt. Other Posters have opined that the Finals "Judges" were "enamored" of BD's show or that they were "pro-Bd. I don't KNOW if this is true. But many of us with our own Pro-Corps bias (yours truly included) will leap into the fray shouting "See? I knew this was Fixed!" Perhaps, while stepping aside from our personal Corps adoration. we should let DCI know that we Fans/Supporters are dissatisfied with the current "Judging" system and will no longer economically support them until some change is implemented. BITD, it was farly simple - 30 points Brass, 30 points Drums, 30 points M&M, 10 points GE. 4 Captions, 4 Judges. Now it seems there are almost as many "Judges" as on-field Drummers. Is it time for us (meaning CMMs, Alumni, and the Fans) to DEMAND that DCI investigate & act on this issue? Or do we all blissfully join "Sergeant Hopkins Lowly Woodwinds Band" and watch Drum Corps die? I'm not asking any of you to react, rather that you should THINK & ACT!

Because of the fact that my sole income is from SS, I do not have the wherewithal to attend many DC shows. Marching with The Classic Cavaliers has given me the opportunity to view some DC performances. Consequently, I look to the DCP Reviewers to keep abreast of what's going on. While I am grateful to ALL of you who take the time & effort to report - this was, for me, the GREATEST REVIEW EVER!! Opinionated? Perhaps (though I don't think so) This was an, above all, Honest Review from the Reviewer's perspective. NO "Hidden Agendas", no "My Favorite Corps" bias, just an honest report of what was seen, heard, & felt. BRAVO!!! Honest Review from the Reviewers perspective

OMG! (I really hate these Politically Correct shorthands! ROFLMAO!) but have we now gone beyond our partisanship for OUR Corps and entered into a new arena of combat in this G7 vs. DCI turmoil? The Bottom Line is, Do you believe (on either side of this issue) that these actions will promote, advance, & sustain Drum Corps? I currently hold an anti G7 position, but am willing to be educated on this issue. I believe that we DCP Posters, no matter our Personal bias for "OUR" Corps (and I freely admit that I have been the Lead Offender in this area) NEED to support ALL Corps, no matter their "World". "Open", blah, blah, blah, status. If you, or more importantly I, can't do this, we should just shut the eff up, crack open another bottle of Jack, and stumble around the house, muttering to the only person who gives a darn to our opinions - OURSELVES! Blue Devils - Congratulations! Cavaliers - I thought you deserved to win! Bluecoats - Where did you come from? Awesome! Crown - I REALLY thought this year would be a standoff between you & SCV. Thanks for a brilliant Season! Cadets/Garfield/Holy Name - What can I say that you don't already know? That I have loved & respected you since the early '50s? You are always a "Class Act"! Phantoms - I remember you as a "lower" level Corps fighting with the Purple Knights for local dominance. Now you have become 1 of the most inspiring & influential Corps in DC history. SCV - There's nothing much to say beyond "Santa Clara Vanguards". One of DC's most legendary & respected Corps. Now tell Fiedler to get off his butt & take you to the Championship! Boston Crusaders - YESSSSS! And to ALL of you whom I have not mentioned, you are worthy of every bit of recognition, applause, & respect the appreciative audience has given you. In closing, a special message to the Madison Scouts; BITD '59-63. we Chicago Cavaliers thought we could whip ANYBODY (Blessed Sacrament was alway a "?"), but there were 2 Midwest Corps we ALWAYS kept a respectful eye on - The Belleville Black Knights and even more, the Madison Scouts! I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am that you're still here and that this year you reeducated all of us on Drum Corps as it was. is, and should always be! CONTINUE THE "SLAUGHTER"!!! And to all of you who read this, I can only say, Thank You for allowing me to be a part of this Family, and as always... SPLOOIE!!!

WOW! Another Post calling Don Warren "The Old Man" (a title which I long have thought was our secret & affectionate name for him). If you are interested in how a Corps is created, operated, and sustained for over 60 years, I strongly recommend that you read "Building The Green Machine". It's wonderfully written, and funny as well. Come read about us and laugh at us or with us, but read between the lines as well. You just might be surprised at the treasures buried in this book. From the bottom of my heart, I salute ALL Corps from the 'World" to the "Open" to the "B" to the SDCA, to the "Alumni" Corps, (sorry if I missed anyone) but most especially to the young Dreamers who have yet to join, but desperately want to share the experience many of us were blessed (YES, BLESSED!) to have. We are destined to grow old & die. But let us pray that Drum Corps will survive. SPLOOIE!!! to you all!

A few thoughts & a statement - Victor, what a well thought out and brilliantly worded email on the G7 issue! Jeff, LOL, I thought that we Cavaliers were the only ones who called Don Warren "The Old Man". His contributions to us & ALL Corps for 62 years is remarkable. As he is the very Soul of The Cavaliers, I can't envision him approving of anything which would harm The Green Machine or ANY OTHER CORPS! And to the rest of you who question the Hopkins agenda, know this; I have no animosity towards him personally (I think the vandalization of his car was not only criminal, but reflected badly on ALL of us), but have real concerns about his tunnel vision as regards the future of Drum Corps. Drum & Bugle Corps have a History & Tradition greater than any single Corps or individual We 'old pharts". "Dinosaurs", "Fossils", as well as our younger Sisters & Brothers, have an obligation to maintain that History and that Tradition!

See? Here's the problem - IF Corps #12 pulls it all together and performs THE kick butt show of the night, should they be scored low in order to "leave room" for the "Top" 11? This is my major reason for supporting a return to the now denigrated "tick" system. Flame away! This former "Dinosaur" is now a "Fossil" and thus. fireproof!

Crown Prince!

Personally, I've always enjoyed the shows that Mother Theresa designed, especially the '69 Our Lady Of The Night Knights show "Hello, Sailor".

Male Bovine Dung, and you know it. The entire current "Judging" system is based on preconcieved bias!

Rumor (the fuel that feeds this site, and which admittedly has inspired my "over the top" Rants) has it that more than 1 of the G7 are there solely to keep an eye on that groups moves. Some members have already stated their commitment to remaining WITHIN the DCI community. True or False? I don't know. As a matter of fact, I must admit that I know squat about the internal political battles now going on within the Drum Corps community. But, while not knowing, I DO believe; 1) That on the surface, the G7 movement is arrogant, elitist, & divisive. 2) That DCI may actually benefit from this squabble by reevaluating some of their current policies & procedures. 3) That George Hopkins has damaged the entire Drum Corps activity more than any single individual EVER has, and if allowed to continue in ANY role whatsoever in The Cadets or any other DC position, will destroy Drum Corps as we know & have known it. 4) That, no matter our past gripes with DCI, now is the time to support it & its still loyal members. 5) That we of the Drum Corps community have an obligation & duty to communicate with the G7 Directors, demanding clear and concise reasons for their actions. This is, of course, my personal opinion, and in no way reflects any organizaion that I have been or currently am involved with. In closing, I WILL NOT support ANY members of "Sergeant Hopkins Lowly Woodwinds Band"!

I find it impossible to believe that, historically, any "Boos" were directed at a specific Corps or its members. I will always beleive that it's the way a crowd expresses its disagreement with results. I marched, won, lost, and have heard my share of "Boos" over the years - but never on the Starting Line or at the "Cavaliers, you make take the Field" announcement. Do I, as a Fan, approve of "Booing" at announced scores? Yes, although as much as I might disagree, I just don't think I would do it. I save my Rants, Raves, & "Boos (NOT my Booze) for Total War websites like DCP!

While I am a blatantly, biased Cavalier partisan, destroying BD would adversely affect the entire Drum Corps activity. (OMG, I hate using the word "activity"). Defeat them in competition? YESSSSSS! Destroy (?) them? NEVER! For they embody both the Light & the Dark sides of Drum Corps. To lose them would be the equivalent of the dissolution of Madison, Boston, Phantom, and most of all The Cadets & The Cavaliers. It would be the End. So march on, Devils! Without you what goals would we have? I may not like you, Concord, but my shako is off in respect of your accomplishments!

No kidding - I AM sorry! My Posts discredited myself and may have negatively affected your perceptions of The Cavaliers, who are MUCH better Sportsmen than I.

There was a period in time that we Cavaliers call "The Dark Years" during which they placed 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, etc. There was even 1 year when the Corps was told "If we don't make Finals, we're done!" (God bless them, they knuckled down & made it!)Well it took a LONG time until their 1st DCI Title in '92. CI? At the beginning of DCI, The Cavaliers had a pretty good record of AL & VFW National and State titles, but as I've already said it took time to get back on top! I think returning members provide a strong part of the overall success. In the Fall of 2001 I saw 100s of kids audition for 5 open spots in the 2002 snare line (I think I have that number right, if not I will stand corrected). Those who didn't "make the cut" went on to audition for other Corps, and many returned to audition the following year. Nor do I think that this is an exclusively Cavalier scenario. So what attracts them to so called "top tier" Corps? Winning and/or challenging shows designed by STAFF! This is a complex formula you've presented here & certainly one worthy of contemplation. I don't know if "Judges" begin a Season considering CI or "The Big Mo', but I would certainly hope not. Without pre-judging Corps previous achievements, and with open minds, they could decide that last years #10 (or 11 0r 12 0r whatever number) had presented a performance demanding a higher, if not winning, position.

I still remember the thrill of watching Corps march off playing their "Special" song, as well participating in that. Logistics? Quickly getting back on the Road? Heck, after DCI Finals there is NO Road! Why not 1 more chance to celebrate the Glory of what might be your last opportunity to rejoice in a long & grueling Season. Personally, I think the crowd would give a sustained "Standing O" to ALL Corps at that point. IMO!

As I Posted earlier; A 2nd consecutive undefeated Season, 4 Caption Awards, & 14 Championships! The Blue Devils deserve a Special Place in the Drum Corps Hall Of Fame! Congratulations, BD! (Just to keep the record straight)

Once upon a time in a Galaxy far away...after the Announcement of Scores, Corps would march off the Field in reverse order of Finish, saluting the Winning Corps AND the Fans. It was a mark of respect for the Champions as well as to receive the applause of the Audience. And while I have had many experiences of "Booing" during scores being announced, I have NEVER heard anything but cheers & applause during a Corps "Passing In Review" at the end of the evening. What do you all think about restoring this Time Honored Tradition? or ?