Scatfish

Has anyone got anything good to say about Premier?

Pearl make horns?!

On terms of sound with the Premier drums, here's some video of the Revolution series. First video from 2008 and the second from 2010. 2008: 2010: Not the most fair impression because of the audio quality on the videos.

I've contacted Premier before, not just through my friend in the company but using the customer service line. I do know that when the company was going through the problems it was a bit harder to get in contact with them as the future was as bleak as anything until they sorted it all out. I reckon Premier are on brighter lines now though and in the States all your inquiries would go through MarchingUSA (USA Distributor). http://marching.premier-percussion.com/news/news-marching/us-distribution-announced-for-marching-and-educational-lines

We've (Kidsgrove Scouts, UK) been endorsed by Premier for several years now, its a company which is nowgoing from strength to strength from the eyes of a horn player especially after a bleak patch where the company traveled through troubled waters. The chap who's in charge of the Marching side of the business is very passionate in what he does, known him for around 6 odd years and he's the sort of person who will do whatever for you that they can to help. Would be great to see Premier climb the market once again in America.

I'd love to tell you our show but we're still waiting for an announcement to come out from the Corps Director as we don't even know the show name ourselves just the concept and of course the piece we've learnt.

Our hornline parts are: Trumpets 1/2/3 Mello 1/2 Tuba 1 and some split parts I think? Baritones 1/2/3 (3rds inc Euphs) Numbers wise in the UK with most corps your just happy with whatever you can get. Last year at KS we had 15 Trumpets, 9 Mello, 7 Tuba and about 14 Baritone/Euphs. This year the numbers are up but I'm not going to announce them because we're still getting new additions :)

In the UK its mostly Bb/F but there are a small group of corps that still use Gs.

Yes I see where you are coming from, the only thing is that we both compete in the Open Class of the DCUK circuit which is fully open age and I know that The Company like us has alot of people over the age of 22 however would still be able to compete in DCI in the International Class under our rules like Jubal did this season. DCUK is similar to DCA by being an open age association but also similar to DCI by allowing electronics and amplification. We're a full mixed bag over the pond! It would be great if you make it to Annapolis next year, we appreciate your support if your at the stadium or even watching on YouTube.

Not feeling this at all, what a shame.

It's all well talking about tours across the pond but the expense and time it takes to organise a trip is colossal, I think there's a lot of corps who would love to go over to the States just for the experience but it will probably never be a realistic idea. I did hear The Company were on about an American tour, not sure how true it is - best idea would be just to wait to see if they ever announce about it. I can say for sure though, we love'd our last trip over and will be forever grateful for everyone who helped make it possible. Including many people over the pond. What makes DCUK real good for the crowd is how diverse it is throughout the whole circuit and not just with us and The Company. I think I can speak for both corps when I say that we'd play to the strengths of what people like about our own corps. Be it making the most of a big hornline using big power chords or with The Company playing to the strengths of the visual ideas that are portrayed across and unique characteristics.

Kidsgrove Scouts - yeeeehawww!

Sorry I was a bit lazy and didn't read all of the posts above. Its all and well talking about how to do stagger breathing etc - its about the application. I know this for sure as I am the devil for it, picture the scenario we're coming into a big diagonal line to form the Mountains at the end of the ballad in Kidsgrove's The Summit show. When we hit the set is the big chord, very naughtily I would come in with the note and then drop out and get a big breath and then slam back in, but because I had a fresh breath I came across louder than the rest who would of been having a breath after. I got slated for hammering an attack in rather than doing it subtly (as recommended up above) and ruining the effect of this big wall of sound so to say. I think its very hard in a situation like that because when you are in the moment you can loose control, I think every time we played that I was literally buzzing from it all which tends to lead to a lack of application of technique. Any hornline can stand there and play a big loud chord, but the best hornlines can do it seamlessly keeping perfection throughout. I hope that was some help, don't loose control!

Ah right, some people really do need to let their hair down.

Tom, your right..it was original with phrases from movies such as Catch Me If You Can and the Incredibles etc. Also surprisingly The Simpson's Movie where the start of the closer was from! ( ) At Kidsgrove we do get permission for the arrangements, I'm not sure about the other UK corps though and I'm sure the lawyers would have a field day if they were to visit but who knows what other corps are doing.I really do feel sorry for Madison with what happened this year, surely artists would be proud that people want to play their music?

It's an interesting topic, in the UK we don't seem to have any problems with permission arranging music. I know in the past I have marched a show which included John William's music and this was in 2004. I don't know what the exact laws are but I know that in the UK and I'm guessing Europe as well I don't actually think people contact the composers for permission to make an arrangement and if they do have to then there's not that many problems by the amount of "popular" music being played. I only know that at Kidsgrove we did last year as we came over to the States. The only downfall is that it could hinder the ideas that the staff have for shows, if a certain piece they want to use has its application denied. But all in all, if we do apply for permission, I wouldn't know because its something behind the scenes. Sorry if my reply is jumbled, I read it back and confused myself.

Nice one, thanks for the help.

Hi all, I was wondering if you could help me out as I am very blurry with the age restrictions in DCI as in Europe its all open-age. My original plan was to audition for the Madison Scouts for the 2013 season, but I've seen bits and bobs about that might mean I can do it in 2014 aswell dependent on when my birthday is etc. My birthday is on the 8th April 1992, so when will I age out - 2013 or will I be able to do 2014 aswell (permitting on circumstances) Any help would be very much appreciated.

If you think your excited about us coming, you should see how we're all feeling! If it was up to me I would of had the first rehearsal the week after the European Championships as I am that excited, I really do hope you enjoy the show because the music we've recieved so far is class - roll on Annapolis!

The Company did have a very tight show, marching around 20 horns. But as they say its about quality not quantity, if you have both then I suppose there's no stopping you in my opinion. We just want to come over and try our best and again for the experience we had last year. Hopefully marching a full corps of 128 members, which is looking a lot more hopeful as the days are counting down to the first rehearsal for 2012. Just in case anyone is interested - - that's our DCE performance.Back onto the topic, all the best for the Cadets 2. Will be interesting to see where they slot in with the other corps it could go one way or the other. Who knows ahey?!

Hi all, Very very close British Finals last night! We took High Colourguard & High Effect captions. Next stop Holland to defend our European Champions Title. Thank you for all the support, much appreciated.