crownisking

You’re probably right but I would argue that the Charleston area is more deserving of a drum corps show. Larger population and there are a number of strong high school band programs in the greater Charleston area so it could serve as a recruiting tool as well.

I’m appreciative that the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is still getting three shows next summer. Even if the third show is a little slimmer than usual. I’m definitely disappointed that the Blue Devils are once again skipping the Dallas area on their Texas tour.

Yeah but it was really cool of Bloo to do their full show in the rain last year.

Very true. During Bimm’s tenure at Marian Catholic, his band won more Grand National Championships than any other band ever has. I believe that record still stands today though Carmel will break it pretty soon if their hot streak continues.

Thanks, good to know! I haven’t been by the Fort Mill office in years so I didn’t know for sure if it was still there or not. I do remember it being a pretty small space though so the new location makes sense. Plenty of space to park the fleet through the off season.

I’m guessing they’ll still keep Fort Mill as their “official” HQ. At least for marketing purposes. I only say that because the building in NC looks like it’s been in use for a while (at least long enough for Google Street View to record it being in Crown’s possession) and this season they were still going by “Fort Mill” in all their announcements and publications.

Unrelated, but did you know the corps office isn’t in Fort Mill anymore? I’m not sure when they moved but their new address is just over the state line in Pineville, NC. I noticed it on their Facebook page a few weeks ago. Then I looked the address up on Google Earth and it’s definitely legit. I’m sure they’ll still be announced at contests as “from Fort Mill, SC” but they’ve gone back to the Tar Heel state. That makes this native South Carolinian a little sad. 😢

The National Battle of the Bands lineup is usually announced in May. I’m not 100% sure how the lineup is selected though I know some of it involves coordinating with the schools to make sure they can make it work. Performing in this particular showcase would mean opening the campus to band students well before the start of fall semester. Some schools can make that work, some can’t. It would also depend on each school’s football schedule as the event usually takes place during Week 0. The event’s sponsors pay for travel, lodging and food. They also present a scholarship (and I believe a check as well) to each of the participating schools.

That’s fair. But yeah, there are definitely a few of them out there.

If a band is selected to perform in the Honda Battle of the Bands, the marching band season extends into February. Other than that though, full marching band appearances past football season are kinda rare apart from the occasional parade. And those are usually negotiable as long as you communicate with your BD. The majority of the show band showcases are from September to November. Though notably, if a student’s band is performing in the National Battle of the Bands in Houston, that show is typically held in late August so that would be a potential conflict for a student marching drum corps. Since there are usually only about 8 bands that are selected, this would not affect most of the HBCU bands.

Also, many of the instructors that teach at HBCU band programs do have drum corps experience. Back when I was in college, the percussion instructor at our neighboring school (because we didn’t have a marching band) marched with Cadets.

There’s a little more overlap than you may think. Particularly when it comes to drums. HBCU band students are well aware of the drum corps world and a good many of them do actually support the activity, even if they don’t all necessarily march. (Though, a few do.) At the Atlanta show, you’ll almost always find more than a few HBCU band kids in the lots and in the stands. I know a few of them also go to Crown’s home shows and I’m sure there are other examples of this as well.

I don't really have a dog in the fight when it comes to SCV so I don't want to seem like I'm piling on them but...I wouldn't put too much stock into that. Teal Sound updates their facebook page occasionally too and they haven't fielded a corps since 2012.

Bloo 23 was kinda about drugs. I mean I interpreted it as “Alice in Wonderland” -esque. And that story is basically about drugs. And I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that. I enjoyed this year’s show immensely. But yeah, it’s pretty trippy.

I just hope BD comes to Dallas in 2024! 🤞🏾

Oh one last thing. Crown should do a pirate show next year. Don’t ask me why. But they should definitely make it happen. Do it.

Just like that, the 4th place curse is broken! And check out the percussion stepping it up on finals night! Yes, silver would have been shinier but this is a notable achievement! Congratulations to all the finalist corps on an outstanding season! I’ll see you all in a few months when the conversation gets interesting again! 😉

This should come as a surprise to no one. Indy isn’t the most interesting city to visit but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t see all the benefits to staying put.

I’m cautiously optimistic. The way this season has gone so far, anything could happen next week in Indy. That being said: I had my finger firmly on the panic button after SA and I definitely feel a little better now.

Crown beat BD in percussion???? Has that ever happened before?

I would imagine it’s mostly mental at this point. Those kids are acutely aware that they are the section scoring consistently lower than the rest of the corps. It’s a tough hill to climb especially at that age.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bones do a salute before.

Cascades are setting up now 🙂

Actually now that I think about it, I’ve been to a few Crown home shows over the years that have been rained out. SMH. At least this time the rain is supposed to stop soon.

Again with the rain…🙁 Every. Freaking. Year. Man, is Winston Salem cursed or something?