Crayola8

Who is doing the Bluecoats commentary?

I think what you're referring to is the natural by-product of any activity that requires an audition, application, or tryout. Imagine if we extended your idea that corps should have their auditionees limited to the concept of . . . colleges. Applying that same concept, it's not fair that Harvard University gets to have all the applicants that they want. There should be a cutoff for the amount of people that apply to Harvard. Never mind the fact that a good portion of those applicants you didn't allow to apply are just as qualified, have worked just as hard, and deserve to go to Harvard just as much as the applicants you allowed to apply. That just doesn't make sense. Two things happen in that scenario. First, there are obviously deserving and wanting applicants that are not even given the chance to TRY go to their school of choice. Second, wouldn't this approach eventually dilute Harvard's renowned quality and prestige by limiting their applicant pool? Wouldn't this same approach in drum corps eventually dilute the quality and identity of the top corps, all in the name of parity? In my mind, the process of auditioning for and selecting a corps to march is most similar to applying to and selecting a college. You shoot for your dream, but if it doesn't work out, you go to your second choice school. The possibility of transferring after a year is not out of the question! I think the issue of corps "stringing along" potential members is more than a bit overblown. I'm not saying that it's never happened, but the idea that this is a common practice among the top corps is a little ridiculous. I'm also a little curious as to how the process you mentioned would actually work . . . Director "X" says that the top corps fill their ranks and then wait for better players to come along - where are these better players coming from? Top-er corps? The reality is that the top corps get a lot of auditionees because they are . . . the top corps. Kids want to shoot high. And that shouldn't be regulated. I think the process is fine the way it is.

Kevin, John has a great website with free recordings of his works. www.ostimusic.com Check out Redline Tango, Turbine, and Sarsparilla (my bet for the Troopers selection).

I can respond to #2 and #3: #2 - Troopers recruited members because they decided that they were going to recruit a lot of members. It was active recruiting that did not stop until after the Quarterfinals performance. Brass caption head Scott Atchison set out to march a full hornline and did not rest until it happened (and even afterwards, he was always on the lookout to fill potential holes). He sent thousands of emails, made tons of phone calls, and COMMUNICATED with auditionees. He tapped into various parts of the country, knowing that 64 solid horns were not going to come from Wyoming. Kids were actively recruited in Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Las Vegas, and other areas. ACTIVE recruiting. Sending out posters doesn't cut it. #3 - Once they had the kids, the staff took care of the rest. And not just the instructional staff. I would dare to say that the admin and design staff had more to do with the corps' success than the tech staff. The members were given a great product to perform that was appropriate for both the corps and the members. Most importantly, the members were taken care of. There was one minor bus hiccup all summer. The kids ate better than at the top 5 corps I marched with. And the veterans of the corps were SO strong in leadership roles. Having a corps with such a strong history went a long way in creating a family atmosphere where the kids were comfortable - and therefore more apt to good rehearsing and performing. Obviously, it wasn't a perfect summer. I'm sure that the corps staff has numerous things that they're looking to improve for 2008. But it really was a model summer for putting a corps back on the field.

http://www.bluecoats.com/news_detail.asp?news_id=242

From what I have heard, Music Effect (Joe Allison) decided the show tonight. Bluecoats beat Blue Devils by .4 and the Cavaliers by one point exactly in that caption.

Six Words, Bluecoats.

I meant for tonight.

Really. The list of corps at the show from dci.org IS the show order.

Do also keep in mind that Cascades performed after the Cavaliers this evening.

That totals 136 . . . not including the DMs. ?

Matt, If I were you I'd go to Kalamazoo. Better venue, and you'll have more time to take in the whole experience since it's on a Saturday. It sounds like at Centerville you'd be rushed, and might not get to see all the corps you'd want to see. To me, that's worth the extra 60 miles to K-Zoo. BTW, whichever show you end up going to, come by and say hi. I'm teaching with Troopers.

You have heard incorrectly. On multiple parts of those statements.

Actually, I disagree that a standing ovation like that would be for the wrong reasons. Fans have just as much business applauding the return of a historic corps as they do the performance. The members realize this, and are out there as much for the history of the corps as the current show. For the record, the members are intending on inspiring a standing ovation because of their performance, as well.

But then my boyfriend couldn't play judges tapes on the 1985 Teddy Ruxpin I got him for this summer's tour. :(

when an instructor gives you a comment or critique . . . don't EVER say "i know", even if you think you did. just nod, and fix it.

Semi-Finals night, in the lot. A Jeep, and a VERY apologetic volunteer.

Oh lord. Earlier in the year, some of my students downloaded this ringtone that supposedly "adults cannot hear". They tried to test it on me, and although I faintly heard it, the more astonishing thing was that it began to make me incredibly nauseous. I kept feeling sick, then all of the sudden, I had to run out of my office. I puked in the trash can. 2 days later, the students tried it again, and I ralphed again. The students are so freaked out that they don't use those ringtones anymore. I hate those ringtones.

http://www.bluecoats.com/almost.asp

To add on to the comments already made about Japanese culture, the other major difference between American and Japanese youth is that they pick ONE specific activity (violin, baseball, ballet, french horn) when they are very young and they follow through almost to the professional level. The American phenomena of kids being involved in baseball, soccer, band, choir, boy/girl scouts, all at the same time simply doesn't exist over there. There are definitely merits to each approach, but it's interesting to see the differences.

The best kind of shoe for a summer of marching is a Cross Trainer. They differ from running shoes in that they're built for a rougher terrain and therefore have more support in the ankles for hard direction changes. Like Jake said, running shoes are only made to hit the ground in one direction, and offer little to no support for the ankle if you change direction. As far as brands, I'd recommend Adidas or New Balance. Both are high quality, durable shoes. Stay away from Nike. They have great advertising, but have yet to really put out a superior product. As for Brooks - my father has run marathons in them for 20 years and has loved them. He got me a pair of Brooks cross trainers for my first season marching and I wound up with a sprained ankle, aggravated knees, and a pulled groin. Plus, they began to fray at the seaming after about one week of spring training. They may work for a lot of people, but I did have a negative experience. Used Adidas the next summer and they worked great, no injuries. Something else to consider AFTER you shop for shoes. Strengthen your feet, ankles, and lower legs NOW and you will be much better off, regardless of the shoe you purchase. Stretch your Achilles tendon and do calf raises daily. Strong muscles and supple tendons are key to warding off injuries, and once you hit spring training, it's too late. Best of luck!

Wait . . . . what?

yes.

I don't know that anyone with the corps ever "denied" a uniform change. They just didn't publicly announce the new unis. Yet. . . . I've never used the word "pimp" as an adjective before, but the new unis are . . . pretty pimp.

http://www.bluecoats.com