oldcadetsop
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Posts posted by oldcadetsop
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32 minutes ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
Me thinks thou doth protest too much. Have I struck a nerve or something?
I'm not trying to be funny. The entire push for underoos on the field is the opposite of funny. The costumes themselves are the insult.
And whether you like it or not.....any bando who doesn't follow drum corps would look at that photo and ask the exact same thing. Something to think about....
Again, I will repeat, the diatribe you posted the other day had some valid points. I am open for a rational discussion. The second you undermine, insult make fun of MM's. You lose all credibility you think you have. You shoot yourself in the foot.
Me sir, LOL if you think you strike a nerve with me, rather I think current drum corps has struck a nerve with you. As for me, it takes a lot more than your kind to strike a nerve.
Speaking of insult...................look in the mirror.
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4 minutes ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
But where is her figure skating outfit??
You lose more credibility with every post.
You do make some decent points, but when you result to insulting tactics, you lose all credibility that YOU think you have.
I hope you think you are funny, I do not see it. But so be it. Maybe you need to find a new hobby.
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16 hours ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
Wow, did they really teach their entire color guard to play horns?
Grow up.
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6 minutes ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
Ok, then do so. Please. By all means, provide them. I would absolutely love to hear the viewpoints of current and recent participants (beyond the ones I have already spoken with). I have so many questions to ask them. I would definitely value their insight. So I eagerly await you delivering on this grand assertion.
LOL six kids. HMMMMMMMMMMMM how many kids are marching DCI, World or Open. I think that your basis is a bit skewed.
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1 minute ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
Well all you've really been able to do is tell me I'm wrong. At least I was able to provide some examples. All you've provided is what you want me (and others) to believe, and cited a source that is working very hard to make everyone think that they're not inches away from Chapter 11.
Get over yourself. I also see you mentioned "your students". So I gather you are a teacher. Given the clown costume, fools comments. I am glad you are not my kids teacher. Grow up.
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5 minutes ago, AlexL said:
Key words: You believe.
You have no facts to back up any of your assertions, other than 'i believe' statements, and 'everyone i know is saying this' (its quite possible that's true, but you're just in a bubble). Meanwhile, the only numbers we really do have, attendance numbers that show that there has been growth, say differently. Aside from contrary evidence, that is the best indicator of 'is the activity headed in the right direction'.
And i'm going to take major issue with your assertion that people aren't marching because of these changes.
I spent 5-6 years fairly disconnected from the activity after 2010. I was brought back in last year when my sister marched and i spent 40 days on tour driving.
Yes, the product has changed somewhat. But the core of the drum corps experience, the hours perfecting a product, the closeness created through the crucible of 100 degree rehearsal days and long nights on the highway.. when i watched those kids coming off the field in tears, when i watched those kids in the parking lot after finals not wanting to leave each other, i could see concretely that the core of what that summer means was no different now than it was when i marched. Drum corps at its core was providing exactly the same experience that made me love it.
This is why i will say without hesitation, anyone who would not march (or anyone who would advise them not to march) because of the changes we've seen is utterly missing the point.
Outstanding Alex. 100% agree.
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If you are so displeased with the activity, go find something else to do.
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2 minutes ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
It's not really my case, though. I don't have a kid marching in a corps, nor do I have a stake in placating or buttering up corps directors like a lot of folks here seem to. All I have is a passion for an activity that no longer exists, and it no longer exists for no good reason whatsoever.
I hope you're right though. I hope Hopkins truly does have a change of heart. Frankly, I hope the man can't sleep at night. I know I wouldn't be able to. If I'd spent the past fifteen years manipulating and bullying directors into voting for whatever cockamamie initiatives I could dream up, all to the gross detriment of the activity and its long-term viability, I for one would be constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure the ghost of Geroge Zingali wasn't shaking his head at me in disgust.
LOL keep going. With every post you give yourself less credibility.
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3 hours ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
I say again, having myself played on a myriad of bugles over the years, that the only intonation problems with bugles is on the performer, and not the hardware. No matter the instrument, it's up to the musician to play in tune, whether it's a Xeno, or a Dynasty, or a Conn, or a Ludwig, or even a Gretsch.
And you trying to wax poetic about watching kids marching with military bearing while wearing a spandex one-piece is beyond laughable. I mean, you've got to admit that, right?
Appears you have an agenda, and that's ok. That said, I think you have a bigger problem that you are worried about current uniforms as you have said multiple times. Maybe you should look in the mirror as you seem so concerned about spandex.
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3 minutes ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
No, don't try to isolate me and make me feel like the odd duck out here. Thousands of people hate the push towards corps-wide winter guard outfits. That's well documented on this site, as well as on reddit. There's nothing 'kewl' about them, there's nothing innovative about them, there's nothing inspiring about them. They're sparkly pajamas. Nothing more. And they're a slap in the face of good taste. Not to mention 40 to 80 years of tradition.
You can't sit there and try to say that DCI isn't being sabotaged and subverted by WGI and BOA, when they're taking active measures to take the very worst aspects of those activities and shoehorn them into drum corps.
Yeah the activity is going downhill LOL. Your words speak millions. I think it is YOU that has the problem.
LOL sabotaged? Time to change your tin foil helmet.
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2 hours ago, Bobby L. Collins said:
Disturbing? Well good. You SHOULD be disturbed. You SHOULD be disturbed that entire drum corps are wearing spandex and lycra color guard outfits. Because that SHOULD tell you exactly where Drum Corps International's priorities currently lie.
WOW?????????????????????????????? Only thing disturbed appears to be YOU.
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My point exavtly. I would not expect anyone becoming director under the control of Mr. Hopkins. Why I say before , Tom would not do it under those conditions.
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As a former Vet, we had a saying................... "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday". Stands true in every day life, and Especially what the people that march do.
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As in anything in life. If you make sure you do the best you can do. You are a winner. 1st or 50th.
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5 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:
please understand, my comments weren't a bash on Hop. it's his nature, how he's made, and now he's at that point in life where leopards don't change their spots as easily. for all of his flaws, he has as many plusses ( i'm sure that will surprise many reading this who think i hate the man), and his track record has shown success.
but lately i watch things, and i'm reminded of Steve Carlton the last few years he played the game....not knowing when it was time to stop.
I totally get you Jeff. Never took it as a bash against him. You make valid points. I think we agree on the current situation
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9 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:
first the board would have to make a tough call. Second, if Hop were to just run YEA, would he be able to stay out of Tom's way? Hop's an all or nothing guy. no way I can see him content to sit in the office in Allentown all day and not try to be involved......aka secret code for trying to run it anyway
Completely agree Jeff. Only way Tom would do it is if Mr. Hopkins is out of the picture. Maybe there is a way , but I do not see it, and agree again that if Mr. Hopkins COULD stay out of Cadets and run YEA, that may work. But as you said, I do not see him giving up control. He is a smart business man.
At some point, somebody will be director. To me as an Alum, I will say it is a tuff situation. Mr. Hopkins has been the face of Cadets for 30+ years. He has given many people that have marched life experience for a lifetime. I respect that. But that said, time is catching up in the activity and Mr. Hopkins has slipped from innovative to just catching up.
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6 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:
is he willing to give up the day gig?
I think if Tom has the feeling if he becomes director he can produce a quality product. Yes, I think he would choose Director. Sure he would have to give up the day gig. But I think he would love the position. Then again I could be wrong.
I think Tom is the obvious choice. Savy, people person etc. Like I said I think if Tom takes over, the creative team can be solid. Including some that have left in the past few years.
Who else is more qualified to run the Cadets . It will be an interesting off season in Cadet land
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1 hour ago, Just Here said:
What is being said is very abstract. If GH steps down, who do you hire to do what, because from what I have gathered from the general comments. If GH goes, then winning will once again be realized.
Tom is more than qualified to be director. But not under Mr. Hopkins. Tom has to have control. You also may be surprised who may come back if Tom has control.
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The cost of running a corps is astronomical. Some have the means. Some don't. Spend it wisely
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To each their own. Lol staying in hotels. Wtf is that?cadets do what cadets do. BD.does what they do. The activity has become more of a business. Not that it really has not been. Wins means a bigger share of the money.I think we all need to step back and remember it's an activity for members. An experience they will never forget. I understand passion for your corps. But let's understand it's not about YOU. It's about the kids doing the activity
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44 minutes ago, Just Here said:
I have read a lot of the comments here from very disappointed people who want to see change at the Cadets, but no one has laid out what type of change they want to see other than see GH resign. What show concept or design do you sincerely want??? I think if the expectation is to win every year, then it could be an unfulfilled one. Change of the one many on this thread are suggesting will not immediately help the Cadets if the change is even warranted. I don't know enough about the entire situation to say more, but I'm not sure how GH resigning would fix all of the problems with the Cadets.
I mean with the upmost respect To Mr, Hopkins. Personally when I see him, I call him George, But with respect he is MR. Hopkins. He taught me a lot. I don't pull punches. I call it as I see it, right or wrong.
Remember a few things, Mr, Hopkins has made a corps from 82 to the current day. How many people here can say they have run a successful business/company etc for 30+ years. Times change. Thre creative staff is there, Members are there. I truly believe Mr. Hopkins runs the business (which he is extremely good at) well, But as for the creativity. leave it to the current talented staff. It is a slippery slope. I know people that have worked for YEA. Mr, Hopkins is tuff, That aint gonna change. Mr. Hopkins has done beautiful work. Let Tom take over. FHNSAB
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8 minutes ago, Icer said:
The physical nature of the activity is different. Compare the range of movement now vs. 20-30 years ago. I watch the Bluecoats tuba line and wonder how any of those guys will have hips left at the end of the season, or shins from running down that ramp. A college sports season is not that much different from a drum corps season, and look at the difference in the amount of practice time. Now it's impossible to put a drum corps show on the field with only 2-3 hours of practice a day, but even so, overuse injuries are a big deal here. The corps are going to have to figure out how to outsmart the physical limitations.
I am not whatsoever disputing that. For sure it is a different environment. I even at my prime could not do what these corps are doing. But that was the 80's. You bring up a good point, at what extent do you push the physical. The demand may come to a point that physically it may hurt.
I re watched 2016 Bluecoats today. I guess I never really noticed but it caught my eye. And I have watched it numerous times. But the snares sliding down thewhatever it is................ dangerous.
I am all for pushing limits, whether I like it or not.
Not to disagree, playing college football is a hole lot different than marching DCI. If that is what you are referencing. it is not in the ballpark regarding physical.
Guess what I am saying is it is a sport, yes sport, that people have a passion for, and will do what they can do to be the best they can be at what they want to excel. Ill will leave it at, BE the best you can do, put it on the table, if you give your best, nobody can take that away from you. Scores..................................................................................................................... who cares
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What I am saying is, and if I know what has been a standing philosophy in Cadets. Yeah its nice to win, but its better to know you put the upmost effort and did the best you can do with the product you are given. Cadets are down because there are 6 corps that are executing, design and just taking it, You can not control what another corps does. Be the best you can be with the given product.
Things have changed in DCI over the last few years. For better or worse. I am an old school guy, but will say that this year BD and SCV are ones for the ages. Times change. I am a FMM of Cadets, but grew up a BD and SCV madman. 84 Cadets are m favorite show, but 1985 SCV and 86 Blue devils ....................wow. Seems silly but what made me march Cadets was in 1985, at an encore in West Chester, SCV did an encore standstill. Got in an arc, I wen down to the sidelines, had a recorder, they blew me away in a way no other corps has ever done. Kudos to ALL that do this activity
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2 hours out of a 24 hour day to do laundry. You people need to give it a break. 2 hours will not make a difference. If anything, having clean clothes etc in mindset for the MM makes a difference.
In my day we did 15 hour days, when we got to do laundry, a day at Seaside, or Disney, did more for morale . Hell we got a day off after a 20 hour session in Morgantown, back then the middle of butt f nowhere. Did laundry to walk 2 miles to the Laundromat.Then a 2 mile walk back, Trust me in the middle of nowhere. Ironically, us walking to the Laundromat we passed a creek. We had the night off. WE went back to the creek in the middle of nowhere and had a great time swimming etc. Made us a stronger corps if you can believe it. Sometimes downtime makes a corps closer. IT worked for us in 86.
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Cadets 2017
in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Posted
So call me out.................. All I have said to you is not insult the current members, staff etc. TRUST me we get your opinion. That which you are entitled to.
LOL, Oh I can handle anything dished out. When it comes rationally. Also I can take it from an irrational person. Again, you do not like the current state of drum corps, take up another hobby. Trust me, you will not change a thing. Especially when you degrade and insult.
BTW, do you know combined all corps had record turnouts for auditions this year. Just saying.