Tim K

Last summer I parked across from the stadium, but in year's past I parked at a parking garage about a half mile away from the stadium. I thought I passed a lot of bars and restaurants open on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They catered to a younger crowd. I can't say I decided to experience the night life. I get in my seat as soon as doors open each day, leave after the last scores are announced, and as long as the drive thru at McDonald's or Shake n Steak is open, I'm happy. On another note, I do remember a couple who sat near me last year talking about how they spent the rainy Saturday at the antique malls in the area. Those near the city had "tourist prices" but those a bit outside had great prices and selections. So if you're into Fiesta Ware, roadside kitsch, or Louis XV chairs, maybe Indianapolis is your version of Disney. Of course if you're flying, you may have some difficulties putting an armoire in the overhead luggage compartments.

I can recall going to an Eastern Mass circuit show in the late 1980's. I was driving by a high school stadium, saw busses and equipment trucks, and though I had not planned on going, could not resist. Many of the corps had heart but we're in tough shape, but it wasn't a show with DCI contenders, all local corps with local kids, and I was teaching at an elementary school at the time, so effort mattered more than perfection. Don't me who competed, though the Joanettes and Braintree Braves were most likely there, and I did not see a show I can recall though memory is great, but I'd love to see a circuit show with all abilities, great and not so great today. BTW, while I did attend circuit shows in my area when I could, in the late days of the circuit shows not too many folks not associated with the corps attended the shows. The same holds true for Open Class shows today. There is a great Open Class show in the Boston area (Manchester, NH) and very few people who are not connected to a corps or know someone marching attend. I've been told this is not uncommon. If we want the activity to survive, we need to support it at all levels.

I agree Indianapolis is not the home of unlimited excitement. This is not a problem for me since I am there for the drum corps, but a side trip to the Indiana State Fair is a good option for fans. Most of us who travel arrive on Wednesday. It's conveniently located and there are tons of drum corps fans, judging by the t-shirts. The food is standard fair/carnival fare which is fine as long as you don't have a cholesterol test in the near future. There are interesting exhibits, depending on the schedule good musical acts, and if you're so inclined amusement rides.

Though I saw Boston Crusaders live in 1999, I wish I had been at Camp Randall Stadium when it was certain that Boston Crusaders made finals for the first time. Another show was 27th Lancers when they won DCI East in 1980. Many say it was the greatest performance of their history.

In 2012 when Bluecoats announced "Unmasked" I tried to figure out the concept, listened to source music, etc., and thought it would be a disaster. Wrong. I was skeptical of bleachers as a prop in 2013, "Hymn of Axcion" would be too sublime for 2014. Wrong twice. When I saw the shows I was amazed at what they did with implausible props, concepts, and music. I think we need to let "Bloo be Bloo" and no doubt we'll be surprised and entertained.

I bring in a camera bag and have had no problems, but I thought I remembered people having problems with backpacks at finals. I think they bring in outside help for finals do this may be why some had issues and others did not. Regarding iPads, you can bring them in and if need be, you can gain access to the Internet for a fee 12.95 I think).

The success of Boson Crusaders acquiring substantial funds, whether it through fundraising, donations from alums and fans, or corporate donors and sponsors is a reason to be proud. Fundraising happens as a result of good marketing and hard work. Donations from alums and fans, whether large or small show support. Corporate donors and sponsorships mean the organization is sustainable, stable, and serves a purpose in the community. While some alums and fans may give so the corps can win a title, my guess is most non musucal corporate donations have little to nothing to do with winning a title. Corporations donate for tax write offs, positive publicity, and proof of community involvement. The educational experience and the values the corps hands down to members would be first and foremost. Corporations are asked for money all the time. $15,000 to a drum corps may defray the costs for middle class kids to march, or it could pay for uniforms, gym rental, transportation and a coach stipend for an inner city basketball team. Which would most choose? The basketball team. Helping a drum corps win DCI would not be convincing. Point out the opportunities drum corps provides, point out how many of the marching members go into teaching, point out that drum corps is an art, point out that drum corps becomes more diverse each year, then you have a winning argument. private businesses that do not answer to a board and musical businesses are a different story, but if you answer to a board where most of the members may have no idea of what a drum corps is, giving money to help win a title would not work.

I know it was an April Fools joke, but if "Hamilton" gets adapted for drum corps, SCV would do it justice.

Those of us who remember Star probably see things differently than those who know the legacy of Star. Spirit had a fast rise, making finals in their second competitive season. Star topped that accomplishment making finals in its first try, but I seem to recall more excitement about Spirit. At the time, Star was not viewed as a corps that paid its dues and while I thought Star had some enjoyable shows of what I assumed would be early shows (the circus show and "Porgy and Bess), 1990 was when I saw real excitement, and of course 1991, but not in 92 or 93. Looking back at the legacy of Star, I see a very different story. The one time upstarts criticized for not paying their dues are viewed in my eyes at least as a corps that came on the scene when many others were disbanding which added new life to the activity, their shows were well done and in later years were among the most innovative, Bill Cook was key in setting the example of a business model for drum corps management. Star did contribute a great deal, but they were short lived. When it comes to excellence, Blue Devils, Cadets, and Cavaliers will always come to mind. For crowd pleasers, Crown, Madison and Phantom are front runners, and Star did not survive long enough to have the sentimental love BAC, Troopers, or Madison receive. People love and miss Star, but people love and miss 27th Lancers, North Star, Bridgemen, Argonne Rebels, Sky Ryder's, Glassmen, Anaheim Kingsmen, and Velvet Knights too. The great corps cannot be reincarnated. Crown is its own corps, not a reincarnation of Star.

Uniform means "one distinct form" as in clothing. So if we look at Bluecoats in 2016, all horns and drums wore the same clothing and all members of the color guard wore the same clothing, so there was a musicians uniform and a color guard uniform. In 2014 all musicians wore the same outfit, a uniform, the guard all wore different clothing that was not identical. These would not have been uniforms. In schools often the word dress code is used when different attire is worn. Judging from context, costume is used as a negative description and is not a reference to staging or theater. It's at times combined with WGI or BOA swipes. I'm not as familiar with WGI as I am DCI, and perhaps what the young people wear are referred to as costumes, but at least on DCP, costume usually means uniforms that are not liked.

I'd have to agree with those who say Star was not the favorite in 1993. Absence has made the heart grow fonder in Star's case. I can recall many people in 1994 claiming that Star's departure was a case of sour grapes. Regarding Star in 1993 to Crown in 2015, Crown's 2015 finals show was somewhat lackluster compared with prelims and semi's. Percussion was considered the culprit. For Star in 1993, those who saw the show as revolutionary believed Star was robbed. I know there are some who see comparisons between Star and Crown, and for some Star fans, Crown has filled the gap left by Star's departure. Star did make significant contributions to the activity, but Crown is its own self, not a reincarnation of Star.

Fist pumping overall, but especially after a solo that may be good, but is hardly spectacular. The same holds true with rifle tosses. While fist pumping for solos goes back quite a few years, I can't ever remember seeing any of the iconic rile lines 27th, Phantom, Cavies of the late 70's/early 80's doing it. Anything that hat smacks of I'm young, cool, trendy, hip, or whatever you want to call it. Of course they are, they're kids. We don't have to see it on the field. While this may not design and but is often part of the unofficial show, how about a bit more courtesy when one corps is leaving the field and the next corps is setting up? That can be dangerous and it tends to be something that occurs more at the top of the pecking order than the bottom. We know the field is yours, we know you are powerful, we know you're competitive, and we love you, but kill your competition with scores, not while they're exiting the field.

Since Atlanta and Las Vegas are on opposite sides of the country, switching one to the other would cause major touring problems. That being said, I think San Antonio works well when and where it is, Allentown is the oldest DCI tradition outside of finals. I would suggest alternating between Las Vegas and Atlanta. If Las Vegas is chosen, a local audience has to be grown. Lots of kids who march hail from Texas and for the Florida folks, Atlanta is a reasonable trip. Allentown has the northeast to draw on, and while it's an older crowd, long time fans flock to the show. Summer is quieter in Las Vegas, so it's probably not a place where people would go to a DCI show and then vacation. It's not a drum corps hotbed, and while I may be wrong, I do not hear of huge numbers of kids from Nevada, Montana, Idaho, etc. marching in drum corps. Folks in the West may like Las Vegas. According to Mapquest, it's 6 hours from Tempe, 8 hours from Concord and Santa Clara, and 11 hours from Casper.

I'm looking forward to Allentown and Indy because it's my vacation and if I'm ready for vacation now, I'll be more than ready at that point. I'm flying to Indy, with enough time to hit the Indiana State Fair, where you run into tons of drum corps fans. July 4th in the Boston area has lots of drum corps action and this year should be no different. I'm looking forward to seeing Boston Crusaders. I'm also curious to see Academy and how they'll fare and I'd like to see Madison return to finals although like everyone I don't want to see anyone fall, but that's a debate for another thread. I'm also curious to see how Genesis makes out in WC.

I think there is a difference. The uniform change for Cadets, at least to outsiders, appeared to be arbitrary, against the advice of quite a few people, and a final straw for some alums. BAC is beginning a new era, and lots of leeway will be given. Of course if it doesn't work, there may be rumblings. Also BAC seems to be good at listening to alums, engaging them, but not letting them rule the corps. I do think Cadets does a good job at getting alums to shows and getting financial support from them, and while I haven't been to a Cadets home show since 2015 and the uniform change, I did sit in the Cadets block at Allentown that year with tons of Cadets alums of various ages, and they still cheered the corps and quickly came to the defense of the corps.

As far as BAC alums are concerned, as long as the marching members are dedicated, appreciate tradition, and have drive and grit, they'll see a younger version of themselves, cheer, and make sure they have steak and lobster at the home show. As a fan since 1975 (12 years old), I think I'm pretty typical. Every year a corps was fielded in the lean years made me happy, I've been thrilled each year they've made finals, I rejoiced when they made finals last summer. Alums and fans will be rooting for Boston Crusaders, not just by what they are wearing, but for the heart of those on the field.

There have been some comments suggesting Surf is not a WC quality corps and should return to OC. Surf now travels more than OC corps and does have a longer preseason than most OC corps. This has to appeal to members. Also, if marching members want OC, judging from where I understand most Surf members hail from (New England to Virginia), the could march with 7th Regiment, Raiders, maybe Spartans or Music City. I think they'd have a hard time recruiting if they competed in OC. Also, if marching members are happy in WC, the administration is happy with the corps, parents are pleased, and fans enjoy them, it may be best to leave things as they are. Yes they may need to develop a more competitive edge and a bit more challenge, but overall things are working well. Tweak but don't overhaul.

I like Surf and there is no denying that Bob Jacobs and team provide a positive experience for marching members. I do think Surf would be stronger if they started earlier. I usually see them early in the season and most years I see potential in their shows. When I see them in Allentown I find they have improved, but in some years I sense a bit of a loss of enthusiasm, the years I would exempt from this would be 2012 and 2013. I think some competitive drive could help. They entertain audiences and many people, including your's truly, love them. Let's see a bit more late season fire and see where that leads.

I've attended shows hosted by Cadets and have sat in Cadet blocks in Atlanta and Allentown and I will have to say the loyalty and love of the corps is palpable. There were a few alums in Allentown who were less than thrilled about uniform changes in 2015 and made their feelings known, but even then there was love for the corps. Part of it is probably the drum corps experience. I am a die hard fan and I know my history, stats, repertoires, etc better than more than a few who marched, but I never marched so I do not know the joys and disappointments of DCI competition, what it is like to be in finals, the tour experience, or the lifelong bond. As an outsider looking in, it has to create a certain sentiment that cannot be matched or taken away. It also has to be nurtured. In 2012 I attended the last TOC show Cadets hosted at MetLife Stadium. There was a two hour rain delay and I was probably the only non Cadet in the section where I waited for the rain to stop. No one cared that the show was delayed. It was like a family reunion. Volunteers were also walking around, asking people to be patient, and thanked them for attending the show. One asked when I when I marched, and when I said I never marched, I was asked what my favorite Cadets show was (1980) and was introduced to someone who marched that year. If I had been a Cadet who had been away for a while, I would have been reconnected with the corps. Perhaps I would have been hit up for a donation too, but that's another story. I know Boston Crusaders does an excellent job at connecting alums and marching members and works at making everyone feel like family at home shows. When Madison celebrated 75 years in 2013 and alums stood up in Indy and sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" it was amazing. Cavies seems to have this loyalty as well. In short, I think the experience creates the bond and loyalty, but often it is nurtured by the corps.

I agree with Brasso. There may be a compromise here. A full stint as a volunteer may be grueling, and if you are both not on board, it could be difficult. In the past I have talked with parents from across the country when their children were in showed in my area (Boston). In the past some corps have been here for an extended period. Distance between shows is reasonable and there are usually a few days for rehearsal and a parade (July 4th). The parents lent a hand with the corps, but stayed in hotels and spent some time sightseeing. This gave them a bit of experience with the corps and no doubt some time with their child, but have vacation time as well. Maybe if you arranged for a small stint and perhaps stayed off site, you'd get a sense of what's expected and could plan for next year.

I only attended Atlanta once, in 2014. I usually attend Allentown and try to attend Indy, but other commitments made that impossible, but I was able to get to Atlanta which made it possible to see all the WC corps live. I enjoyed the energy of the audience, with so many young fans who were full of enthusiasm. I was told by a local band director who sat near me that there is a lot of outreach to school groups which seemed to pay off. My hotel was near the Georgia Dome which meant I could walk. Bluecoats and "Tilt" was the audience favorite with SCV and "Scheherezade" a close second. I thought it was a great venue for drum corps.

I agree. My vote would be for Phantom Regiment, then SCV. Both corps tend to be faithful to original scores, although as I say this, Crown would be a good choice too. In 2015 when Crown performed an excerpt from the Verdi "Requium," it was performed with the vengeance the composer intended, so they could do justice to "Academic Festival Overture."

I would not mind a redo of the Ring by Phantom. In my opinion it was one of the most ambitious musical books of all time, but many found it lacking (how do you condense a work that consists of four operas lasting anywhere from 16-18 hours depending on tempo and cuts?). Others claimed it was boring, but that's a matter of taste. What could make it work better today is the way shows are designed. Begin and end with the same leitmotif as the Ring does, include the Ride of the Walkuries, use special effects, burn down Valhala, go to town. Of course there is a challenge: how do you do this in a short span of time.

I saw Phantom on tour in Boston in 1994 and I seem to remember lights fading towards the end with the Phantom present on stage, state lights went on again and he was gone. I don't remember it being a disappearing act, though I suppose it could have been.

I find it varies depending on the show. I've been to shows where there are drumline battles and people stay, engaging encores get people to stay, 50/50 drawings with decent prizes will keep people. Things that make people leave: long talking programs. Recognize honored guests and alums between competitors rather than at the end. Mary and Joe Jamocha who sold their kidneys to save the St. Francis Warriors from bankruptcy in 1938 will get a warmer response between shows than they will when people are waiting for scores and it will show people unfamiliar with drum corps we appreciate those who make the activity possible. Also read the scores when they are ready. It can be done. I was at NightBEAT in 2014. A major storm with torrential rains, thunder and lightning, and hurricane force winds with a tornado warning was threatened just after the last corps performed (it must have been Crown). Those scores were announced within minutes of the last show's finish.