Tim K

I consider 2020 the lost season. I can recall in 2020 two times I really missed drum corps: one being when I would have been in Allentown, the other Indy. I was going to be moving in September of that year and I hate pitching junk, organizing, and packing. I kept thinking I should be in Indy or Pennsylvania right now. I loved 2021. With the exception of some day trips, I hadn’t traveled out of state since 2019 so going to the airport, getting on a plane, and staying in a hotel was fun. The shows were great, the mood in Indy was easy going, and I appreciated the effort of each corps that participated, while also understanding why some corps chose not to participate. For some of the WC corps there would not have been a 2022 if there was not a 2021. OC was very hard hit by so many corps not participating. They understandably could not afford to do so, but it set a few corps back. One OC director told me returning to the field in 2022 was more difficult than the early years of the corps and they’re starting all over again.

The late 70’s is probably the last time we had so many corps vying for the open spot. The reason I’m calling it open rather than 12th is because two of the corps (Crossmen and Spirit) are making great progress in a short time, one has a show that packs a punch in surprising ways (BK), and one has wanted a finals spot for so long, they could gain momentum (PC). It’s similar to 78 when Kilties snuck past Freelancers, BAC, and Garfield or 79 with the one time only Associates contest (don’t get Crossmen alums of ‘79 started on that one). Right now I’m going with Crossmen. I think it will also be interesting to see how close they get to Blue Stars this evening.

I can’t speak for those who saw Friday night on Flo, but seeing BD live, I did not think Blue Devils had an off night in Allentown. The show is colorful, creative, well designed, and “Both Sides Now “ is one of the season’s best ballads. I thought Bluecoats had a better run in Lawrence than Allentown, but it was still an amazing performance. Crown blew me away with that amazing sound. BAC could go in the field, play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” and I’d still think it’s great, but last night was an unforgettable night. I think some folks believe this year’s show is the greatest Blue Devils show ever, something that in the case of Blue Devils, who has had so many amazing shows over the years, can’t be determined until the season is over. That being said, the two pointers fans should probably rewatch 2014, a year BD did have a two point spread and more than deserved the victory. Then watch Bloo and Cadets. That’s what a two point spread looks like, at least in my opinion.

Two things regarding Allentown. 1. the damaged seats, except for those who may have had to sit elsewhere, was a huge non-issue. It was a minor inconvenience, but it was hardly a whole section. I would guess maybe 50 seats were impacted. If I had to sit elsewhere because my seat was gone, I might not be so diplomatic, but that alone is not a reason to change venues because of it nor is it an example of negligence by the Allentown school district. Since it was a school event, it may be an example of poor monitoring, but that’s not a drum corps issue. 2. while I love Allentown as it is, there is a serious reason to consider a change of venue. I sat in Section H, Row 8, Seat 1. I was on the aisle of the 50 yard line. The stairs are uneven in size. A number of older people stumbled going up and down. Many people with special needs whose ability to due walk is impaired due to conditions such as cerebral palsy navigate stairs by taking on stair then attempting two. It seems to come naturally and part of the way they navigate stairs. My brother was born with CP and lived his adult life with people with CP and it’s fairly common. Stairs installed with people with disabilities in mind would not be so problematic. I did see a few people with special need’s have difficulties going up and down. I’m surprised at the accessibility issues since the stadium is primarily a venue for high school football games, but where it was built prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act and hasn’t been majorly revamped, so it’s probably grandfathered.

I love Allentown and it never fails at being memorable, but this year may be the best, or at least one of my favorite years. Saturday always sizzles, often with the stronger overall line up, but this year both nights were pretty equal. Favorite moments: Hearing Boston Crusaders placed first tonight. I wasn’t sure it would happen. Boston had an incredible run. The story telling is strong and the show is clean and precise, but Crown also does an excellent job telling a story and the brass, unbelievable! The three amazing performances of Cadets, Mandarins, and Phantom. I was thrilled for Cadets placing third. Troopers having an exceptional performance. We may see them ascending in years to come. The strong return of Spirit and Cascades. I spoke with some folks from Spirit. There were quite a few times over the past year it did not look like a return would happen. And to Surf, your show improved and packed a punch tonight. Colts and Genesis were pleasant surprises and in my opinion underrated. I think so much attention has been paid to the potential 1-4, 5-7, and the open spot, as well as Troopers, Cavies strong percussion, Blue Stars, being green, Colts has been forgotten. I’m surprised more attention hasn’t been paid to Genesis either. They have a very clever show. Madison put some muscle in their show and Music City is making steady improvement. My one complaint? Bluecoats. I was supposed to go to Amish Country today but went to Hershey Gardens instead. What played in my mind over and over? “I went to the Garden of Love” Thanks a lot!🙂

You could also look at it another way: the corps that performed yesterday have an extra day to get ready for Indy. It all evens out in the end.

I agree. The scores and captions can be interesting for discussions and predictions, but the two nights can be very different. Will I feel the same way if BAC scores 98.65 compared to BD’s 95.775? Probably not. Then it will be fine to compare the two nights.🙂

My favorite thing to do on the Saturday of Allentown is take a ride in Lancaster County to visit Amish Country. After an afternoon of horses and buggies, red barns, cows, mules, sheep, and people out and about in attire from another time, it’s time for the crowds and excitement of J. Birney Crum Stadium. Tonight will be amazing. Like everyone the Boston Crusaders Carolina Crown face off will be great. I’ve said before that BAC and Crown always give electrifying performances in Allentown. Indy is always the best performance for both, but the outdoors, enthusiastic crowd, etc., loots of fans, always motivates both. I’m thinking one of the two will score higher than Blue Devils last night which will give us all kinds of DCP battles between now and Indy. I’m hoping it will be Boston Crusaders. Mandarins, Phantom, and Cadets will also be corps to watch. With Mandarins so mesmerizing, Phantom so powerful, and Cadets so clean (at least from my vantage point), it will be close and can go any way. I’d love to see Cadets place third. They’ve taken a lot of flack this year but there’s something about their show I really love and they sell that number, but Phantom’s Rachmaninov piece alone is worth watching. Mandarins, you’ve had a soft spot in my heart for years after the help you gave FREE Players at Allentown a few years back, something repeated in a Indy. There are things I love in your show even though you’re spinning people around makes me dizzy and makes me wonder if you’re taking guilty pleasure in spinning those folks around. Spirit and Crossmen will also be corps to watch, both hoping for that coveted 12th spot.

I saw Madison the other night in Glassboro. I did not find the show as bad as some on this thread claim, but it did lack enthusiasm. A great deal of performing a show is selling it. This is where alums can play a huge role. Fast forward to Lawrence, MA. I was also at the BAC show. Alumni support played a huge role in getting Boston Crusaders where it is today. Yes BAC has deep pocketed friends and folks who know how to turn a dime into a dollar, but from about 2009 to 2015 there was a huge effort to reconnect alumni, make former rivals fans, and local get drum corps enthusiasts to get behind BAC. For Madison folks who marched 40 years ago, did you ever think there would be a day when 27th, Bridgemen, and North Star slums would be enthusiastically supporting Boston Crusaders? Alums also supported the corps even if they were not pleased with show themes. Do you really think that old timers really thought “Animal Farm” was the way to go in 2014? That didn’t stop them from supporting marching members on the field. Another example is Cadets. There is no way Madison has had the drama and issues Cadets had with its infamous former director and chaos in leadership afterwards, but alums at least supported the kids on the field. From what I understand from folks I know who have been associated with Madison, major work needs to be done to rebuild bridges, but don’t let that keep you from supporting the kids on the field.

You may need to take an Uber or taxi, but if you’re in Indy on Wednesday, the Indiana State Fair is an option. It is about five miles from Downtown but it’s something different. You do see people wearing drum corps t-shirts at the fair so I’m not the only one who attends.

I was in Lawrence tonight, I was impressed with Boston Crusaders (no surprise). I last saw them in early July. While there are more additions to the show, I think the improvements come from the strengthened nuances in the show. Cases in point the sea chanties were better performed, had life, and added humor to the show. The Dropkick Murphy’s piece was in your face. “Thomas Tallis” had more power. Regarding Bluecoats, I was also in Glassboro last night. Even though the score was lower tonight, I thought they were stronger in Lawrence. Glassboro was a good run, no question, but the show got off to a slower start. Lawrence was on fire from start to finish. I was surprised it was Mandarins over Phantom but the two being so close was not a surprise.

I was at the Glassboro show this evening. Cadets did an amazing job. There was a great deal of audience support, probably the most consistent applause and cheering of the evening, especially from a number of alums sitting in my area. The true test for me is my Apple Watch. It notifies me when I am in a place where the noise is too loud. Cadets opening set off my watch.

Demoted? So what would you rather have Surf do? Attempt a tour, get stranded, and have a Go Fund Me campaign to get back home? i haven’t talked with anyone from Surf this year so I am only speculating, but I think the fact that Surf competed at all this summer is a minor miracle. Numbers were not in its favor and the abbreviated tour was the best and most responsible option. I also wonder if touring with OC corps this summer was testing the waters for next year to see if OC is a better option. I saw Surf in Manchester, NH last week and will be seeing them in Glassboro tonight. It looks like Spartans and Gold will be first and second in Marion, Southwind third. My thought is if Surf competed on the OC level, they’d be behind Spartans and Gold but ahead of Southwind. Based on scores so far, in WC, Surf may place ahead of Cascades, possibly catch Genesis in Indy, but that’s a maybe. Semi’s in Indy is a possibility, probably about 24th or 25th. In my opinion, Surf’s greatest strength over they years has been the experience it has given its members. Its weakness is not pushing members to work a bit harder. In many seasons Surf’s shows are good and entertaining, but either they could be more and don’t reach potential or the kids seem tired of it and they lose steam. Surf is in a difficult position. Competitively they are OC, but those who march with Surf are looking for WC. I think if Surf decided to move to OC, and please note I did not say DEMOTED, it would hurt as far as recruitment is concerned. A WC experience in a user friendly manner is a huge selling point for the corps. As far as advancing the activity, do you really think at Januals the directors get together, ask themselves “What can we do to advance drum corps and make our activity better for everyone?” and conclude by singing a rousing rendition of “Abraham, Martin, and John?” The corps directors do look at what is necessary to keep the activity alive, but as far as advancing the activity, they advance their own corps and if that advances the activity, fine. This is not a cynical critique, it’s the reality of competition. I would suggest getting to know Surf better and what Bob Jacobs and crew strives to do, and then before seeing OC as a lesser than, look at what the corps in this division strive to do. Two I can vouch for are Spartans and 7th Regiment, both remarkable organizations, both different in perspective. Les Stentors has a fascinating program that tries to form each member as musicians and performers and may have the biggest heart in drum corps. I met some folks from River City in 2021. Really great folks who love their marching members.

Full disclosure: I do not have Spirit in the 12th spot though I may feel differently after I see them tomorrow night in Glassboro. That being said, this time last year Troopers were almost 4 points behind Blue Knights and 3 1/2 points behind Crossmen. It is possible to gain ground. With a some momentum and work, who knows what will happen?

They never have and never will, but they get over it and Boston, Newton, and Brookline ignore the neighbors’ cries. DCI would be in the summer and they’re in Osterville, Nantucket, Newport, or at their hideaway homes in Midcoast Maine so they’ll never know.

Most likely graduation was anywhere from the week before Memorial Day to the first week of June, that should be ample time for repairs. However at least from this thread, we don’t know which seats were involved or how many. I find with Reddit it’s either all smoke, no fire, or it’s a blazing fire of epic proportions. It could be one row or one whole section. It also depends which section. Though the best seats are sold out and I will not be happy if I am moved (I’m on the 50 yard line), there are still plenty of reasonably good seats. Hopefully people can be moved in the same area.

It’s possible the school district does not see the revenue from renting the stadium. In many cases, the revenue from renting school facilities goes directly to the city or municipalities that own the district. That’s the case in Massachusetts and Connecticut and a big reason why many schools have no problem renting fields to drum corps but not offering their facilities for overnight stays. Not only is it a major hassle, the school does not see the revenue.

I think we need to know why seats are damaged. If it is wear and tear, they need to step up if they want the revenue. If it’s storm damage and the damages are recent, I’d be a bit more understanding. The Northeast has had odd weather this summer. “Chance of thunderstorms” turns out to mean torrential rain, gusts of winds that down tree and limbs, golf ball sized hail, and tornado warnings. If the damage is from the storms of the past two weeks, they may not have the time or supplies needed.

The first DCI East shows in 1973, 74, and 75 were in Lowell, MA, most likely at Cawley Stadium which is not the size of Allentown. It was decided to move the show to Allentown after 75 but I do not know why. Since DCI was in Philadelphia there was no DCI East in 76. When CYO Nationals and the World Open were no longer held, there was talk of a major DCI show in New England but this was at a time corps were folding left and right, so that would never have happened. People weren’t attending DCE shows in huge numbers (compared to CYO Nationals and World Open), why would they attend a major DCI show. I don’t want to see DCI East moved. If it has to happen, Annapolis would be a good venue, but “East” is north of the Mason Dixon Line. Annapolis is south and would be considered “Mid-Atlantic. Picky? Perhaps but Allentown is about tradition. Met-Life would be costly. Rutgers, the stadium in Bridgeport, CT, or further east at Boston College would be great choices. Though it has been remodeled since 1986, BC was the home of CYO Nationals most years so it has historical connections.

When the founders got together to form DCI, it was a radical idea. They were progressive for their time and wanted to move the activity forward. This is not to say there were not mistakes along the way, and we can differ about the mistakes. They were also competitive. We probably can’t imagine Kilties in Bluecoats style uniforms, Anaheim Kingsmen tossing rifles BAC style, the Troopers of Jim Jones day with a harmonica solo and a prop of modern art, but as Troopers show even the corps we see as traditional evolve.

Don’t forget Granny Smith, although her comments usually centered around Troopers.

Boston Crusaders often do amazing performances at Allentown. In recent years it’s taken place after their final home show. If they don’t feel the love of alums and fans after that show, it will never happen. This follows them to Allentown. It’s a great venue for Crown too. I’ve often felt you see Crown’s best performances in Indy, but often their most passionate performance is in Allentown. My prediction is Blue Devils will win on Friday night. What will be key is how close Bloo will get to BD. My hope and prediction is BAC will place first on Saturday with Crown very close behind. I’m on solid ground here. What would not surprise me is if the Saturday 1st Place score is higher than the Friday night 1st place score which could make for very interesting speculation between Allentown to Indy. Can the numbers folks tell me I’m off base, yes and they’d have their points. Of course Mother Nature may have a say in the matter. Weather Underground says 58% chance for showers on both nights and as you know, chance of thunderstorms in the Northeast this summer has meant torrential downpours, flooding, and tornado warnings! 🌪️

Narration has been part of shows for at least ten years now, so I would not consider it a new or progressive idea. I do think there are fans who do not like narration because they do not believe it belongs in a drum corps show, but I also know others who embrace many contemporary practices who believe narration is a sign of a show’s weaknesses. If the story of a show cannot be told through music and design and needs narration, it is not a strong enough show. For me, narration works best when I hardly notice it. Just one note: not all older fans on DCP who critique current practices want to get rid of all electronics and return to G-bugles. You can be old school at heart but still love contemporary drum corps. I may watch my nostalgic DVD’s over and over, but my vacation plans most years are scheduled around Allentown and Indy.

A pretty deep and psychological response, though you do have a point about BD being the whale. Boston Crusaders is not afraid of having hidden messages in their shows, the most obvious being “Animal Farm” in 2014 and “Goliath” in 2019 may have been more than a retelling of the Biblical tale. I’m not sure I agree on the “On the Waterfront” quote. I first saw Boston Crusaders in 1975, or at least that’s the first time I remember seeing them. No matter how challenging or disappointing a season was, “could have been” are words that have never been uttered, and unlike Brando’s character in the movie, they’d never admit to being a bum. 🙂