Snappey

Wow, thanks everybody! It seems like a pretty difficult time at Atlanta to work the lot system out in Atlanta very well without missing much. Every year until now there has been a show in Gadsden, Alabama which is just 20 minutes north of me and I usually volunteer at that one along with just going to watch at Atlanta. This year I was hoping to just hit the lot all night at Gadsden but alas, it won't be happening!

Appreciate the input! I'll have to think more on whether it's worth it or not. I'd hate to miss a show considering I haven't seen any live shows thus far!

So, we all have seen all over Youtube the "in the lot" videos of all the corps. Every show I've ever been too I've always stayed and watched every corp, however I know that there are many people who leave and come back to go see certain corps warm-up. Personally I'd love to go get blasted in the face by Phantom's Canon. Or see any of the drumlines warm up at the Georgia dome this upcoming weekend! When is the best time to go though? How long before their performance to the corps go out there and start playing? Is it really worth missing a performance or two to go see this?

I'm not sure what the chances of it happening are, but I personally hope Spirit fights it through and trumps over Cavies in finals. As much as I love both corps, I want to see Spirit pull it off. I enjoy seeing the underdogs coming out on top, makes a good inspirational story. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the political side of DCI gave Cavaliers the edge too, or if they simply just win the fight fair and square. Either way, I wouldn't mind seeing those guys shiver in fear of losing to a "lesser" corps.

Thank you tons! Sometimes it's difficult to know whether you have a good idea or not and whether the change will be worth it! I really appreciate it!

Hey Everyone! I'm Andrew, I am an upcoming senior and am coming up on my 3rd year as being Drum Major for my school's marching band. I love drum corp, like the rest of you, and have actually been following the forum for a long while now but I never really decided to make an account or even post anything until recently. The only experience I have with drum corps was making Spirit's horn line at the most recent audition camp but due to my parents disapproval I couldn't march (un-freakin'-fortunantly because they are doing well thus far!). I do go to shows every year and keep up with it all. I also thoroughly enjoy studying and observing the rehearsal and teaching techniques of different corps and ensembles so I can apply them to my own band to make us better. Which also leads me to a few questions I have for you guys, because I think you would be the best to ask! As a background, our band has roughly 110 people with rough 60-70 horn line and 10-12 battery, rest are auxiliary. We are a good group, especially being in Alabama. But I have been working on changing how we rehearse, because we have gotten used to the same old thing every year, everyday and not really setting the bar higher. Our woodwinds are excellent so I mostly try to work with the brass who are...good. So most of these questions will apply mostly to brass sectionals but sometimes the full ensemble also! So here we go, 1. What difference does tuning to 440 hz and 442 hz matter? I know of ensembles that tune to both, but I never really understood why! I've hypothesized that maybe because of extreme weather conditions it might make it easier to tune to one as opposed to the other? Or maybe it changes the sound? 2. I've noticed that some corps, such as Crown, sometimes warm-up in a circle and mixing up the sections so you aren't next to your same instrument. How does this help? Does it improve balance and tuning? Example: 3. Would it be a bad idea to mix up what part everyone is on? Generally, the best players are on 1st part, next best 2nd, next 3rd, etc. Specifically in our trumpet section, we have trouble bringing out the lower parts and creating balance since all the older vets with experience and more skill outplay all the younger kids and all you really hear is 1st and sometimes 2nd part. With a high school group (consisting 8th-12th graders I might add) would it be bad to spread everyone out? Such as putting 1st chair on first part, 2nd chair on second part, 3rd on 3rd part, and continuing to alternate as you go down the row so you have maybe some younger guys on 1st and 2nd part? I've considered trying to make this happen to create more balance and also to set the bar for the younger kids too. 4. What are good exercises and techniques to help the group sound better on the field with their intonation, separation, tuning, etc.? I would really love any and all input that I can. I just what to do what I can to raise the bar for my band. Thank you! And I look forward to future activity on here!

The official rankings are on DCI's website though! Not to condemn anybody's work at all, just pointing this out. http://www.dci.org/scores/rankings/