Rufus67

Is it worse that they're missing or that the links are still there and, when you click on them, redirect you to this (definitely safe for work link folks, don't worry...): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfPYVaqGaFY

Innovation is always a good thing but I'm really hoping for an answer to a question that I know people are burning to know: Now that they're engaged will the drum majors from SD be forced to conduct different corps????

This is a tough one because answers can easily spin out of control, but let's give it a shot. Introduced to DCI on a B/W 13" TV on 1983 watching the Cadets win (was broadcast on PBS over Thanksgiving). Next year went to drum major camp and saw Cadets, and others, live and fell in love with the activity. To this point had never heard of DCA. Getting near graduation in 85 and a buddy invited me to go with him for the weekend to rehearsal for the Sunrisers. Sounded ok and I ended up with a drill spot (#32!), baritone (best place to stick a sax player who'd never played brass before), and a sunburn. Finished 85, 86, and 88 (took 87 off to court the missus) and during the whole time we were all very aware of DCI, passing around Drum Corps World in the parking lots and pouring over scores. There would be alumni who marched DCI that came back every now and again for finals (to watch mostly, sometimes to march). There were a couple dual DCA/DCI shows I can recall but that was definitely not the norm. So at that time we were very aware of both activities and I was appreciative of the differences/similarities in the activities. Flash forward to last year where our son marched his first year of DCA after having auditioned for several DCI corps. He and his buds are very aware of both activities and ultimately he's using his time in DCA to prepare for auditioning again. What's interesting is that the DCA corps that were in the top 5 this year all were very DCI in their designs I thought. While there may have been grumbling in the stands about the direction the activity was heading (and some not-so-subtle reminders from a fan that our son was a soprano player, not trumpet!), and what it took to be successful, everyone still seemed pumped to be there. Having said all that our son's corps played exhibition at DCI South and folks around us were generally surprised (1) that senior corps existed and (2) they did something other than stand still and play loud. From what I heard there was a lot of activity at the souvy tables just because folks were excited by what they saw. It seems like the demographic of DCA is shifting (or at least the corps' recruiting activity). Back in the day it may have been more natural for folks to slide into DCA after aging out. Now it seems to be more about getting the HS kids (balanced with more experienced players/marchers of course) and appealing to them by (1) using DCA as prep for auditioning for DCI and/or (2) a less-expensive alternative to DCI (Open or World). Cannot tell you how many band competitions and exhibitions I've been to this year where there have been DCA recruiting tables but nothing on DCI (and we're in a market where there are several local camps). Not sure what all that means but it's good to be hooked back into the activity and I enjoy both DCA and DCI for what they do.

Back in the day (ahem) we regularly rehearsed on concrete. One of the parking lots we used was located in front of a close-down strip mall. It had several potholes that one of our members fell into and twisted an ankle during a blind backup. The rest of the season we were singing of a popular Police song at the time "I hope my leg don't break - marching on the moon" by way of tribute.

Watching my son step off for prelims and finals after I had left the field and activity over 20 years ago. Apparently there was a lot of dust in the Rochester air for both performances...

Just a couple of notes from a CV fan/parent on performances last night: Squeaker for sure between CV and C2. Was obviously hoping for a different outcome, and achieving a 5th place finish for the first time would have been sweet, but a high score for CV is still pretty cool. Reading brought it last night. I'm not sure where that performance was on Saturday but they elevated to another level last night. Even the Cabs fans around us had that "Oh shoot!" look on their face. MBI didn't do much for me in the first half of their show. The second half almost made up for it. Almost... Cabs were solid, again, and did absolutely nothing to hurt themselves (well, there was that point deduction for something...). They were the most consistent (as in consistently high performance) from day to day so finishing behind/tied with MBI (not counting the penalty) was a headscratcher. I think Reading caught lightning in a bottle and peaked at just the right time. I was amazed at the difference from one day to the next and apparently the judges were too. Ultimately it comes down to what I tell folks about subjectively-judged events - if you want certainty of outcome become an accountant. Otherwise the world we're in is what it is (which is what makes it fun/frustrating of course...).

FYI - I checked with DCA and heard back from them that the Class A corps will go on first starting at 10AM. Order of Class A and Open to be revealed, of course, after this weekend.

For personal reasons, and because I think it's good for the activity to see new/excellent groups at the top, I hope CV's in that mix whatever the final scores end up being.

Will be at the show tomorrow and am excited to see Alliance's complete show and how far CV's come in cleaning/refining. Also a good opportunity to see Gold again as well as Cincinnati and Sun Devils for the first time. It will be interesting to see how CV scores relative to others who are putting up big numbers in the NE. I know scores aren't the be-all, end-all, but it's still a way to see how they're perceived in the standings. Should be an excellent evening!

I don't know why, but I was looking back at DCA finals scores from 1986. Here were the top four corps from prelims and finals: August 31, 1986 DCA Championships - Prelims Allentown, PA 1. Caballeros 89.650 1. Steel City Ambassadors 89.650 3. Bushwackers 88.700 4. Buccaneers 88.250 DCA Championships - Finals 1. Bushwackers 92.450 2. Steel City Ambassadors 91.950 3. Caballeros 90.900 4. Buccaneers 87.550 That's an amazing shift in finishing scores both from a placement perspective and gain in overall score (Bush bringing it with an almost 4 point gain!!!). This got me thinking about other "post-season" tournaments where you have a wild-card team win the World Series, a 7-seed win the NCAA basketball tournament, etc. None of those are subjectively scored, of course, but are suggested only because they demonstrate the possibility of a lower-seeded competitor getting hot at the right moment and winning it all. To get to the point - there have been several posts here about how the finishing order is already set. The corps still have to go out and execute, of course, but there's little chance for a dramatic gain and/or surprise finish. Is it desirable to have the possibility of such a thing in drum corps? Is it realistic in any way/shape/form? I'm trying to think of ways for a corps to get "hot" at the right moment (prelims, and finals) and shock the world. Maybe nothing would change as folks/judges agree, generally, on the placement of the corps with the scores back-filling the placements (I have no idea if this is true but think it's close based on my reading of how more knowledgeable folks talk about judging in the activity). Maybe everything could change. No clue, but would appreciate the thoughts of those who are more/better versed in such things than I.

I'm reaching back into the fuzzy recesses of my mind, but it was either '86 or '88 (two of the years I marched) that Sunrisers went out to Chicago for a show. I ended up flying out with a buddy and met the corps there. I remember nothing about the show (where it was, who was there, whether it was a DCA show or we latched on to a DCI show, etc.) other than it was blazing hot and the showers could have doubled for a sauna. Not trying to disprove your point as this was obviously an exception to the rule, but your comment brought to mind at least parts of that trip.

16 corps enter, 10 corps leave (or something...)

Trying to be objective, and failing miserably, but CVs score makes no sense. Thy only got 1 point better over 2 weeks? Really? Oh well....

Atlanta CV - 81.50 Alliance - 70.90 Carolina Gold - 70.55

Alliance was much better than expected. Their battery/pit was very strong to me, but overpowered the horn line as a result (dare I say the pit needed amplification? I dare...). Horn line had some tasty licks/impact points while guard didn't make an impression either way. Did standstill for last movement and can't wait to see finished product. So good to see them back again.

Wow. Hadn't seen this live since preview night (full disclosure, our sons in CV) and my goodness did they bring it tonight. Drill needs cleaning, especially on back half if show, but this is the complete package folks. Very impressed with the quality, dynamics, and ability to string the theme through the whole show. Alliance up now.

Carolina Gold just wrapped. Guard is by far their strongest aspect. Issues moving and playing (out of step, horn facing, etc.). About 30 horns can crank out a good amount of sound when they want to. CV up next. Interesting, Gold had tombstones for defunct dca corps out there. Nice to see them remembered.

Will try live blogging show tonight. Very good crowd - combo of band camps starting today and DCI being in town tomorrow I think. Either way, pretty cool.

Thanks bill, that helps a bunch!

DCA's site says that prelims start at 10AM and Saturday. Is that accurate? Does anyone know how they typically stack the corps in terms of performance times or is it random (fuzzy memory of it being random back in my marching days). Trying to plan travel accordingly and don't want to miss any corps if possible.

Thanks for the replies. Interesting that Sweeney Todd dominates though I suppose that makes sense from a thematic sense (dark, brooding, psychotic, etc.) - all the things needed to be edgy/dramatic. Curious, though, that out of all his other work it appears only A Little Night Music and Sunday have been used. Seems strange to have an American composer as prolific/skilled as him be so under-used, especially when you consider how often themes/music are recycled.

Just wondering if any corps has ever done this little-known set of Sondheim compositions. Had my shuffle going this morning and Take Me To The World with Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters came on. That got me thinking the music has a bit of everything and just wondered if it was challenging/engaging enough to work as a show concept. Any answer welcome but particularly interested in folks who know about musical books and whether or not this would translate to the field.

Well done Cabs! Sunrisers debut strong! CV breaks 80 and the season looks to be wide open. Congratulations to all the corps and to the Cabs for hosting what looks like a successful show!

Dan - I think he means that the performers should get pumped for the show, but not so much that it impacts their performance negatively.

Ha! I was going to say small world but, in marching, I don't think such a thing exists. How's your marble! ;-)