JBarO

Kilgore Rangerettes are the epitome of a Texas Drill Team: The dancing girls in the red and blue - Cotton Bowl half time.

I was really surprised when the BD Drum Major said their membership was 60% rookies. I have alwys assumed that top corps/shows have a membership that is largely vet, and older.

No - not it at all really. It has much more to do with the general direction design seems to be taking. (and you sound just like Jack Nicholson from the backseat of his own car in "as good as it gets")

Your right - dangerous to speak for the masses. I think it's reasonable to say that some significant percentage of fans believe the changes in shows (synth, dancing etc..) are not preferred over good old fashioned percussion and brass. (And btw - I do believe that the general talent and execution of BD in more than noteworthy........ this is more a discussion about design and subjectivity) I find that the rationale I hear from BD (and I'll throw in BK this year just for good measure ) fans seems like a paradox. First, most BD and BK fans are quick to point out how the judges appear to like what they are doing... and I'll admit, that does seem to be the case. One was crowned champion, and the other received significant "attaboys" for multiple categories that are arguably very design driven. But the minute one begins to question whether the judges have it "right"; they start down the entire - "it's art"; "it's subjective and evolving"; "You can't limit creativity with ...." "DaDa ..." you get the idea. Well - isnt this entire discussion just a bit circular? Doesnt that line of thought turn the tables, and make the dinosaurs who perform old school marching drills the creative non-conformists? And suddenly it is the artists delivering the evolution of creative license to the masses that are using the stifling standard of a scorecard to justify what they are doing.......... Hmmmm, kinda makes my head hurt.

No scores????

My prediction......... Crossmen take it all.

Not gonna happen if the judges keep rewarding them like they did today.................

BK - 87.65 ; did I hear that right? Wow - 2 pts ahead of Spirt.

Uhmm pardon my ignorance ...... FCO??

There was an entire thread dedicated to a very similar line of thinking just a few days ago..... I think it was entitled BK over Crossmen and Glassmen. It became a little "pointed" for lack of a better term.

If I were king, bones would be about 11th......... but I'll certainly settle for a 12.

???? please clarify

I think many of us have our own opinions about whether the scores and rankings accurately reflect "what they should". If I were king, Blue Devils; Crusaders and Blue Knights would all be a couple spots lower. Madison Scouts, Crossmen and Jersey Surf would all move up a couple or more slots. As you can guess..... I agree with the originators observation and share his questions. But since it is not likely that I will be named king between now and finals, I also agree with Wes that it is pretty likely that BK is in the top 12 for Saturday nite - if not 10 or 11. You BK fans (Wes) - when someone posts that they arent sure the judges scores reflect their observations and asks for an explanation, continuing to point out the scores and rankings doesnt really answer the question. So I'll try asking it a different way.... What is it about BK's show design that is so strong? Especially in comparison to the other corps that are 10-14?

http://soundbible.com/295-Summer-Crickets-Chirping.html

Is nobody posting from there? Could be wrong, but seems like they should be started by now, even if there is a 20 minute delay......

Random question --- how is performance order determined on Thursday in Indy?

I'm no help with this one.......... I've had very similar thoughts. I am however, also one of those that dont "get" BD.

Had to vote my heart ---- Crossmen in the finals.

Some of you may be familiar with the Marching Owl Band from Rice- they refer to themselves as the MOB. I havent seen them perform in years - but they used to perform satire. They would imitate another band in the conference in each of their shows..........If it wasnt about a band you followed (or you had a reasonably thick skin) it was absolutely hilarious. I suspect it may not go over that well in DCI - Since some folks are a little more sensitive about their favorite corps. However, I think it would be wildly entertaining to have a group that threw together a spoof on a different corps each week.

I'm relatively new (2nd year parent), so take my advice for what it's worth - and if someone with more detailed experience or insight shows up, well - I can just tell you want to help your kid so much......I want to try to help. First let me say - we chose the corps that was close to home and our kid liked (Crossmen). You are already way beyond that level of thought -- My thoughts if I were to try to make a more informed decision: I would contact the staff in the off season (say September). See if you can get the Exec Dir. on the phone - or perhaps they have a PR person or a board member charged with speaking to the public. Try to get an appointment to meet them - even if on the phone. Tell them why you are concerned, and ask them what they can tell you. A few things I would ask - based on my limited knowledge of non-profits in general: 1. How many board members do you have? What are their roles, and their business background? How often do they meet? 2. Do you have a budget I can review? - what level of operating capital do you keep on hand to maintain cash flow? - What additional backing do you have access to? - Are these financials audited? and what concerns did the audit raise? 3. How do you manage members that don't pay? 4. Why would I or my kid be glad we chose this organization. I don't think there is any real magic to analyzing the responses to these questions. Most non-profits are either going to have an intelligent, thought thru response, or they wont. If they cant be bothered to spend 20 minutes with you to address your concerns, you probably have your answer. I suspect if you spoke to 3 of them - you would quckly determine which gave you an increased comfort level, and which made you more uncomfortable. I am very sorry you and your kid had a bad experience - but that experience is a fairly low percentage event in DCI as a whole. I believe that all the review and investigation in the world cant eliminate all risk of a future disappointment. A few phone calls and a visit or two with staff to get comfortable with the above questions will increase your chances of being in the majority of folks who have a great experience as opposed to the minority that have a real issue. And dont ignore your gut - there has to be some level of emotional attachment too. All the best....

Hey - I think I finally have an answer to your question about performance order. Yes, this is clearly a more accurate assessment of BK's performance. (and now BK has someone at the show "in their class")

Looks like you are............ So, how's the show going so far?

Ok - but can you help me understand? I dont have much experience with what scores well, and what does not. Sitting in the stands watching the show yesterday in San Antonio, I would have placed them BS, Xmen and BK - in that order - with BS and Xmen very close, and BK a good point behind. I was not a fan of the BK show design - at all. Lots of electronics, dancing and marching without instruments. Please note however, this is coming from someone that does not really appreciate Blue Devil's shows either. Obviously there is something about show designs I'm just missing....... Can you help?

Ok -- done