Malaguena Salerosa

HornTeacher -- if "research can only establish correlations -- however, it can never establish causality" is true, then how can you so confidently refute that there is a causal relationship between 2 variables which correlate with one another? "The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Wouldn't the most logical (in fact, the only logical) position be that of uncertainty? In this case, musical taste (or ability to musically perform) might cause, or be caused by, heightened intelligence. Or, these 2 variables correlate with one another due to a 3rd variable (like family upbringing, or genetics, or socioeconomics, or exposure to a certain gut bacteria, or alignment of the stars, or......). But again, absence of proof of causality between musical taste and intelligence is not proof that this causal relationship does not exist. Your argument shifts from logical to speculative about "weeding out"; not altogether different from the speculation of the initial claim that certain music can make a person dumber.

Yeah, I tried their website before posting here and saw the Japan tour, so I guess I knew they were still in existence. I was hoping someone here might have some inside knowledge about a future American tour.....

... a topic on a World Class Corps, but does anyone know what's happening with Blast! ? Are they still in existence? If so, will they be coming to the Northeastern US anytime soon?

Thanks for the replies! I'm specifically asking about tonight's show in Lawrence, MA. I've been to that venue before; from what I recall, there IS a track, it's larger than most HS stadiums, and I believe it's fairly steeped stadium seating. Any new estimates on which rows I should shot for?

For those who have actually seen the Cadets live this summer -- how high up in the stands should a spectator sit to be able to see over the stage? I realize different stadiums slope differently, but what's your estimate? >15 rows back? >20 rows?

Are these numbers correct? -each show, regardless of class, lasts 11.5 min -there is 17 min from the start of one corps to the start of the next corps -intermissions last 30 min, regardless of venue

Ok, forget Ohio State. How about a marching band like UMass which has drum corps personnel (like Thom Hannum) on their staff?

According to tonight's webinar, Cadets will have a number of short horn solos -- a departure from their norm of playing as a full ensemble "sometimes more than we should" (according to Hopkins). When the new rule passed, their arranger insisted on adding a long French horn solo which will be amp'd.

Anyone know how to get tickets?

That's awesome! Thanks for the instructions as to how to create ringtones! I did the same thing as you -- set the 30s immediately after "Impossible, you say?" in Crown 2013 as my ringtone.

Much appreciated! Anyone else have any leads?

I'm looking for a new ring tone for my iPhone and would love to use a drum corps ditty. I'm not savvy, technologically, so wouldn't know how to make one on my own. Anyone have any advice? I'm willing to pay the "going rate" of $0.99-1.99, so in now way am I looking to pirate anything here.

Let's hear more! Source music? I know there was a preliminary announcement a while ago, but what're you actually rehearsing?

Good point -- let's define "ballad" as a slower piece designed to off-set (or contrast with) the otherwise high tempo and high-energy songs played by drum corps. Danny Boy, I would think, counts. Auld Lang Syne is in the grey as the battery can go rather nuts by the end. If you list songs, please list its name, the corps, and the year. (I'm trying to expand my own drum corps knowledge database and can't search and listen if the details are lacking.) So far, for me personally, PR's Nessun Dorma of 94 or '12 are the only potentials to unseat CC's The Abyss of '13. My opinion thus far.

Any corps, of all time.

In my opinion, hands down, 2013 Carolina Crown's "The Abyss." With or without the narration.

Cabaret Voltaire could work for this purpose; anyone find a good YouTube recording? What would be some other, potential BD shows? (In general, I've found it hard to find BD on YouTube.) This I Believe would probably turn people off -- too self-referential, self-indulgent, and frankly corny. No offense to the kids marching--it was obviously challenging and they did a masterful job with it. To the original point: I think some of the post-modern dci shows which are heavy in scatter drill, individualized choreography, electronics, props , etc... would be VERY appealing to someone whose only exposure to the marching arts was watching their 30-something member HS band loaf through a show out of step, with poor horn angles, and blowing wrong notes -- or seeing parade bands and not realizing how much artistry there can be. But alas, let's not recycle this conversation. Any good BD shows on YT worth including?

Good calls on SCV '89 and Spartacus; fantastic shows. I think I'm gonna leave off SCV '89 because their uniforms (probably because of the era) look a bit goofy to the marching-naive (wide, short pants; cowboy-style hat)--totally superficial on my part, but hey, this is for people forming their first impressions of the activity. I'm adding the full Spartacus show, and 2 clips from Carolina Crown 2008 (can't seem to find a good one of the opening impact, though): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G-TNBd2hi4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oZbvc1pQ-M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSijJDEnmoc&feature=player_detailpage

What are your top YouTube videos to show people who've never seen or heard of drum corps? I'm talking about people who have good taste in music and the performing arts, but who've never been to a DCI, WGI, quality marching band, etc, show. Here are some of mine, but I'd love to get more suggestions... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40AoNuzcIYk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_a223baelU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3dVWvqTPs8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjobLUS1uIU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYOz8sRpdmE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq7hZ4U-Pac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EDIDCdy5Es

Thanks everyone! Fingers crossed for good weather.

I have tickets for Quincy tonight, but the weather's up in the air. Is there a way that I can check online whether or not the show is canceled? Also if it's on, and there is some rain, do people bring umbrellas in the stands?

I very much want to attend this show (Tour of Champions -- East Rutherford, NJ on 8/4/13) and purchase 2 good tickets. From what I can gather, it's being sold by CrownTickets on their website, and I've visited the site several times. Unfortunately, it keeps saying "Available Soon." Does anyone know when "soon" is? Alternatively, does anyone know of other ways that I can obtain good tickets to this show? Thanks in advance...

Hi all -- I have a young daughter who's very into watching drum corps, particularly the battery. What's the earliest age you'd recommend formal instruction for her? (Is 4 years old too early to begin learning the basics?) My dream is for her to march snare in a World Class corps in 15 years... :)

Thanks for all the informative responses! Fingers crossed for tonight...

Hi everyone - What types of weather conditions lead to show cancellations? I assume lightning. How about rain? Would rain earlier in the day (thus making the field slick) ever cancel a show? How often do shows get cancelled? I'm wanting to head to the East Coast Classic tomorrow in Lawrence, MA but don't want to make the trek if it's ultimately cancelled. Is there a hotline I can call to check on the show's status? Many thanks for any/all responses....