gearwonk

But that's exactly what some corps are doing. At the beginning of this years' Blue Stars show (which I otherwise liked), they played a sample of the Etta James version of "At Last." The pit played along with it, not really worrying about how well it synched up with the recording. I think the idea was that Etta sings it so freely on the original recording, it didn't matter if it was in sync. I think that's a very cynical approach, as if there is no art to how a singer of Etta James' stature bends the time when they perform. Good singers know exactly where the beat is at all times, and the art is in how much to stray from it and when to snap back to it. There was nothing artful in playing a sample that had nothing to do with anything else that was happening. It might as well have been RFI from a nearby radio station for all it contributed to the show.

Hey, Ken, where would I look for decent recordings of Bluecoats before they started making finals? I have to start looking to the past for drum corps that sound the way I like, since there's no future.

A week ago, trombones and sousaphones weren't relevant, either.

Yes, and don't forget the laser lights, fog machines and fireworks. And put a curtain behind the pit so the audience isn't distracted by all the people walking around. And tell those people to quit making so much noise, sometimes I can't even hear the pit.

Maybe this will change Adolf's mind: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Band_Camp#Band_Camp

Well, might as well start the discussion because it won't be long now.

It means more to some than others, I guess. I was into it for the sound that bugles get that band instruments can't get. There's plenty of marching bands, but drum and bugle corps was special. I'm not saying bugles were superior instruments, it's just an interesting, exciting sound that's gone now. Especially the contrabass bugle - nothing under the sun will replace that.

Well, they've been out of luck since 2000 when corps started using marching bands instruments.

That's the one. Had us all on the run. He kicked a kid out of the band at Interlochen Summer Music Camp - they didn't invite him back after that.

What new rule could there be about percussion? They already use everything from brake drums to marching machines in the pit. Is there a rule against beating on pots and pans, or kitchen sinks?

To paraphrase William Revelli, the worst thing the DCI Rules Congress could do would be to have another meeting.

Then it will be called High School Band International (HSBI).

Keys were added to bugles but they were still bugles. Valves were added to cornets and French horns and it didn't change their character. The Drum and Bugle Corps movement ended when DCI allowed the use of band instruments, which COMPLETELY changed the character of the sound. Gone is the crack of a contrabass bugle planting a downbeat like a bass trombone, and tubas can't replace it, even if you use 20 of them, all you get is a thud. Using actual bass trombones won't replace it, it just won't carry the punch. Bugles were used because they were LOUD. THAT'S THE POINT. Adding the pit made it difficult to hear the DRUMS and the BUGLES over the thirteen suspended cymbals, and electronics just added a layer of crap to what should sonically be a celebration of the awesome power of air and muscle. What does "You may take the field" mean when the sound crew making half the sound is in the stands? Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. Enjoy the new High School Band International (HSBI).

I'm a trombonist, but if I go to a "drum corps" show and hear a trombone, I AM LEAVING.