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brichtimp

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Posts posted by brichtimp

  1. 2 minutes ago, Super Don-O said:

    My wife went to school with a guy who went into the marines to join the "President's Own" United States Marine Band as a clarinet player and assistant conductor. A few years ago he was promoted to it's Director. We went to his induction ceremony, and at the event he was passed the baton by the previous director. The baton they use for the ceremony belonged to none other than John Philip Sousa. It's only brought out for this ceremony. He now gets to conduct at the presidential inaugurations, state visits, and any other time the president requests them.

    I believe that is Col. Jason Fettig....an awesome conductor, educator and communicator.

    • Like 1
  2. Great ensembles, whether they are orchestras, bands or drum corps, display top notch control of ensemble blend, balance, intonation and precision (basic variables). Personally, I don't mind synth sound in DCI provided that the inclusion does not obscure, overwhelm or corrupt the ensemble musical elements I listed. That Keytar with BC is a very cool addition to that show, without, IMHO, detracting from the Coats' awesome ensemble sound.

  3. 2 minutes ago, Old Corps Guy said:

    I have done my best to keep out of the woodwind discussion here.  However, I can't hold back any longer.

    I just don't see woodwinds being added as a "Marching" instrument.  There is something unique about a hornline of brass instruments with  "forward facing" bells.  The fact that a visual/audible hit to the press box makes drum corps unique compared to marching bands.  You will never get that impact from an instrument that produces sound to the ground (Clarinet) or from an instrument that sound is almost non-directional (flute).  They lack the visual/audible impact of a "fff" and that can never be changed.

    Before you go to French Horns, how many "concert" French horns have you actually seen marching (successfully)?

    As for audible, you need a large number of clarinets or flutes for them to be heard over brass.  I can't tell you how many times on the marching band circuit I have heard judges complain about not hearing the woodwinds.  Even during woodwind features when no brass are playing. Don't go to the "Mic 'em up" comments as we all know how many have been complaining about the amplification as it is.

    While I appreciate all the added instrumentation in the pit (violins, the aforementioned french horns, trombones, etc.) they aren't as effective in marching as the current marching brass of drum corps and that is what makes drum corps unique.  As I have told my students over the years, I will put 60 brass from A DCI finalist corps up against any 300+ college marching band and the drum corps hornline will blow them away every time.

    Just my two cents.

    My 2 cents: The top DCI brass lines are among the best on the planet. I do not want to hear the quality of their sound, the blend, balance, stellar intonation and controlled power...abused by unneeded amplification, and that includes the insufferable bass goo that sometimes obliterates the base of the pyramid of sound. Just like I don't want to hear the Chicago Symphony or Berlin Phil brass sound corrupted via amplification. I don't think a DCI fan needs to be an audiophile to discern the negative impact of amplification done poorly. I've been a DCI fan since the mid-70s, and I don't plan to give it up; but a lot less artificial sound and a lot less MM rolling around on the field would do wonders for my enjoyment of the activity.....just sayin'

    • Like 7
  4. 7 hours ago, FlamMan said:

    Stan Kenton would have really dug that! I'd love to see BD or even Crown do a modern re-take on that iconic LA Neophonic chart.

    • Like 1
  5. Flo was reliable for me until last night when it continually failed with what looked like a server error of some kind.....certainly not acceptable for the money they are charging subscribers. For me, the most obvious comparison is the streaming quality I get from the Berlin Philharmonic's Digital Concert Hall:  https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/devices

    Although the latter is not completely analogous to Flo's product, Berlin broadcasts a high def video/audio stream around the world; and their consistency and reliability are outstanding. I think DCI and Flo should go to school on how Berlin achieves their product, and see what they can learn and apply to the Flo/DCI situation. Drum Corp lovers deserve no less, IMHO!

    • Like 1
  6. 1 hour ago, George Dixon said:

    The only night that counts is finals? I disagree enthusiastically 

    The only night that awarded a podium placement. Of course, as a parent of a 2014 Cadets MM, it was cool that every other show that summer found Cadets placing either first or second. 

  7. I just listened to the Marching Roundtable podcast featuring Freddie Martin and his sons, Chris and Michael. That was a half hour well spent. Chris Martin was Principal trumpet in Chicago after Bus Herseth retired, and now leads the NY Phil trumpets; and Michael plays in the Boston Symphony along with his work with the Cavaliers. Their discussion of the DCI activity in relation to their experiences and the demands of both disciplines was illuminating. Check it out!

  8. 20 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:

    I said it elsewhere, and i'll say it again...while it sucks to see c2 down, even if only for a time, the end all be all for all things YEA has been the Holy Name Garfield Cadets of Bergen County Sponsored by YEA from Allentown PA. In their current state, if it's not helping them, such as USBands, or keeping going to keep community ties and financial benefits like Xcape, it had to go. CWG and CWP were less about finances and more about personnel and other issues including perceived lack of success ( aka the guard). 

    Bookends of the 2014 Copland snare line were both C2 alum.

    • Like 1
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