Brian Tuma

One of my drum corps partners is a “ssssher”. That’s almost as obnoxious as people talking. Ugh.

The screamers are all about drawing attention to themselves. Obnoxious lot, them. My worst experience involved a middle aged white guy. Totally ruined the Bluecoats 2010 semis performance for me and surrounding fans, screaming and berating them for their electronics usage. I told him he was a disgrace to the hat and shirt he was wearing (Madison). People around me thanked me for speaking up.

They laid a solid foundation last year. People seem to overlook that.

With the exception of Florida Suite, I agree.

Any more head to head meetings between BS and Mandarins outside of regionals? I’m having flashbacks to DIII. Hope there’s some back and forth movement.

Meh, when you really think about rifles and sabers being tossed about by people not in military dress, it’s kind of goofy. I love it but my friend and I still joke about a guard from the late 80s dressed in long flowing gowns tossing about rifles.

I would have picked OC 2013 but will have to go with Pioneer ‘96. Pioneer had a trajectory toward finals in the late 90s early 2000s but someone got in the way. I have my theory but it ain’t pretty.

This is a fascinating thread. I always looked at the Salem witch trial thing as the establishment going after women who voiced an opinion. They weren’t called the Salem Warlock trials. Lol

I think another elephant in the room is shows based on mental health issues. I don’t mind Cavies so much because it’s kind of based upon Ravel’s last work which was a result of his neurological disorder. There have been shows in the past who took the “look at us, we’re crazy” route.

I think there’s a big difference between what VK’s cymbal line wore and what is worn today. Today’s costuming is designed first and foremost for very active performers who need outfits with flexibility. I won’t comment on what VK’s cymbal line outfit was designed for but I’m glad those days are mostly in the past.

I was able to observe BD’s rehearsal this afternoon. It’s always a thrill to watch a champion rehearse. I’ve been a big fan of Devils, being one of the few that was upset in 2008 and absolutely loving Through a Glass. This year isn’t doing it for me. The opener is stunning, after that not so much. Their ballad is a rehash of ‘17 but without the emotional impact. That was done to perfection last year and I feel they’re trying too hard to recapture that moment. There are so many cool, well performed segments but I don’t feel they add up to a a gold medal show. Harlem Nocturn is a huge impact and will get the crowds cheering. Definitely a medalist but there are at least two better designed shows in competition for gold. Don’t get me wrong, I will sit back and admire the professionalism and attention to detail but it’s just not grabbing me as of yet.

Except he didn’t say it was ugly. He said she needed to be in something “more attractive”.

I was thinking that may have been the intent. Maybe if they had gone all in on the concept it would look better.

I was looking forward to what SoA would present to us after last year’s very enjoyable show. They didn’t disappoint!

You beat me to it! Lol. I was about to mention plumes and satin blouses. Wasn’t there a Canadian all male corps that wore short shorts?

No, it alienates you. Don’t project your definition of “masculinity” onto potential members.

Why so obsessed with prancing and packages? Sounds like the kind toxic masculinity Cavies are mocking at the end of their show.

Booooooooots!!!

SCV sounds fantastic but what on earth is up with that uniform? I’ve never seen anything so ill fitting.

Did you enjoy a nice crisp Pinot Grigio? Good day for it.

Congrats to Crossmen on a well earned score. Have a blast in the parade through downtown Cedarburg tomorrow. Don’t o.d. on small town quaintness. ;-)

I can’t go there right now either. I feel numb. No anger, simply numbness and disappointment. Massive disappointment.

Hello all! It was a perfect night for drum corps in Cedarburg. I met a gentleman who marched Spirit ‘81,82,83. He was actually sitting in our seats but we didn’t make a fuss because there were empty seats right behind us. Due to a leisurely dinner at Tomaso’s and listening to some of Crossmen’s brass warmup we missed Colt Cadets and only watched Pioneer from the sidelines. Here’s my review: Pioneer - They made it on and off the field. Crossmen! - a really well put together show. The featured performer in the black cloak could come off as a menacing character but I actually felt he had a comforting vibe in guiding us through The Inbetween. There were some classic, familiar drill moves. One in particular is a gradually forming block/pass through that occurs in the beginning of the show that is reprised at the end. It’s a nice bookend to the drill. The vocalist was on point this evening. He’s tasked with having to be exposed and vulnerable and in my opinion, is what ties the whole show together. “Live your life with joy and wonder”. Man, that lyric speaks to me. Bravo Crossmen! Scouts - If there’s any talent in that brassline, and I think there is, it is being totally squandered. I don’t think I have ever been more disappointed in a show and I’ve been following this activity for decades. Phantom Regiment - the last third of the show kind of caught my interest. The uniforms totally blow! I never thought having lots of white on top could lead to a top heavy look but they succeed. When the hoods are up it gives them a Whack-a-Mole appearance - flattened. When the hoods are down their necks disappear. The whole look was distracting. Cavies - Wow! This show can challenge for a medalist position. The interweaving of Bolero is awesome. Never a down moment. You really feel the tension in this program. For me it was kind of a fever dream. Ironically, the most over the top outrageous moment brought the most lucidity to the program. Out of nowhere, the tension is broken with humor. The mashup of Bolero/Rufus is genius! The Rainbow quotes are used well throughout to lend an air of familiarity amongst the madness. I do have one huge caveat with this show. I would have liked the designers to somehow focus more on the neurological ailment that afflicted Ravel rather than taking the easy way out and focusing on “madness”. I don’t think mental illness should be used for entertainment purposes unless it transcends like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. You know, the whole waving your hands along the side of your head, contorting your body, acting crazy kind of deal? Come on Cavies, you can do better than that.

Pioneer has one under their belt already in West Allis. Cedarburg, Cudahy, Shorewood and Hales Corners on the 4th.

Who remembers the old Conn mellophoniums? The Stan Kenton band could barely tame them. Imagine eight of them in the hands of a high school marching band back in the late 70’s. Harsh!