Eaglebac

Let's hope there isn't too much rain this season, or the show will have many other things too! :-P

For anyone who is interested, Boston Crusaders is broadcasting the concert in the park live on their Facebook page.

They're definitely investing in a strong design team, but I was just referring to you see on the field.

Completely agree on this point. BAC is now run by excellent businessmen, and even my non-drum corps friends are noticing them. Concert in the park was held in the middle of the financial district, East Coast Classic was advertised at very visible public transportation stations (and held at the premier stadium in the city). Add to that participation in events like Boston Pride (last year), performances with the Boston Pops, 4 Independence Day Parades in the Boston area, and even the Street Beat 5k race, which are all increasing exposure. Corporate sponsors are flooding in, and the corps is run like a machine. All they need now is to improve the design element to become more competitive, but the foundation is there. DCI is lucky to have a corps like BAC, which is expanding the fan base at every possible opportunity.

Years in the past, I happily paid for a Fan Network subscription. This year, I didn't buy live streaming because I live in Asia. The result? I started watching clips on other platforms, and I barely miss Fan Network. I also haven't been following DCI as closely this summer. Even if they do bring back VOD next year, I don't think I will buy because I have learned to live without it. I'm not blaming DCI at all, but this issue is probably hurting their business in more ways than they have even considered.

In the book, the animals start to become more human as time passes. Putting clothes on is a subtle and brilliant idea by the design staff!

After several years of lurking, you chose this as your first post?!?

Slingerland: If you really want to be technical, your stats are misleading. At their first shows, The Cavaliers scored 66.7 (Lexington), whereas Boston scored 64.3 a night later in Akron (below The Cavaliers and Spirit). The first major regional (Minneapolis) also had Cavies above Boston (8th vs 10th). Both corps improved tremendously over the course of the season, but I stand behind Brasso in his initial statement. The record actually proves that Boston did jump more corps throughout the season, both in terms of score and placement.

Is it possible to be underwhelmed in a good way? Either way, it's an exciting competitive season and I think the close scores are inspiring all corps to work hard and rise together!

I filled a hole during my age-out year and it was a lot of fun! The first task was learning the drill, which mainly involved following the forms and having people next to me point in the direction I was supposed to move. I didn't put a drill book together - it was more muscle memory. Gradually, I learned the specifics about where my *exact* spot was in each set. Music was the second priority, which I learned on my down-time. I was able to do my first show about a week after joining up with the corps (but I didn't play most of that show since I was too focused on the drill). By the second week, I was much more comfortable and I felt like a full member. It's almost like building the frame of a house before the foundation. Your son may feel overwhelmed at times, but I'm sure he will be so glad that he took advantage of the opportunity by the time the season is over. Good luck to him!

Those 150 people deserve to be proud alums of a corps that still exists beyond just next season. How many kids at Teal Sound were having fun when their tour was cut short last summer and they were left scrambling for a new home?

I want the Glassmen to succeed just as much as anyone, but why would I donate when there is no long-term plan to thrive? It would be like investing in a company with no strategic vision... This corps (and many others) needs to find a revenue stream that is sustainable. Bingo is gone - now what can take its place? Drum corps fans are creative people. Instead of spending time soliciting $10 donations, we should be brainstorming ways to sustain the activity! Ready...go!

Last year, Phantom Regiment started the competitive season with only 7 tubas...They recruited hard just to get up to 12. Since you are starting at such a high weight, you should be able to drop weight pretty easily at first. Eat healthy, do some running, and also build some muscle. Carrying 40+ lbs of metal on your shoulder all summer will be so much easier if you have a solid base of muscle (especially in your legs) and if you're carrying around less body weight.

I would agree with the earlier feedback...Definitely try to drop weight and keep a positive attitude. Those two factors are equally as important (if not more) than your playing ability. Now, as for Tuba being a hard instrument to make in a corps, I would say that's not true. I marched with 2 different corps and good tuba players were never easy to find. Just keep working hard and go for it! You have plenty of time to get in drum corps form!

You're right - the subject has been beaten to death! My initial thought: Does it really matter if one of the "outsider" corps is scoring higher at the time of each G8 show? Even if Madison (for example) is scoring higher than one of the G8 corps next year, it doesn't mean that they are one of the "finest 8 corps". Like it or not, the G8 shows will be featuring the corps that are *currently* the finest in the world. As for your second question, they should get additional money because they will bring in additional money. Simple as that! No one is promising that the current top 8 will remain the top 8...and frankly, it doesn't really matter. In drum corps, "elite" doesn't actually change as frequently as you suggest. Over the past 5 years, there have only been a handful of occasions when one of the G8 has actually finished outside the top 8. These corps have worked hard and any group that has achieved consistent success deserves to feel like it is elite.

Rich Viano was percussion arranger / caption head at Boston Crusaders for several seasons, including at least one of their top-5 finishes. He has a lot of passion and is a talented writer. Congrats to both - I think Rich will be a good fit!

If you are posting on this forum, you have certainly not "put DCI completely, totally, and utterly" out of your mind! My question for those who "hate" the current direction of the activity: Why do you waste your time posting on here? It's not like electronics are going to be repealed, drill will go back to symmetrical patterns, or the horns will go back to the key of G. In my opinion: either embrace the changes or occupy your time with something you enjoy.

I had the good fortune of being in Dallas for work, so I couldn't resist going to the show. Here are some highlights from my night: 1) Stands were PACKED...lots of band kids and I sat behind an aspiring snare player with the most supportive parents in the world. They drove all the way up from Austin and the excitement in all of their faces was contagious. Thanks for reminding me of the days when I dreamed of being a "rock star" 2) First time ever seeing Pioneer and I was thoroughly impressed with their energy and showmanship. I loved that the brass played as they passed the stands in review. Also, the guard soloist was excellent. 3) Ever since I first saw the Colts in 1998, I have always enjoyed their sophisticated approach to programming. Tonight was no exception. If there weren't so many good corps this year, they would be heading for finals. 4) Crossmen had lots of hometown support. Thankfully, they turned down their electronics since the first show I saw in Arlington VA. 5) Madison is BACK. In my opinion, this is their most entertaining show since Jesus Christ Superstar in 1999. Talk about an amazing 1-year transformation! 6) Blue Knights sound better than ever and I particularly loved their music choice for the ballad. They brought back the painted flags, but just about everything else felt like a completely new corps. 7) I'll admit that my perception of Boston Crusaders is always biased but I love the show. Their new ending is amazing and really "wraps up" the production perfectly (with effective use of the throne)...It also includes a familiar musical phrase to celebrate their 70th anniversary. Bravo! 8) I also loved Phantom Regiment (also with an alumnus bias). I think their brass and percussion lines can play with anyone in the activity and I'm excited to see them turn up the emotion in this show leading into the final weeks of the season in a way that only Phantom can do. 9) Cavies: By far, the most entertaining show of the night and the ONLY corps to receive a standing ovation in the middle of their show. The guard is incredible and the rifle segment will go down in history. Don't let the early season scores fool you - they are a championship contender and I hope they can pull it off. 10) Cadets were typical cadets: fast and fun...but very safe. For always wanting to push the boundaries of drum corps, I don't think George Hopkins went for innovation this year. 11) BD: Excellent job with the mirror effects (lots of "oohs" and "aahs" coming from the stands). For me, this is one of the more entertaining BD shows since 2000 but the music is forgettable. Thanks to all corps for elevating your performance levels yet again in 2010...and thank you to the people who surrounded me in the stands for reminding me why drum corps is a truly special activity.

Like many others, I think it is interesting that these corps consider themselves the "top acts". In the 38-year history of DCI, there were only 3 times that all members of the G7 actually placed in the Top 7:2004, 2007, and 2008 It is shameful that these corps (one of which I marched with) are deliberately creating this division in the activity. Hopefully they will come to their senses and create a new touring model that will support ALL corps instead of just the elite.

In addition to the other good points that have been made, I think another difference is that drum corps is more of an art form than it is a sport. Sure, it requires a lot of physical fitness, but the type of excitement is just different than in most Olympic events. For example, in Figure Skating, we follow select skaters and some of them have a "star-like" quality. This just doesn't exist in drum corps, which (other than the occasional featured performer) is created so that no individuals stand out from the ensemble. Also, when the "favorite" has a bad day and falls all over the place, his/her placement can be drastically affected. In drum corps, even when a corps has an "off" night, it doesn't mean the difference between 1st and 8th place. Both of these elements diminish excitement levels. Also, the sports in the Olympics are much higher risk...The speed at which luge travels is incredible and the potential for serious injury in downhill skiing events is extremely high. These sorts of "thrills" are just not apparent in even the most challenging of drum corps shows. Don't get me wrong - I am extremely proud of drum corps and it would be a dream for the activity to reach the level of the Olympics. I just recognize some inherent differences that prevent popularity from soaring.

I think it's funny how we all consider ourselves "friends" of the activity, yet some people are actually arguing that a corps should NOT be getting free money to help achieve its strategic goals! I sure hope I don't have any friends like that!

Good news - you can vote for drum corps and STILL be supporting a group that "feeds the poor"...As part of the Colts' big idea, they will donate their new food truck to the Red Cross during the weeks that they are not on tour! This plan to return their good fortune to those in need is just one of a million reasons why I love drum corps. Check out their video on the website and vote!!

I was also somewhat apprehensive about the privacy issue before joining drum corps, but you will get used to it in no time! ...In the end, the whole corps is like a family and it is fun to have people in the shower to talk to or to wash your horn with (literally)! I do want to offer one tip, though: Never drop the soap in the shower!!!

FYI, you marched with a corps from Malden. If you mail something to the Boston Crusaders, this is how you would address the letter: Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps PO Box 51391 Boston, MA 02205-1391 This thread is stale. I've seen a variation on DCP every year since 2001.

Wow, did you like anything about the show tonight?? I don't mean to offend after you took the time to write a review, but a bunch of negative comments about each corps is just ridiculous to read. If you dislike every performance as much as you indicate, maybe you should stop going to the shows...