Big Mac

The best of luck to Dream. I know you (and the Renegades) will represent California well.

In our theater (Sacramento, CA), the pits came across too loud in many of the performances. It was probably different in person, but there were a number of solos I couldn't hear very well because of the volume. Maybe it's where the mics are located in relation to the pit and the sound equipment. Our theater was pretty full, and all the West Coast corps were being supported with cheers. I'd love it if they showed all the corps, but appreciate the fact that we get to watch them at all. For the most part, there were only minor glitches with the sound and picture. For us a 5 - 10 second portion of Southwind's visual disappeared, but the audio stayed on. Overall, it's great fun being able to see quarterfinals.

I had forgotten about the karate, but I think you have the correct person.

ALL show sponsors (not just Division I show sponsors) are responsible for housing for corps from out of the area (at least for the day of the show). And yes, housing the corps is THE most challenging part of planning a show. I hope things work out for the Cascades and the others in need of housing.

And if you're thinking of making a trip up north, don't forget to check us out, too. RCR Whatever path your life takes, may you be happy and safe!

I can tell you about #1, but someone else will have to update you on #2 (I, too, have only heard the story). I think I'm the only person on DCP that probably marched with him. I was a 14-year old rookie in 1976. Overall, Danny was a nice guy. He was at least a couple of years older than me, and quite a bit older maturity wise. We both played 2nd sop. He was a solid horn player; knew his part and knew enough to tell me what to do, too. When I found out about his accident (someone pulled out in front of his motorcycle), it hit me quite hard (Part of the reason I didn't march for a couple of years). I'm not sure I remember much else (It's been a couple of years...). Hope this helps a little.

Another memory... ...Grace Silva She could just as easily be your mom when you needed one to kick you in the pants when you needed that, too. I think it was '92 Finals when I noticed that the Freelancers were wearing black arm bands. I called my dad, who grew up with Parker, and was told Grace had passed away. A special lady...

SHOW DAY! ...miss you Eric...

We do have a local DCI show here in Sacramento, so maybe that can be the goal...a reunion for next year. Parker, Don, Zimny's, etc. could easily make it. Maybe a hospitality tent could be set up at the show site, where everyone could get together and reminisce about the old days. Something to work towards perhaps? Depending upon the turnout/interest in that, maybe something more could be planned for the future.

...But if you buy a ticket (or two) to the 2006 West Coast Showdown scheduled for Friday, July 14, 2006, you'll help us become more financially stable! There are still good seats remaining.

Actually, I think we did enjoy it. Considering we've never, EVER been within 7 points (There's that number again), in our history, it was quite enjoyable. However, we all knew some of the circumstances involved with the Renegades this season, and knew they weren't just going to roll over and die. And we witnessed their perseverance and heart this weekend. The Renegades have been showing us the way from the first time they took the field in Stockton several years ago. I, for one, appreciate what they bring to the table...AND the field. And I think as RCR and Dream become more competitive (and hopefully others that follow!), it will only make ALL of us better and stronger. So here's to competitive drum corps on the West Coast... ...and may it be here for a LOOOOONG time!

Kelli, please find me (where ever the heck I'm stressing over the show) on Friday. I'm sure I will need a really good hug. NOTES - I marched with Danny Olivera in '76. His death was part of the reason I didn't march again for a couple of years. And I could talk about the '79 show, but I'd probably have to kill you! :P j/k Jumpsuits... ampssuck LOTS of drama that year. But still more good memories than bad. Next to making Finals, my biggest thrill with the Freelancers was being able to wear the red cadet for 4 days. I was able to do "the movie" and got to wear the uniform for the filming. I LOVED those uniforms! And doing the recording for the soundtrack was pretty cool, too.

The Renegades really stepped it up a notch this weekend. Congratulations! We're looking forward to hosting all three CA senior corps under the lights at the 2006 West Coast Showdown in Elk Grove.

Thanks for the review Ryan. It was nice to finally meet "The Voice of Southern California", even if only for a minute. And special kudos go out to Julie Holmen, our DM. She was REALLY under the weather, and it was going to be hit or miss as to whether she was going to be able to lead us onto the field. She did an amazing job. Way to go Julie!!!

Friday, July 14th is coming up quick for the 2006 West Coast Showdown. There's still time to order your tickets. There are reserved tickets available for those coming from out of the area (ok anyone who wants a great seat between the 40's), and the concessions are going to be primo this year, including lumpia!

Friday, July 14th is coming up fast. There's still time to order your tickets!

There are still seats available. Get 'em while they're HOT!

We may have found someone locally to do the announcing. I hope to know soon. Though having Ryan would be totally cool!

Unfortunately, RCR is not traveling to the DCA Championships this year. :( It takes big buck$, and we're just not where we need to be to get back there. However, we're looking forward to meeting up with So Cal Dream next weekend, with the first meeting of all three CA seniors.

Oops! Mods, please move this topic to the DCI Announcements page. Sorry.

The West Coast Showdown site is up and running (Thanks Mikie!). And PayPal is now available, so you can purchase your tickets online! 2006 West Coast Showdown We're at a new location this year (Elk Grove HS), resulting in some RESERVED seats (between the 40's) being available. For those coming from out of town, and you have to come late, you'll still have excellent seats to sit in. And the RESERVED seats have fold-down chairs, with comfortable seat backs. Even MY big b-u-t-t fits in 'em! In addition to the RESERVED seats, the band program we're partnering with this year is VERY motivated to provide excellent concessions. In addition to burgers and hot dogs, their menu includes lumpia, a Philipino yummy! Come one, come all!

Here's some more trivia about RCR and the West Coast Showdown... The Director of Music (Mario Sebastian) at our host school this year (Elk Grove HS) was the original drum major for RCR when it was part of the winter percussion ensemble at CA State University, Sacramento (CSUS). He's really excited to be a part of this show experience. Tickets are available at: West Coast Showdown

The Mandarins hosted a show for at least a couple of years (at Lodi HS). I think their last show was in 2001 or 2002? As to why, I'm not sure. And I miss the Freelancers (see my signature). :( But you can come to the West Coast Showdown for your drum corps fix! ^OO^

A bit of trivia about the 2006 West Coast Showdown... This will be the first DCI show that's held at the Elk Grove HS stadium in 31 years! Sound Expo '75, sponsored by the Capital Freelancers, was held there.

I know it's probably not the same, but the all-age corps out here are judged on DCA sheets, but by DCI judges. As for earning "points" for DCA appearance order, that's another issue. Though I think with the hype a show of this type could bring, I wonder if DCA would consider using the scores anyway, even if judged by DCI judges. I'm sure that's one of the issues that would have to be discussed before this could happen. Jeff is right in that we work with DCI to schedule our home show. I'm not sure what DCI has in mind for next year given the fact that Finals are in CA. Maybe fewer early season shows, with the larger Division I show sponsors having later dates than usual? Or maybe some corps/organizations will put on two shows next year (one early, one later)? We'll find out in September at the DCI meetings. But it would be awesome to have a couple of non-CA DCA corps make the trip out here. Of course, it would be even more awesome if RCR could make it back to the DCA Championships to see where we stack up in all this. But first, we must have the organization on stable financial footing before taking that step. Some day...