TroopAlum12

I think that their show is innovative in the fact that they are synthesizing recent ideas and bringing many things together into a total package. Many of the classical composers that we consider the greats (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and so on) did this same thing. There were others before them that introduced theories and ideas into music, then these greats took those ideas, added their own tweaks, and built them into something amazing that changed mainstream music. On a pop music level, the Beatles were kind of the same way. This is what Bluecoats have done the last few years with show design.

Idaho Falls, ID. Probably two dozen people, mostly Troopers fans with myself and two or three other alumni attending along with the kids from Troopercussion (a WGI drumline run out of Rigby, ID by the Troopers, though the membership is pretty much all high school kids with no corps experience). They had the sound plenty loud. Bluecoats were the best in my mind. But all six corps definitely threw down! Cavies was a touch of old school and I loved it. Crown's Medea gave me goosebups. It's going to be a great season!

From the six shows last night, Bloo was my favorite. The others couldn't touch them in terms of show design. I agree with the opinion that this show is going to be a huge game changer in the activity. And man did they perform the crap out of it for so early in the season! Blue Devils better watch out this year!

First of all, screw those of you who are questioning the masculinity of the Bluecoats members and design staff based on the uniform. Shame. I admit I cringed for a very brief moment when I first saw it, but that reaction was very quickly overtaken by the mind-blowing show design and performance I was seeing on the field. I honestly think Bluecoats are going to be in contention for the medal this year. None of the other shows from last night could even touch them in terms of design and man did they perform the heck out of it. Didn't look to me like any of them gave a rat's ### about wearing that uniform.

I watched it. I loved it. But gosh dang did it give me major flashbacks to my final show as a marching member. I never thought I would see another steampunk theme after "This Was The Future." One of the lessons we learned that year was that Steampunk is not a genre that is super widely known. As has been well documented, our show that was supposed to be about a steampunk world's fair turned into a show about a train and a circus by the end of the season. I certainly hope the obscure culture references work out a lot better for them than it did for us. But 2012 Troop references aside, can I just say that Medea is giving me chills already? And that trombone solo = gold. Amazing job already by that soloist. Also very obvious that this is a false ending like last year, given that there is no crown set in the drill. Interested to see where they take it this year!

Now for a totally different topic: Troopers are getting in on the french horn game this year. I am excited for this. https://www.facebook.com/TroopersDrumCorps/photos/a.10154238181052996.1073741895.46584577995/10154250335637996/?type=3&theater

I see both good and bad in these uniforms. First of all, I think they don't look quite as horrible as some people are bemoaning. Secondly, I think the color scheme is needed. One complaint we've heard a lot in the last few years is that the members don't pop off the field enough to have the drill and visuals be as effective. So it's a definite plus in that regard. On the other hand, I can definitely see how they could be improved. My big thing is either make those sashes look like actual belts or ditch 'em quick. Ever since 2008 we have joked about the "curse of the baldrics," as we've tried a few times to add in a belt-looking baldric that never stays on and never looks right. I'm honestly kind of surprised they decided to try them again. It's the same reason they decided to ditch the neck scarves. Overall, I honestly don't hate them. I don't LOVE them yet, but I still have yet to seem on a field and in context of the show.

That was fast! Here is their reply to my email: While there are still many issues that could be addressed, I think we can safely say that this letter was not specifically aimed at the marching arts.

Taking a suggestion made in this post, I compiled a list of the counter-arguments made here, threw in a few of my own, and sent them to Tresona. I'll post here if/when they reply. It was a rather harshly-worded email that ended with me saying they can expect me to not only avoid purchasing their products but actively advocate against their business model by supporting self-publishing. I'm curious to see what they say. I would encourage many people to do the same. The more negative feedback they hear, the better.

My case in point, apparently.

People taking a joke on DCP? Inconceivable!

I'm drooling over the potential in this. Such rich sound...

Regardless of where they come from, Yamaha is one of the best in the brass business both on and off the field. Really good horns.

But the INT joke was never officially endorsed by DCI. If you don't follow them on Facebook, Couchmen interact with DCI and the other corps all the time. They even showed up with an official booth at TMEA where people could sit on a couch and watch DCI shows. Couchmen have achieved a life of their own. Oh, and the have 15,000 followers on facebook...so apparently most people don't agree with you https://www.facebook.com/CouchmenDrumCorps/

OK, who ratted us out? This was SUPPOSED to be our big reveal at the first show...

Most world class corps trade out their uniforms every three years so that the look doesn't go stale, even if its minor adjustments. Troop wore their last set for 2013-15, so by sticking with that cycle it is time.

Troopers have released an updated uniform sketch: http://us12.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2101ebaade194a1a9027f75e2&id=6a93ffae5d

There ya go: Sleeves. Wherefore didst thou doubt?

I'd like to vote that we bring the corps on at finals like this again. The current way takes FOREVER.

I've been hearing this same thing from multiple sources who were at the camp. Have patience and faith, people!

This is probably the comment I've seen the most. The renderings always tend to look more feminine than when a marching member actually puts the real thing on. I've heard reports from camp saying the things look fantastic in real life.

Yup. Really put a damper on my last year as a marching member, riding a wave of alumni and spectators who were tearing us apart at the seams and cheering as pretty much our entire staff was ushered out the door/left for various reasons. Every corps that "those alumni." Sad but true. I wish people could have seen the vision the staff had for that show early season. It really was supposed to be as revolutionary as it sounded. The struggle to move upwards, feedback from fans and judges, and many other factors curbed that vision as the season progressed, and it took on the circus-like atmosphere it is now known for by championships.

Have the general tickets gone on sale yet? Yesterday they weren't coming up on ticketmaster.

The Troopers alumni in me is smiling at ecstasy of gold, the old school drum corps fan in me is smiling at Medea, the modern fan in me is smiling at Crown. Guess which poor college student is coughing up saving for tickets this year? Yup.

Not entirely true. Like I said, think Teddy Roosevelt in his Rough Riders uniform, but with some very modern twists.