OldSnareDrummer

Not anything that PETA got involved in, was it?

Just came across some trivia while reading through the SRPAF site. Sky Ryders were the only corps in DCI history to use live animals in their show in 1980 with the release of doves at the end. The following year, DCI banned live animals which I guess would explain why the Troopers never sent wild horses charging across the field.

Wondering if @Paul Milano can add anything about this announcement. I do like that Daniel is young and new blood. Also wishing him much success.

True, there's a sea of Blues out there now. Back then there had to have been 20-30 different corps with Knights in their name somewhere.

Let's see, we had the SC Vanguard, Des Plaines Vanguard, Florida Vanguard (who Rondo was with at one time) and the St Clair Shores Vanguard ( who I believe JL marched with, no?)back in the 70s. We were Vanguarded to death. Almost like we were Knighted. DPV played Holtz in '72, not sure what SCS Vanguard played in '72. Basically what I'm saying is, I'm lost.

Really hoping SRPAF can get a corps back on the field in the future. Each time I see Sky in the news, I think of the late, great George Tuthill. Always controversial, but man oh man, did that guy just ooze drum corps.

I should have clarified that. Not forgave for his criminal wrong doings. For his strutting around his NY apartment in full-on Carmen Miranda get up.

That's probably the best road for me to take. I'll always go ape for the performances, the kids and staff and wish them nothing but success. In 2-3 years, particularly if SCV captures a championship, most of this scandal will be forgotten. I forgave Marv Albert for crying out loud. I can forgive SCV.

Still trying to figure out how I feel about this latest development.. One side says yay, someone finally got the ship back on course. Let's go out there and kick some arse. The other says, the damage to image, reputation and perception of the organization is already done and I'm just not the same fan of SCV as I've been for the last 50+ years.

Man, that dude is young. Surprised he's shaving. Best of luck to him. He's leading a very proud and sacred organization.

Not throwing any rocks. I'm asking him to throw us a bone.

Wowza. That's some bold statements. I'm not in anyway qualified to speak to the Cadets situation, so I'll remain my Switzerland stance for the time being.

First, welcome. Good question, too. I can only speak from a Back in the Day perspective. It's quite different today, I'd imagine. Long hours on a hot, basically converted old school bus, hours of rehearsal in the blazing sun, running around helping members get ready for the show (Where are my white bucks and sticks? Is my hair OK?), hyping the kids up for the show before going on the field, watching and critiquing the show yourself as performed, getting off the field, hugs or WTF were you thinking? depending on how the show went, meeting with the judges for their critiques, arguing, pleading, asking questions, back on the bus, back to the school, getting the animals tucked in and off to bed, heading back to the bus, drinking beer with other staff, off to bed at 4am, getting up and 7 to bus to the next town. It was glorious and wouldn't trade it for anything.

I'm taking a wait and see with the "new guy". So far he's been unimpressive in the keeping the drum corps kingdom informed of what's going on. Would it have killed anyone to put out statement after the Annual Meeting of your organization saying hey, I'm getting myself up to speed as quickly as possible on the challenges facing our activity, I'm meeting with XYZ regularly and will have more to say publicly in X days?

The Mad Magazine guy was a composer? Who knew?

I recall something like that too in the mid 70s. I don't know if it was an "official" DCI circuit or sanctioned by DCI or just some guards organizing themselves for competitions, but I do remember our guards in '73-'75 doing some winter gigs in Illinois. In winter 74-'75 they added percussion to these. We didn't do much but essentially play a street beat while they did their guard things and try to out-Kingsmen everyone else.

That was the very common thing BITD for kids who wanted to march with an out of town corps. You got a job, worked when you were able, paid for R&B unless a corps-mate and their folks was putting you up for little or nothing. Different times now, I get it, but if you want something bad enough, find a way.

I wish The Far Side cartoon was still around. They'd have a month's worth of material to work with DCI. Instead of "The Real Reason Dinosaurs Became Extinct" with the dinos lying around smoking cigarettes, it could be The Real Reason DCI Became Extinct with the DCI BOD lying around with their ##############

So the only news to come out of these meetings are the new DCI BOD announcements? WTF was going on there all weekend???

Good to see that DCI has their priorities in line.

Real drum corps people tossed aside the Guy Lombardo and put the Kilties Auld Lang Syne on full blast at midnight at New Year's Eve parties (of which there were many in my time).

DCP could use one, too. You in? Merry Christmas, everyone.

That's it. I'm setting up DrumCorpsFanDuel.com today and making myself a fortune. Don't any of you goobers steal my idea.

I once bet on how many times a frog would ribbit in a one minute span in Vegas. You can bet on anything according to Uncle Eddie in Vegas Vacation.

Oh, another Guardsmen tale. The kid on the PBS broadcast video who was out of step in the opening notes of Greensleeves, Man oh man, the entire drum corps nation felt awful for that little fella.