JazzCat82

I would love to see MY ring pop up on Ebay. It was stolen out of my car, on THANKSGIVING, the day I brought my son home from the hospital! Bitter much? Just a little...

This topic is obviously very close to the hearts of many, which quite frankly I think is something that shines as a positive for the Cascades and their future. While this has been a proud organization for decades, I think the resurgance since the late 90's is creating a strong alumni base which will ultimately benefit the corps. I had the priviledge to spend a full day around the corps on Saturday, and I definitely walked away with some mixed feelings. Many people are focusing on the fall since 2002, however I can't help thinking about how far this corps has come since 10 years ago - truly a positive to focus on. I agree with many who have said the show is not written extremely well, but I ultimately found what I thought was a bigger problem. The Cascades have a staff that clearly will not give up until they acheive their goals, however I wonder if the experience is their to match the expectations they have. I mostly spent time around the hornline, and while they do some things very nicely, there is an underlying problem of not having mastered basic concepts. To contrast this, I was able to spend some time with the Oregon Crusaders hornline, who by all accounts is younger and probably less talented, yet has a VERY firm fundamental grip. I do not mean this as harsh on anyone that is giving so much time to an organization, as I respect that VERY much, however I do see this as the main contributor to holding the Cascades back competitively this year. As far as the NW judging is concerned, I just don't fully buy that this is the sole problem. I understand the politics, and agree that historically it has always been a problem, but in my opinion the marks aren't that far from being accurate. I certainly do expect they will improve however. And lastly, to Cascade Mama: I have paid close attention to any Cascades related topic on this forum for years, and I have nothing but absolute respect for you and your support of the Cascades. You have always been the first to come out and say the positive, as well as what is on your mind, and that is to be applauded. I do however have a problem with the message that possibly ending tour would convey. First off, above you mentioned to wait until Denver to see how scores work themselves out. This activity is not about the scores, nor ultimately about being rewarded by the scores. From what I gather (I only witnessed the Seattle show, so may be biased), the Cascades have received audience support in all venues, and that will undoubtedly continue. I'm a bit removed from the corps at this point, but as others have mentioned, they are working hard, and quitting should not be something in their minds. I may have misunderstood your intentions, however I just feel that this activity is about working towards goals, enduring to the end of often tough situations, and the Cascades will undoubtedly do that. Going forward in years to come is not going to be an easy road, and I think some changes are probably needed, however this is a drum corps that has made it through worse times in the past. Keep up the great work Cascades!

Wow....

Auction ending in two hours. Two tickets to Quarterfinals on Thursday, August 10, Semifinals on Friday August 11, and Finals on August 12, 2006. These seats are located in the Center section of the lower stands, very high which is ideal for both viewing and hearing the performances. Seats each night are in Section E, Row 67, Seats 13 and 14.

Sal is successful in anything he is involved with. He has left the Cascades much stronger than they were when he began, and helped shape many lives. Good luck Sal!

Arkadelphia in 2001 definitly stands out in my mind as a miserable experience, but I personally thought it was the humidity more than the heat that was amazingly disgusting ... Enid in 2003 was just plain ridiculous. The school we were at didn't seem to have very drinkable water either, however a local church set up a tent near our practice field and it was manned with volunteers handing out water bottles anytime we were on the field...pretty great really...

Me too. B) Something about the complete package in 97 has always amazed me - not sure that it can be topped in my book.

I was only 11 in 1993 as well, but have to agree that this may have been the best Blue Devils brassline of all-time! I don't quite have the words to describe it..

We pulled up to that show - sat in the parking lot for maybe 10 minutes before getting word that the show was cancelled and left. Stopped at a truck stop a few minutes later and the weather was pretty crazy.

2003 Cavaliers finished in 2nd in 5 shows (Indianapolis, Allentown, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals). Not as familiar with other years, but I would guess there are quite a few 2nd or even 3rd place finishers with a similar season..

Nevermind.

Scott Dean is an amazing player - marched BD from 2001 - 2005, and first solo'd at the end of the 2002 show. I hear he has also been a soloist for the Fresno State Marching band and played some pretty amazing stuff.

2000 Blue Devils 1995 Madison Scouts 1993 Star of Indiana 1997 Blue Devils 1987 Santa Clara Vanguard

1999 Seattle Cascades - Soprano 2001 Seattle Cascades - Mellophone 2003 Blue Devils - Mellophone

That has to be one of my favorite moments in SCV history - so overlooked, yet so powerful!

BD 02 - that line was just insane.

Cadets 96 and 01 come to mind for some reason. Also really liked Madison's line in 99...

I apologize for being positive.

and that's what is so great about this activity - the fact that two people can watch the same shows, and have such different opinions. Its just a shame that some people get so upset about it. I have my feelings and they may differ from others, but I'm happy enough knowing I saw 17 great shows last night.

Attend the show in Mountlake Terrace, WA (Seattle)- Overall, was a very enjoyable experience. The sound started a little quiet, but after a quick request, was turned up to a good volume. One thing I did find interesting was that there were a few representatives from the Seattle Cascades that seemed to use every break as an advertising oppurtunity. Not a complaint by any means, but interesting. The had lots of trivia questions and souvenirs to give away. This happen anywhere else with a local corps?

I can fully respect an opinion on show taste or feelings towards narration, but to say that because the world-class Blue Devils design team created that bad of a show simply because you don't care for the narration is pretty narrow-minded. I won't claim to be the most supportive figure towards narration, but seeing that the 2 corps I have been a member with used narration this year, I decided to take an open mind into the showing last night. And quite frankly, the Blue Devils narration was the only one the entire night that was cleverly weaved into the show design. The Cascades was slightly distracting, the Bluecoats was just confusing, and I'm all around puzzled with the Cadets show. Just my opinion, but I think BD has done a great job this year.

and they performed the heck out of it. There are defintitley some great hornlines this year, but 5th in brass???

I have to admit that after a summer of reading some of the postings around here, I was really beginning to wonder if BD was really that "off" this year. After catching the quarters viewing in Seattle though, I can say that I was amazed by this show. While the design may not be their best, I think that they did some very creative things, and hope that they keep pushing that envelope. And I think a lot of people would agree that they are performing at an excellent level. This Blue Devils corps is as good or better than any recent year. Keep up the great work!

Mountlake Terrace, WA (Seattle)

In contrast, I have to say that I thought Cascades show this year is refreshing, and very entertaining. While I may not have been completely excited when I first heard narration would be included, I think it suits the purpose. And this show as a whole is much more entertaining than in the past. I walked away very proud to be a Cascades Alumni last night. Just wanted to put a little good with the bad I suppose...