the_aborigine

um . . what?

nice one D I was the last guy on the #1 side and a guy in front of me was jumping up in the first row of the stands and fell over the rail, landed on his back, got up and kept jumping

So true. I was at my desk on Scott Blvd up the road from Vanguard hall. My first thought was Candlestick, those concrete overhangs *chills*. But it did get people off the roads in Oaktown and the city

What say ye, Rev. Maynard? (I am native to the LA basin)

seriously?

0oo, hold up, that is not true.The bar, a locally owned establishment, has NOT committed to this financial arrangement. But there are no major chains nearby who do this. The closest was Fridays but they only donate locally. So we are bringing the party to J Brians and if they feel so inclined they may support the Vanguard.

The Vanguard Alumni have been hosting Mixers after shows where the corps performs. This Thursday it will be at J Brians Pub (link in map). They have agreed to keep their kitchen open until 11:30PM, maybe later or a buffet. Hit the poll if you plan to attend so I can get some idea of numbers. Here is a Map.

Yes, sir, Mr. Fallon, sir.I realized in Walnut CA that I could not go through with the KAC commitment. Then in the spring of '07 I realized my daughter's softball career meant I could not be a Bman anymore. So that ended that. I work in my studio on various things. I love my Slingerland 5 piece! But nothing in pageantry. I have nothing but respect for John Curran Sr., he is a mentor and a friend, Rudy Muck or no Rudy Muck. And to Jerome, no, I sampled no stadium fare. And the only beverage I had was a Monster MIXXD.

an honest comment . . ick

'90

and I'm looking at your avatar thinking of them in DCA guard unis

it's bashing until it's about guard uniforms, then it's usually warranted

Inside the 40's was pretty full. Outside the 30's, sit where you want.The Citations' 50/50 was $3100 total I think I heard.

inside scoop: next year shakos

whoa, whoa . . Olympic Gold changes the world? Kerri's Strugg's vault saved the lives of Iraqi children? They say that because they understand what a life changing experience and time it is. There are so very many people who know me because of my limited involvement in this activity. I shared my world championship with the corps members, staff, alumni, boosters and fans. It was not an individual thing, it is by definition a community thing and that is what you gain; community, the experience of working hard with a diverse group and a lifetime of association and camaraderie.Now that I think about it, it sounds like you might need to march drum corps

A great day for drum corps in New England! I started my day at Bedford NH high with the Crusaders. A beautiful facility, a catered lunch, what more could you ask for? I would tell the Cru membership, make the most of every moment, it's your corps. Individually, work during the week to improve your individual movement and performance techniques, you know what to do. The tympanist won my "shirt of the day" award. Email me to collect. I then rolled down Rt 3 to 95 to Dedham High where the Hurricanes were cleaning. A very young group, as the venerable Cakes said to me, "they maybe don't know what they have." What do they have? A winning show and a great tradition. Hard work in the hot sun then an hour's ride to the show site to shower, man. And Danny Staffieri won my "shirt of the day" award, lulz I lucked into parking in the Boston Crusaders/MassBrass lot, the latter showing their support for their corporate sponsor ImBev. Lots of Legends meeting and greeting, great folks all. Inside, the early turnout was good. MassBrass threw down a great exhibition after playing the anthem. Mike Cahill on traps performance was notable for sitting in with only a couple of rehearsals. But Mike is a consummate musician so I was not surprised. And it looked like he had a blast! The MB's feature a Kerchner custom arrangement that suits them well, they'll continue to improve on the roll up to DCA. If they bring clear heads to competition they could contend. I worked backstage at the Muchacho's show this season and only saw Citations warm up. And I don't think they announced the theme prior to their exhibition but I kept noticing the members making the "throat cut" gesture, kinda weirded me out. Then I recognized the book as Sweeney Todd. In the final pose the guard is presenting their throats to no one in particular . . alrightythen! But an enjoyable show if a little dissonant and dry . getit? dry? bloodless? no? . . sorry Fusion corps has a "we like Empire" kinda vibe, purple vest, tuxish shirts, no hats; I was confused but I am not very bright. They look to be on their way. Cru struggled a little on an individual basis, some out of steps, some missed step offs. You can't wait 'til Saturday morning to get it on, practice at home. The great gates were not so, a few too many individual brass players sticking out, blend and balance. But the percussion, especially the snares do a nice job. I confess to being a bit thick, I don't understand so much of what goes on with show order, judging and placements but Hurcs were next. The horse walk on-field cadence gets me every time. The cross field echo opening featuring the General is haunting and their first hit had the fans up. They connected to the crowd several times and their guard staging was dramatic and effective. I'm a fan and I love the corps. Someone mentioned to me that Empire's show was disjointed, segments of previous years put together. But they sure do perform. I guess I got it, a retrospective and homage to Vince. They featured a banner prop on the front sideline noting their history and a special feature at the end. G bugles make a difference, people, that's all I'm saying on that. Their stands trooping waving thing always kinda annoys me (guard yes, brass, not so much, but, as long as you're having fun) but the drum line crabbing facing the crowd just plain rocks. A lot of their show seemed to be back field and the large wall echo was confusing, made it hard to keep the brass with the percussion as a listener. Looked like they had some holes too for you folks looking for something to do. Cabs were big and bold as usual. Their show seemed to have great tune beginnings, again, more recognizable bits from the past. But the arrangements didn't seems to go anywhere. Soloists were good but did not sear my face. I don't like their snare tuning, not crisp. Their percussion had moments of brilliance and some roaring goop too. Overall, a crowd pleaser as usual. There was a very sweet couple sitting behind me and we chatted all night. They are fans going way back even though they have no real connection to the activity. They enjoy college bands too which they referred to as corps ("UMass corps does a 5th quarter concert." ), I loved that. When Boston Srs. came out they asked me, "Where is the pit?" I said they don't need one,"they do it old school." "Ah, old school", they said. . . precious. The BAC did a nice job, featuring some classics with a good sized brass line. Cisco's drummers were tight and they had that sound, snares toms and ruddy's, love it. Bill Dean's solo work was a highlight, they could hear you in Chelmsford, Billy! Before the push in Conquest, drum major Jack LaSelva produced a soprano out of thin air and, with no warm up, blew the solo which got the fans going so that, when the corps came in, the stands erupted! That's giving the fans their money's worth. Full retreat, always nice, played on by BAC. I don't talk about judging or scoring because it has been made clear to me that I know NOTHING about those things. The air was relatively dry and the sound really cut. I must say I had a great time and hope DCA can find it's way back again next season.

I've mentioned this before, the Texas PBS station manager who posted in RAMD his feeling that the drum corps fan base was "below measurable standards". Through the years I have taken professional (guys who have gotten paid to play ) musicians to shows. They love it, have a great time but do not become fans. This activity, though a vibrant, dynamic art form, is still a niche-y youth/weekend warrior activity. The fan base is mainly former participants and family and friends of said. Like I told some folks in the SCV TOR corps, to the million people on the parade route that day, 99.875% were going to refer to us as a band. The driving force, IMHO, is competition, that is really what defines us.

rotfl Hey, does anyone post the rehearsal sites?

night rides

I'm only on page 150 but I want to thank youse all for this thread. So many " . . wow" and " . . I had no idea . . " moments. Back to reading/viewing, From snowy (wtf?) New Hampshire,

And, what will happen when the wise people who know that drum corps is dead have died? And let it be noted I got no friends from this thread and no gut ravaging beverages either.

Hey Puppet! I think I hear what you're saying and let me see if I can help. For me personally, at the show in Riverside CA in '82 I was sick with a flu. They left me on the bus, lying in the aisle, half dressed. I missed all of warm-ups. Someone came and roused me before the show and asked if I thought I could march. I don't remember the show but I remember that I collapsed while trooping the stands and the guys behind me caught me and carried me, one under each arm, the rest of the way. This last DCI there was a story here of a gal from Devs I think whose knee was a mess and she still went out and did the victory concert. There was a bass drummer a few years ago in SCV whose knee was a mess and he finished the season even though he probably shouldn't have. So, I am saying, get out there and meet the "kids" marching today and then adjudicate their level of passion and sacrifice. You may be pleasantly surprised. Edit: w00t, 100th post!

from Webster's Any mention of key? No. Hold your brass instrument with one hand, depress no valves and execute "To The Colors". Oh, you don't know "To The Colors"? Then perhaps you are not a bugler. Do the rules require a massive grounded pit? Do the rules require stylized uniforms for separate units within the corps? Do the rules prohibit a traditional entry and exit or a "Color Pre"? The drum corps activity is populated with passionate people who may interpret the traditions differently. The fact remains that kids of all ages are preparing for a summer they will never forget. I think the question is, has your passion for excellence performed on the field of honor been doused by your tears of nostalgia? As someone who was on the field in 1982, I cherish that memory, the electricity of the night that I knew would be my last. It is a memory that will be created anew this summer for others and I look forward to cheering those performances.

I do miss being a part of the unique family that is the Bridgemen. I still get all a'jibbly when I remember that I was a part of that great history. Someday but not soon I will be able to be again. As a former CBA and almost a BMO I wish you all the best, my beloved bananas!

Only the Queen City Royalaires have had the courage to wear the "cocked hat". Tom Peashey said as I went by, "Oh my god, where did you get that hat?" "Of all the fake drum corps, at least we are in the record books . . " - jdb 2000 PS _ I beeleev the Spectacle City DM's wore something similar . .