BlueStarsDad

2018 Blue Stars - I found it to be a unique combination of very recognizable music with subtle undertones and a dynamic visual package that brought the show to life - OK, really because my daughter was in it 🙂

And it was really windy last night which impacted the color guard ... and that's all that matters, according to my daughter 🙂

I'm not one to make bold predictions based on preview shows ... but I really thought the brass book was a step up from the past years and they are performing it at a very high level for June. The corps has taken a hit from the dreaded "stomach bug" so I suspect it'll only get better (lots of holes). Last night was without props and I think they'll only add to the overall visual package (based on what Russ said during the comments). I am so freaking ready for Detroit!!!!!!

Are the MM's getting younger or are we getting ... never mind, I don't want to go there.

Bridgemen, right?

I'll be there! Can't wait ... just hope the wind dies down.

I'm going to be there Saturday ... maybe I'll find her house and sit out front with my recording of "Let It Be Me" blaring on the car's CD player (or I could even pull a John Cusack in Say Anything)

The drum major goes to school in Boulder so that would make sense.

My daughter just returned from April camp and she said ... oh well, I'll keep it until later in the season

For me ... she's ready to move on with her life. And drinks are on me if anyone is at a contest with me and wants to get a drink ... depression and alcoholism ... a good mix.

My daughter heads to April camp in a week ... won't say what corps but I'm anxious to hear what their show is (they usually announce at April camp). It's also her last year marching, so the depression is setting in ....

Did I miss the announcement that there will not be a show at the University of Minnesota? It looks like its been moved to a smaller venue across the Wisconsin line. This is sad ... I really loved the site in Minneapolis since it was a big OUTDOORS stadium with decent weather.

I have plenty to choose from

Somehow I missed this discussion until today and its one that hits close to home. After living with the "tarp" for two years, I just don't think it would work in Drum Corps from a care and feeding perspective. The amount of work that it took to keep it ready for 5 or 6 contests in a year (it was NEVER used at football games or other performances) was massive. The band dads almost had a full time job keeping it ready. Also, there were many, many rehearsals (and a few contests) where it could not be used either because of moisture in the air or a wind over 2 or 3 MPH (OK, maybe a little more). If you saw the tarp up close, it was pretty trashed by the end of the season (again, a season that can't compare to a summer tour). That aside, I probably can help you get a good deal on a field sized tarp that I know is for sale 🙂

My daughter is starting her fourth (and last) year with the Blue Stars ... deep depression is starting to set in, knowing its her last season.

Nice recovery by Lincoln Way - getting around the broken float

PC looked really good.

Hallmark coverage is being provided by KTLA ... you can stream from their website (KTLA) without the stupid Hallmark commercial popping up for every band.

Honestly, I think the most likely scenario is that everything stays the same in the top 12

NO!!!! I was on the seventh row and loved it. Now wait a second while I turn up the TV In the hotel because I can't hear a thing right now.

I've heard that they can't because they are already attached to a World Class corps. Does anyone know if that's true? I guess they could carve-off into their own not-for-profit.

Went back through old pictures ... this is from 2011 ... only year I could find with no helmet (but you could still see the outline of it).

Why are people believing Music City and Pacific Crest won't make semis? They both seem locks.

Section 140 Row 7 right on the aisle ... I'm sure I'll make the broadcast at some point. Come visit if you're in the Can (OK, that sounds bad).

I'll play. This is from Rome. I finished a meeting in North Carolina early so I jumped on a flight to Newark, NJ, grabbed a car and drove (possibly above the speed limit) to Rome. I was able to get a ticket on the front row to surprise my daughter ... and this was the look on her face when she first saw me in the stands. Made the trip worth it :)