RedTeam

No one should count the Colts out of this race. They are determined to not be overlooked yet again.

I thought the Colts had an opening for baritone a few weeks ago. Worth checking into!

What I am growing tired of seeing is that the same 12 corps going to finals every year and much is based on this type of scoring. DCI says they want to grow drum corps, but they are driving these kids to NOT be loyal and stay with one corps during their drum corps career. As the kids see it, they may start out in one of the typical bottom seven corps, but if you want to perform on finals night, you need to move to another corps. That doesn't grow the sport of drum corps, it only grows the top 6 or 7 corps. My son marches for Colts and another member went to Cadets this year for that reason. My son is actually a better player and marcher, so in reality, can make it in one of the top corps. But, he loves the staff and family feel of the Colts. However, with the way they score, they tend to start everyone within a point or 2 of where they were at the start of the prior season. So the lower corps can NEVER catch up, no matter how much they improve. It is especially frustrating to the corps that fall in the 13 and 14 spot each year which is where the Colts fall most years. Now, I'm not an expert, but I believe The Academy has a top 12 show this year. Will the judges deny the Scouts, Boston Crusaders or the Crossmen a spot? I'm not sure. I guess we will see.

I was at the Lisle show. Yes, the boxes still need some work, but I know the corps is continuing to work on that. The main thing that I always remind myself is that the opening night show is completely different than what you see at Lucas Oil. This is true for every single corps. Sometimes I get caught up in the analysis and comparing corps. As someone else mentioned, I'm not sure why there are a ton of lamps on one end of the field for the Blue Stars show, along with the woman in yellow wandering around. I walked away wondering what message I missed there. However, I am sure there is something planned, it is still early. My biggest concern with the boxes was the ability to see the shadowed figures if there is a daytime show or even at a nighttime show with the lights. And how will that look on finals week at an indoor stadium...I don't know. But I'm also not going to worry about it because there is a whole visual team hired to work that out. My job as a volunteer is to cook the food, be a positive influence on my corps member, and cheer really loud for the Red Team. In the end, the scores don't matter, but my son's experience will influence how he views the activity and the people in it.

So, I don't often post but I do read a lot about different corps. I am a Colt parent and for the past two years, I watched as everyone complained about the amount of narration, and singing and getting away from true "drum corps"...the music. As I read through this thread I laugh because now many people are saying that they liked it. Not everyone can be pleased. However, this year's show has amazing potential. It has beautiful music and great drill. In my opinion, they already have a stronger sound than in previous years. Hoping they are able to move into finals this year. I am starting to tire of them getting so close and missing it by "just that much". Go Red Team!

Very excited for the Colts this year! Yes, there have been staffing changes and yes, some vets have left. This happens to all corps at some time or another. But, the leadership team of vets and new staff are working hard and they have had record numbers of auditionees that have been extremely talented. The segments I have heard at camp already sound very strong. They will be a corps to watch this year! Go RED TEAM!