Yossarian Sam

Very intrigued by Bluecoats. Maybe a couple of pacing issues to figure out yet, but without a doubt this will be a contender. Cool stuff, for sure!

Unfortunately I wasn't able to catch the performance today, but it is exciting to hear so much positive response to the show. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Troop - hope they have a terrific season!

Yes, best of luck to your favorite marching bands this season.

Yeah, okay. But see, here's something: You've called me "high and mighty" twice now, on the heels of a snarky comment about the term "drum corps" versus "marching band" - a distinction that might be seen by some as sort of elitist (in other words - high and mighty). Who are you to decide who or what is high and mighty? Sounds a bit high and mighty, dontcha think? Anyway, I used to get defensive about "drum corps" or "marching band", too. Not anymore, though. Why should it matter?

I don't, but thanks for the offer (seriously - not sarcasm). It's not a big deal. Anyway, how 'bout them Cadets?!? (That is what this thread is supposed to be about, right? I know I got off topic a bit... my apologies.)

Absolutely. But don't tell WADA!

Oh, of course (many) drum corps performances are on an entirely different level than most high school or college marching bands. That's why we like it, right? And obviously there are many other differences between school bands and top drum corps aside from rehearsal time. I disagree that they are different activities, though. An Olympic marathoner and a 10-minute miler are both runners. People who march (or dance or spin, etc.) with others on a football field playing an instrument are part of a band. If you want to call a particular band a "drum corps" instead, feel free. But it's still a band. I just think it's funny that some people get offended over issues of nomenclature. Especially when they call someone else out as "high and mighty".

You are the one who used the word "just". There's nothing inherently minimizing about referring to a marching band as a marching band. I would wager that most everyone here became a different person as a result of his or her experiences in marching band. It's no small thing at all for most of us.

Except that I didn't "rehash" anything.

Yeah, I remember this.

Yeah, don't hit me with the gloves thing now... I'm far too vulnerable at the moment! All the best to BK!

I realize DCP is DCP... But this is just so "I know you are, but what am I?" Move on... It's marching band. In June. Sheesh.

Why? Who cares? Far be it from me to suggest how you spend your time... But why is it sooooo important to be "right"?

SCV and Madison both look great in white pants... But the VA guy may not agree.

Yes, I'm quoting myself... Very pretentious! Anyway, there are just so many disparate parts here, from the different "weight" of the pant legs... to the different colored shoes... To the color choice of the cg costume.... To the V pattern and mask of the guard, etc. Obviously I haven't seen the show, but it's hard to imagine all this coming together coherently.

I should probably just keep my opinions to myself on this one... Nevermind.

But one of the two inspirations for this screen name!

And secondly, while the performance is clearly important, it is probably just one of the many experiences that make up the entirety of a drum corps season. The most important? Well, that's for each individual to decide.IMO, of course.

I appreciate being referred to as "young man". I don't get that too much these days.

And this, boys and girls, is the Truth. It's what is real and genuine and truly valuable about this activity. Scores and placements and medals mean much less than these other rewards. It doesn't mean we don't aspire to greatness. But it does mean that the journey toward greatness is the reward itself. Perhaps a bit cliche, but there's a reason for that. To quote GH further: "Happy summer of 2016!!!"

Now, now... let's do be careful here. Cadets have been one of the most successful drum corps of the last 35 years. Of course people hold them to a high standard. If you are a Cadet, or a Cadet supporter, you shouldn't want it any other way.

Don't worry - I'm sure we'll be having this argument again soon over on the BD thread!

Well, for me it's different because two of the stakeholders just went on camera to describe a narrative concerning statues coming to life. If that's what the show is about, fine. In 2014 nobody from Canton went into a grand oration about the "deeper" meaning(s) of "tilt". What I'm getting at is that it's okay - for me, anyway - if a show doesn't have a traditional narrative. But if it IS intended to tell a story, then that story should be well-told. Obviously in June no one is there yet. I get that, too. Hopefully we will get to see these shows grow and develop over the next several weeks.

This may be true in general, though it's not the case specifically with Shakespeare and Frankenstein. I have seen a few well-done adaptions of the Bard's work on screen, so it can certainly be done. How well some of these ideas translate to a football field remains to be seen. I'm sure we'll be entertained one way or another.

I hope you're right and I'm wrong. Just an early season observation, that's all.