mjoakes

Thanks, corpsband. That was fun to watch.

So far my favorite show I will never see.

In an older thread, back in late November I think, I commented about seeing Bluecoats on BluRay and thinking both movements and music seemed sloppy to me. Someone responded - I apologize I'm not going to take the time to look it up - that some shows are meant to be watched just once. I didn't agree, but didn't feel the need to dispute the opinion. Big thing for me is seeing shows multiple times. It's fun. Makes me feel good to see how hard the corps work to evolve, change, improve. Is it a thing for some fans (or professionals) to think of shows as being best when seen only once?

So cool how they hid the mics and amps for those soloists.

Interesting idea, and of course much depends on individual preferences and goals. If by "championships," you mean prelims through finals, that sounds like something I would enjoy hearing (or reading) you reflect about. If you mean your first viewing is finals night, then that, too, would be interesting. But for me, I'd much rather have multiple experiences with the shows. I learn a lot and - no surprise to drum corps fans - see and hear things from show to show that I don't get from just one viewing. (I processed just a tiny portion of the Cavaliers' 2016 show at Tour Premier. In San Antonio, I was ready to pay attention and grasp more of it.) Still, your posting is focused on is this an interesting idea (not is this something we would do). And I say yes, your perspective from experiencing the season in this way would be an interesting one. Go for it. And now that I think about it, there might a lot of posters on DCP with opinions based on just one show, such as finals night.

Read over the holidays Building the Green Machine by Colt Foutz (here at Amazon) and covering the history of the Cavaliers and much of early drum corps and DCI as well. It's rah rah Cavies and largely a view of things from Don Warren. Still a fine read for any fan of drum corps. One possible conclusion is that corps and their history have never been without the drama of politics. Some very well-meaning pursuits and debates; some very petty squabbles. And also as a BTW: Madison really did lose out last year only because politics favored Boston, right? Was someone disputing that? (Just kidding.)

From my brief time on DCP getting a small feel for the culture and personalities, plus channeling a little Adam Smith, not an issue to keep track of anything. Any winner or close runners up will surely self-identify themselves and their posts. To any DCI folks who might be lurking, I propose four Friends of DCI tickets to 2018 championship week for a perfectly predicted list of top 12. Plus a classic Trooper t-shirt I had in 1976. You're welcome.

I just made it up. The posts here do have an Super Bowl office pool quality about them. But hey, maybe there is some creative way to recognize anyone predicting the top 12 perfectly.

Is anyone keeping track of these predictions? We need to have a prize awarded August 12.

Yes, you're crazy. Just like any of the rest of us trying to predict in January (or earlier). But your "throwing it out there" comment seems like you know we're just having some fun as we await more data to digest (and performances to experience). So in that spirit: Are you nuts? Madison is in and either Crossmen or Boston are out.

Lots of good info and opinions in this forum regarding Madison generally and the 2016/2017 seasons more particularly. Just curious what others have to say to this more direct question: What is the biggest one or two factors holding the Scouts back from more routinely higher placements, such as 1-6 or so?

Keeping with the theme of the discussion - unpopular - sure, please raise prices. Expand premium seating that offers (a) free cold water without having to leave seats, (b) weight (or width) restrictions so that people + seat actually align, and (c) prohibition on nachos.

Balance. Moderation in all things. Despite any traditions and customs, it would seem some attention to quality sleep has to be important.

Thanks for initiating a new discussion of this topic, even if some others might find it hashed out enough already. New here, too, I am constantly searching back for some sense of what has been said before. Or avoiding a comment because it likely has been made in some way or another before. Some hesitation is prudent, I think, and also respectful of those who have kept the forums active for many years. But we will go nuts if we must become deep historical researchers before any participation. As with forums everywhere, it's always an option for those tired of a topic or uninterested to just avoid it. And there are several posters on DCP who are really helpful guides as they explain things from their experiences or from the past. A few others could use a juicing up of their sense of humor.

There must be some large number of fans like me who attend shows almost entirely based on when and where. Not who. Great if top or favorite corps happen to be scheduled, but it just isn't practical to zero in on only the top groups. I'm aware of TOC events, but don't think I consider that title at all when planning the summer.

Nice post. Reminded me to reserve a hotel room for the Tour Premier night. Looking forward to Harry & Izzy's too.

This has my attention.

1. No one really knows what GE is. 2. There's evidence in a Fox News report that Bluecoats had only one member actually playing horn in 2016. Everything else was electronic. I know this because Trump tweeted it. 3. BD shows are snoozers. 4. Phantom did not actually perform in 2016. It was only a mirage. 5. Beacause it's worth repeating: No one knows what GE is.

"Friends of DCI" seats at finals vs. we peasants' seats wink or no wink

I think variety in uniform designs is interesting. But if everyone changes everything all the time, that will become tedious. I won't mind seeing a variety that includes new designs, theme-based designs, but also great use of more traditional styles.

So my leisure suit might finally be needed? In general, yes, I agree with @MikeN. I sort of am willing to trust the creative professionals to do their thing. Some will make a few bad choices. And I might not like everything that results (Oregon Crusaders 2016?), but fortunately, my likes and dislikes aren't shared by everyone.

Cavaliers 2016 - Plus, neat trick going back to green on finals night for awards. Crown 2016 and 2015 Scouts when they're all green. I don't think the white pants work so well for them. BD 1976 - Maybe favorite of all time. But then also really cool things I miss: 27th, Bridgemen, old Troopers, old Kilties.

I've posted elsewhere that upon viewing the BluRay, I thought the show looked sloppy in places. I, too, like the show, and I expect it will fuel some good creative thinking from smart corps managers and designers. (Probably some less desirable imitative thinking, too.) For me, Crown and SCV had better overall shows, and I would like to have seen one of them take the top spot. (Yes, I know that skips over BD. I seem to have some kind of strange problem with recent BD shows. Totally irrational. Just no goosebumps for me. Remember that scientist in the original Andromeda Strain who blacks out when seeing red? I apparently do the same when that beautiful cobalt blue steps on the field.)

Nice video. But I don't understand how they worked out those early soloists. I didn't see any speakers on the field.

That was a way cool video. I suppose something like that has been done many times, but I've only seen the perspective now.