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dcifan1999

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    All time shows: Blue Devils

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    1 hour ago, MikeN said:

    Not trying to be snarky, but ... '94?!?  What did you not like about that one?

    Mike

    Musically I thought it was a strong show, but from a visual standpoint I thought the design was atrocious, and executed very poorly at many times. I am a huge fan of BD, but this show just never did it for me. Watch this video for example around 1'45"

    This show to me, much like Cavaliers 2002 seem to me like shows that many people like because it's what our little community has decided. But like Cavaliers 2002, if you watch it objectively it's not as well designed and performed-especially visually as people choose to remember it.

    Pioneer Brass Caption Head discusses 2018 brass program

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    29 minutes ago, PioneerWebmaster said:

    Thank you for sharing your opinion.  You have to understand that we're in a difficult position as a corps when it comes to hype vs. no hype.

    We have taken a low key approach in some years on DCP and other outlets. But then we hear from fans, alumni and supporters (often loud & clear) that we should be doing more to hype things up for the upcoming season.  At the same time, there's plenty of posts like yours that would tend to suggest that we should be doing the exact opposite.  It's that awkward spot between a rock and a hard spot... and we've done a great job as an organization of wedging ourselves in there over the years.

    When all is said and done, we do our best to communicate what's happening with the corps in a positive manner. At times is there hype or spin? You bet... That's part of marketing/PR for almost any organization or business. At times do we inadvertently "step in it"? Yes, we do. But so do a lot of other businesses & organizations. Feel free to Google "social media fails" for prime examples.  In the end - there isn't an exact science to how we (or any other corps) should approach things.  Everyone has a different opinion, and I can say with 100% certainty that we will never appease everyone.

    Maybe instead of useless hype, it would be wise to work on your recruiting efforts.

    For example-you're 1 1/2 hours from Chicago and there is ZERO effort. 

    Might be better than social media false hype.

    • Confused 1
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    Pioneer Brass Caption Head discusses 2018 brass program

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    1 hour ago, lifeisaround said:

    Because larger means better.... 

    Exactly. It's all smoke and mirrors until we see/hear something.

    When I marched, one of our bus jobs for rookies was "Overhype football coach guy boy" and it seems like that's what we get to experience on here with all these Pioneer brass captionhead. 

    Maybe it's time to give it a rest and show the improvement or lack of when the season hits.  

     

    All of these posts will seem absurd  if they don't live up to the posts, and frankly, after hearing them at camp, it's useless overhype...but that's my opinion.

    Carolina Crown 2017

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    45 minutes ago, BRASSO said:

     Yes. Crown's CD recording  reportedly utilized portions of their Semi's performance due to the electronics glitch Crown had during their Finals Performance. Other Corps have had substitutions like this before, so its not unprecedented... and it does make sense to do so. Purchasers of the CD benefit with this substitution as well, imo.

    If I recall correctly, in 1989 the audio for the "If We Were in Love" was from the semi's performance due to performance issues on Saturday. It's on the video, but the records were altered. I have no issue with DCI doing this with Crown as well. Why not put the best media product out there possible.

    • Like 1

    Pioneer 2018

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, PioBrass18 said:

    1. Yes. We have 31 brass registered for January camp with 36 days left until camp. This number is not including members who have previous commitments (so they can't attend camp) and those who have just been cut from other drum corps that we will be reaching out to.

    2. This is my first year with Pioneer, so I couldn't say for sure if the talent level is higher. What I can say is that these students are hungry, and they have been pushing the staff for instruction. We are currently making our way through our brass fundamental program through videos and will begin Skype private lessons shortly.

    Our goal for the January camp is (and has been since September 12 when we started) 50 brass members in attendance. I have no doubt that we will reach this mark, and I look forward to sharing pictures (and maybe even a video) of what they accomplish.

    At the end of the day, this is not about comparing specific years of the past to what we are doing. The students are focused on making great sounds together, moving together, and being the best version of themselves that they can be. Bold statements are made when you believe strongly in what you're doing, and in this case, what the students are doing.

    I can't wait to share their work with everyone. #GrowPio

     

    Andy

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you for the info, and congrats on the position. My questions rise from the fact that you posted that Pioneer is further along than they have ever been, and based on your reply, your opinion is hard to take seriously.

    I'm glad the kids are hungry, and that you have the 31 registered for January camp, but the truth and fact of the matter is this does not show that Pioneer is further along, nor does it show that Pioneer is growing, as that number is actually concerning in my opinion. I can tell you for certain that the number is lower than it has been for Pioneer many years, and the fact that the kids are hungry does not show growth or greater progress.

    I'm all for being excited, but I'm also for being realistic and factual.

    The fact of the matter is Pioneer currently has similar numbers they've had for January camp in the past, which is still less than half of virtually all other world class corps, and even many open class corps. In addition, Pioneer is once again typecasting themselves in terms of show concept, as well as continually missing many opportunities for recruiting. As someone that lives in Chicago, and works with a number of programs, I have yet to see any efforts to get kids to come to Milwaukee from this area. When I walk into various schools throughout the Chicago area, I see posters and info for many other corps, from all across the country, and nothing from Pioneer.

    Keep going with the optimism, and I hope you find success there, but I'm not holding out hope that things will improve much, if at all.

    Pioneer 2018

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, xandandl said:

    I'm presuming that the "we" in the sentence above does not refer to the Madison Scouts, the corps listed as your drum corps experience in the bio you posted.

    The reader(s) can only presume you are carrying a pretty big chip on your shoulder for some reason and why you disdain any positive posting about Pioneer. Perhaps you might explain your stance better.

    I apologize, I was involved with the staff at Pioneer in 2005.

    Pioneer 2018

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    6 hours ago, PioBrass18 said:

    As with any corps, things tend to develop as the season goes on. The name, at this point, is what it is. I can't wait for you to hear the MUSIC. It doesn't sound like anything Pioneer has ever played thanks to our new Brass Composer/Arranger, Rob Stein. 

    I know everyone is worried about the title and the use of "Irish,"  but I think you'll find that this program will bring a darker sound and feel than what you are used to hearing from Pioneer, and perhaps a different side of what "Irish" can be. Our brass staff has already begun developing our signature sound with the current members, and they are further along than they have ever been at this point in the year. We're working hard to prepare our students to blow you away at the first show in Whitewater, Wisconsin on June 23.

    We appreciate the support, everyone!

     

    Andy Grindle

    Brass Caption Supervisor

    I appreciate your optimism, but one argument I have always made, and feel strongly about is the whole commitment to the Irish theme, and too often done in a forced way.

    That said, it's a pretty bold statement to say that Pioneer is further along than they have ever been. Through the 90's, and even some years since their success in the mid 90's, Pioneer has been very strong.

    However, based on what the corps has done the past number of years, coupled with the fact that it's only December 6, having only held a few auditions/camp type rehearsals, I'm curious what makes you say this.

    This makes me have a few questions. Since things are further along than they have ever been:

    1. Are numbers greater than they have been at this point of auditioned and accepted members?

    2. Is the talent/experience level greater?

    Having been around the activity a long time, and having spent some time on the brass staff, as well as being at camps, I'm very curious to see what your response is.

    For example, in 1997, Pioneer went Division 1, and had a full hornline, but that wasn't the case until almost the season, and even then many of the members were barely playing the show, if it all. I was dating a member of the hornline that season while I was marching in another corps, and was able to learn this information first hand.

    Also, in 2005, we averaged about 30 members of the hornline at camps until about April, when the numbers went up.

    Based on the size the corps and hornline has been in recent years, and their talent level in performance, I'd love to know.

    • Like 1

    Pioneer 2018

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    At some point, forcing the whole Irish thing into a show needs to stop. I get that Pioneer uses this as their identity, but this is quite a stretch. I mean, last year they originally were going to call the show Prisoner #somethingorother and then changed the show to Irish on Broadway: The Music of Les Miserables.

    Now it's a dragon show, but it has to be Irish dragons. I just don't get it. It seems forced, and not very creative.

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