84Cadet

1982 by a mile.

I love Santa Clara every year. They could play twinkle twinkle little star and I'd go crazy for them. 1999 is my favorite among this bunch.

1987 for me. Best show ever.

Of course, we had a hall of fame staff. That's the #1 reason why the three-peat happened. People have mentioned the big names, but one that often gets left out is Michael Cesario. He played a huge part in creating the Garfield "image" in the early 80's. But there was also another factor that lead to the corps being so good. In the 70's there were a ton of small drum corps in the NJ, NY and New England area. Lots of kids grew up marching in those corps, and sadly, they were all folding LIKE CRAZY. Heck, even the BIG corps were folding. There was a lot of talent out there looking for a place to go -- kids who actually "grew up" marching drum corps and were hungry for success. For some reason, a lot of them ended up at Garfield. At that time, most of the corps was still from the NY - NJ area. It was the very beginning of people starting to "fly in" to march, and as the corps became more and more successful, the folks flying in increased each year. I honestly don't think that the rise of the Cadets couldn't have happened without the unfortunate demise of so many area corps.

It sounded VERY COOL last night. ^0^

For all of the folks asking me if I have actually seen any shows, the answer is yes. I was at Centerville LAST NIGHT -- it was my third show of the summer, and I agree -- all of the corps are fantastic this year. I couldn't be happier with all of the shows. One of the best years ever. Earlier this year I decided that I was not going to go to finals. It will be the first one I'm going to miss since 1999. Mostly because it is in California -- it's just too far for me this year. Anyway, after the show last night, I was totally pumped. Seeing the Bluecoats actually beat Cavies and BD was amazing. At that instant, I actually thought about going to finals -- because all of the corps are so competitive this year -- anyone could win this thing. And I wanted to be there for it! And it got me thinking... and I posted this topic this morning. I have no idea if ticket sales are up, down or the same as last year. I just find it interesting that the most competitive year in history coincidentally has its finals farther away from its "traditional" fan base than ever before. That is all.

Does anyone else out there find it interesting that the most competitive year in DCI history (any winner on any given night) is happening in the very same summer that the championships are in California for the first time ever?? Hmmmm... Do you think DCI is trying to sell tickets in Pasadena? I do.

The rise to the top. I've seen it happen three ways: The first way was the (then Garfield) Cadets in the early 80's. They had a "hall of fame" staff and pushed the activity in a new direction musically and visually. They tried things that had never been done before and changed the activity forever. Surprisingly, the corps was broke. So the argument that it takes money to win is simply not valid. The staff wasn't paid, the uniforms were 20+ years old, and the corps was on the brink of shutting down -- even during championship years. The second way was the Star of Indiana in the early 90's. They had also had a "hall of fame" staff (mostly former Garfield folks who were tired of working for free) and they pushed the activity even further in a new direction. So, yes, money CAN help you get there, but it is still all about the staff. The third way was The Cavaliers dynasty of the early 2000's. They had/have what will one day be considered to be a "hall of fame" staff and they pushed the activity in a new direction musically and visually. (Are you noticing a pattern here?) Sure, money helps, but it is all about the staff pushing the activity in a new direction. The next middle or lower tier corps that invents the "next big thing" in drum corps will be the one to rise to the top.

Yes, I think you're right. Pretty cool. (And thanks again for that file!)

Like Sam said, tell him hi from Dave Fowler. I played #1 cymbals. "Lebanese" was Steve's corps nickname.

Call him "Lebanese" next time you see him. :)

Bottle Dance '82.

Thanks for posting this! I'm the cymbal player on the end next to the woman in the guard.

The 1984 Garfield Cadets were the first to use two spocks -- as mentioned earlier.

Hi Karen, How is Laurie doing? Tell her Dave Fowler says hello. Thanks!

The best advice I got from a vet was this: 1) On tour, pack very carefully. You should be able to transport EVERYTHING you have, from point A to point B, BY YOURSELF, in ONE trip. It may sound impossible, but it can be done, and it is a huge time saver. Here is my advice: 1) Bring a camera and USE IT. By the time you hit 30, you will wish you had. 2) Listen more. Talk less. Do whatever the Drum Major or staff tells you to. Do it enthuastically and without hesitation. 3) There will be times when rehearsals, or tour itself just seems like... well, pure hell. Those are the times you will laugh about later. They may even be some of your fondest memories. 4) Being in a drum corps is a very unique experience. It will most likely be the ONLY time in your life when EVERY person is 100% dedicated to a common cause. It may sound silly, but cherish that. You may never experience that again. I know I sure haven't. I wish everyone marching this year the best summer of their lives. Thank you for working so hard for all of us drum corps fans.

27th's drumline was AMAZING. I vividly remember getting off the bus in Naperville, IL in late June. The two-seven battery was warming up under a tree. I slowly walked by with my jaw on the ground. I'll never forget it.

Hey, This is me! Thanks for posting!

Be proud of what you have accomplished. You have no control over what others think. Did you personally perform your book to the best of your ability on finals night? If the answer is yes, then you have won. Look at it this way. Even if you were a member of Garfield's "perfect" drum line in 1987, people would STILL be talking smack about your line. Unfortunately, smack happens. Don't listen to it. You can only be in DCI a few years. Cherish every moment. When it is gone, it is gone forever. And for what it's worth, I LOVED your show this year. Thank you for your amazing performance!

Barbara Maroney.

12(or more) Snares = Awesome. It's the "new math."

I loved the fact that he wore the "vintage" late 70's uniform during retreat. Mr. Moto rocks!

When I marched in the Cadets we actually had a Catholic Priest on tour with us all summer. He would say Mass and give Communion every Sunday. It was obviously not mandatory for all members. I have no idea if the Cadets still do this, but I kind of doubt it.

82 Vanguard had a pretty big melt down during the Bottle Dance. But we all have to cut them some slack since it was a finals only "surprise" ending!

Two. Seven.