burdettsky

Thanks for the help from people thus far and offering the names of the soloists in all the DCA corps this year. I'm trying to make the Drum Corps World review for Prelims more personal and would like to include soloists as much as possible. I still need to hear from a few more corps to complete the list. The following I do not have at this point are: Alliance, Sunrisers, White Sabers, Bushwackers, Empire Statesmen, Minnesota Brass Inc., and Reading Buccaneers A pm would be great. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies thus far. I've received many responses via this posting and through pm as well. While including everyone will be an impossibility, I think it will be nice to have names to go with some of the solos and be able to include them. I'll try to put a list together of who I still need to hear from over the weekend.

To all members of DCA this year, I have been given the honor of writing the review of the DCA Preliminary competition for Drum Corps World this year. In an effort to make it more personal, I was hoping that people would be willing to give the names of all soloists in their corps this year in an effort to include as many as possible in the article. You can simply PM me or send it to my email at adamburdett@verizon.net with a title of DCA Soloists. Thanks in advance and good luck to all those attending Rochester.

Are there any comments about the actual review I did near the beginning of this thread. Maybe the moderator can make my post a new thread titled Scranton review and put all of the other comments in a thread title "Pissing and moaning because clearly I get no attention at home and need to spout off here." Just a thought.

It's OK Andy, Hawthorne still has their title from their 50th Anniversary year to celebrate in 1996. Oh wait....... Erase that too..... Never mind........

Rather than gripe about the old days, I'll make a brief review of the show. Didn't decide until about 5:30 yesterday that I'd be going. That's the nice thing about living 20 minutes from a show site. On to the show..... Hurricanes - Nice opening to the show. On The Waterfront opening build is nice. This must be the year of the big color guards and Hurcs guard offers plenty. Only problem with Hurcs being so big this year was some noticeable timing problems in big spread out formations. Dave Dion is a treat to watch as drum major, still selling the show as they troop the stands. Thought the score was about right, should be a lock for Finals. Bushwackers - Honestly thought this corps struggled a bit but it was my first read, so maybe I just didn't catch everything I could have. Thought the horn line and guard did a fine job, but the percussion to me struggled throughout. I've been reading that on other reviews so I tried to be open-minded, but my friend sitting next to me seemed to have the same assessment. Regardless, maybe they've bitten off a little more than they could chew this year overall, but they also love to prove people wrong who say that, so the last two weeks should be interesting. Still a lock for Finals and possible Top 5 finish. Reading Buccaneers - What a show. No major issues to speak of with a few minor musical issues that don't seem to last more than beat or two at the most. I must say, I thought their 2005 show was amazing, but I find myself enjoying this show even more. Some moments can bring tears to the eyes they are so powerful. Color guard does a nice job after their early season troubles. Can't wait to see it again, thought their score would be higher. Three-peat could happen depending on Empire's late season heroics. Caballeros - Much improved from my last viewing, which was a while ago. I think the brass begins and ends this show with much gusto but loses some steam in the middle. Color guard is fantastic and deserving of their caption win tonight. Percussion to me was on fire, and could have topped Reading tonight. Didn't see recaps, but I gather it was close. Mellophone soloist is to die for, beautiful sounds. Thought score was right on, top three finish on the horizon. Quick show, questioned a charge of $20 for center section seating. I bought a $12 ticket and sat there anyway, but don't tell anyone I can't wait for Prelims after looking at all of the other scores from last night.

I heard one of the cards read 5.8, hmmmmm, could this reek of another figure skating judging scandal.

I could be wrong on the drum major picking the card, haven't actually seen the video in a while. Someone said it was Scott Stewart and that may be correct. I do know the drum major was in the camera shot though.

If you watch that closely, a friend of mine pointed out to me that when it was Madison's turn to select, the drum major had his hand on one card, and then someone next to him (a woman, I believe) made him switch to another one which had the performance position of 11. It's really quick, but if you watch it, it's there.

The prayers of Adam and Becky Burdett are sent the way of the Harings as well as the entire Burdett family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Adam

Two Canadian specials: Les Etoiles and L'Insolite

That should get you a 2nd seed, Reading should be pushing 250 by then (ducking for attacks, Reading's quite good)

I haven't seen the Cadets show, I'd rather not see it to be honest with you. But based on qwhat I've read here, it sounds like Hoppy wrote a nice essay about being in corps and said, let's play some music around it and call it our show.

Another windy night for the Tournament of Stars in Bayonne in what may become an annual tradition, tradition being wind and a show, not just wind. Whatever that menas, it was a cool night with a packed house and loads of variety. The breakdown of 6 alumni units, 2 DCA Open Class corps, 1 DCA Class A corps, and a DCI Div. 2 corps to boot. Emerald Grenadears had a fine opening to the show. They souded much improved from last year, most notably they had a hot percussion section (and anyone who knows they're an all-girl corps, I am referring to their playing when I say hot, I am not some kind of sexist or person looking to score a date , but they seemd like nice enough people) The mellophone section was extrmely strong as this group provided another fine opening to the Tournament of Stars. Sunrisers were next presenting what looked like about half of their production based on the music of Cirque du Soliel. They had a full guard and percussion section, but seemed to be lacking a bit in the percussion, but balance did not seem to be a problem in the early going for this corps. Some really nice things happening here, but lots of timing problems between battery and horns. Honestly, this was noticed with a lot of corps and I think wind probably had a lot to do with it as it was blowing directly into the faces of the performers. Anyhow, the Sunrisers will no doubt continue to improve and polish and should be a strong contender in the large Class A race at DCA. Skyliners Alumni were next and as the t-shirt said, they invented playing loud. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice sound in what appeared to be a slightly smaller group than usual. Hava Nagilah is always a show-stopper with a fine trio of soprano soloists. Elk's Parade brought the house down and is always a hit with fans. Park City Pride was up next and what a performance. This group continues to improve each year, adding some more drill this year to their presentation. In addition to their six person rifle line who doubles on cymbals with lots of class and gusto, the corps backdrop is a very large and able color guard that steals the show in the closing presentation of America. The sound is always strong from the brass line with a wonderful balance. Show sponsors, don't hesitate to add this group to your show, you won't be disappointed. Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights closed the first half of the show with their usual display of musicianship and technical playing. Bugler's Holiday is a heck of a piece to open with but they perform it quite well. The Patriotic selections seemed to be the most well-received by the audience. One suggestion might be to close with the color presentation as many newcomers to the audience thought your show was complete. In any event, Blessed Sac did a fantastic job to round out the first half. Intermission was nice, I bought a bottle of water. Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps opened the 2nd half of the program with a vengance. An incredible musical book was evident throughout as this corps performed to new levels of brilliance. Frank Ponzo probably had one of the best performance nights of his life as he could do no wrong. A friend of mine with me was at his first show and is a fine trumpet player. He heard Frank's first notes and said, "Wow, he has a nice sound". By the end, he was astonished and impressed and I think the performance of this group iswhat he'll take with him the most. Enchano, Flamenco Cha Cha, and many others, what a show! The Hawthorne Caballeros competing corps was up next and had a tough draw, trying to follow their alumni corps, but they had no trouble at all with a unique arrangement of Carmen that should impress DCA audiences throughout the season. The visuals are much improved from last year, most noticably in the large, talented color guard. The closing rumps are extremely creative and this show should gain plenty of momentum asd the season progresses. Next up were the DCA Champion Reading Buccaneers performing their 50th anniversary production. This corps was so good that I didn't notice until the 2nd piece that the color guard was not there. So did Steve Vickers who was sitting beside me, and he's a Hall of Famer!! But I digress, I will say it is going to take a herculean effort to unseat this corps from their championship, not that the corps of DCA aren't up for the challenge. This show reminds me of thir 2005 show and the bass line made me laugh several times and what they are pulling off. This show is a must see for fans of DCA or anything else. Jersey Surf perofrmed next with a complete show which a staff member told me was just completed recently. Without the benefit of a program I don't know the concept of the show, but I swear I heard California Dreaming and the theme from Shaft in there. In any event, this is a full group with lots of potential and appears in better shape than they were last season at this exhibition. Drum line overpowers a bit at times, but I'm sure tentativeness from all performers contributes to this. In time, all should be well in the land of Surf as they head to the west coast with the much better waves. And of course, Bridgemen closed the show with the pizzaz and showmanship that all would come to expect. A great mix of music. Those who come to expect zaniness from them would be shocked at the complexity of the opening piece from the 1978 show. Favorte Things contains not only one of the best drum solos you could see, but the absolute best brass reentry after a solo in drum corps where the volume gets turned up to 13 or so. Danny Boy was a nice tough as was In The Stone. But for my $15, nothing beats the William Tell Finale. The Jersey Surf Brass section joined the Bridgemen for a finale of Battle Hymn. Another spectacular show and well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive and $15. A great start to the season for many corps and fans alike.

Agree to disagree folks. Who gives a rat's anus, as long as it's loud!!!!!!!!!

ONce again, to the person who said it earlier, there were no tornado warnings in Rochester that day, not any severe thunderstorm warnings for that matter. Just a lot of rain and wind. Miserable yes, but not life-threatening.

Word on the street is that there is an instructor of the Westshoremen Alumni pit who shall remain nameless that is going off as the heavy 3-2 favorite for the ugly shirt contest. I'm all for these contests, but I've never beaten Fran, and I hear this shirt in question is much worse. Maybe, I'll just stick with the hockey jersey for that day.

Shirt-off competition. I'm in! Unless of course that means take your shirt off. Then, for the sake of the ladies who may be in attendance, I'm out.

I wrote an article for Drum Corps World last year and listed the forming of Class A as one of the most influential decisions in DCA history. This class was originally formed with smaller or up and coming groups in mind. Think of a corps like Heat Wave. They didn't have a circuit to compete in despite their growth over a period of time. They attended prelims in 1997 and nearly won the Class A title, losing by 0.6 to the Chieftains. If there were no Class A, they would've made the trip to finish 15th out of 16. Granted, with their show, they would've still won over some new fans. But with Class A, they had a chance to be competitive. Skyliners were able to use Class A as a venue to have a more successful return to the field in 1999 with a title. They were also able to capture a 2002 Class A title when numbers proved to be much smaller than they had hoped for. Think of Dream last season. Without Class A, they would've have traveled thousands of miles to perform their show in front of 20 people (me being one of the brave souls), and go home with a lousy, wet experience. Instead, a 3rd place Class A Prelims and the opportunity to perform in front of thousands at the big show Sunday night. I'm sure Dream will be returning to the DCA venue, but without Class A, they may not be as eager to return. Governaires are awesome, but no success would've been had in open class for them scoring wise. Think of a really small corps like Shenandoah Sound. Their first season in 2003 was rough around the edges to say the least. But finishing 7-8 points out of a Sunday spot compared to 20-25 points if they were open class is a big difference. How many years did the Chieftains do Prelims and call it a weekend without Class A. They would've had several titles if Class A started in say, 1990, and probably help them with recruiting more each year. I could go on forever, but Class A was probably DCA's best idea. Prelims had 13 corps in 1993, it doubled in 2005. I disagree with the 35 member rule, but regardless, hopefully these new corps can keep popping up and have a venue to compete in.

Hello to all. For the last several months, maybe even years, Jeff Ream has been doing an outstanding job with the Around the Senior Drum Corps World column in Drum Corps World magazine. Unfortunately, Jeff will be moving on to bigger and better things, and no longer has the time to put this column together. As of the February issue, I will be taking th xolumn over. What I ask is that anyone who has been sending info to Jeff can now send it to me at adamburdett@verizon.net Any information for senior and alumni corps that you would like to see printed just send it along to me via email. The deadline for the next column will be February 5th. Feel free to send anything along you would like printed. Good luck to Jeff and well done with the column.

Quebec Alliance, what Les Senateurs (pre-merger) did with so few was amazing. If L'Insolite was on the list or Les Etoiles, would be them hands down.

Well done Heat Wave. It'll be great seeing you back on the field again in 2007. Best of luck!!!

Westshoremen Alumni 2005 :) (another 1$ to Jeff)

Tell me DCA can control the weather...the contracts were signed months before hurricane season to perform at Patec....there wasn;t a ####### thing they could do about it. You got a real complaint? Talk to God. Hi there, this is God. First-time poster here. Just wanted you all to know I received some phone calls on this matter and, what can I say, the cat's out of the bag. I specifically made it rain on Rochester that day knowing full well what it would mean for the corps. It seemed like it would be a funny joke at the time, but it appears some of you got upset. This was probably my worst idea since I invented the platypus. My apologies. I thought the fact that Scranton only received 0.2 inchesof rain that day would be a nice touch also. Sorry if my joke was done in poor taste. I'll do better next year. (Hope people have a sense of humor on this one)

Sure thing. It's an observation that I wouldn't figure either. I guess I felt that despite the horrible conditions and small crowd, there was a great sense of energy coming from the corps that wasn't matched at Finals. Maybe Sunday's performance was, indeed, better, but I thought there was more pizzaz and oomph at the Saturday show. Don't get me wrong, both were fine performances, just thought Saturday had some more punch. Hope this helps clarify a bit.