burdettsky

Who cares about this A&E nonsense, let's get to more important matters. So what about this proposed ten corps regional idea in Scranton? Any more specifics on this as far as date and who would attend?

I've been trying to draft this letter for several days now as a courtesy to the Renegades on how to begin moving forward. I've had many English professors look it over and several people with IQ's higher than 150. This is the hardest thing I've ever tried to write, and I offer it for the Renegades to use. Renegades et. al., please feel free to use this letter at your disposal: "Suggested Open letter to DCA board from Renegades" Dear DCA, We're sorry, our bad. Sincerely, the Renegades.

Still, after 11 pages, nobody from Renegades has apologized, nobody from either side has said what happened. Maybe if people knew what happened, the speculation and bantering on and off topic would stop. This whole thing sounds both fishy and ridiculous at the same time. The presidential candidates aren't this vague.

Of course Frank looked up to Fran, he's about 6 foot 5. *rim shot* Thanks, I'm here all week. Tip your waitresses and try the veal.

Annapolis was a wonderful venue. Subscribe to drum corps world for my complete review of the Sunday evening contest. Some brief thoughts from the Saturday and Sunday show. Non-Finalists Excelsior: Was expecting worse to be honest. Very respectable showing. Music played pretty well, didn't bite off much more than they could chew. Kudos to Bass 3 for fighting through show. Shenandoah Sound: Best effort ever. Thought they finished 6th. Very engaging show with a lot of pop. Well done! Cincinnati Tradition: Think they just had a rough run. Brass sounded gassed from the first note, maybe the heat. Percussion much improved from 2011. Sunrisers: Wanted them in finals. Great show. Brass woke up the crowd. Guard came a long way since Clifton. Familiar music done well. Kilties: Another fun show just lacking in a lot of depth. Entertaining as heck for sure with familiar themes. Guard keeps getting a little better each year. Bushwackers: what a difference from Bridgeport. This was a great performance and fitting end to the season on a high note. All sections improved dramatically. Finalists White Sabers: Didn't completely dig some of the musical selections but this was a solid performance. Nice to see in finals. Props a nice touch and not distracting. Windsor Regiment: Admittedly I didn't really get into this show. Heard the IUP Wind Ensemble play Angels at all-state two years ago and that ruined any other future rendition of the piece. I can say they improved two seasons worth from what I saw in Clifton and applaud all efforts. Govenaires: True showmen with a fun show. Thought guard was way underscored on Sunday but 2nd was the right call. Can't wait to see what they have in store for 2013. Carolina Gold: Deserved winners here. Felt a little flat Saturday but loved it Sunday. Total brass sound was there, great drumline and guard. Renegades: No clue why this is 10th. I feel they were herrendously underscored. Regardless, I enjoyed all sections and soloists. Great show with really neat and diverse music. Loved Uninvited. Fusion Core: Thought the beat CV on Saturday. They were on fire. Guard came a long way since early season. Fun show with great music. Atlanta CV: Wished the horns had more power. Great visual package. Didnt buy Fat Bottomed Girls and what the guard was doing. Thought it was inappropriate. Neat mixture of music though. Kidsgrove: Speaking of vastly underscored. This was a highlight reel of drum corps moves and music. Great soloists, great guard, drill was breakneck. Wish I could've seen them twice each night. Come back soon, really!!!!! Empire Statesmen: Enjoyed the show but thought it was very safe for them. The usual tricks, power and pizzazz for sure, just didn't have the elements of a top 5 show. Cant wait to see what comes next for this corps. No doubt they'll be back in 2013 guns blazing. Cadets2: Amazing improvement since Clifton. Top 5? Perhaps. Didnt really have an issue with it. Middle of the show seemed a bit boring and down but a great opener and closing sequence. Guard needed some work as they struggled. Hurricanes: Great percussion and guard. Everything else seemed uninspired. Maybe another case of a corps not doing enough musically? Something just didnt knock my socks off and cant put finger on it. Good performances, just a little blah for my tastes. Caballeros: Great show all around. Percussioncame a long way. Not your typical Cabs show but one to be remembered for sure. Loved the color guard! Backfield scream from Ponzo in ballad was favorite moment of show. Minnesota Brass: Had them and Cabs in a coin flip. Thought Brass won percussion at finals. well thought out show with props, characters and great music and movement. Took the field like the champions they are. At least we know they're not happy with just one title. Bucs: What can I say. Amazing all around!! The opening build is to die for. 1812, Dancer in the Dark were wonderful. No weak sections! As close to perfection as I've seen in DCA.

Not making an excuse for any judge, but I imagine performance order has hurt them in these bigger shows. Agree on the percussion spread. But when I watch Empire, Hurricanes and Cadets2, I feel like Cadets 2 is the one that just has something missing. Can't quite put my finger on it I'm sorry to say. Could be the lack of a strong color guard. Could be many of the foot issues seen in that corps compared to others. Could be the fact that after the opening statement, I can't hear the horns until the next impact. I think the only sue theyre paying is the fact DCA makes new corps perform first. But I really had them 5th tonight. That is all.

Interesting take John. I was about three rows higher and on the 40, and I did have the order exactly what it was. Thought Hurcs beat Empire tonight, felt Empire was flat. I, too, did think scores were low across the board. Thought Cabs would be closer to Reading. Cadets2 is still visually a mess, and I don't hear the brass in most of the opener due to the powerful pit. Had Cadets2 been announced in something other than 5th, I wouldn't have been shocked, but I thought they were a solid 5th, no dues necessary. Think they could get close to Empire or Hurcs in 2 weeks, but add Renegades and Kidsgrove into the mix and Minnesota, and it gets pretty jumbled. There will be corps getting scores lower than they deserve just because of the talent level of 7 or 8 corps and numbers have to be managed.

Does anyone know where Cadets 2 will be rehearsing before the Scranton show?

Was a nice night for an impromptu trip to Clifton. I will review the competitive units in greater detail. Arrived late so missed Latin Express. Sky Alumni was much improved from Bridgeport and performed quite well. Raiders Junior corps was a very clean unit which executed very well and unleashed some nice power when appropriate. Cabs Alumni, as always, brought the house down. They are the rolls royce of the alumni circuit for sure. Cadets2 was first. A much anticipated debut for sure. With the exception of the percussion, a very sloppy performance. Give this corps some time and I think they'll fit into things nicely. Marching execution was quite poor and the color guard was unfinished (a horrible theme of the night). Brass sounded gassed and underbalanced, but half of them looked like they didn't even know where they were going, so how much sound can be expected. Still and all, the frame of the show is there. If cleaned up and executed, I would guess they'll be in a slot by themselves below the top5 and above the rest (Kidsgrove not withstanding as they're an unknown). Sunrisers had a very nice show based on Carmen. All sections executed very well tonight, and I thought Sunrisers would finish in the sixth slot tonight, was surprised with 8th. Horns unleash some nice unexpected power in the ballad in a nice moment. Corps doesn't do too much like the smaller corps sometimes do. This will keep getting better as the seasong oes on. Biggest issue, incomplete guard work. Windsor Regiment was next with their Angels in the Architecture program. Admittedly, I'll need another viewing as to me, it came across as sloppy. Seems the talent is there, but a lot of what I heard and saw came across as muddy. Certainly a difficult show, and I think it's way too early to say they bit off more then they could chew. There were some solid moments scattered throughout the show. If everything hits that level, this should be a big mover come August. Had them 7th tonight. Guard was incomplete. Bushwackers were next. This corps is still trying to fill in the holes and get things together. The whoole musical and marching program is now complete. Brass memebrs are still weaving in and out of the program. Percussion is smallest section and guard has improved from Bridgeport. Guard is still somewhat incomplete. Biggest issue is that they have 5 or 6 members at time standing on the sidelines for sections of the show they haven't learned yet. While this is very understandable, don't carry on a conversation with one another while your corps is on the field performing their collective tails off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had Bush 8th. Fusion Core was next and they delivered a very entertaining production, maybe the most entertaining of the night. My personal opinion is that the entertainment effect caption is judged incorrectly at every show. I don't care how good Reading is, Fusion out entertained them and should've been rewarded on this night. From a technical standpoint, the tools are there musically. Drill could move a little more at times, but again, color guard was incomplete. What they had was fine, but there's still a lot to fill in. The story gets lost at times with the mafia dons, but they sell the show well and had the crowd on their feet often. I thought Cadets2 and Fusion would eb a coin flip and was surprised by the 3 point pre-penalty spread. Quick disclaimer: It's July 14 and 3 of 8 guards were complete. I personally think that if a corps doesn't have a complete show, they shouldn't get paid. You know your schedule in the winter, prepare for it. Of the five groups with incomplete guards, three have already competed once. Get it together folks. Reading Buccaneers dominated all captions and rightfully so. This show has it all. The dirt I saw in Bridgeport was nonexistent tonight. They got the pro-Caballero crowd into the show. All sections are solid and this show WILL win in September. That is, as long as the Bucs don't lose focus. If the last six years are any indication, that won't be a problem. The switch to all black did not distract me as much tonight and the rifle line was amazing. Brass unleashes a power not usually heard with this corps and timing was a lock throughout the show. First by a lot and rightfully so. The only reason corps will catch up to Reading in August is because the Bucs cant score higher than 100. Hurricanes were next with their British themed show. The horn line seemed a little flat tonight, maybe from following the Bucs, but the percussion and guard certainly didn't disappoint. Thought Hurcs percussion might be closer to the Bucs. Thank you to the Hurcs guard staff for not ruining every toss and catch with annoying cheering. That guard is a show in and of itself. Let the audience enjoy it and they will reward it with applause like they did last night. Austin Powers segment a nice touch. Perc feature is the hit of the show. Brass needs to improve or they might find themselves chasing the Cabs all year. I did have Hurcs third tonight. Cabs were last with a major improvement from Bridgeport. I thought I needed a second viewing to enjoy this show more and I certainly did. Can't wait for the third viewing now. Get over the fact that this isn't a typical Cabs show and you'll love it. Percussion still has room to improve but is getting there with a cleaner run tonight. Brass was great and the ballad was goose bump inducing. Big Bolero segment before the closer needs something more there. Cant put my finger on it. Felt like it should been a baby tossing moment from the crowd but it was a little confusing. Guard was dazzling and had everything together tonight. I had Cabs 2nd. All in all a great show and evening of drum corps.

Quick thoughts from Bridgeport. My full review is in the latest Drum Corps World. First and foremost, all 6 competing corps are better than last year at this time. Promising year for sure. Bush - Complete show musically, many holes to fill and guard work to add. An improvement from last year and music is catchy. Finalist may be a stretch, but one knows never to count thenm out of anything. Cabs - Had a hard time getting into book on first viewing, but have enjoyed another look on website that should not be named. Quality is definitely improved from last year bigtime, even with a rough run. Look out for this corps. Hurricanes - Very entertaining production. Top notch guard and solid percussion that could challenge. Hornline best in a few years, wait til they fill the holes. Empire Statesmen - could be their best show in a while. Music was solid, visual needs work. Corps could challenge for top honors as season ends. Minnesota - Clean musically, dirty visually. Could enhance the story of Bonnie and Clyde more, and no doubt they will. Could be another ropusing finish. Bucs - solid all around corps with toughest program in years. Definitely the favorite, but anything ios possible. I personally thought Bucs were sloppy, leading me to believe they'd win by points come finals. Everyone else seemed to think they were solid across the board. If they are solid across the board now, then every corps 2-5 could catch them in time. If they were sloppy, they'll win by a bunch.

No worries Frank, I'll say it all for you. "All pre-season predictions are useless!!!!!!!" I think that covers it.

Great video.....but Pennsylvania is spelled wrong in the beginning and end of the video.

Not to add to the championship location debate, but I would initially think a venture like this might be more likely for an eastern or southern corps, where competitions regularly take place. The Midwest has a few shows, but it would be the same two or three corps at each show. It would be great if I am completely wrong though. More corps is always better! Certainly, junior corps who struggle to fill their ranks would probably opt out of something like this, but certainly a good question.

The people are so drunk that I wear one of my classic Hawaiian print shirts and the people in my section say, :That a nice solid colored shirt you're wearing." Hello...........is this thing on?

I don't drink Fran, there's no way I'm going to Finals with a bunch of no-good drunks!

I'll throw in another $20 and a free buffet at Harrah's to the above bid.

In response to an earlier posted question, I can tell you that 1995 was the first year that order of appearance at Prelims was determined by some sort of scoring formula coming in. There may have been some things different along the way concerning member and non-member corps, but it was 1995 where we had the first seeded order of appearance based on score.

Way to go Bushwackers and way to go Dennis. Great news for both!

People quoting my material, I won't let it go to my head. Thanks Fran!

Main area in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is OK, but outlying areas have lots of flash flooding and bridges washed away. Basically the city areas are fine, but country areas are in rough shape. My wife's school was to have their first day tomorrow....key word being 'was.'

Off the top of my head: Bucs 93.0 Hurcs 90.65 Cabs 87.5 Fusion 83.1 Bush 70.7 Not completely correct but in the ballpark. Hurcs won color guard and honor guard and Bucs took the rest. Thought the show would've been closer, but Bucs win by over 2 points.

Why not, I'll bite. But before I do ($1 to Jeff Ream) I will stand by the prediction of whoever scores highest wins. With that said: Class A 1. Fusion Core 72.75 2. Windsor Regiment 68.95 3. Sunrisers 63.45 Open Class 1. Reading Bucaneers 83.15 2. Connecticut Hurricanes 80.85 3. Hawthorne Caballeros 79.1 4. Bushwackers 65.2

Very brief Bridgeport thoughts. I was covering the show for Drum Corps World, so subscribe if you want to read an entire recap of things :) All exhibition units were fantastic. Westchester Brassmen had 47 brass and one of the best drum lines of the night. What a more than pleasant surprise. (I only really counted horns and all numbers not guaranteed but close) Fusion: 22 brass. A nice show. Still many things to clean up. Horns were best section imho and sounded like 30-40. Keep cleaning, they're in good shape. Bush: 13 horns, 9 drum line, 8 pit, 6 guard. Very admirable performance. Holes everywhere, but music was recognizable and performed with much professionalism. Lots to add, lots to clean, but they'll survive and then some. Cabs: 47 horns or so. To me, the hardest show of the night by far. With that, still on the dirty side. I know 6 points is a huge gap and many have been picking on them since Wildwood....but I'll jump on the Hawthorne bandwagon and say this: If they could actually clean it all (a huge undertaking), I think they can compete for the top. Please no flames for that statement, simply my opinion, but they attempted some things that could be very impressive once/if clean. Time wwill tell. Bucs: 58 horns. Always polished early season, very strong performance. Show connects with audience a little more than past offerings. Can be caught I'm sure, I say that every year...but will they? We shall see. But a great performance. Empire: 44 horns. I will be curious to see this show develop through the year. Didn't seem to connect with audience like past ES performances, but it is only July 2. Thought Hurcs beat them by more, but it was a nice show. Holes in the drill very evident. Looks like if they fill them, they'd be marching 50ish in horn line. Percussion improved, guard was terrific. Hurricanes: Solid performance. 40 or so horns. Only 7 sopranos, but they weren't buried by others. Brass has stamina issues. Best guard of the night and percussion had to be close. Bucs won all specials except guard and honor guard which went to Hurcs.

Today's date is June 22, Finals are Labor Day weekend. The Cabs have been around for 65 years, and not many can say that. Why must this topic continue, I thought the topic was about Wildwood. Is it possible for the someone other than the original poster to close a thread, because if so, drop this one already. Can't wait to see everyone in Bridgeport!!!

I'm not terribly sure the gap between DCI and DCA needs to be bridged so to speak. I kind of enjoyed going to shows for both circuits, thinking the 90's, and each was different but enjoyable. The Hershey Spectacular used to be a great show with half DCA and half DCI corps. It was always fun watching the dual victory concert with Cadets on the left and Cabs on the right (1994). I don't think the two were alike at all, but toally respected by all the fans. Reading is pushing an envelope for sure, but is it an evelope that needs to be pushed? Perhaps, that is a different topic for another day. I don't want anyone to think I am bashing Reading by saying that, as I have felt their shows have been top notch over the last 6 years or so, so please don't misunderstand me. I like the analogy of Empire Statesmen pushing the entertainment envelope. There's an envelope that can be pushed by everyone, every year, without any argument from this paying customer. Make General Effect 100 points :)