euphonium96

...Or my personal favorite, 1999 General Butler Vagabonds! The entire corps performed Les Mis in individual costuming matching the French theme... Thanks for jogging my memory re: '97 Scouts - How exciting to be a part of that year's production! Probably the quintessential example of anti-uniformity ... and people seem to LOVE those pirates... hmmm.... As with the previous reply, thanks for realizing and supporting the connection to the WGI circuit - Like most changes we discuss on here, I don't see something like this as "good" or "bad" - just a shift; something different... but a work of fantastical fiction... for now...

Glad you caught the "WGI-ish-ness" of the concept... While the work is "fantasy" in nature, this, or derivatives thereof, are a very real possibility. That said, I truly appreciate your remark about 'corps controlling the show' - Maybe something like this is a "cop-out" - too direct?

Hey all, The common "thread" of late on this forum seems to be "change"... While most are talking rule changes and tackling the broader issue of "how drum corps has changed" - or, in some instances, "how drum corps changed me..." I have been approaching my usual isolated and specific dilemma: Uniforms. As most of you know by now, uniforms are my "bread and butter" - My work designing for DCI corps and marching bands around the world in conjunction with Stanbury literally puts a roof over my family's head and food on our table... This line of work has given me the unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the history and development of musician's uniforms - so much so that I am now questioning their relevance. You can read more about this inquiry HERE... Maybe it's the Mid-Winter wait - perhaps just a passing fancy - but I've recently thought it might be interesting - that is: Controversial, upsetting, anti-establishment, creative - to outfit a corps in individualized, themed outfits - costumes, if you will - rather than centuries-old military uniforms. Again, rationale can be read through the link above... Again, please appreciate the irony of being a full time professional uniform designer - and wanting to do away with traditional uniforms... Ha! Anywho - I selected The Cadets for this little project of mine. They've proven to change the game from time to time ;) and they've established a nice balance between tradition and pushing the envelope... The concept behind these "costumes" is this: "New City Revival" is a show concept intended for The Cadets - It's meant to be a Bernstein-heavy program anyways, but containing elements of early jazz through hip-hop and punk.. The idea is an exploration of the way the New York City music scene influences other arts, visual culture and vice-versa. It's an "e pluribus unum" notion - recognizing a variety of styles that influence audio and visual culture; how they combine, how they conflict, and how they work in synergy to create the A/V/ hybridity of post-modern culture. As with my other "fantasy re-design" projects, these in no way reflect the actual designs for any corps in this or any season - I realize that these would never work in real-life - it's just for fun, OK? It's a work of fiction and needs to be viewed as such! That said, I hope you'll take a momentary break from real-life drama to relax and engage in some visual drum corps fantasy involving a beloved and controversial corps: Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Guard As always, questions and comments welcomed - And yes, if you're wondering I had a lot of help from recent "J Crew" catalogs... Enjoy! -TGB

Thanks for the kind words... My intent on DCP is usually to inform and discuss - Never to insult...Even though the words are often blunt and phrased in a sardonic manner. Very glad that you're able to enjoy the design while recognizing the connections to prior ideas!

Yeah... "Originality"... This, along with terms like, "innovation" and, "pretty" should probaby be taken with the aforementioned grains of salt discussed in previous posts... While we (designers, fans, staff, et. Al) strive for those ideals, we owe it to ourselves to recognize the derivitive nature of all things visual & musical. I personally like the term, "refreshing" or, "inspired" - both imply a renewal or a spark of something uncommon, without claiming to be the first and only... Now, on my "honor" as the designer, the top design was something I had a lot of input on - it was derived from an old First Federal logo; that just fit & connected to the first bibber set... I'm personally glad that the corps kept the top design so far... BTW... The "truth" about this design and several others has been public for a while now... I blogged most of my responese & reactions to the '07 uniform... I wouldn't want anyone to feel that anything is hidden or kept from them - so never hesitate to send notes to me with uniform design question - Remember: Truth is often stranger, and more fun, than fiction or rumors! :)

Very glad this case is still a topic of interest... Some things everyone should know, if they care: Uniform changes are not approached lightly... Months, sometimes YEARS of planning and design are put forth before a single thread is sewn! ... Again, as the voice with experience here, the corps' staff (my clients... ) very often know what they want - I'm usually just the hand that renders their vision. So... Believe it or not, this little world of ours is highly incestuous - not 100% on the spelling - but what I'm driving at is, that for all of our self-perceived creative genius, we steal and reconstitue ideas constantly! Corps steal from bands who steal from indoor lines who borrow from art and theater who imitate life... "Originality" is a moot point in any creative activity... Everything has to come from somewhere else - otherwise, where would it have come from in the first place? Sorry if my pragmatic views shatter anyone's delusions of creative innovation... The truth of the matter is, and my ultimate point in this response is, yes: In the course of developing the 2007 Blue Stars uniform, I was directed by their staff, to create a variation on Broken Arrow. I suppose if you must steal or copy or appropriate somone's image, it might as well be a champion's, right? You would not believe the number of cadet-style jackets I've designed based on L. D. Bell or The Cadets! I hear stories from fellows of the trade that in the 70's & 80's, practically EVERY school in America donned the open-coat "Blue Devil" look. More recently, it seems that everyone (directors, staffers, etc.) is infatuated with the Crown look... So guess how many knock-offs of that design I've made? At the end of the season, imitation is sincere flattery! It's a vast part of the activity and always will be.

As the full-time professional uniform designer of DCP, allow me to make a few replies... Keep in mind these are based on actual paid professional experiences, not conjecture, nor the overheard regurgitations of instructors: 1) Black, white, or tangerine - pant/bibber color is not of supreme consequence AS LONG AS everyone marching is wearing that color. The "black bibber conspiracy", a.k.a, the myth that one MUST wear black for hi vis marks is an outgrowth of that 80's "Oprah" look: Flashy up top, slimming dark neutral bottoms. Looks great on video... Which is how most fans make their evaluations of corps & bands. What we perceive as "less exposed" with black is, in real-time (as in not just the hi-cam dvd...) a optical slimming - black contracts visually, whereas white or lighter, brighter color "spreads". As proof to this, watch a mid-90's Regiment show with all white, the one when they wore all black... The look really tiny in all black because of that aforementioned contraction! It actually makes individual errors in form appear much more pronounced from up high. The spreading white and the accompanying "optical halo" give the corps in white a much more "vast" presence. This in turn "mends" interval discrepancies. 1.5) Gauntlets, caps (wings, canopies,etc.) are for extension, and to mask and unify differences in body type. I suppose you could make up a uniform of solid color, top & bottom, and then decorate the bejesus out of the gauntlets and headgear... After all, that's all anyone claims to see from that all-important hi-cam footage! However, keep an eye on those accessories... They're on my "threatened" list, as in: extinct with a decade, maybe less... Not by my hand alone, mind you... I think the marching community as a whole is done with the quasi-futuristic look... To paraphrase the departed MJ, so long as you're in step and know your place in the form, it don't matter if you wear black or white! It just depends on the type of effect you desire... Which brings me to my second reply... 2) It isn't what you wear, but how you wear it!

Thanks, Chris! We (The Stanbury Team) are very excited to continue working with you and your corps... Here's to a great season! -TGB

All right! two - count 'em - TWO professional designers in the thread! (BTW: Cool costumes for the skaters, Xtriple! - light gray w/ red trim...) This may be the most well-informed thread on the board tonight... It's a veritable panel discussion with living "experts" - Love it! Now, down to business... Yes - your assumptions and analysis of the uniform is correct - many many parts to this look - Then again, I wore a kilt for a few seasons, so parts and pins are now commonplace for me... I reiterate the notion of trendspotting in the activity. Just a thought here, a theoretical notion, if you will, but "Clean an' crisp" in the uniform and costuming department may not be as important right now. It's still valid, yes, but if you consider the trend with BD's drape smock element, Crown's dangling drapery (recently appropriated by Hawthorne Gold...) , the Spartacus drape from Regiment, Boston's new double drop sash... I'm sure there are more examples in Open Class and in marching bands... Either way, it says to me that "visual cleanliness" is less important right now than "whimsical and luxurious pseudo/neo-vintage textures and fits" to compliment a show theme. In other words, there's a bit of a trade-off: You could look athletic, trim, and march with few visual disturbances - OR - you can focus more on artistry (not that athleticism is divorced from artistry per Se...) and glamor. Personally, as a designer, accessing and incorporating these textures and lustre materials is a whole lot of fun... I love making lean, mean looks too, but this new trend of brighter, more loose and colorful looks is so refreshing from the dark, intimidating, minimal suits that have come to dominate the marching scene of the past decade. Side query: When was it established that bands/corps have to look "intimidating" anyways? Were we trying to scare judges into giving better marks? Anywho... I could stay up all night with this thread... Thanks again for those with thoughtful feedback! -TGB

Wish I had more opportunity to develop guard outfits and/or flags - but color, at least on corps proper, is gradually re-emerging. Look for thematic, sophisticated bold colors to dominate the next decade. BTW, love the Sears comment... Good uniforms don't match your sofa and love seat! -TGB

Disheveled is a tad harsh - That would have more to do with the individual corps sewing crew and the team that fits the suits... So, no offense taken. The problems sometimes arise (and worsen) as students lose weight over tour. Someday when clones and cyborgs are allowed to perform with corps, my job and the job of those crews will be soooo much easier - until then, we'll all have to make do with the talented and diversely shaped bodies that have a spot in this year's show. One huge thing I've realized - and I want everyone else to realize - is that there is no such thing as a "perfect" uniform. There might be a uniform that is "right" for a specific group at a specific time... But never a universally perfect look. Furthermore, it is im-freaking-possible to please everyone all the time (management, staff, membership, alumni, or fans.) For now, this is the best uniform for this corps in this time.

I was never clear as to why 2 top-tier corps (Scouts , SCV) embraced the red/green contrast - perhaps because it is just that: Contrasting complimentary... Whatever the reason, it is what it is and that probably won't change anytime soon... Anyhow, the red is a "heroic cape" color, a nod to Superman, among others... I guess that Some groups are simply more attached and rooted in colors whereas others can change theirs like a chameleon - In my experience, Crown has gone from all white with red and silver to white with violet, teal, and pink, to some lightning bolt in black on an all white suit, to the violet top with white pants- Then they discovered cream with threee purple stripes, and now the show-matching panel... Again - they aren't "locked in" to a color scheme as The Scouts might be. People would RIOT if they showed up in cream with a removable panel... So, in this unique instance, red is what you get. What about gold? How would that have been seen? White? All too bright, IMO ... As for the jacket and pants being the same color... I see your point about added contrast... I think there would be more complaints about the lack of upper/lower body contrast - in other words, the benefits of contrast would be outweighed by a stunted, squattish appearance. However, I realize that this sceme of a one-color uniform was utilized by the corps in the 70s... - TGB

Speaking as the guy who designed the uniform... (Yes, drew it, based on staff suggestions, needs and wants... wasn't involved in final color choice though, but that's cool... ANYWAYS): 1) I have no immediate problem with the baldric and drop sash. Drape cape-like accessories are all the rage with some of your other favorite corps: Regiment '08, recent Crown uniforms, etc. This is all part of a developing trend moving away from strictly military and more "athletic" designs ( the dark and bad-###, etc.) and into something more civilian and theatrical (lighter, more melodic, happier) - a reflection perhaps of America's recent vote for change... hmmm.... Again, this, like the base uniform itself, was something I was asked to consult on and assisted Ramiro with this past winter. The intent was indeed to "brighten" the coat for contrast from the turf AND to communicate a heroic presence... Though the comparisons to the "real" Superman suit, while unintended - are appreciated - Thanks! 1.a) No offense to the photographer, but this image of the 2009 Scouts that has been posted (over, and over, and over again...) is not showing the corps in the best light - literally: For starters, I'll assume this is a very early or even pre-season pic. Therefore, visual dirtiness is to be expected (Didn't the Cadets use to have a t-shirt that said, "Don't worry: It'll be clean by August!"?) Also, was it kinda breezy that day? Drapery like that is expected to move, right? Personally, I'd think it would look pretty ridiculous it is didn't move. Finally, the time of day and color of light reflecting on the unis and baldric is just... wrong! I've seen these items at various stages in it's creation - from the sketch, to the prototype, through a recent photo shoot, and folks... I gotta tell you: It isn't that bright in person. It reminds me of the first photos of the new Blue Stars (yet another of my notorious collaborations...) They were taken around sunset an the white looked cream and navy blue looked black - folks were freaking out on this forum because they thought it the corps had abandoned blue and white. So... In short, don't believe every photo as gospel - go see it live before drinking the Hater-Ade. 2) While I didn't have a hand in the guard, I'll say this in its defense: Having experienced life in a predominantly Latino community in the Southwestern US, this fighter-wrestler image is considered quite manly, especially among adolescents. Unfortunately cultures north of the border see it as something strange, confrontational, and ridiculous - Take Jack Black's "Nacho Libre" as your paradigm of ridicule. I'm glad someone mentioned "fun". But don't confuse these guys for clowns or assume that "comic book" means silliness or campy (judging my the excelsior references made already, I'll spare you a lecture on comics/graphic novels/sequential art) Again, I highly recommend that you go see it live, maybe 2-3 times, and then join the critique with fresh eyes. Thanks as always for discussing my favorite topic in the whole universe (uniforms!!!) - looking forward to more! -TGB PS - PM or e-mail with design-related questions, feedback, inquiry, etc.

Delta Nu '98 - Bradley Univ, FEO '99-'01 -TGB

Unfortunately, I've never seen a color pic of the Sky Ryders... Least of all from '86. I think I recall an aqua colored vest with white shirt... I saw the video a long time ago. Is that the one? If anyone has a pic, please post! -TGB PS I just read the post before mine... Yup... That's the one! However, this never crossed my mind or entered the design discussions. Thanks for the image! -B

*ding*ding*ding! We have a winner... Glad that read as crest/ wave"ish". The copper metallic surprised me (and I designed it) until Stuart informed me that their logo incorporates a teal AND a golden-orange... It was sort of like discovering a (relativly) unused color - fun, to say the least... And, in all honety, this was a wonderful working experience for me - GREAT group to collaborate with! - TGB

Hello all - Brent here - perpetrator of the design in question... With regard to comments made thus far: Re: color under the tuba player's left arm "should" and will be black - a slight coloring err - good eye, folks! There will be a small wedge of teal under the arm on each sleeve, which will be white. There is a wide band of black satin underneath the black of the jacket, separating it from the pants. Re: colors - the corps colors are, according to Stuart Pompel, aside from black, teal with copper. The posted image took on a blue"ish" cast - that happens in the translation from hand drawing to scanner bed to internet. So, the look will utilize a nice aqua-teal, similar to the color of the wedge on their current uniform with a metallic copper-orange sickle shaped slash. Re: cut and design - the lines of the jacket are intended to suggest an abstract "wave", as seen in the corps logo. Re: shako -something different, I suppose - like the Blue Stars, Madison, etc. fans are gonna love it or hate it; but that's contemporary art and design though. I personally like when a group chooses something beyond the basic shako. Will there be visual errors and less-than-clean moments wearing this? Undoubtedly - And there will be in ANY uniform, regardless of who designs it or produces it... Until Honda teaches Asimo how to march and play in perfect formation, we're gonna have to consider and realize that there will be human-made errors. Speaking as the designer here, and not to discredit my own work, but... It isn't what you wear, but how you wear it. Thanks for the feedback, folks - As always, I'm pleased to see the topic of design garnering commentary and discourse. -TGB

So crazy, they might just work... And retain "educational" value: Let's see... Rock and or Roll... Some ideas for shows - most might/could be picked up by VK... But all is fair in repertoire and drum corps... 1) An amusement park show featuring "Roller coasters", "Fun/haunted House", "Carnival Games", "Carousels", etc. nice follow-up show to Glassmen's "carnival" theme of '08? Could incorporate "Thriller"??? 2) Since we can now use electronics... Get a Hammond Organ and one of those sweet retro rotating Amps! ...Then play the Beach Boys or Ides of March. 3) PLAY WEEZER!!! For the love of all that is musical - I'd settle for the Pumpkins or RHCP, or Radiohead though... 4) Also since pianos can be duplicated electronically, bring back the "Ragtime" ala BD 2002 5) Do something with a live DJ and two turntables... utilize a "Hype-guy" - play some hip hop, make the horns and drums learn to "pop"; borrow moves from "America's Best Dance Crew". Word. Let's get "classy" now... These go out to some corps from Rockford - not that they ever listen to me... but anyone with a symphonic bent is welcomed to these: 1) Bring on the Grieg! Do a show about the fiords, trolls, and Norwegian mythology - Play numerous bits from Peer Gynt, inc. but not just Mountain King. Use a stunning visual interplay of navy blue and light pink. 2) The entire ballet "Rodeo" ....Calling the 11th Ohio Cavalry... 3) A Bollywood show - contemporary Mumbai follow-up to Scheherezade??? Maybe Crown? 4) Regiment ONLY: The "oriental" operas of Puccini. (OK, I guess SCV, can steal...) OK people that matter... Contact me when you've written the shows, I'll draw the uniforms... Ready... GO! -TGB

How 'bout "Age of Empires" or music from "1492" to supplement that show...? -TGB

Why did you leak that? Now everyone knows what Crown will be playing AND wearing... I might as well release the pics of the new uniforms then: NEW CROWN UNIFORMS HERE Crown 09? ... Spoiled sport... -TGB

We have a tie... I was there; on the field as a marching member; when scores were announced finals night in '96... I stopped marching jr. corps after that - not necessarily BECAUSE of that, but I didn't go to finals again until 1999 - this time as an audience member... still felt oddly coincidental... But I was there for the first two!

What? You mean THESE bad boys? PS - This is why the highlighters are usually locked away... -TGB

Well... all speculations and weather-related tragedies aside, here are some new "fantasy" redesigns featuring the image of several well-known corps... It isn't what they will actually be wearing, but it's an "alternative" vision for what they "could" wear in the near future... Remember, this is for art & fun - two things I find synonymous with the activity... Main Page Click there for more "details" about the new art... Updated Gallery Click there for pictures! Enjoy!

Yes... that too... -TGB

A lot of different groups (bands) have keyed in on that particular look recently - I guess it might be my first "popular" design, so to speak. -TGB