shostahoosier

I'm afraid that is only a matter of opinion. Plenty of Drum Corps have been able to pull off effective moments with tacky gimmicks, ideas. Several corps come to mind...but I'm not going to name any becuase I'm not the troll type :)

Didnt the Star of Indiana begin their 1992 show with tympanis playing the first notes of the Star Spangled banner?

I aged out of corps about 3 years ago. I LOVE being a brass player, but I always regret not doing at least one season of corps (colorguard) or winterguard. I have always wondered what it is like. Is there a way to learn to spin and everything if you're past corps/band days? Are there senior winterguards? Do senior corps guards take newbies? Any help would be greatly appreciated...and feel free to PM me if you have any questions. thanks!

I agree...my friend hasnt been able to follow drum corps very much this summer so I tried to fill him in on who was really burning up the competition this summer. I hyped Bluecoats up for the Indy show, but I was really let down. I think their placement is right where they deserved, maybe even below Crown from a general effect standpoint. Maybe the dome sucked the emotion out of their show/sound?

yeah...what is up with Regiment's brass score? Guess they havent improved an ounce in 10 days. I guess as always, the score is in the eye of the beholder.

Michigan City is my hometown...so I always have to make the long trek (105 minutes via train from Chicago) to see this legendary show. Weather wise it was a wierd day. The afternoon was hot and muggy for the annual summer festival parade. Then, the early evening saw rain storms almost appear out of no where to give us sporadic moments of drizzle mixed in with insane down pours. Things didnt look good for the Drum Corps show, but luckily some one up there cut us fans a break. It stopped raining literally on the dot of when the show was suppossed to start....and the evening was near perfect. Cool with no wind, and a beautiful sunset. Ames field is an incredible field to march on, so despite the fact it had taken about 2 hours of rain abuse...it still held up...and the show went on! I had great seats, on the 45, just a bit below the judges boxes. I could see and hear everything..and fortuntaley because of the rain...no amps I sat next to a gentleman who had marched a corps from Michigan back in 50s and 60s. You have to respect old timers (though I'm becoming one myself), they have a great love and respect for the activity. There arent a lot of activities out there (outside of sports) that can keep fans coming back for 50+ years! ***Disclaimer*** This is my first viewing of any corps since July 2002. This review wont be as detailed as many others becuase, 1) I had not planned on writing one, and 2) I was soaking all of the shows in and trying to get the general feel of them. I hope to make it to the Rockford Show, Indianapolis show, and Naperville show. By then, I should have things down. Also, I'm not up on who is playing what, so forgive me if I dont name a work or spell something wrong. Ok...sorry about all of those ramblins...on to the review. First up was Lake Erie Regiment. Their show was titled "Crossroads". An interesting fact about this year's shows (well, from my perspective) is that one of the years I marched Div III (Golden Lancers), my corps played their opening #, "Where the Blackhawk Soars" (96...2nd place Div III 8-) ) . Its a great peice, but it can be pretty challenging. That being said, I'm not sure if Lake Erie Regiment met the challenge. To me, this corps big achilles heel seems to be CONFIDENCE...which could just be a result of lack of experience. Step offs, horns up, entrances..they just werent that crisp. Players also need to work a little more at sustaining and not dropping out before the end of a phrase. Thats easier said then done in Div III becuase...if one person takes a breath...that could be 1/3 of your Baritone line. Also, I had a hard time connecting with most of this show. I'm no genius by any means, but I dont think I should have to be. The show was pretty esoteric, and by the end, I still wasnt sure what it was about. Now Lake Erie Regiment did have one VERY STRONG point: the Color Guard. This corps colorguard was so great, it would make some Div II and Open Class corps jealous. They were fun, they had attittude, and they were pretty clean (every corps at this show had a dirty colorguard, but that was due mostly in part to the wet equipment from the rain). Now I just ragged on this corps for having an "inaccessible" show, however, from a guard stand point, it was well designed (if that makes any sense). The guard was staged well and always integrated into the performance. To the tall Diva who has the solo in the triangle of drums...let it loose and be more "defiant". You're obviously a talented performer, and it looks like you're holding back....its your moment :D . Next up was the Marion Glory Cadets. One word: :shock: This shock isnt becuase they dont have a colorguard (though they are up to two guard members now), but its because of the amazing show this little corps from Ohio has this year. From the first horns up, you know this corps has some aggressive performers who really go after it. Their show is music from the "Planets", and to be honest, I think they have a more exciting arrangement to listen to then the 95 Cavaliers. They use some of the lesser known works (Saturn, Uranus) and integrate it quite well. I think I counted 4 contras, but I thought I heard 8! This a loud little drum corps and they march pretty well too. The visual program was one of the most exciting of the night (definitly the most fun of the Div II/III corps). I was awestruck sometimes by some of the things that this corps was doing and there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat. There are a lot of things to watch (especially during the drum break). Michael King is doing something right with this corps. I dont know if the staff worked doubly hard on their visusal program to make up for the fact that they dont have a colorguard, but its no wonder that they are still hanging within one point of Lake Erie Regiment....this show creates some great general effect WITHOUT a colorguard, and when they get one...WATCH OUT!! It really was one of the best shows, from a performance AND design standpoint, that I saw all night. Unfortunately I cant say that they're being underscored because a color guard would help a lot. Also, the corps hasnt learned the ending to this show yet! They stand still for the last 20 seconds, which could be another reason why the judges are penalizing them. If you are going to a drum corps show, DO NOT a hot dog during this performance! Kudos to Marion! Next up was Memphis Sound. A relatively new corps from TN. The first thing I noticed about this corps was its uniform. I liked the design, simple yet original. Their show was original music, I want to say symphonic jazz. The corps arrangements remind of me old school Magic of Orlando (the years before they joined YEA!) and the corps visual program reminds me a lot of the Blue Devils. Lots of boxes and squares. This was a fun show to watch. The Hornline did a lot of fun body movements and had a lot of fun playing their parts. The soloists werent bad either. Now, here is my complaint...its July 3rd...and this show was DIRTY with a Capitol "D"! Again, maybe it was becuase the field was a little wet, or the rain hurt their confidence, but this show needs a lot of cleaning. It wasnt an absolute eyesore, but it was definitely noticeable. Also, from a design standpoint, the colorguard (which had nice costumes and GREAT SILKS) wasnt that well integrated into the rest of the show. It is obvious that this corps has A LOT of talent, I just think they need to clean...or find staff that can. The first Div I corps: TROOPERS! The couple in front of me told me that this was going to be a great show, and they didnt lie. The corps is bigger then in years past, but still small for a Division I corps. Chuck Nafier (sp?) has done a great job arranging music for this corps that keeps in its traditions and propels them towards competitive greatness. To the drum major...WHOAH fella...nobody needs a weapon that big :P . When I heard that part of the show was going to be "Magnificent 7", I cringed a bit because I thought it would be the same tired version that I always hear when I see a "marching group" (band or corps) play a western show. However, it was a fresh take on the piece, and I was thoroughly impressed. In fact, a lot of their show impressed me. There was a trainwreck between secitions in one song, but part of that was caused by the battery...something that can be fixed in ensemble rehearsal. Now this show, if cleaned, could make semifinals. Its not forgettable (and a lot of middle pack corps tend to write safe forgettable shows). The Troopers do a take on jazz, and it works! And its technical. And great "fake ending"...even the announcer was fooled. Gotta love the rendition of Taps as the Troopers make it towards the other endzone. Now imagine that, starting at one endzone and ending in another....maybe they still are old school. Its obvious that this corps is no longer in in the phase where it fending off death, now it just needs to recupirate and get some fresh bodies to Wyoming! The Kiwanis Kavaliers came out next. I havent seen them in person in a while. I have heard quite a few complaints about their uniforms, but I like the gold chains on the black...its refreshing. The last year that I performed in Div III was also the year that KK first did West Side Story. That was their first year in Div I and they really wanted to prove themselves. Well, despite the fact that the trash cans are back, this show's design is completely different. Is that bad? Not necessarily. The corps is much smaller this time around. This show isnt groundbreaking, but its reallly fun to watch. The arrangments are quite literal and really gives the members a chance to have fun and perform. So...if you were expecting a Cadets rehash...you'll be dissapointed/wont be dissapointed. My only complaint is that I thought that "Cool" was a little long. Actually, I take that back. The trash can section doesnt seem as affective this time as it was last time. Also, in addition to the pit beating on the cans, they have their entire tenor section from the battery on the front sideline playing the trash cans too...i'm not sure how I feel about that. Overall, I enjoyed watching this show, it was all about having fun and performing to the audience. The Colts were on next. This corps has not been making finals for the past couple of years, and I thought that this would hurt its talent pool. From listening to tonight's performance, that didnt seem to be the case at all! This show was reallly well done. Titled "From the heartland", I'm not really sure what its about, but I really enjoyed listening to it. The hornline was pretty darned good. There were some great brass licks in the opener that were clean and had me impressed. The corps also had some fun with dissonance that wasnt too obnoxious. Visually, the marching was VERY crisp...in WHITE PANTS for that matter (Is Jacob Rau their caption head now?). Member to member this corps has great execution. Going back and looking at the scores, I think that this corps has been underscored all season. Do I think it should make finals? I cant say without seeing all the corps...however, no reason why they shouldnt be above a 70 with this show. I also have to give the Colts props because midway through their performance...the heavens opened up...and didnt hold anything back. The Colts just kept on marching like it made them no difference. Now I have to make a complaint. If you are going to a drum corps show, or if your friend is going...or even if your friend's cousin's gold fish is going...tell them NOT to take an umbrella! I was fortunate enough not to have one in front of me...but there were a lot of...well..IDIOTS who opened theirs and..while sitting in the comfort of their own little tent...ruined a GREAT drum corps show for fans who paid JUST AS MUCH as they did! Come on...if you "do drumcorps"...you should know better! Unfortunately, the rain drenched the field so much, that the corps I came to see, Phantom Regiment, didnt get to show off their visual program that I've been hearing so much about. To make matters worse, their plumes were soaked. I hope they can air those out I did get to hear a stand stiill of their 2004 show, and I was impresed. This was easily the toughest hornbook performed by any corps of the night, and I'm glad to say...it looks like the hornstaff wont be bringing out the hose this year. From listening, there is no reason why this corps shouldnt be closer to the Cavaliers in brass scores, but then again, they were standing still...and moving (especiallly the Cavaliers moving) is an entirely different story! I loved the low brass opening that builds into big Tango theme. I loved the lush baritone sounds in the Ballad. The front ensemble had a neat little feature with maracas. There were some INCREDIBLE runs between the baritone/euphonium and mellophone sections. I think I even heard a screamer? Overall though, I'm not of how I feel about this music. The performance kind of reminds me of SCV in 2001 when they had the "New Era Rap" section. When SCV first did this section...it looked like a bunch of robots trying to force themselves to be cool ("SCV...but...must have fun now...), but as the season went on...the corps grew comfortable with breakdancing...and it became a reallly fun performance to watch. I dont see the "passion" yet in this show. Maybe its built into the visual program, but for all intents and purposes, I got a very technically accurate, loud well designed arrrangement...think Star of Indiana 1992. I enjoyed the music, but its needs some more emotion put into it...or programmed into it if the humans cant do it themselves. After they performed their competitive show, Phantom Regiment wowed us with a performance of Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral. This was VINTAGE IN YOUR FACE PHANTOM. It was beautiful, passionate (yes...they can be) and powerful. In fact, it was so good, that the Heavens became pleased and stopped raining on us. The Cavaliers came out next to last. This was a show that I had really been looking forward to. Unfortunately, no drill or colorguard. I didnt even get to see the colorguard's outfits for this year. :( They set up in their arc, and I was treated to some of the most enjoyable music I've EVER heard in drum corps. Thank you Cavaliers (and maybe Cadetst too?) this season for helping begin what I think may be a trend the fans like; drum corps playable recognizable music. It was exciting, it was lush, it was tastefully arranged. All I could do was imagine what kind of visual program Michael Gaines cooked up to match the brass book. The whistling section seemed really neat. I liked it, but without seeing how it fits into the show...i'm not sure if maybe they whistled too much. I also really liked what sounded like a "gun fight". The battery and front ensemble do a good job with that. There isnt much more that I can about this corps except the usual, things sound and look solid from top to bottom, and it will take some work if any corps wants to beat this rendition of the "Green Machine". But you already knew that... After they finished up and played The corps song/Rainbow...we got treated to what was probably by far the most fun group to listen to all night. When the Cavaliers finished their performance, many fans left the stands to beat the traffic out, but in doing so, they missed the Royal Aires....and man did they miss something! After the Royal Aires finished their opening number, I had to look down on the ground and pick my face back...the horns really blew me away. For all of the great musicianship and incredible show design that I saw tonight....if this is the way that drumcorps used to sound (and the Royal Aires did have great musicians!), then I hope they days can make their way back. Overall, the Royal Aires performance was extremly entertaining? There is a rumor that they may be back next year...and in a slightly competitive format! That would be great as Chicago has a lot of corps alumni who are itching to get back into the activity. I definitly plan to give the Royal Aires a call for next season 8-) . Shortly after the Royal Aires exited the field, so did most of the crowd. Partial scores were released, but I dont think that there was a retreat. I apologize if this review seemed like incessant ramblings or too opinionated, I was just trying to soak the experience in...next time I'll take a notebook and jot things down. So thats its from MCI...until next year!

As an aside, I believe that PR's guard better never go anything other than all-female. Balances the midwestern all-male color guards. Anything involving a male-female PR guard would, at least at first glance, appear un-PR. Sort of like ditching the helmets. :sshh: Actually, I'm sure someone else can fill in the specifics, but Regiment has had an all male guard before. Luckily, they got back to their senses. I think All-female is the works best for the classics in motion...or whatever the corps is playing now. B)

Yes...I live about a block from Memorial Stadium (well...for the next week...then its off to Chicago and the real world!) and they are working on the turf field as we speak. They have also added some nice box seats, if the judges and the more affluent drum corps want to be pampered. I too would like to see the Midwestern Championship be moved to Memorial Stadium (@IU...not UIUC) but from a performer's point of view...I will admit that it was NICE to be able to perform in an airconditioned venue. From my experiences of playing in the dome (3 times) I didnt have a problem with the echo, as much as I had a problem with that wierd "vacuum" effect. I.E....I couldnt hear anyone but myself and I felt like I was marching the show alone! I dont see the championships being moved out of Indiana...much less Indianapolis.