mknight96

I don't know...if they kept the G bugles that would really hurt the music score.

It reminded me of the movie poster for "Vertigo."

I think this could really be a factor in the race for 12th. Crossmen, Madison, and Colts have all bounced around in GE. If this system keeps scores more normalized, I see Crossmen benefiting the most.

I wonder if this would actually prevent a corps from making a move in the standings by negating any jump they might have in one of these captions. On the other hand, it could lessen the gap between a few corps, making these tight races even tighter!

I attended a judges clinic last summer where two DCI judges talked about "effect." As they put it, effect can be generated in four different ways (and I'm paraphrasing here...): 1) Excitement--the "wow" factor 2) Artistry--or "beauty" 3) Virtuosity 4) Intellectually---"how did they do that?" The judges commented on performances that we watched on DVD. I was amazed at how quickly their analysis switched from one "type" of effect to another, and how much credit they gave to corps that were constantly switching between these "types." Some of the analysis was very specific, even getting down to body language of pit performers. One thing was clear...every moment either must be an effect moment or building to one very quickly. You really do have to give credit to the judges, who are trying to absorb, react to, analyze, critique, rate, and rank A LOT of information coming at them in a short amount of time, especially when they are trying to evaluate performances on all of these different levels. I haven't thought about GE the same since then...

I always thought the same thing! I have never seen a natural surface that well prepared.

It's funny what a number one ranking in football does for recruiting!!!!

Back from Brookfield!!! I was really uncertain about the weather on the drive up, but once I passed the Pear Tree Supper Club in Bevier the rain started to let up and I knew we would be in good shape. Got there just in time to catch a little of the brass warm-up in a very light drizzle and then went in the stadium and took a seat right on the 50, 2/3's of the way up. The weather really kept the crowd numbers down, but those that were there were enthusiastic. The stadium crew had the field looking GREAT. It was a very intimate set-up (the drum major conducted from the bleachers) so I knew we would be in for a great show. As for the show, the reports you have heard are correct...thing look MUCH better than when I saw them in Madison a week-and-a-half ago. A marked improvement. I have two students marching this year and they seemed pretty excited about the progress they have been making. It appears that emphasis is being placed on fundamentals (marching and playing), maintaining energy and building endurance (breathing block IS happening). There is still much to do, but they are chipping away at it bit by bit. After the performance we were treated to a concert that included just about every tune the corps knows...including the front ensemble performing "More Than Words." Now THAT was a blast from the past! The whole show was about an hour and everyone went home happy and only slightly damp. The guys were ready to start on the new closer (I think they start on it tomorrow?) It sounds like they are adding about 30 seconds or so to the end of the show. I don't know what it will include, but I guess the members have seen the material and are ready to get at it. I talked to a few of the Stanbury folks and thanked them for hosting the corps and the show. They are a great company and good people to work with. I also got to meet and visit with a few other marching members. A great group of guys with great attitudes. I don't think you could ask for more. I think if the corps can continue to clean and fix musical ensemble issues they should continue to move up. I'll be very curious to see what they have in store for the new ending.

Anyone heading to Brookfield tonight for the exhibition? I'm hoping the rain will hold off for a few hours.

I think there is much more complexity in the visual design of this show than most are giving credit for. I watched the show three times before I caught the "disintegrating" company front a la 87 Cadets. Very clever and makes me wonder what else I missed.

The news just keeps getting better and better.

I recently attended part of a clinic where two DCI judges were talking about judging "effect." They basically said "effect" can be generated in four ways (and I'm paraphrasing a little here): 1) Pure Entertainment/Excitement (made me think of screaming sops, catchy hooks, park and blow, etc.) 2) Virtuosity (amazing technique, exposed playing, etc.) 3) Artistry (movement, "down" music, etc.) 4) Intellect (...wow, how did they do that?) What I took away from the presentation, especially after listen to these judges comment while watching DVDs of last year's championships, is that a show with high GE will continually cycle between these types of effect. Really made me think about why shows are designed the way they are these days.

Is it really any worse than the Citrus Bowl?

Very disappointed there was no Alton show this year.

Here's a nice article about Brandt from DCW.com. www.drumcorpsworld.com/articles.cfm?ID=551

Allen Joanis and Kevin ______? from (Ronald Reagan High School?) are writing and re-writing the drill. (http://www.jw3.com/) I guess this is Kevin Nix? I heard he was working with the corps this year. I hope they get a chance to show off the new stuff soon!

Does anyone know who is writing Madison's drill this year? I don't ever remember an announcement about that.

Good point. We probably need a four-year curriculum. Plus graduate degrees.

Good list here. I would add... Madison '75 Blue Devils '76, '80, '86 Cadets '84, '87 Spirit '80 SCV '80 You probably also need Bridgemen, 27th Lancers, and VK on there.

Things won't be the same this year if we don't get to hear Mr. Crocker say "On the field...."

1975 Madison

1989 Regiment HM: 1974 Madison

1990 Star HM: 1980 Bridgemen

1995 Madison

1980 Vanguard