PRPhan4ever

Well -- as ONE OF Regiment's biggest Phans and backers, I hate to think of them winding up BELOW 4th.... Seems impossible with the music they have & how well they perform it -- however, RATHER THAN PR going with the theme of "birds" -- the visual would have been much greater and more affluent if they went with "flight" in general -- IF "I" were the vis sdesigner -- THIS IS how I would (IMHO) have designed the show : Beginning ------ Have all the guard have 'slide on SILVER/shiny wings ' on each arm that can be quuickly removed and lead the corps proper on the field or into the beginning driill in a "V" formation - giving the impression that they actually were planes in a 'formation' and then have each guard member joined by a perc/horn member so the white uni & the pumes accent this 'forthcoming' bird motif, THEN as the corps noves into the "Lakme'" -- have the guard uniform be similiar to lasy years only -- more flowing and feathery in the arms, with the coloring on what is hanging down being accented in the flags and the rest of the guard uni's. Then the arms should be longer, be hanging as they did last year - and actually be interchangeable so when they transition into 'Suggestion" they could be the teal/blue and then actually CHANGE a 3rd time (the interchangeable arm additions / material) so that when they (guard) make that transition into FIREBIRD, their arms (really appearing as "wings" ) would be accented in yellow, and the silks changed to red/orange to represent 'flames' or fire as they are now. When the "Firebird" comes to that crashing triple FFF 'wedge' close -- leave the silks lying on the field to further accent the flames -- and have the guard move OFF the field in a final white & yellow "V" as if they were heading south -- and, move off EXACTLY in THAT direction with the corps proper facing the same direction! It would then appear almost POINTING to the guard/silks/flock 'leaving'......................... Just my humble design sketch (in my demented mind)

Ok all you wannabe judges, reviewers & critique analysts, seeing & hearing the changes Regiment has fielded in the past two weeks, which ending to "Suggestion" do you like, or, feel is better based on A) the arrangement(s), B) the combining drill/visual, or, C) how itfits the show NOW as opposed to previous renditions. I for one, like the ending more & more as I listen/watch it -- but what I saw/heard was at a rehearsal and on vids. As a brass player and composer. I really like the additional contra/tuba parts, as well as the flow of the horns with the front ensemble as the "Diabolique" dras into it's little "ball/circle" and then slowly expands to reveal, as before, the solist into the lead in for "Firebird". So, being the perfectionist I am, I went back and spent two hours listening to APD's, various internet vids, my rehearsal tapes/vids or Regiment from June/July and firmly think that these additions and rewrites are wonderful, and very well contricted for and into the show as it's evolved to now. What do YOU (DCP'ers, alum, staff, arrangers, judges ---- whoever, think??? As the eye Doctor is always quick to ask, "Better like this or... better before"

THE CORRECT EMAIL is: PHANTOM30@AOL.COM

Ok -- well, from a spectators point of view I would say this. Aside from being a PhantomPhreak... I look at it this way. Birds, alot of times are white or have white on them. (hence, PR's all white uni's) The best way to see "a bird" and watch it as it moves is on a clear blue background -- AKA - white clouds may appear around them...... The blue baldric/gauntlets add a nice splash of color -- which is what I think they are intending WITH that color scheme (aka: the texture & pattern etc). The green, (aquamarine in the silks and drums) could represent the different colors of water when seen from above ('on air') ... where we all know birds "flock" to ! I know, I know -- I'm reaching here, just trying to see inside the designers heads that's all. I SEE and "feel" what they are trying to do... and it's somewhat apparent, though quirky looking (movements etc) but the 2nd Guard uni? Um, not sure HOW that represents birds, air, water ....or anything else besides a 2nd uniform! BUT............. we all know that Regiment since 2003 is one to pull STELLAR visual thinks out of their trick & costume bag when the season is at a closes -- meaning PASADENA! so, GO PHOR IT PHANTOM!!!!

Ok -- lets drop the flames, we all have our opinions, good, bad, indifferent AND different as we've posted & read here! Lets all get back on track & review/compare the SA show per se' to the OK show in Enid! What was better? Worse? Changed etc.... I KNOW, and so do you Nikk that the PR staff reads these posts and gets wind of things.... Lets be CONSTRUCTIVE and OBJECTIVE! Please, lets give up on the Corps A iss Better than CORPS B for whatever reason(s). WE ALL ARE BIASED when it comes to the Corps(s) we luv ... Regiment is and will beno exception! C'mon, y'all......... lets see some true to life examples of placement, design and demand for Regiment -- THEIR SEASON DEPENDS ON IT!

Ok -- I just listened to the APD of Phantom from San Antonio ---- MY GOD!!! The dome seems to distort everything -- I heard more pit/ensemble than anything except when the corps proper is dead center microphones. I did hear a few fracks and bad releases in the trumpets/soprano's throught as well as the Euphoniums being extremely heavy sounding, almost blaring (overplaying I think). There was major phasing in that 64 count "F" in the closer (Stravinsky) where you can literally hear breaks and the alternating space between players . Now I listened to this at HIGH DEF w/headphones on via a DELL Pentium PC with above average equilizer and sound card installed. Now, I also downloaded "Crown" I hear some of the same spacing/reverb issues. Yes they are more spread out soundwise, but the similarities are present in both, but more prevelent with Regiment. I have listened to this APD of both 5 different times -- fooling with various graphics & sound settings on the EQ - and I have to say that the sound in the dome seems to distort EVERYTHING to some degree. Now, one this is blatantly clear! Regiment in the video I saw really, Really, REALLY needs to clean the feet -- and, tone down the overplaying! Once all the visual embellishments are added that Regiment is famous for this late in the season -- I hope that three weeks is enuff! I have my rosary beads, garlic, Holy Water as well as prayers all at the ready. If I am right, PR's staff probably had coniptions (sp?) after this performance -- especially if THEY watched the video's from up high and/or listened to the APD. We ALL know Regiment can do better, and I know they will -- hopefully sooner than later! C'Mon Regiment !! Pull out all those stops -- we know you're hungry -- show us how Much! Trisha

Ok, as probably the worlds MOST dedicated PR Phan in the NE, I am really looking at Regiment's performance(s) since Allentown, when I saw it live ( compared to YouTube, DCP Forums, personal conversations w/those attending shows thereafter) that Regiment is reall having difficulty with the "bird" theme... As good as the music is, how can it be effectively conveyed in 10 yrds in 11 minutes ? I said this way back in early June the ballad is tooooooo long, and the transition into siggestion has been changed several times already. If "IU" can hear these on a PC via tiny speakers -- the dissonance must be blaring in the judges ears. It's evident in the visual scores, especially GE where they are really suffereing. The drill IS demanding -- VERY, but the members are up to it IMHO. Their marching was great in A-Town, and they took feet that night but I am really, REALLY skeptical, for THE FIRST TIME IN MY 28 yr love affair with Regiment that they can clean as much as they have to with Finals only 3 weeks away! Looking at their on-line schedule, ythey only have 7 full rehearsal days aside from the remaining 6-7 shows they have. If there are to be changes made, THEY BETTER MAKE THEM SOON (RE: different guard costuming, those black palettes on the field, the sloppy marching & tighten this beast up! IT DOES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO WIN, but do they have enuff time? You're thoughts?

I just LOVE the new sashes/baldric & gauntlet It's a fresh new color that really stands out on the wite as well as the field. I sense more color to be added in the next week or so - and I KNOW changes are being implemented in addition to these on the uiform. With all I heard about Atlanta & afterwards -- man, oh man.... just wait............

Ok -- hre is osme data & a good read with direct quotes etc from actual DCI Judges. It was printed in the spring 206 Edition of DCI Today, Page 14 & is titled: "Order in the Corps" Here is one blaring example of what a person "thinks/feels/percieves" based on THEIR own interetations.... Dr. Joe Allison, Music Caption Judge "As far as music judge, I look for (and listen) for achievement. It comes in many forms & since achievemeny takesinto considerationwhat the performersare doing, as well as how they do it, I can deal with concepts, rather than just listenming and cataloging errors. The qualities of a performers' training and skills -- as well as the qualities germane to the the evaluation." Ok, so I guess that means --- if you can stand still and shatter someone's eardrums until they bleed with one blaring chord en mass -- and the judge feels that is what is being intended - then they score them as such? If a corps runs at 272 bts per min while playing a 2/7 suspension-- an the judge thinks/feels "WOW", that's neat - then they are scored well? Do you see what I mean? I won't elaborate any further -- read the article and hear THE SAME THING from 4 other judges in various areas (pit, percussion, guard) I'm off this rant -- but wanted to state a fact in someone else own words -- that is quite literally --- black & white!

You know, my husband, a total novice when it comes to Drum Corps asked me this: "What criteria does a judge use anyway?"..... it's gotta be that they like group B better than A etc" Whereas THAT got me thinking, what EXACTLY is the criteria - other than personal taste and perhaps percussion training and a trained ear, would they have any set guidlines for any type of scoring. (EX: percussion would be rudiments, fundamentals, stick grip, cohesion etc) but what EXACT measurements for brass, visual, music, GE do they have to follow aside from personal judgement ?? I'd like to know. Seems obvious that in the past 10 years -- there are only a handful of corps that the judges feel & score as having that "total pkg" such as the Cadets, Cavaliers, Blue Devils and Vanguard. They of course have THE MOST DCI titles in all of the corps/divisions. Is it the age range of the judges? Is it that they are alumni of XYZ corps? Is it something we're all unaware of? Seems as though at the rate it is & has beem going -- Phantom Regiment will NEVER win a championship unless those other corps fold, just my HUBLE, BIASED opinion ! There have been many shows that Regiment has done, like 2005, 2006 &, poss the 2007 show when the final pkg is delivered that IF ANY of the "Big 4-5" were to perform, note for note, drill for drill etc -- they would win no matter what Enlighten me as I am stupified at the current judging system....

Well -- not ONLY because I'm biased, but because I've heard/seen them since 93 to present up close & personal & in sectionals........ Phantom Regiment-- hands DOWN, top to bottom !!!! 2nd -- Crown 3rd -- Coats

Hi all -- for the past TWO (2) years I've been searching the farthest realms of the Earth for a copy (new, used or copied) of PR's 2005 "On The Road" DVD (Gershwin Show) Regiment HQ is & has been out of stock since 2006 and don't expect to get it in again anytime soon. I will glady pay P & H plus a little "something extra" for a copy if one needs to be made. Please send me a PM here w/info or details --or-- email me at: PHNATOM30@aol.com All best --- Trisha

Oh and just another clarification: I WAS NOT implying anything directly towards The Regiment Board. Directors or staff -- the comparison is what is "OFTEN" seen in some entities, drum corps included, and certainly not pointing the finger at anyone in/with or associated with Reggiment, but how some people view their inner workings. Mr. Newell is correct in stating some people don't know anything - but "I" do know what is often 'percieved' be it true/untrue. My stating that I think Regiment's issue is that NO ONE REALLY knows the chain of command, and there fore think that "it's prbably just like Corps B way back in 1963" etc, etc. My comparriosn was merely what I see today in the Fortune 500 world as it somethimes rears it's ugly head in activities such as drum corps as well -- ill ercieved perception. Again -- THAT was my ONLY comparrison. AGAIN, I was not implying or insinuating that my comments in my earlier post were those of Phantom regiment or it's people, but an assertation of how some people think. There is no bigger fan pf the Regiment than me, and I respect wholeheartedly Dan Farrell, Greg Newell, Dan Richardson and so many others who give so selfless ly to those kids (and staff) year after year. Amen ---- "May the Power of the Drum Corps God Compell you............... "

(By the way -- "I" typed that) and it was meant as a COMPLIMENT that Regiment's Brass staff IS capable even when the Arranger is away ! No disrespect intended - just stating that I feel everything IS (REPEAT "IS) under control - no matter what people say/think - and yes, I am entitled to MY opiniion and of copurse, it IS just that!

Ok, Nik, maybe I'll jump on this thread, as I've been privy to a few thoughts of my own over the years (93 to present) and feel ONE MAJOR draw back is this: Over this period of time (after the Dave St. Angel yrs) there have been countless directors, while THE Board essentially has remained the same. The program Co-Ordinators are, for the most part, the same people year after year. This can stagnate a climate of "we've always done this, and done it this way...." Now, think of this: 1) Multiple directors -- differences in leadership, organizational skills as well as "their vision/plan" for their stint at the helm. This is directly attributed to each years staff. 2) Staff Retention -- Now, as a teacher, musician and performer, if I were in the same group say, 3, 4 or 6 years as in some Regiment members have been, constant staff changes affect technique, clear direction and, quite simply, a different mode of instruction/communication with each staff member every year. Therefore, a vet can't be a leader if there is no sense of 'instinct' behind the instruction from year to year. How can their be continuity? There won't be any. They have done tremendously well under Pat Siedling's reign, and I truly believe (IMHO only) he turned the corps around in the RIGHT direction. 3) Sense of Direction -- Looking at you're own "mission statement" (Passion, Power & Performance) and taking it to the next level. The activity is ALWAYS evolving, changing & going in directions not previously seen before (EX: how fast can you run & play, narration, amplification as well as mega props on field etc). And, like anything else, anyone who desn';t move with it, is quite simply, not in contention. This is NOT TO SAY that I feel Regiment should start narration, or over use of amplification, BUT --they need to find out HOW & WHERE to implement these things that ARE scoring well into their routiunes. I do believe that Regiment designs (and always has) a show, puts it on the field, and expects everyone to like it -- judges included, well, as we've seen in the past 5 years, that's not always the case. From 97 on, the activity has moved into a more 'technical' aspect. How fast can you play, how fast you can move, and the design on the field. "Cavaliers" in 2005 -2006 as a point in this case. 4) Listening and Learning -- Regiment, again, IMHO is (and has been) just "doing their thing - cuz that's what they do best". This is all well & fine, but it will not win you a Championship. As a musician, horn teacher and a Fortune 500 manager, constructive criticism is ALWAYS a hard pill to swallow, and if you keep spitting up the "pill", stagnation will occur. THAT I firmly believe is Regiment's downfall. The 'program co-ordinator' & staff should ALWAYS listen to what the judges say, good or bad, and if needed, watch the DVD performance of the show, which I KNOW they do, and LEARN FROM IT! They should give the staff the freedom to say... "What if we were to do this...." etc. I'm not sure Regiment's exhelon allow that across the board or not. In a closing note, I attended DCI East in Allentown on Saturday and spent all my time WITH Regiment's brass staff in warm -up's. It was interesting to watch/see/hear my sponsoree this year Lee Bower's (horn sergeant & section leader for the mello's) do his bit, as well as the great staff of people they have the past two years. I chatted with them, discussed their scores so far this season, as well as what THEY expect from the visual designer(s) in the coming weeks. It seemed very poistive, and for the first time since I started volunteering w/them, that I heard a clear consensus and developing plan for what they are & will be doing. Essentially, in speaking to them one by one, they, in their own words, were all on the same page. I firmly believe that THIS is the key to getting their visual scores higher, and I know Jamey Thompson's best work comes near the end of the season. I feel they have all under control = and that the changes in visual we've been longing for will be implemented in the next two/three weeks. Am I confident? Yes, I am -- Why? Well, J.D. Shaw is in Europe w."Boston Brass" and the horn/brass staff is holding down the fort quite admirably. Re-writes/additions are being done with or without him and THAT, my Phantom Phans is a GOOD THING! Again, in a nutshell, this is the 3rd year that the instructional staff has worked together, top to bottom, with the exception of Rick Valenzuela becoming director. It takes time to 'feel people out', learn how they do things and how they (other staff) fit together. I think this staff retention is and will be the best thing that has happened to Regiment in their most recent 10 years. Their placement & scores are proof of that. GO PHOR IT PHANTOM! Just bring you're game to the table in Pasadena, and I don't think too many people will argue about the outcome in August! SUTA!

Ok, I have listened to the PEARL video or Regiment, I've listened to two APD's (not just of Phantom) and saw videos of recent rehearsals. My question is this. CAN THEY win a championship with this show? I mean, there are re-writes abounding in the Brass section, even MORE additions in the PIT - (which is hard to believe -- they hardly stop playing as it is!) These changes can be heard in several areas in the Omaha NE APD's compared to Elizabeth, PA - and even the rehearsal vids had some different harminics, volume adjustments and, a different lead in to "Firebird". Gone is the long contra hold leading into the solo, and in it's place, canonic chimes and pit combine with some subtle horn pitches to lead INTO the solo where before it was JUST contrabases/tubas. There percussion is smokin', the brass charts are awesome when broken down and listened to individually by section and once combined, give us that deep, rich, passionate PR sound that everyone, and I'm convinced judges too, feel, "That's the way they always sound". What does Regiment have to do to pull even to say "Cadets" & "Devils" or, even "Cavies" who are really overplaying a very rushed show at this point.?? SCV is not far behind, and my secoond fave corps - "Crown" is right there, and in my opinion, almost as good as Phantom at this point. "Bluecoats" are very strong, but I'm not sure how they will strech this show out to grow any more, but then again, not sure where Phantom will go either. I KNOW that thhe ending of 'Firebird' will be changed by finals, as well as probably reworking "Suggestion Diabolique". If anything, my opinion is the slowness in the evolution of the visual design. It's evident that there will be "something more" in a few weeks, but they are barely breaking 82.00 so far and NEED to do something quickly to maintain being in the upper four. If they don't, then surely "Crown" WILL overtake them. If you were on Regiments staff, be it brass, percussion, visual etc --- WHAT would YOU be doing to catch up at this point ?

I've been told by members I've sponsored that this started (the dog tag thing) in/around 2003. Apparently, if I'm correct, each section has their own - as does the entire corps , not sure the guard has them, but, the reaffirm what I said, in the "On The Road w/PR" DVD -- The concuctors in 2003 explain the dogtags and that it make it more a sense of unity, militaristic conformity -- and on finals night -- the Age Out leave ONE of the two tags on the field . Hope this helps. PR staff, alums feel feel to correct or add anything I might have misquoted or forgot......... GO PHOR IT REGIMET !!!!!

Ok, I have listened to the PEARL video or Regiment, I've listened to two APD's (not just of Phantom) and saw videos of recent rehearsals. My question is this. CAN THEY win a championship with this show? I mean, there are re-writes abounding in the Brass section, even MORE additions in the PIT - (which is hard to believe -- they hardly stop playing as it is!) These changes can be heard in several areas in the Omaha NE APD's compared to Elizabeth, PA - and even the rehearsal vids had some different harminics, volume adjustments and, a different lead in to "Firebird". Gone is the long contra hold leading into the solo, and in it's place, canonic chimes and pit combine with some subtle horn pitches to lead INTO the solo where before it was JUST contrabases/tubas. There percussion is smokin', the brass charts are awesome when broken down and listened to individually by section and once combined, give us that deep, rich, passionate PR sound that everyone, and I'm convinced judges too, feel, "That's the way they always sound". What does Regiment have to do to pull even to say "Cadets" & "Devils" or, even "Cavies" who are really overplaying a very rushed show at this point.?? SCV is not far behind, and my secoond fave corps - "Crown" is right there, and in my opinion, almost as good as Phantom at this point. "Bluecoats" are very strong, but I'm not sure how they will strech this show out to grow any more, but then again, not sure where Phantom will go either. I KNOW that thhe ending of 'Firebird' will be changed by finals, as well as probably reworking "Suggestion Diabolique". If anything, my opinion is the slowness in the evolution of the visual design. It's evident that there will be "something more" in a few weeks, but they are barely breaking 82.00 so far and NEED to do something quickly to maintain being in the upper four. If they don't, then surely "Crown" WILL overtake them. If you were on Regiments staff, be it brass, percussion, visual etc --- HWAT would YOU be doing to catch up at this point ?

So sorry all for the typo's and mispellings -- (A) I am using a BLACKBERRY to type, and (B) pretty much overcome with emotion as I 're-read' that account of that night. And, I'm not even THERE at the stadium yet ! Again, appologies for the ill mannered typing and NOT using spell-check !

In case any are interested -- you can read (below) the original column posted on the "old" DCI site for DANFARE. Fanfare: The Emotion of drum corps By Michael Boo | bookmike@dci.org Friday, March 5, 2004 - 9:13 AM I’m warning you in advance. Some of the following stories might bring a few tears to your eyes. They are stories of the love and wonder that permeates drum corps, reminders of why we continue to do and enjoy what we have learned to love. Trisha WiIliams-Longo, of Dickson City, Pa., is a part-time music teacher in the area as well as assistant director of music at her church. She has followed the Phantom Regiment since 1978, has done photography and other volunteer work with the corps since 1993 and has been partially sponsoring a marching member of the corps since 1996. She begins her story with the comment, “Here is one that moved me forever." “In 1994, I took my mother and my then 79-year-old grandmother to DCI East in 1994. My grandmother was quickly digressing into the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Phantom Regiment was playing “Clare de Lune” that year. My grandmother had always loved music, especially classical, so I took her to the show in her wheelchair. “She enjoyed all the rest of the corps, but when Phantom entered the field in their all white uniforms she exclaimed, “Aren’t they beautiful.” This in itself was stirring, as she had not been able or willing to speak in any recognizable sense for almost three weeks prior to that. She asked me to read her what they were playing. I read her the songs, and upon mentioning “Clare de Lune,” her eyes grew wide as she again spoke perfectly, “That was a song at my wedding -- 53 years ago.” “My mother and I were spellbound that this just came to her. As the sweet chords of Phantom Regiment playing this tune turned heavenward, the corps facing backfield, they knelt and played the final chord, which seemed to float all the way to the moon that was high above in the distance of J. Birney Crum Stadium. “As the chord diminished, I looked over to see my grandmother with tears streaming down her cheeks, blowing kisses to the Regiment as they rose for the next piece, saying over and over, “Thank you! Thank you!” Everyone around us saw this occur and they were also moved. Some even came and hugged her afterwards. I was never moved to tears like that. All the doctors, medication and pleading and prodding didn’t evoke any emotion or response from her for almost an entire month until this moment. “Now, nine years later, she is bedridden, almost incoherent and in the final stages of her disease, and every August, (drum corps season and her wedding anniversary), I play that tune for her on my CD player. Every time I do, I see her eyes fill up and her lips move, but there is no sound. But I know what she is saying. “She is saying: “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” “No. Thank you, Phantom Regiment, for touching someone who you’ll never know, my grandmother, Helen Williams, someone who will never forget all of you and the music you made that brought tears to her eyes that night. “I will always be grateful to Phantom Regiment, and drum corps in general, for moving souls, young and old, healthy or ill, to the beauty of music.” ============================================================ Personal note: Ms. Helen E. Williams ascended into Heaven on March 15, 2005 - habving her HER favorite corps for the last time earlier that day. Now that they are back in all white uniforms, I WILL shed a tear as then enter the field and her her exclaim in my own mind: "Aren't they BEAUTIFUL!........."[/b]

Yep... that is MY Grando! Helen Williams, the "Claire DeLune" expert! I am in SECTION "F" -- ROW 11 / SEAT 12 C'ome on over & see me & I'll show you just who this special woman was!

I luv you guys -- and ALL Drum Corps, but I hold a VERY SPECIAL PLACE in my heart for Regiment as they were my late Grandmother's favorite! (See Michael Boo's FANFARE Column -- "The Emotion of Drum Corps") Regiment Pit members.... look for the red roses along the sideline as you play in Allentown. This was THE LAST PLACE my Grandmother Hele Williams ever heard/saw Regiment LIVE while she was alive.... god Rest her Soul..... I'll save a seat for you Gramma .....better yet, you can have mine! But, you'll have a much better vantage point than I will from Heaven -- just please, PLEASE don't let it rain! I LOVE YOU GRAMMA...... I MISS NOT HAVING A 'seat partner' at DCI shows.... this one trip is especially for you !!! (and my sponsor Lee)

Ok -- I JUST downloaded the APD of Elizabeth PA. Have listened to it 5X already... In the "Vspertine" there is some subtle/noticeable changes in the mid horns. Same brass tradeoffs are heard in the "1000 Airplanes" and ther are DEFINATELY some volume intonations/adjustments It's no longer top heavy in the sopranos/trumpets - but I did hear one late release in the trumpets at the cut off. Probablly due to the re-write, etc. They have made some tweaking in the baritone/euph parts to trade off with the mellos & sopranos and there are now escalating (??) riff on all the chord progressions in "Airplaines" especially prevelant in the HUGE chord progression where the pit leads them into a FFFF, say at around time stamp: 2:31 onward culminating at that ending at 3:04 to the decdrescendo. Note the subtle change in pit (mariba) parts in the close of the ensemble leading into the "Lakme" duet. The sopranos have alot more fluent sound, than reading for that high note. The Flugle has a better ending note than previous APD heard. The "Suggestion........" well, what to say about this piece hmmmm..... There seemed more clarity in the Contra's and baritones -- and the exchanges between all four horn parts are REALLY clear & prevelent in this recording. Not sure if the prev APD was a bit distant, muffled or if these are indeed diffinitive changes, which to my trained ear -- are indeed new intonations & changes. Listen to th brass back up the pit after the percusion feature.... right into a cymbal diminuendo into the solo in FireBird - which was a bit muffed, but nicely salvaged! (:)) Kudos to the soloist for that! There are several changes for the better, many in the ensemble, SEVERAL in the brass so that they play along WITH the ensemble - this is especially apparent in, as this thread was started for, in the "Lakme' " -- there are noticeable changes. The "Firebird".... especially with the addition of the marimbas starting the intro into "Bird" with the percussion, and the onset of the solo. The low brass add alot as they seque into the solo in the Stravinsy....... The Chimes ADD LOTS! Good move! All in all, I LOVED the changes I heard. Will see/hear them LIVE where I meet up w/the corps & vulnteering with them in NJ & travel to DCI East in Allentown. My sponsor this year is the Mello Section Leader & horn Sergent, Lee Bowers. Cant wait to meet him in person and give him a check for his PR Dues. I'm so looking forward to Saturday & will add some comment & a pic or two when I get back & sleep on Sunday. As a side note, I KNOW (can FEEL & HEARD it comin in the next two weeks) there are rewrites happening behind the scenes, JD Shaw is magical at this point in the season. just look at 2006! C'mon visual folks, Jamey.... turn on our ear begging for more will ya? I really need a diffinitive 'corpsgasm' like last year! ' Unable to attend finals, and this seems like another 1996 in the making for Regiment --- WISH I COULD BE THERE ! I will be, though via spirit and a ticket to the CineCast at QTRS GO PHOR IT PHANTOM !!!!!! I luv you guys -- and ALL Drum Corps, but I hold a VERY SPECIAL PLACE in my heart for Regiment as they were my late Grandmother's favorite! Regiment Pit members.... look for the red roses along the sideline as you play in Allentown. This was THE LAST PLACE my Grandmother Hele Williams ever heard/saw Regiment LIVE while she was alive.... god Rest her Soul..... I'll save a seat for you Gramma .....better yet, you can have mine! But, you'll have a much better vantage point than I will from Heaven -- just please, PLEASE don't let it rain! I LOVE YOU GRAMMA...... this one trip is especially for you !!! (and my sponsor Lee)

Ok, after reading, re-reading and reading a 3rd time all the reviews so far, I want to add some remarks. Something I VERY RARELY do here ! First, alot of folks are complaining (for lack of a better term) about Phantom Regiments' brass arrangements, particularly, that of Stravinsky's "Firebird". Now we can lament over which version was better (PR's 74 or Cavaliers) and, go as far as comparing iot to the original symphonic version. Now, studying music, and being a musician most of my life, I enjoy hearing the 'Ad-hock", "overhauled" or "re-written" versions, as it shows the ability to transpose, much less, write complex harmonies for instruments far from a symphony orchestra composite layout. I imagine, all would be just as critical if Phantom played "the origal" to the note, measure for measure, it would of course, be true to the original, but lack the transposition of harmonics that we know are prevalent in drum corps. Transposing, rewritting for all brass AND percussion is no easy task, especially since there are no woodwinds (except that in the pit) and it is the arrangers job (brass and percussion) to 'make it workable' on a football field. Now I pose this to all. What is the type of arrangement YOU EXPECTED to hear? What is the tune or chord progression you want to hear? I'm interested to know . Now, as far as Regiments OTHER pieces/arrangements, here is my opinion, based on the APD's ONLY (Omaha, NE) The intro --- "Vespertine Formations" -- veery nice pit and ensemble playing, gorgeous melodic couterpoint to produce that 'echo"effect and it merges nicesly UNTIL.... they do the reprise of '1000 Airplanes'. Seems, at least on this recordiung, there is soft, and loud. Period! I heard no chord dynamics or volume crescendo's/decrescendo's where one would REALLY expect them. Some are present, but it makes the tempo seem odd at points. Ballad from "Lakme'" was a gorgeous duet between two horns, and it does seem to drag on... until the FFF hit with the melodic phrase. If it were me writting it, I would have axed the 2nd reprise of the duet & went right into the "Suggestion Diabolique", this providing more space and time to play more OF the "Firebird". Just my thoughts..... and yours? By the way, since I joined DCP, I now have a Bachelors in Horn Performance from Marywood. Just so y'all now I've played French Horn/Mello for over 23 years Trisha

Ok -- Lets just say this. No matter WHAT the "Cadets" play, sing, speak , narrate.............. They are the Dominating force in the Universe ! No one can match them nor beat them! They are to be considered what every other DIV 1 corps should strive to be. No matter what they do, how they do it.... they are GODS ! And the Judges know this and consistantly reward them for just that --- CONSISTENCY! If they stray from that form, it's not their faults, blame the other corps out there. If other corps can't meet, beat or compete with those from Bergen County, y'all better fold because you will never beat them no matter what you do! HEAR THAT PHANTOM REGIMENT ???????????? ==================================================================== Ok, I woke up from my terrible nightmare! Now C'mon ! It's June folks! And the way I see it there are only two scenarios here in DIV 1 ........... Cadets win ---or --- Cavies repeat. end of story. Now, as a die hard, Phantom Phan, supported, booster, volunteer, sponsor.... I have a sublime recolection of 1996 when Regiment went from 4th to 1st, and this show seems to have just as much potential! I don't believe we've seen all that Rockford has in store for their visual and musical book, so THIS "I" BELIEVE................................... Regiment will surprise us all by their dedication, perseverence and silent quest to put the best show out there they can, and you know what? They will be THE REAL winners .... not thos yielding a big DCI trophy! SARCASM OFF --- off my soapbox