PRPhan4ever

No, this isn't the "Will Pitts Interview" on the Fan Network. I believe, this was actually posted on Will Pitts FACEBOOK page that was done by an external company (poss RAW TV / Christensen Media) or, maybe even someone else. I emailed Will but he hasn't responded. I've actually gone to his site and looked at every posted item, link etc and can't seem to find this. It was a really great video with the music of "Elsa's" in the background while it showed Will conducting "Elsa's" and then he gets off the podium and mingles with the Regiment as he is heard saying: "I broke my baton on the encore!" Still can't seem to find it..... still looking !

Hey all, I recall, in late August/September, there was a video (online report - with audio) SOMEWHERE (DCI.org, Christensen media, SOMEWHERE....) that showed excerpts of Phantom Regiment's Finals performance where it shows a close up of Will Pitts conducting "Elsa's Procession" with the music in the background and he mentions to the corps afterwards in a big mass at mid field.... "I broke my bataon on the encore" DOES ANYONE/ANYWHERE remember seeing this or watching it? I know I am not crazy, it was viewable somewhere, and it was NOT the imfamous vid sites you might be thinking of! Any help in directing me to it would be MUCH appreciated!

I am so glad I have a FULL version on REAL player FLV. I just can't bear missing ONE SINGLE SECOND of that show.............. My edited DVD's only come out to watch Crown & SCV and the retreat. Gawd DCI & Corps management.... don't ever let something like this happen again!

Oh and BTW -- that retreat/finale must have been "Ad-lib" in it's filming as Regiment DID NOT, to the best of MY knowledge, "plan" to drag the dead Emporer (Will Pitts, DM) onto the field in the manner they did for Finale' -- at least it seems like it was seen occurring as the two (2) other DM's hauled his body onto the field & the producer or cameraman said: "Wow -- check this out -- camera # whatever switch to field" etc! As you watch the video, you see the DCI staff photographer literally RUN over and start shooting away... whereas the camera immediately zooms in for a close-up on his 'dead' body being covered w/his own cape........... BEAUTIFUL, MASTERFUL touch and I am SOOOOOOO Glad they (DCI camera) got that moment, especially the kids in the block literally breaking down in tears............... KUDOS for that DCI! Even though the show itself was devoid of 1:14 of footage............

I think I found/retrieved the same video -------- THANK GOD! At least I have it in it's full form rather then the "chopped" vers ! Albeit in REALPLAYER format, at least I can watch it on my PC 10,000 like I would a DVD I had already purchased w/said 'edit'! Also, the FINALE?Retreat is the most emotional thing I have ever witnessed -- it even surpasses Krsity Spears emotinal 'age-out' moment in 1997, how those Regiment members just "lost it" as they realized they were victorious was a very, very, VERY moving thing for me, a sponsor of an age out in the Corps. WOW!

Well, out of ALL the Corps only TWO (2) really present themselves............ ONE, "PHANTOM REGIMENT" - as they just won a 'Championship' with a familiar theme/music so they must now prove they can win WITHOUT the theatrics and/or familiars ! Straight in-you're face classics Regiment style ala 2009 ! Thus proving what others have posted in same thread here -- that we won'y as Phan's, supporters etc wait another 10 years for them to prove they can! TWO, "Carolina Crown" - They have to prove that 2008 was no fluke and that they, unlike others of years path, are in the TOP % and ready to stay there and move up! These two corps I see as a brewing rivalty - even if they are from different states/regions as their performace genre is similiar, and now Crown has a few for Phantum staffers'/aluims to their credit! I see these two head to head moreso than any other 2 corps in 2009

One title, one song -- all who know me knows what it is and why............... Phantom Regiment = 1994 "Songs for a Summer Night" - Suite Bergamasque (Claire De Lune)

Ok -- For those that haven't seen the "edited" copy of PR's Finals performance.... at what time mark/stamp does the cut take place? EXAMPLE: from 1:00 - 2:14 has now been removed. I'd like to tell a music educator in CA who hasn't ordered them yet exactly what/where the missing pieces/.scene occurs

NO... we have not, BUT, it can only be three segments of three living composers.... Their show was as follows (directly from Regiment Home Page): Spartacus - Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss, Various selections from Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian, Toccata from Piano Concert No. 1 by Alberto Ginastera, Dance of Ecstasy from Danses Fantastiques by Loris Tjeknavorian, Battlefield from KA (Cirque Du Soleil) by Rene Dupere Strauss is dead Khachaturian is Dead Gianestera is dead Tjeknavorian & Dupere are the onlt two still living and with pending copyrights that could ppossibly reneg copyright or performance rights. "KA" from Cirque Du Soleil has been performed alot in various mediums, so in a porocess of elimination.... who is left?

I HAVE TO JUMP on this ---- and I thought there was (at seasons end) FOUR (4) deaths/murders, the last of which being the DM slain by junior DM at the closer!? I saw this change the first few days in Allentown as it evolved and man, I said to Tony Hall, in Flemington as we all left the press box: "WOW, that is AWESOME! A revolt, a death, a new leader...it's the icing on the cake!" It added the climax that was needed in the entire show and culminated the story to a rousing finale'........... I was speechless after watching the run through in flemington where the capes were added & the final death scene portrayed and the revolt and the freedom of the slaves were guaranteed just by how well ALL of the murders, deaths, revolts, played out one by one. By far, IMHO, the 4th and final one was THE BEST !

Yea i know.... amatuer yes, but a direct witness and participant in similiar instances, I assure you!

See my earlier post -- it is, was and always will be the "Discretion of the releasing artist/composer". Once the music (rearranged in Regiments format) was changed, adn monies WILL BE generated from the "use of" .... they can and always will change their minds... whoever they are if they are not recieving additional compensation (IE: royalties), Hence, we see Regiment in the predicament others have faced -- especially when it (the DCI win and the music/show they won it with) was so dear to them......... especially this year! Why couldn't this occurred in 2004? Probably because DCI has recieved a monumental increase in DVD sales BECAUSE odf said show and music..... and the originator is not given just due and hence, have 'changed their minds'. this is speculation of course, but with two years of business law... I have hear and seen it allll in similiar contexts........ END

Sometimes -- and I have personally dealt w/this, where a composer (Alive/modern) does not like the fact that an "arrangement" of a piece they composed, no matter what portion or what length, gets regarded as not meeting their expectations! Why? because the post composistion or re-arrangement?recapitulation is getting more press, sales and exposure than the original they created, therefore, the distaste may lie in Regiment being TOO SUCCESSFUL with performing the said piece (or snippit of it) and, making money off of it in or on a larger scale than originally. Sometimes, when music is put to a DVD/CD, stipulations are added, (mainly by ASCAP & legalities by such composers) many like already mentioned here --- where they (the perfoming group of the rearrangment) can only use the mentioned piece during a regular competitive season - and anything AFTER THAT... in any medium, will not be allowed. So, selling a DVD AFTER August's LIVE performance may have been the last day/time the piece could be used (or sold) in it's state agreed to.......... It's a shame, but we all know someone who knows someone who has this that or the other --- and in reality -- the piece mentioned, and it's 1.14 secs. is really only74 seconds... seems like an eternity when a DCI show is approx. 10-11 mins. long but lets just listen tp the downlioads from FAN NETWORK & revel in the win, not the technicalities, move you! Remember the imagery and the moment the music -- the remaining parts bring to memory and, at least for me.... it's still the same every time! EUROPHORIC !!!! Dissappointment to they eyes when watching it in it's current release --- but spectacular none the less!

I think JD Shaw & the Regiment staff know what they are doing. Let's remember that the KING's they marched were specifically designed for Phantom by recomendations in design by JD Shaw & others. They were custom made just for them. They first marched a prototype line in what, 2003? Then got the new line in after that - and now, are switching. Who is to say that in agreeing to partner w/Jupiter, Phantom would not have complete say in how the horns were designed so that they met the needs of Regiments standards? I would think that is the ultimate....not just a hornline that everyone else has, but one that was/has been taylored to you're sound and instrumentation. Best of luck with the new horns............. Music making is done by the arrangers and caption heads and produced by the musicians.... if one is well schooled and able to play well, they can make ANY horn sound good! best of luck in 2009.......

Well, I may be way off here, but isn't the drill SUPPOSED to compliment the music etc? Or, should a drill be far more than what the music and/or drill put forward? I mean -- shouldn't they compliment eachother to produce that WOW effect amn one not be better than the other? I feel it's the latter - and Phantom had a divine combination of both imho for wehat they were trying to put across on the field... I guess it was enuff....... AND I FOR ONE AM ELATED with the outcome! Nik, you done good kid! It was great meeting you in Flemington for DCI East!

!!!!! AMEN !!!!!

================================================================== 3) For me, sponsoring a member is a special and personal thing. Especially if the supporter never marched DCI. (DCA for me - yes) However, when we choose to do so there is a special bond that is started -- and for me, with Courtney aging out, performing music of me ALL TIME fave show and then entering my beloved Marine Corps was a special serendipidous moment. I have volunteered w/Regiment since 1993, and sponsored members in part since 1996. It was the highlight of my summer to spend three days in Flemmington NJ, seeing this show and the additions unfold, especially hanging with Courtney and just getting to know the woman behind the name, and her love of this corps. I jumped at the opportunity to share in this most special season by purchasing one of these rings. I did so fo the reasons above and nothing more. This is pretty simple, at least "I" thought so

I HAVE TO ADD THIS ---- One, I helped sponsor an age-out of this years corps, who by the way in now in training in SC to become a Unioted States Marine musician as I was. One, I will freely admit to the following --- 1) I am glad there is something OTHER than a shirt --- C'Mon folks, I am sure this is a once in a lifetime offering, and yes, it does resemble the member ring, but anyone with a conscience would not wear it or lie about having it 2) The ring I purchased is going to be put on display in the NE Deatchment Marine Corps League's Marine Museum, as we former Marines have raised fund to buy the CORPS ring for the member I helped sponsor, Courtnet Lawrence. Our group of Marines followed her marching career w/great interest. Deciding to leave Navy ROTC & enter The Marines, was a hard decision. But she made that choice, and in her 1st audition in Washington, DC, made the "Commandants Own - The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps". We sort of "adopted her" as a prospective Marine. We have a small display case with photo's, DCI articles, season pathches from the years she marched and of course, this ring (in question here) will be added to that. 3) For me, sponsoring a member is a special and personal thing. Especially if the supporter never marched DCI. (DCA for me - yes) However, when we choose to do so there is a special bond that is started -- and for me, with Courtney aging out, performing music of me ALL TIME fave show and then entering my beloved Marine Corps was a special serendipidous moment. I have volunteered w/Regiment since 1993, and sponsored members in part since 1996. It was the highlight of my summer to spend three days in Flemmington NJ, seeing this show and the additions unfold, especially hanging with Courtney and just getting to know the woman behind the name, and her love of this corps. I jumped at the opportunity to share in this most special season by purchasing one of these rings. I did so fo the reasons above and nothing more. I am SURE that the member rings are indeed different as Regiment knows the in's/outs of people saying they marched etc, etc. I am sure, this is and will be a one-time only offering, and, for many who will buy them, hopefuly for the RIGHT reasons, keep them as exactly what they are............ a commemorative keepsake! Lastly, I would never wear this ring - as I didn't earn it, but I helped a member win it by seeing that they were able to pay marching fees and age-out a Champion, she will also wear hers with pride as well as we wish to let her know we helped support her in drum corps as well as the Marine Corps. It was an honor and a priviledge to be a part, in whatever small way, of Phantom Regiments' 2008 season ! SEMPER FI! Courtney and we can't wait to have you as our guest here in NE PA when you're Marine duties allow. Trisha Longo

Oh, and I might add that some of rthe selections have been recapitulated to key appropriate for brass, in key of B. IMHO, JD Shaw did an AWESOME job with ALL the chosedn pieces, especially KA & the Piano concerto , and the ending ...... where the balld reprise is evident in the triad chords up to the FFFFF was amaaaaaazing!!!!

Exactly -- to be specific, in order : Music from the 2008 show includes: Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss Various selections from “Spartacus” by Aram Khachaturian Toccata from “Piano Concert No. 1” by Alberto Ginastera Dance of Ecstasy from “Danses Fantastiques” by Loris Tjeknavorian Battlefield from “KA” (Cirque Du Soleil) by Rene Dupere

Oh and BTW --- The added murder didn't hurt either -- especialy HOW it was done and the music that coincided w/it. THE END

Agreed... perc 1st, BD - 5th, and with a slim a margin as .25, well, Ithink it was the TOTAL pacake as I watch it time & time again. It flowed, it was consistant and each piece (and scene) lent itself to the next almost seemlessly

I don't think muchof the "movi" music is idetifiable in itself, whereas the ballet Love Theme from Khatachurian is indeed recognizable, especially since it was played in 1981-1982, was most definately recognizable, as well well being expected fo their storyline and it's previous history Not sure the 1960 score or parts of it would have yielded such powerful music arrangements as we heard

Luck? No........ Judges have never given Regiment very much, and when they have, it was mid-season. I started this thread, and have followed the responses closely and have always know that their BRASS has been impeccable --- the writting --- SENSATIONAL, and the pecussion, since 2005 has been awe-inspiring to regiment alum, phans and staff. When I watch various videos of PR's show from early season to QTR's via FN....one think is apparent, and yes -- it's the music! As many times as I've listened to this via APD and other video sources---- the music, remained the same from the start, unlike other seasons. As Regiment predicted and planned for, once a piece was selected/performed (in camps) it was changed/tweaked etc so what was put on the field in June was the accentuated, cleaned, refined version in all it's complete splendor and man, what a sound! Regiment won on finals because each & every member performed to the max, they (the guard/horns/battery) KNEW the Audience was with them and part of this production 100% , plus, they played a set of great pieces, played impeccably, and masterfully written & aranged by JD Shaw. This was evident -- the design just kept building up until a week before finals and the additional revolt of the Tribune (DM) and the killing of Caesar (Emporer / DM - Will Pitts) just added that little "Something extra" that grabbed you, held you captive until that final note! We were part of it - whether sitting in the stands, a marching member of regiment, a staff member or just a Phan & supporter watching it on a video in or homes via PC. WE WANTED to be a part of "Spartacus". It was familiar, it was powerful, it was tragic, it was poingant and it was epic!

Ok folks, still, yea I know, revelling in Phantom's DCI win and as a designer, brass instructor and musician, I was thinking "What moment was it, visually, musicaly etc that sealed Regiment's win?" For me, being with the corps the weekend the awesopme ending was added in Allentown, THAT for me, from when "Spartacus" is killed mid-field, & the DM sees this and decides to revolt and does the "Homage' et Spartacus" and then the ending where, much to their credit, the DM (aka: Tribune in Roman epitah) decides he's had enough -- runs almost 30 yards, picks up a spear, changes towards the evil Emporer and slays him for his acts, and then, valiantly leads his charges (horns, guard & drums) through to the end as he victoriously stands atop his fallen dicatator! THAT my friends was PURE, PURE EPIC! And, it started the moment Regiment changed their on-field entrance. The addition of the herallds in the opener, dead center on the 50, with a Junior Officer watching over the chained captor, then saluting Will upon the podium in the traditional Roman salute! And then the "production" starts and doesn't stop until 'Spartacus's body is covered by a death shroud in the center of the two sides of the corps proper. If there EVER was a definitive moment when the whole essence of a drum corp show -- that ending, and the effect it had was mesmorizing! I will NEVER forget the FIRST time I saw that ending in rehearsal in Flemington NJ - and later that night in it's finished form in Allentown !!! It was spellbinding and something which raised the hairs on one's neck, escalated you're heartbeat, made you're blood run faster and despite the heat of a summer night --- gave one, i9ncluding me, goosebumps and chills! From the entrance onto the field, the heralds signaling the entrance and the "Emporer" being pushed onto the field by the captive slaves, to the Capes, red & purple that accentuated their uniforms, right down to the bronze/silver/gold sashes worn by horn/perc members set the tone for one of, if not THE most memorable Drum corps ending in DCI's history. What moment do YOU think set the tone for PR's victory, and was it pure unadulterated love for this show and it's music and history that we as audience members and fans literally as a podcast noted "willed" Phantom regiment to win? The score is what predicts a Champion, and what was it and when in the season, did it become evident that THIS WAS "THE" SHOW!? Thoughts?