masterfitter

To get the full effect of the Spirit's new uniform, you need to see it on the field with the new white and silver shako and tall white plume. The Delta on the jacket was drawn/designed by an alumni of the corps. It is gorgeous up close!

School commitments and those that had to leave early. As the person responsible for putting these kids into uniform, I could give you the exact breakdown by section...but lets just say, no need for any speculation...

Regal - Appleton, WI

All I can say is, I have insight into things that you don't, including who should and should not be kicked to the curb. Meanwhile, here's hoping the 09 Colts cause you to eat your words...as I do believe you will be doing just that...

Personally I think they should kick Michael Cesario to the curb. I think he's irrelevent in today's drum corps and seems stuck in late 80's show design. Well, I have to take exception to the stuck in the 80's comment. For one thing, the past two world class champions dusted off and re-worked shows they did in the 80's. Both BD and PR. Major similarities to the original shows for both corps.

93 PR!!!!

As an Obama supporter of major magnitude myself, and a head seamstress for the Colts (uniforms), I'm certainly ready and willing to get the corps into uniform and proudly representing Iowa and the Drum Corps Community in DC at this all important event! The Colts had a fantastic free day in DC last summer and I cannot imagine any greater honor than to perform for the country and Barack!

From the responsible party, thanks for noticing! I spent the last 4.5 weeks on the road with the corps, plus other previous weeks. LONG summer, and those of us that take pride in having uniforms fit to each individual member really do wonder if anyone out there really notices. It's all all about having a uniform that does not hinder, but enhances, performance. Colts 08 touring seamstress crew of Mary Keller and Julie Chase.

Colts drill writer is Jeremy Hunt. Visual coordinator is Bob Smith.

I've never seen a thread up for the Colts so I'm starting one. Yes, I work with the corps as a head seamstress so I know first hand what's going on there. I'd like to hear the productive opinions/perspectives of others. Proudly, Iowa does host an honest to God, serious, world class drum and bugle corps. Many accomplished individuals on staff - you can check that out on the Colts website. (Besides Michael Cesario (who is anything but part-time), there is Jude Boughton, Jeff Queen, Chris Thomsa, Carla Burgess-Thomsa, Bob Smith, Jeremy Hunt, Peter LePage, Andrew Schneiders, Max Mullinex...) The corps had a really rough 'spring training' session (or Cornfield tour as it is called). We dodged tornadoes, fields that could not be marched on for days, floods, closed roads, RAIN and more RAIN. Not to mention that Cornfield tour means the corps actually moves around from facility to facility a lot and does lots of dog and pony shows (which, along with BAD weather eats up rehearsal time and makes seamstresses who are working on various projects nuts because of the obvious set up and tear down aspects of moving from site to site). Thank GOD we did not have bad weather or heat during the 'change camp' that was held in Varna, Illinois (dare you to find it on a map) from June 29th through July 2nd. Great super small town USA that allowed the corps to rehearse under the lights as long as the corps wanted to which meant late nights and getting up late in the morning to start again. I believe the 2008 Colts show is much more challenging for the members, much more fun to perform for the members, and a big step forward as far as quality of program. Me, I just wanna get up and dance during the 'dance in the gym' segment of the Bernstein piece! So, please, share your perspectives and comments (and try to stay productive and positive even if/when expressing constructive criticism). Go Red Team! (and every other team for that matter) Mary Keller

My personal pet peeve about early season drum corps is those corps that, for whatever reason, don't have their show flags ready. I mean, honestly, do they also show up with practice horns and practice percussion? I know it takes time and $$ (and lots of decisions by design staff) to get flags into production, either by volunteers or a paid company, but still...are we really supposed to go nuts when 'show flags' show up and actually give these groups more points for FINALLY not performing with their practice flags? Seems it should be the opposite, lower scores for not being 'ready'. Just my 2 cents.

Yep - you are most assuredly entitled to your opinion. :) Have to say, there is much more going on with the baton than high tosses - of which there are more than 2. Anyhow, the performer is a great kid and this is his first drum corps experience. Watch for the dance duet that includes the baton and dancing between this gentleman and a lady in the guard. More to come as this develops.

A comment about the Colts colorguard member that does the baton work. He is the US National Champion (more than once), PLUS marches winter guard. This guy also works rifles and flags during the show - he isn't 'just' a baton twirler so to speak. The baton work is being done as a part of a dance duet with a female in the guard, during the ballad "Unexpected Song". Check it out, this is not what anyone would consider typical as far as a baton goes. Personally, with all the things color guards do nowadays, as long as whatever is done with taste, done professionally, and the kids enjoy performing - bring it on.

You know, I realize there is a lot of misinformation about where the $$ was 'going' at Madison - suffice it to say it seems the 'Scott Stewart' alumni believe Sal was spending like a drunken sailor. Facts I know say the $$ was going to pay off debts before Sal even came on board. This can be argued until he** freezes over, I am sure, but what good will it do? I hear the phrase that the alumni are drinking the koolaid - all I know is Sal and company would never have turned away alumni help or contributions. Now, whether alumni would be satisfied with the kind of help was welcome is unknown to me. I know the corps held the same kinds of fundraisers as during Scott's tenure that required the guys to attempt to secure donations from alumni. I also know there were a lot of angry alumni out there. In Boston, in 05 (where the corps placed 6th after being 5th or higher all year long except for Finals night), I was accosted by an alumni that was being quite rude about his comments and felt the corps did not need such things as a food truck and wanted to know why 'we were ruining his corps'. Hmmm...2002 placed 14, 2005 6th or better all year??? Sal voted Director of the Year. Apparently there are many alumni that viewed things differently than the drum corps community as a whole. All winter long when the alumni corps would have rehearsals nearby during the same weekends as the Scouts, I kept thinking we would see a large group of alumni during the late ensemble rehearsals on Sunday, cheering the guys on. Nope, never happened. Now, please back to Lisle reviews. I personally think PR has a fantastic show this year. Someone please continue to talk it up!

Well say Hi back to Linnie! Yes, I am currently working with the Colts, via Michael Cesario's request, and am enjoying getting to know a whole new organization. First trip to IA was in late April. I do some work for Cesario Designs (example, last years Cavalier guard uniform) in conjunction with FJM. No longer the head seamstress anywhere (which is OK for now after surviving the after finals 06 changes at Madison). The #2 seamstress with me at Madison is also working with Colts. We come in and out for weekends right now, but are going to be on the road with them later.