ContraJohn

Didn't mean to sound stand off'ish. But, yes. I did read your entire post.

Please, let's not use amp'd pits and Bb flat instruments to promote pros cons on synths? Those ships have sailed. Let's keep on topic. Thanks.

Your comment goes back to Drum Corps 101 my friend. The question was: Were the dynamics enhanced by the synth?

Maybe I am missing something. If you take away the percussion section, was the dynamic level of SCV's company front solely a result of the horn line’s efforts or was it enhanced/padded with the synth?

If there was one, I would pick SCV or Blue Stars as strong contenders.

Their tuba line.

I was trying to spark somewhat of a debate on another private site and the reaction definitely was not as passionate as mine. It appeared that those who did oppose were fellow low brass players. As someone who appreciates the sound of an unadulterated horn line, the use of synths definitely corrupts the sound that brought and kept me into this activity. Please do not dismiss those who share the same concerns by labeling them as dinosaurs. I consider myself quite progressive when it comes to seeing the activity grow.

Not sure if this term is really pertinent to the activity any more. To say "win" you have to first beat someone, somewhere in the process. Today the activity frowns on the word "beat" so are there really any winners at all. Oh....that's right....they are all winners. Congrats Madison on keeping the streak alive!!!!

Thank you very much in conveying something in a way that I could not. Everything that you expressed is how I feel. If an argument could be conveyed to DCI as to how I feel on the subject and it's impact, this is exactly it.

Please read this quote on what I think he is trying to convey: "And they're going to double brass parts so the visual designer can stage anyone anywhere for maximum effect. Tubas a little bit too far for that important F phrase to be effective? Just double it in the synth." Why can't today's arrangers work with what they got? Now all of a sudden designers can not correctly stage the tubas? Let's just place them anywhere since we can now reproduce them at any time. This is not enovation. It is not being creative. It just seems to be laziness on the designer's part. And today's DCI is good with that.

This is very sad. An entire section being overpowered and even reproduced by a simple piecs of electronics and we have to accept that? So a full triple forte finale is not actually produced in full by the entire hornline, but is now enhanced or even produced by a simple turn of a dial?

Ya, my patience is certainly being tested. The amp's and recently added synthesizer's are over powering the horn line more and more every year. I think it shows a fair amount of disrespect to an entire section whose importance is becoming more and more diminished with every season to a point where their worth is now being judged on their visual importance rather than their musical. This is what DCI wants and this is what the kids want. And so shall it will be.

You are right on both accounts. Thanks for the clarification. What was I thinking. And I even marched with them that year. Yikes!!!!

What were the judges thinking!!!! Port Washington Jammers back home from a strong finish at DCI only to be beaten again by the West Allis Wranglers for the 1976 Wisconsin State VFW Class 'B' Championships held in La Crosse. I am still have troubles sleeping at night. Can anyone else comment on this travesty!!!!!

Why even have 14 tubas when you have synth that overshadows them?

What did the Kilties actually wear (or not) under their Kilts?

Also would like to add: I see no problem with any member trying to escape a bad situation due to unfulfilled expectations or a corps not living up to providing a quality experience that was promised to them and others as a tool for recruitment. It is not fun touring with a corps that promised new buses and shiny new equipment that will replace the ones held together with duct tape and bubble gum.

And I can tell you from first hand experience where a Div III corps did the same without hesitation or remorse. As a matter fact, I have seen this done with greater frequency within Div III's than any other division. Most likely due to desparate measures in fielding a corps for yet another season. From what I have seen, Div III corps are their worst enemies when it comes to this practice. I am guessing that Blue Stars are very sensitive to this and would not resort to these kinds of tacticts when recruiting given their rich history that includes a very successfull period within Div III. Sorry for being off topic...just wanted to add my comments regarding this subject.

Considering Blue Stars flirted with top 5 for most of the' 79 season, my vote is with them. Listen to Strike Up the Band. The horn line was ahead of its time in balance and cleanliness.

2008 Blue Stars.

I am thinking that your assessment may be based on either speculation or denial. You can still follow your dream. Find another corps. Why would you pick this as a dream corps knowing from your instructor that they have a history of using this kind of criteria? Sounds like you set yourself up for failure. You have the power to follow your dream. Just work on making smarter decisions in achieving them.

Here is some insight on the Blue Stars mid Season Dark Shoe change in 79 as I remember it. It was partly a result of a certain corps from Atlanta that came out of nowhere. Although we still had sweet feet, we had to make concessions to accommodate evolving marching styles which left traditional techniques vulnerable with the 'tick' system at that time. Although our finals placement in 79 does not show it, we did experience a surge in our scores and placement shortly after the change. Members were left to purchase these shoes on their own. I remember many members, including myself, who did not have the cash to purchase them while on tour. The only alternative we had available to us at that time was to spray paint our practice tennis shoes black. Ah....good times. :) If you REALY want to see some sweet feet, checkout Blue Stars during their DIV II/III championship title years while wearing white bucks. There was some VERY SWEET feet during those years!!!!

I always thought that past commentaries were comically lame and I really don't need to hear what the judges think. Just give me good quality images for my big screen TV and excellent sound for my surround sound system and I am a happy man. My main enjoyment is seeing and hearing the members perform. This DVD does that. I would love to see a HD/Blu-Ray version in the future although this DVD does the best it can without being in HD. It is a pretty hefty price tag without being in Blue Ray format though and may think twice before purchasing next season's DVD. If I had to make the decision between gimmicks and HD/Blu-ray, I would prefer HD/Blu-ray.

Nice...."Children of Sanchez" all over again.

Sounds like a great way to support a great organization while having a great time. Thanks, Birddog