RB Ripley

(October 4, 2006) The Troopers announced the appointment of Mr. Scott Koter as the Troopers Program Consultant for the 2007 season. Check it out at www.troopersdrumcorps.com !

Troopers Announce two recruiting Events (October 1, 2006) The Troopers will be looking for new members at the following marching band events: Colorado Bandmasters State Championships -Division 4A/5A Championships, October 21, Fort Collins, CO 8:30AM - 10:30PM -Division 1A/2A/3A Championships, October 23, Pueblo, CO 8:30AM - 8:00PM Interested students can stop by the Troopers membership booth to pick up membership information, ask questions and learn more about America's corps. Auditions for the Troopers will begin on Friday November 24th through Sunday November 26th at Laramie Junior HS (1355 N. 22nd St. Laramie WY 82070). Registration begins at 6:00PM in the evening on the 24th. Auditions for the 2007 Troopers are open to all high school and college aged musicians and performers aged 16-21. No prior drum corps experience necessary. If you can't be at either of these events and would like more information about the Troopers, please visit our website - http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org

Haven't enjoyed the latest jackets much either but dig the pinstripes. When I first saw them live my first thought was, "Well THAT's Blue Devils". My second thought was that it looked like they'd had them forever - in a really good way! :)

Your are wise beyond your years, young Jedi.

Ditto.

Agreed. And the simple act of doing something completely NEW rather than updating a 'classic' for a FIFTIETH anniversary show would speak volumes about a corps' overall approach. To answer the original question, I believe that the Glassmen provided the activity with a healthy dose of the The New World Symphony that will last a little while!

Support the Troopers and you won't have to worry about this problem! :)

In no particular order: Crossment Santa Clara Troopers Phantom Cadets

I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll be reminding one another! :)

Believe it's still soon. Keep checking this week. Ain't Tivo great!? :)

With access to that kind of detail, people would end up arguing about the stich on one uniform vs. another! :P

1986 Cavies "Canzona" 1985 Troopers "Symphonic Dance #3" 1987 Troopers "He's Gone Away"

I gotta come clean. I have TWO.

Sharing your pain, my friend. I voted for 'em, too!

That show deserves a "Yowza!" :P

Nine words and I'm already scratching my head... That's my M.F.A. at work! :)

Overall, I believe that music's the heart of the spectacle that is drum corps. So it is the music, that "dictates" the visual package. From show "concept" to staging, costuming and movement, the music provides the visual "parameters." Rather than look at a show's visual package strictly through the the lens of difficulty, which seems to be all too prevalent today, I prefer to assess the appropriateness of a show's visual elements in relation the music. I believe that difficulty falls into one of two general categories: 1. Demand on the performers (end of 1991 Star, pick a year for Cadets!) or 2. Demand on the part of the audience (BD 2005, Cadets 1988, Star 1993). Good designers are acutely aware of which of these two categories (or the mixture) their current show, chart, sequence or picture falls under and know how to exploit it. As far as snapshot vs. speed - these are just two tools designers can use to either support or contradict what the music suggests. Smart designers have the theatrical sense to know when to most effectively use any visual element to either support or contradict audience expectations and how to create contrast within a show. There's nothing more exciting than surprising an audience (in a good way!) by giving them the exact opposite of what they expected (end of SCV '88). On the other hand, building up the anticipation on the road to an anticipated event is a great design challenge that can offer wonderful reward for both performer and audience (Madison '88). For my taste, too many corps attempt to use visual elements with the sole intention of speed/difficulty and the final visual package doesn't seem seem to have an inherent connection to the music. This also results in sacrificing of musical excellence - some don't mind it, but I'd much rather see a little less speed that translates exponentially into cleaner/louder music. For my tastebuds, this year's Carolina Crown is an outstanding example of music guiding the visual interpretation. While a number of people here on the boards have called for them to try something harder, I believe that their visual package is so very appropriate for the music. And it is this appropriateness allowed the designers to achieve moments that are both surprising and inevitable. I believe that's the highest praise for a show in any activity that is performed before an audience. As always, the above is stated IMHO. Finally, what a terrific question! Nikk, you're always looking for new perspectives - something I appreciate a great deal. Keep these great discussions coming!

I guess my question is that if there's lighting, will corps be performing?

Or at least name a drink after the guy! Wouldn't you order a grande, non-fat, mocha Hopaccino with whip? I would!

Inclined to agree with you on this one, Nikk. Their drill was clean from show number one that season. It was more than a little amazing. But I think in the end, it didn't leave a lot of room for growth in difficulty or effect. But man, how great is that music? It's one of my favorites to listen to and when I do, I sure miss hearing that kind of music coming from the Devs.

Have you ever thought of running for elected office? :P Well observed and accessibly communicated.

double post!

You just inspired the ever-lovin' heck outta me with this post.

I love reading group recipes. The sheer volume of them... And anything that requires 40 POUNDS OF COOL WHIP must be investigated!

And just about every marching band I did visual design for during those years asked for one of those "cool backwards pushes, you know, like Phantom!". How could I not oblige? :)