GSNewell

FYI...since I don't think anyone has posted a definition... (From Wikipedia) Minimalist music is a genre of experimental music named in the 1960s which displays some or all of the following features: * Emphasis on consonant harmony, if not functional tonality; * Reiteration of musical phrases or smaller units such as figures, motifs, and cells, with subtle, gradual, and/or infrequent variation (no musical development) over long periods of time, possibly limited to simple repetition; * Stasis, often in the form of drones, pulses, and/or long tones. The term minimalist music is derived from the concept of minimalism, which was earlier applied to the visual arts. Previously the terms process music or systems music were used, particularly for music constructed using fairly strict rules.

Isn't it "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac that the USC band cranks out ad nauseum? G

Just a reminder for those that were hoping to get the Concert in the Park CD or who are confused over its availability: The CD is no longer available, however... The 2006 On The Road DVD includes the full concert from Sinnissippi Park...the same one that's on the CD. www.regiment.org I just listened to it last week on the DVD. Sounds great! Enjoy!!!

I'm a big Michigan State fan and think the Spartan Marching Band is absolutely fantastic (it should be noted that the SMB director is PR alum John Madden), but I gotta admit my second favorite Big Ten band is Ohio State. I've seen Northwestern, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Purdue in the past few years. Watching in person the OSU band do the script Ohio two years ago was very, very cool and I got some outstanding pictures of their halftime show from up high in the stadium. The only disappointment was that I got no response from the director when I e-mailed him the pictures. Is everyone aware that George Steinbrenner is a HUGE donor to the Ohio State marching band AND the Florida marching band? To the tune of seven figures each. He may own the hated Yankess, but he's a serious supporter of college marching band. I have to wonder if he's ever seen drum corps. G

Fox said it because, I believe, the name of the group is United States Military Academy Glee Club. G

The U.S. Military Academy Glee Club... Wow! It performed last week at one of the bowl games, too (Fiesta?). They look great, sound great and perform the song the way it was meant to sound. I wish every big sporting event would have 'em sing. G

The doctors/physicians distinction is a different animal than bachelor's or bachelor degree, and I agree that Dr. gets used a little too loosely. Yes, if you have a doctorate, you are a doctor, but most people hear doctor and think medical doctor. It's simply an ego thing when we hear about superintendent Dr. Joe Blow or dean Dr. Jim Blue. Yep, you've got a doctorate. How nice. I don't hear people with master's degrees calling themselves Master Don Looney. I never really paid attention until maybe 20 years ago, but it's been bachelor's and master's degrees for at least that long. Maybe there is some confusion in how it's used: It's bachelor of music degree not bachelor's of music degree, but it's bachelor's degree not bachelor degree.

This is incorrect. Any dictionary or Associated Press Stylebook will tell you it's bachelor's degree and master's degree. G

Not really. http://www.nea.org/edstats/RankFull06b.htm Texas ranks No. 33 in the nation in average teacher salary.

And everyone likes to say "my school is the best," etc. The Univ of Houston proponents from Texas have no idea what kind of educators Central Michigan Univ. is turning out, the people from Florida know nothing about the teachers coming out of Northern Colorado and, well, you get the point. The reality is that you'll get out of college what you put into it. Almost every school will provide you with a good education. There are a ton of great colleges out there. There's is also a big difference between the performance-minded schools and the teacher-focused schools. To the person who started this thread... Do one thing before you decide: Visit the college and hang out at the music building for a morning. What was that atmosphere like? Did you feel comfortable? You'll be spending a LOT of time in that building. If you were dying to get out of there and go to lunch, it's probably not the place for you. Be sure to sit in on a symphonic band rehearsal. The band director likely will become a mentor for you -- or at least a professional reference -- so make sure you like what you see/hear.

http://www.regiment.org/chevron.cfm

One of the great moments in DCI in my opinion. Simply an awesome piece of music put on the field exceedingly well. Man, I love the low brass parts! This is the show that really made me want to march drum corps.

Thanks, everyone, for the birthday wishes. BTW, I smoked a Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 cigar (accompanied by a Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port) for the occasion. Good stuff. :)

Thanks, Eric. I've never been, actually! The staff expert tells me it's worth the price of admission. Tonight, though, it's just beers at a great beer bar in Ybor City.

Thanks, M! But in the chill of Sun Prairie will you be able to smoke yours outside like I will?! Though, actually, it supposed to rain today, but our forecasted low is 68!!! :) I've got a nice Partages that I might smoke. G

Yes, and I apologize to Quasar for the mistake. I misread my info. We've corrected it on our Web site. (Holley won the national championship the year before WGI was formed.) G

Several already have. G

I bought mine right after you, Chris. :) I'm excited that there is a PowerRegional in Tampa (PR is among the competitors), about 15 miles from my house!! G

We'll get it fixed on the Web site asap.

I apologize. I read the information wrong. Quasar is correct. G From WGI ... www.angelfire.com/falcon/guard/aboutwgi.html

Hands-on clinic Show critiques More http://www.regiment.org/story.cfm?ID=644

Winter Guard Phan Club 2007 In 1978, Phantom Regiment traveled down Interstate 90 to compete in the very first Winter Guard International World Championship at Conant High School in suburban Chicago. It finished runner-up to the Holley Hawks of New York. A year later, Phantom Regiment edged the Holley Hawks for its first WGI title. The next year, again it was Phantom Regiment winning the championship, this time by more than two points over the Holley Hawks. A tradition of quality had been clearly established. Another runner-up finish came in 1981, this time to the Cavaliers. Phantom Regiment competed again in 1983 and captured fifth place. It was to be Phantom Regiment's final appearance in Winter Guard International. Until now... Nearly 25 years after leaving competitive winter guard as the most dominant guard of WGI's formative years, Phantom Regiment is back. The tradition of quality remains -- since 1983, Phantom Regiment's drum and bugle corps has earned a world championship, two runner-up finishes and three third places -- and the winter guard has high hopes for its return in 2007. The new edition of the Phantom Regiment Winter Guard won't look anything like the legendary guards of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Winter guard has evolved a great deal in the past 25 years, and the staff is different than the one that led the previous guard. Besides, none of the members of the 2007 guard were even born last time Phantom Regiment competed in WGI! But, to bring this dream to life and realize its fullest potential, the guard needs your help. Funding for the guard will mostly come from membership dues, but not entirely. That's why the Phantom Regiment Winter Guard Fan Club has been created. Your participation is vital to success in 2007. Several levels of support are available; hopefully one will fit your budget. Check out all the information at http://www.regiment.org/wguard/wgphanclub.cfm

Winter Guard Phan Club 2007 In 1978, Phantom Regiment traveled down Interstate 90 to compete in the very first Winter Guard International World Championship at Conant High School in suburban Chicago. It finished runner-up to the Holley Hawks of New York. A year later, Phantom Regiment edged the Holley Hawks for its first WGI title. The next year, again it was Phantom Regiment winning the championship, this time by more than two points over the Holley Hawks. A tradition of quality had been clearly established. Another runner-up finish came in 1981, this time to the Cavaliers. Phantom Regiment competed again in 1983 and captured fifth place. It was to be Phantom Regiment's final appearance in Winter Guard International. Until now... Nearly 25 years after leaving competitive winter guard as the most dominant guard of WGI's formative years, Phantom Regiment is back. The tradition of quality remains -- since 1983, Phantom Regiment's drum and bugle corps has earned a world championship, two runner-up finishes and three third places -- and the winter guard has high hopes for its return in 2007. The new edition of the Phantom Regiment Winter Guard won't look anything like the legendary guards of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Winter guard has evolved a great deal in the past 25 years, and the staff is different than the one that led the previous guard. Besides, none of the members of the 2007 guard were even born last time Phantom Regiment competed in WGI! But, to bring this dream to life and realize its fullest potential, the guard needs your help. Funding for the guard will mostly come from membership dues, but not entirely. That's why the Phantom Regiment Winter Guard Fan Club has been created. Your participation is vital to success in 2007. Several levels of support are available; hopefully one will fit your budget. Check out all the information at http://www.regiment.org/wguard/wgphanclub.cfm

Rockford's great for a lot of reasons, definitely. Mostly because the stands are decent-sized (though a bit cramped) and because of all the alumni who hang out. I've also been to BD, SCV, Cavaliers and Scouts home shows. SCV struck me as impressive. The view from the stands is beautiful at Hayward -- the scenery, not the field. Enjoyed a very nice BBQ (but not as good as Rockford's), too. G

THE 2006 DVD IS NOW SHIPPING! All pre-orders have been shipped out. If you haven't ordered yet, there's still time to have it for Christmas! You can preview the 2006 DVD here at www.regiment.org. (For those who are wondering why it disappeared from the online store for a short time, it was because we weren't sure production could keep up with demand. We didn't want anyone to be disappointed if it didn't arrive in time for Christmas. But, there are no more worries, the DVDs are now IN STOCK and ready to be shipped!)