Matt

It's always been a fun topic. I remember being so mad when Regiment got second that I wasn't really able to enjoy Vanguard's show for a while. By the time CD's came out that fall, I had forgiven the judges. I loved both shows equally, but for different reasons. Now, almost 18 years later, I still love both shows. They're both still in my top shows of all time. But, 1989 Phantom Regiment was the reason I eventually marched drum corps. That group of people epitomized every that drum corps was all about to me. So, I'm just happy that I got to see, hear, and feel, what I believe to be probably the best year of corps ever. Matt

We are indeed. I love our bright white foreheads from the hats! As for Stephen King's "It," that wouldn't surprise me, but I only remember the drum corps part. On another note, I ran into Aaron Fisher's Mom last night at a Minnesota Brass practice. Have a good day! Matt

Wow---you still remember the Blockbuster incident. I had forgotten about that. As I recall, we just ended up watching drum corps tapes all night. I got my first introduction to Suncoast Sound watching Earl's tapes. I remember meeting you there too. You were also one of the first people I met as well, along with Jessi. Who knew that we would ending being the motley crew pictured below: I can even still remember marching my age out show in 1993 very vividly. I even remember my *gasp* mistakes in the show. It was such an emotional night, being my last show, and having the crowd be so into it. Wow. I still tear up every time I hear it or watch it. Good times indeed. Matt

I still remember that day in Denver when we recorded it like it was yesterday! It's one of my favorite memories from 1993. Matt

I've heard a lot of people who hate that moment in the show, but I always thought it was cool. It was a nice contrast in style to the rest of the show, and I thought it fit perfectly. Bravo!

It was an AWESOME euphonium line that year, and those rookies were some of the most solid players I've ever met. 1993 was BY FAR my favorite of the years I marched, and I like 1991 an awful lot. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane Nikk...and welcome back to the world of the living. A quick anecdote from 1993: Many of you remember Dave St. Angel's famous "gesture" towards the judges in 1992 after Phantom Regiment's finals score was announced. The fact that it was caught on live television made it even more priceless. One night during finals week in 1993 we were watching the 1992 broadcast after rehearsal as a way to unwind after a long day. When we got to the famous "gesture," Dave turned to the group of us watching and promised to keep his hands in his pockets when they read our score. He kept his word, too. Regards, Matt

Back when I marched we used to hang weights off the Euphonium, near the bell. Not much, just a couple of pounds. Doing that for about a week or two of playing, you'll never worry about your arms again. It worked well for me. Matt

I lost track John after the 1992 season. I would love to know where he ended up. Matt

He was....John instructed the tenor line from the late 1980's through 1992. We shared in-town housing when I marched in 1991. Good guy. Matt

I couldn't tell you what snare he marched in 1990, but he was definately the head conductor in 1991, his age-out year. Matt

Amen-- I haven't been happier since I threw away frontpage 3 years ago. Dreamweaver or homesite all the way! Matt

Here's my two cents.... TROOPERS (1st viewing) - I've always loved the troopers uniforms as well. I was really disappointed the corps was so small. PIONEER (1st viewing) - I thought the coffee tables was a nice way to compensate for lack of people in the corps. It put a nice frame around the group and made them seem much larger. Considering their size, which was even smaller than troopers, they sounded a ton better! MINNESOTA BRASS INC (3rd viewing) - Drum Beauty has always been a tough show for MBI. Think about it. Every other show they do during the season is on the weekend or holiday. This is the only show during the week. All the members spend all day at work. They then rush to the stadium and try to get into the mindset for a performance. The only way to do that is with some quick rehearsal. Every year they do two runthroughs to get ready and it helps and hurts. It gets everyone in the necessary frame of mind, but it wears out their faces and bodies....I love this show, and I love this corps, but it was a bit ragged tonight. SOUTHWIND - (1st viewing) - This was the first time I've seen these uniforms. My wife leaned over and whispered that the color of the jackets reminded her of the Bridgemen. I had to agree there. This was a nice show. It was adequately played and marched, but it certainly didn't standout. COLTS - (1st viewing) - This was the best Colts I have ever seen. I don't when they switched to the current uniform, but it looks great! I had forgotten what a difference it makes to see a corps wearing white pants. It is so much harder to hide marching mistakes. These guys played very well and marched great! They certainly beat my expectations. SCV - (1st viewing) - First off--I love the new uniforms. Cesario did a good job. These guys were awesome tonight. I don't even know where to start. I loved everything about this show. Well done all around. CAVALIERS - (2nd viewing) I have no doubt these guys will win DCI. It has just gotten better since last time I saw it. The drill is cleaner. The horn parts have been adjusted to be more playable in some spots. The drums are as solid as ever. The guard is awesome. What is there not to like about this show. My only other comment is that I thought the hornline was a bit off tonight, but hey--that happens! Good job Cavies! Matt

Down Boy! I don't hold anyone's high school against them.....at least not anymore.... :D

I'm not sure when I'm coming back, but I AM coming back. I've just got to get these kids of mine a few years older. :D Make sure you give Aaron Fisher a bad time for me...he and I went to high school together and marched Phantom Regiment together.....

You missed a good one Sluggo--the stands were packed...I had a lot of fun.