Scooby15143

Another Jeff Ream well written report. Thanks.

Very nice review. It is good to hear someone give a detailed unbiased report of the first show of the season. Thank you.

OK my two cents: Cadets (not sure of the year) when the guard guys in beaters and boxers changing and doing guard work. Any male soloist in any corps that gets sooo excited while playing that his "excitement" is showing - kudos go to the cameramen that show it all BD (when a man loves a woman) the entire corps HOT HOT HOT!!! Cavies (bike unis) you could see the their "religion" - did these boys not understand "tucking"?? Phantom's female drum major (not sure of year) in the skin-tight uni - she was SMOKIN' HOT Colt's 08 - last guard soloist in the yellow dress - could the dress be put on without being caught up in the back? Granted she had on approp undergarment (body tight) but a kid behind me at Allentown said "Daddy is she naked?" I was in hysterics. Drum Majors - way too many to mention but here are few: PR 08, 07, 05 - Cavies pick a year - Cadets 07, 05, 01, 00, 99, 95 - Crown every year - Madison mostly in the 90's - BD - 99 thru 03. I could go on about watching them conduct in performances. It seems that their uni's are always a little more snug fitting and well-fitted in the rear. Dutch Boy - the vegas show!! Talk about sequins and glitz and showgirl. PR 96 (i think) - colorguard in short red tank dresses - these girls were HOT! I would have more but have to research more (can't do that at work).

I ask that question because I am an hour later than the time and that would put the first corps on at 5:15!!! But the theater advertises 6 pm. No need to be an *$$!!!!

1. Pioneer – 4:15 p.m. 2. Mandarins – 4:32 p.m. 3. The Academy – 4:49 p.m. 4. Pacific Crest – 5:06 p.m. 5. Troopers – 5:23 p.m. Intermission (34 min) 6. Spirit – 6:14 p.m. 7. Colts – 6:31 p.m. 8. Madison Scouts – 6:48 p.m. 9. Crossmen – 7:05 p.m. 10. Glassmen – 7:22 p.m. 11. Blue Stars – 7:39 p.m. 12. Boston Crusaders – 7:56 p.m. Intermission (17 min) 13. Blue Knights – 8:30 p.m. 14. Bluecoats – 8:47 p.m. 15. Santa Clara Vanguard – 9:04 p.m. 16. The Cadets – 9:21 p.m. 17. Phantom Regiment – 9:38 p.m. 18. Carolina Crown – 9:55 p.m. 19. The Cavaliers – 10:12 p.m. 20. Blue Devils – 10:29 p.m. Now these are the times that the corps go on in Bloomington? What about the times that they go on in the theater? Does anyone know? Bueller?? Bueller??

Well there are a number of variables to consider: weather, type of marching/dancing done, leather or fake leather, cost. I have found that The Band Shoppe sells a variety of good shoes. I personally like the Mirage and the Stinger, both are resonably priced and hold up really well. The Impulse is also a really nice shoe. Being that I live and teach in the Western PA area, these shoes work best. If you are in an area that does not get much weather during the marching band area, then a split sole jazz shoe from Discount Dance Supply works well. You can get a really nice toe point because there is no sole to impede the point thru the arch of the foot. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Being a former member of the Reading Buccaneers, Westshoremen, Steel City and Nightstorm, there is a difference in the styles on the West and East of PA. I have had the ability to march with these organizations for many years. Yes I do wish there was a competitive organization in Western PA because driving to the East every weekend was a killer 4 hours each way (drive, practice, sleep perform, drive). Living in Pittsburgh and driving to Reading for 3 years was rough and prior to that Westshore for 2 years, NY for 1. But the caliber of the organizations out East is what kept me coming back. There are very strong marching bands here in Pittsburgh and there are two different competition circuits (PIMBA and TOB). Now getting an organization off the ground and keeping it running her in Pittsburgh is difficult. Having seen it first hand with Mon Valley Express. I taught their winterguard for 4 years as the corps tried to gain membership and grow. When they did field, it was a valiant effort. But once again, funding and lack of interest shot them down. During their heyday, the Steel City Ambassadors where at the top of DCA. They followed in the steps of the Pittsburgh Rockets (before my time) also at the top the league. For some reason, the stigma that was placed on the "Sr" corps by some band directors in the area, has made it extremely difficult to bring out a competitive drums corps in this area. The last successful Jr corps in this area was the Butler Vagabonds and the Golden Lancers. But those two have gone by the wayside. To have a competitive caliber organization in Western PA would take a Herculean effort. It has been tried, tested and failed. To be a part of competitve unit, you have to travel East or North a minimum of 4 hours. And with gas prices as they are, you better find some friends and carpool. Just my two cents.

Having marched for years and been in many different showers in many different schools, here are my top 3: 1. Allentown - J Birney Crum - after the hike up the hill and then walking in to what looked like 1970's bad movie set, the showers were like ice from the faucets. There were some that had the shower head and some that just had the pipe coming from the wall that just shot water out at you. And the temperature was always 2 degrees above freezing. 2. Mifflinburg HS - Lewisburg DCA show even though this school is probably like a AA-AAA sized school the locker rooms were left to be desired. The locker rooms doubled as storage for the smelly football team gear that was left after the school year. One shower room was even used to put stuff in. But I do have to say that the temp and pressure of the showers were wonderful. 3. Clifton NJ - forgot what high school - but I don't think I need to say anymore. Just my take. There were others but those are just memorable ones.

Ok so is someone going to say why the Bucs had a .6 penalty???? PLEASE???? Gawd I hate to beg.

You can buy a lighter version of the Ultimate saber from Krishna Textiles. I bought 9 from them for last indoor season and they have held up really well. The hilts are made up of lighter material than the Ultimates and are a lot more reasonable: $45 each for 1-8 and for anything over that $40 each. I don't work for the company but have dealt with them. They arrive in a timely manner and are identical to the Ultimates except lighter. Check out the website www.colorguardfabrics.com or google the name Krishna Textiles. Hope this helps.

Ok, So here is a thought for you: whenever I am in need of some music for a show idea/snippet/mix of music, I simply log into Limewire and do a search by genre. With that I can download lots of music and not have to buy anything. I also listen to TV commercials and movie soundtracks. And there is always ITunes. Just thought that this might be useful. Good Luck

YAAAA to BUBBA!!!!!!! You rock!!! Thanks for a great "retirement" championships!!

We all of you all look for me. I will be performing with Reading. This being my "age-out", I think that I will need a cheering section to make it thru. Thanks Scott

Ever since I joined a Sr. Corps (yes I said Sr Corp) 20 years ago, I have enjoyed the "natural" sound of all the intruments as they were intended to sound. If the pit needed to be more, then they were asked to play with more intensity and the other sections were asked to lighten their sound. Hence a compromise of beautiful music. IMO, if DCA allows amplification, then the Sr. aspect of "rich, natural, raw" sound of the pit instruments would lost. Sr. corps know how to play with such finesse and power, that pit amps are not needed. Let's just keep the organizations unique but still following the same general principle - music and pagentry in motion. DCI and DCA are two seperate entities. Each following their own guidelines. DCA has been successful without amps and they will continue to be successful without. (now stepping off the soap-box)

LOL yeah John it can be sometimes. It all depends on how much sleep I get. When I marched with Rochester, I would sleep all the time. I don't think that I ever drove!!! :P

From Pittsburgh to Reading every weekend about 4.5 hours one way. We carpool so me having the mini-van start the train. But it is sometimes a little fun to do because of the people riding in the van. This is my second year going East and know every bit of the PA Turnpike and which rest stops have the best food!! :P :P Go Bucs 06!!!

Oh the stories I could tell about St Mary's!! I had a great time teaching that drum corps. There is a little bar there called Dino's that makes a wicked Long Island Ice Tea. And being either the only one or from a very, very tiny group, there weren't too many people of the DARKER persuasion. So I was almost a novelty and got a lot of free drinks. Most of the town folk up there are very nice though. :) And the best part of it was, Straub Brewery was up there and they had a tap that you could go up and get beer for FREE!!! After being in the sun all day, great to get free beer!! :P

Thanks to all that have replied to this post. It is nice to see some of the funnier and memorable times at I&E's at Championships. Hope to see you all at this years' I&E in Rochester.

All I know is that I will meet the crew that I ride with to Bucanneers and go from there. Where ever the corps tells me to go, I go. The Pittsburgh crew travels to Reading every weekend. We hop in the Street-mobile and go. All 6 of us. That is a fun time. And we have not gotten lost yet.

I thought of this sitting at work. What is/was your favorite I&E moment? Who was performer/group? And what did they do? Be descriptive - don't hold back. I have one in particular but only a few people share that memory. I&E's are always a blast and there are always stand out moments from each year. I always loved to party at the ski lodge in Scranton. Good times baby good times. So tell us!!

For me, it is the thrill of performing. I have been in a Drum Corps, either marching or teaching, for 21 years. And this being my 21st year, returning again to march with Reading Buccaneers, because when you are with a good thing you gotta keep coming back. I plan on marching as long as my knees hold out.

Jeff it will be a pleasure seeing you again as I am return to march with the Bucanneers. So I am sure to look you up. (PS this is Arnie/Scott from Pittsburgh) :P