Mickey Eastridge

Bluecoats (but you knew that one already)...

First things first. GREAT review. As I didn't get the chance to make my way to San Antonio this year, I'm always excited to hear about the show. :D Just a few quick corrections on your notes about BK. I've included it above for easy reference. The ballad is actually an arrangement of I Go On, the corps song, from Bernstein's Mass. It was first played in 1990 (arranged by Jim Prime). An intersting side note on the hornline- this is one of the larger hornline's that BK has marched in past years. I don't remember all of the numbers, but it's definitely larger than 64. Back in January the brass staff was flirting with the idea of going to 72 horns. It's entirely feasible that they decided to do so. And they're on brand new King Bb Horns! B) As for the marching style - it look the same to me as when I marched last year. We've been using this style for a while now. One of the signature things about BK is our marching style - very bent leg, based on physical therapy and teaching people how to walk again. The feet are pointed on the pass, giving the distinctive triangle shape. In all the years that I've been a BK fan or member, we've ALWAYS done the full count prep step (except in certain cases). The thing in the pit with the player hitting the crotale and the full corps prep step comes straight out of last year's show. We added it in after First Tour last summer. In fact, if you look/listen all throughout the show, there are snippets of past BK shows, which makes sense, considering that A Knight's Tale is not only about the meidevil setting but about the corps itself and the things that make us Blue Knights. :) Once again, thanks for the review, and I too hope that BK can make Finals this year. They definitely deserve it! Respectfully, Mark

AMAZING review! Thank you so much. I'm always anxoius for news of my corps, and you sure didn't disappoint. Thank you again.

Update: Is it just me, or is this a Cavie Euph? B)

I was wondering the same thing, and came across these pictures at corpsreps.com The Euphs are on the left, and the Baris on the right. Not too much of a difference, but the Euph is obviously bigger. In this picture, look at the line splitting the 50 and the Side A 45. 2nd & 3rd guys deep. Is it just me, or is that the Euph with a bigger bell than the 3rd guy with the Bari? I'm intersted to know if any of you who have heard the Cadets so far can distinguish the Euphs from the Baris, etc. No word on any of the other corps...yet

Me as well, please!

SCV has been using Yamaha brass for a few months now...hence the lack of euphs. <**> I miss the days of the all-Euph Vangaurd... :(

I go to BYU and play in the Marching Band. Our MB uses Kelly Mpcs on our brass horns during cold weather. Tone is lacking, but it is tons easier to play on when its snowing outside and your valves are freezing down...

I played Mello last year. For the first few camps I used a trumpet mouthpiece until I got my hands on a UMI Mello 6 'piece, which is essentially a copy of the infamous Benge Mello 6. This is a superior mouthpiece, and I would highly recommend getting one if you are going to continue on Mello. It's not detrimental for you to use a trumpet mouthpiece, but the Mello 6 is deisgned for playing Mello. IMO, you get a better tone with it and it's easier to play. It's also been my experience that mouthpieces that are made by the instrument companies aren't the best mouthpieces to play on...take that for what its worth. Hope this helps you!

I think the corps started using Pearl in 2001 if I remember correctly. Pictures of 2000 show them using Premier. As for the SCV Connection Theory about the tilting snares, I have no idea. The snare tilt has been consistent with picture from the past few camps. If someone knows more, please feel free to share. as I am not marching this summer I really can't answer. I hope this helps!

Same here! Used it on my bugle, my school horn, and my trumpet. Works great for me!

well, isn't that what the amps are for... :sshh: <**>

here' what I've got: Benge Bb Trumpet (circa 1960s) - my uncles, then my dads Amati Bb Bugle (straight no valve bugle) - boy scout type Conn 8D - my baby! Kanstul G Mello - Bought from BK back before XMas King K-40 2-valve Flugel - Bought from eBay! King 1122 Marching French Horn in Bb - the schools that I use for marching band and pep band

There are also many corps who are selling their bugles. I know the BK recently announced in the Marketplace that the entire line of G Bugles is for sale. Impulse, Capital Regiment, and Troopers also have some for sale or will in the near future. I would hazard a guess the Madison will sell their bugles, but I just don't know!

Thank you everyone for your responses!

I know you said you want a used horn, but you can get a new one for cheap at music123.com. Fairly decent discounts. Of course, if your looking for a bugle, then you can forget that website. The Dynasty M570 is sold for anywhere from 57%- 61% off the retail. The Jupiter 560L is about 37% off retail, and more expesnive than the DEG. The Kanstul 290 is 43% off retail, but is still more expensive than the prevous two horns. The Bach B1106 is 36% off retail, but is still more expensive than the DEG and the Jupiter. The Yamaha YBH301M is 30% off retail, but is still rather expensive. There is financing available, and all these horns are fairly good deals. The Dynasty is the cheapest cost wise, and ofers the most discount. But, as I said, if you want a bugle, forget this website...hope I helped!

Thanks everyone for your responses thus far. What were the changes made between the KMM 280 and the KMM 281? Also, where can we see a picture of the Marching Tenor? Thanks again, y'all.

I was reading the Dynasty topic, and I was wondering what you all think of Kanstul's Marching Brass line, in particular, I'm interested in thoughts on the Bb Marching Trombone and the F Alto Horn. Would you use them to flesh out your brass line? What would the make up of your line be if you were using Kanstuls? Also, what's the word on the Tenor Marching Horn that was talked about on here a few months ago? Thanks a bunch, guys.

Brass Arranger for BK was Russ Newbury. Andy was the caption head.

how does this make any sence. you did not like scv's i and e yet you think they are better than spirit. i just dont see how that can be. i know allot has to do with whats on the feild and if you ask me, for a cymbal line spirit was ramming some notes. i dont think spirits line stopped moving for a second. either they were playing or they were doing something visually. i think colts did more than scv. if you ask me on the feild spirit gets first colts close second and scv,3. out on the feild musically visually and physically and if i recall that was the placement order for i and e aswell. I did not like the repertoire for the SCV I&E, but I thought that it was well executed. I thought that SPirit's I&E was more entertaining and perfored very well, which is why the received First. (well deserved, I might add). I traditionally base my opinions of cymbals lines on their field performances, however. I liked Spirt's line. I liked the COlts lines. I liked Madison's line (especially the part with the different cymbals). However, I really liked SCV's line. They just have a commanding presence, and they compliment the battery very well musically and visually. I like them better. Period. :)

Easy there, buddy. Isn't everyone allowed an opinion? Besides, I may have marched in a hornline this sumer, but I HAVE marched cymbals before.

We marched a hornline in G this past summer. Our show was written in Treble, but the Bari/Euph/Contra players could get it in Bass Clef if they needed it. The same with all of our non-show tunes, as well.

this is true...I bought it in San Antonio, wonderful stuff from Rockford.

well, this may sound a little biased, but Blue Knights have always had phenomenal ballads. Check out the 2002 show. Awesome stuff, especially the mello runs. :) And with an All-Star Brass Staff, you're in for an awesome ride.

Now, I didn't like SCV's Cymbal I&E as much as I enjoyed Spirits, but I think that SCV has a better line. IMHO. :)