dcikon2

I tried to send money electronically, but had difficulty doing this. My computer kept saying that "cookies" is not in place. I will have to figure this out. I will send a check if I am not able to do this electronically.

I have a lot of respect for Brian. He was the tour manager for the Cadets when I volunteered on the food truck in 94. I couldn't stay the last 2 weeks of tour due to teaching. I would have stayed on the whole tour just for Brian. He knows how to treat people. I did not know anyone in the Cadets organization when I volunteered. I knew mainly people associated with the Scouts at the time. It was Brian and the other volunteers who made me feel welcome and part of the organization. Where should checks be sent? Gary

Dave, What part of Kansas are you at? I'm in Lenexa.

Why didn't PR take top brass? I have heard all season about PR's ensemble sound being top and their scores didn't reflect it. It there a reason?

Midwest corps must be pleased with placing Cavaliers, Phantom, Madison, Bluecoats, and Glassmen in the top 12. Colts and Blue Stars were next in line. It's a great way for Phantom to celebrate their anniversary!

I remember Bill Cook and Star. I also remember fans booing Star when they took the field because they didn't like Bill Cook and his money. However, I must say that Star put on some great shows! The West Coast needs to host a DCI Championship. They are past due for this. Perhaps this will help get more students on the west coast involved in the activity. Hop may propose the rule changes, but it has to be the other directors that must approve them.

I have a difficult time understanding how a person can judge a performance before seeing it.

The blog probably helped to notify the many members in marching band color guards, winter guards, as well as the Cadets. She has definately feen an influence to many people in this field. Perhaps through the blog and posting people will be able to send condolences and/or set up a scholarship fund in her father's memory. Just a thought.

Great post Paul! :) I have always respected Myron's drills. His drills are some of the most intricate and exciting in the field. This is a strong year for drum corps. Madison WILL be in the finals. Should corps fold or fire staff because they don't make the top 5?

Mike, You have a great perspective on this activity. I totally agree with you. I have only been around since 1975 - you have me beat by 2 years! Sal gave me inspiration early on. I remember attending a BOA contest and he invited me to talk to him and then to a Scouts rehearsal. This was quite some time ago! We definately have more serious things to worry about in the world today than bashing a particular corps production, uniform design, staff, etc. Gary

Since there is talk of holding major DCI events, including the DCI Championships, in a dome, do you think San Antonio will be considered to host the championships since the Alamodome seems to have the best facility at this point when considering acoustics and souviners? Is the new stadium in Indianapolis supposed to be good for acoustics? My problem with attending DCI events is that generally there aren't enough concession stands open. I don't know whether or not DCI encourages the facilities to open enough places to sell food and drinks. I have yet to purchase any food or drink in Columbi, MO due to the long lines.

For me, I tend to plan a vacation around major DCI events. I would quit going to DCI when the shows become too esoteric. I see many corps using music that the general public is not aware of or shows that are fun and exciting for the general public. It is difficult to take family members to shows when they don't know and understand the music and show. I miss the Madison shows of the 80s and 90s, Vanguard (Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Russian show, Carmen), Sky Ryders (Wizard of Oz, Camelot, West Side Story), Cadets (West Side Story, When Kings Go Off to War, Les Miserables). These are just a few of my favorite shows.

I will admit that I don't know much about Div. III corps except for Revolution. I do have a question regarding recruiting. I am aware that VK is going to field a corps next year. I have also heard that several corps in Southern California are having difficulty with numbers this year. Is having another corps in Southern California going to make even more difficult to recruit members? I talked to a staff member from a Div. I corps in Northern California and was told that it wouldn't hurt them. I am so glad to see Blue Stars back in Div. I. They have a great show this year.

Jeff and Daniel - great responses! Get with people if you want to learn to write drill. I remember the first time I met George Zingali. I had so many questions to ask that I didn't know where to begin. Next I met other drill designers.

I also concur that this is an excellent season for DCI. I actually will feel sorry for some of the corps who don't get to compete on Saturday night. There are some great programs out there. I am so glad that the Blue Stars are back in Div. I and are fielding a full corps. I sure hope they can get it up!

Nice review. I wasn't able to attend the SA show but did in past years when I taught band in TX. I have had several students march in drum corps (Blue Knights, Madison Scouts, and Guardsmen). I will admit that I was concerned when I first saw the Cadets show live. I was not offedend by the show. In fact, I enjoyed it even though it wasn't my favorite Cadet show of all-time. There are changes currently being made in the show. I can see how many people may have difficulty with this show. There are some things that I would prefer to see changed as well. For example, I would like to see more equipment work with the guard at certain times in the show. I realize that corps are not going to please everyone all of the time. I sure wish that many corps would think about the "fans" more often when designing their shows.

I must admit that I enjoyed The Cadets Show. It is not one of my all-time favorite Cadet shows, but I did like it. I would like to see the guard use rifles on the benches. I believe they would be easier to see from the stands than the sabres. Drum corps in general appear to be more competitive this year. There are some good shows that aren't going to make finals that would have in most other years. Gary

I looking to purchase drum corps patches from several "old" corps (i.e. Freelancers, Bridgemen, Kingsmen, Wausua Story, Suncoast Sound, Guardsmen, Florida Wave, etc.). If you know of anyone who is interested in departing with a patch please let me know. I collect patches and am having a quilt made of drum corps patches. Thanks, Gary

I think I have the tapes. I will check in the morning. I know I have many years of high camera tapes.

As much as I would love to have the DCI Championships in Kansas City I don't think it would be a good idea. The stadium is away from the city and attractions and the city broke a record for killings last year. In addition, I don't think there would be enough support from local schools for housing and use of football fields to practice.

Not Columbus - Ohio State University. :( What about Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

Why do you think the Colts had a lower score than previously? It appears that they are not improving in their scores as much as other corps at this time.

I enjoyed the review and appreciated what you said about Magic's staff. I wish this sort of thing would not happen in DCI. I witnessed this sort of thing happening on tour with a corps several years ago and was amazed by the language a brass staff member used with some of the members. I blame the director of Magic for allowing this "negativity" to occur. Is Magic continually losing a high percentage of their membership to other corps?

What about the time when the Blue Devils did "When A Man Loves A Woman" and the guard guys performed? Where did you get that picture of Michael Cesario? Quite interesting!

The Cadets are currently in the process of re-writing some of their show to make it flow better. They have also had to deal with injuries this season and had to replace a few members. They are currently looking for a contra player to fill a hole. This spot should be filled soon. Personally, I would prefer to see more equipment work from the guard. I would especially like to see rifles used instead of sabres on the tables for a better visual effect.