Skydrummer9
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Posts posted by Skydrummer9
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Its been hot here in the South, and last Saturday's DCA ATLANTA contest was even hotter. A large crowd was on hand in Woodstock Ga, to see both Atlanta corps' - Alliance and Corps Vets - slug it out as Alliance edged by CorpsVets by .575. Sun Devils, battling for a CLASS A Finalist spot in Rochester finished 3rd and Shenandoah Sound with their best corps to date placed 4th.
Special Thanks go out to Terry Reilly, Alliance and the Woodstock HS Band Boosters for getting this show together in a very short amount of time and it being successful. This could become an annual event for the South!
We stay in Atlanta for the August 21st contest, aptly named "SOUTHERN SHOWDOWN" sponsored by the CorpsVets. This show has been traveling around over the last few weeks looking for a home due to unforeseen circumstances, but have no fear, Suzanne and Ken have worked hard and have secured that at EAST COWETA MS in Senoia GA, located off of 85N>
The contest will begin at 8:00pm and again will feature, Shenandoah Sound, Sun Devils, Alliance and CorpsVets. This will be the final judged performance for these corps prior to DCA Championships in Rochester.
Tickets can be purchased at www.corpsvets.org. or at the gate. Beside General Admission tickets, CV is also selling a VIP Package that includes a preshow BBQ and PREMIUM SEATING at the show. The VIP Package is only available online.
Come out and SUPPORT your Southern DCA Corps' . The ENTERTAINMENT VALUE is worth the price of admission!
I recall chatting with a buddy of mine from my time in the Alabama Pipes and Drums Celtic Pipe Band who happens to be a drum corps veteran by the name of Jim Dinkins, and he informed me that Spain Park in Birmingham, Alabama used to house drum corps shows (DCI if my memory serves me correctly). Seeing as how there are more Southern Corps emerging, will DCA South have something in the works as to bring the Drum Corps shows back to Birmingham, AL?
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I wonder from time to time whether or not something will happen in the Drum Corps World that will spawn a creation of a new circuit?
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Not while we still have DCA!!!!!
I checked out the video of the Finalist DCI Corps playing together on the field. Imagine if they were using G Bugles... They sounded really good when they played together. That is how I envisioned Drum and BUGLE corps horn lines to sound like... But what do I know... I iz a drummer
. I remember when the tribute was played during DCA Finals 2003 in Scranton. Chills my spine something fierce even when I think about it. ~Jimmy (Drummer at heart but lover of Loud in your face Bugle action) Eldridge~
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Yup, Kanstul is still making "G" horns. If memory serves a couple of years ago the USMC signed a contract with Kanstul to be supplied with 2 valve G bugles for a period of 10 years I believe.
A buddy of mine from the Marines D&BC told me they still use them (at least they did when I talked to him last in 2008). The 2 valve bugles you stated to be exact.
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It is sad to say that Drum and Bugle Corps in it's purest definition is only existent in Alumni Corps and only a miniscule fraction of Competitive Corps. The evolution of "Modern Drum Corps" is just a woodwind away from becoming a Marching Band. There was a reason that Drum and Bugle Corps never needed amps or anything like that on the field and marching bands did. And that right there is a major difference between the two. There are only a small handful of Corps in existence that still have hold on to the traditions that existed in Drum and Bugle Corps for generations through these times and it will be a very sad day when they are forced onto the bandwagon (pun intended) or sidelined for good. There needs to be a final line that separates the two once and for all. If you can't decide it now after the changes that have been made to the activity, good bye Drum and Bugle Corps and Hello Non-School/Non-Military Sponsored Competitive Marching Band. All of course is said in MY OWN OPINION. I'm done.... Good luck Drum and Bugle Corps...
*Strong supporter of the DE-evolution of "Modern 'Drum Corps'" and re-emergence of DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS".
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After making it through the first 4 posts of this topic.... All that could come to mind were "####, I wished I lived in the wonderful world BEFORE computers were invented
". Please don't stress too much ladies and gentlemen, there is still another month of excitement left in the DCA season. Best of luck on the field to all who are on it this season, and a speedy return to those sidelined this year. 
STAY POSITIVE!!! 
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From talks with my old buddies from my days on the field, I hear that Reading's dynasty is dying down and Minnesota Brass Inc. is moving up. Not to knock on Reading or anything but even back in 2007, they were still on the tails of reading. I think within a couple years they will be dominating the Open Class Corps. I just hope that the judges won't be as biased this year and give corps scores they deserve based on the performance, cleanliness, and entertainment level. Best of luck to all corps competing.
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The Fourth of July weekend is when we all celebrate the birth of our nation. Nowhere is that more evident then in the Baltimore area where there are at least 4 (correction "6") parades (that I'm aware of anyway) all within perhaps a 35 mile radius of each other; Dundalk, Towson, Bel Air and Havre de Grace over the 2 day weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. Performing in these parades this past year were 7 DCA member Drum Corps; Alliance, Music City Legend, Sun Devils, Fusion, Carolina Gold, Shenandoah Sound and the Reading Buccaneers. And that doesn't include the Alumni Corps and possibly Junior Drum Corps that participated as well. The reasons why all of these Drum Corps come to perform in these parades is 1) it's the patriotic thing to do 2) the camaraderie that takes place over the 2 day weekend among the Drum Corps & 3) because of the money they can all earn. Money that easily pays for not just the expense of their transportation to and from the area but also takes care a LOT of other expenses they encounter in their budgets. It would be the PERFECT place for a DCA competition. The Baltimore are used to be a real hotbed for Drum Corps. One of the really great Drum Corps shows in years gone bye was the "March of Champions", sometime referred to as "The Southern Dream" as a comparison to the one time Greatest contest of them all 'The National Dream" contest.
Okay, discuss. What would it take to pull this off? I have some thoughts but let's hear from you. What do you think? And let's stay on topic with this. No promises but it could possibly become reality.
I recall doing the 4th of July Parade Extravaganza with Sky almost every year I marched (just about 99% of the in FULL UNIFORM). I remember doing as many as 9-10 parades in 3 days. Hot as hell and of course being in the Drumline and playing the whole time until the parade came to a halt didn't help with the heat either. I also recall doing a parade in Dover, NJ, following up with a long practice, then a show that night. Besides finals, does DCA have the ability to sponsor a show themselves?
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Does anyone have any pics of the show?
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This is just another example of changing times. But like Disco and Bell Bottom Jeans, the activity will revolve again and quite perhaps another division of drum and bugle corps might be created.
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All time favorite will always be Skyliners. They were the first corps I ever marched with and there is just something about them that always beckons me back.
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Having survived the Clifton parking lot ordeal isn't it funny that I had to wait all this time to get a good explanation of the "Crusader Rabbit" thing. Then again, they tell me I wasn't allways that coherent in the early 70's LOL
Well they always say good things come to those who wait... Or at least closure...
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The Hurricanes will be outside this weekend learning drill written by Jamey Thompson. We are marching 48 brass
9/5/5 in the battery, 12 in the pit and 28 guard. We'll be ready for the Barnum which will be here before you know it.
Seems like everyone will be in full swing this weekend...hope everyone has fun..
You guys came out of no where in either 2006 or 2007. Years prior there were if I recall below 4 snares, 3 tenors, and 5 bass. Then BOOM greater numbers! I wish you the best this season. Give my regards to Scott Williamson if he is still with you guys.
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They made that tee shirt in yellow lettering on a red shirt (the one you are wearing), and red lettering on a yellow shirt. It is indeed a classic. The screw indicates that most of the Corps at the time felt they were constantly getting screwed at contests throughout the 1960 season (who really knows). Last time that type of shirt was at our Greenwood Lake weekend rehearsal in 1965. Be careful when you wear it, it just might fall apart on you. Who gave that shirt to Tommy Martin? He wasn't in the Skyliners in 1960. To the best of my recollection he only marched one season, 1963. Was with him this past weekend at Archie's Brass Reunion. Maybe he'll be at the GAS Reunion. If he is I'll mention that shirt to him. I'll probably see Swan there as well.
Where are you stationed right now?
I was honorably medically discharged this past January and now live in Birmingham, AL. Reason being is the economy sucks everywhere, but sucks a little less down here for the time being. I am living with my future in-laws so I can attend School. I got the shirt from Jim Dinkins. He plays in the celtic pipe and drum corps down here that I play in. He was talking to Winky and Bucky when he claims that Tommy Martin gave him this shirt. Of course he could have meant Tommy Swan but got confused in the names when he gave it to me. But all in all he got it from a Skyliner back in that time and seeing as how I myself am a Skyliner and take great pride in being one, he thought it fitting that I have it.
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Sorry, I meant to post this in the Historic DCA area of DCP. Could a moderator please move this for me?
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My collection of historic Skyliner items is growing. Even though I am a youngster, I have a tremendous amount of pride in Sky regardless of it's current state. I love everything about the corps both good and bad. I am also a history buff. So far, I have a copy of the American Legion magazine from August 1950 which has an article about Garbarina winning it's first ever American Legion championship, the Big Red bass drum which to my knowledge hasn't seen the field since Sky's last championship back in 75, and now, low in behold in Birmingham, Alabama I come across a fellow drum corps nut who states that he was never a Skyliner and never will be a Skyliner. But seeing as how I am a Skyliner he thought it only be right if I have this. He also said that 3 Skyliners in particular would appreciate this. Bucky Swan, the late Walter Winkelman, and the Skyliner who gave this item to him, Tommy Martin. I am truly grateful to him for giving this item to me and honored to have it.
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Unless corps will be juggling the horns/drums, I don't really see the competitive advantage....
lol. Thanks for that summary explanation.
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First of all, thank you everyone for your continuing input and contribution.
I would like to take a moment and sway the topic a little. Me being a drummer and not knowing my ### from a hole in the ground when it comes to bugles have a question. Listening to recordings from the past and the present, I have to say that the sound of the valve rotor bugles are always good to me. Not knocking on 2 and 3 valve horns in anyway but for some reason I always heard a more "elegant" flow with the valve rotors. I wonder with the ever changing style of music that corps perform on the field, I wonder what it would be like if a corps were to field an arsenal of valve rotors? I know that it is almost impossible with this day and age seeing as how a majority of corps are switching to B-Flat brass as opposed to staying with G Bugles. Just remembering some things various horn players have told me throughout my years in Drum Corps, the valve rotors had a fraction of the hardware that most horns have now and that they were worlds lighter. I can attest to the lighter part when i held a valve rotor contra bass myself and a 3 valve contra bass. It felt to me like comparing Premier bass drums and Yamaha bass drums. Premier felt worlds lighter compared to Yamaha. I would like to get some honest insight on this.
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As I said several pages ago, and in keeping with the intent of the original thread,
Minnesota will be marching 54 horns + soloists, 28 guard and a full percussion line. -
Guilty as charged
. I did both DCA Competitive and alumni corps. -
Glad to hear that you guys are doin good. With corps dropping off at times seems like left and right, I'm glad that you are sticking it out. Best of luck!
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Very good points Liz and Jim. I agree with you both. Liz, you said something about movies like avitar and stated about different ways kids are into more electronics. Yea, the x-box generation is in full swing and myself, I haven't played anything like that since 2007. But I wonder if DCA did something like DCI and opened feature films with the shows both in competition as well as exhibition. I haven't heard a lot from when other corps have done it and wonder if that may be successful. Or even putting recruiting videos in with the previews. Imagine see your favorite drum corps on the big screen in 3D
. . . just like being there in person 
. And if that works out well maybe dvd sales will go better with plenty of bonus behind the scenes features of their favorite corps. Costly but then again, it's a try...To hit the topic of the 35+ rule, does this extend to having an even balance throughout the corps? or just having 35+ member minimum on the field? I do recall Sky winning 2002 Class A championships with no marching drumline. They fielded a full hornline, color guard, pit including 1 snare, 1 tenor, 1 bass. Has DCA altered this rule?
One last thing, I really agree with Liz in stating that regardless of whether members want to stay or go they really should not be chastised for it. There is no draft, there is no monetary gain or loss in a matter of speaking, and this is above all else a very in depth very demanding hobby. I kind of understand DCI people being burned out after they age out. But DCA people going from one corps to another should be their own choosing and it would look really good on behalf of the corps they decide to leave for whatever reason to extend their gratitude for the members coming out as well as always welcoming them back. If a member leaves a corps to go someplace else leaves with good terms with the corps and knows that he or she will be welcomed back will always have a more positive view of the corps. And if that member decides to return, he may recall about how the corps never held anything against him and was welcoming, he may bring a few of his buddies along. Corps who win, will not win all the time. The tide of membership is always rolling. I wonder what might happen once corps start giving the champion a run for their money and people decide to explore different opportunities?
Please continue with this topic. So far, very good in sight and I appreciate all the contributions.
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You were really fortunate to have hung with some of the old Gabarina-Mazarkos guys. I know I've talked to Bobby O'Connor about that era myself, and I see it take at least 10 years off his face and his voice fills with pride when I talk with him about it. It's always a good conversation and a good thing for me when I see him.
I was lucky enough to have been a 16 year old kid in the Westshoremen when I started that got to hang with ex- Yankee-Rebels like Al Beran, Norm Selak, and old-schoolers like Pete Messina. I also listened closely to Rip Bernert and Ray Eyler's stories about Archie as well. I believe I got the best of both worlds- the guys who did the VFW/Legion stuff and where they came from, and I was then part of the changes that make the activity what it is now. I believe that I benefitted greatly from experiencing both things. Learning from a colossus like Frank Dorritie who literally strides across six decades of that history and appreciates all of it for the meaning, value and lessons that it all holds for everyone was also very meaningful to me.
I don't know how many young people really care about the history of the activity right now. It's important to appreciate where one is now by knowing where one has been and come from. Young people generally don't think that way. It's okay- being young is being young. I'm just shaking my head about that statement in regards to the stuff we all did back in the day when i was 16-22 years old. I know I live in a glass house where that's concerned.
That being said, the activity also naturally tends to look forward and keep running toards things for the sake of change and creativity, sometimes for the better, sometimes for its detriment. Not all change is beneficial or always good.
And yes- when one looks at corps shows that people really gravitate to of more recent vintage, the character and essence of that given corps is billowing forth from the performance. Certain units take great care to have a very particular visual and music signature about what they do or to establish one. I believe they also benefit from it in spades when they do.
Amen! Thanks for the post. All in all the activity is evolving. Always has been, always will be. But just like disco and bell bottom jeans, the past will be back in the form of the future. The best we can do is adapt as much as possible and to keep going and evolving even if it means kicking and screaming all the way
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I was unaware that DCA ever did that. I know they issue the standard trophy and award medals. But I thought that if the winning corps wanted to have commemorative rings, it was up to them to make it.
The South is HEATING UP!
in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions
Posted
True. I am guessing that the shows in previous years were not sponsored by an individual corps but were sponsored by the circuit.