craiga

Also, in 1990, we had, believe it or not, Jim Prime, Larry Kirshner, AND Robert W. Smith each arranging parts of our 50th Anniversary show. Robert wrote the ballad, which he named "Sunrise at Castille".

Sounds right...I think Jay arranged 2008 "Neocosmos" through 2011.

I remember that I first met Ryan G at a winter camp in Maryland as the corps was rehearsing for Obama's second Inauguration. He had arranged the parade tune, and that was January of 2013. So I am thinking he may have joined the team in 2012.

This is a strong lineup and in a great stadium. Plus, only a week before Indy! Now all we need is some dry weather and this will be an exciting night!

I have always congratulated BD on their wins. For my money, however, 2022 could have easily been won by them, Boston or Bluecoats. Ultimately, it has always come down to the judging panel on finals night. I'm not suggesting bias...only that they are human beings trying to put a number on an art form. If you took a dozen of us dcp folks and had us walk through an art museum trying to put numbers on the paintings, it would be the same, particularly if we all knew which artist painted which piece. I might have the Monet up by 2 tenths while Jeff Ream has the Picasso up by 1 tenth and Boss Anova has the Winslow Homer a half point above both. That darned Boss Anova....always hyping the New England people......

It was just an idea.

Two word solution: GILLETTE STADIUM

It seems to me that both SCV and Cadets may be on the agenda...two different dumpster fires, the same but different. I would not be shocked to see DCI putting serious mileage between the mothership and both organizations, if for no other reason than limiting future financial risk to the org. Lest we forget, the new CEO is in fact new to the activity and in all likelihood not possessing that same nostalgia that people like us may have for these two iconic brands. Santa Clara 87? Cadets 83-85? He's never heard if them. Maybe that's what needs to happen.

Happy New Year to all the members, staff, alumni and fans of the Boston Crusaders. This is the 84th New Years Day the Crusaders organization has been around for! Those original Crusaders would now be over 100 if any of them were still around. May their spirits continue to watch over the current members! Eat'em Up, Boston!

So, since few folks mentioned 2000 BAC, a couple of fun facts: Boston actually had TWO camps each month that winter, one in Mass and one in FL. The kids only had to go to one but the staff taught at both. After it's first top 12 placement in 99 (9th) it had talent like never before. Spring training was at my hometown in those days of Biddeford, Maine. On one of the final days of spring training, the corps agreed to do an exhibition at a small cadet class show just up the street. But, none of the staff knew the little drum corps show WAS in fact being judged. The staff had the corps perform the entire show with the Dr. Beat on, but he judges went nuts for the performance anyway! The first actual show for the corps in 2000 was a week later in Beverly on July 4th. It was quite a year, with the corps getting the Disney award, placing 5th at finals, and the standing ovation for them before they played a note was something I had never witnessed before. In that tenor line was a 17 year old band kid of mine who would go on to march 5 years, including aging out as DM in 04. It was an unforgettable season for me.

This. If winning was the only thing, I wouldn't be the supportive alum that I am, since we placed 26th when I played sop in 1980.

Not only that, but with the negative drama which currently exists in our activity, BAC still gives us reason to cheer. Meeting corps members each year, witnessing spring training in Vermont, and seeing them perform during the summer reminds me why I have been part of this family for 45 years.

You know, I'm not salty....but a piece of me DOES wonder what the heck Boston has to do to be able to win. I have never been a BD hater, and I always congratulate them when they win. They are a great organization....well financed, well taught, great staff longevity, massively well organized and deeply capitalized, with an amazing staff. These attributes also describe the Boston Crusaders, imo.

They had the greatest number of auditionees ever. It will be interesting how it all sorts itself out. Probably not marching 29 tubas....

I've been around this activity more than 40 years, and I've never heard of "trauma dumping". What are you people talking about?

I heard the same from someone who was there.

This is great news! As someone who (along with my little Yorkie "Max") has spent literally hours sitting in the stadium in Castleton watching Aaron teach and clean during spring training, I can attest to the fact that he is top-notch. He is focused like a laser beam and the kids love him. Also, BAC has proven to be visually on top of their game of late, and Aaron Bailey is a huge reason. Congrats!

Not sure. I know Mason did (soloist during the Wellerman and 5 year vet). Assuming a handful of others. I think maybe that tuba feature may have been quite popular with lots of tuba players in general. Tubas are usually relegated to the ompa lompa parts and not staged very prominently. I can see why the turnout was so anazing.

So, back to Boston 2024....they saw a total of 29 tubas through the course of the weekend. That's gotta a record for them.

The one guy with the potty mouth ruins it. Unnecessary and insulting.

Nice to see the continued talent level growth! Also, it is encouraging to see some positive drum corps news in an otherwise bleak off-season this year.

Actually, 27 tubas....or for Jurassic Lancer's benefit, 26+1.

28 TUBAS!!!!!!!!!

A well written post...as usual. However, I do take issue with your comment that only SOA has safeguards to adequately protect its members. Due to their misdeeds and subsequent scrutiny, they may be the highest profile organization at present, but I would argue there are other organizations that have been employing best practices for years.

Awesome! Feeding them like Giants!