Matthew

I don't think you have to get much, and I don't need much to get into a show. I just like well crafted arrangements/compositions of music. Music itself should tell its own story and the visual is just complimentary. Blue Knights 2006 was one of those shows that I loved. It didn't tell a story. Dark Knights was centered around "dark music" and it was effective while the music did what it was supposed to. I seem to remember them doing well in the effect caption.

The plumes will be okay. Hang them upside down or lay them on a surface and they'll dry out. They might be fluffier than how they were, but the plumes will be okay. Most of those plumes now adays are made with that fake mylar--it looks like real feathers but it's really plastic. Either way plumes is not what I'd worry about.

I liked the Blue Knights 1997-1999, 2002-2003, and 2006-2007. The stuff they were doing from 2006-2007 was very nice in terms of orchestration. Some of the best Barber and Shostakovich that I've heard from corps that have done it, band, or orchestra.

There's nothing wrong with a random or out of order appearance. It should be that way at all shows.

It was first allowed in 2004.

As for getting a music teaching job, they (some employers) often like to see drum corps experience (some employers will even say top 12 experience) if you're applying for a HS position that has a marching band. I know many educators who did not march corps, who have landed jobs at some amazing programs, and are doing a great job. You don't need to march corps to fill that space on a resume. Heck, I didn't march with a top 12 corps, and I'm still a successful educator, because of what I learned in many arenas. I marched two seasons, met great people who I am still in touch with, I learned some useful pedagogy, but I didn't consider it to be the end all be all. As a clarinetist, I'm also now a great low brass specialist when I have to be. Drum corps was worth it for me. I'd march again if I had it to do over again.

DCI had an application for scores last year. Not sure where it went.

Also factor in transportation costs to and from camps if you are not local. Flights, bus, car, etc... That can add up to about as much as the corps tuition if you are having to take flights or etc each month to the camps. I always had about $200+ for tour--didn't always need it, but there were times when you will want to eat at a nice place on a free day... or etc.

Emerald Regime is plagued by the 13th place curse again! for the 2nd season in a row! Lets hope the changes they made can bump them up even more in their semifinals showing! Emerald Explorers sitting in 10th is good, but not healthy enough. Lets hope their changes are worthy of a raise! Overall glad to see both corps advancing!

Probably a little more time than it is now. But it would certainly make for some interesting competition. It would allow a lot more flexibility across the board.

GE is going to be a hard one to pick this year. Phantom, Cavalier and Blue Devils have been all over! Normally it is clear who is going to grab what caption in GE. What would make DCPI interesting (and probably will never happen) is if we were allowed to pick corps for the subcations within captions.

At this point, if you don't make the changes--you in a sense lose them...

Tri-Color may have roller coaster ride seasons, but they'll never finish 20th! This Founding DCPI corps has always had what it took to push up into finals... Nearly missing it two seasons in a row, then earning silver, and bronze medals.

Anyone else see that Velour Knights and Kosmos had identical scores!!! That is interesting, considering they must be using different captions.

Tri-Color has certainly made their way back up in the ranks! They'll be staying in the mix too... All three corps are setup very well now, and with the changes put in this week things will only get better!

Blue Devils B has competition that they will see tonight! The only competition that we have seen all season is Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets. Now that this Midwest tour has started, we will see Jersey Surf, Teal Sound, etc...etc... the competition that Blue Devils B has "needed" all season. Matt Smith Blue Devils B Brass Staff 2008 Cascades Brass Staff 2006-2007

After not having internet on tour for a few days, I have finally been able to take advantage of the caption updating!!! Hopefully it works!

INergy is also not a rookie corps.

All 3 corps are in! Tri-Color, Emerald Regime and Explorers!

What's sad is, the virus is striking, and they are doing somewhat of a full tour!

You can expect that I will contact you for tips and advice. I almost forgot that you are a middle school director! What's great about my position is that the middle school and high school are on the same campus, so I have multiple resources to tap into.

My former student from when I tech'd at a high school in Fresno, is going to take over Tri-Color. But yeah, I wish I could be more involved after this, but I think it's time to move on to the real thing! I'll peep in and out though, and make sure that Tri-Color remains in the top 12.

Hello all DCPI Directors, I've accepted a position as director of bands at Reyburn Intermediate (Clovis East's feeder) in Clovis Unified (California), with associate director duties at Clovis East HS. The principal called me this evening and told me that he wanted me to fill the position, as I had the right stuff they were looking for in the applicants. With that said, running a middle school program that has: 2 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, 1 marching band (parade only), winter drumline, and winter guard, on top of assisting with the high school program... I am going to be resigning from Tri-Color, Emerald Regime, and Emerald Explorers at the conclusion of this season. I will not be able to maintain them during the off-season, as that is when the academic school year is in session. Running DCPI in the summers will no longer work, as I will be preparing for the fall seasons and such. Clovis Unified demands a lot from their music teachers, so I will be quite busy making things happen! I will do my utmost best to maintain my 3 corps until THIS season is over. At the conclusion of this season, I will be doing a Nationwide Search for someone to take over the corps. Matt

Tri-Color and Emerald Regime continue to be brides maids in big shows. Winning prelims, then to get edged out in finals! Either way, both groups including Emerald Explorers earned great praise at their respective regionals...this only helps them in the future contest! All 3 are in the heat of competition, right where they need to be.

Tri-Color's score should have been an 81.18 or close to it at the Ft. Collins show, our visual ensemble score would have generated a 15.24 (I'm using that same caption with another corps). I'm sorry to be like a certain real life corps director, but the staff wants the kids to get what they truly earned.