Rifuarian

A theme works when it can be clearly conveyed on the field. This usually means making it as simple as possible. For example, taking a story (like Spartacus, a horse race, boxing, etc.) and paring it down to its most essential parts, or using a simple visual or musical motif (like four corners, perpetual motion, or machine) and then exploring variations of that motif. What drum corps isn't good at is communicating abstract ideas and complicated stories. With the latter, you either hit the audience over the head with so much narration (like Cadets this past year) that the whole production is bogged down by it, or just leave them scratching their heads. The only people that get it are the designers, the staff (some of them), and the judges (but only after the staff has explained it to them). With the former, let's just say if you're confronted with a show called "MemoryScape(z) in 3 Movements: Trepidation, Contumacy, Perspicacity" you're going to be left bored and confused while the corps is trying to communicate its contumacy by rolling around on the field and chanting something in ancient Greek. With very few exceptions, I'll take the old style of 6-7 unrelated pieces of music played painfully loud to some pseudo-intellectual nonsense dreamed up on someone's Mac in a Starbucks. Thankfully this kind of show is on the way out in both drum corps and marching band.

Give a guy chance to boost his low post count! +1! Gotta earn my second square . . . four years as a rookie is too long!

Tim Allen. I was in another rural KY band that's been crushed by Adair again and again over the past decades, but I love them all the same. It's amazing how they've managed to build the nation's best small band program in an area with a median household income of less than $24,000.

We can only take your word for it, so I'll assume all this is true. It's their right to do it, even if it's completely wrong-headed (which it is). If you're truly committed to that corps, then spend the next year losing weight in a sane, sensible way. But it seems like one of several corps where the instructors care a lot more about competitive success than they care about their members, so is that really the place you want to be? There are plenty of top corps with hefty guys in the guard, and they almost always seem like the most energetic performers on the field. You'll get berated non-stop, most likely, but that's just part of corps, and a lot different from what you (allegedly) went through. Or you can do what I do, and join the navy, which was more than happy to let my fat behind in. Training was like a fat camp where they paid me (little less intense than Marine training I admit -- I actually enjoyed it, to tell the truth) and I managed to keep the wait off afterwards, plus I got my student debts repaid, decent pay for someone fresh out of college, health insurance for life, loads of experience . . . 'course, Uncle Sam is a lot less choosy nowadays than a lot of world class corps, and it's hard to march in world class corps while you're in the military. Unless you're one of those whiners that wants junior corps to let vets march.

I'd hate to see BOA go. Though I'm usually bored stiff at their competitions (wouldn't go if my little sis didn't participate), the performances aren't really as "artsy-fartsy" as a lot of people on here make them out to be. At 2007 GN finals I can only recall a few bands with elaborate props and narration, while some other bands -- like Avon and PCEP -- were positively drum corps-ish. The comps are a great experience for all the kids involved. They allow them to compete against bands that wouldn't normally see, and get quality feedback from (usually) quality judges in a more positive environment than most local competitions. And it's not really that expensive, unless you're bucking for a championship, and only a handful of bands participate with expectations of winning. What many people don't notice at BOA are the small, poorer schools that show up year after year, not because they want to win but because they think the experience is worth the money it costs. And I challenge anyone to provide evidence that participating in BOA has been so expensive that it destroys a program. BOA, like DCI, certainly has its share of problems. They've overextended. I think they should retreat back to the midwest/upper-south core where BOA had its start. They need to forget about the pro stadiums, except for Lucas Oil, and hold competitions in college and large high school stadiums. The score sheets are weighted too far towards effect for my taste, but our beloved drum corps isn't blameless there. And the upper echelons are dominated by gigantic, wealthy suburban schools who can afford to hire top DCI and WGI designers, arrangers, and instructors. I did a bit of research on another forum looking at the median household incomes of the school districts that were in 2007 GN semis, and most of them were well over the national average. But it's the same way in every activity, and really pales in comparison to the exorbitant funds lavished on top high school athletics programs. There are exceptions though. Schools from poorer areas like West Johnston and Ben Davis manage to compete successfully in BOA without breaking the bank. Adair County HS, a small band from rural Kentucky, is the most spectacular example of this. So while rare, it is possible for a small, poorer band to succeed with a motivated director and a good booster program. How likely is that to happen in DCI? Apples and oranges, I know, but still . . . Anyways, without BOA, where would our top corps get their show ideas? Where would DCPers, who are oh-so more grown up and mature than the high school students they love to savage, direct their never ending torrent of whining?

The bottom line is if your traveling with a group, be it band, drum corps, military, or whatever, and decide to do something fragrantly stupid it's going to reflect not on you but your group and your activity. That may not be fair, it might not be what you intended to happen when you urinated on that church or danced in that fountain with nothing on but your corps jacket, but it's the way the world works. I know from personal experience. Not that you can't enjoy yourself every once in a while, but always keep in mind what you're supposed to be representing. And I agree that the drinking age should be lowered, but only principle. I always found it annoying that I was old enough to go to Afghanistan but not old enough to legally buy a beer, even my military ID was enough to get most places to overlook my age. But lowering the age won't make a bit of difference in our drinking culture. Anyone spent a lot of time in Britain or Russia? I've been to both places, and kids have access to alcohol from early ages and it does nothing to reduce alcoholism or binge-drinking. It's simply part of the culture. The reason why it's not a problem in places like Spain is because there are strong taboos against drunkeness.

I'm not always pleased by the direction drum corps is going in, but some of you are pretty to delusional about drum corps' past, and specifically about DCIs past. DCI was founded by elite corps, for elite corps. It has always been an elite organization. Blue collar fans were brought in by the local corps who played shows at fairs, festivals, marched in parades, and were associated with local churches, veteran's orgs, scout troops, etc. Sure, a lot of these corps participated at DCI events, but DCI was never about the little corps, and bore no responsibility whatsoever for maintaining them, and bore no responsibility for their demise. That responsibility lies with the same trend that has weakened or wiped out old civil society organizations over the last few decades. Churches, scout troops, lodges, unions, veterans organizations, Jaycee clubs, mummers, bowling leagues, and organizations like these have all undergone drastic reductions in membership, and local drum corps have been affected in the same way. It's a broad social trend that DCI and those totally uncool bandos have no control over. But I know it's easier blame them. th It's pretty amusing that anyone believes drum corps was ever cool. You may have thought you were cool, but that's a lot different from being so.

The opening and closing of the show is brilliant, and La Vie en Rose is a gorgeous ballad. But the music in between these parts is sometimes seems like meandering and directionless "drum corps generica". The bicycle motif seems to disappear in these middle parts. I had a hard time picking out many of the tunes listed in their repertoire. Saint-Saens Third should be given a little more time at the end. Then again, I've only seen the show once, via webcast, so it's possible that I missed a lot. Look forward to seeing the Blue Stars again on Thursday, and hopefully on Saturday, too!

In order: 1. I've heard of this but don't understand the appeal. Maybe I'm missing out, but I don't know . . . The Runcible Spoon, an artsy-fartsy place that's perfect for the staffs of most corps, is nearby and offers pretty good breakfast. 2. Fresh ingredients, low prices, huge portions. For Thai you can also go to Siam House on 4th. You can also try Shaanti's, an Indian restaurant adjoining Esan Thai, which is pretty good. 3. It's okay, but for vegetarian/health food Roots is much better (though not as fast). 4. Never been. Heard it's good but pricey. Domo, on 3rd street, is good and inexpensive. 5. See 3. Love the peanut curry. 6. I don't much about it, but from what I've heard from everybody else is that Restaurent Tallent, on Walnut just north of the square, is the best place for fine cuisine.

I like Phantom's uniforms, but with the corps proper in all white the guard looks pretty diminutive. I'd also like to thank the designer's for not putting male guard members in historically authentic short skirts. BD's are brilliant, but I could do without seeing the guy's stomachs. But that's just a personal preference - I find the male body to be pretty repulsive. Crown's I'm not so sure about, at least at the beginning of the show. I know it's supposed to along with the "mad composer searching for an ending" theme, but I've never been a fan of over-complicated guard uniforms.

There are lot's of great places to eat in Bloomington, though Smokin' Jack's isn't one of them. I'm from the South, and I've yet to find good barbecue north of the Ohio. But they get points for trying. In addition to what's already mentioned, I recommend checking out 4th St. just west of the University for ethnic restaurants. My favorites are Anatolia (Turkish) and Casablanca (Moroccan). You can also fine Korean, Indian, Malay, Italian, Thai, and even Tibetan - there are two Tibetan restaurants actually, one of them is owned by the Dalai Llama's brother. For pizza, try Aver's (I recommend the Cream & Crimson) as well as Mother Bear's. For breakfast, the Village Deli - try the breakfast burrito, Square Donuts, or Waffle House (not the same as the chain restaurant). For after the show, try the aforementioned pizza places, as well as Nick's. For beer, go to Lennie's on 10th street. If you're in Indy, I'd recommend Oceanaire over St. Elmo's. Le Petit Choux is good for breakfast and lunch, Shapiro's Deli is great for lunch.

I spent two seasons with a short-lived Div. III corps. After it went inactive there were no more II/III corps in the area, and I didn't feel I was talented enough make a Division I corps, so I pretty much gave up on marching (or sitting - I'm a tympanist). It's been two years since my would-be age out year, and I really regret not trying out for some of the nearby Div. I corps. But it's not really over, yet -- hopefully there are some senior corps around looking for a mediocre tympanist (or an even worse mallet player)? But I count my fortunate for the two years I did march. Like mad scotty, I took a lot from my brief drum corps experience. Hard work. Clear thinking. Modesty . . .

I've been to every Murfreesboro show since it went to the top 8 format, and I've loved it every year. It may not be relevant, but it's not supposed to be, is it? It's fun (for fans and, from what I've heard, performers too), it's sort of on the way to Atlanta, and it's big show in a part of the country that doesn't get too many big shows. Sadly, I won't be able to make it tomorrow, but anyone who does needs to stop at the Slick Pig BBQ for chicken wings and banana pudding. It won't disappoint. And if you're in town early, be sure to check out the Stones River Battlefield for a chilling lesson in American history.

There are a lot of things about this activity that don't make sense musically, but we do them anyways. Like unnecessary mellophone runs and blastissimo power chords, I can't imagine drum corps without at least a few cymbal lines.

I certainly hope Southwind makes it back next year. These past few years I've found them a lot more entertaining that many corps that place above them. And they're Kentucky's only junior corps at the moment. So please, come back in '09. BTW Southwind, you should start sending a group down to the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville each June (if you're not already . . . I haven't been in a while). There are a lot of of gray-headed lovers of brass music there who would open their wallets if you gave them some "Old Kentucky Home". It could end up being a pretty good fundraiser.

I don't disagree with you, and even though I live in Bloomington I was disappointed about the move. Fortunately DCI will be in a large city with a nice new stadium for years to come that's within reasonable driving distance for all of the big markets you just mentioned (excepting Philadelphia). That DCI got a little overexcited and jumped on the deal before Lucas Oil existed was a colossal blunder, but we're all going to have to grin and bare it. By the way, I've been to Pizzeria Uno and, while it was very good, Mother Bear's Pizza is right up there with it. Bloomington is not your typical mid-sized town where chains have eliminated all the local establishments -- there are plenty of unique, international restaurants that are just as good as any I've had in a larger city. I guess I'm being a little oversensitive, but I've fallen in love with Bloomington and can't stand to here criticized. I hope you understand. The bottom line is, if you come to this years finals thinking you'll hate, or that you'll be bored, you probably will be. If you're willing to B-ton a chance, I think you and others will be pleasantly surprised.

Of the shows I've seen live, Crown 03. Overall, Vk '92.

Orlando's attendance figures were some of the worst in DCI history, so I'm not sure if your theory holds water. There may not much "nightlife" in Bloomington in August (though there's plenty right now, with the Little 500 coming up this weekend), but there are plenty of unique things to do -- it's a small town with the attractions of a much larger city. Frankly, it's a pretty comfortable place for urbanites, and you don't have navigate through some congested metropolis to get to anything. Keep an open mind about it, do a little research, and give it a try.

I'm a little bummed that we don't get to break in Lucas Oil, but having finals a fifteen-minute walk away from my apartment isn't too shabby. Dining in Bloomington is absolutely no problem. You can try www.btownmenus.com to get an idea of what's available, but it's by no means exhaustive. Don't even think about eating at a chain restaurant -- the local establishments are numerous and far superior to anything the Olive Gardens, Applebee's, etc. can offer. Bars are plentiful as other posters have mentioned. Nick's, Kilroy's Sports Bar, Kilroy's, Crazy Horse, Bear's Place, Bloomington Brewing Company, The Irish Lion (which I highly recommend), Blue Bird, etc. All are within a 5 minute walking distance of downtown, along with dozens of other restaurants. Since you'll be there in the summer you won't have to put up with the hordes of students that normally fill these places. Nick's, Kilroy's Sports Bar, and Crazy Horse will be open well past midnight, as well as Mother Bear's and Avers Pizza. For those who choose not to rent a car and come down to Bloomington on the airport shuttle, Bloomington/IU has a pretty decent bus system. However, the buses will be running on summer (reduced) schedules. Hopefully DCI will get in touch with the University and set up special routes from the stadium to downtown and the hotels. The downtown/campus area is pedestrian friendly, though the west side of the town where many of the hotels are is not. For those who do rent a car, you might choose to stay in Nashville/Brown County instead. Their busy season is in the fall, so accommodations should readily available. Brown County State Park/Yellowwood State Forest are beautiful places to spend an afternoon, have a picnic, and just relax. Nashville has dozens of artsy-fartsy craft stores for those who are interested in that sort of thing. In Bloomington itself the shopping is decent -- try the downtown area first. The mall isn't that great. On Saturday mornings Bloomington hosts the best farmer's markets in the state. Even you're not into fresh fruit and vegetables the market attracts all sorts of hippies and hipsters who are fun to observe. Be sure to try the tamales. The IU campus -- the central part, at least -- is one of the most beautiful in the nation and is worth checking out. The art museum is excellent. In general, Bloomington is a great place for those with high-falutin' tastes. Californians and other coastal types nervous about venturing into fly-over country should feel at home in Bloomington. For those with more . . . plebeian interests . . . the beer is plentiful.