ShutUpAndPlayYerGuitar
-
Posts
756 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
2
Posts posted by ShutUpAndPlayYerGuitar
-
-
Ha; the guard dress as Mr. Body
http://images.sodahead.com/polls/002125483/354912286_MrBody_1_xlarge.jpeg
"Why do you keep calling me 'Mr. Body'? My name's 'Dennis.'"
-
UMN Gophers already have that with the backside stands (per our DCI usage) sitting above their band room, storage lockers, and uniform rooms.
Pressbox side does the honors for the athletic teams who don't play musical instruments.
I got to take something of a tour last year. Pretty impressive. The main rehearsal area is essentially a gigantic band room.
-
That's cool. Will it come with a football team?
-
3
-
-
What brand do they use? I know they used Jupiter when BAC lent them their trailer/gear.
My experience is mostly Yamaha BBb, though I played on an early 2000s (garbage) King as well. Different manufacturers have different ideals, but there's a clear difference between the ergonomically designed horns (Yamaha, new King/System Blue) and the not-so-ergonomically designed horns (Jupiter).
Regardless: If you're able to take the horn home, do it. Make your home practice routine as similar to your show experience as possible.
The goal is to have the same "look" as the baris and high brass. I've never thought about "resting" the tuba on my shoulder. I try to distribute a reasonable amount of weight to arms (mostly left arm ... similar idea as a baritone). It's about finding your own "sweet spot" and adjusting your lead pipe accordingly.
As far as actual exercises ... pushups, shoulder, and back workouts have always been fine for me (usual disclaimers apply).
-
" Its Criminal ".......................Fiona Apple
Quick change of subject: apparently Fiona's "Criminal" was used in Bluecoats' 2007 show (according to corpsreps). Does anyone know what part of the show it's in, or what motif is used?
-
Release on O'Donnell below.
Doesn't have a drum corps background. Should be very interesting. Gamer nerds are going crazy, that's for sure.
-
I know that 1999 wasn't a literal interpretation of JCSS, but why did the guard look like Al Capone's hit squad?
(Stewart never gave me a valid explanation for that one)
Interesting ... I never thought about the 1999 guard unis or how they related to JCSS. Had sort of a Michael Jackson look to it, IMO. I don't hate it, but it was pretty boring.
Since JCSS's costume design is always different throughout different productions, I'd like to see Madison try something fresh. Some examples of film/stage Judas' below.
UK Arena Tour (Tim Minchin playing a metalhead/Rasta version of Judas, apparently)
-
How can you not love "Gethsemane"?
I'll admit that's a great part of the musical (though the "I wanna know ..." sections annoy me).
-
I like it. "Heaven on Their Minds" was a strong opener (and, IMO, the only part from the musical I really enjoy). A whole show based around that, and the basic idea of Judas, has a ton of musical/emotional potential.
I'll start drinking the Green/Red/Gold Kool-Aid.
-
1
-
-
Based on what I've seen from Facebook friends, there's an official announcement coming this afternoon.
-
Larry is an incredible instructor. He simply "gets it" and knows how to bring out the best in people with his calm approach.
He's also a great person and one of my favorite personalities in this activity. I know he'll pull through.
-
Not True
thank you
What's not true? The lack of the high camera option or the supposed lack of post-show editing?
-
6) This is really a terrible idea. If a staffing team has figured out a formula that works they should not be punished and forced to break up. Not to mention, many people out there have different teaching/design philosophies. There is no guarantee that two people who have done amazing work on their own or with their own teams will work together. There style may be too different and cause the entire corps to suffer. Also, how would this be enforced? What's to stop someone from quitting because they were drafted somewhere they didn't want to go? Or am I completely missing the point of this idea?
Wow ... I completely misread what he wrote. I originally read it as simply having staff members from the top groups consult lower-ranked groups (if they want). Completely glossed over the "draft" part. Yeah, horrible idea.
7) From what I've seen the problem isn't in the judging, but in the judges. I haven't seen the language on the judge sheets for DCA but I'm guessing it's not much different than that for DCI and WGI. Most comments I've heard from various staffs are that the judges are terrible. I've heard plenty of tapes to back up this position as well. Many judges will give stock answers to seem like they know what's happening without actually addressing what is happening on the field. I've heard judges make comments about DCA and DCI corps separate from the corps that is on the field. If so many people agree that there are problems with the numbers then the judges need to be fixed. Having training courses every year or two would help keep judges up to date on new trends so corps are being rewarded for pushing the envelope and using new rule changes instead of being penalized for it. Or DCA could institute a committee of selected staff members from each corps that review tapes after the season to discuss which judges are missing things or making poor comments. Of course it seems like the best solution would be to actually get new judges. We need some new blood who actually understand the state that DCA is in today and not what it was in 80s.
Agreed. The problem is that many judges interpret the sheets differently, which can leading to dramatic bumps/drops.
-
Oofda ... the original coloring of the scenes inside the Nebuchadnezzar is painful to look at. Also, I still wonder what the Matrix trilogy would look like if the Wachowski's didn't disappear up their own collective ### in the 2nd and 3rd films.
Back on topic: the only things keeping me from purchasing the BluRay are 1) the apparent lack of a high camera option, and 2) the possibility that the camera edits might not be very good. I talked to a friend that has the 2014 disc, and he said that they didn't change any edits from the day of the show to production.
-
Here's my responses to the "Competition Problem" post. I've never founded or operated a drum corps, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
- Reduce the Emphasis on Demand. DCA is supposed to be an all-age activity. Putting more emphasis on judging effect and not difficulty will give the corps with an older demographic a better chance to compete in visual and GE, and will create more exciting shows for the fans. They already have by eliminating field judges and creating the communication caption. Could maybe use some tweaking, but "reducing emphasis on demand" through more judging changes won't work.
- Show Order. At every show, the defending DCA Champion should go on FIRST, not last. This will open every show with a bang, and give the other DCA non-champions precious rehearsal time. After the Champion opens, the show goes back to regular order. Result = drum corps show culture changes, people get there early, and the class A corps actually has fans to perform to. Will never happen, but I like the "start things out with a bang" idea. I'm all for more creative show coordination.
- Emphasize GE on the Sheets, so a corps that knocks the fans on their ### with a concert of Maleguana, can compete with a boring rendition of a non-melodic noise running around the field at 220 bpm. (related to #1) See first response.
- Grand Champion. Any corps that wins four consecutive DCA Championships is awarded a huge Grand Champion trophy, goes into exhibition (performing last at every show) the next season. DCA makes this corps PR rock stars for the year Bucs play to win, not to be PR rock stars. Unless DCA gives them an insanely sweet deal, this will never happen.
- Reward Originality. DCA judges must understand that other corps do not need to beat the Buccaneers by becoming Buccaneers. A corps can entertain with hard drill and amazing difficulty, absolutely. But a corps can entertain equally well by knocking the bleachers down standing still. And a corps can entertain wearing yellow banana coats and a circus on the field, with people in animal costumes. All show styles should all be allowed to compete with a reasonable chance of winning DCA, and this is not the case right now. Not because I said so, because the historical record says so in black and white. Personally, I think that from now on, any show copied verbatim from a DCI corps (there have been many over the years) should place no higher than 9th in DCA, on the basis of a lack of originality alone. I agree that originality should be a judging consideration. 10 years ago, I was really put off by the "90s DCI redux" shows in DCA. I think we're starting to see more originality, however. Hasn't been an issue for Bucs, since ... ever? MBI is no longer Blue Devils Senior. Even though they have Meehan arranging for them, this year's show was very fresh and entertaining. MBI will be on an upward trajectory as a unique, entertaining corps. Cabs are Cabs and will always be Cabs. I didn't have a chance to see C2 this year.
- Implement a Design Team Draft, which pairs up world class design team members for whatever lower tier corps drafts them. This idea is outside the box, it may not work, or it might be as small as finding consultants to help the lower corps, or maybe it is a full fledged design team draft, where the staffs move around every year. Who knows. Doesn't fall into the scope of DCA's mission, but I love this idea. I always hate it when I see smaller groups being set up for failure ... especially when it comes to visual design. Maybe something as simple as a "Design Best Practices" handbook, IDK.
- Ditch Subjective Judging. The problem with subjective judging is that, by definition, it rewards corps who fit the model of what the judging community deems “successful.” Thus, losing corps are forced to emulate that model to be competitively successful within that system, and you end up with a lot of drum corps that look and sound the same. This is the same problem DCI has, and it’s all caused by the decision to do away with all elements of objective judging, where the judge would simply count mistake (tics), regardless of show style or demand. There is a reason that corps like the Bridgemen, VK and other outside the norm are not in the top-12 right now – they can not competitively exist in the environment. One way or another, I think an objective elements need to return to DCA judging, to encourage competitive diversity among the corps. Otherwise, a corps has to become the Buccaneers to have a reasonable chance to beat the Buccaneers, and I simply don’t see that happening in the next decade or six. I would rather not see tick system elements return. Would totally love to see a Bridgemen/VK-type corps return to DCI, but that's an issue with designers not taking risks. Looking at DCA, the Class A champion was the Govenaires, a hugely entertaining group with a unique yet competitive show.
-
-
Ordering some media for the first time. Leaning toward getting the high camera DVD, but wondering if the Blu-Ray is worth it. Is it?
Is the quality that much better? Have the BluRays ever included more than one view?
-
When were they on King before? What brands each corps has used over the years isn't something I keep up with.
They were on King Bb from 2003 to 2008, then switched to Jupiter in 2009.
After finally getting up close and personal with Jupiter horns last weekend, I think it's a good decision.
-
I'll start with expanding the social media presence and hype, starting with the recruiting of a college student in need of volunteer hours or internship hours or just a solid resume item to revamp the DCACorps.og website. It needs immediate improvement and the expertise undoubtedly exists in the dca-college student community.
Next?
This.
The redesign has a lot of nice elements and there seems to be a pretty good graphics person involved, but there's other stuff that isn't working. Needs more updated content. Also, past recaps are all dead links (at least on every browser I've used). I've reached out to the listed contact, but no response.
A lot of good can come from a solid internship program.
-
I've got a stopwatch. Let's just check the tape and figure it out. Oh wait, we can't.
Just need to wait a few months.
-
Man, I swear some folks must have been looking at a different show. I thought Minnesota might have taken the brass trophy right after their performance and said so on this thread. But the main reason their brass sounded so good is that their drill simply DOES NOT MOVE! They literally stand motionless for almost half of their program. Running some steamers from a pole and having folks run around in clown costumes does not equate to dynamic visual design.
The main reason their brass sounded so good is because they have a great arranger and brass team.
That "they only sound good cause they don't move" criticism is lazy and wrong, especially when we're talking about a group that medalled.
-
1
-
-
Some relatives of mine will be in town this Saturday. Looking for nearby -- short driving distance from stadium -- places to eat.
Looking for a nice, relatively quiet place to spend time with a group of 7-8, which includes some older folks and a baby.
I've had Dinosaur BBQ and love it, but I'm not sure if that location would work for this group. I know it's a zoo during I&E, but how is it on Saturday before/during the show?
Any help is appreciated.
-
The new Atlanta stadium design is ... interesting. It looks cool, but there seem to be a lot of trade-offs for accommodating a circular structure. The seating looks really odd. Wouldn't be surprised if there were sight line headaches. I also think retractable roofs tend to be a gigantic waste of money. If they end up frequently opening the roof, cool. Otherwise it's just another expensive add-on that makes the stadium look like a ...uh ... certain part of the rear end.
I'll reserve judgement once it's actually completed. The overall design is unique but not obnoxiously asymmetrical. I also like the idea of there being a convention center built in, like what the Georgia Dome currently has. I wish more stadiums did this, as opposed to being just a standalone structure.
That being said, this arms race of NFL owners/governments building the most expensive and garish stadiums is getting out of hand.
I believe Detroit did. Ford Field is where the Lions play but the old Pontiac Silverdome is still standing. Albiet the roof collapsed a few years ago if I recall.
Indeed. The city of Pontiac got royally screwed. This is what they're left with ...
-
Why did I leave it at that? Because as soon as someone tries to explain why they don't like Yamaha, they are dismissed as clueless amateurs who know nothing. So I allowed all of you rabid Yamaha fangirls the pleasure of bashing me with less work on my end. I've played plenty of Yamaha horns, and hated every last one of them. They have no response, no sonority, and simply feel like the shoddy workmanship they actually are. If I ran a horn line and someone donated a whole line of Yamahas to me, I'd either sell them and buy something better or just refuse the donation. The same goes with Jupiter. Give me something American made any day. King or Kanstul, there's no other way to go.
So ... disagreeing with your hyperbole makes me a "rabid fangirl." Got it.
I'll just say my experience with Yamaha has been different. Two groups I help with have survived 10 years of "shoddy workmanship." The horns are sturdier than people give credit for and they have good resale value. With decent instruction, you can get a championship sound out of them (at any level). I've weighed the costs and benefits, and Yamaha has worked out great.
If you want something with better response and sonority, that's fine. Pay up.
(and before you take anything I've said personally again ... I'm not saying any one product is superior to another. Just saying my experience has been positive.)
-
1
-
RIP Myron Rosander
in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Posted
.