sklenn

For the first time, drum corps came to Eugene, OR. Drums of Fire was held at Autzen Stadium, home of the Oregon Ducks. I always thought it would be a great venue for drum corps, and I was right. Five corps competed... Seattle Cascasdes, Troopers, Oregon Crusaders, Blue Knights and Santa Clara Vanguard. In addition to performing their field show, each group performed a short standstill performance. It was nice hearing more from them, but it dragged things out a bit, and made for awkward transitions between corps. I would have preferred a few more corps. It also marked the first time that a drum corps show was judged using VolcanoScore. It was not DCI judges deciding the fate of the groups, but the audience members. We were given a number to text message, where we would send our score for each corps. The average number was found for each corps, and that was their score. I like the concept of audience members having a vote, but would like it better in conjunction with judges scores... like using it to decide some sort of fan's choice award. There was no criteria for coming up with a score, so it was a little random. Since the show wasn't being judged in the traditional way, I was just trying to enjoy the shows, and not worrying too much about disecting each group. Seattle Cascades were the first to hit the field. It has been a few years since I have seen this corps live, and remembered them being better than what they were last night. I also expected to see more members on the field. The highlight of this group for me was the drumline. The hornline sounded fuzzy, and didn't seem to gel very well. It is still early in the season, and they probably haven't had a lot of opportunities to play in a venue as large as Autzen. The guard also has a lot of cleaning to do. I'm hoping this show will be a better experience a few weeks down the road. Troopers were next on the field. I was pleasantly surprised by them. I admit, ever since I saw members of the Troopers beat up a DCI judge after the 1995 Stillwater, MN show, they've always given off a creepy sort of vibe to me. <<NOTE - THIS HAS ITS OWN DISCUSSION TOPIC - Mike N>> 14 years later, I am ready to let go, and enjoy them. I enoyed the music selection, the drill was not overly complex- but it was fairly clean, and I enjoyed the horns, drums and guard. It was my second favorite performance of the night. Way to go Troopers! Oregon Crusaders were the proud hosts of this show. I appreciate the hard work they put into bringing drum corps to Eugene. Their performance didn't have as much oomph as the Troopers, but it was a good effort by the small group. I LOVED everything about Santa Clara Vanguard's show. There were no gimmicks or over the top props, just good music, clean drill, and beautiful artistry. Exactly what I feel drum corps should be. Thank you, thank you, thank you Vanguard. Make sure you see them. Blue Knights were scheduled to perform before SCV, but ended up going last. They must of gotten to the stadium late... although I'm not exactly sure. At points in their show, the hornline sounded strong, and other points they need work. I liked the guard starting with white flags and gradually getting to the dark blue. The drill seemed clumpy, and I expect to evolve as the season goes on.

Any comments about corps performances at the Mankato, MN show? I'm a west coast transplant wondering how my "hometown" show went (30 minutes from my hometown actually, but close enough in the world of drum corp). I am especially interested in Southwind and Chops.

I spent 3 seasons on the road with Southwind ('02-'04) as their head cook. When I first signed up, I didn't know anyone affiliated with the corps. At the time they were associated with the Scouts and Capital Sound. I chose to tour with them, because I was tired of seeing them in the shadow of another corps. They just needed people to believe in them. Since then, the corps has grown in so many ways, and are shining all on their own. Think about the strides that they have made over the past few seasons. They are a class act. The staff and members are the most amazing people, both on and off the field. So when I read negative comments like "Screw Southwind" on the forum, it is hard for me to respect those people, and the comments that they make. Everyone has favorite corps, and corps/shows that they don't care for... but this forum is for people who love drum corps to come together- there is no reason to get nasty. They are in the Cinecast, because according to DCI's ranking system, they earned the right to be there. Let there fans be happy for them.

I've been keeping an eye open for any Broken Arrow reviews? Does anyone who saw that show have any thoughts to share? It would be greatly appreciated. :P

I expected to see more respect from a Southwind alum. Southwind has certainly worked hard enough to deserve it. Tristan, I am very disappointed. Sarah Lenn SW Support Staff 02-04