Pizazzman

Did anyone else notice that according to the revised schedule, BD is playing twice? Man, I thought Cascades had it tough with one and a half runs...

It's a repeat of the Phoenix show last year when we (Cascades) had to stop in the middle of the show for lightning. I thought it was just the storm theme from the show that kept bringing the storms at a lot of the shows last year, but I guess it's just the corps. ;-)

Bingo, those are age-outs.

Two words...giant tarp...

I instructed with Heather at American Fork in 2007 and was very saddened to hear about her passing on Saturday night. She was an amazing teacher and had such an important positive impact on hundreds if not thousands of students. She had such a great passion for teaching and life, she truly is (still) an inspiration not only for me but all that knew her. During the time I worked with her, I struggled to juggle all the things I had on my plate as I was also a drum major for the BYU marching band, but her example helped me to keep pressing forward and do my best to become a better teacher. In situations like this, words fail and it's hard to communicate all that one feels but I am grateful for the blessing of having worked with her and experiencing her love of teaching and music. Heather died the way she lived, in the service of her students. Because of her actions, none of the students lost their lives, she lost hers as a true hero. Heather will be sorely missed, my prayers and love are with her loved ones, the rest of the band staff and directors, and the members of the band.

It's really great to see the corps regrouping. Here's hoping for a strong comeback.

When I marched, I was either on scaffolding or bus loading crew, we had that down to a science and had some pretty sweet races. Anyway, sadly, I never learned how to line a field, so could someone point me in the direction of a good, fast, step-by-step set of instructions that I could print out?

When is someone going to write a finale piece that isn't a piece of you know what...?

On the field, presenting their 2007 program: Drum Corps for Dummies.....

I'm gonna go with '02 Cascades.....but I could be a little biased. B)

I love Agnus Dei, I just sang it last semester at BYU in a choir of close to 500 with a full orchestra and organ (talk about a packed stage!). It was one of my most amazing performing experiences (which is saying something) and I'm excited to hear what Madison does with it. If you haven't heard the original, check it out.

Alright, so I haven't been around DCP in the last week because I've been dealing with returning from tour, so I'm not sure if this has been covered already. I noticed on finals night that Bluecoats only had four basses but I was pretty sure I saw five at quarters and someone I know said they saw five at semis also. So, does anyone know why there were only 4 basses on finals night? Hopefully it wasn't a BD 2000 type issue.

Im just curious what show you saw....because there is no narration or amplified voice in Seattle's show... Pretty harsh words for a show you don't seem to remember.

Seems to me a few corps were left off the list. Of the ones listed, I'd have to go with Crossmen. I think they know best what it takes to be in the top 12 and are hungry to get back into the club. Of course, my real vote would be for a particular corps that wasn't listed. :)

My biggest complaint is, whats the deal with no surround sound?!?!?! I could've watched it at home and had better sound quality, so I was not happy about paying $12.50. The picture quality was not great either. From what I understand, the reason for the poor quality was that it was an internet feed. Seems like there are better options considering people are paying $12.50 to see this.

I really hope they are playing Biebl's Ave Maria, it is by far my favorite arrangement. I played it in symphonic band this last semester and I'm conducting it in one of the choirs I'm in (I'm student conductor for 2 UVSC choirs). It was also our baritone ensemble piece back at Cascades. Very cool piece!

I'm just a little biased , but oh well. I'm gonna go with our (Cascades) rotating triangle at the end of our 2002 opener. 60 some odd counts rotating a morphing triangle different directions, yeah, it was fun. I remember the first time we saw tape of it at the end of all-days, everyone went nuts and we knew we'd bring a few people to their feet that season. B)

They just need 12 so they can write 12 tone bass parts. It's the next big thing in 12 tone music you know.

I think both they and the Mandarins were ripped off on the CD's. :P

Yeah, I was a little surprised when I went to the track that was labled as Cascades and got the Mandarin's show. Maybe I can get a refund for my faulty CD......heh, yeah I'm sure they'll do that. But seriously, I wonder how this happens. I mean, don't they listen to the CD's before they reproduce and ship them?

I just wanted to post a public thank you to Rick Valenzuela. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that you brought the true spirit of Vanguard to the corps. You are the embodiment of what I consider the Vanguard to be and I think Mr. Royer is looking down with pride on what you've done. I want to thank you for all that you've done for me. You were the one that gave me a chance to learn about how a corps works and without you, I never would have marched, now I want to be involved with corps for the rest of my life teaching and designing. Without my time with the Vanguard (because of you), I don't know where I'd be now, you changed my life. You've so brought many great things into my world and the drum corps world as a whole. Words can't explain how much I owe to you, but again, a heartfelt thank you for all that you've done and may God bless you in all your endevors. Thank you Rick.

I just wanted to bump this back up now that everyone is home from tour. :)

So would anyone else like to add their words of wisdom and support? I'd love to see lots of messages to the members of 2005 for when they return. :)

Thank you for another memorable season. You've accomplished things that most people never dream of even attempting. You've pushed past mediocrity and done something special and amazing with your lives while others your age were out wasting their lives away. You've learned to push past what you thought you could do, you've stepped past boundaries that most never even come close to. Don't ever forget these things, don't forget the feeling of pushing past what you thought you could do for something greater and seek it in the things you do in your everyday lives. Be great. Live every moment with the integrity you've learned and teach by example. To those who have more marching years ahead, think back on what you did this summer and be happy about what you've accomplished. Once you've done that, look forward to making next year better. Work hard and don't let down in the off-season. Take your experience and make next season exactly what you want it to be. To the age outs, be proud of your drum corps career. Don't ever forget the great things you've seen and experienced. You've learned some great lessons about life, take the time to reflect and ponder them. Take the things you've learned and apply them in your daily lives. Live well, be an example to the world, and go out and teach others what you've learned. Never forget.

So this was the first tour and finals in four years that I haven't been a part of and really I've been going crazy all summer, hopefully I'll be back out there instructing next summer (any corps need help? B) ) but I just wanted to say thank you SCV for another great show. Though I wasn't there for the whole ride, I did make it to one show and I've been listening to the recordings. Don't think about the placement or any of the negative talk on here, you made magic once again and made great memories not only for yourselves but for those you performed for. Thank you SCV for the magic and example you set, you've shown me what integrity and passion really are. Thank you for all you've done for me, you and Seattle changed my life forever and will always have my loyalty and love.