socalcontra

I was at the '92 DCI Judges College and the topic of what corps wear/corps repertoires was discussed. The moderator during that part of the training was Mike Cesario. He told us simply that the Troopers could be successful with what they wore as long as the programming and show design was of the top quality. He pointed out the '85 season as an example of keeping your past while building on the future. If anyone has noticed the Cadets have kept the basic design of their uniform intact, albeit with a "reversable/opposite color" scheme on the back (which, more than likely, disappear after this past season). The Troopers could wear the same uniforms I saw in '81 when I first saw them live as long as their show programming and staff were of high calibre. Cesario also pointed out that you could change the "genre" of your music in a way that over a period of time people would be in "acceptance" of what you've done. All of us "want" the Troopers of old, but they aren't coming back. In place will be (more than likely) a 21st century Troopers corps with some 21st century ideas and equipment. I don't think we all died the day the Scouts quit wearing hats in the pit. I didn't die when BD changed the Marine Corps officer dress mess uniform jacket to something abstract. We won't die if they come out with Bb horns or some "modernization" of their uniforms. I bet they will still be the Troopers and we'll all be happy to see them on the field next season whatever their outcomes.

I would say that Maynard Ferguson is my all-time favorite jazz great. I have probably over 20+ vinyl records and countess CDs of Ferguson and his band from various eras. From the first time I heard his music I was hooked (as probably many of you were/are). I even joined his fan club and probably have some of those old MF bookcovers they used to have. I've been to countless concerts (as many of you probably have) over the years. One that stuck out was a concert he had at La Jolla H.S. back in 78 (or maybe spring of 79). I read about it in the Sunday newspaper and I and a good friend went down to hear the concert. We sat about as close to the stage as you could and spent a great Sunday afternoon there listening to his music. I recall going to school the next day and I couldn't hear a thing-I think for a good couple of days after that. I went to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and even to his tour "opener" at Bob Wackerman's middle school in Los Alamitos (the name of the school escapes me). I even turned down a request to host a concert at the h.s I taught at in the late '80s because I didn't think he'd be safe enough (rough area-still is). Not withstanding I consider it fortunate to march in the Blue Devils and have the opportunity to play his music while I was there. I still feel that La Fiesta was probably the greatest concert number ever played by a non-winning drum corps in the history of DCI. The response we got that night after playing that chart was the greatest I've ever known. Yes, there are his detractors. I remember going to Long Beach State and getting 'dissed because I was a fan of his. So many people have considered his music "loud" "pop" and even "crass". Needless to say, I don't think any of them could hold a candle to Maynard's accomplishments. As I said on the BD website, he was the ultimate "Chameleon" (pun intended) when it came to musical styles and genres. Look at his disography and you can see how he changed with the times. I've spent the day listening to various recording of his and I marvel at his ability to take a "pop" song and put his very own special signature on the music. Don't think I haven't gotten a bit emotional today because I have. He has been a great influence as a performer and an educator and I hope people will see that now that he is gone. As I read on another site, he's the last of the "great" ones to go. I will miss him being here but I am thankful of what he's left us musically. God bless you Maynard Ferguson!

Any Crimson Cadets here from Nebraska?

Was the ending the same tonight as lastnight?

This is what I said about the corps last night... I'm glad to see there are people still passionate about drum corps and making US the fans happy to see them. I know each of them must have saw themselves 20 (or more) years ago as they stood there on the field. Glad to see some of the "old timers" I knew from years ago and competed against. Thank you Madison Scouts Alumni for all your hard work. Your fans appreciated every second of it!

I turned to my 8 year old son as we watch this on season pass and told him with cloudy eyes, "Son, this is what drum corps used to be like".

BTW, I don't normally dis woodwinds because I've been a band director for 20 years now. THIS IS DRUMCORPS-or at least some reasonable facsimile. All a part of the greater MBI conspiracy!

Hmm-kind of sounds lame. They couldn't come up with a different caption for double reeds?! Sheesh, DCI really needs to get it together.

No oboe either-man, am I bummin'! Come on DCI-get with it, sheesh!

I love being at BOA-don't you?

Hey, did I miss the bagpipes award?

MMM-woodwinds!

I just can't wait for those woodwind awards!!

MMM-trombone!!

Hmm-a lot of "old time BD" folks here! Where's the rest of them?

Ken! What's up!

Great show tonight from the Green Team! We'll see what happens...BD was on fire tonight. BTW, any truth to the rumor we might see Phantom in Black tomorrow?

I like their show-but I'm not feeling it tonight.

Man-am I glad the Cadets show is over! I could go on and on but hey-so could the rest of you!

Gotta love that show! GO RED TEAM!

Funny! Talking about a place to stay! RIGHT AT MY HOUSE BABY!

People fell? We're watching on Season Pass and didn't see it. MAN! That show rocked! I hope the Red Team comes with guns a blazin'!

They can always stay in Pomona w/me

Well, I hope you all brought food up there in the box with you. I'm getting ready to eat some nice hamburgers with fresh veggies (tomatoes grown in my very own garden). Enjoy the fried cheese!

Well, you he would-me he wouldn't.