Eggbert

People have the right to be honest about how they feel and what they think, right or wrong. Performers must have a thick skin. If some little write up on a newsgroup gets you so bent out of shape, then maybe the performing arts aren't for you. Criticism is the life's blood of creativity. Get used to it because it only gets worse. If a show needs to be explained in order to be effective, then in my opinion it's not very well designed. Consider mainstream theater works or symphonies. They either stand on their own merit or they don't last long. Does some one come up to the audience after a Cirque du Soleil show or a Broadway musical or a NY Phil concert and explain it to the audience? Of course not. You may or may not understand the show, but that's irrelevant. The show either works on an emotional level or it doesn't. People like it and buy a ticket or they don't. Simple as that. That's the real world. IMO, corps should let their shows do the talking. Judges should critique them. If the judges don't get it, then someone in the audience probably doesn't get it either. In that way judges do the corps a disservice by separating them from their audience. The judge has inside information that the audience doesn't have. How then can an audience ever agree with the judge? Sometimes people go too far and overstate their point. I'm probably guilty of that from time to time. Others go to the opposite extreme and try to pretend that everything is perfect all the time. Either is a perversion of reality. But, it all comes from a passion for the activity. I would never say anything here that I wouldn't say to your face in uniform. You may whack me for it, but it's my hospital bill!

Thanks for the info! Interesting stuff all the way. Such an amazing period in the history of drum corps. And so lucky for you to grow up with those guys around. I remember learning how to burst an arc for the first time in HS band in 1974 and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. The band director (formerly a very traditional big ten MB guy) had just returned from seeing his first DCI championship. He was a big Troopers fan and that's all we heard about all year. On the drill sheet... they call it sunburst, so I assume it was an expanding form. Thanks to the Troopers for making it available. Troop.

Kelon is definitely glassy sounding up close but I think it projects a little better with a rounder tone. From a distance I prefer it over the Yamahas. The air resistance from the holes in the Acoustalon bars sucks a lot of the energy out of them. Acoustalon has a more natural sounding envelope and duration than most synthetics (because of the holes, otherwise they are all basically the same thing), but they just don't have much meat. I like Musser vibes better too. It's the industry standard, indoors or out. Yamahas sound kinda stuffy or pingy.

Not sure who was first but Troopers did it as early as 1960. Did Bergenfield do it before that? Here's an original Troopers drill sheet. http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org/pafiledb/...ion=file&id=125 For the youngsters and anyone interested in the history: The band director at Bergenfield HS was Bernard Baggs, who started judging drum corps in 1946 and judged the Troopers every summer. He was succeeded by Don Angelica, DCI head judge for many years. Bergenfield was among the first and finest drum corps influenced marching bands.

No, I really don't think DCI always comes off as the bad guy. I do think they make mistakes sometimes. While I am often opinionated, my opinion is irrelevent. When an umpire calls a ball fair or foul, is that an opinion? It's either over the line or it's not.

Well, it should be handled carefully when it's something that means so much to a lot of people. Just tossing out a bare-bones fact shows no regard for the corps, the kids, the fans or collateral damage. It's like tossing a fresh bone into a pool of sharks. There's no meat on it, but watch em circle anyway. It doesn't have to be "secret", but it doesn't have to go world wide in an official press release either. There is a space in between. It could have been witheld, in official print anyway, until it could be presented with clarity and dignity. No tact, respect, honor, courage or grace displayed here... Oh, by the way, we kicked out the Troopers (*duck & cover*). These things can be played out a little more eloquently if there is a desire to do so. I would wish that for any corps or anyone, not just the Troopers, but especially the Troopers. Without an official announcement the press wouldn't normally touch it, but now it's in local mainstream media going out to everyone in Casper and points beyond, not just drum corps nuts procrastinating at their computers. DCI comes off looking like a bad guy, Troopers look irresponsible. No one knows beans and everyone talks. It's a lose-lose situation and it can be avoided or at least controlled. I have to assume that the folks at DCI would see this feeding frenzy coming. The less information, the more speculation. Or maybe they just aren't good at PR. Regardless, the effect is embarrassment for everyone. :sshh: Troop. (where did I get all that dignity, honor and grace crap?) PS: Consider how it would turn out if the board took an unofficial poll before the actual vote and then called the Troopers to inform them that they would be voted out, allowing the Troopers to step aside. Press release: The Troopers have opted to discontinue their membership with DCI for the time being to make some needed adjustments within the organization. That sounds a lot better. The Troopers look responsible, DCI looks benevolent and all is right with the world, well almost.

Again, I ask... Why was this made public? See the damage done to the Troopers reputation (founded or not, perceived or otherwise). See the misinformation, speculation, etc. Is it responsible or well meaning to send the Troopers on a drag through the mud? What good can come of it? This kind of thing really makes me question the wisdom and intent of the powers that be, again.

OK, think I got it... For the color guard to stand at right shoulder arms, the aussie has to fold up on the right. But a contra player would need the aussie to fold up on the left. Funny how something so obvious was hardly noticeable.

Just noticed that the horn line wears their aussies one way and the guard is the opposite. Any special reason for that?

Some things just smell bad. Why publicize this? It could have been handled quietly, left for the Troopers to announce as details were finalized. Is DCI afraid that people will wrongly associate the Troopers with the DCI brandname? They've been called out, served or whatever. There is damage done in such a "teaser" style announcement, either premature or lacking information. How does it help the Troopers? How does it help drum corps or DCI? Is it great PR to announce that a member was just drummed out? Does it sell tickets? Does it help "the kids?" Will this motivate the Troopers to make needed changes? Probably! But, do the Troopers lack motivation that only public humiliation can provide? This just knocks down an organization on the ropes. What has DCI done to help them? I'm not saying they haven't done anything, but I'd like to know. As they say, "Dance with the one that brung ya." The Troopers had a major hand in bringing DCI to the dance. They deserve any help necessary. Troop.

Alright! Turf inspection. Great photo! Captions: - Kilties tribute to Keith Moon. - Yup, definitely kentucky blue grass. - Dude?

Watkins Glen Squires

FCO Well done!

Interesting stuff. Surprised the Boomeister would print it. If I interpret correctly, even Mary Pesceone attempted to affect the outcome. Nice. Ramifications of this unethical BS may have extended beyond that season. If I recall correctly, Blue Stars, who narrowly missed finals in 1980, lost a few players to Troopers because they were seen as up and coming from that 79 finals appearance. Blue Stars are still trying to get back. Could one judge playing hanky panky make that much of a difference for years to come? Hard to say. But, how many other times did it happen and to whom? This is just the tip of the iceberg. Where are those DCI cheerleaders now? Not a single post from the rah rahs. *crickets*

Funny how the eyes play tricks sometimes. When I first read the title I thought it said, "If only there was one more geek." And I thought... Yeah, that would fix it! Then I blinked.

Gotta go with Curt Hawkins because he was my big brother in ØMA. But, when Curt's not looking I'm a Screech fan all the way!

That's a great idea! How bout some love for the mighty 13's!

Tiny squirrels. They burn for a long time. ^0^

Drums in the Night... If it's the one I'm remembering the "in the night" part was an understatement. One generator and some lights on a pole was about all they had. Always wanted a t-shirt from that show.

It'll be hard to get a good read on this one since so many of these corps were gone before the average DCP reader was born. But... Blue Stars 80. We drew the death spot in prelims, performing last at 4pm after BD. It was about 104 degrees on the field in Birmingham. The mallet instruments were so out of tune from the heat that I never even wanted to buy the record because it sounded like poop. Didn't stand a chance. I'd vote Crossmen a close second for taking 13th more than once. Honorable mention, Watkins Glen Squires. A great little corps that never quite broke through.

Two jazz classics that have never been done (as far as I know). Lonely Woman - Horace Silver Images of Maria - Don Ellis

Only us guys who got wooped by them every year!

Just keep saying it and maybe it will come true. DCI can do no wrong... DCI can do no wrong... DCI can do no wrong... Go on, say it with me! You know you want to. DCI can do no wrong... aummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm There now, doesn't that feel better? "Lay down all thought. Surrender to the void." - John Lennon

Nevrdull is fast but it also removes a little metal. Can still get it at target and some hardware stores. Not something you want to use often but it's great in a pinch. I never use Brasso cuz it leaves a bunch of sludge in the grooves, and it doesn't work for beans.

Moby