morganhill

It sounds as if the Kilties are off to another teriffic start. As always I wish them well in 2006. I hope they meet and even exceed all their goals for the upcoming season!

San Diego definitely!

Speaking of which, will there be a DCM this summer? Will they actually sanction any contests? This I doubt. Why then, don't they let it die an honorable death?

The last time I talked to anyone associated with the Kingsmen, they said they are planning for 300 members for the Alumni corps and 200 members in the junior competition corps. I hear they are well on their way to those numbers. Both corps will make their initial appearance in the summer of 2007. Both corps will produly wear new "copies" of the original Kingsmen blue uniform. The Alumni corps will be wearing exact replicas of the old uniforms. The Alumni guard will wear the long black skirts with the high black riding boots.

Big rivalry in SoCal was between the Anaheim Kingsmen and the VK. Part of it had to do with the fact both corps were started after the break up of the original unit, the Anaheim Scouts. Score and placement wise, the Kingsmen were always way ahead of their Orange County rivals. With both corps reorganizing, perhaps we will again see that "friendly rivalry" re-emerge? My best to both groups!

I agree with you 101% on this one! It's enough to make one hurl.

How about some updates from this camp? I hope the weather co-operated with you people in the Midwest and camp was a huge success!

The Anaheim Kingsmen were "rewarded" with, if memory serves me correctly, a 13 point pentalty for reporting one day late for prelims at the US Open in Marion, Ohio. The staff thought the corps was scheduled to report on day 2 of prelims when they actually were scheduled the day before. This huge pentalty placed them almost dead last in prelims, however, they went onto win the finals! A true story.

With all that they have going for them, I really can't understand why AZ. Academy opted for D2 status next summer. Unless they just want that D2 title? I know for a fact they would give a number of D1's a real run for their money. Oh well, I am certain in time they will become a full D1 corps. One can only hope.

My feelings exactly. As I said once before, I find their continuing use of Irish theme music very boring. It's like hearing the same music year after year after year. On the other hand, if that's what they like to play, more power to them. I just don't see them advancing any higher than 23rd or 24th. That is if they stubbornly continue in this same direction. But thats just my two cents worth.

My exact feelings. In time I am certain Texas will be well represented in DCI's Top 12.

You'll be happy to hear that both the Kingsmen Alumni and the new junior corps will be sporting exact replicas of the old Kingsmen uniform. The Alumni corps' guard will also wear the original guard uniform consisting of the Kingsmen blue battle jackets, long skirts and black riding boots. The first appearance of both corps won't happen until the summer of 2007.

I was not "bent out of shape" by this statement. I was simply stating a well known fact. These wordy show announcements do nothing but serve the over inflated ego of the staff and show designers. Some time I feel as if they put as much time and energy in these announcements as they did the show itself.

My feelings exactly! Well said.

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In some cases, an elaborate theme and lengthy description of the music being presented and what it all "means," does nothing more than to satisfy the over inflated egos of the staff and show designers.

The Vanguard had to go through more or less the same process when they applied to march the Rose Bowl Parade last year. Somewhat unbeliveable all things considered.

Shades of the old SOA!

I am guessing parade corps status. Or maybe exhibition and/or concert corps? Even with 30 members, it's very difficult to put out a quality group and be competitive.

I am more concerned about how their recruiting efforts, staff and members, are shaping up. Will they actually be able to field a competitive corps next summer after taking a year off? I hope they can do it. Followed by the Troopers return in 2007! Best of luck to both.

My feelings exactly! Interesting to see they were announced as a "drum and bugle corps."

BD 1988, one of my all time favorits shows.

I have always thought that the DCA corps were, in part, the last true remaining drum corps. Part of this reasoning was because of the DCA corps still using G horns. I am sorry to hear that any of DCA's member corps are even thinking of making the switch. Whenever a "drum corps" talks about it's "trumpets" or "tubas," I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Stay true, stay G!

While attending a local band competition here in southern California several years ago, I made the same observation. Several of the local bands seem to imitate 1980's corps such as Vanguard, Cadets and Phantom. They even played music from some of the shows of that era. I thought they all did a credible job too!