renthead09

I absolutely agree that it is great that they have any housing. Hopefully everyone will get it worked out soon.

Just that they are at Disneyland seemed silly to me. Maybe they would be able to march in the parade! It had also been posted on their website yesterday and no one mentioned it. So that is why I asked.

I was just looking at the Southwind site for info on their Arizona housing and it lists their finals week housing as the Super 8 and Travelodge at Disneyland with practice facilities TBD. Did I miss the humor or is that for real? Here is what is listed: Super 8 Motel (males) 915 Disneyland Dr Anaheim, CA 92802 714-778-0350 (phone) 714-778-3878 (fax) Travelodge (females) 1057 W Ball Rd Anaheim, CA 92802 714-774-7600 (phone) 714-535-6953 (fax) Rehearsal facilities are still TBA...

well said!

I am confused Siggamiggon, Have you seen Academy this year to base your statement on? It is pretty bold to imply that The Academy might be getting higher scores based on the finals location. I know you used the word MIGHT to try and cover yourself, it still comes off as an acquisation. And that would be disrespectful to the kids that are working their butts off in the corps. And as far as "kicking it up a notch", what makes you think any of the corps you talk about would not give everything they have to put out their best possible show. At least you are fair enough to list your biased against their touring schedule, which is a totally different thread. I respect you for saying so, even though I do not have a problem with a corps playing by the rules for which the activity has set forth. I will also list my biases so you know where I am coming from. I HONK for the Academy! I HONK for the Scouts! Go Nate! (and Brent) I HONK for the Blue Stars! Go Tyler! I HONK for Southwind! Go Kelsey! I HONK for Phantom! Go Firkus!

If people want an "official" answer from DCI, would it not make sense to contact DCI rather than keep repeating the same thing over and over and over? I'm not sayin, I'm just sayin!

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a review for those of us that were not able to see the show in person.

YEAH for them calling out the 3 characters! I know most corps don't put the whole package out there to start, but that was one of the things that the show was screaming for. Woo Hoo! And thank you for the info!

I can see the thought on BK/BC looking good for finals, but not so sure about the Colts. I have loved the direction they have been going and this year seems like a great step up for them, if the top wasn't so strong this year and looking at what is right behind them. Having the chance to stop by and watch The Academy every now and then at practice, they just seem to have something special happening. Cant put it into words, and I know that is why they put their product on the field to be judged, but there is something there. Hopefully everyone will go into finals week and perform their show of shows and leave it all on the field. Then the cards will fall where they may.

And anyone's descriptions of the new guard outfits would be greatly apprecaited as well. Good luck tomorrow AA!

That is gonna be on heck of a show at Sun Devil Stadium come August 4th. Nothin like a "home" regional (or whatever they are calling it) to set the tone for finals week. Not only do you have the Cavie, Phantom, Crown match up, throw in mess that is Boston, Colts, Madison, PC, Spirit and the Academy, and it will be a great preview to who will be marching Saturday Night in the Rose Bowl. Especially the fight for 8-12!

I believe that they are playing by the rules that DCI has set. If you dont like the rules, get them changed. For an organization to prepare and look out for it's long term health SHOULD be what the rules encourage. I personally hope they come out of the weekend with a show that the performers feel good about regardless of the score. Anyone who has had the privledge of talking to the members can see and hear the pride in the product they are putting out and hopefully the audience will see and hear and feel that as well.

Hey, I was there too!

and possibly lisa in the guard. You can see D-Rod in one of the group shots. Seeing everyone totally made me smile down here since I did not get back for Drum Beauty or DOP in Madison.

Awesome Video! Go Baker, and Corey, and Schutta, and D-Rod! And anyone else I missed!

SCV taking guard is a suprise to me. I thought it was all about BD guard tonight. Great show all around! Academy has come SOOO far in the last week. Can't wait to see where they end up.

thank you both for the info. I think I will try to watch a little before my volunteering stint at the show begins.

YEAH! I have already put in my 60 hours at work this week, I may leave at 4:45 to get there on time to see it. Thanks for the heads up!

Could I please have a large glass of green Kool-aid! Go get 'em Scouts! Hope your show is hotter than a sunny day in the Arizona sun!

Actually temps this week have been great! as they say "it's a dry heat" I went up tonight to check out the last couple hours of practice since I won't get my Madison fix until August this year. Never been to an Academy rehersal before and I have to say I was impressed. The whole corps was in coordination and really had their game faces on. The "tone" from the staff was worklike, professional, and respectful with a little humor thrown in here and there! Totally class from top to bottom. I liked the music at open house, but didn't understand how the show would fit together, but seeing it on the field-it definitely works! Some very cleaver things happening visually out there. Wish they had a field with lights so they could practice past 8pm. Most outstanding sections for tonight (imho of course) were the cymbals and the baritones! Can't wait to catch them again next week!

I saw them at the Memorial Day Open House. The show looks like it will be cool once all the pieces are there. I actually had the biggest goose bump moment of the night when the hornline was doing their Show and Tell and played Bells. GORGEOUS!!!! Could help but close my eyes, smile, and just let it soak in. If that was a taste of what the final product will be on the field, they will be just fine this summer.

Love the towel idea...the socks are already bought. Would they use a small basket of shower stuff (body soaps/scrubs) or it that a pain rather than a treat. My cooking bites, so not gonna guarentee cookies. When you talk about powdered gatorade, like the small "tubs" of them like kool-aide comes in? Just trying to picture what it is. Thanks for the great ideas!

There are a number of times this summer that I will be able to watch past students march in a show. In the past, I have always brought a little care package for them. Just looking for ideas from other people that have marched or do the same. Any suggestions as to something that would be cool to get during tour as a little suprise (besides cash of course). Thanks for any help you all can give on this! -Peace!

Blue Stars in D2...I think it was 2003 or 2004 if you are still looking for other versions. The Denver Finals year.

"Since, we're throwin' names around-as if it mattered! Brent Turner - has done a great job at MBI!" I was totally thinking that. Brent is truely a class act!!!