Phantombari1

With that being said looking back during my days with Phantom, many corps made vast improvements in their performances only to fizzle out or die altogether, just from my memory in 1980... 27th Lancers, Bridgemen were on the verge, Spirt of Atlanta with the loss of Jim Ott... SCV appeared to be on the verge with their sudden drop to 7th place but ultimately came back strong in 1981. And now today, with SCV and Cadets being out I can't help but wonder if the DCI powers that be have been propping up certain corps to keep them alive. Especially when we can all see the cost of running a corp growing exponentially. How many other corps are on the verge of dying/reorganizing because of the financial strain of today's economy, not to mention internal issues? One would think that scores and placements mean more bodies in the seats. Even Phantom at one time wasn't far off from financial collapse but had the wear with all to see the danger ahead. I wonder if DCI is on the verge of collapse or close to being reimagined as the product we see and hear today.

I think everyone knows that things like this have been going on since the beginning of DCI. This is just one of many problems that exist in drum corp behavior and not only with staff. I've seen some appalling things happen on tour that were dehumanizing (IMO), degrading, and downright evil in my eyes. What I find interesting is how DCI protects their own...There has been more than one case of a corps on the verge of collapse or impacted by something major, that suddenly got a bump in scores before (SH)it hit the fan. I don't think it's a coincidence.

Great Audition numbers...quality matters! I don't like loyalty audition spots being taken...To me competition breeds excellence! (JMO) No Pay to play members are allowed unless it's an urgent addition. I so hope Regiment comes out on fire and in the mix immediately at their first show!

My biggest critiques for this past year...I call it an after-action report... Props could have been upgraded and displayed some color near the end of the season. Less body movement and more playing. Or at the very least come up with something new and different. (Like individual props that will add to G.E. Better use of Drill moves for impact. Example: The Park and Blow in the front could've had the Brass rotate right, and then rotate back. It's a small touch but would add to G.E. with little effort. I think every part of any show needs to be thought out a little more. I didn't think the helmets or the (Tails) on the uniforms added anything to the show and did more to muddy the cleanliness of the drill. Just some thoughts on what I would do to improve the shows moving forward. I consider this year as a leap year for Phantom and want to see them climb the ladder.

Bring A.I. to the drum corp field and they'll still be disagreements.

Fantastic year Phantom! No shame in your game...

I'm sure this will not be popular but I would like to see the Rennick's back at Phantom regardless of the current staff. No offense to the current staff, I just like the Rennick's results and writing better.

I feel better now! JK

That has leadership written all over it!

That's better than a stick in the eye...but then again maybe not!

lol or maybe Cornholy-O

Maybe, but we know BD will have their personal GoPro videos out soon enough!

I have BD winning by 1+ tonight

I can't believe BD has been sandbagging the last couple of nights!

I like what I'm hearing from the Phantom faithful and beyond!

I decided not to read the entire thread but (IMO) BD is so far ahead of everyone else (as usual) that many don't get the extraordinary execution on display. They deserve a standing ovation even if it's another championship show... What's baffling to me is after all these years many corps don't seem to take time to break down what they're doing to be the best and copy that formula...You can only meet that level of excellence with consistent, and perfect practice...(IMO) it can be done...This year's top 5 have proven that!

It appears to me that if the Guard and Percussion can bring it tonight, they can take 5th. Just execute and it's there for the taking. When I look at the recap their scores show me that Phantom is at the cusp of taking a big leap next year. Regardless of this year's placement. Hoping the staff and the entire organization learn from this year's success, make the proper adjustments, expand the vision, and have that hunger to move into the top 3...Great Job this year, who would have thought 93.0 was only good for the top 7...

I agree with your assessment... I've looked at this year as a huge step for Phantom with the firm foundation they've built. My only complaint is the field towers...I've felt from day one that they could have added colorful coverings. Seems like a missed opportunity. I also think there are too many body movements for my taste, I would prefer a clean and difficult drill that shows off their marching precision. Something similar to the past Cadets or Cavaliers championship shows. Hope to see that in next year's show design. Something powerful, beautiful, and technical! Please the fans and move up in the ranks! The kids and staff have done an outstanding job!

I noticed the fall in volume right away during the last song, having grown accustomed to The Cadet power, it is a marked difference. I also noticed far more spacing issues than normal throughout the show...Not sure if it's a new drill or not but I'm looking forward to them making it back to the top!

Tony, I somewhat agree! The way I look at this is that Phantoms Team is almost there in terms of design and execution. The cleaning I would like to see is in two places...Since there is so much follow the leader in the drill, members should not miss their marks. Secondly, more attention needs to be paid to members playing...Release issues, and a few members overplaying distract from their musical execution and G.E. After last year's cleaning before finals, I expect the same this year. I expect this show to be in the top five come finals night. Finally, I think Phantom is on the verge of getting back to being a top 3 contender. College-Phan Thank you for the video...I would love for the powers that be have a camera low and close on the 50. Gives that feeling I had when I marched...Felt like I was part of the show. Great video!

The memories from those years are still fresh in my mind. Especially 81 with the Sparticus show...I don't recall if it was 80 or 81, but at Warhawk, we have a chance to watch BD from above and remember the drum major taking a baton to the face. He had dropped it and tried to step on it to flip it back up and it backfired...Maybe some of you BD alums know about this.

Very excited about this show...Rocket I'd have to agree with you on this one, the word I want to use is muddy. The Potential is there to move up from last year...after I see the other shows out there, I'll have a better placement idea.

Based on J.D.'s comments it sounds like shows will stray from the older classical to a more modern sound yet still keep Regiment's unique "sound" intact.

It just seems like yesterday when I suggested Phantom move to more modern classical. I got a little bit of flack for that, but I am pleased to see Phantom decided to go a step above. I believe this is the gateway to a massive increase in available musical options compared to the rehashed classical of the past. This will rejuvenate the corp to Championship caliber.

No on #2, I'm bettin the costs of each show won't go down to reflect a shorter show... Add in Gas and other so called unexpected changes in the economy and I expect prices to skyrocket.