Marc66

Sorry, Jason, but as a former mormon, it was the first thing I thought of. ^0^ ^0^ ^0^

"We're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."

ALHAMBRA, CA: Full theater (they couldn't open a second screen, so the management brought benches in from the lobby), and a pretty vocal crowd (a few knew when to yell "VANGUARD!"...and gave other shows vocal response. The volume was great (good and loud), although some of the amped groups made it too loud at times (Cadets, most notably). The picture was quite good as well. A few overall comments about the broadcast: 1. The sideline reporters were jokes...they had to be (although, the former Bluecoats DM was better than the former BD guard member). Their comments and questions were overtly sophomoric. If that is going to continue in the future, please figure out what you're going ask before you go live with someone. 2. Camera angles. OK, so I understand that the producer/director of this actually marched. Could have fooled me. A lot of impactful moments were lost in favor of meaningless closeups and strange cuts. There needs to be more research done on the shows so that complimentary angles and switches can be made. 3. The flashbacks were AWESOME...especially the ones that haven't been seen many times before. Loved the SCV flashback to '85 (a lot of youngsters in our crowd were ooohing and ahhhing at the pants change) and the 27 flashback from '94 (several folks - myself included - went crazy with delight...a great history lesson). Since it was the first time I saw most of these performances, let me just make a few brief comments/observations. I am now convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that narration sucks! It did not add to any of the shows that it was in (either "drum-speak" or simple narration). Was vocally ecstatic that Mandarins made it into semis!!! Great job Ray Mar and everyone associated with that group. Aside from the narration, I really enjoyed Cascades...was blown away by Bluecoats (now a BIG fan of theirs)...and thoroughly enjoyed Cadets (and, no, I won't call them THE Cadets). Biggest Disappointments: Spirit (the show didn't do a thing for me...it was 'nice,' but just was bland.), Cavaliers (after last years dynamite show, this one didn't have the spark I was expecting), BD (talent was enormous...design, nope! The only show I vocally didn't like), and SCV (I'm simply heartbroken). Shows I absolutely loved: Crossmen (as did everyone in our audience...GREAT SHOW!), Bluecoats (simply amazing), Madison (so dang proud to be an alum), Cadets (extremely strange...but really enjoyable), Phantom (that hornline...ahhhh sheer bliss), and Crown (another great hornline) Honorable mentions: Mandarins (as stated above), Glassmen (great arrangement) and Colts. I was happy to hear that DCI will be doing the classic countdown again next season...can't wait for it, and for the final results for this year.

OK... First off, I'll concede that your comments are not necessarily negative, per se. However, the overall tone of your postings comes off extremely negative: That PC shouldn't be allowed to compete because they are fulfilling the sacred tradition of being a fully touring corps. That they are, somehow, benefiting from not doing a full tour, and that they should be relegated to exhibition status because they are not contributing to the activity. At least that's how it appears to me. Second: Now, in one post, you claim that you're not interested in the placements or scoring, but in your original post you say, "However, allowing Pacific Crest to potentially take a spot competitively away from corps who HAVE toured all summer is not." You know, from what I can see, what you're concerned about is EXACTLY THAT!

You are operating under the mistaken notion that, because PC is a regional, non-fully touring corps, that everyone else is going to collectively smack their foreheads and proclaim their desire to cease full tours and suddenly decide to go regional. There has been no such idea even remotely discussed (and, believe me, if it had been, there'd be post after post about it around here). PC is not going to be the destruction of the activity. That you are here with a "sky is falling" opinion doesn't serve, either the activity you are trying to protect, nor the fans you are trying to shield.

Gee...I guess the roughly 3-4000 people at Corps at the Crest (PC's home show) isn't good enough. I guess the 4hours nightly and 12 hours on Saturdays that the corps is rehearsing isn't good enough. I guess the fact that they haven't had judges commentary since mid-July and will be at a disadvantage going into Allentown and Championships week isn't good enough. Forgive the bluntness, but... GET OFF THEIR BACK! PC's kids are working as hard, if not harder. They are doing multiple duty: Job/Work + rehearsing. They are sweating as hard, albeit in a different way. They deserve the same rewards and heartaches "touring" corps get. Are they getting the same experiences as full-touring corps? No Are they getting a great drum corps experience? Yes Are they introducing new fans to the activity? Definitely PC is doing things a bit differently, but still providing a quality product and a quality organization. AND, they are a drum corps deserving of praise, not your pathetic scorn.

Please explain...with out an explanation, this is one strange post.

MARCHED: 1985 - Finals night in Madison. The Cavaliers had just finished their performance and were marching off the field with the bass drums doing their cool street beat. The fans were cheering them and clapping along. Suddenly, the crowd response started to fade and it got extremely quiet (I likened it to the stillness of air prior to a tornado). We (Madison) started to march into the stadium and suddenly....BAM!!! the crowd launched to their feet and gave one of most thunderous and long-lasting ovations I have ever heard. Alumni were waving their corps jackets, and everyone was cheering frantically. It kept going for several minutes...then, got even louder during the warmup (we played Varsity and a brief version of On Wisconsin - both University of Wisconsin songs). WHAT A RUSH!!!

Actually, I know that Northstar was coed in the late 70's (I believe it was '79)...I remember reading about it in an old DCI Yearbook.

I don't get it either... The pictures appear properly captioned, the article seems kosher, and I didn't even see any "band" references. What's the problem?

First thing that comes to my mind is: 1995!!!! NEVER have I heard such constant and thunderous crowd response for an entire show. The hornline was OMG-INCREDIBLE!!!, the percussion definitely THREW-DOWN and the guard...AWE-SOME!!! Oh, and btw, they finished in the top-4 (and, by some accounts, should have won the whole thing). Just a thought ^0^ ^0^ ^0^

Definitely gonna be a battle in Boston (Foxboro)... Question: Just because everyone is raving about Phantom (I've heard nothing but great things), doesn't necessarily mean they should be scoring higher...Cavies, Cadets, BD & Madison all have great shows this year as well (I haven't seen them, just going off of reviews/opinions)... One thing is for sure: Finals weeks should be amazing...battle for the title, for top-5, top-12, AND top-17...and that's just D-I... DII & III should also be battles... YEAHHHHHHH...Boston/Providence is going to be FUN!!!

I feel the need to chime in here. OK...to preface my comment... I wrote two reviews this season from shows that Jester was in. And, for the record, yes, #3 & #4 was penned by me. HOWEVER, it's important to know...#3 was a direct comment from someone who was witnessing only their second drum corps show, and his comment was not a slight against the kids(you need to read his entire comment, not just the single blurb Lee posted here)...he could tell they were trying their hearts out, but that what they were given was tremendously wrong for them. As for comment #4, I think it pretty much speaks for itself...it, and all my critique of Jester, was directed solely at the leadership, re: Director, of the corps. This is not the first year Jester has come out with a show that was quite a bit over the talent level of the membership (last year's show was about at the same level of difficulty)...heck, a major D-I powerhouse would have had a tough, nearly impossible time, with their book. I spoke with several folks in the activity who had the chance to be with Jester at several cities this year. The stories I heard only solidified my belief that the problem with this corps is DEFINITELY THE LEADERSHIP. Stories like rehearsing the kids until nearly 1am following their opening show, feeding them at 1:30am that same night (morning), then waking them at 6am the next morning do not better my opinion of this organization. This is only one of a handful of incidents that happened this year (for the sake of some brevity, I'll not go into it further). I'm genuinely hoping they can right the ship, recruit more awesome kids, and come out in 2006 a stronger group as a whole. What the Renegades did for them on Sunday is truly INCREDIBLE and reminds everyone what drum corps is about, in the long run. However, Jester still needs to address a host of leadership issues in the off season. Something I'm hoping they will be inspired to do following their rousing finale in Sunnyvale. Lee & the Renegades...on a final note: thank you for giving those kids something they truly deserved...a genuine drum corps finale to their year.

Mike... Thanks for giving me both the hardiest laugh I've had in a long time, and nightmares for at least a week at the thought of amped udus. However, sticking to the topic: AMPS... <**> <**> <**> DON'T LIKE 'EM, DON'T THINK THEY'RE NECESSARY (or even artisticly beneficial)...AND FIRMLY BELIEVE THEY ARE LEADING TO THE DEMISE OF SMALLER CORPS!!! (my opinion, and I'm sticking to it)

Interesting...I've seen/heard Academy at three shows this season and, while I was NOT at the Mesa show, I find it difficult to believe that they suddenly got quiet at their homeshow. I was at Long Beach, Westlake Village and Walnut, and Academy definitely pushed my face back a few inches, along with having one of the clearest/crisp sounds I've heard in a long time. If, as you say, they were the "quietest 63-person hornline" you've ever heard, then they must have had an off night. I will agree with you on the guard uniforms...NOT A GOOD CHOICE!!!

Jim... AH HA!!! Now I get it...and, when clarified, makes sense. I'll have to see the show again (which I plan on doing at some point) and take your explanation with me (in my head of course). And, from a purely SoCal resident stance, I'm hoping you guys a have a great time off to polish and shine the product...cause all the pieces are in place for your kids to shine in Boston. Best of luck the rest of the season...

New uniforms, again? Didn't they just get new unis last year?

And...thank you for the kind words. I really think, not only Mandarins could make some noise @ nationals this year, but PC as well. Now, I'm sure there will be people outside of the West Coast who will automatically say, "ah, come on...PC was hyped like mad last year, received inflated scores, and then got trounced when they went up against, 'real competition.'" True, last year's show got some good scores in CA, then dropped dramatically when they got to Denver. However, this year's PC is quite different then last years. While I really liked the 2004 show, the 2005 product is a lot more fluid (to borrow a term from their show) and seems to have more broad-based appeal. Now, at the Corps at the Crest show, I actually thought PC came out and performed stronger than Mandarins. While they finished behind Mandarins, their attitude was still, "hey...we're not going to back down from anyone!" And, their performance was fantastic! BTW...their encore (ala the new DCI policy), was really fun. Their hornline (led by the tubas - and they spun them up...WAY COOL!!!) started playin while the pit set up, and got the audience clappin and havin' a good ol' time. They then played their entire show, and ended with their on field warm up. Really nice.

Just got home from the Walnut Show (SoCal), which is Pacific Crest's home show, at Mt. San Antonio College Stadium. What a nice stadium for drum corps...high box, great turf to march on, and no houses in the neighborhood (so, there wasn't a worry about complaints...always a good thing). PC's boosters do a pretty good job hosting this show, but I have to start off with major complaint. They didn't have folks at every entrance to the stands, and people (not having a clue about drum corps etiquette) came and went during shows. It wasn't so bad later on, but for the first few corps it was quite distracting. Also, there were an abnormally large amount of folks who felt quite obligated to talk during shows... ^0^ ^0^ ^0^ A MAJOR NO NO, IMHO!!! One last rant before the review, it was totally uncool for Impulses battery and PC's guard to be doing basis/warming up in the staging area right next to the performance field. As one corps was performing a quiet moment in their show, both groups had instructors audibly clapping which was a big distraction....and, there were plenty of other places for them to warm up. OK...complain time over...now, for the shows. HAWTHORNE GOLD - DIII This group was started as a summer music program for Hawthorne High School in SoCal. What a wonderful first year for them. They have about 30 horns, 30 percussion (including a 13 member pit), and 6 guard. Music this year is an original piece (gutsey for a first year group...major kudos). Now, they have a long way to go, but as I said a couple of weeks ago when I first saw them, if this year is any indication as to their future, they will be around for a long time. Guard was the one section needing the most focus as their vocabulary is limited, but they at least look like they're having fun. Percussion is definitely the strength here...they won DIII percussion by 1.5 over Mystikal. Nice start to tonight. RIVER CITY REGIMENT - Senior Have never seen this group, so tonight was something new. Show was nothing special, but not bad. Music was hummible music (some Irving Berlin, and other American Big Band-esque stuff). I do not agree with the judges in that the spread between them and Dream was awful close, given that this corps doesn't do a whole heck of a lot on field, whereas Dream definitely does. However, their small guard did have some nice moments (Come Rain/Come Shine was quite a nice moment). The hornline stuggled, but the sop soloist did hit his requisit screamer notes, so all was well. DREAM - Senior KILL BILL...ah, yes. This show has definitely improved over the past couple of weeks. They've added more pit (yeah), and the battery has really stepped up to contribute. Guard now has asian style uniforms (quite appropriate) and is getting cleaner and cleaner...very strong show tonight, guard. HOWEVER, hornline...some of the music, while great in the movie, doesn't work here...nor does some of the drill interpretation. OK, I realize y'all are getting up there in age, but please...you shouldn't be marching 1/2 time on a lot your show. Closer is now in, and was pretty good. Overall...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, and you should be rewarded in Scranton. JESTER - DIII DISCLAIMER: My criticisms of the following show are no way directed at the kids, who are forced to put this dreck on the field. They do the best they can, given the ego-driven staff/director that created this "show." Ok, so tonight, my other half (who has only been to one other drum corps show in his life) came with me. His reaction to this corps sums it all up. "I will get you back for making me sit through Jester. Those poor kids were put through a torture chamber and forced into that." I hope someone from DCI-DII/III personnel happens to be reading this, cause I am going to implore you to step in and make the director of this corps stop. This show is way too difficult for the talent level you have. Plus, NOTHING MAKES SENSE with this product. Choose a book/show that your kids can execute, clean and get better with...please, for the sake of your members. MYSTIKAL - DIII This corps, who just two weeks ago was just relearning their entire show has really stepped it up. In San Diego they jumped nearly 16 points since their last performance and, tonight, just slipped a bit...but, still had a good show. A Sorcerer's Sonnet brings the music of Medieval times, along with a guard interpretation this is really wonderful, to the field and is an avenue that this corps should continue to pursue...dark, haunting moments, along with an energetic and strong percussion section, give this show, and this corps a good future. Only big drawback: 16 horns, plus two more who just stood on the sideline the entire show, and did nothing. Horns that did play were a bit strained at times, but overall this whole show is strong. Next year, they're going to Madison...and could definitely contend for medal. IMPULSE - DII The Impulsibles (music from The Incredibles)...MUCH BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER, AND ENJOYABLE than a couple of weeks ago. This show had my partner smiling and tapping his foot the whole way through. Horns are way stronger this show, and the battery is getting a lot cleaner, as well. Middle of the show, with the guard on risers using china fans, is a bit slow, but still nice...very clubby feel. Closer is now in...and it ROCKS!!! Now, they're still missing a whole lotta gags that would make this show really sizzle...I'm hoping they're adding funny/fun stuff...or else, this show might end up fizzling, instead of sizzling. THE ACADEMY - DII Initial horn statement generated this response from folks all around me: OH MY GOD!!! WHAT A HORNLINE! This show is everything that other reviewers have said..AND MORE. No section lacks, and they are getting cleaner and cleaner. Plus, they have a humbleness and humility about them that is pure and refreshing. Great show (Shostakovich) that is a wonderful vehicle for them. Like Mystikal, they are going to Madison next year. Folks in the Midwest, South and East...it's really a shame you won't see this show, cause you'd all be standing and savoring this wonderful organization, and the pure quality they put on the field. BREAK (souvies, food and restroom)... AND, WE'RE BACK... ESPERANZA - DI Emerson's Piano Concerto. As Dom Deluise, in History of the World, Part I, said: "Nice. Not wonderful, not fantastic. Nice." The choices made by the design staff are good, but don't have an umph about them. And, subsequently, when put on the field, the kids execute them well, but there's no flash. This show has pretty much one level and, unfortunately, it's far from exciting. Guard is strong, percussion seems to be having fun, and horns (smaller line this year) are good...but, overall, there's no emotion to this show. Oh, and yes, toward the end, the pit starts blowing whistles for no apparent reason, other than to make the audience scratch their heads and ask, "Why?" The make no sense, do not add to the show, and are pretty much ridiculous. MANDARINS - DI LOVES ME; LOVES ME NOT...Gee, I love this show. Of course, it could also be called, "Phantom Regiment's Greatest Hits," since is music that PR has also played, but not like this. From the opening trumpet solo, with the guard using large daisies, to the last notes, this show is just romantic splendor. Largest hornline ever for Mandarins, along with strong percussion (no, they don't need the taiko drums) and a wonderful guard make this a show worth, not only semi's, but also the Top-12. Good Luck!!! PACIFIC CREST - DI OK...after tonight, I get this show...BOY, DO I GET IT. It's a water show...graceful, peaceful, sometimes violent, but really cool. It's the most thematically consistant and, pardon the pun, fluid show out their. Wonderful guard all in blue, with aqua silks, and a hornline/drumline that really has stepped it up this year make for really sweet show. The drill supports the various themes around water...the fluid/wavey drill is really nice, as is the violent hard-edged drill moments. Great show, PC...and a wonderful encore tonight. SANTA CLARA VANGUARD - DI (tonight's winner) On one hand, I'm really angry at the scores I've been seeing SCV get. On the other, I see why they are getting them. Yes, this show has gotten a whole lot better in the past few weeks. However, I still don't see vintage SCV - in execution by performer, or in concept by designers. I've seen this show three times, and I'm still not convinced Russian Christmas Music is a closer...and tonight's new version of the close still didn't convince me. Oh, the guard is quite wonderful...a heck of a lot better than in previous viewings, and the horns are much stronger as well...oh, and battery is now starting to smoke. But, please visual staff, since the corps has gone back to white pants/shoes, YOU NEED TO WORK ON MARCHING TECHNIQUE...cause, right now, it ain't happening. Vanguard in White is supposed to be flawless technique...Vanguard right now is not even close. I'm hoping this show gets cleaner by Nats and surprised a lot of people. However, for now it's just not there. Hope y'all enjoy this.

did you see tonight's score: 68+? HMMM...I think they really were nervous out of the shoot...but WOW what a difference a day (or show) makes!!! Great job Crusaders!!!

First off, it was OC's first show - compared to both BD-B & Vanguard Cadets having been out there for a few weeks. Secondly, first show jitters get EVERYONE...so, I'd expect a boost at their next show. And, lastly, knowing how well the staff cleaned last years show leads me to believe that OC will have no problems challenging for a top spot this year. Good luck, Crusaders...

Excellent review...thanks for providing it. I'm also hoping that Colts make it back to finals...I like the direction they've take recently, away from the more stoic concert band genre, and more into what I can best describe as "down home" music. Also, I cannot wait to hear Madison's hornline. I was EXTREMELY disappointed at the false hype of last year. One of the all-time great Madison disappointments, IMHO. From all accounts, making finals is going to be difficult at best for a lot of corps.

Yep...the graciousness of SCV (Rick Valenzuela & Dan Vanetta) is allowing Mystikal to use the old G bugles until the corps is able to secure newer ones...

Hey ACE... I'm a proud SCV alum, but IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM agree, or even condone, what Harrison posted. In fact, I can say with reasonable assurance, very few SCV alumni would. Just because there are a few who snub there noses at smaller corps, please don't lump all SCV alumni into that catagory...most of us are good, solid supporters of the activity - in ALL of its forms.