Marc66
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Posts posted by Marc66
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Not necessarily, but it would have allowed for more personized feelings and interpretation...which, I feel, would have garnered greater effect and emotion, which I think was the goal of this show.
Not that I didn't like it...just the opposite, but the vocals just came off as too "forced down my throat."
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Saw the Colts early on and felt that it top-12 written all over it. However, by the time they got to Madison, I felt they hadn't done enough to lift the show up to the level it needed to be in order to make finals...a shame, cause I did like this show.
Blue Stars...was great and goosebump-inspiring to see them march back onto the D-I field. That said, this show could have without any vocals and been a more inspiring show. They could have simply had banners (ala BAC a couple of years ago) that titled their individual freedoms...without vocalizing a single word...simply allowing the audience to interpret and imagine...and it would have been light years more emotional...the vocals just came off as phoney patriotism...not good.
Crossmen was the total 180 of that...the vocals worked beautifully to support/enhance the show concept. Loved this show, and would like them to continue down this path. However, as was previously mentioned, continuity & design flaws made this show cute, but not stunning.
Just my 2 cents.
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Which begs the question, which things?
The standard stuff: Uniform choices sometimes look good on paper, but don't translate on the field; a show idea might seem like a great idea, but doesn't work when implemented (and, lord knows I have had my share of them)...
What I am getting at is, Sal attempted some wonderful stuff; The Cirque du Soleil show was a great show, but I didn't care for Madisonic; the Carmen Project was a great concept that was executed quite nicely, Primal Forces just didn't seem to translate the way it was probably intended...
Now, I know Madison has attempted to modernize the uniforms the past three years...I loved last years (green with silver trim), and the 2006 was a great update on the '83/'84 design...the first go on it (2004's version) seemed to lack that certain something...
I have no idea about what some folks here have elluded to regarding supposed mismanagement, but there is no way I could ever believe that Sal was a part of any such thing...
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To those on this post who have claimed that the 2006 edition of Madison didn't have a clue about the tradition of the corps, your are quite mistaken...
I attended the Memorial Day camp in Madison, went to the home show in July, was in Madison during finals week...so, I have some idea what these brothers know and don't know.
These were Madison Scouts, led by Sal Salas, who is an alum and an extremely creative and passionate man. He has done wonders for every group he has worked with. Whether one likes or dislikes the results of his work are of no importance...his dedication can never be questioned.
I had a wonderful, if brief, talk with Sal...he truly has/had the best of intentions for the corps. However, sometimes things don't quite work out the way we want. I will miss Sal as the Director, as I miss Scott Stewart.
As for the traditions...the men of this year's corps understand more of the Scout history, traditions and meaning of what Madison represents than anyone here could ever imagine. They hungered for stories of year's past; they sat in awe of my stories from when I marched. They wanted to know every little nuance and morsel about the old days...
They wore nails around their necks, each one with a name of an alum, so that the past and present may be as one...old being with the new. That is what tradition is about.
I stood with my contra brothers, both Memorial Day and at the show in July, hands on shoulders and sang "the song," and swelled with pride.
Whomever the next director is will be entering a world of more than just a corps...they will be joining a wonderful brotherhood, and inheriting an incredible bunch of men...and I, for one, will be both envious and proud.
Just my 2 cents...
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Just to play Devil's Advocate...would Academy cheered on Spartans if they weren't a 99% lock for the win?
I can say emphatically YES...and I know this because last year at the Long Beach, CA show, Academy had finished their show and were at their food truck having dinner when Mystikal - a D-III regional corps - was marching back to their truck following their show. The entire Academy organization - members, staff, and support crew stopped what they were doing, stood and cheered for them...and, I'm talking about polite clapping, I mean claps, hooting and vocally cheering them on.
Now THAT truly is class. There are other stories about Academy being a very classy group...obviously their staff has instilled a true sense of what the activity is supposed to be, and how the corps should carry themselves...
BRAVO ACADEMY...you definitely have a fan here!!!
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Valley Fever, Madison and SCV here...
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the straps are a great bit...but, when done, the members can't seem to get them back into their uniforms...
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Sorry, gang...but, I do believe (and I've been a big fan all year) Bloooo peaked way too early and are falling fast...too bad, cause I thought this show was going to be a top 3 show...
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First off, let me EMPHATICALLY state that I am and always will support my brothers in the current form of the Madison Scouts. I've met this group of guys and am so enamored by what they can achieve on the field, and how they also have such admiration and reverence for the history of the corps.
That being said...
I'm really hoping that the powers that be will take a good look at the reaction given to last nights performance by the Madison Scouts Alumni Project and use that as an inspiration for what they are going to plan for next year's show. Madison's show this year is a good show, but nowhere near what it could have been because I believe it was way too esoteric for its own good.
Madison's trademark is shows that give fans a stunningly entertaining show (for instance, anyone remember '95 & '96 - the appropriately title "A Drum Corps Fan's Dream?"). Scores have always been secondary to entertainment. Last night's stroll down memory lane gave the fans trademark Madison, and I truly hope next year will give the fans what they want.
You don't have to put old school drill on the field...let 'em run around the field march brilliantly, but also choose music that would inspire the legendary THROWING OF BABIES...it would not only be a show that fans would go nuts over, but I think it would woo the judging community and be appropriately rewarded. Priority number one needs to be entertaining and peeling the face off the audience's collective faces.
Last night's incredible performance by the Alumni Project proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
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Knowing Academy's staff, along with their history, I think their long-term plans (as well as what they've done in the past) has set them up quite differently from Esperanza...
While I do agree that Esperanza jumped too early into the D-I pool, Academy's development and approach (they were together for a few years before even taking the field in competition) has them in good position to make the jump...
However, maybe another year in D-II would, indeed, set them up a little better with the judging community. I would have no qualms, however, if they did jump next year.
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I think this is what makes our activity very unique and enjoyable...everyone has preferences as to what they think works, and what they like...
Studio Tan - we see and hear things differently, but neither opinion is wrong...very cool, IMHO.
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I totally agree...Crossmen did it right (IMHO)...especially with the fast station switches (favorites were the Spanish station, and the all-sports)...
Now, regarding Blue Stars...vocal were definitely heavy, and not necessary.
BTW, did anyone else find it ironic that they showed the past Boston performance, and they told their story with dialog written on banners, instead of through a microphone?
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That's what they get for having the hardest drill - by far - of any other corps this year - it's beyond them.
Add to that, I think their basics program is seriously lacking...yes the drill is VERY DIFFICULT, their technique is also seriously poor. A double whammy for Madison this year.
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Likewise, I can't remember a thing the Cavies played, but I remember the drill. Luckily in today's DCI, cute drill moves mean more than serious music.
Hmmm...I can humm a lot of Cavies show this year for the first time outta all of their original compostion shows...their music is very strong this year, along with their drill...cute drill moves + good music are why they are in contention for another title...
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The member portraying Mr. Moto did, indeed, have an accident during rehearsals that made it impossible for him to play the show. However, rather than cutting him, Corps Director Jeff Pearson decided (when it was discovered that he could still march) to keep him on and created the character that the corps had only conceived.
Pretty creative, and very much in keeping with the shows theme, Moto Perpetuo.
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Was in the Lincolnshire theater (Northern Chicago) - my thoughts:
Theater - 'bout 3/4 full and OH, SO LOUD!!! It was totally cool, and the loudest theater I've been in for this. Also, we didn't experience any cut out, save it be 'bout a few seconds, but the sound carried through, so no big deal.
The overall show...I agree, GIVE US THE DANG HIGH CAM...missed way too many cool moments cause the director had some weird facination with meaningless guard moments (not dissing guards, but the choices of shots made little sense)...and,
Rondo...I heard from a friend in California that the theater in Burbank nearly rioted (not kidding) when they heard his comment about the Crossmen Spanish speaking member ("I thought he said we're all getting tacos")...I thought it was funny, but that predominantly Latino theater audience didn't...be careful, Rondo...finally,
PLEASE GET RID OF JESSICA WHAT'S HER NAME...she is dreadful, annoying and a worthless addition to the broadcast (our theater actually clapped when her mic didn't come on that one time).
Shows -
Southwind was good, and seems to be getting better each year. Also, love their unique show concepts...
Cap Reg...a whole lot better than when I saw them a month ago in Madison. Actually loved this show.
Blue Stars...WELCOME BACK!!! My only issue was that I thought the monologs introducing each piece was way too syrupy...could have done without them.
Crossmen...god, I loved this show...fun, entertaining, and a great concept.
Colts...didn't grab me like it did earlier in the season...sorry...
Spirit...nice show...not incredible, not wow-ing, just nice
Glassmen...one of my favorites this year. A wonderful package...I hope Glassmen continue in this direction.
Madison...much cleaner than earlier this season, but still dirty. I really wanted to love this show, but it never made it there...but, still love the brothers, and always will.
Crown...another great product...consistent, fun, entertaining. Great body movement...showed great technique, plus very clean.
Boston...didn't do it for me. thought Crown was cleaner, but obviously judges didn't...this is why I don't judge.
Blue Knights...ok, before I get flamed, I will say the kids performed this show well...that said, I hated this show (from a design perspective)...plain dreck!
SCV...OMG, first time I saw it and was blown away. Jeff Pearson has started his tenure as director with a BANG...great concept, music, and production.
BLOOOOO...show was stronger earlier in the year, but they've seemed to peak way too soon...pity, cause I thought this show could have been top-3.
Cadets...way too much going on for me to understand it with one viewing. Not nearly as strong as last year.
Phantom...Just the opposite from Bloooo...show is light years better than when I saw them earlier in the year, and gave me goose bumps...THAT HORNLINE!!!
BD...Did not think they should have won visual, and thought they should have been behind Phantom...theme repeated way too many times.
Cavaliers...My favorite show of the year...PERIOD. I could watch this show everyday and still get fresh perspective. Bravo!!!
Yeah, I know this looks like a review, but these are my random thoughts and observations...
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How 'bout this one?...
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MARSHA HANSON - Phantom, '84/'85
STUART SHULMAN - SCV, 2002-2005
My two personal favorites...
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Thanks, mom...
You're so good to us!!!
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I've been seeing signatures with a large corps logo and their 2006 show. Where did these come from, and where could I find 'em?
Thanks for the help...
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OMG it's Don Vito Rondinaro
:lolhit: :lolhit: :lolhit:
Love that!!!
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Madison seems to be suffering with three big items:
1. Long lulls throughout the show, including extra long endings to each piece they play (save it be the opener).
2. Endurance issues due to an overly physical drill (they are literally running a good 1/3-1/2 of the show, and tends to get to you, especially if your physical training is not what it should be.
3. Really poor transitions that are not standard for them...I mean, really bad transitions AND, from what I can see, bad basic technique. Not a Madison standard.
If they clean up these parts, they can make a jump...but, they really need to clean quickly to catch up to the show that are superior at this time.
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BACK, Delucia, BACK!!! Or, my trusty sidekick will knaw you like a shako!
Sport!
in DCI World Class Corps Discussions
Posted
:OT:
Seriously, without getting into the MAC vs PC debate...
I have always considered drum corps a sport, also musical pagentry...I don't believe the two have to be/are mutually exclusive.
To me, drum corps is truly the consumate team sport...no one can be off, or else the entire team/corps suffers. Conversely, when everyone is on, higher placements/audience euphoria is heightened.
I'm sure one could go on for pages on this subject but, in short, I definitely subscribe to the sport theory.