Marc66

OK...so, that makes sense, and thus I appropriately withdraw my rant.

Yeah, I was a bit disturbed by Blooo going on when they did, and also felt Cap Reg got jobbed by performing between Cavaliers and Madison. However, since the "smaller" show lineups are determined by a "blind draw," it means something like this could happen. Not really fair for either Bluecoats OR Cap Reg. NOW ON A SIDE NOTE: I forgot to mention that I was, and still am, very disturbed that Pioneer wasn't even represented at "Retreat" (quotations because I do not consider what is currently being done with simply drum majors/guard captains to be a real retreat)...why, for the love of all that's holy, could they not stay? Their next city is home, which is less than 100 miles away. Now, I don't know the circumstances, but I can't imagine something sooooooooo drastic that they had to leave before the finale... OK...Rant over.

OK...so, it's 1am here in Chicago, but I'm wired from just getting back from Madison's home show, Drums on Parade. A wonderful venue (James Madison Memorial HS Stadium), a perfect night for drum corps (after earlier threats of thunderstorms), and - according to the public official who gave a welcome introduction to the crowd, the oldest annual drum corps show in North America (just taking her quote, so don't blame the messenger)... REHEARSAL/CLINIC - The Scouts did a clinic in the afternoon for about 150-200 students and attendees of the show. It was pretty much like every other clinic...except for the beginning when the sections break off and invite folks to observe where they have interest, either brass, percussion or guard...added a nice touch, especially when the brass section had a volunteer come up and conduct the tuning cord, which was a cute little touch. THE SHOW: There were 8 corps performing this evening - 1 Div.3 (Capital Sound), 1 Div.2 (Colt Cadets), and the rest Div. 1 (in order of appearance - Pioneer, Bluecoats, Colts, Cavaliers, Capital Regiment, and Madison Scouts). A nice lineup, but I was still hoping to see Blue Stars, who were in Dixon, IL headlining a small show, with only a few other groups. Would have been nice to have those corps here and make this show really strong...but, can't have everything... CAPITAL SOUND - Heard they had recruiting difficulties, and the numbers showed it (14/10/6). However, they are one of the few small groups that I've seen/heard that haven't tried to over-program their show. Music was accessible (Danny Elfman...some of his lesser known works), and the drill was condensed to the field...they didn't try to cover the whole thing. They had fun entertaining the crowd, with multiple soloists who weren't half bad. With a fuller D-3 corps, this show would definitely contend for a medal at finals. Kudos to their staff for giving the kids something fun, and to the kids for not letting size affect how they performed. COLT CADETS - Another accessible show (I like this concept)...It's obvious these kids are still learning the craft...this is not a bad thing, just an observation. The show was based on music from police/detective shows (Dragnet, Charlie's Angels, and others). Entertaining, but their brass staff tries to let these kids loose too much, and they suffered a lot of intonation problems. However, they are cute, decent sized, and are working their tails off. I'm definitely a sucker for cute...and they have that in spades. Yes, there are technical issues...but, hey, they came, performed and got a deserved standing ovation for it. Not too shabby for day's work. PIONEER - They've definitely improved in the two weeks since I last them at Lisle. However, I still think their Emeraldscapes show is way too esoteric for them. Their percussion is still way advanced from their horns & guard. However, their brass seem to want to let loose, but this show doesn't let them. I am truly convinced that, with a show other than the standard Irish-themed ones that Pioneer puts out every year...and, more accessible music, the horns would let loose. I did like that they trooped the stands playing an Irish piece (don't know the name, but it's probably the corps song). A nice departure from simply marching by. A definite plus! BLUECOATS - I was really surprised that they drew the final spot before intermission. A major departure...but, I guess that's how scheduling goes nowadays - anyone can go on at anytime. OK...another MAJOR improvement since Lisle. Horns...OMG!!! Guard...AMAZING!!! Percussion...YEAH!!! The total package that everyone out here has been talking about. Their opener (from Cirque du Soliel) is fast/furious and energizing. Guard is really in sinc here, and could be in-line for the guard title this year. Horns a sharp, crisp and movin'...love that. Only percussion issue (and it was a constant theme this evening)...TURN DOWN THE VOLUME ON THE AMP!!! There is a steel drum utilized in this show (which is cool), but the volume drowned out a lot of the field percussion/brass sound. Amps are supposed to support the pit, not overtly magnify it. However, in the grand scheme, this is my favorite BLOOOOO show...PERIOD. INTERMISSION...just the right length (15-20 min)...gave time to stretch and wander briefly, but not enough to get bored. COLTS - This show is definitely going to compete for spot on Saturday night's line-up. Their show, based on As Time Goes By, is rock solid. Every section is strong, and the theme is constant throughout. While not as WOW as Bluecoats, I was still impressed by sound being generated, and the talent of the kids...Nothing stands out as being better, or worse...solid package. CAVALIERS - The machine has added a lot since Lisle...and, I still haven't seen even half of the gags/kitsch/visual gems that Cavies have thrown into this production. Drill is very clean for this time of year, and the guard is clicking on all cylinders (the ballad choreography is particularly mesmerizing...great work between the duos and their equipment). The ending kind of fell flat for reasons I can't explain...probably just a glitch. However, there is a feast for the senses in this show. Absolutely fantastic! CAPITAL REGIMENT - There was a lot to like about them, and a lot to scratch you head about. The show is based on life: work/rest/play. OK, why do so many corps have to do shows with esoteric themes like, "Life," "The Elements," and other such obscure themes? I just don't get the entertainment value in doing something that gets my mind wandering away from the performance and focused on other things. This is a small rant, but needs to be said (sorry Cap Reg, you have to be the recipient)...This is not a bad show (guard costumes are bright and cute), and it's not being executed badly. However, there's not enough to capture the audiences attention, and they suffer in a lot of ways. Kids are working hard, and put out a solid product. Just really don't care for the show concept. MADISON SCOUTS - OK, so a lot has been said about this show..."What are they playing?" "It's not Madison." Well, it is Madison. Yes, it's different, but the horns have a Madison flare to them, and the corps members carry themselves like the Scouts of yesteryear. I'm very mixed about this show, in terms of whether it works for me...There are great moments, like the openning with the horns body movement while the bass drums are literally running through them...The openning horn hit is in-your-face Madison, and I always like a Myron Rosander drill. I get the guard uniforms, but they are WAY TOO BUSY (my first reaction when I saw them was, "oh look...Madison is doing the Lion King...I kid you not). The actual guard performance is solid...actually, rather strong...but, these costumes/uniforms just distract way too much. I don't think Madison is suffering from the show concept...rather, from execution. There are brief moments of sheer brilliance...then, a lazy mistake. Attention to detail is a big achilles heal for them. The have the enthusiasm, but are really lacking, dare I say it, passion (while on the field, mind you - their standstill concert was another story all together). If they marched like they play standing still, we'd be talking about a possible third championship. ENCORE - Madison came out and simply shook the stands from their foundation. After I thought they ran out of gas during the competition, they suddenly found a second wind and delivered a goose-bump creating earthquake of sound and passion that I want to see them employ on the field. They performed their opener, followed by Ice Castles....Sweet. Then, the moment of the evening...All alumni were invited down to the track to join the current members in singing Never Walk Alone to the rest of the audience (most of whom were still there). What an incredible feeling of joining the brothers for this emotional moment...yes, I eat the traditional stuff up. Anyway...enjoy, comment, disagree...but, that's the way I see it.

There are those who like what they're doing, and there are those who don't...that's fine, and everyone's tastes are going to be different. That being said...there are very few, if any corps left who sound like they did 5, 10, 15, 20 years ago. Concepts change, styles change, programs change...some for the better/some not. I happen to like the different feel and sound of this show. That (insert corps name here) doesn't sound like (insert corps name here) is not necessarily a bad thing...and, yes, I am an alumn of Madison, and DON'T drink the "kool-aid"...but, I can appreciate the different choices that their design team has made. It's different from when I marched, different from when a lot of alumni marched. They are still Madison...the corps that played Malaguena, Ballet in Brass, JC Superstar, Pirate music, Ice Castles, Rhapsody in Blue, and Cirque du Soleil...all very genres of music...but THEY played it. Maybe you liked it, maybe you didn't... They will still sound like Madison...just like Vanguard will sound like Vanguard, Blue Devils will sound like Blue Devil, and so on... You don't have to like it...that's what makes the activity unique. Different strokes for different folks...live with it.

JUST SAW THE OTHER FORUM POST FOR THIS SAME SUBJECT... MODERATOR: PLEASE CLOSE THIS ONE...

Hey...I heard (through another corps official) that Impulse has been dropped to Div. III...I generally like multiple confirmations before I believe it... Can anyone confirm/deny this? (this message is not intended to blast/flame/defame/#### off anyone...I'm simply trying to confirm)

I heard the Phantom encore @ Lisle...that first piece is from the '82 show...the opening of Spartacus...AND, WOW...what a way to start an encore!!!

:spit: :spit: :spit: OMG...no you didn't!!!

The Cadets, always on the cutting edge, announce their 2007 show, "The Kabuki Zone: Four Martial Arts, with a Pagoda."

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE HORN/DRUM UNIFORM!!! Classy, Classy, Classy!!!! However, the guard uniforms remind me of CATS...so, if Madison is planning on reprising their '83/'84 closer, I'll understand this, but I doubt it.... Hence, HIDEOUS GUARD UNI...though, I do know the guard as a whole is going to be awesome (have seen them rehearse)...

OK...I'll make this as brief as I can... First off, this was the first time I've seen an early season Midwest show (just moved to Chicago two months ago from SoCal), so this was quite a treat... STADIUM...while it wasn't a particularly high concert side, it was not a bad stadium. However, because of only 6 corps performing, the 6pm start seemed a bit early (all but two corps performed with the sun still shining brightly)...this, however was a minor issue... KILTIES: Hey, I like my tradition, and my oldschool corps, and the Kilties didn't disappoint. Scottish music (duh!), and the Auld Lang Syne closer, and I was a happy camper. Small hornline (34), and some definite intonation issue, but a nice beginning to good evening. PIONEER: One of these days, this corps will come out with a show that will get them into semis...however, this show won't be it. The kids are doing what they have been told, and doing so to the best of their ability. Few WOW moment, and very blah music. Drill written for way more people than I think this corps has had in a long time, and it don't make too much sense, either. I really would love to see them get a show and drill that maximized what they got (percussion was awesome...strongest section by far). GLASSMEN: OK, first off, Glassmen has had a talented group for many years, yet I have rarely every gotten into their shows...until now. LOVE IT!!! Beethoven is a winner. Several horn holes, but still entertaining as heck!!! Got the theme and show concept early on...oh, and btw, two simple words: CONTRA SOLO!!! This show is going to gain Glassmen several converts, and I'm hoping to see more and more this year. BLUECOATS: Guard...YES!!! Horns...YES!!! Percussion...YES!!! Another show I really got into. Metheney, Cirque du Soleil, were the two memorable pieces, but overall this show rocks...and, yes, I agree with the judges placing them ahead of Phantom (read below why)...guard is definitely strong, and still missing work, but it's coming, so not worried...they'll make another solid run at top 5, maybe even a darkhorse top 3... CAVALIERS: From the moment they enter the field with their mechanical movement, while vocalizing (haunting), Cavaliers deliver a 100% incredible concept show that is simply innovative to the n-th degree. Guard costumes are a definite plus, and their work and movement is awe-inspiring to watch. Pit noises to echo the machine are a definite plus, and the drill, while still early season, is nonetheless vintage Cavies...Too much going on to give more detail, but I want to see this show again, and again, and again,... PHANTOM: Faust...I really had great expectations for this show...after all, I first fell in love with Phantom the last time they performed Scythian Suite ('84)...They do have the signature Phantom sound, but this show definitely needs work at the beginning, which I think doomed them for third. Ave Maria, is another story, all together. This will be another classic Phantom piece that will have fans swooning by the time they get to Madison in August. However, there needs to be a lot of work before then...Guard is definitely a week spot...but, I'm sure this show will be in the upper levels of DCI come August. FINALE: Cavies and Phantom formed a horn arc for the new Champions Fanfare. Nice piece, and definitely better the America the Beautiful/O Canada. Pieces of Appalachian Spring towards the end made is even sweeter....can't wait to hear this with 12 horn lines in Madison. Then came one of the best encore concerts I can ever remember...PHANTOM. The didn't play their show again. Instead, it was Phantom's greatest hits and I was down front for it all. They started with the opening of the '82 show...SPARTACUS. OMG!!!!! Loud and full. I was beaming from ear to ear. Next, Pachabel's Canon (I can never spell it right, but who cares?)...even fuller than in '03. Oh, and just when it couldn't get any better, it did...Finale from '89's New World Symphony show...PHANTASTIC (I swore I'd never spell it that way, but worth it tonight)...Finally, Elsa's Procession. Pure bliss!!! What even made this show more enjoyable, was Dan Acheson was at one of the exit gates thanking folks for attending. Class act! I'm getting a good feeling DCI is really working towards a total fan experience, and tonight was definitely a step in that direction.

Hey...I was one of those 27 rookies, and it was an incredible challenge...especially for those of us who came from the Hollywood Knights which folded in late April...but, it was a blast to be apart of Fever that year, in spite of the previous year's drama...a fun brass staff, too...

I really loved the part where we "danced" during Ballet in Brass...and, the '85 show was incredible to perform as a whole...

HERE, HERE!!! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Actually, from all that I've heard from SoCal, Impulse is more of a D-III regarding size this season (sources are close to the vest, and will not be divulged)...Sources say hornline is severely lacking from previous years.... I'm actually hoping this is not the case, but I also doubt D-I is in the near future.

:spit: :spit: :spit: TOO FUNNY... I'd say that Malaguena would HAVE to be played while wearing that uniform...

A trend in this thread?... BRILLIANT! :mmm: :mmm: :mmm:

Charlie "Chaz" Anderson - one of the best motivators and instructors I've ever been around. He was not only tough and demanding, but his motivational talks before rehearsals and shows are legendary. He made sure the members (SCV when I marched) knew the significance of the field was more than just a place where we rehearsed and performed, that it was a field of honor that should be respected and treated with utmost reverence...plus that he wouldn't hesitate literally kicking you in the butt if you messed up. I model my teaching methods after him. Scott Stewart - personifies the philosophy of Madison and the Brotherhood. He has the ability to see the magic and talents that everyone possesses, even when we don't. His comforting words during my time in Madison made my growing and developing as a person easier, plus that he was able to counsel with the sterness of a parent, but with also the understanding of a friend. Scott made sure that everyone in Madison knew each other as peers, not simply as people. Scott Stewart lives the philosphy of May You Never Walk Alone.

KNIGHTS OF GENESSEO - 1983 A VERY underrated show...after making finals at DCI-Midwest, I definitely thought they should have made the top-12 at Finals... A total show that was entertaining, good and strong!!!

Actually, I think SCV did quite well during the years they wore red tunics/green pants/white shoes...which was during every championship year, minus 2. I'm anxious to see how Jeff's influence and strong feelings on tradition will shape the corps. GO VANGUARD!!!

While I really loved many of these shows, when it comes to both raw emotion, and the finals night performance, I have to go with... PHANTOM '96!

Well...I marched with MADISON '85, so I definitely think that should be up there...BUT... Phantom '03 was great...HOWEVER, MADISON '95 was OFF-THE-CHARTS incredible, in-your-face drum corps... My vote: MADISON '95

Mainly because I wore it... I would LOVE to see Madison return to their uniform from 85-87: Forest Green Eisenhower Jacket, Light green dress shirt, red tie, red gauntlets, white pants w/ green strip down the leg, white Aussie w/red piping. That uniform is still my all-time favorite...(and, no, I'm not taking a pot shot at Cesario...I like his designs, but I still prefer the older unis).

MYSTIKAL Drum & Bugle Corps still has a few openings in the brass & guard sections available. Looking for a fun and exciting group to learn, grow and excel with? Mystikal is looking for you!!! There are still spots available in the guard, and the brass line has some spots that have recently re-opened. Be a part of the march towards Madison & 2006 DCI Champions. FOR MORE INFORMATION/TO JOIN: rlowery@mystikal-corps.org

Just remember...there are some really great corps in D-III (and some folks here in DCP who will jump on you BIG TIME for simply being confident...be forewarned)... However, I do know y'all will have a fun and enriching season this year, regardless of where you place. But, I also know that you guys ARE going to be good. NOW, BACK TO THE TOPIC: Guard folks who want to march this year...check out this group because it will be an awesome show to perform, and a great group to be a part of.