aka_MrStarsFan

I'm about to hit the road from North Dallas to Denton for tonight's show, and I had to watch the video I took of SCV's run-through last night one last time.

The show in Denton tonight is presented/sponsored by the Cavaliers.

First, I live only about 2.5 miles from that stadium, and I have no problem hearing that band on Friday nights. Second, the Allen band has a march-a-thon in mid August where they march through the neighborhoods collecting donations. The first time I heard it after I moved to the city, I wondered which of my neighbors liked music so much that they'd play marching music so loud that the entire neighborhood could hear it. It is quite impressive to hear the volume.

How does one go about finding out who judges are for a particular show? I was in Florida on vacation with the family in early June, and saw a guy wearing a DCI shirt and hat. Naturally, I stopped to talk to him, and it turns out he is a GE judge.

SCV is a McKinney HS Cadets are at Stayley MS in Frisco Cavaliers are at Denton HS Carolina Crown is at Lake Dallas HS

There were still moments in their show that annoyed me, as the electronics "noise" somewhat overshadowed the corps proper. I hope that isn't the norm tonight. As I said previously, I hope this isn't one of those instances where you can't remember why you quit frequenting a specific restaurant, so you go there, and immediately remember why you quit going there to begin with.

I lost interest in DCI for years since the introduction of electronics. I saw my first show in 1978 in Dallas, and marched in the early 80's, so I'm definitely "old school." SCV was a mere 10 minutes from my house last night, so I naturally had to go give a listen/watch. It was my first live experience since the Cavaliers (my alma mater) were 2 miles from my house 3 years ago for a rehearsal. Man, I didn't have half the talent that these kids do these days. While the guard sill has a lot of trouble with some work in the middle of the show last night, which was surprising to me, the horn line blew me away (yeah, pun intended). Even though I haven't watched a show in quite some time, I could definitely tell where the "VANGUARD" yell belongs in this show. I'm looking forward to seeing my first show in 6 years tonight in Denton.

I'll be there. The Vanguard is in town today rehearsing close to me in McKinney. I'll be there tonight.

I saw my first show in 1978, went to the Dallas show yearly, marched in 1984, traveled to finals from 1985-1993 and went to the San Antonio show a few times in the late 90's-early 2000's. I lost complete interest after I first started hearing the electronics and what was once described as "electronic goo." I could no longer hear the music over the synthesizers and electronics. That's when I quit attending shows and buying souvenirs and DVD's/CD's. For the life of me, I can't remember the last live show I attended. I think it was 2010. I've gone to a few of the shows in the theater over the years, but that wasn't the same. I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but I'm attending my first show in I can't tell you how long this week in Denton. I hope this isn't one of those instances where you can't remember why you quit going to a specific restaurant, go the restaurant, and then suddenly remember why you quit going in the first place.

After not keeping track of much of anything dci this summer, I went to the theater for tonight's show. On the positive side: 1. ####, there is a helluva lot of talent on the field these days, top to bottom. 2. There were several shows where I found myself thinking, "Is that show already over?" On the negative side: 1. I still despise the amplification and electronics. I especially despise the need to amplify a solo. 2. exactly how much money are these corps spending on props? Way too much. 3. I don't find much of a purpose for pre-recordings. On the "I'm scratching my head" side: 1. Did my eyes deceive me, or did I have a moment where I thought the narrator for the Cadets was lip syncing. 2. Why do people clap in theaters after a performance? 3. Boston Crusaders show, for me, was the farthest departure from their norm for any corps. That's neither good nor bad. 4. There were several shows where I'm sure I swallowed a few flies, as my mouth was agape from trying to figure out what the heck I was watching, i.e. BAC, halfway through Phantom. That's neither good nor bad.

Oops. I stand corrected. THIRD most profitable.....

I already started the above a few years ago. Also, the fact that I was unaware of the new rule changes illustrates how much (or little) I follow the activity anymore. I might check various DCI websites (even DCP) every few weeks to give a cursory glance. According to the DCI website announcement on the annual meeting, 2013 was the most profitable year in its history. My absence hasn't hurt DCI. edited to add color.

50 Saw my first show in '78 Marched my one and only year my age out year in '84 with The Cavaliers.

I must be showing my age here, but do today's shows really have to tell the viewer something? Does there have to be a "story" or a "message" or a "theme" behind a show?

RE: Boston - with all of the other crap on the field these days, I can't believe they get a 1 point penalty for pouring baby powder on their heads. RE: Blue Devils - I suppose I understand their placement, as they do a really good job of moving those poles around the field and throwing guard equipment onto the field to nobody in particular on the 3 occasions (flags, rifles and those red balls) that I saw. :huh:/>