Jump to content

Search the Community

Showing results for tags 'Great Ideas'.

  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Forums

  • DCP Community
    • DCP Community "New Member" Forum
    • DCP Volunteer Exchange - Where Corps Needs and Volunteers Come Together
  • Drum Corps International (DCI) Corps Discussions
    • DCI World Class Corps Discussions
    • DCI Roundtable Project
    • DCI Open Class Corps Discussions
    • Historical Junior Corps Discussions
    • DCI (All) Corps Show & Event Reviews
  • Drum Corps Associates (DCA) All-Age Corps and Alumni Corps Discussions
    • DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions
    • Alumni Corps Discussions
    • DCA All-Age Corps and Alumni Corps Historical Forum
    • DCA All-Age Corps and Alumni Corps Show & Event Reviews
  • DCP Features
    • Brass Forum
    • Color Guard Planet
    • Percussion Planet
    • International Corps Forum
    • DCP Marketplace
    • DCP SponsorBoard
    • DCP Fantasy Drum Corps League
  • DCP Site Discussions
    • DCP Forum Announcements
    • DCP Member Service Center

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


AIM


MSN


Website URL


ICQ


Yahoo


Jabber


Skype


Your Drum Corps Experience


Your Favorite Corps


Your Favorite All Time Corps Performance (Any)


Your Favorite Drum Corps Season


Location


Interests

  1. I'm a very creative person and I love coming up with imaginary concepts for drum corps shows. I am far from the only person in this community that does that, so let's hear your ideas! I love reading people's imaginary show concepts and having people with more experience to bounce ideas off of. My first concept is one I literally came up with an hour ago. I was listening to a podcast talk about the movie Scream, and that gave me an idea. A DCI show that is aware it is a DCI show and plays on your expectations of what we know about drum corps from all of the activity's history. If that sounds complicated, I've got some examples. I imagine somewhere towards the end of the show, all the horns will form a straight line while there's a soloist/duet, in the exact same position as Babylon. We hear the buildup and prepare our ears to be blasted off, but wait. There's no sounds coming from the horns. The drums are really jamming out though. What we expected to be the ballad turns into a high-energy dance break. Another idea I have is having a big space chord, which is going to turn into a major chord, right? They always do that, right? Nope. It just ends on an unresolved space chord (maybe with a little flourish or something from the pit.) We can even do something crazy like having the pit step away from their instruments for a couple minutes and having them actually march (sans instruments). Honestly, the sky's the limit with this one. I don't have any songs or titles in mind though.
  2. This Guardsman has all the right stuff: https://www.today.com/parents/national-guard-member-teaches-kids-while-guarding-capitol-t206013
  3. George Takei, actor, activist and World Drum Corps Hall of Fame Class of 2019 member, delivered a poignant address to UCLA graduates: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/protests-show-progress-on-diversity-says-star-trek-icon-takei/ar-BB15pHv9 As a young Japanese American, after his family's release from the US government's internment camp, he marched in the Commodore Perry Scouts, a few years before these photos and audio were made. Drum corps, if they survive the current economic and health crisis, are likely to become somewhat more locally based. If that is so, they can become a more positive influence overall. The activity can't solve all the social issues (it didn't do that in the past), but can provide a model for cooperation and pride, particularly in the urban centers where there is an acute need for that. In the past, many city police departments re-focused energy and funds to support corps in cities like Philadelphia and Bridgeport. Doing so again could go a long way towards re-building community trust. One less tricked-out squad car can buy a lot of instruments, and perhaps even keep the rest of the fleet less busy.
  4. 7 STEPS TO DRUM CORPS RESTART When it's time ... 1. Fold DCI and DCA, form one new national organization that represents everybody, senior and junior corps. 2. The mission statement is to facilitate the formation of as many new corps as possible. 3. Make electronics illegal, to make it cheaper and easier to start new corps. Reduce show length to 9 minutes with a mandatory concert number to make it easier for new corps to compete immediately 4. Divide the country into 8 regions. No corps competes outside their region until finals week. The goal is to get more corps on the field, by making it cheaper and easier for everyone to get into the game. 5. Reduce all corps appearance fees, and all corps membership dues -- focus on creating as many local/regional drum corps shows as possible, and incentives for local sponsors to hold a show. 6. Every show will have senior and junior corps competing, with full retreat at the end for the fans. 7. Start a circuit of judged winter concerts (on stage, no drill), so the competitive experience of the activity is not so focused only on the summer. The above is all possibly silly nonsense, and maybe even irrelevant given the state of the covid-19 crisis. But, if I had a vote, the activity would focus on growth, not art or music technology, for the next few years.
  5. Cherry-pit spitting and marble races? ESPN is airing obscure sports amid corona virus Why not contact ESPN and get them to broadcast some DCI shows, with DCI's permission, of course. It could be a way to get massive "free" publicity at the time when DCI and the corps need more national exposure and financial help. Just a thought. Miami Herald
  6. What in the world is stopping FLO/DCI/Corps from securing the Sync Rights to offer a DVR Service, To offer Full audio and Video recording of past shows? Surely ASCAP and BMI don't intend to stop a free market. The prices for these fees are negotiable.. Quick math here tells me FLO is charging $150 a year per person. I venture to say they have 20k to 30K Active FLOmarching subscribers. So annually they get 3 million to 4.5 Million is Revenue from Subscribers. (just ballpark, I'd be curious to know the true number, my estimates where based on the fact that they have 105,000 Instagram Followers) After paying the cost for the people running shows, maybe 4-5 people per show that are on tour you'd figure that they are hanging onto at least 1.5 - 3.5 Million after cost. Wouldn't there be some room to secure a sync license for each show. And if the cost is so prohibitive, then why wouldn't DCI help FLO in sharing this cost. Why wouldn't DCI try to get Exceptions from the rights holders and argue for the educational value of these performances to bring the prices down.. IF having the Sync right to the shows (that allowed for DVR and Archives) meant that the cost of the annual subscription went up $50 per subscriber wouldn't you pay to have that access? I would, in a heartbeat. I don't know the details but It just seems to me like DCI freaked out after having the copyright issues questioned/fined a couple of years back and sold their soul to the First company who came along. Why can't DCI sell Ads to recoup the cost of the additional Sync licensing fees. I would not mind to see ads from the top Sponsors in the activity run throughout the stream similar to what we have for Regionals and Finals right now.Run ads during the Archives so that the Sponsors get maximum exposure for their buck. What about Selling Title Sponsorship, Similar to what is happening tonight at Belton, the Yamaha DCI Regional Championship, Like College Football Bowls but for DCI. Anything but sitting back and allowing Flo to destroy the product for now the third year is just simply crossing your hands and giving up while Taking in loads of cash. At this point if I were DCI, When this current Multi-year contract ends, I would hire 20 Intern Aged kids give them 3 Really good Cameras (One for each recording crew) Two boom Mics each to follow the tours around and provide a live recording from the box at each show. Stream the shows through Twitch or some other well established Streaming service that can handle the bandwidth of 25,000 Viewers and spend the rest of the money on the fees required to have DVR function and watchable archives of shows during the season. Prioritize whats important, Good High quality streams that wont fail because of limited bandwidth. Great Sound Quality, "In the stands" Sound that are exactly what an audience member would hear sitting in the stands. Little to no shows that are not Live streamed, Guarantee all TOC level shows are Live. DVR Functionality during the Live Performance time + 3hours. Archives of shows, In-season that can be watched at any point. Not Important In the lot access, Lothype, Youtube and other Independent media companies have this avenue covered, if you wanted to watch something in the lot you can probably watch it without having to watch through FLO. Designer Interviews, Dan Potter and Marching Roundtable are doing an amazing job of this already and if given official access through DCI can cover all of the corps and news during the pre-season to satisfy the fans who crave BTS access. Multicam run by an unexperienced person that is making poor decision on what to focus on and when. Please do better DCI.
  7. Colts 2019 (When Hell Freezes Over) Mandarins 2018 (and some might say 2019) Music City 2018 (Hell on Wheels) Crown 2015 (Inferno) SCV 2011 (The Devil's Staircase) Seems to be a pretty popular theme. Any ideas why? (Thinking too much about the Texas tour, maybe?)
  8. It seems like having massive props is getting more and more expected/required - whose work, whose do not?
  9. Hey beautiful people! So here are my thoughts. I've been living in Vegas for a year now and there is not much of a WGI presence out here. UNLV has an IO guard but that's the extent of it. I want to start an IW guard here (and maybe IO, IA and scholastic if the interest dictates). My previous groups used bingo halls for funding as many do. I have some connections with a number of businesses out here that may be willing to help with initial start up. I was thinking that since the casino/gambling industry is so large out here, perhaps one or more companies would be willing to sponsor us if we advertise for them. There is a strong sense of community and local support in this city and it could potentially make the difference. I am also curious as to how many people in the area would be interested in this. Are there others here who want a world guard? Has this been attempted before in this area? Are there people who want to teach and march? Help with competitions and the like? Everything in between? I marched Bluecoats, Empire Statesmen and Patriots IO (including others that do not have name recognition so I won't list them). Drop some words if you have the desire! Let's make something cool!
  10. Its common for a corp to experience a downfall after winning a championship (except BD of course), but I'm sure am excited to see where the Bluecoats are gonna go this year after falling to 5th last year (2017 )trailing of the Cavies at Finals. As much as I'm hoping they'll jump back to their traditional uniforms, it seems unlikely cause of the dramatic shift Corps are experiencing in visual prospect. I sure am expecting an exciting repertoire this year. What are your hopes, desires, expectations for Bloo this year?
  11. Hi there! I am a member of Pioneer's horn line, and I just want to get a good word out about our recent January rehearsal/audition camp. For anyone that was there - we already know how exciting 2018 is going to be for Pio, but for those of you who were not able to hear about it, here I am to tell you. Pioneer is doing some amazing things to start this year, with a near entirely new musical staff, exciting design choices, and a massively improved level of talent from our current members, 2018 is looking to be absolutely amazing. Below is a link to a video I posted sharing my thoughts about our recent January camp. Please give it a look and continue to be better every day!
  12. I am a pretty decent mellophone player already (if i say so myself), but i want to know how to become the best I can possibly be. I am trying out for DCI this fall/winter and want to come fully prepared. Any and all tips will be acknowledged. What can I do to improve my tone, range, musicality, sight reading, or tuning. You do NOT have to be a mellophone payer for me to listen. Again any info/tips will be used.
  13. Just saw this pop up on Reddit. Thought I would post here.
  14. First, a brief history lesson: On December 1, 1996, paperwork was filed in the State of Florida to create Heat Wave of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps, Inc., the first DCA corps to come out of the Sunshine State. Heat Wave would go on to win or share the DCA Class A Championship twice. Skip ahead to 2009, when a change of direction led to a NEW name, Sun Devils, Inc. The Sun Devils took a more “serious” approach to programming than their fun-loving Florida-themed predecessors. Through a series of ups and downs, the Sun Devils would ultimately go on to become DCA Class A Finalists twice amid numerous DCA South Class A titles. Following the 2014 DCA season, there were philosophical differences that led to a split between the Sun Devils’ staff and administration. On October 1, 2014, the Board of Sun Devils, Inc. voted to change the name to Florida Marching Arts, Inc. The name change was part of a marketing decision based on the fact that we support more than one performing unit. On October 7, 2014, a group of former Sun Devils staff members founded Solaris Performing Arts, Inc. as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Florida. You can read more about them here: http://www.solarisdrumcorps.org. To be clear, these are two separate groups operated by two separate organizations. So then you may be asking yourself, “well what happens to the Sun Devils?” That’s a very important question. There was much discussion on this topic and it was decided that, given recent events, it would be wise to forego competition in 2015 in order to firm up the corps’ infrastructure and ensure its long-term success. That said, the group is not experiencing financial woes (as is often the case in drum corps today). Additionally, the team in place has already made huge strides in repairing and/or replacing aging equipment and resources. And to be clear, the group is FAR from “inactive.” In fact, the group will be rehearsing in coming months in order to prepare for summer performances as well as solidify the nucleus that will help bring the corps BACK to competition in 2016 and beyond. Our new website is being developed at this time, but you can look for updates periodically athttp://sundevilspag.org. Moving forward, Florida Marching Arts, Inc. endeavors to create and foster more performance opportunities in the State of Florida. Our mission is first and foremost, to give back to the community by providing a positive atmosphere in which our young people receive an education in the performing arts and develop life-enriching character traits such as discipline, teamwork, integrity, leadership, dedication, and good citizenship. Our newest program offering is called PHOENIX. PHOENIX is a mixed ensemble that will perform in WGI’s Winter Winds circuit and possibly DCI’s new SoundSport division. By now you may be asking yourself, “so what is WGI Winds?” Glad you asked! “Continuing the Sport of the Arts tradition of performance and competition, WGI Winds is a unique form of the marching music activity. In fact, winds doesn’t mean “winds only.” Groups can include anything found in a concert band or orchestra as well as color guard and percussion performers. Winds is a natural extension of the WGI organization and will complete WGI’s support of the total band program.” What this means, is a unique and exciting performance opportunity that is open to literally EVERYONE! PHOENIX is open to all ages, ability levels, and instrumentation. Anyone with a great attitude and a desire to participate is welcome. The first organizational meeting for PHOENIX is scheduled for January 17th. More information will be available at their website: http://www.phoenixcorps.org/ PHOENIX is currently looking for staff and member applicants for their 2015 campaign. This first exploration of a new circuit(s) will start small – staying primarily local – with minimal fees and expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for those who have always wanted to check out the activity to “get their feet wet” so-to-speak without the exorbitant financial commitment normally associated with drum corps today. Please go to our website for more information on how you can become a performer or staff member today! We would be remiss if we did not offer a mention of our sister organization – Impact Drum & Bugle Corps. Impact has been performing at DCA’s mini corps championships and entertaining audiences all over for the past three seasons. The corps has shifted gears a bit this year with regards to programming and has taken on a very challenging but extremely fun and modern book. Impact welcomes all players ages 18 and up. You can find out more about Impact here: http://www.impactoforlando.org. In addition to the groups mentioned above, there are many more WGI Winds, DCI SoundSport, and other groups in development all over the state – probably the most exciting of which is the return of junior corps to the Sunshine State! Our friends at Heat Wave of Florida are bringing DCI-aged drum corps back to Florida. You can check them out here:http://www.heatwaveofflorida.com. In summary, drum corps/the marching arts are not dead in Florida. In fact, they’re very much alive AND GROWING! If you’ve read this far, we want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read and understand what has been going on. We appreciate your patience while we went “silent.” During any transition period emotions and tensions understandably tend to run high. It was our intent to stay quiet until emotions calmed and details were worked out and ready to share. We invite you to follow ALL the goings on at Florida Marching Arts, Inc. by visiting our website at http://www.fmainc.org. From there you can find information on all of our performing units, make a donation, learn more about joining, volunteer, or inquire about joining our staff. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support. We’ll see you on the 50. Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is the longest running active drum corps organization in the State of Florida. Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is incorporated in the State of Florida and is registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501©3 not-for-profit corporation, governed by a board of directors.
  15. The description is hilarious! As a tech who enjoys stealing the drum guy's used inventory, this is right up my alley! Enjoy: http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/steve-weiss-gock-stick/education-specials#full-description
  16. If you haven't seen the new, Blue Devils and The Cadets are filming a reality show in 2016 off-season and competition season. Let's play around with this. What areas will the producers be manipulating, er ... mining... for drama? What are the pitches? THE COMPETITION. They are going to have to feed on speculation until they meet. But when they meet, they spend almost the entire last 2 weeks of July head-to-head. (Schedule may not be entirely accurate. I did this very quickly) July 12th - Dekalb TOC July 18th - Warrensburg TOC July 22nd - Houston TOC July 23rd - San Antonio REGIONAL July 25th - Dallas July 27th - Hattiesburg July 29th - Nashville TOC July 30th - Atlanta REGIONAL July 31st - Winston Salem TOC Aug 2nd - Annapolis Aug 5th - Buffalo TOC Aug 11th ~ 13th - Indianapolis LOVE! Boyfriends/girlfriends that tour together! Oh the drama! LOVE across distance! Boyfriends/girlfriends that tour with different corps! Oh the unkown and the drama! LOVE across enemy lines! Boyfriends/girlfriends that tour with the enemy! Specifically BD/Cadets! Staff across enemy lines! This could be tough. Not a lot of crossover between BD and Cadets staff as there is with some other corps. Is there any? Also eligible "this staff marched BD/Cadets but teaches Cadets/BD!" FAMILIA! I march with my bro, sis, etc. Even better ... I march BD/Cadets but my bro, sis etc marches Cadets/BD! :big hug: My mom, dad, grandparents marched here. My mom, dad, grandparents MARCHED WITH THE ENEMY! INTRA-CORPS ADVERSITY Practice is so hard! Little-to-no quality sleep! Weather is bad! (Heat is a given. Days of rain or drought?) Sparse or unappetizing food! (good luck getting the corps to play along with this one) I've been injured! Member has problems at home! Member is here against the odds! How do we fill these holes? Add your pitch for show "drama" topics! Check back later and see what we get right and wrong!
  17. LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ http://www.fusioncorenj.com FUSION is proud to announce its 2016 guard staff, under the continuing leadership of caption head Rob Watson. This year’s staff will benefit from the mix of returning individuals and new additions with a unique blend of backgounds, influences, and competitive experiences. Rob is joined by returning designers Tim McLaughlin and Lia Grauch on weapons and Kerri Newlander returns as guard instructor. New to the “core” are Carlos Diaz and Fain King. Complete bio’s on each Fusion Core staff member can be found on our website. Fusion’s color guard has a history of excellence, and we are confident that the 2016 staff will continue to provide not only a highly achieving visual ensemble but an environment where our membership can learn and grow. This staff has a wide range of experiences, and the combination of these strengths will ensure a highly competitive ensemble along with a rich and rewarding experience for our members. Rob Watson | Color Guard Caption Head Throughout his 17-year career, Rob has remained active in the marching arts and education. He has been the Guard Caption Head at Fusion Core for the last three years. In addition, he has worked with Emanon Winter Guards: 2013 Caption Head of Emanon A Guard and a show designer of Emanon Open Guard’s 2010 "Seated Perspective" show (WGI IO 6th Place). Currently, he serves on the Northern New Jersey Performing Arts Council's executive administrative team, the non-profit organization which funds Emanon Winter Guards. Rob is proud to return as Show Designer and Color Guard Caption Head for the 2016 summer season. He has assembled an instructional team of some of the best color guard designers and technicians in the industry — culminating Fusion's 2014 production of “Dreamscapes” with a World Champion Color Guard trophy at the DCA World Championship in Rochester, NY. Rob has taught and consulted with numerous high school, college, drum corps, marching band and winter guard ensembles all around the country, receiving numerous accolades, with units including Southern Regional HS (NJ) 2003-2008, Middle Township HS, Toms River East HS (NJ) 2009-2012, West Orange HS (NJ) 2011, Washington HS (MO) 2011. Rob also serves as a national color guard and visual performance adjudicator for several marching arts and winter guard associations around the country. In 1999, Rob was named among the "Top 10 Performers in the World" by Field & Floor Magazine. Rob resides in Mount Olive, New Jersey and is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & User Experience for the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leading agency in promotional marketing and advertising. Tim McLaughlin | Rifle Lead & Designer Tim is excited to return to Fusion Core's Guard Staff for his third year as the primary rifle designer and technician. With 11 consistent years of performing and teaching behind him, Tim offers a fresh take on choreography while capitalizing on weapon technique with his programs. He has taught extremely successful programs to date: Fusion Core (2014, 2015), Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), Sachem High School (2012), Cadets2 Drum and Bugle Corps (2012), Northern Highlands Regional High School (2009-2011), and Lindenhurst High School (2009). Tim is no stranger when it comes to performance either, completing the most successful season with the Emanon Independent World winter guard (2010, 2013-2015) and has a marching history that holds his stake in the ground with Alter Ego Independent World (2011-2012), The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2010), Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (2009, 2013), Regime (2008-2009), and the Sachem Flaming Arrows Marching Band (2003-2007). Outside of the activity, Tim is a Senior Packaging and Brand Designer in Brooklyn, NY and lends his graphic talents to winter guard set design, notably Trumbull High School (2011-2012, 2015), Alter Ego (2011-2012, 2015), Claudia Johnson High School (2015), Newtown HS (2013-2014) and Redlands HS (2013-2014). He currently lives in New Jersey. Lia Grauch | Saber Lead & Designer Lia returns for her second season to Fusion Core's Guard Staff as the Saber Instructor & Designer. She has been involved in guard activity since the late nineties. Lia began teaching while attending high school and continued throughout college. She has had the opportunity to be on the design team for numerous groups such as Haverford HS, Daniel Boone HS, Immaculata HS, Mount Olive HS and most recently Spring Ford HS. Lia started her Drum Corps career with the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps from 2006-2009. Then, marched with the Reading Buccaneers until 2011. She has had the opportunity to travel and perform abroad with support from WGI- Sport of the Arts. She currently is a captain at Emanon Independent World Color Guard from Hackettstown, NJ. Lia currently lives in Pottstown, PA and Works for a Software and Technology company in the HR department. Kerri Newlander | Guard Instructor Kerri was inspired by the color guard activity in 1994 while watching her brother at football games and competitions. In 1996 Kerri was asked to be a flag runner and began marching in 1997 with her high school, Mt. Pocono, through 2000 earning auxiliary awards in 1999 & 2000; Group 4 ACC Champions. Kerri’s drum corps experience began with the New York Skyliners in 2003, 2004 and 2006. She marched with Fusion’s A winter guard, aging out in 2006 and then serving in 2007 as Instructor. Kerri’s other instructional background includes Pocono Mountain East High School in 2002 – 2004, 2009 and 2010, Huntington High School, 2005 and Hicksville High School winter guard in 2007. In 2007 Kerri was part of Fusion's first year out as a Drum Corps and has been a part of Fusion Core's Guard staff and helped with marching on the field for the 2007-2008 and 2010-2015 seasons. Kerri is looking forward to being a part of this group’s continued success this summer! Carlos Diaz | Guard Instructor New to the Fusion Core family this year is Carlos Diaz, a performer and educator with a young but rich history in the color guard activity. Carlos capitalizes on the foundations of technique and the education it takes to get a team in tip-top shape. Most recently, Carlos has taught Cadets 2 (2012, 2014) and 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2013) and has taught other successful programs such as Bridgewater Raritan HS (2014), Northern Highlands Regional High School (2008-2011), and Monsignor Farrell High School (2009). Aside from teaching, Carlos has marched very successful seasons with Alter Ego (2008 - 2012, 2015), Blessed Sacrament (2013 - 2014), The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2010), Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps (2009), Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (2008), Joy IA (2007), and Old Bridge HS (2006). Aside from being so involved with the sport of the arts, Carlos works as a dental assistant in New Jersey while studying in school to further his career in the dental field. Fain King | Flag Ensemble Lead Fain started marching in 2004 in high school in North Carolina. In 2005, he attended NYU where he was introduced to Alter Ego and marched there in 2006 (WGI Independent Open Class). Through the years, Fain has taught and consulted with various high school camps in NC, SC, and NJ. In 2007 and 2008, he studied abroad in France. While there, Fain taught Xpression Winterguard and was invited to teach a drum corps camp in the Netherlands. When he returned to NYU, Fain returned to Alter Ego (IW) and marched from 2009-2012, making WGI Finals each year; culminating his career with Alter Ego as co-captain in 2012. In the summer of 2009, Fain marched with the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps and received the Best Color Guard in DCA award. Currently, Fain lives in Connecticut, received his degree in Linguistics & French from NYU and works as a manager of the Linguist Services and Traffic Management Departments at Corporate Translations. This will be Fain's first year with Fusion Core and he is especially excited to join such an amazing team. ###
  18. Hello all, First, I apologize for two things, first is forgive me if I've started this thread in the wrong category on the forums, I'm very new here. Second, is forgive me if my questions sound ridiculous, I'm new to the world of percussion/corps drumlines. Anyway, I have some questions. I'm Greg, and I'm starting snare lessons in August. I recently purchased a high tension snare drum from Sound Percussion Labs. The snare sounds great, but doesn't produce the sound I'm looking for. Right now, the snare (out of the box) produces that "rat-a-tat" traditional snare sound. I, however, am searching for that "table top" or "formica" sound that every corps uses now. Not really using the "crank the heck out of the top head" technique, but still a table top corps sound. The snare is currently equipped with a Remo Falams II batter, and a Remo Ambassador Snare Side. It's just a basic clear ambassador. I've heard around that the best combo would be a Remo Black Max batter, and a Falams II snare side. However, since I have a Falams II on the batter already, how would it sound if I kept the current batter, but put a Falams II snare side on the bottom? I fully intend to replace both heads at some point, but can only purchase one at a time for now. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks! ~KingGreGre
  19. Have you guys heard about the StreetBeat5K? It's a 5K run/walk/jazz run that takes place the Saturday of DCI Finals. The fee is only $35, and HALF of your fee goes to support the music program of your choice. You can support your favorite corps, or even a marching band program, if you want! The run is timed, and you get a nice T-shirt out of the deal. I ran last year and had a blast. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! (I'll be the one in the red and black/ 9 rings of hell outfit on.. because dressing up for 5Ks is fun!) Susie Harloff http://www.streetbeat5K.com http://www.dci.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=965782&SPID=166025&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210228437&DB_OEM_ID=33500
  20. We have a handful of corps that have the talent to win gold, which is outstanding. The sheer number of great ideas this year is more than I've ever seen in DCI, and I've been watching (or marching) since the mid-80s. What pains me most is when show designs hobble great talent, that demoralize almost as much as inspire. What I love to see most is a show design that empowers MMs to achieve their highest potential as performers, as people, and as artists, making the show itself into a work of art that transcends the idiom of drum corps. Usually, it's the show concepts that either click, or fail. A great concept will most always lead to a string of inspired, aesthetically-unified, and effective (GE) decisions in all captions. A poor concept will fail to a greater or lesser degree in all regards, including demoralizing MMs who have to live with it, act like they love it, but hate it secretly until afterwards, when they just end up regretting the decision they made to trust the design team and join the corps. That's the worst of all possible outcomes. Solution to poor design = Open Innovation Here's how to do it (though versions of this have been tried in the past, I'm well aware): 1. The design team must let go a bit and open up, instead of being like Charleton Heston ("...FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS!!!!"). Egos must be shelved. It's OK, we have to tell the corps directors and design teams. You'll still get your salaries because you're paid to CO-innovate and collaborate, to execute the designs, and hardest of all: to teach a group of young people how to create art. People out there, including potential members who will actually perform the show, have great ideas. Closed innovation doesn't work anymore in business, and it doesn't work well in DCI, at least for several corps, and even sometimes for the very best organizations. (Object lesson: 12.25, 10, Yowza, etc.) 2. They solicit show ideas from fans and alumni, but do so in an organized way, requesting concept, music, arrangement, visual, uniform, flag, prop, etc., ideas that communicate that theme. A standard format and strict requirements for submitting show design proposals must be communicated, just like any professional proposal. I'm talking actual RFPs (requests for proposals). And they could even require that the ideas if rejected cannot be used by other DCI organizations, which would keep the IP (intellectual property) within the community, as it were. Even better: they could request (or even require) individuals and/or teams of future MMs submit proposals. Could be a component of their auditions. 3. They allow the community to view the ideas, comment, and vote. 4. They give the community 50% of the votes, and their team 50%, and the best idea wins. Maybe the second or fourth best ideas will win the following year(s). How could you go wrong with the above? The days of the dictatorial corps director mucking things up are numbered. Just like the days of white guys in cigar-filled rooms deciding which candidate from which prominent political family will represent their party for governor or president. (Oh wait.....) Closed innovation, top-down, dictatorial decisions are so 20th century. So pre-social media. So Greatest Generation. Charleton Heston died angry, red-faced, half-crazy, but reports say that he was holding his wrinkled shrunken antique piece. Don't let this happen to you, top-5 corps. Let go. This is the Millennial Generation marching. They want co-ownership in their organizations. They want to lend a hand, to be empowered, to express their voice, and invest everything they have in its success, from concept to execution, from paper to the Gold medal around their neck at Finals. Trust the alumni, fans, and most of all: future MMs, not just yourselves. Open Innovation will avoid show designs that are inept from the get-go. Open Innovation will yield gold.
  21. What are some ideas you have of music that has not been used in a drum corps setting? Who could pull them off? I personally want to see somebody tackle modern post-rock music, such as Swans or Godspeed You Black Emperor. Not the most popular choice, but I do believe somebody like the Bluecoats could integrate it well.
  22. Have you guys heard about the StreetBeat5K? It's a 5K run/walk/jazz run that takes place the Saturday of DCI Finals. The fee is only $35, and HALF of your fee goes to support the music program of your choice. You can support your favorite corps, or even a marching band program, if you want! The run is timed, and you get a nice T-shirt out of the deal. I ran last year and had a blast. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! (I'll be the one in the red and black/ 9 rings of hell outfit on.. because dressing up for 5Ks is fun!) Susie Harloff http://www.streetbeat5K.com
  23. Hey gang. I've been trying to get the word out about a new DCI SoundSport group that is desperately trying to form out of a bad situation in Doylestown, Ohio. The alumni from Chippewa High in Doylestown were once a state competitive dynasty getting superior ratings at State Finals to winning a BOA regional title. In April we learned all of our trophies and hard work were thrown into a dumpster by the school (no sports trophies were destroyed...hrm). Trophies from the same program that delivered many DCI and DCA performers as well as a director of the US Marine Corps band. Obviously forming a SoundSport is hard work (and brasslines don't buy themselves), but we definitely have the staff and talent to do it, but we need some serious help getting our name and story out. www.rogueshollowregiment.com
  24. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!!! First load of world series astroturf has arrived Help support the corps as we move towards our new home https://www.facebook.com/BlueSaintsDrumandbuglecorps/photos/a.299341480168509.46797.244957045606953/599991250103529/?type=1&theater
  25. The purpose of this post is for us to discuss all the interesting and fun program points of last year's shows, 2014. I want to start a discussion where we can share what we thought was cool, congradulating the creative design and the performers. Comments should be focused on how a show's element (music, drill, guard movement, costumes, props, sound effects, music choice) helps tell the story of that corps' show. Please start your post or comment with what corps / show you'd like to discuss. And please keep it positive. I'll start the conversation with this: CAROLINA CROWN - OUT OF THIS WORLD I loved how the the "countdown" in the opener lined up with the rifle tosses. Perfectly matched with David Bowie's "Space Oddesy" get us ready to blast into outer space. And good use of amplified voices, singing the words, "Ground control to Major Tom" with mission control talk all around. And then, way later in the show, they break out into Peter Schilling's "Major Tom" as a fanfare after the drum break following the all trumpet / mello feature. Brilliant! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Hs2AQwDgA
×
×
  • Create New...