rayearth Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Crossmen Extreme:I will be honest here... I cant see the point in whats happening with a project like this. They looked unorganized from the very get go. Im trying to recall, but it seemed like about 5 minutes of music only and they all dragged music stands out there. With wind like that it really plays havoc on standing at attention. There were pieces of music blowing around the track after that. There was also a few of them moving around and communicating with each other during the National Anthem which was being performed very well by a soloist of thier own. As far as the playing, it was very average. The 3 percussion members do a nice job on snare and tenors. the high pitch of the snares and 1 solo quad doesnt give it alot of impact. There is also no depth with no bass or cymbal sound. Dragging the pit equipment out there doesnt seem worth the effort. Rather than marimba vibe and tube bells, i would opt for a few pitched bass drums on stands and maybe some suspended cymbal. Horns hit a few loud moments for such a small hornline! Drum major was very professional and sharp. She does a great job in general. Hopefully they can polish this act up a little because it needs it. Some of the crossmen alumni i was there werent really happy with it overall. I think this is just about the only review I've read of the performance and I do appreciate the honesty. As a member I just wanted to throw my comments out there. The corps is a mini corps which means that there are anywhere from 11-21 members. The time limit for music is 5-10 minutes. Our show is about 7 minutes. The corps are generally intended to play indoors and park and play. We are one of the few that are learning drill which was only about halfway completed at the time. I agree that all music should have been learned by that time and I actually thought it was supposed to have been. With how windy it was that day, stands and music (and aussies) were a near disaster. As for playing, you could probably tell better than I. Obviously there's not many of us and the sound gets fairly lost outside in the stands. Unfortunately we were also contra-less due to a variety of reasons (one was having a baby). I believe we will have at least one back which will help. Not sure if this is an excuse or not we're also a new and very young corps, all but maybe 5 or so are still in high school or have just graduated and have no corps or little marching experience. From what I've seen of some of the top mini corps they're made up more like alumni corps. But I agree that in general the whole presentation needs to be much more professional out there and I think that will be addressed in the upcoming rehearsals. I think you'll see tremendous improvements between now and championships. Thanks for your comments! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jware Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 no review of Kellys? You know the rule Jeff....."what happens at Kelly's,.............." I've never had a bad weekend in Wildwood and I've been going there for gigs since '81. Good times! Thanks to the Cabs for sponsoring the show and to Mayor Troiano for being such a gracious host! Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TastyWaves Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 no review of Kellys? My Bad! Kelleys was as it has been. Im not the salty veteran of Kelleys as some are (this is only my 4th DCA Wildwood Weekend) but it seemed to continue the tradition! Lots of familiar faces of course and many coronas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TastyWaves Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I think this is just about the only review I've read of the performance and I do appreciate the honesty. As a member I just wanted to throw my comments out there. The corps is a mini corps which means that there are anywhere from 11-21 members. The time limit for music is 5-10 minutes. Our show is about 7 minutes. The corps are generally intended to play indoors and park and play. We are one of the few that are learning drill which was only about halfway completed at the time. I agree that all music should have been learned by that time and I actually thought it was supposed to have been. With how windy it was that day, stands and music (and aussies) were a near disaster. As for playing, you could probably tell better than I. Obviously there's not many of us and the sound gets fairly lost outside in the stands. Unfortunately we were also contra-less due to a variety of reasons (one was having a baby). I believe we will have at least one back which will help. Not sure if this is an excuse or not we're also a new and very young corps, all but maybe 5 or so are still in high school or have just graduated and have no corps or little marching experience. From what I've seen of some of the top mini corps they're made up more like alumni corps. But I agree that in general the whole presentation needs to be much more professional out there and I think that will be addressed in the upcoming rehearsals. I think you'll see tremendous improvements between now and championships. Thanks for your comments! I look forward to seeing it again! Im sure it will clean up with time and pluggin up some holes. Having a baby? instead of drum corps? Some peoples priorities are all screwed up...(just playin!) good luck! tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stansea Posted June 27, 2008 Author Share Posted June 27, 2008 I think this is just about the only review I've read of the performance and I do appreciate the honesty. As a member I just wanted to throw my comments out there. The corps is a mini corps which means that there are anywhere from 11-21 members. The time limit for music is 5-10 minutes. Our show is about 7 minutes. The corps are generally intended to play indoors and park and play. We are one of the few that are learning drill which was only about halfway completed at the time. I agree that all music should have been learned by that time and I actually thought it was supposed to have been. With how windy it was that day, stands and music (and aussies) were a near disaster. As for playing, you could probably tell better than I. Obviously there's not many of us and the sound gets fairly lost outside in the stands. Unfortunately we were also contra-less due to a variety of reasons (one was having a baby). I believe we will have at least one back which will help. Not sure if this is an excuse or not we're also a new and very young corps, all but maybe 5 or so are still in high school or have just graduated and have no corps or little marching experience. From what I've seen of some of the top mini corps they're made up more like alumni corps. But I agree that in general the whole presentation needs to be much more professional out there and I think that will be addressed in the upcoming rehearsals. I think you'll see tremendous improvements between now and championships. Thanks for your comments! Good luck ... no doubt you'll be in shape by September ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elphaba01 Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I may as well give some thoughts... Just MY OWN! lol.. nobody freak out!The Venue: I was a little let down as i had heard about how there was "LOTS of brand new bleachers". In reality its really a "Small Time" venue. Nice field, not designed for the big crowds. The highest up seating isnt very high so i sat front and center on the 50! Crossmen Extreme: I will be honest here... I cant see the point in whats happening with a project like this. They looked unorganized from the very get go. Im trying to recall, but it seemed like about 5 minutes of music only and they all dragged music stands out there. With wind like that it really plays havoc on standing at attention. There were pieces of music blowing around the track after that. There was also a few of them moving around and communicating with each other during the National Anthem which was being performed very well by a soloist of thier own. As far as the playing, it was very average. The 3 percussion members do a nice job on snare and tenors. the high pitch of the snares and 1 solo quad doesnt give it alot of impact. There is also no depth with no bass or cymbal sound. Dragging the pit equipment out there doesnt seem worth the effort. Rather than marimba vibe and tube bells, i would opt for a few pitched bass drums on stands and maybe some suspended cymbal. Horns hit a few loud moments for such a small hornline! Drum major was very professional and sharp. She does a great job in general. Hopefully they can polish this act up a little because it needs it. Some of the crossmen alumni i was there werent really happy with it overall. Fusion Not really what i expected. They have this kind of "Vegas" look but dont project a great deal of attitude or confidence. The Hornline has some VERY Powerful moments! Definetly the strength of this corps. Percussion is somewhat unbalanced with 5 snares to 1 quad. Could be missing people or just have holes, but it might be worth it to reassign someone. Show seems written over the percussion sections heads. Basic understanding of the material seems lacking from the get go. Missed step offs everywhere, technique different accross the board, things like that. I know the season is young, but even so it stood out. CG seems off to a good start although incomplete like everyone else... This show should be alot of fun by the end of the year. Bucs As an alum, im about to sound biased, but WOW! very cool. Execusion was typical june, (which for bucs is pretty darn good at times) but thinking ahead, this design is a knockout! Strength and balance in all sections, and a very ambitious show. Percussion section is definetly in the hunt again even with alot of new faces. Book is BEAUTIFULLY Arranged in front ensemble and battery. Very musical but with more "meat" than recent editions. Colorguard looks alot bigger and is beautiful in costume. Brass section is already having some of those "Chills" moments. mostly in the opening and closing of the show. If they execute, count them in when the end comes around. Although some alums disagree, i love the small changes to the Uni. The black sashes and plumes really add depth to the look. I had no problem with the old silver sashes and blue plums, but these seem a little less "Guady" (sp?) Bush I couldnt believe how small the corps is! I had heard they were doing pretty well with membership but both brass and perc are very small this time out. Both are pretty powerful despite the small size. The show is appearently to do with "Gypsies" but the people around thought it was latin! lol Colorguard wasnt in costume, but WOW! they already look sharp. no matter what happens, i think their guard will be in it for the prize again this year. Very big and talented. Percussion was tiny at 4-2 and 5 but packs a nice little punch. Some "meat" in the snare line is already starting to hit. Hopefully they can fill some of these holes. Get out there if you have time! its a cool book! Horn and perc alike. Cabs Hornline leading the way here! Some HUGE impact moments already making you go "WOW! Percussion not as strong at this point as the last couple of years in wildwood, but i know they will get to it. Alot of the problems seem movement related. Snareline is already at another level from the rest of the percussion ensemble. But again, they will handle it. Colorguard (as we have all talked about) have a unique idea in mind for costume choice. I think its pretty cool. Doing a show thats been done as much as this, you MUST find new ways to put a twist on it and i think they are really contributing to that effort. I have a feeling people will dismiss this corps for not being as complete early on, but that would be a mistake! lookout for these guys! The Surf HUGE sound already from that brass line in this fun show. Percussion a little behind but i know they will be along shortly! This corps is still developing its confidence but you know this will be different after the first tour when they get moving! Drill was still incomplete so they played half the show in place. Colorguard looks sharp and colorfull. Cant wait to see this completed! Cabs Alum Doin it like only those old pro's can. "Super Chops" doesnt begin to describe it! Any section out there. Those soloists leave you just shaking your head in disbelief at times. My only two complaints (and judging by the crowd, its just me), they are on the field a bit too long. I like my shows to hit, get it, and quit it. 10 minutes is my max. And i would rather watch the performers than the drum major but this particular major really is a distraction. No disrespect intended, just my personal preference. Overall a great show! I heard the souvie boothes did REALLY well! Im sure the weather drove some "hoodie" sales, but either way thats great! Gotta keep these drum corps on the road!! The weather stayed dry though proving once and for all that god wants the show to happen! but judging by the wind, he wants it IN the convention center! lol this is tony and i approved this message tony "Wildwood review": Excellent!!!! Give yourself the rest of the day off. With pay. Elphaba WWW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Unfortunately we were also contra-less due to a variety of reasons (one was having a baby). Excuses, excuses... I believe we will have at least one back which will help. Wow! Playing a contra and carrying a baby all at the same time! What's that? The OTHER player is coming back? Oh....never mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayearth Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Excuses, excuses... Wow! Playing a contra and carrying a baby all at the same time! What's that? The OTHER player is coming back? Oh....never mind. Seriously I have no idea how she was even rehearsing in the weeks before. That's hardcore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ech2os Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 And i would rather watch the performers than the drum major but this particular major really is a distraction. No disrespect intended, just my personal preference.tony Random thought........Oftentimes I have to remind myself that there are actually people out there who didn't grow up watching Jimmy Russo. Whereas I can't imagine drum corps without him, I suppose others sometimes have another opinion of his style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabhorn Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Cabs Alum Doin it like only those old pro's can. "Super Chops" doesnt begin to describe it! Any section out there. Those soloists leave you just shaking your head in disbelief at times. My only two complaints (and judging by the crowd, its just me), they are on the field a bit too long. I like my shows to hit, get it, and quit it. 10 minutes is my max. And i would rather watch the performers than the drum major but this particular major really is a distraction. No disrespect intended, just my personal preference. Thanks for the kind words... We have a BLAST doing our show for the fans.. Jimmy does what Jimmy always did... Keep the crowd wanting more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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