Who actually revolutionized story telling?

[SynthLine09]

Yes, I was. Were you in the stands on finals night in 2005?

Sure was :)

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE that show. Especially the ballad. I just didn't "feel" the performers as much, if that makes any sense. Yes there was a certain energy about them when they took the field, but as far as the crowd goes it seems like the crowd for Phantom was much more responsive and in to it.

It could all just be a matter of perspective, and where you were sitting in relation to where I was sitting.

Not to much of a point in arguing about it either way since both shows are so phenomenal

[tommytimp]

As much as I feel that was a very important step for drum corps toward the story telling vein, the first time a libretto was given out was by Cadets (still holy name at that point?) sometime between '70-'72. I'm sure MikeD will be on soon with more info.

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks much.

[lindap]

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks much.

I've hardcopies of both original librettos; don't remember reading while I at a drum corps contest. I watched and listened. Drum corps is a good activity and if it tells a story, well OK, but the performance at the moment should 'speak' to me.

[Gene Bennett3rd]

1987-1992 Dutch Boy

The story was entitled

Our Guard is HOT

Our Brass section is Cool

Our Drumline Holds this Thing Together

What a WONDERFUL STORY

But really

1988 Suncoast Sound was a "narrative" without Narration that really REACHED me... I saw the show VERY early season. I sought out a member of Suncoast in the parking lot to ask questions about the "story". He was very responsive to my questions and when I saw it the second time, I was a SCHOLAR ON "SYMPHONIC DANCES FOR THE CONTEMPORARY CHILD"

It was also very cool to see Riverside Community College do the music for their indoor drumline for 2007...Brought back fond memories...

[dcibrando]

I think Cadets did in 1995 before electronics

[ssorrell]

I'd add 1985 and 1988 as well.

1984 Spirit of Atlanta

Thanks Randy, but I'm trying to figure out what story we were telling...

There was no story. The entire show was indeed "Porgy and Bess", but we didn't try to tell the story...we just played the music.

And as much as I do love Suncoast, I don't see their 84 show as a "story" either. They did depict the Vietnam War in a few scenes with the guard and the corps offered symbols of both war and peace, but again...not really a "story".

88 Suncoast...I can buy that as storytelling.

I can't fully wrap my mind around the concept that 2005 Cadets told a story either. What was the plot of the supposed story? They did an excellent job of presenting an "idea", but again...a story?

The same can be said about Santa Clara's 88-89 shows that I said about Spirit. They played the music from the Phantom of the Opera, and the guard guys and gals dressed appropriately, but how can you tell that story without Raoul? They successfully created the atmosphere of the story and even went as far as having the Phantom disappear, but there really wasn't a story in their show...was there? Wasn't that merely a wonderful presentation of the musical, complete with the appropriate visuals to help build the theme?

Phantom 2008...this could end up being one of my favorite shows of all time. They certainly portrayed the characters of the story of Spartacus well. They didn't necessarily portray the complete story of Spartacus in 11.5 minutes, as that is not only impossible, but unnecessary. They did give us a condensed version of the slaves vs. the Roman Republic and the uprising led by Spartacus.

In my mind, no one beats Sky Ryders with their stories...esp. the Wizard of Oz.

There's my 2 cents worth...you don't have to agree.

[shawn craig]

Phantom 1982

[MikeD]

Phantom in 81 and 82 did it best I think, with an very close-to-linear story line both years, using the ballet selections in show order and using actual dramatic incidents from the ballets, and not just using the well-known love theme as a ballad in the middle of a lot of tension. Plus, they announced their whole production as a STORY SHOW by printing and distributing a libretto. Was that ever done before?

Here is the Gerfield Cadets 1971 libretto text....from www.theholynamecadets.org alumni site...it also appeared on the back of the Shriners International LP that I have at home.

America the Brave – 1776

The Cadets of Garfield are attempting to add an extra dimension to their routine this season through introduction of a story line based on America's struggle for Independence – 1776. This is not an easy task, since the Cadets must work without the benefit of spoken dialogue, scenery, costumes, or the special theatrical effects of the stage. Instead, the story line must be developed exclusively through choice of musical selections, sequence of presentation and coordination of drill and visual effects. In addition, they must somehow capture the imagination of their audience, and transport several thousand people back in time to another era. The period is 1776…thirteen proud, rebellious colonies, thirsting for collective identity and poised on the precipice of revolution.

As the Cadets assume their positions on the starting line they are divided into two separate segments. To the right the British Forces of King George (heavy horns), to the left the American Colonists (sopranos). Times are troubled, and Garfield's story opens with the sound of drums and a burst of flags heralding the end of an era. Listen carefully for the prophetic tympani sounds of "LONDON BRIDGE'S FALLING DOWN" meshed into the percussion introduction. The British enter, then the Americans, and both sides combine to introduce the stirring theme of "YANKEE DOODLE". This unity of purpose and presentation is not destined to endure though, and as the final notes of "Yankee Doodle" echo into the bleachers the two segments split, and with heavy hearts and questioning minds drift apart to the sad lament of "CHACONNE IN Eb." For a second time drums command attention, as the simulated sight and sound of cannons with coordinated rifle drill transport us to Bunker Hill, and we witness the "Shots heard ‘round the world." At this point even a deceptively light-hearted social function becomes tinged with tension and challenge as the British "MINUET," the Americans "HOEDOWN," and "THE WORLD TURNS UPSIDE DOWN." The die is cast…..Revolution!!!…..and events begin to move ever more compellingly towards their chilling climax. To the tune of "THIS CRUEL WAR" both sides move to opposing sides of the field. The Americans, executing "CHESTER," drill and prepare for attack in the far right corner. The British meanwhile move to midfield to establish a sideline "CHRISTMAS EVE" encampment to a symbolic "SILENT NIGHT" carol medley in preparation for reenactment of the historical "Battle of Trenton." "Chester" builds into a direct challenge, answered by the awesome power and majesty of "RULE BRITANNIA." Both formations now break and expand as the two armies move towards each other, "AMERICA" and "RULE BRITANNIA" ringing in our ears. Simulated infantry lines drop to their knees…fire …withdraw…reload…advance…fire again, until the battle banners clash head on, while the sound of drums crescendo into the dizzying, frightening, overwhelming sounds of battle. Once again the formation shifts, as the horns make their tumultuous contribution to the conflict. One by one brave men fall – a final cavalry charge – then silence…..

Faintly, a soft chorale of horns cries up from the battlefield, and the graves of heroes give birth to a new Nation. Free men stand for the first time as Americans, while a funeral dirge of drums echoes a final farewell to the past. A new nation celebrates the joy of self-discovery in concert with Ives' "VARIATIONS ON AMERICA." Subtly the concert formation shifts. "America" soars into the familiar and spine tingling "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC," and the flags of two great Nations are presented in their most familiar context…emblems of peace. This completes our story, and as Garfield prepares to exit, the dreams of mankind for dignity, freedom and self-determination are given expression in John F. Kennedy's moving musical memorial, "PROFILES IN COURAGE." One final statement of theme and reminder of origin in "YANKEE DOODLE," and the Cadets, preceded by the flags of Great Britain and America fluttering side by side in the breeze, cross the finish line.

[JimF-LowBari]

Give the real credit to the senior Archer-Epler Musketeers who did a complete "King and I" show in the late 50's. Half a century later, their alumni corps still plays "Lord and Master" as their signature song.

And expect ex-Archieman Jim Cossetti to chime in here soon with the rest of the details.

Heh, great minds thinking alike here...

Archie was also first thing I thought of when I saw "King & I". Big chunk of their show was doing K&I music which was very unusual for the day. Yankee-Rebels whole personality was the Civil War era down to the color guard flags and Johnny Reb and Billy Yank in the Honor Guard. And Bridgemens Civil War closer can be considered the DCI version of Rebs "Requiem for an Era" done ten years earlier.

Edit: Of course the above is for everyone elses benefit as HornsUp already knows this.

Jim who???

Edited December 9, 2008 by JimF-3rdBari

[joec312]

the Jolly Jesters from Canada had a circus theme. The entire corps was dressed in clown costumes. All of their music was circus oriented. The man on the flying trapezee was one of the shows highlights

Joe

Okay, two completely different shows and story lines, but IMO they both told an effective story mostly without voice.

The only actual narration was the opening statement in Cadets 2005. Any other voice used was contributing to the music.

Phantom may had told a more emotional story so it connects a lot ore with the audience.

But who really revolutionized story telling in drum corps, does it go back even farther than 2005?

Spartacus has received tons of credit for revolutionizing the activity with this past years show. Do they really deserve all the credit?

I think it is an interesting off season thing to think about.

Please don't turn this into a bashing thread