Drum Corps on TV

[Blackstar]

I'm going to leave this question as open as possible. Think about what the question is really asking.

What do we have to do or change to make Drum Corps more TV friendly?

[MikeN]

I know at one point in DCI history the TV-powers-that-be wanted to see shows shorter than 10 minutes, in order to fit commercial breaks. (The typical "1 hour" TV show is actually 42 minutes.)

Mike

[CUDAKITE]

Besides preexisting fans, would anyone stop flipping though channels even for a minute is they came across a "maching band" show? The only chance at converts is to take them to a live show. I just don't think Drum Corps on TV works in this day and age. And I don't think there are any changes that can be made to get past the 'band geek' stigma perceived by the general public.

[KeithHall]

I think mic placement is important. The "being there" feeling. Watching on TV is way different sound-wise than actually being in the stands. The PBS shows toward the end were pretty good. I love watching all 4 hours live and hated watching the condensed version.

Steve Rondinaro should stay and if there were ever to be a guest host, that person must have a pretty good idea about drum and bugle corps. Maybe Al Chez would be a good idea. Would be nice to see it live on TV again. Back in the early 70's I remember seeing 2 corps on PBS in the afternoon. I definitely remember Blue Stars on a field but didn't look like a football stadium.

[mobrien]

Turn it into a reality show.

And that's not a joke. Cross "The Real World" with a drum corps season, pick 6 or 7 telegenic kids from a few different corps, make the storyline about their experiences and interactions with others that summer rather than the shows themselves, and people will watch.

Because drum corps shows themselves aren't that interesting to the majority of people. The music used isn't popular to begin with (how many albums has Frank Ticheli sold? yes, THAT is a joke... ), and once it's sliced and diced into 90 second arrangements, it's even less appealing. So look at the backstories for tv, and let a few minutes of each corps' shows be seen in context of the personal story, and maybe you'll pick up more people for the shows themselves.

Edited December 7, 2011 by mobrien

[audiodb]

What do we have to do or change to make Drum Corps more TV friendly?

Change the way TV is formatted, delivered and watched.

[hughesmr]

I'd suggest chunking pumpkins over the perfoming corps.

[goalieguy]

I think mic placement is important. The "being there" feeling. Watching on TV is way different sound-wise than actually being in the stands. The PBS shows toward the end were pretty good. I love watching all 4 hours live and hated watching the condensed version.

Steve Rondinaro should stay and if there were ever to be a guest host, that person must have a pretty good idea about drum and bugle corps. Maybe Al Chez would be a good idea. Would be nice to see it live on TV again. Back in the early 70's I remember seeing 2 corps on PBS in the afternoon. I definitely remember Blue Stars on a field but didn't look like a football stadium.

Hey Keith - a light bulb just went off.

I remember seeing a show like what you described..It was on PBS by way of WGBH in Boston. I believe it was the Blue Stars and Madison doing a feature from the '73 CYO Championships. I remember the field was NOT in a stadium, but in a park of some kind, and part of a sidewalk or path cust across part of the far right side of the field, making the yardlines look 'outa whack'.

Could that be what you saw?

Pat

[MikeN]

I agree with enhanced sound - while DCI recordings are now infinitely better than they were even in the recent past, they're still not getting across the "feel" of a live show. I don't know if that's something better equipment / setup would fix, if post-production could make a difference, or if it's something that's just maxed out as is.

Mike

[rkfdPRphan]

How about an American Idol type show where thousands try out for the top 12 spots.

First it would be brass (all contestants playing the same horn type).

Then you have the normal weeks of competition with 2 contestants being voted off each week - one by the judges (who are knowledgeable in drum corps) and the other by voting fans until there are 2 contestants left who compete for the championship and automatically get a spot in a drum corps.

Then the show can go to the next instrument or drum or piece of pit equipment.