Popular Post Granny Smith Posted July 16, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted July 16, 2012 After the Troopers reorganized several years back there was a sense of optimism surrounding the corps. It was fairly common to see threads about them, but not so much anymore. There were arguments that they had retooled and this new approach would make them a perennial contender for finals. The optimism was at an all-time high but the results were short lived. I have grown increasingly disappointed with the Troopers as they have simply blended into the blah blur of the unidentifiable. I have always contended that they need to embrace their historical roots/identity and let the chips fall (ala Madison Scouts). Last year's show was at best "meh" (about the only positive thing anyone ever said was that the infinity chord was cool) and this year's show is shaping up to be one where I think some Open Class corps will be nipping at their heels. They have fallen to the bottom again. This is where I'm supposed to sound super intelligent and say that there are so many wonderful, sweeping musical scores that could capture the essence of americana but would still be competitive and reminiscent of the old west and that by altering the uniforms they can achieve better lines, and blah blah blah. Hogwash I say! Just give it up and wrap those iconic yellow scarves around your sunbaked necks and bring us some western tunes mixed in with some patriotic stuff that makes the hair on the back of our necks stand up. SO WHAT IF IT'S NOT SUPPOSEDLY COMPETITIVE! What have they got to lose? How's this new way workin' out? Maybe by embracing their DNA they will actually set themselves apart as America's Corps again. Sorry to say, but right now there just ain't much to be excited about. Come back to us Troopers. Signed Sincerely, Curmudgeon Smith 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsubone Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Welcome back! People were actually asking about you on Saturday. Good to see you make an appearance again. I agree with you. A corps with such a long and distinct history should embrace that, but do what they can to be competitive. This is a competitive activity after all. It's like the Bridgemen. They were such a distinctive corps, but they performed very, very well. It's all about balance 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeN Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Two points - 1) I think at one point last year (or the year before), both Scouts and Troopers were used as examples of why we needed new judging sheets - so they could get rewarded for doing what they do. 2) it all comes down to execution. Rarely these days do you see people remarking, "man, corps X lost to corps Y even though they clearly played and marched better." Not meaning to be sarcastic - I'm with you on this. Play up the Trooper angle, play western music - but whatever you do, play and march it better than those around you. Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
13strokeroll Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Rarely these days do you see people remarking, "man, corps X lost to corps Y even though they clearly played and marched better." Mike By rarely, do you mean incessantly? If so, then you are correct. That is ALL one hears. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burgerbob Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Troopers will cease to exist without being competitive. It sounds harsh, but we have literally the hardest time in DCI recruiting. Just look back to the 90s-2005, where the corps wore older-looking uniforms, scarves, and used G bugles. We were bottom of the barrel and membership was at an all time low. If it means sacrificing some of that "identity," then you'd better get used to it if you want to see Troopers survive. I talked to a staff member last year about Troopers history. From the beginning, Troop started the touring drum corps model, invented asymmetrical and curvilinear drill, the rifle for the guard, etc. After a certain point, that stopped. This staff member (who was a soloist for a top corps recently for a few years) said "Innovation should be the tradition." I know everyone (and I use that loosely... plenty of people hate the Troopers look) loves the old uniform and style, but it doesn't work today and will result in the corps dying, again. Take it from someone with experience. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain88 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Oh Granny, i'm with you 100% on this one! Troops show last year i liked alot but this year somethings missing? What happened to the sun-burst...just that alone brings people to thier feet. It's their signature drill move. I could go on and on. Please Troopers come back!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny Smith Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 I know everyone (and I use that loosely... plenty of people hate the Troopers look) loves the old uniform and style, but it doesn't work today and will result in the corps dying, again. Take it from someone with experience. So, how's all that new stuff workin' out for the Troopers now? Your argument has been repeated quite a bit over the past few years...that somehow the Troopers need to start innovating and that their scarves hindered lines, etc., but I would counter that it will be a long time before the Troopers are innovators since the innovators are usually those at the top. And just as matter of trivia: the Troopers have never been to finals without the scarves. For the record, I love the Troopers but sadly when I clap for them at shows now it's because of my respect for their history and who they are instead of them hitting me in the chest with their show. I'm sorry to say this, but it's true. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burgerbob Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 So, how's all that new stuff workin' out for the Troopers now? Your argument has been repeated quite a bit over the past few years...that somehow the Troopers need to start innovating and that their scarves hindered lines, etc., but I would counter that it will be a long time before the Troopers are innovators since the innovators are usually those at the top. And just as matter of trivia: the Troopers have never been to finals without the scarves. For the record, I love the Troopers but sadly when I clap for them at shows now it's because of my respect for their history and who they are instead of them hitting me in the chest with their show. I'm sorry to say this, but it's true. I realize the older crowd loves the look, and we made finals for the first time in 23 years with them. However, the students auditioning for corps now don't want to march for the corps with cowboy hats (except for a select few every year). No talent auditioning means no talent performing means no finals. Corps like Madison have more recent history of doing much better, and have a much easier time recruiting... they can go "old school" and not have any trouble. Troopers is in a spot of trouble in any case. Can't make anybody happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMichael1230 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Troopers will always have a special place in the hearts of many...yes you must do what has to be done. I just hope that it leads to growth and success..... Geoffrey 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwillis35 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 The Cadets just put a Christmas show on the field and it is exciting, well developed (for the most part), and the crowds seem to enjoy it. It's also competitive. If they can do that, then Troopers can find a way to arrange music that fits their identity and make it feel fresh and new and competitive. And I don't buy the argument about uniforms. A new uniform can be designed that models the old one without compromising recruiting and what judges think. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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