If BD Wins, We Riot!

[Kamarag]

A bunch of band dorks rioting over who won a stupid trophy would be the lamest, yet most hilarious incident in the history of bad group public behavior. I'd be laughing so hard it would be challenging to get video of all the idiots to post on YouTube.

[Shempy]

Don't you think on some level their shows (or late) are a bit of a "finger in the eye" of most fans? I'm wondering if the show actually communicates a bit of a "screw you" mentality?

This is a sincere question: What do you think the designers are saying? By now they clearly know this style of show is not even close to being popular with the people paying the ticket prices. They have a storied history of COOLNESS but have abandoned it. Is it a matter of "variety" as some have said? Is it simply because they've found a winning formula and are riding that wave?

I'm just wondering what those who designed these shows would say is their motivator?

I'd like to think that the designers want to entertain in a way that isn't too one-dimensional. Perhaps they'd like to stimulate the audience in a way that isn't just "Oh, those were some sweet brass licks," etc. Not to say there's anything wrong with classic BD "cool" programming, but rather that the new breed of show designer is a designer first, and an educator second.

Then again, your cynicism could be completely right.

[Shempy]

Are you kidding ? Forget " the mall ". Have you gone to a high school or college sports game lately ? I'm not condoning the booing, but thousands of athletes, younger than BD MM's in many cases, are called creatively profane and obscene names that would make a sailor blush, ... and as soon as they get off the bus in the parking lot, thru to the time they get back on it. We've even heard home town school's fans call out the mother of their own 19 year old QB, and they're not heard yelling out complimenrtary things from the stands on that 19 year old QB's mother either. I'm not condoning ANY of this. But for perspective here, the MM's in Drum Corps are treated with MUCH better audience respect in competition than the typical 16-22 year older in high school and college sports is treated by attendees at competition.

I don't think the prevelance of that type of attitude is an excuse for its existence.

[Michael Boo]

I freely admit I "get" BD's show, but I probably approach it from a different background than most due to what I do and how I prepare for it. Also, it doesn't hurt that I had to live with Stravinsky's score for a couple weeks in a 20th Century music analysis class and also had to direct my way through a recording for an advanced conducting class while I was working on my masters degree in composition. (Hint: I think I survived by just using my elbows. No way could I have conducted a real orchestra.) I also saw live the Joffrey Ballet's re-creation of the Nijinsky choreography (from his copious notes) just one day after Robert Joffrey died, which made the memories even more searing. The corps visual staff seems to be more than aware of much of the primal choreography employed in both productions, judging by the primitive stomping and other nods to the intent of Nijinsky. I've also enjoyed listening to Don Sebesky's jazz treatment of the piece, long before BD announced it would be in the show. (Had that album on vinyl way before it came out on CD.)

That said, I think I understand why so many feel alienated by the show, or the performance, or why another corps isn't winning. BD's show has layers that slowly unveil themselves with each viewing. It's not warm and fuzzy and won't be mistaken for Mayberry's Aunt Bea.

In 1983, I witnessed Star of Indiana be repeatedly booed when winning throughout the season. Granted, the audience was probably booing the results and not the corps; but according to corps members and staff I spoke with, it was difficult for them to make that distinction. Now, that show is regarded as a classic and a few years ago "won" a DCP poll for the most influential show in DCI history. Is history repeating itself? History is viewed only from a distance. It will be years before we really know how BD's 2013 show will influence the activity, whether it wins or not.

I'm not a fan of booing. However, I recognize that the people booing, (whether or not they think they're just booing the results and not the corps itself), have paid good money for their tickets and have a right to not have to sit with their mouths closed when the scores are announced. While I would prefer they would just give a rousing round of applause to their favorite corps when it doesn't win, I cannot in good conscience tell anyone they have to right to express themselves in any manner that is non-violent. Without all of them, I wouldn't be able to do what I do, which I consider to be the best job in DCI and a personal blessing to me to be allowed to do it.

I've been a teacher, a composer, an author and I hope a generally all-around decent person. Not everything I've done has been met with enthusiasm. Some things have been met with extreme disapproval, including things I thought were good at the time and later came to realize were anything but. I learned from those examples and moved on. I think the members of Blue Devils have a pretty good grounding provided by many of the best instructors in the activity that they have learned to use the energy from the audience—positive and negative energy—to make themselves stronger in will and more focused in competition. They will survive any crowd reaction and probably thrive from it.

I believe all our cherished fans have the best interests of all the members in their hearts. Perhaps it doesn't seem that way when certain reactions are expressed. But in the end, everyone will move on and this will still be the greatest activity of which any kid can become a part.

[Jeff Ream]

Sorry, but your post is too sanctimonious.

I personally have never booed, but I have shaken my head on a number of occasions. An entire generation (I'm talking to you Millennials) was brought up under a sissy system that everyone was a winner: "C'mon. Don't say bad things about nobody...everyone tried the same and had fun, so let's give everyone a trophy."

This is a competitive activity comprised of young adults--many of whom are going to be entering "real life" soon enough and they're learning some of the most valuable life lessons right now. They are NOT all winners and drum corps is a competitive activity with scores and winners and losers and stuff. They have staff who yell at them and make them run laps. Expectations are put on them and guys in green shirts and khaki pants tell them they did good or did bad.

Booing isn't the end of the world and it's not gonna hurt these young people. If it does, then they need to be booed more. Welcome to life.

Sorry for sounding crotchety, but this "everyone's a winner and don't hurt their feelings" sentiment is for the birds.

I heart you.

I don't condone booing, but I get why people do. Remember, it is a competitive result and people have strong feelings towards some corps/shows. passions run high.

if BD wins, it could set a new record for smallest crowd to witness an encore at finals....and they've been getting smaller when they win as is.

I get why BD is winning...doesn't mean I have to like it, and seeing how their design influence is trickling down to others, it's not welcome news to many fans.

[TerriTroop]

Well, to use your own argument against you: in the "real world" no one gives a crap how popular you are. Your boss won't mind if you're the funniest guy in the office, but if you can't cut it at your job, you're gone. In the REAL world, people only care how GOOD you are at what you do. The popular clique in high school, if they didn't apply themselves in college, are the ones bagging your groceries now.

So if that is your argument for drum corps, that it should be preparing kids for the "real world," I'd say the Blue Devils are pretty much right on track.

Being good at what you do is a large part, but not all of, the equation. Another part is knowing how to navigate complicated possibly political workplace waters with poise. A good dose of self assurance is balanced by a good dose of humility, not to mention being able to take criticism without responding with sarcasm or hostility.

The people bagging my groceries are sometimes people who did apply themselves in college, or an apprenticeship, but who also need a second job to pay off loans, or earn extra for something special. Better that I don't judge the bagger. They may be smarter or more industrious than my 5-minute encounter of them and their job may indicate.

[BRASSO]

I guess I am saying that sure, you can whine #### and moan about all you want, heck you certainly have the right, but I am also saying that your mother would be ashamed of you... Assuming she had the capacity!

Its also " ok " to bring ones " mother " with you to the shows to compare and contrast how you both behave and react at the completion of the BD show.... " assuming she had the capacity", to go with you of course.

Edited July 29, 2013 by BRASSO

[Jeff Ream]

I think folks who do the booing usually ARE outsiders at their first ever awards ceremony. You know, the people who aren't used to DCI judging, and expect the show that entertained them the most to win. I've never booed, but I can get why newbies and other general audience members do. I also think these "everyone needs to clap for everybody" ideas are a bunch of politically correct nonsense. Also to note, while the scores (aka the judges) may have been booed, I'm sure the corps itself got the usual polite golf claps at the end of their show.

Speaking of polite golf claps, I don't buy into the "Oh, the poor Blue Devils" argument. If these kids joined BD, they know what audience reaction they're probably going to get, and I'm sure they're cool with it. If not, they probably would have joined a different corps.

so wrong. many of the folks booing are lifers who are sick of seeing shows they don't like/get winning. Tired of plunking down their hard earned $$$ to see a show they need to be educated to get win.

and we wonder whya ttendance isn' what it could be.

trust me, I understand the system, I get why BD wins. but I also get why fans are done going.

at Allentown, I've long been a part of a tailgating group that has been going to shows there since they start running in the 70's. of that group, less than 50% of them now even bother to go in. They just show up to soclialize. Last year, the only reason most went in was to see Surf...then they went back out. The shows don't do it for them anymore.

[Jeff Ream]

I think my new tagline needs to read

"Booing!!!" Because its illegle to riot!

actually it's illegal

:tongue:/>

[Rifuarian]

Does anyone else find it just a little bit ironic the same older fans who are hurling (untrue) insults at millenials are also engaging in ceaseless whining because a show they don't like is winning? It's tempting to say something snide about the greed, narcissism, and entitlement of Gen-Xers and Boomers, but making sweeping generalizations about one population cohort or the other is just stupid and lazy.

What makes things even more ironic is that younger fans are - from my own observations at least - heavily pro-Crown and anti-BD. Some are even participating in the booing. Which is unfortunate.