The Cadets - 2014

[George Dixon]

I don't have first-hand knowledge, but I think that if the field is natural grass, covers like that (and the Coats tileted field frame) are not permitted.

I thought this too but didn't folks at the show comment on it being a turf stadium?

[Wadep66]

This is far from the first "Patriotic" show from the Cadets. They have done several.

I don't see this as "Rah-Rah US", with perhaps the exception of the Reagan quote before App Spring. However, remember (if you were alive then) that Reagan was the "patriotism president" and what he said and did is what the show is about. It's about the leaders and what they said to motivate people in their point in time. The narrator makes that very clear in the opening minute of the show. It is an extension of what Lincoln Portrait is about. If you think of it in those terms, they nailed the design of the show. If you don't care for it, then fine. But that doesn't make the show poorly designed.

I think a few places missed the mark musically, but perhaps that is just my taste. I'm not sold on the ending based on what I saw on FN but I know that's not a fair way to judge. Some folks on here just look like they are really trying to find stuff to be unhappy about.

Just enjoy it for what it is.

[zigzigZAG]

This is far from the first "Patriotic" show from the Cadets. They have done several.

I don't see this as "Rah-Rah US", with perhaps the exception of the Reagan quote before App Spring. However, remember (if you were alive then) that Reagan was the "patriotism president" and what he said and did is what the show is about. It's about the leaders and what they said to motivate people in their point in time. The narrator makes that very clear in the opening minute of the show. It is an extension of what Lincoln Portrait is about. If you think of it in those terms, they nailed the design of the show. If you don't care for it, then fine. But that doesn't make the show poorly designed.

I think a few places missed the mark musically, but perhaps that is just my taste. I'm not sold on the ending based on what I saw on FN but I know that's not a fair way to judge. Some folks on here just look like they are really trying to find stuff to be unhappy about.

Just enjoy it for what it is.

Lincoln Portrait is a rah-rah propaganda piece, meant to rally the troops and the war bond sales during the dark days of WWII. It's far from Copland's best work. Why? Because it glorifies in a bombastic way, without nuance.

What a better portrait of Lincoln? Try the high art of Tony Kushner's script for "Lincoln". There you see a real person, dark sides too, a father who hits his son in the face, who screams at his wife, who struggles with depression.

Patriotism and art just don't mix. Patriotic "art" is the kind of stuff you find in the faux-Athenian temples to presidents in DC, and socialist statues in main squares in Minsk, Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang. No one would call any of that high art.

I'm hoping that this is the last foray into patriotism for this great Corps. They have such a superabundance of talent, and an unparalleled legacy of innovation, to repeat this subject matter in the future.

Edited August 4, 2014 by zigzigZAG

[George Dixon]

I like patriotism. Cadets don't do these sorts of shows every year - more like every ten

I do have a feeling next year they will go in a completely different (new) direction - the past 2 have been very traditional and they usually don't do anything 3 in a row

Wouldn't be shocked if they reach into the musical world next year... maybe something relatively unknown such as The Heights

[chris ncsu]

So much anger!

[GUARDLING]

So much anger!

hey , at least a few of the regulars here havent been around much this summer or not at all. Talk about evil as well as the worlds police ! alot less thread hijacking too..lol

Edited August 5, 2014 by GUARDLING

[longtimefan2014]

Lincoln Portrait is a rah-rah propaganda piece, meant to rally the troops and the war bond sales during the dark days of WWII. It's far from Copland's best work. Why? Because it glorifies in a bombastic way, without nuance.

What a better portrait of Lincoln? Try the high art of Tony Kushner's script for "Lincoln". There you see a real person, dark sides too, a father who hits his son in the face, who screams at his wife, who struggles with depression.

Patriotism and art just don't mix. Patriotic "art" is the kind of stuff you find in the faux-Athenian temples to presidents in DC, and socialist statues in main squares in Minsk, Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang. No one would call any of that high art.

I'm hoping that this is the last foray into patriotism for this great Corps. They have such a superabundance of talent, and an unparalleled legacy of innovation, to repeat this subject matter in the future.

I mostly agree. Art should challenge. Patriotism doesn't conventionally challenge, but it could-- it just would be more nuanced than the kind of bombastic patriotism you're talking about.

[GUARDLING]

I mostly agree. Art should challenge. Patriotism doesn't conventionally challenge, but it could-- it just would be more nuanced than the kind of bombastic patriotism you're talking about.

its funny , because all the drum corps so called purists should love cadets, wasnt drum corps founded or based on such things...didnt most corps play mostly patriotic songs, wasnt there a bulit in color pre back in the day...lol

[Fran Haring]

Patriotism and art just don't mix.

Provided, of course, we consider drum corps "art." Not all of us do.

Tell a wind ensemble like the U.S. Marine Band in Washington, DC... comprised of some of the finest musicians in the world, artists at their craft... that patriotism and art don't mix. I think they might disagree. LOL.

[MikeD]

This is far from the first "Patriotic" show from the Cadets. They have done several.

I don't see this as "Rah-Rah US", with perhaps the exception of the Reagan quote before App Spring. However, remember (if you were alive then) that Reagan was the "patriotism president" and what he said and did is what the show is about. It's about the leaders and what they said to motivate people in their point in time. The narrator makes that very clear in the opening minute of the show. It is an extension of what Lincoln Portrait is about. If you think of it in those terms, they nailed the design of the show. If you don't care for it, then fine. But that doesn't make the show poorly designed.

I think a few places missed the mark musically, but perhaps that is just my taste. I'm not sold on the ending based on what I saw on FN but I know that's not a fair way to judge. Some folks on here just look like they are really trying to find stuff to be unhappy about.

Just enjoy it for what it is.

Going back to 1971, actually, when we did our "America, the Brave" Revolutionary War show, complete with printed libretto, a decade prior to Regiment:...written by DCP's own OnceUponaTime...

The Cadets of Garfield

present

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.