Trombones, voice samples, and starts of shows

[BG984]

Some general statements/opinion about some things done by many drum corps..........

1.  Trombones...........first off, this is not any rant about opposition to the use of trombones.  That said, I would ask that corps' musical staffs take a serious look/listen to how the instrument is played in concert and professional settings.  If I analyze the amount and approach to using a slide in concert and pro settings, 99% of the time it is "subtle", but definitely there.   However, the use of the slide in DCI is anything but "subtle" the vast majority of the time.....used not only on too many notes, but players "winding up for the fences" with it...not unlike "Lassus Trombones"............IMO, very unmusical, and stands out like a sore thumb.  However, the judges don't seem to mind, as this has been happening since the first year of legalization.  

2.  Voice samples.   This isn't WGI.  There are people who can sing, and microphones available.  IF you try it live, pull it off, and it's effective.....great.   However, the vast majority are simply pushing a key on a synth with the sample........I could yell "now" and get a 3 year old to do the same thing.  I also question if the vocal samples are engaging the audience.  The creative staffs obviously think that they are important, because their usage has greatly increased, and I don't know, but perhaps rewarded by certain folks in the GE box.  If it is supposed to communicate something in or about the show, then perhaps I need a libretto.  Still, if the vocal is obviously that important, then at least do it live.

3. Starts of the shows.  I have been involved with the activity for 47 years, 27 as a judge.    People have been doing "running/indefinite starts" of their shows for years now.  I don't know if I can recall once that it was meaningful, at least to me.  I know that an available "warmup" time, I believe still the traditional one minute, is still available, though I could be wrong.  I think that it should be.....it would be very valuable for brass sections to have some tuners out there at that moment, and use it wisely.   However, now a very typical thing is "synth goo", even though the show (at least the competitive portion) has not started yet, and even during the two announcements (maybe we just need one, at the appropriate time?) this stuff goes on, and actually makes it difficult for those cuing the judges to start and the timing to begin.  I believe that once the announcer is cued to speak, it should also be the cue for all sound to stop....and if they want to knock themselves out and continue with the synth beginning, let it be a judged part of their show.

 

I know I will take heck for this and that's ok...........I watched tonight the show from the west......I will give a more detailed write-up at a show soon........however, I do have a general word to SOME of the judges.........2023 is over, so please judge the shows that are in front of you, and also please stop reading the recaps from shows prior.............

[greg_orangecounty]

I agree on the overuse/blasting of the Trombone slide.  It's highly annoying.  

[Hrothgar15]

6 hours ago, BG984 said:

2.  Voice samples.   This isn't WGI.

The design teams staffed entirely by WGI designers would beg to differ.

[TOC]

6 hours ago, BG984 said:

 and also please stop reading the recaps from shows prior.............

That ain't going to happen.

[Ashontheinternet]

maybe im just too young but like none of this bothers me?

i mean, the trombone gliss effect is cool. i think about bloos bone feature form 2016 constantly. its awesome.

typically i actually prefer the vocal samples being samples as opposed to real person honestly. unless they're singing. then i'd rather the corps sing it, or they do like mandarins (22) or bloo (18) did. have a guard/horn player do the singing. but i really typically dont like singing in dci in the first place. 

i love preshow soundscapes. like a lot. do the judges have a cue person? is that cue person not just the corps dm counting off? i seriously dont see how this is an issue at all. 

 

[Terri Schehr]

1 hour ago, TOC said:

That ain't going to happen.

Remember when they weren’t releasing them and there was an underground circulating them? I’d get recaps in my inbox practically every day.  That holding back recaps was very effective::eyeroll:: 

[Terri Schehr]

I have to agree about the trombone. I call it trombone abuse on my Facebook page. 

[oldbandguy]

If a corps is in need of a TUNER during the "on field warmup"...they've obviously got problems that device isn't going to fix 60 seconds before the show begins.

I love the way most of the corps are using trombones...and love seeing them as much as we are.  (especially that corps using 32 of them)

Agree totally with your thoughts on the overuse vocal samples.  Several corps have already shown that actual SINGERS can be very well done.

[1992AllOverAgain]

Talking voiceovers I don't have much of a problem with, but if it's a singing part there's no reason someone on the field or pit can't do that, esp in a world class setting. 

[HockeyDad]

I’m with you regarding the trombone gliss, BG.   A little goes a long way, but a lot becomes annoying. We get it, you’re using trombones. Good for you!  But you don’t need to rub my face in it. Everyone is using trombones now. The first year, it was a cool novelty. That novelty has worn off though.