Tom Brace Posted August 2, 2006 Share Posted August 2, 2006 Hey all... I know some do not believe the hype surrounding Arizona's first ever corps going to finals, but get ready to witness a huge wow moment when you see Tempe's own Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. They've been on the west coast for the past few seasons, but this year they are going to Madison to shake up Division II in a huge way. I'm a 37 year drum corps vet (first show at age 8) and I haven't EVER seen a Div II, (Cadet Corps, Division B, etc., through the years) with such a mature look and sound. You all simply NEED to see this show entitled "Danzon." In a couple of words...scary good! I've read posts about west coast score inflation...blah blah blah blah...nope...not the deal. And when you see the first six minutes of the show...you'll think...ok...their good. Then the closer begins. I can't wait to hear the sounds of jaws dropping in Michigan City and Madison later this next two weeks. I sat next to another 30 year+ vet in Glendale, AZ, both of us veterans of Midwest drum corps, and we said the Academy is the best Div. II corps we've ever seen. As far as a move to Div. I, I hope they don't jump just yet. The recent moves up to Div. I haven't proved all that fruitful for many of the corps and there are a few that really should be back in Div. II. (just my opinion) Div. II can use some more sparkle and an addition to the East Coast vs. West Coast battle could be very good. BTW, who says Div. II/III can't sell. The Glendale show had about 2000 people...average ticket price was about $17.50...total show cost estimates....my guess...under $10K. I think the Academy made a nice little sum on their Southwest Corps Connection. Thanks for reading and I welcome your comments. Tom Brace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReformedDCFan Posted August 2, 2006 Share Posted August 2, 2006 Way to go Academy! goes to prove the old saying, good things come to those who wait -- they were very wise in holding off on doing a full season of touring until they were ready. Looks like they are doing very well out east right now. People in the Midwest have a chance to see Academy at Blue Star's La Crosse, WI home show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tubawarrior Posted August 2, 2006 Share Posted August 2, 2006 i agree these guys are the real deal. i also believe they won't make the jump no matter what the outcome is in Madison. They have worked so hard to make this corps work right, they will join div I when they are ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCI_Dadx2 Posted August 2, 2006 Share Posted August 2, 2006 (edited) Honest question, and nothing more than that. Please take at face value. If they're that good, why does it take until the closer for you see it? My favorite shows always have me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. PR's show this season is one example. Edited August 2, 2006 by DCI_Dadx2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy Fan Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 (edited) Honest question, and nothing more than that. Please take at face value. If they're that good, why does it take until the closer for you see it? My favorite shows always have me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. PR's show this season is one example. This was my first year ever seeing a Drum Corp performance. I wasn't sure what to expect. The first show I went to was the Mesa, AZ show and everyone who went before Academy was pretty good, again I had nothing to go by. When Academy took the field I was in awe! When they started I couldn't help but get goose bumps. They dominate the field and suck you in from the very begining. Edited August 3, 2006 by Academy Fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCI_Dadx2 Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 This was my first year ever seeing a Drum Corp performance. I wasn't sure what to expect. The first show I went to was the Mesa, AZ show and everyone who went before Academy was pretty good, again I had nothing to go by. When Academy took the field I was in awe! When they started I couldn't help but get goose bumps. They dominate the field and suck you in from the very begining. Fair enough. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percman24601 Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 The Academy was not the first corps from Arizona to go to finals. That would be Arizona Sun. Too bad we folded in 95. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azgimp Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 How long was Arizona Sun in existence? I know there was a group called Copper Star which folded within 1-2 years--that was about 6-7 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percman24601 Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 (edited) "The litany of competitive drum corps in Arizona is comparatively small: Sunset Regiment ('79-'89), Arizona Musketeers ('83-'87) and Arizona Sun ('91-'92)." Quoted from: http://www.drumcorpsworld.com/articles.cfm?ID=479 There were a few AZ Sun summer groups '93-'94. We tried to field a corps in '95 but folded the weekend of move in. Edited August 3, 2006 by percman24601 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azgimp Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 Thanks for the history. Knew it was sketchy, but didn't have all the facts. It's nice to have Arizona represented in this activity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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