2008 Drum Corps Thread

[OrlandoMike]

Geesh, It's getting harder and harder to find Phantom stuff on Youtube! They are flagging everything!

Anyone know when the DVD's usually ship?

And what did you think of Phantom winning the Spirit of Disney award? :smickey:

I for sure didn't think they would win that with all the murder!

[OrlandoMike]

Well it looks like some corps are letting the video's fly!

I love this show! When I first read that the Bluecoats were doing a show about boxing I wanted to ask "What are you smoking?"

But it turned out great!

A character we could care about. Just enough narriation. Songs from the 50's all the way to the 90's! And the pre-show, dragging the announcer into the show, was great! Here is the intro......

(I swear life is getting back to normal.....well just a little! LOL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4z4TKRYZpw&feature=related

[OrlandoMike]

Whew..

Finally, I found a video of Phantom playing Sparticus! Hope it doesn't get pulled before you get to watch! :happytv:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml5XjXRj9Lw

[Coach Rick]

Is anyone here going to Rochester for DCA?

[krhardy]

In regards to Cadet's show...I wasn't able to notice this when I saw them in Madison in June, but when I watched quarterfinals in the theatre, the cameras got very close and I was able to see....the people in the middle weren't even the ones talking. THE VOICES WERE RECORDED! That, or there was somebody on the sidelines talking. As if the whole concept of the narrators wasn't irritating enough, the people on the field were just pantomiming! The 2 people center field were DEFINITELY not the ones providing the voices during the show. :sad2: :mad:

[Pinnie]

In regards to Cadet's show...I wasn't able to notice this when I saw them in Madison in June, but when I watched quarterfinals in the theatre, the cameras got very close and I was able to see....the people in the middle weren't even the ones talking. THE VOICES WERE RECORDED! That, or there was somebody on the sidelines talking. As if the whole concept of the narrators wasn't irritating enough, the people on the field were just pantomiming! The 2 people center field were DEFINITELY not the ones providing the voices during the show. :sad2: :mad:

Yep, they were "lipsyncing" The voices were provided by the 2 people that were behind the screens near the pit. It has also been reported that Hopkins advertised for "actors" to play the roles "on stage". Also, they were called "members of the corp" and had to pay full corp fees.

Now I wonder if DCI would be interested in IKEA sponsoring The Cadets?

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

I lifted this from DCP, it's too good not to share....


I was trying to come up with a single, short, all-encompassing overview of what went down this week in Bloomington, but that's just not possible. There's just too much ground to cover, so I'll take it in chunks, because there were just so many positive things that different corps brought to the table, and why I think some were more successful than some of the "established" top-3ish corps. It was all about story telling: Glassmen's Carnivale; Bluestars, and their awesome use of music and movement to convey the imagery of "LeTour"; The Bluecoats and their use of archetypal imagery to tell their "Boxer" story; Carolina Crown and the sheer wit, brilliant musicianship and wonderful color guard in conveying their story of a Mad Composer. That's just a few of some of what made this week the most memorable DCI Championships that I've ever been to.

First, I want to talk about our newly-crowned World Class Champion, Phantom Regiment.

The tale of this year's Regiment is more than just a story about a great drum corps passing a number of extremely worthy competitors to win a title at great odds, although that's a hell of a story by itself. The real story is how the Regiment was able to break through the "4th Wall" and grab the audience, not so much pulling them into the story of Spartacus, but bonding with them in a way that made everyone in the audience leap willingly through that imaginary wall, that created a synergy between the performers and the audience that I don't think has ever been experienced to that degree in a drum corps competition. The whole three day experience developed into nothing short of a love affair between the Regiment and their audience coming from a spontaneous bond that was not unlike what performance artists in the '60s would call "a happening."

Just as a point of reference, my own junior corps were what is known in showbiz lingo as "Money Players" ... Our performances depended a lot (for better or worse) on the involvement of the audience. When they we were on and the audience was on there was an energy flowed between us and the crowd that amplified the experience ... It inspired us to greater heights, and gave us the energy to really lay it all out if you will.

Conversely if the audience was flat, we tended to be flat as well. It was a symbiotic relationship, a groove between the artist and the audience that made the experience something greater than the whole. I hate to get all metaphysical, but that's exactly what it was ... the connection of that energy was like a high that we thrived on. We loved our audience, and on the best of days it was reciprocal.

I've been jazzed about Phantom Regiment since I saw them at Stanford. Even knowing that Regiment ALWAYS builds on the effects and adds the bells and whistles, there was a certain coherence about the show that looked like they had the potential to take this a lot farther than might be evident on the surface.

That potential really started manifesting as they started adding to the show ... Oh, they had the musicianship from the get go. The talent was there. All the little changes, additions, costuming, props, herald trumpets, it all built on the foundation. But what really started making it happen, more than anything else in selling that show, was when they started letting loose with the magic ingredient: A complete commitment to the selling the theatrical elements of the show. Fully committing to approaching drum corps as theater. It was genius.

It was when they totally brought on the attitude. Cranking it up, getting in to character. With every level that they amped-up the attitude, and committed more deeply to their characters, the more they reached out to the audience.

And then it clicked. They connected on that deeper level with their audience and found their inner gladiators.

When the Regiment took the field in Bloomington, the sheer presence that they projected reached out to the crowd completely. They didn't just take the field ... They owned it and everybody else in the house had just been borrowing it. Now they might as well take the IU logo off the fifty and put down a double chevron. They were home.

Every bit of play acting, from the soldiers brutal treatment of the slaves, to laying the seeds of discord between the drum majors ... It all got to the audience, quickly, and suddenly were were in it with them. Willing participants in the passion that was to come. In doing this they took theatricality in drum corps to a new level, almost creating a new type of performance art. The more over-the-top they took it, the quicker and easier it became for the audience to get involved.

Like I've said, I've been in and around drum corps almost all of my life. I've been in a top 4 corps, and I've experienced what I felt was an unbelievable connection to the audience, but nothing that ever approached the level of intensity of the connection between the Regiment and the audience in Bloomington. It was as if every bit of fire and passion that Regiment was putting into their show was coming right back at 'em from the crowd, almost willing them to take Spartacus to new heights and us along with them. It was literally about sharing the love. Pure and simple.

At some point spontaneous audience interaction just started. Happening with audience member after audience member joining in with the corps screaming an impassioned "I AM SPARTACUS!". We were there, we were with them. We were them. It was good.

This special bond only increased as the week progressed. By Saturday night the contract was sealed: They had us, we had them. We were gonna' get through this thing together and the love just flowed back and forth between the corps and the crowd. It was pure Magic.

We drum corps folk tend to be a pretty partisan lot ... I regularly honk a NorCal shade of Blue. Friends around me were into different shades of Blue, Green, Red ... The whole spectrum. On Saturday night when Regiment hit the field, it didn't matter ... Regardless of home team, we were one. We were Spartacus.

The show was sublime ... the highlight of a night of truly gifted performances by every corps that took the field. But the energy at retreat was flowing into the Regiment in a major way. It was between the audience and the Regiment. The had won our hearts, and while that was amazing, the collective consciousness wanted, no, demanded it to go further.

As the Regiment Drum Major lay on the field in between the other corps' majors covered in his death shroud (another brilliant extension of the moment) we waited.

The scores were announced as the tension built amidst a reading that included other surprises for many that night. By the time Carolina Crown's 4th place score was announced, the air was thick and quiet. 3rd place .... Cavaliers!

Spartacus was still alive.

What happened next has already been well documented. You can probably find the video on YouTube. As legendary field announcer Brandt Crocker sliced though an agonizingly long pause, awarding second place to the Blue Devils. Memorial Stadium erupted in an explosion of audience approval the likes of which were, arguably, unlike any reception received by the crowning of a new champion in DCI history.

The rest of retreat was like a blur, the bittersweet approach of end of the evening tempered with the knowledge that we would get to see our heroes take the field one more time.

They did not disappoint. Phantom Regiment honored their audience by going back, resetting, and giving us a full performance of their World Championship show as an encore ... From the very entrance of the returning Roman Army and their slaves to the inevitable conclusion of Drum Major Will Pitts untimely demise.

Again, it was magic.

As a final gift, Regiment shared with us with a performance of their most treasured music selection, and corps' hymn, Wagner's "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral".

Then it was time to let our victors have the field to themselves for reflection, celebration, and the beginning of the next step of their lives ... Wherever it may take them.

Horse from screaming, I found a couple of other "old timers" to share thoughts with. Our opinions were unanimous. We had just been witness to something unprecedented in the annals of drum corps history.

Dismiss this as the overly-sentimental musings of a life-long drum corps fan, or not, as you will. It is my belief, that the story of the 2008 Phantom Regiment, "Spartacus", and three magical nights in Bloomington, Indiana, will go on to become the stuff of drum corps legend.

I feel privileged to have been there to share the experience.

[Pinnie]

I lifted this from DCP, it's too good not to share....



I feel privileged to have been there to share the experience. [/COLOR]

Amen!!!!

I still get goose bumps when I think of the three nights I spent in Bloomington.

pinnie

[mickeyfan1]

Amen!!!!

I still get goose bumps when I think of the three nights I spent in Bloomington.

pinnie

Enough of that! How were the shows?

J/K. DCI would probably be the only reason I will go to Indiana on purpose.

[MonorailMan]

Enough of that! How were the shows?

J/K. DCI would probably be the only reason I will go to Indiana on purpose.

I've only been to Indianapolis a few times, but every time I've been downtown it's been on a weekend, and it was dead. Dead as a doornail. (What does that mean anyway?) Not many restaurants were open, with the exception of a few near the RCA Dome. The only people that seemed to be around were the ones coming from the competition at the Dome. It was actually worse than downtown COWlumbus tends to be on weekends, which is pretty bad.

I likes mah cities with people in them. :banana:

[mickeyfan1]

I've only been to Indianapolis a few times, but every time I've been downtown it's been on a weekend, and it was dead. Dead as a doornail. (What does that mean anyway?) Not many restaurants were open, with the exception of a few near the RCA Dome. The only people that seemed to be around were the ones coming from the competition at the Dome. It was actually worse than downtown COWlumbus tends to be on weekends, which is pretty bad.

I likes mah cities with people in them. :banana:

Well, poop, I am going to Columbus on Friday. But I won't be in town, so I guess I won't miss anything anyway.

[OrlandoMike]

I'm sure downtown Indy will be hopping with DCI in town next year, at least I hope it is!

As far as the shows this year, some of the best ever! I hope the show designers take note of what the fans want and like, and give us more of the same next year!

[Pinnie]

I'm sure downtown Indy will be hopping with DCI in town next year, at least I hope it is!

As far as the shows this year, some of the best ever! I hope the show designers take note of what the fans want and like, and give us more of the same next year!

By the time the shows ended in Bloomington, we got out of that dang parking mess and drove back to Indy, we didn't get to the Embassy Suites until close to 1:00 a.m. most nights. We didn't have the energy to go anywhere. We did, however have beer and wine in our rooms (yeah fridges!) so we nightcapped with friends in the rooms.

Next year it is going to be awesome to just walk back from Lucas Oil to our hotel!


pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

I think we sat in the lot on Saturday night for over an hour! :confused:

But the beer and burgers on a budget at the Bowling Alley were worth the wait!

Horay for walking back to our rooms past multiple bars next year!:cool1:

[MonorailMan]

Well, poop, I am going to Columbus on Friday. But I won't be in town, so I guess I won't miss anything anyway.

Well....Fridays aren't too bad downtown, especially during the summer months. (After all....that is where a big handful of the city's 30-some-odd gay bars are located. :lmao: ) The Short North--the area a few blocks north of downtown--is much more active, fun and diverse.

If you want tips on where to eat or anything don't hesitate to let me know.

[mickeyfan1]

Thanks! If I ever get there for pleasure, this is a family funeral service, I will look you up. I need to experience a gay bar one of these days.

[OrlandoMike]

Not sure if this is true, or just urban myth....but if it is true, these Phantom kids never cease to amaze me!


A rather amazing thing happened at the Indianapolis airport on Sunday, according to a snare drummer I marched with in the Cavaliers Anniversary Corps.

While he waiting for his plane, a Phantom Regiment snare drummer, wearing his PR jacket, walked up to him and asked if he was a drummer after seeing him with his drum case. Upon finding out he had marched in the CAC, the Phantom drummer opened his luggage, took out a pair of drumsticks, told the CAC drummer that the sticks were the ones he with which he won the DCI World Championship and the high percussion trophy, and told the CAC drummer he wanted him to have the sticks.

The CAC drummer stated, "This is an awesome honor, and I will cherish these sticks and your comments and tell my green brothers what you had to say about our reunion drumline. Thank you a million times over."

Can you say, "Wow"?

[MonorailMan]

Thanks! If I ever get there for pleasure, this is a family funeral service, I will look you up. I need to experience a gay bar one of these days.

Ohhh.....I'm very sorry to hear that. :sad1: Sorry, I haven't been keeping up with posts on the boards lately.

[mickeyfan1]

Ohhh.....I'm very sorry to hear that. :sad1: Sorry, I haven't been keeping up with posts on the boards lately.


Not to worry, my SIL passed in June, my brother put off the service until summer so everyone could make it. And he is conducting the service too, even tho he retired from being a priest (Episcpalian). The rest of the weekend will be fun, all my sisters and he will have some good times.

But I will hold you to your word on the bars. I always have had a lot of fun going out with gay men, so I expect you will show me the same!

[MonorailMan]

Not to worry, my SIL passed in June, my brother put off the service until summer so everyone could make it. And he is conducting the service too, even tho he retired from being a priest (Episcpalian). The rest of the weekend will be fun, all my sisters and he will have some good times.

But I will hold you to your word on the bars. I always have had a lot of fun going out with gay men, so I expect you will show me the same!

Hey now! What makes you think I'm a gay man?

*looks at his avatar*

.............Oh.

:lmao:

[mickeyfan1]

OMG, that made me snort!

[OrlandoMike]

So speaking of the Cavies alumni corps....

For those of you who couldn't make it I wanted to share this. All of the age-outs are sitting on the side two sideline in a small set of bleachers. The Cavies alumni corps comes on the field and starts to warm up, when they turn and salute the age outs! Another great moment from this years DCI!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZFfjwc0sjQ&feature=related


PS you guys have one for us in Columbus! :drinking1

[RENThead09]

thank you for that video. I have goosebumps from head to toe and a tear in my eye. Only marched Sr. Corps and am a HUGE Madison fan, but that was just one of the classiest things ever.

[OrlandoMike]

Anyone else hear that Phantom fired their guard caption head? Weird!

[Pinnie]

Anyone else hear that Phantom fired their guard caption head? Weird!

Yeah, I saw that a couple of days ago on DCP. Wonder what happened???

pinnie---who has Baaaaad DCI withdrawal

[orlandomom]

Anyone else hear that Phantom fired their guard caption head? Weird!

and..... Cadets drum caption and designer resigned :confused3
let the shake ups begin

just me

:surfweb:

[zulemara]

SCV director stepped down too

[Pinnie]

Wow...

I also heard that PR won't have WG this year.

On another note, I loved that Thank You that DCI emailed today. Great pictures!

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

Pinnie, Why didn't you warn me about this video!

What a great video! I can hear Phantoms Drum Major yelling "I am Sparticus" just from that clip! :thumbsup2

http://www.dci.org/_now/0008182008_thankyouvid.htm

[Pinnie]

Pinnie, Why didn't you warn me about this video!

What a great video! I can hear Phantoms Drum Major yelling "I am Sparticus" just from that clip! :thumbsup2

http://www.dci.org/_now/0008182008_thankyouvid.htm

I still get goosebumps every time I watch that clip. I can't wait for the DVDs to come out. Could someone here give me a heads up when they announce they are going on sale? I am heading back to teaching and my online time is severely limited once school starts!!!

Thanks

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

This is almost too much fun for color TV!

A freind sent me this pic! Any ideas who it is?

Think founding father of DCI!

First one to guess correctly wins a BIG prize! :happytv:



http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd268/Orlandomike4/George.jpg

[rpmdfw]

This is almost too much fun for color TV!

A freind sent me this pic! Any ideas who it is?

Think founding father of DCI!

First one to guess correctly wins a BIG prize! :happytv:



http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd268/Orlandomike4/George.jpg

Is that Mike in DRAG!?!?!?!?! :confused3

Oh no, Mike's way to skinny for that to be him. :scratchin

Is it Wally? :confused3 nope, Wally's too skinny too. ::yes::

Is it ME?!?!?!? :eek: No, even drunk, I wouldn't be caught dead in that print.:headache:

Gosh, I'm stumped, Mike. WHO IS IT!?!?!?!

How ever will I sleep until I find out who it is?

Oh, that's right, I've got darvoset. Good night! :faint:

[Disneysoloist]

Is that Mike in DRAG!?!?!?!?! :confused3

Oh no, Mike's way to skinny for that to be him. :scratchin

Is it Wally? :confused3 nope, Wally's too skinny too. ::yes::

Is it ME?!?!?!? :eek: No, even drunk, I wouldn't be caught dead in that print.:headache:

Gosh, I'm stumped, Mike. WHO IS IT!?!?!?!

How ever will I sleep until I find out who it is?

Oh, that's right, I've got darvoset. Good night! :faint:

It's not George B. - although big enough. Hmmmmm. I give up!

[wallyb]

First one to guess correctly wins a BIG prize! :happytv:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd268/Orlandomike4/George.jpg

I guess - A Mess In A Dress.

"BIG prize!"
Yeah - heard that one before - And then it's like -
"Here's your BIG prize honey!" :eek:
And then you gottta do all the work and it really wasn't THAT BIG any way. :mad:

[OrlandoMike]

It's not George B. - although big enough. Hmmmmm. I give up!

You sure you dont want to guess again? :rolleyes1

[Disneysoloist]

You sure you dont want to guess again? :rolleyes1

Could it be Donnie von (van?) Dorren??

[OrlandoMike]

Could it be Donnie von (van?) Dorren??

Back track! You had it right the first time!

[Disneysoloist]

Back track! You had it right the first time!

OMG!! PM me with the name of who sent you this!! George would die of embarrassment if certain people saw this!! :rotfl:

[OrlandoMike]

THIS WILL STAY ON THIS BOARD, AND I WILL DELETE ASAP! :rotfl2:

(It's from a Halloween party around 1975)

[Coach Rick]

Well, we had our final practice last night before the Norwood High School Band, and the looks on their faces when we hit our opening set and started playing Malaga was priceless!:eek:

We head into Rochester for DCA weekend with tons of excitement. I don't know how we will come out of this, but I am THRILLED to be a part of Mass Brass. The show Larry Kerchner has written is fantastic. And I must say we are performing it at a very high level right now. I am not sure we have enough for Star, but I think we will do well. Star United has one of the most balanced sounds in the mini corps ranks, and it is very hard to compare a sound that I heard a year ago to where we are now. I do however believe we have the show and the personnel to finish well.

Our opener is Malaga (old Kenton), then El Gato Triste (Chuck tune), then an original composition by Larry Kerchner titled "Jazzmerelda". It has a taste from just about everything he has done, from Bridgemen, to Hawthorne. Neal and Tony Smith consulted on setting our forms up. Yep, we are taking mini corps to the next level with some "drill" stuff on the stage.

I go on for Mellophone individuals at 7:09 at the Clarion Riverside. If any of you are planning on being in Rochester, let me know...

Saturday I plan on seeing the Renegades at the prelims (my personal favorite at the moment, although I am a Skyliner at heart!) Sunday you will find me on the field with the Boston Crusader Senior corps at the Alumni Spectacular. DCA runs a great weekend of relaxed drum corps, which includes a HUGE drum corps block party at the host hotel, Clarion Riverside, and the Convention Center, and it is a great place to find old friends and make new ones.

Anyhow, I will try and keep you posted here. Not sure I am taking my laptop, but I will be back Sunday afternoon...Flying out and back on US Air..(I hate buses!):scared1:

[OrlandoMike]

Good Luck and have fun Rick! :cool1:

[Pinnie]

You sure you dont want to guess again? :rolleyes1

OHHH Pick me. Pick me!!:yay:

Is it the REAL Sarah Jones????????

pinnie

[orlandomom]

OHHH Pick me. Pick me!!:yay:

Is it the REAL Sarah Jones????????

pinnie

:lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl:
I think Pinnie has it.... what does she win?

just me

:surfweb:

[Disneysoloist]

Have a blast, Rick! Wish I was there to see the whole thing - - maybe next year!

[Coach Rick]

Ok, what a day of drum corps....GOD I love this activity!

Well for me on individuals, I felt really good about my performance and had several competitors come up to me, including Scooter Pirtle from Star telling me what a great job I did on Alfie...but I guess the judges are looking for French Horn concerto's. Anyhow, I ended up 8th out of 13.

Now on to Mass Brass...What a performace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got 5 standing O's..UNREAL...But we finished 2nd to Star ...

Star Unitied 98.3
Mass Brass 97.17
Golden Eagles, 95.4

then the others.... The crowd of 2200 booed at the score, so I know what they thought, but to be honest, to loose to Star by a point means we did a great job. The crowd absolute loved us, and that my friends IS what it's all about! I encourage all of you that have not performed lately to hook up with somebody...it is a feeling that I thought I would never feel again....

The block party was cool...tomorrow is prelims, and Sunday is the Alumni show....More drum corps.. Can't wait!

Next contest is in Albany NY on September 27. It is the first ever MCA (Mini Corps Associates) Championship...Can't wait, it's ours for the taken, I know it in my heart.

The one down side is my #1 fan, MY DAD is still in the hospital and was not well enough to come. That did break my heart, and my dad IS my hero, and I am eternally thankful for giving me the gift of Drum Corps!!!!

Just thought I would report.... Disneysoloist, I sure hope you can make it...would love to meet you... You should all try to find a mini corps show...YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! This movement is mostly thank to Future Corps...God, I miss them!

[Pinnie]

Thanks for the report Coach Rick!!! I attended our local HS's football game on Thursday because my neice marches in the band. They did pretty good for the first time, but there is a lot more work to do. She was at finals with us in Indy and reported that there were a couple of Cavies helping out at Band Camp last week. It's funny, though. After all the corps, marching band seems a tad anemic ;-)

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

Well it looks like Adam Sage (The guard designer for Phantom who was let go) was just picked up by Crown! :thumbsup2

[Pinnie]

Well it looks like Adam Sage (The guard designer for Phantom who was let go) was just picked up by Crown! :thumbsup2

Thanks for that update. I am so looking forward to next DCI season.

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

Thanks for that update. I am so looking forward to next DCI season.

pinnie

Already? :rotfl2:

I'm just looking forward to the DVD's! :thumbsup2

[OrlandoMike]

Speaking of which.......


World Championships CDs are tentatively scheduled for shipment on or about Labor Day.

DVD products are tentatively scheduled for shipment on or about Thanksgiving.

And one more news item....

Howard Weinstein, formally of the Boston Crusaders, accepted the position of director of the Blue Stars......

[Disneysoloist]

Sounds like you did great, Rick. Congratulations!
Next season I'll get to a mini-corps show. We probably know lots of people in common, and should be able to have quite the conversation! I need to get off my butt and go out and buy a car. Living so close to Boston, it's been easy to put it off (I even walk to work).
Hope your dad gets better soon. So sorry he missed your performances.
Take care.

and Weinstein taking over Blue Stars and Adam going to CC sounds like two great moves!

By the way, I won the prize!!

[castle ball hat tree]

Does anyone else have a movie theater that simulcasts DCI Worlds? We went to the one here this year. It was awesome.

[Disneysoloist]

James,
I went to the cinema broadcast in Revere, MA. Lots of old friends there - people I hadn't seen in over 30 years!! We had about 100 people in the audience. By far the biggest ovation was for Phantom - only standing "O" of the night, although everybody applauded for every single corps. Blue Stars received a great 'welcome back', and Boston, of course, was well received. A great deal for $18, and the theater had a BAR!!!!:woohoo:

Anybody who has the opportunity to go in 2009 should definitely attend. It was a great reunion with ooooooooold friends, and an entertaining show! Also met a great couple at the bar. The husband marched Cadets in '87. It was certainly interesting to hear his opinion of the '08 show!

[castle ball hat tree]

James,
I went to the cinema broadcast in Revere, MA. Lots of old friends there - people I hadn't seen in over 30 years!! We had about 100 people in the audience. By far the biggest ovation was for Phantom - only standing "O" of the night, although everybody applauded for every single corps. Blue Stars received a great 'welcome back', and Boston, of course, was well received. A great deal for $18, and the theater had a BAR!!!!:woohoo:

Anybody who has the opportunity to go in 2009 should definitely attend. It was a great reunion with ooooooooold friends, and an entertaining show! Also met a great couple at the bar. The husband marched Cadets in '87. It was certainly interesting to hear his opinion of the '08 show!
Just before the Bluecoats, the satellite feed went out. The screen went all "blue screen of death". People started yelling "Bluuuuuuuuuue". It was cute

[Coach Rick]

If anyone is interested, I just put a video up on the Mass Brass website of our 2008 2nd place finish at the DCA mini corps show. You can find it at www.massbrass.com scroll down to the first video, and hit play. Unfortunately there was some rather loud gabby person standing next to my DW. And yep, that's yours truly on the mellophone solo is the opener. :cool1:

[OrlandoMike]

Great job Rick! :thumbsup2

[Coach Rick]

Great job Rick! :thumbsup2

Thanks Mike...it was a hoot for sure....Can't wait for Albany, on September 27. We will be doing it one more time. This time for the first ever MCA championship!

[Coach Rick]

Anybody want to see my individuals piece, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJhEeeJigUY

Also, I put the Boston Crusaders show up in 3 segments on YouTube. Just click on the more video from this user link. The second segment is Ole and Masquerade from North Star days. I had taken the best of the three years North Star played Ole, and put it into one arrangement.

[OrlandoMike]

So I found this on Sept 13! UGH!


But it is Phantom playing Amazing Grace! I am still so excited they won this year!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAQi_bbiOWk

[dale62676]

Disney gay folk and band geeks! Awesome!
I never marched DCI, b/c I never had summers free. But I was the Drumline Section Leader of the Boston Univ. Marching Band. Our cadence was based on the Santa Clara Vanguard's, and lots of our folks marched in the Crusaders. BU gave up football in 1997, so the MB essentially became an exhibition corps. Lots of memories, I loved marching so much. I take it folks here must also be big fans of Future Corps, I miss them!

[OrlandoMike]

Looks like there is a new sign on Interstate 90!

How cool is that?

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd268/Orlandomike4/RockfordSign04.jpg

[Pinnie]

Man, that is SOOOOOO cool!!!! Thanks for sharing!

pinnie

[OrlandoMike]

Funny post on the Cedar Point site I read daily.....



Sunday, I was at Cedar Point.

Around 4:15, I was buying chili cheese fries from the fry joint across from Gemini when the parade passed by. The first unit I saw was a marching band from somewhere in New York. They were carrying a banner identifying them as the "Quaker Marching Band".

Behind the banner was the first unit from the band, the Quaker drill team. The drill team was drilling, and I noticed what they were drilling *with*: Rifles.

Is it me, or is there something inherently wrong with that?

[orlandomom]

:eek:

just me

:surfweb:

[MonorailMan]

Just a little "FYI".....


If you go to Video Google (http://video.google.com), Phantom's entire Semi-Finals show has been posted. The multi-camera version, even!

Just type in "Phantom Regiment 2008" in the search bar and make sure "search all videos" is highlighted. Click either "Enter/Return" or "Search Video". On the left-hand side of the screen scroll down and click on the second page. The video is titled "Phantom Regiment Semifinals 2008", and it's by a web site called "Strimoo".

I'll admit, the sound isn't too good, but if you're like me and can't wait for the DVDs to come out here's your chance to sneak a peek. :rolleyes1

I suggest not using Safari as your browser because mine always tends to crash whenever I use it for videos on Google. Firefox works well.

:cool1: :banana: :cool1:

[OrlandoMike]

:scared1: I AM SPARTICUS!!!!!

OMG thanks!

That brought tears to my eyes, even as bad as the quality was! I cant wait for the DVD's! :thumbsup2

Now if you all want to get together and get me this, I would appreciate it very much!

http://shop.regiment.org/Commemorative_2008_Championshi_P3268C165.cfm

[MonorailMan]

:scared1: I AM SPARTICUS!!!!!

OMG thanks!

That brought tears to my eyes, even as bad as the quality was! I cant wait for the DVD's! :thumbsup2

Now if you all want to get together and get me this, I would appreciate it very much!

http://shop.regiment.org/Commemorative_2008_Championshi_P3268C165.cfm



As for the ring--well......maybe if you're a good boy. :lmao:

Edit: Woooooah! I just read PR's former color guard caption head is now the color guard caption supervisor for Carolina Crown?? :confused3:

[OrlandoMike]

As for the ring--well......maybe if you're a good boy. :lmao:

Edit: Woooooah! I just read PR's former color guard caption head is now the color guard caption supervisor for Carolina Crown?? :confused3:



Lots of big changes going around, should be an interisting year in 2009!

[OrlandoMike]

So I really need to wait for the coffee to kick in before I start surfing the web. At first I thought "Martha Stewart?" :eek:

Santa Clara 2009 show announced....

BALLET FOR MARTHA - Vanguard Summer Program - 2009
October 17, 2008

Born of a 1942 commissioned dance to premiere at the Library of Congress, 'Ballet for Martha' - Aaron Copland's composition for his friend and contemporary Martha Graham, will title the Santa Clara Vanguard summer program in 2009. Drawing upon the original influence of the American spirit, youth, optimism and hope, Copland expanded the Pulitzer Prize-winning ballet score a decade later, borrowing the title Graham used for her new dance, Appalachian Spring.

[OrlandoMike]

Last call on this thread!

I'll start the 2009 version tomorrow.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5rwz_Ga_gI

[MonorailMan]

So I really need to wait for the coffee to kick in before I start surfing the web. At first I thought "Martha Stewart?" :eek:

Santa Clara 2009 show announced....

BALLET FOR MARTHA - Vanguard Summer Program - 2009
October 17, 2008

Born of a 1942 commissioned dance to premiere at the Library of Congress, 'Ballet for Martha' - Aaron Copland's composition for his friend and contemporary Martha Graham, will title the Santa Clara Vanguard summer program in 2009. Drawing upon the original influence of the American spirit, youth, optimism and hope, Copland expanded the Pulitzer Prize-winning ballet score a decade later, borrowing the title Graham used for her new dance, Appalachian Spring.

Copeland has done quite a bit that most people probably haven't heard of. The biggest shocker to me was "Grogh" (sp?). It's a really contemporary ballet that revolved around how a mad scientist of sorts reanimates a corpse.....and falls in love with it. :scared1: There was a corps that did some of the music from the piece a few years ago, although I don't remember who it was at the moment. Also, Lakeland HS marching band from Michigan did it in the mid-90s and their color guard members were all dressed in one-piece, full-body unitards that made them look like bald, nude corpses. I think they took 1st in their division at States. Fun shtuff. :woohoo:

[MonorailMan]

Speaking of major turn-arounds........

Are any of you guys into marching band competitions/BOA, etc.?

Plymouth Canton Educational Park HS has won BOA Grand Nationals 3 times (90, 91, & 99) and has won their State Finals at least 15 times. (Mike Gaines has written their drill for several years.) I used to be in a band that competed against them 3 or 4 times a year, and they were the band to beat.

Anyhoo......last week Plymouth was in 9th place overall in the state ranks!!! Their director had an illness in the family, so someone else took over for this season, and it apparently put some major strain on the success of the group this year. However.........this past weekend Plymouth took 3rd at the State Finals. How the heck do you go from 9th to 3rd in less than a week.....unless politics is involved? :confused3 To make things even more strange, a band that used to always come in 10th or 11th place at State Finals when I marched took 1st this season. They scored an 89.25, but I remember only a few years ago they always used to score in the low 60s. Talk about a turn-around.

What has the world come to????? :scared1:

[Pinnie]

Last call on this thread!

I'll start the 2009 version tomorrow.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5rwz_Ga_gI

Oh wow!!! Thanks for the link. What a great way to start the day!

A side story from Finals 08. My 14 yr old niece and I were wandering around the Westin on I & E day and stopped at Starbucks. We saw a couple of SCV jackets and stopped to tell the kids what a great job they were doing. It turned out it was the DMs. My niece was sooooooo thrilled they took the time to shake her hand and ask her what instrument she plays in band (clarinet) and wished her well. She still talks about that chance meeting and how much it meant to her for them to take the time to talk to a 'lowly clarinet'

I will be subscribing to the new thread. We will be heading to Indy on the Monday before finals to spend a week eating and drinking with DCI fans. Right now we have reservations at the Staybridge but will watch the rates at Embassy Suites where we stayed in 08.

I am sooo looking forward to next summer already!

pinnie

[Pinnie]

Speaking of major turn-arounds........

Are any of you guys into marching band competitions/BOA, etc.?

Plymouth Canton Educational Park HS has won BOA Grand Nationals 3 times (90, 91, & 99) and has won their State Finals at least 15 times. (Mike Gaines has written their drill for several years.) I used to be in a band that competed against them 3 or 4 times a year, and they were the band to beat.

Anyhoo......last week Plymouth was in 9th place overall in the state ranks!!! Their director had an illness in the family, so someone else took over for this season, and it apparently put some major strain on the success of the group this year. However.........this past weekend Plymouth took 3rd at the State Finals. How the heck do you go from 9th to 3rd in less than a week.....unless politics is involved? :confused3 To make things even more strange, a band that used to always come in 10th or 11th place at State Finals when I marched took 1st this season. They scored an 89.25, but I remember only a few years ago they always used to score in the low 60s. Talk about a turn-around.

What has the world come to????? :scared1:

Is it true that the director of the PCEP used to be on staff of the Regiment?

My kids marched with Livonia Stevenson HS and could never, ever compete with PCEP. This year SHS has a new band teacher and director and she is a big DCI fan. Someone told me she had a member of the Cavies on staff as a percussion instructor! Hopefully the band will rebuild and be competitive again!

I remember a few years ago, PCEP hosted a DCI show that was well attended!

pinnie

[MonorailMan]

Is it true that the director of the PCEP used to be on staff of the Regiment?

My kids marched with Livonia Stevenson HS and could never, ever compete with PCEP. This year SHS has a new band teacher and director and she is a big DCI fan. Someone told me she had a member of the Cavies on staff as a percussion instructor! Hopefully the band will rebuild and be competitive again!

I remember a few years ago, PCEP hosted a DCI show that was well attended!

pinnie

From what I understand, the newest director was on staff with Phantom, but I'm not too sure when.

I remember competing with Stevenson. :yay: We loved Livonia because those kids were actually nice. :lmao: Unlike some of the kids from other bands, which shall remain nameless.

Percussion was the only caption we could beat PCEP in. Unfortunately, they'd kick our butts in everything else. Their percussion has come a long way since the early 90s, though. I was pretty amazed by them last year....so it wouldn't surprise me if they've changed around some of the caption heads, especially for percussion.

PCEP has really been an influencial force in the marching arts over the past 20+ years. In the late 80s and early 90s they weren't afraid to try new things and even get all "artsy". I know they're the reason I took a huge interest in marching band and drum corps.......not to mention they were responsible for introducing me to the music of Stephen Sondheim about 17 years ago, which I love them for. :woohoo: They started doing things creatively with band that has become almost standard today with both marching bands and drum corps. Unfortunately, there's a very very fine line between the two activities now. Last year, when I saw PCEP's BOA Finals performance (as amazingly clean and solid as it was) I was amazed at how much it felt like a modern drum corps show. I think the two performing arts venues have come to a crossroads where they're both starting to feel like one another.....and I'm not sure I like that. Since PCEP has an insanely high yearly budget they can afford to hire the best DCI staff to help with their program, and it shows........but is that a good thing?

On a side note.......I saw what PCEP's budget was for the months of August through November a couple years ago, and can I just say.......:scared1: It's more than 3 times as much as what my alma mater is currently working with. Yowza!

edit:
I just did a little research. The band that placed first in Michigan's State Finals this year (you know.....the one who never broke the top 6 until recently) now also has the same visual caption head as PCEP. Iiiiiiiiiinteresting. :scratchin

[zulemara]

2008 was a great season! I look forward to 2009 and hopefully seeing a drum corps show in Orlando!

[OrlandoMike]

Closing the season.

Here is the link to this season....;)


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28758090#post28758090