2008 Drum Corps Thread

[Pinnie]

Well one of the guys I'm traveling with wants to swap out the Canton show for the Toledo show next Monday night. He said Phantom is smokin! And heck, its 1.5 hours closer to the "Happy Place" so I'm pretty sure we may hit that one instead. We decided to wait till that day to decide which show to hit. Looking at Phantom, I think I may agree, I want to hear that hornline in a small High School stadium before finals week!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=02BB8bW2mw0

(Yes Wally, that is Sparticus! Drum Corps do art! )

Mike, I can honestly say that if you have a chance to see Phantom in Toledo, go for it. I wasn't going to drive down there and back on Monday night and head to Indy on Tuesday, but after seeing them in Murfreesboro, I just HAVE to see them again on Monday!

Just watching them come on to the field and set up for the show is a show in and of itselfl. There is so much to see and the drill!!!~

So, I will be in Toledo to see PR again. It is SOOO worth it.

pinnie

 

[OrlandoMike]

Cool, and I like the Glassmen organization, guess I should give them some $$$!

 

[Coach Rick]

Hey all drum corps fans...

I understand the Crusaders are struggling a bit with finances as I am sure some other corps are. Remember, when budgets were completed the price of fuel was not where it is now. Anyhow, I would ask that anyone who is interested in the DCI fan pass consider purchasing it from www.crusaders.com. DCI is giving 50% of the proceeds to the corps who's website you sign up on. I heard they have spent as much as $4300 in a week for fuel, when the same period last year cost $2000. These kids are working hard and deserve a chance and shouldn't have to concern themselves for cash. They also have a place on their site you can just contribute. I hate to sound like I am begging, but this really hits home. My heart still aches from the days that North Star folded due to finances. I don't think the Cru is near that, but I know they are hurting. Thanks for anything you can do.

 

[Pinnie]

Hey all drum corps fans...

I understand the Crusaders are struggling a bit with finances as I am sure some other corps are. Remember, when budgets were completed the price of fuel was not where it is now. Anyhow, I would ask that anyone who is interested in the DCI fan pass consider purchasing it from www.crusaders.com. DCI is giving 50% of the proceeds to the corps who's website you sign up on. I heard they have spent as much as $4300 in a week for fuel, when the same period last year cost $2000. These kids are working hard and deserve a chance and shouldn't have to concern themselves for cash. They also have a place on their site you can just contribute. I hate to sound like I am begging, but this really hits home. My heart still aches from the days that North Star folded due to finances. I don't think the Cru is near that, but I know they are hurting. Thanks for anything you can do.

I have seen the fuel fund jars at the souvie trucks and I am doing what I can to help all of them out in that aspect.

pinnie

 

[daemom]

We saw the show in Charleston, WV last night! WOW! Blue Devils were amazing--and colorful! The "color" guard seem much more bright in person that the pictures that I've seen posted! Excellent show though--as the scores prove! Phantom were very good also--the crowd really seemed to enjoy the Crusaders too, but they were the first group to perform after a break and really came out with a bang in comparision to the first three (Pioneer, Blue Stars, Academy). All of these kids deserve a huge pat on the back for all of the work and effort that they give.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Looks like Cavies have an Alumni Corps!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=W1EtKNkIYaw

And if you cant get to a show, most drum corps have a place on their website where you can donate for the fuel fund! 4 busses, two semi's, and support vehicles..think about it! We need to get these kids to Bloomington!

 

[OrlandoMike]

So I just got off the phone with a friend regarding tickets to finals...

She asked me if I wanted to go to Open Class finals.....DAH

Well I completly forgot!

What was open class changed to Division 1, and is now World Class

What was Class A changed to Division 2, and is now Open Class

And I hear the All Girl Division is no longer!

Why do they do this? Are they just trying to confuse me????

 

[MonorailMan]

So I just got off the phone with a friend regarding tickets to finals...

She asked me if I wanted to go to Open Class finals.....DAH

Well I completly forgot!

What was open class changed to Division 1, and is now World Class

What was Class A changed to Division 2, and is now Open Class

And I hear the All Girl Division is no longer!

Why do they do this? Are they just trying to confuse me????

I knew nothing about this. I guess I wasn't paying attention.
It's almost like when they changed WGI classes. And a few years ago, when they started allowing people over the age of 21 to compete in the Independant World class, the Senior Guard class kind of disappeared because anyone over 21 was then forced to compete in Independant World.....which isn't a good thing in my opinion.

Okay......I'm done now.

 

[Disneysoloist]

I have been supporting the Troopers this season. Bought a t-shirt, and contributed to their fuel fund. I ain't got much, but that corps has brought me so much pleasure throughout the years! I encourage everyone on this thread to pick a corps and send a few bucks. Make a difference! (I also sponsor a Boston Crusader by sending "stuff" throughout the tour - food, a couple of bucks and GOLD BOND . I figure without owning a car, and the money I save on tickets to shows, I might as well give back somehow.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Got this in the mail today, I'm kind of excited to hear about this!

In recognition of the Cadets' 75th Anniversary next year, George Hopkins, Director of the Cadets and the CEO of Youth Education in the Arts, announces that for the 2009 season, the Cadets Drum Corps will perform as the "Holy Name Cadets."

“The Cadets are very much aware of their heritage and of the greatness the corps has provided young people for decades and decades. In marching as Holy Name, we hope to give praise and recognition not just to the members of the Cadets through 1957, but to the Garfield Cadets, the Cadets of Bergen County, and today's Cadets," said Hopkins in making the announcement.

 

[MonorailMan]

Got this in the mail today, I'm kind of excited to hear about this!

In recognition of the Cadets' 75th Anniversary next year, George Hopkins, Director of the Cadets and the CEO of Youth Education in the Arts, announces that for the 2009 season, the Cadets Drum Corps will perform as the "Holy Name Cadets."

“The Cadets are very much aware of their heritage and of the greatness the corps has provided young people for decades and decades. In marching as Holy Name, we hope to give praise and recognition not just to the members of the Cadets through 1957, but to the Garfield Cadets, the Cadets of Bergen County, and today's Cadets," said Hopkins in making the announcement.

They unfortunately have a lot of haters out there at the moment. I've never heard an audience "boo" a corps until this year. (I've heard an audience "Bluuuuue".....but that's completely different. ) Hopefully they're not just doing this to get people back on their side. I think it'd be pretty amazing to hear them get announced as "Holy Name".

 

[Coach Rick]

Ok, it would be "oh so cool" if'n they went back into the archives and pulled some of the older charts with some reworking for the "special" year. Of course that would mean, no amps, no narration (none needed), NO SAXOPHONES, which is something the "Hopping Mad Man" would like to see. Looking forward to it anyhow...

NOW, last night I went to the East Coast Classic. First, my personal performance with the Crusaders Sr. Corps. I have not had the hair raise on my arms like that in about 30 years. The reception was great, but the ovation at the end of the show was phenomenal for a bunch of "old people" We actually march to the end zone playing "California Dreaming". When we get to the end zone, we turn back, turn 45 degrees to the stands, and the "Calls" start, then Jack, our drum major, grabs a horn and plays the Jimmy Centerino solo while we form a block behind the drumline, then start conquest. On the main body of the song the block steps forward and the horns go to the "GE box". It was right then there were no longer any butts in the seats...and the ovation at the end was fantastic. Heck, that's what we do it for, right? Yep, awesome feeling.

I did get back in to see SCV, the Cavies, and Crusaders Jr.. SCV was good, but not great. The show was flat even though some of the horn stuff was great. The guard was interesting, but that's as far as I will go with that. It's certainly not the SCV I remember.

Cavies were up next. I was prepared to not like them, but that lasted about 30 seconds into the show! WOW is all I can say! And the best description I can come up with is "Innovative". I will be honest, I never really did like them for some reason, but I was absolutely floored by their performance. How the horn line can bend harmony like that and actually remain in tune is beyond me. If you haven't seen them but will be getting to, definitely DO NOT GET YOUR HOTDOG during this performance! I am still in awe!

The Cru. Well, while I enjoyed the balance displayed and the over all sound, I kept waiting for that "wow" factor, and quite frankly it never happened. I am not so sure it's the show itself, or a lack of excitement on the part of the performers. Obviously I am rooting for them, but unless these kids get excited about what they are doing, I don't think they will get much above 8th at best. Yes, it was nice to hear the little piece of Conquest at the end, and yes that got the crowd up again, but they need more moments along the way, IMO.

I had consciously stayed away from DCI for some time now. I didn't even go when it was in Foxboro, which is about 12 miles from my house. I was "hating" what they were doing to what I loved so much, but from what I have seen this year from "most" corps, I am hooked again, IN A BIG way! At 51, and having been involved in drum corps my "entire" life (first stop after being born was a drum corps show - dad has been involved since he was 10 - one of them crazy percussionist) , and it has become apparent that the activity has almost completed the full circle. It is once again exciting, and entertaining. Before some of you jump all over me, this is my opinion. Just as I don't care to go to the opera, you can't tear me away from a good jazz concert. So please don't take it as a criticism. It is an observation based on my likes and dislikes. The Cavies, Phantom, Crown, have all caught my attention, and I wish I had the $$'s to travel to finals. I still don't trust DCI. I am just waiting for them to screw it up again!

 

[orlandomom]

"Ok, it would be "oh so cool" if'n they went back into the archives and pulled some of the older charts with some reworking for the "special" year. Of course that would mean, no amps, no narration (none needed), "

CoachRick, You took the words out of my mouth. Can Hoppy honestly believe by changing the name with recreate a new momentum? Wouldn't it be amazing if they did a retro show I think it would blow the socks off everyone

Glad you had a great time at the show, I can only imagine the feeling on the field I was invited to perform with KAC last year, but alas finances and relocation did not allow.

just me

 

[OrlandoMike]

There are some rumors floating around about a re-worked West Side Story show for 2009.

 

[orlandomom]

Cringing at the thought of how Hoppy can screw that up

 

[OrlandoMike]

"Yo Tony....It's me Maria!"

 

[orlandomom]

 

[OrlandoMike]

You want a hefty donation from me?

Get the age requirement lifted, tease Aprils hair up like a good ole North Shore Boston gal, and make her play the part of Maria!

 

[MonorailMan]

CoachRick, You took the words out of my mouth. Can Hoppy honestly believe by changing the name with recreate a new momentum? Wouldn't it be amazing if they did a retro show I think it would blow the socks off everyone

I dunno......I know a lot of people loved it when they did 'Malaguena' in 2003, but it just wasn't a memorable show for me. Definitely not one of my favorite Cadets shows. I think I tend to like them best when they try to innovate (withOUT amplification) with cutting edge shows.....like "Stonehenge" or even "To Tame the Perilous Skies". I even think their "Les Miserables" show was innovative.

You want a hefty donation from me?

Get the age requirement lifted, tease Aprils hair up like a good ole North Shore Boston gal, and make her play the part of Maria!

Please tell me you're not talking about Miss Gilligan.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Please tell me you're not talking about Miss Gilligan.

I can assure you April is way past the "Miss" stage!

Did you hear? She is with child!