It's the Most Musical Time of the Year

If you listen to the radio, it's "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." At least for music!

Two weeks ago I listened to the jazz band play in Santa at the local shopping center. Color and lights - what marching band geek doesn't love color and lights?! - are every where.

This last week concerts ran us in a whirl: All County Orchestra, High School Band, Elementary School Band, Middle School Band. I guess I'm in need of a "Silent Night." (And this past week also was the famous Midwest Clinic.)

Actually, in listening to the cacophony of sounds this year - mostly yelling, loud music, and car horns at the mall - it seemed to me that everyone was on an abundance of jingling bells and dashing through the snow. I remarked to my wife, "I thought the economy was bad." But there's a lot out there who are going to giv-a-giv-a-give-a-garmin (ruining for me now one of my favorites), even if they have to run over someone in the process.

So, anyway, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And when the time comes, remember that a garmin won't help you find music ... or peace. There is a reason it is Christmas. He came on one night devine ...

O Holy Night.

National ChampionS

Plural.

Nazareth Area HS Blue Eagle Marching Band won the USSBA National Championship. (As they say, "Wahoo!")

Avon HS Marching Black and Gold was crowned Bands of America Grand National Champion. (LD Bell, last year's champion, was second, leading to the following IM comment: "Ding dong. Avon calling.")

There are countless state champions, too - divided by various classes - and other associations such that award "super-regional" championships such as the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Champions and the Western Band Association and others I know I've missed. (Note: The TOB link will take you to a high school band site that is generally more up to date that the TOB home page).

In a way, crowning a National Champion in band is like crowning a national champion in college football. Lots of divisions, lots of bowl games or playoffs, lots of polls - er - scoring methodologies and philosophies. And not everyone competes at a certain level, even if they could. Witness the debate about non-BOA appearing Flower Mound (TX) Marcus HS band! A national high school football champion is nearly easier to award (witness the USA Today weekly rankings).

Professionally I work in medical practice management with a focus on anesthesiology. Finding the "right" and "best" is about as hard. Is the care team best or not? (Band speak: Do we count the guard in the members or not?) What is the optimal way to determine a band class - experience, band size, school size? (Anesthesia speak: Is medical direction best at 1:3? 1:4? 1:10? Or does it matter?)

Besides, how do we weight General Effect and Music? (Anesthesia speak: What is good vs. excellent vs. superior anesthesia care? Well, yeah, they wake up and are pain free, but the bedside manner was a mess and the case is always delayed, so ...).

I wrote before, I think, on one of the best bands I saw - a relatively small band from a relatively small Texas border town winning Class 5A, where then big boys and girls play. It hasn't happened since then.

Lately I have wrestled with the concept of excellence, especially personal sustained excellence. It is not easy, nor is it easy to do in everything. We succeed. We fail. We fail at previous successes. We succeed at previous failures. Sometimes we fail a lot and figure out that maybe we shouldn't play that game, or use that particular scoresheet. Sometimes we succeed and own the game. Sometimes we succeed and forget to check to see if the rules changed.

So are we all champions? Well, clearly we cannot be. But we can at least give our best in the field of play, whatever it is, and we can give our best at each "game".

I guess all of this is to say what a National Champion really is (six words?): Singular performance in a singular time.

Six Words

Earlier this week USA Today columnist Craig Wilson wrote on the book "Not Quite What I Was Planning", where celebrities and others were asked to summarize their life in six words. Some examples:

... "I wrote it all down somewhere." - Ben Greenman
... "I colored outside the lines." - Jacob Thomas
... "Many risky mistakes, very few regrets." - Richard Schendl

What would we write if asked to summarize our band experience in six words? Hmmm. I guess I would say this:

I should have found a way.

What would you say?

Thankful

For music.

For music teachers.

For band.

For band directors.

For band boosters.

For DCI. (And the 2009 schedule!)

For people who make DCI and the corps happen without so much as asking for a dime in return.

For Band Moms. And Dads.

For former band geeks.

For current band geeks.

For Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Well, back when it was made for kids and big balloons and bands, and not made for television.

For football - American style.

For the United States of America itself.

Without any of the above, there would not be the uniquely American tradition of marching band. I'm sure those who sat down to the first Thanksgiving dinner (without first checking for when the kickoff is) never had that in mind!

Audio.File.

About the time I was in 9th grade I began to break my TV addiction. I say that for the benefit to anyone at that age who has one. Breaking it is a great way to see more of the real world and less of the "reality" (or non-reality) world. (If you say you don't have one, let me just say that these days the addiction is disguised by calling it interactive, i.e., video games, iPods, Facebook).

Since my formal education ended several comedies and dramas have found their way to my "can't miss" list. If I had to file them, they would be in the folder Loosely Political ("The West Wing", "24") or Barely Medical ("M*A*S*H", "China Beach", "ER", "Chicago Hope", "House", "Grey's Anatomy"). But then there is another file - the Audio file!

Two that go into that file are "Ally McBeal" and "Cold Case". I know; you cynics are going to say it isn't audio but the visual, particularly Calista Flockhart (as pictured with "Indiana Jones") or Kathryn Morris.

Both shows took a variety of music - one by a singular artist who became part of the cast - and established it as a storytelling elements of the show. More shows do it now ("Grey's Anatomy" is one, and it's a way to hlep sell the music on iTunes as well), and maybe these were not the pioneers. But to me, "Cold Case" really does a great job of using music to set the stage at the beginning of the show, and then tell the story at the end of the show.

If Sunday night football doesn't grab you on NBC, cruise on over to CBS (especially if there is no CBS late game that pushes everything off schedule) and grab an episode.

What does this have to do with marching music? Not much, I guess. Unless you are an audio.visual.file.


(Another recent mold breaker was "Criminal Minds". However, I claim an exception - its first star was Mandy Patinkin, you see. You may have seen him act. But have you heard him sing? If not, all I can say is get "Sunday in the Park with George" and listen to that voice, particular the duets with Bernadette Peters! And about the Kathyn Morris link: I have no clue who Amanda is, but she has an interesting hobby.)

Passion

Today is another birthday in our family - that of "TP" (Trumpet Player). TP is not as passionate about music as MP, but that doesn't mean he does not enjoy playing. I hope he does join marching band with his brother next year. (They will need another mp, but I am told he already is making friends in the trumpet section.

TP is passionate, however. He loves horses. He wants to ride bulls. He just bought a camera that is fancier than anything I've ever owned. (Yes, including now. And, yes, he bought it, with money from mowing lawns and birthdays and so forth.)

If you know me. I wish he shared my passions. But what I really hope is that he keeps any passion, whether it is the one (ones?) he has now or another. I have rediscovered through this blog and other recent life experiences and events my passion for marching music. I hope everyone discovers a life passion. But I especially hope this for all my boys.

* Yeah, this is a retro post. So? :-)

The 4 Seasons

Marching band has - at least for me - ended. I don't think I have seen so many bands (more than 100) in so short a time as I did this past weekend at the USSBA National Championships and 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Now comes winter (guard and percussion for some, but usually contemplation for me)

Then comes anticipation ...

... and then comes drum corps - "junior" and "senior"!!

I've been disappointed before in this anticipation, but based on what I saw this year, 2009 looks to be another great one. I can't wait ...!

USSBA National Championships - Live Blogging

I'll be blogging live from the USSBA National Championships weekend on the USSBA ning.com site (click for the link). Three days - 120 bands - wonderful Annapolis weather! If you can't stop by the stadium, stop by the website!

Contemporary Flashbacks (A Review of TOB Chapter 9 Championships)

It was a beautiful day for a band contest, and so I went to see most of the TOB Chapter 9 championships. In a way, it was a contemporary flashback.

As is the case this year, Huntingtown (playing 1980s MTV hits in "Video Killed the Radio Star") and Annapolis Area Christian School ("... But the Greatest of These Is Love") battled it out with two very distinctive but well performed shows. I think the recaps came down to music, which I gave to AACS but the judges gave to Huntingtown. AACS had strong effect, but maybe were dragged down by their visual performance, which is rougher than usual. Kudos to Brandwine for a taking on some difficult music by Ron Nelson ("Rocky Point Holiday" and "Sonoran Desert Holiday"). It was a good arrangement, at the right level, and therefore was well played by the kids. The guard (3rd overall) was enhanced by thoughtful design that allowed them to be featured. The third place band, Parkside, had a nicely done show that didn't quite match the title. If it was up to me, I would have called it eMotion, because that is clearly what they demonstrated - emotional variety and a lot of good movement!

The Towson University Marching Tiger Band did what they usually do - halftime! That is the first time I've seen this band, and they mixed one part corps style and two parts "college band" into a recipe for a show that was fun for the audience and great for recruiting. Did you know every member of the marching band gets a $500 scholarship?! Too cool!

Group 1 Regional and Championship divisions bookended Group 3. The Group 1 bands are smaller, and to some less talented. This is the first time that I really sat through the Group 1 bands, and I can tell you, talent is not what they lack! What they lack is just sheer numbers. I don't know if it is because the school is small, or the school district discourages music, the feeder programs are weak, or all of the above. But the enthusiasm of the kids and staff (about 1:8 staff:kids) was phenomenal. I don't think any had more than 18 winds, a half dozen percussion and rarely that many in guard. For that reason, the demand on each individual member is high, but they have to still be an ensemble. The result?

Calvert playing entertaining funk (and recovering nicely from a runaway sousaphone bell) ... Delaware Military Academy shedding their "military bearing" for some slow-then-fast rock ("Come Sail Away" by Styx and "Live and Let Die" by Paul McCartney's other band) ... McDonough putting "West Side Story" on the field in a way that required every member to contribute at a very high level ... Laurel having fun with music from tense and scary "Movies You Watch in the Dark" (which I think is all movies, but you get what they mean!) ... LaPlata (6 percussion, 2 front ensemble, 3 guard, 3 sax, 1 bari sax, 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, and 1 trumpet) capturing the nightmarish darkness of the music by Danny Elfman ... Thomas Stone resurrecting high school memories with with the music of Styx ... and champion Chesapeake not being fearful of music and drama, bringing out the hidden talents of their kids.

I came from a small band. Memories get fuzzy after 25 years, but I hope anyone who saw us perform maybe had the same feelings I did watching these bands.

Of course, MP is in the Group 3 bands. Meade started the group with a neat take on "The Four Seasons", setting you up for Vivaldi but then playing more contemporary music ("Autumn Leaves", holiday favorites, and even "Summertime"). Severna Park followed with "Les Misrables", led on and off the field by their award winning pit crew and drum major. I have really come to admire the drum major of this band (see the previous post). He runs a great rehearsal, is positive in his criticism, friendly to everyone and yet still commands their respect. (MP, I hope that rubs off on you some!)

The State of Delaware then took the field, starting with Middletown taking a little bit of Cadets-inspired narration to a show that opened up "Pandora's Box" and landed them in 5th. Smyrna ("smur-na", not "smeer-na") also went 1980s, finishing their season with solid accomplishments and a 6th placement. It is too bad they are short of funds to go to the ACCs or even the USSBA championships. They are a good band with a good contingent of staff that still marches today.

Of the next four bands, William Penn (4th), James M. Bennett (3rd, from nearly-Delaware Salisbury on the Maryland Eastern Shore), and Caesar Rodney (1st) all performed well rounded shows. They were well designed, musically strong and competently performed. But my first place (and the judges 2nd) was the Cab Calloway School of the Arts.

A school of the arts gears itself toward cultivating the most talented visual and performing arts students. (My sister went to one of the best!) The students are good artists and musicians intent on becoming better. But in all these years I have never seen a school of the arts with a marching band. Until now. And this one is GOOD!

Performing "The Rodin 47" (go to the band website for a listen) the Cab Calloway band was not just musically strong (which you would expect) and guard strong (which you may not expect but when you think about it you should), but they were visually strong, too! The entire band was thematically costumed, and the marching was taken as seriously as the music. (My initial reaction in a text message: "I just saw a drum corps!") Since SPHS isn't going to Allentown, I wish this band the best!

So with 80s music, small bands and a nice November night, I definitely was flashing back 25 years ago to my own Texas high school days. But unlike TV's "Life on Mars", this still had modern twists!

(P.S. Congratulations to Maryland's Westminster HS on a 4th place finish at the BOA Super Regional in Atlanta.)

Kids these days ... (another scoring rubric)

Every now and then a high schooler can teach you something.

In one of my recent seen-but-not-heard-in-the-bandroom trips to aid in the showing a video of the weekend performance, I overheard MP's Senior Drum Major sharing with the band something he learned about scoring ...

* If it's in the 60s, you're just playing notes.
* If it's in the 70s, it's now a song.
* If it's in the 80s, it's becoming music.
* If it's in the 90s, it has become magic.

I applied this methodology over the past few weeks, adding a twist or two for marching and visual ("you're just moving", "it's now a picture", "it's becoming a performance", "it has become enthralling").

Darn. I hate it when kids are right.

Wind, Rain, and some Thunder

Wind and rain canceled today's performance. I feel bad for the kids, who missed the chance for performance and adjudication (but they got in some quality time on the bus and at McDonald's!). I feel bad for the host band, too, because having been there on the drum corps show side, a shower can sometimes cause you to take an unneeded (financial) bath.

Hopefully this weekend was it for rain - at least until bands start to move their performances indoors! It's ironic that most "indoor" marching venues are not in the mid-Atlantic, but in places like Indianapolis, Atlanta, St. Louis, Dallas, Phoenix, or Tampa. So, for the next two weekends, we need some clear skies for a series of band events coming up ...

- TOB Chapter IX Championships at Broadneck HS (near Annapolis) on November 1
- County Marching Band Exhibition at Annapolis HS on November 4
- USSBA National Championships in Annapolis on November 7-8
- USSBA Anniversary Celebration in Baltimore on November 9

Who would have thought Annapolis is the alternate center of the marching band universe! We have everything Indianapolis has ... well, except a retractable roof stadium.

Speaking of Thunder, I heard from my good friends at the Carolina Thunder Percussion Ensemble. About 10 years ago this group took some very innovative shows to the WGI World Percussion championships, one of my favorites being Leonard Bernstein's "Overture to Candide", played and marched forward - then backward.

After a hiatus, the group has re-emerged as the official percussion ensemble of the Carolina Panthers. I've noted before that other NFL teams have bands or ensembles - it's good to see the Panthers have connected with some great people to bring some fun to the pre-game!

If you can't live on the field, at least you can watch (... or read ... or play.)

Since I spent some time talking about it before, I want to say that the documentary "From the 50 Yard Line" is now available for purchase. Perhaps this is the perfect time for some early holiday (and birthday?!) shopping ... hint hint ... or for long bus rides to Championships!

One of the cool things the producers did is cut the documentary down to 50 minutes (hmmm - about the length of a new 6 period day band class ... despite there STILL not being enough total classroom time) and tie it to a lesson plan and marching band book for educators. It's pricier, but probably worth it for some band booster to get as a gift for their band.

Or a band geek like me ... hint hint ...

While on the web looking this over, tracked to several other books on the topics of bands and drum corps. Some are novels, such as Chuck Edwards' "The Lorin Solo" (set within the 1985 Blue Devils), or Courtney Brandt's debut books "The Line" and it's sequel "A Fine Line", both set within a fictional high school drum line and both targeted at teen girls.

Then there are the experience books, such as Gregory M. Kuzma's "On the Field, From Denver Colorado ... The Blue Knights!" and Jeremy 'Spike' Van Wert's "Not for the Faint of Heart" (about the Santa Clara Vanguard.)

Don't forget "American Band", by Kristen Laine, also promoted here before, a great behind the scenes look at an Indiana band that could just as well be the script for the movie that started this post.

Any others? (Hint ... hint ...)

Don't like movies? Don't like to read? Sigh.

Well, there is always a video game ...

Weather or Not

The weather was beautiful this weekend, especially if you had an afternoon rehearsal and/or show. But at the contest, it seems that when the sun goes down, all kinds of things go awry. Like pitch. Tone. Dress. Cover. And the occasional flag trying to be its own show, "Gone with the Wind".

MP's band's score inexplicably went down a few points, although it was clearly an improved product. As I texted him from home, "shows what I know." (I was home because in that stadium I apparently also forgot to dress and cover. Brrr.)

I saw a lot of kids in several bands who were not ready for what happens when the sun goes down on a clear, mid-Atlantic October night. Sixty degrees become cold! I hope band directors are now reminding the kids that the shorts-and-tee-shirts in the afternoon may need to become something warmer on the legs and arms at night.

I also saw what I now feel are too many small bands last night. Group 3 bands come from schools capable of fielding larger units, Group 1 bands are really pulling on the talents of their kids and directors, and I admire what some of the Group 2 bands are attempting to do despite limited bodies and instrumentation. I suspect that all of this is a result of music programs being scaled back, starting at the lowest grades.

This week I tip the shako to the Group 2 Lake Forest HS Band (Fenton, DE). The have a big guy who looks like a linebacker leading the line as drum major, then picking up a marching tuba, and then a mellophone (or baritone, I could not tell at that moment, and you think I could!). I know bands have switched kids around in instrumentation to get things more in balance, and occasionally you find woodwinds playing brass. But you don't see it often in midshow. No, they didn't win. Or place. But I am glad that they at least showed.

Umm, No: School Board Kills the Music Stars

Wun-der-ful.

As if school bands (and orchestras) aren't struggling enough, the Anne Arundel County School Board is implementing a 6 period day for middle school, a switch from the A/B day. Good idea, right? Not so fast.

Instead of music every day, or at least every other day, music instruction stays every third day, but now class time is cut to 58 minutes from 86 - a 32% cut in instruction time.

Wun-der-full of ____.

Why do we need music, after all? We have to teach kids how to count! (Music does that.) We have to teach them to read! (Music does that.) We need to teach them history. (Music does that.) We need to teach them appreciation for other cultures. (Music does that.) We have to teach them self-expression and self-esteem! (Music does that.) We need them to get physically fit! (Marching music does that.)

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

To join in the crusade, send a thoughtful, kind but firm e-mail or letter:

Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Superintendent
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2644 Riva Raod
Annapolis, MD 21401

School board members can be found by clicking here.

Tell you own story, and back it up with your life experiences. And if you need more information, click here to access a great document on the Music For All website.

Concert Band Killed the Marching Band Stars?

Two weeks, two TOBs for MP's band. This week was much improved over last week. I was pleased tonight with not only their improvement but how close they were (in my eyes) to their other in class competitor. I don't know the scores yet, though. Last week MP had the solo, with three members of his band being benched for violating a rule on the day of the show. This type of discipline is hard on the kids who had to sit and those who had to step up. And for that reason is was absolutely the right thing to do.

Last week at our own show I got a chance - between volunteer obligations - to watch most of the Group 2 bands. When they finished, I ranked my top 3, and the judges agreed.

Patuxent HS brought a "Bacchanale" to the field, calling up the spirit of past shows by the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. Annapolis Area Christian School went the other direction, focusing on the Love of God. (Yes, I shortened the title.) Both performances were were musically and visually stimulating and well performed at this point in the season. AACS seems to be more of a "part 2" on a twist on last year, but still was well done.

Huntingtown HS, however, landed clearly in the mid 80s in points and in their theme, "Video Killed the Radio Star." Taking a string of early MTV hits one usually doesn't think of as translating well to the marching field, this band made the music, well, musical, and the visuals complemented the sound on the field. I had the chance to pass my impressions on to some parents, and one nearby young man commented on how much he liked the show and wished he had the chance to perform it (having just graduated). That is a great compliment to the band director and the band.

Tonight, I want to give a special "shout out" to Chesapeake HS and La Plata HS, Group 1 bands. When you have fewer than 20 members, it sometimes is hard to do a marching band show, much less one with more complex music. Chesapeake presented "Into the Darkness" with music of Bach and Saint-Saens; La Plata went dark as well with music of Danny Elfman. Both took advantage of the talent available, and delivered engaging shows.

Marching band has definately not killed the concert band stars. And concert band stars shouldn't kill the marching stars, either. I fear this is happening in too many schools. If it is happening - or may happen - in a school near you, there are four weeks left in the season. Take someone to see that marching band is definately a musical program, the most visible one a school has!

Field of Dreams

Shhhh.

In the middle of our drum corps show tour in July and August, MP said if he marched one day, he would march with Carolina Crown or the Cadets. I say (to myself), "Yeah! Cool!" I say, "You could do something I never ..." --- shhhhh.

My field of dreams was to march. To play third cymbal for Santa Clara Vanguard. To wail like the first soprano of the Blue Devils. To wear the cape (Phantom Regiment or Crossmen!). Now I want to push you to ... shhhh.

I would love these to be your dreams, too, mind you, so I could teach you my mistakes and save you time and effort. But ... no matter what it seems ... and no matter how disappointed my face may look ... this is not what I expect from you.

Don't chase these dreams for me. Chase them for you.

But if it is your field of dreams, chase it. Chase it hard. You have within you the raw materials, but it takes a desire and work ethic that is beyond the ordinary. If it seems like I am pushing you, what I'm doing is trying to help you understand that. It is the only thing I can give you.

I can encourage you and support you, and sometimes that support seems to become more of a hard shove. I want to be that "helicopter parent" hovering over your life, swooping in to help you every time I sense failure coming (or I see you stopping short of success). Sorry about that but, unfortunately for you, you are the first 16 year old I have ever raised.

What I see is that I have to help you get the most of out these last two years of high school, because - selfishly - I want YOU and I together to make the most of the time we have left (because one day I will change the locks, no matter what your mother says!) .

Two years.

Don't let me forget, though - you are young, and have years ahead. You are still seeking your passion(s) in life, and those cannot be mine.

Maybe you will march drum corps, and maybe you won't. That's okay. Just make the most of what you have and are given. Learn, and teach. Teach your peers, your brothers, and your know-it-all parents.

I am very proud of you. I look forward to this marching season.

Happy birthday, and thank you for the gifts you give me.

Birthday Season

Birthday season kicks off today - one a month (including Christmas) until February! I guess this is how we know time ... marches on?

Son #3 began his frantic entry into the world a decade ago today. Each arrival was memorable; his by a cross city run that was somewhere between an "I Love Lucy" episode and the Marx Brothers.

Although like his uncle, whom he is named after, he plays saxophone, he seems to find some strong interest in the parts of a football game that actually take place before and after halftime! I guess I need to start to make a habit of getting my hot dog, nachos and Dr Pepper before kick off ...!

Extraordinary. Lifechanging. Lifesaving.

We use these words interchangeably, but in the cinema at the DCI Quarterfinals I leaned they are not. During the gap between the Blue Devils and the final two scores there was a presentation on the Field Band Foundation in South Africa. I didn’t get the reason for this promotion at first, but by the end I was hooked on the mission and goals of this organization.

When I was with Carolina Crown and we were applying for grants, we were often asked how many underprivileged or disadvantaged kids we were serving. This is a hard question for any world class drum corps to answer, but I was comfortable (albeit not politically correct) when I said our focus was helping ordinary kids become extraordinary through demanding education programs. Even most school marching bands are solid extracurricular programs that can do lifechanging things, but they ultimately respond to their community needs.

The Field Band Foundation is not about this at all. It is, we all learned, about giving some kids the skills to survive. To make it out of extreme poverty and life situations to even attempt at what we probably consider a normal life. Their focus is far beyond music and personal excellence - it is about saving lives. Those are words we don't often used when we talk about music education.

Go to this website and learn more for yourself: www.fieldband.org.za

On the screen, from Bloomington, Indiana ...!

This is a 3 part review of the DCI Championship events.

Thursday, August 7, On the Cinema Screen

I used to be good at estimating attendance, but I think it’s safe to say the theater I was in was about 90% full of drum corps alumni and fans. I complained about the sound last time, and I was worried when the pictures came and the sound did not – or at least the sound that matched the photos. It made for some tense and humorous moments, but all was in order by the time the first corps hit the screen. Some observations of the night:

What’s with the "Summer Music Games" logo? I thought that had been retired. There are too many mixed branding messages out there, and it doesn’t work if you use an old one and then fail to use the new "Marching Music’s Major League" logo and colors. I’ve had long talks with a friend about the marketing efforts. To me, if no one else noticed, we are preaching to the converted, and that audience is getting smaller.

On the plus side, you have to appreciate the humor when we have our own John Madden. We kept waiting for him to telestrate the drill!

Spirit – It was hard to appreciate this show. Most of the problem was the sharp afternoon shadows that were not adjusted to by the cameras. I if this was rapidly discussed in the production booth, the cure never came. It became evident that this problem would continue (to a lesser effect) until the field and the backfield stands (reflecting the sun) were in shadows. As far as the show itself, “4” is not “3”, and the commentators asking us to look for the burgundy guard members was handicapped by the shadows and a lot of high camera that made it hard to pick them out.

Colts – Very nice design and well performed. The baton twirler caught a few audience members off “guard”, but they let it pass. I am a fan of the musical “Song and Dance”, and I like the way the incorporated it into their unique portrayal of New York City.

Madison Scouts – Here’s a tip: if you’re going to show a flash back from the 70s and 80s, use the years they won the DCI championships! After the performance the commentators noted, “The crowd was on their feet!” Well, not in the auditorium. It was a good performance, and it was Madison being Madison. This is one of those boxes corps can end up in, though, when being true to yourself puts you in a design bind. (I noted that in my discussion of the Troopers in Westminster.)

Crossmen – The shadows may be gone, but Bones is still hiding in them. Delucia said half the show lacked “umph”, and my seating neighbor said the show just didn’t grab him or appear powerful. The color I hoped for never emerged. A mixed performance, and as it turns out Madison will squeeze them out of the Top 12.

Glassmen – A nice performance. After years of just not getting the Glassmen, I didn’t feel the urge to run out for popcorn. No major surprises or twists from West Chester. I struck me that with all the balloons they released, they should have attached postcards or something on them to encourage people to go to the cinema tonight! (There's the marketing side of me again.)

Star of Indiana – I mention them because they showed a clip from 1991 when talking about the move to Bloomington. I love Star. I miss Star. But Star has been gone so long that the kids in the audience don’t remember or care.

Blue Stars – This is the new Star (of Indiana, as I hear they rehearse there!). I liked the nice visual sat the end, and of course Delucia was happy they used a real bike! It was better, and it was nice to hear the concept explained, but in the end (to me at least) it was still a nice band show.

Boston Crusaders – Very nice! This show, "Neocosmos", reminded me of their 2000 presentation, when their performance of "Red" (my favorite BAC show!) moved them up three positions from Quarterfinals 7th to Finals 5th. This is a great foundation to build on, and they better re-sign that visual designer before another corps snaps him (or her) up. I am cheering form them to move higher, as I think they down the ability.

It's halftime ... where is the football game?

Blue Knights – What more can be said. My seat neighbor said he doesn’t like high concept shows. I said I don’t mind high concept shows if there is a point to the concept. I’m glad BK is around and has flourished and that they have kids participating. In the end that is what really matters. But as a show, this was my least favorite of the year. The Crusaders should be here.

Bluecoats – In a nutshell, this show really re-energized the crowd! But again, I could not tell if the narration used in Murfreesboro was taken out or “blacked out” by a system failure. This time it was there at the end, but not at the beginning. I wish I could have seen the final product. Nice touch with the boxing uniforms, though!

Santa Clara Vanguard – I liked this show again, and to my neighbor that this is how “high concept” should be executed. The audience will give a lot of leeway if they can follow along, and “3hree” was just wonderfully well done. Band directors (and corps directors) who like high concept should take careful notes.

Cadets – I received a text message a few seconds before the show started to “Watch for a new ending.” There was no new ending. There was an amputation of the previous ending. I texted back: "No no no no no!" Yes, the show was more powerful at the end, but this version just added to the confusion that many complained about with the narration. I liked the narration if the story works. To me the Cadets were almost there ... almost ... and then … sigh. George explained the tortuous process well to the audience, at least. I hope they got it and at least appreciated the attempt.

Carolina Crown – The corps close to my heart just played there own hearts out. Just beautiful sound, well executed visuals, and an inspiration to many. Looking back, they are just focused on doing drum corps as the audience wants it: familiar sounds in a new mix, comfortable visuals with some sparkling delights, and all of it well done. All the “high concept” corps should take note!

Phantom Regiment – I am officially impressed! No, I AM SPARTACUS!! The last half of the show is just utter “wow!” My scribbled notes at the time said if they translate that performance to the first half and sustain it throughout, they will win! And while I love my corps (Carolina Crown), if they cannot win, then this corps is now definately the one that I am pulling for. This may be 3rd or 2nd tonight, but this show can keep going. Will they have enough time is the question.

Cavaliers – How do you argue with the execution (of the show, not the samurai warrior!)? It is clean and powerful but lacks that … well, something. I said it was in 1st tonight, but the other Illinois corps is gaining fast on them.

Blue Devils – In Murfreesboro they were cruising but not coasting. But I think this is going to catch up to them. The top three are very tight. The show is not jazz-boring, but they are playing defense now. I left the cinema wondering if there were just a few Blue Devils tricks up their sleeves, or if they can just hold out for two more days. I actuall put this show in 2nd tonight, maybe 3rd.

Friday, August 8 - On the Computer Screen

I watched snippets here and there throughout the day, hoping Jersey Surf would pull out the upset in Open Class (it turns out that job fell to the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets), which I predicted to a friend with a bit of hope for the evening show as well!). But it is band camp concert night, so we went and then rushed home for the Top 4, which we watched by hooking up the webcast to the TV. (Definitely an argument for the big screen!)

Carolina Crown – Again, dynamic and fun! It seems they are firmly in 4th, happily and deservedly so. Depending on their return rate in kids and staff, and how they extend the franchise of the past two years, this corps can be in the top 3 or at #1 very, very soon.

Phantom Regiment – Can they eeek out a few extra fractions of a point? I think they can. And when this night is over, so do the judges, putting them in second. Tonight’s show was definitely better than last nights, with the corps settling down a bit and giving us non-stop drama (and so much so that the cameras were used throughout the warm up, with no “commercial break” between corps). The anticipation built from the time the conductor was wheeled on the field, and they just never stopped. Never. Stopped. This is why it is called momentum!

Cavaliers – They continue to execute well, but my small living room audience was not nearly as excited as they were after the Regiment. There just isn’t that much juice to squeeze anymore.

Blue Devils – Don’t look now, but the Illinois corps to worry about isn’t the one from Rosemont, but Rockford.

Saturday, August 9 - Patiently Waiting ...

I – AM SPARTACUS! Congratulations to the 2008 Phantom Regiment on your first sole possession DCI World Championship!!

And to think that I just about called this early on ... (see "Melting My Definant Heart" on May 7)!

Go West! (A Review of Westminster, MD)

MP did the Cadets' Music is Cool! event again this year, the shorter (1/2 day) pre-band camp edition. Today is a bit of a sacrifice for them, less than a week before finals with a lot of cleaning to do.

Last year I was a bit of a helicopter parent at the event. This year I had to make myself hang back a bit. However, as before, he seemed to enjoy the experience, although there wasn't as much field time, there were at least more kids ("Twenty mellophones this time, not four").

The show itself featured five corps and a bonus.

The Troopers are America's Corps, and persist at the World Class level. Organizationally, I question if that is the right place for them. I think they need a chance to bring back some of the winning tradition, and creatively what they put on the field was a nice Open Class show. The Troopers displayed some humor, which was unexpected but pleasant to see. This corps faces design challenges just by being, well, the Troopers. There is the iconic image and musical style, and the familiar sunburst and "Ghost Riders", that at least this year they worked into a program about the old west railroads, or "The Iron Horse Express." I guess I lost my senses, though, in scoring. I said 76, MP said 89.65 ("Too generous", he said after the show), and the judges went with a more accurate 81.10.

Although I didn't realize it at the time, I think the Crossmen were the corps that was most "on" tonight. The gentlemen seated next to me - whose story made me appreciate the time with MP even more - remarked on the visual offering of the corps. Even from a few nights ago, the visuals were better, the guard was stronger, and the silks were well used at the end. I thought they improved to an 86, MP said 89.30, and the judges said 85.05 - still better than Thursday but not as good as Saturday. Go figure.

The Blue Stars were our fourth Blue corps this year, having seen the Devils and Knights twice and the 'Coats once already. It looks like 1/3 of the top 12 will be Blue this year, with this one bringing a splash of yellow. I was asked by a friend for an instant impression, and it ws that this was the best band show of the year. Maybe that's a compliment? Although the opening sound and visuals were strong, I don't think the concept was executed as well as envisioned. I could not tell whether it wanted to be literal (which is was too confusing to be) or conceptual (which it was to specific to be). I was actually disappointed in a way, given that the "race" run by the Tarpon Springs HS Band at the Bands of America Grand Nationals several years ago was better executed. Maybe Kevin Ford, who was the designer behind Tarpon Springs (as well as Carolina Crown's "Stormworks" and "Chess ... and the Art of Strategy" that propeled the corps into the top 12), "re-cycled" a bit. My seating neighbor liked it, commenting on the more subtle body movements corps are employing these days. (But he was not a big fan of the Cadets' narration, so sometimes change only goes so far!) I said 89, MP said 91.23 (where he gets the precise fractions is not from me!), and the judges were less impressed: 87.90.

How do you find fault with a 95? How do you find fault when you finally get to see "your kids" win a show outright against top corps? Carolina Crown had a strong Allentown finish, but seemed to try to give this show away tonight. They seemed "off" (was it the lights? was it the sound?) enough that a fan a few seats away commented, "They seemed flat tonight." Maybe they were just tired, and were just getting past releasing some of the pent of tension of the weekend. The sound was clear, but it seemed to me the corps was afraid of the field, as if the corps before them said as they walked on, "Psst - watch out for the divots ... pass it on!"). I marked them down a bit, to 95, MP said 95.2, and the judges went with 95.15. A winner, but not as winning as last week.

The Cadets, as I noted to open this post, made a rehearsal sacrifice for the Music is Cool program. Maybe that had an impact, or maybe, like Carolina Crown, they were just off their game a bit after Allentown and realizing the organization seemed to shift gears to 2009 this past week. Quite frankly, they had a better rehearsal than performance. The impact points the design staff is writing in made better sense - I see even more clearly where they are going - but the timing was off (with another sabre drop that had been hit at every run through I saw that afternoon), and the ending is not quite yet ... "snapping" ... with some lost emotion from before. I suspect they'll get there by Saturday, but "there" is probably not where they really wanted to be. I said 94, MP said 94.50, and the judges said 93.9.

The bonus corps was The Commandant's Own, the U.S. Marines Drum & Bugle Corps. I remember every year they would do a nightly performance at the Texas State Fair, and every year when I went to the fair I would plan to be "on the 50 yard line" of the small performance venue. There were much as I remembered, and with music from Shostakovitch to Souza, from Jersey (Boys) to Malaguena, this corps (also founded in 1934 and celebrating a diamond anniversary next year) reminded us of all of some of the traditions of drum corps.

A quick note about the venue. I must say the Westminster HS Band Boosters were well organized hosts, and this is probably the best high school stadium for watching marching music that I have been to in Maryland!

This is the end of my 2008 live reviews. The corps now go west to Bloomington, but I'll stay home in Maryland. However, I'll get to watch on the big cinema screen on Thursday night, and on Friday at our neighbor's house where they are hosting a big screen webcast. Music is cool - and how cool is that!

A Family Affair (A Review of West Chester)

This is the show the entire family looked forward to attending! "Our" favorite corps, Carolina Crown, was there. We were there when this baby was born, and of course even after 19 years we want to see how our kids are doing!

Also, this show allowed us to see another teenager: Jersey Surf, featuring several teens from the high school band including my neighbor a few doors down. Although the theme of the show is about the "Jersey Surf ... So Far" (in their growth, as they prepare for the 2009 step to World Class), I didn't really get it. But, in this case, that's okay. Whatever they were trying to do, they did it well. The horn line played strongly, and the color guard was engaging with skilled performers. I wrote 87, scratched it and wrote 88, but the judges said 86.35. Whatever the score, if you get the chance, catch the wave!

In 1992 in this stadium on a relative cold and damp July night, this San Antonio, Texas, native boy volunteering on tour with Carolina Crown fell in love again with a group introduced as, "From West Chester, Pennsylvania, The Crossmen"! That year was the first of three exploring planet earth. This year, I came to West Chester to see the San Antonio boys (and girls) take on "Planet X". From the opening notes, it was apparent that the World Class level corps had arrived. The new take on the popular "Planets" of Gustav Holst was unique, and was well performed. The corps seemed a bit compacted in the drill, and until the end it lacked some color. But they ended postiviely (it was evident that was well learned) and the crowd was satisfied. I said 85 and the judges marked 84.60, so no surprises there. Well, maybe one: Bones - guardian of the Crossmen family secrets - did not mysteriously appear backfield in the old home turf ...

The Glassmen then brought their "Carnival" to the field, and for the first time in a long time (probably since the Moody Blues show) I enjoyed what I was seeing from this corps! The show was lighthearted but not done lightly, and the audience (and all my kids) connected with what was going on. (Caveat: The audience also was a good bit of high school band campers.) The show was visually effective, and though the body work did nothing for me, the use of balloons (I won't give it away) was neat and was about as effective as when Suncoast Sound released one (1!) in 1984 without being as cheesy as when the Sky Ryders went over the top with "Over the Rainbow" in 1982. I said 87, and the judges said 87.40. But there was a twist ...

... as tonight, they beat the Blue Knights (given an 85.90 by the judges and an 88.50 by me). I reviewed them nearly a week ago, and nothing much changed except my perspective. Being a bit closer to the field, I saw and heard some really talented kids out there on the field. What they have been subjected to in terms of design, however, really wasted that potential. I thought there were a bit better than the Glassmen because of that, but the judges did not agree.

Now, the feast - Carolina Crown! What was the difference? A week ago they were just staring to hit their stride in performance. Now, they are in it! The kids are clearly enjoying their show and performing it, and they still have room to improve and seem to want to do so to get this show to "Finis" at just the right time - Saturday night, August 9! I am still amazed by the brass line, and look forward to seeing them all over again in just a few days. Yes, I'm partial, but ... if you disagree, at least check them out. A well done classic, with a twist! The judges said 2nd (as did I), and gave a 93.80 (as I nearly did, marking an 93.50). Sentimental favorites, yes - all my kids are Carolinians. But they deserved it tonight!

The Blue Devils performed next, and are clearly in championship mode as well. They are not coasting, but definitely cruising, and expect to knock out a few points here and there. While lacking the audience "wow!" and punch of Carolina Crown, they nonetheless leave you knowing why they are still in the lead to this point. I gave them first with a 1.5 lead over Carolina Crown, but the judges narrowed that gap to 1.05 (scoring 94.85). It will be interesting to see what happens when Phantom Regiment and the Cavaliers rejoin that mix.

The host Cadets (who just announced a "name change" on their website) are better. But they are not their best. The score, 92.90, is closing on Carolina Crown (less than a point) but reflects the relative difference, just as comparing Carolina Crown and the Blue Devils. The impact points are developing, now that the storyline is better told (although someone who had seen an earlier edition in Clifton remarked that it seemed to be "trite" now). There is better use of the guard, and the audience really wants to like the show because of this. (You could tell by the audible "aww" at a dropped sabre - there was a cheer just begging to come out!)

This show is about family, when you get right down to it, but there was a lot of clutter early that is still being refined. I almost would drop the stage (but how can you at this point?) and let the corps and guard (which, as an afterthought, seemed like an afterthought) supplement the narration. I can see and hear elements indicating this show should really kick into gear in about 2 to 2 1/2 weeks.

Unfortunately, they - and we - have only 1.

It was a nice night for families, corps and neighbors and friends! My kids seemed to enjoy the performances, and I am sure tomorrow (I am posting my own thoughts first at 0200 on 8/1/08) I will have some reactions (and maybe a visual image or two) to edit in.

Letter from - and to - Home

I've been some hard thinking about organizations over the last week. I'm drafting a post now, but I had to put this up today. The title is from the middle piece of the Cadets 1991 show. That song gets me all emotional, sometimes nearly making me cry. (Friends tell me they cried throughout the entire show, but I think it was for different reasons!)

After I had been blogging a bit, I came across a book called "The Last Lecture" by a computer science professor named Randy Pausch. Don't be deceived - the title may sound depressing, but the book is really upbeat! When Randy found out he had pancreatic cancer, he re-focused his life, moved his family, geared up for the fight, but still found time to return to Carnegie Mellon University to give the traditional last lecture, the original source of the book.

If you don't know about it, stop reading after this paragraph and come back later ... after you take about 75 minutes to view this video.

----- ----- -----

This morning I will climb on an airplane for a quick trip to the Big Easy. I fully expect Southwest Airlines to bring me home tonight, so I'm not about to get weepy. But I do need to say, to my family at home (and not at home) ... I am on the plane today to do something I do pretty well with the hope of being able to help you pursue your dreams.

Family is so, so important. It's all that's left where there is nothing but Bones (right, Crossmen and Alumni?). When things are turbulent in your life, as this last week was for me, family keeps you going.

This is a mid-season thank you drum corps families, too, for what you are doing for your kids. I would talk about it during my time with Carolina Crown, but I haven't lived the experience of turning your kids over to a group for 2-3 months (3 weeks was about it for us!) and holding your breath every night as they move about the country. And you paid for the privilege!

And this is a pre-season thank you band families. Our band director has this right: this is the last 4 years you get to spend with your kid. These are neat years in their growth and development, so you better make it count, because you will never, ever, get it that time back.

I was thinking about the irony here. How often has music been a generational divisor at home? "Turn that down!" "How can you listen to that junk?!"

But then there is band and drum corps. This is the music that brings generations together. And that just just way too cool ...

----- ----- -----

Randy Pausch died late last week. He didn't get to see his kids achieve their childhood dreams. But he definitely laid the groundwork for that. I'm going to keep trying to do that myself. Maybe you should do so, too.

Finally - Friday Night Lights! (A Review of the DCI Masters in Murfreesboro)

This week it was Friday Night Lights at the DCI Masters in Murfreesboro, Tennessee!

This is my first actual show of the season, and my first chance to attend this "Top 8" event. And, for the first time in this blog, I'll publish a Review that I have given to friends via e-mail. This will be fun, too, as I include comments by my oldest son, who offers his perspective as a (near) 16 year old band member. I call him "MP" as in Mellophone Player!

There are a lot of good seats in this venue. We sat in Club level seats, but if I had to do it again I’d come down to section RR, between rows 15-20. That is just high enough to see, but just close enough for impact.

Performing first were the Blue Knights. MP noticed three drum majors. I noticed – the “band”. The performance was … good. There were nice BK/Ron Nelson licks with the signature silks ("Amazing Grace" was nice and colorful) and some well-done drill, but to me the design was a guard show with horns. MP said 8^th, and as did I with an 86-87. That was generous. The judges gave an 84.400.

After this show I corrected MP’s slip of the purist tongue when he called BK a band. He has been to shows before, but really this was the first time I think he was being discerning. I said, however, that it was my opinion that he had seen “A good band, but not a good corps.” “How so?” he asked. “Just keep watching.” We didn’t have to wait long.

Santa Clara Vanguard brought “3hree: Mind, Body and Soul” to the field. The concept was well integrated and executed, musically and visually. Opening with challenging music and drill and some cool visual tricks with the uniform (mind), they phased into a more aggressive segment with a lot of kinetic movement (body) and then closed with driving yet emotional music (soul). MP got the difference in design and execution.

I had not seen SCV in a while, and it was cool to explain some of the traditions that link the shows. MP’s favorite show he has marched is “Phantom of the Opera”, and we saw traditions connecting 2008 with 1988. I said 5^th with a 91 (.3!), and MP said 6^th. The judges did not share our view – 7^th with 87.475.

The Bluecoats neatly integrated their show into the warm up and Brandt Crocker’s introduction. But they didn’t’ deliver "The Knockout" they were hoping for, because part way through a show heavily dependent on narration, the sound system failed, exposing a weakness in a show that could no longer carry under its own musical and visual power. A single engine fly-over during the choral voices didn’t help. MP commented on the battery’s (particularly the bass drums) integration into the visual boxing ring, saying, “I thought that was unique.” We said 7^th, but the judges said 6th, scoring 88.200 (to my 90).

Unlike SCV’s thematic execution, this Blue (the only one missing tonight was the Stars!) made you focus too much on the boxer, afraid you would miss something, with the end result being that you probably did anyway. By contrast, you keep looking all over the field to see how SCV brings 3hree to you in a new way. I guess that’s my “GE” bias showing; I’m sure the technical aspects are showing up in the recap.

I saw the Cadets practice live, and was looking forward to the performance. However, this seemed "off" from what I had watched earlier this month (see July 6th post). Extensive rewrites were apparent as the script, music, visuals and colors seemed disconnected right from the start. Mr. Crocker even seemed confused (as opposed to when he introduced the Bluecoats) and I think the audience felt the same throughout the first half of the show. By the time the corps clicked (“snapped?!”) into gear with the “Wall Street” section the audience had changed from WCDT to another station, reflected in the flat reaction at the end. The wink was a nice addition, but I almost missed it as there were two focal points. Are the Cadets trying to do too much? I don’t think so. But they have to sort out what they are trying to do. I said 6^th with 91, MP 5^th. The judges about agreed; 5^th with a 90.825.

I really anticipated the Phantom Regiment’s "Spartacus" (see May 7) and I was not disappointed! Sometimes we are let down when something we remember nostalgically (1982, my first show ever) is not relived. Phantom didn’t try to recreate so much as reinvent the show. The design innovations of the last 25 years were clear, and I sense more (color?!) is coming in the next two weeks. This show has not peaked!

MP really got into the show, seeing the difference in design and execution. “I am Spartacus!” he shouted! So did I, and we agreed on a 4^th place and 92. The judges, it turned out, said 3^rd with a 93.200.

And if they were third, and that means Carolina Crown was 4^th. But having been there at the start of the corps 19 years ago, they are always first in my heart! When I heard the on the phone show (see July 6th) I could not quite see where the visual would be going. Now, with the total package, it was just a lot of fun – a classic with a nice twist!

But, okay, maybe fun like cotton candy. Tastes great, associated with nice memories, but not really filling. Regardless, the fans ate it up like, well, cotton candy. MP and I talked about how they followed the classic emotional ride: start and build, slow a bit (the brass choir in the "Clair de Lune" classic with a "West Side Story" twist was angelic and crystal clear), then push on to an “up” finish. I said 3^rd with a 92.5, MP said 2^nd, and the judges said 4^th at 92.625. I didn’t think Phantom Regiment had caught them tonight, but I won’t disagree with the placement.

But, when fans down front unrolled big banner with the words “Oh Yeah Baby!” you had to agree. MP, biased toward all things Carolina, especially this corps, said “I definitely loved it! I loved the way they incorporated 'Finis' into everything they do, such as the ripples where everyone was doing the same thing until it got to the end, where they do something just a bit different!” Yup. He's catching on.

The "Green Machine" took an abstract concept and made it work. It wasn’t a distinct story but a clear theme, Samauri, and was very engaging. I found the audio effects fascinating, but MP said, “The best part was the drill, with the body work and the jumping. I can’t wait to see them again!” I didn't quite feel the same way, but I still said 2^nd with a 93.5. MP said 1^st, and the judges put the second place score at 93.275, a sliver above.

If I say a show was “conventional yet unique” you’d probably say, “That’s absurd!” That’s the Blue Devils, with their absurdity show. Again, an abstract concept well executed, with visual “sparks” throughout. “I don’t know,” said MP, “I liked the guard and the sticks.” But during the performance he whispered a thought to me that showed me his appreciation of how the corps uses the “sound of silence”.

At the end, before the scores were announced, MP said that we should rank the corps that really got people out of their seats. That was great way to think about the show! I said Phantom Regiment, SCV, Carolina Crown and the Cavaliers. MP agreed with 1 and 4, but thought Crown was above Vanguard. (What a homer!)

... ...

We get to see six of the top 12 again in a few days in West Chester, and I will offer thoughts on that show as well as my final live-in-the-stadium event of 2008, Westminister. Is this what was meant by, "Go west, young man!" I hope so!

Hey, but if you haven't been able to get to a show yet, never fear! Click on the link below! And if you don't get to that, never fear. It will be reviewed too!

This post brought to you by the letter "E"

I was taught that efficiency is doing things right, and effectiveness is doing the right thing. What I just learned, however, is that efficiency is clean, and effectiveness can be quite messy. I learned this watching the Cadets rehearse last week.

The rehearsal, in the rain, was controlled chaos. And having been on tour with corps in the past, I can tell you that any drum corps moving down the road is. It wasn't "efficient", and inefficient is expensive. But in the end, in the art form we call drum corps, will sticking to the efficient at the expense of the effective elevate the corps? (How many "e" words was that?!)

I read in the Saturday/Sunday edition of the Wall Street Journal two other e-words used to describe movies (particularly "Wall*E"): entertaining, and enthralling. Some of this may apply to this weekend's results as well, with the "upset" win (if you can call what I think is an earned win an "upset") of Carolina Crown over the Cadets.

Certainly the Cadets are not without controversy. I think that comes with being on the leading edge of the activity. Looking over shows from 1980 to the present in the All Access feature of their website, they have not so much as pushed the drum corps activity than pulled it along. I always loved the long left behind slogan of "Tradition:Innovation" (and the upward G arrow logo from the Garfield days)!

Carolina Crown, on the other hand, is playing it (somewhat) safe - familiar tunes, but done very, very well. I haven't seen (but have heard!) the show, admittedly, but I wonder how this year's efficient entertainment compare to last year's "Triple Crown", which was to me effective enthrallment? Maybe not, but at this point the judges and the fans are saying it beats effective entertainment (or non-entertainment, if you feel that way about narration!). Certainly, though, the two leading corps seem to be producing what they generally do: effective enthrallment!

It is certainly a new matrix for back-of-the-envelope judging. Maybe now my "how hard is it to do what they did" and "how well did they do it" needs to be adapted.

I am looking forward to seeing how this next week shakes out as the corps converge on my birth-town, San Antonio. I am eager to see them in Murfreesboro! This year may bring some excitement after all!

... and the Pursuit of Happiness

It's July 4th (or Independence Day) weekend, and the Cadets stopped by Maryland today in their pursuit of happiness. I pursued some happiness, too, I guess - I went to watch ensemble rehearsal (in the rain*). I marvel at the specialness of those ordinary young men and women who dedicate hours to perfecting "something".

After watching, I am eager to see the result of the work I witnessed. It was messy work**, I hope that readers can appreciate that working for something makes achieving it so much better.

Sometimes things seem to be so easy that we just "phone it in." Maybe some can do that and be successful. I don't know, though. Where is the satisfaction in that? Is that the pursuit of happiness, no matter what we do? We tend to phone in so much - parenting, voting, working, relationships.

The ensemble was not a full run though, but I got a nice appreciation for what they are attempting to do. I look forward to seeing what comes from this pursuit.

P.S. Hey, Hoppy ... the Zone was a few years ago ... ;)

Audio sampling

"My corps" did phone it in last night, though. Well, kind of! My neighbor is in the Jersey Surf, and his Mom called me as Carolina Crown took the field so I could listen. Technology is great, but limited, yet it was nice to get my first listen of the competitive season.

I had been told that the show was good but "something" was missing, and listening as best as a I could I noticed it, too. I think it is the familiarity ... we are imposing something on the show that isn't there or isn't meant to be there. It's still early, however ... way early.

* Overheard: "How is life on the road?" "It's been good. Just wet. Everywhere."
** Watch for a future post on an insight on efficiency and effectiveness.

Drum corps season is here!

“For those who understand, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t understand, no explanation is possible.”

It is starting now in Toledo - and in 1/2 hour in Rockford! From time to time I have shared with a small circle of friends a review of the drum corps shows (performance, venues, audiences!) I attend. So now I go public with my musings - but mostly from afar until I can see with my own ears what is on the field on July 12 (maybe) or July 25 (for sure!). Stay tuned!

It's the stupid economy

I am blessed now with a stable job and - although it is tight - I still have the ability to afford a few things this summer that others cannot ... like band camp fees, tickets to drum corps shows, and gasoline to get there and back. For that I am very grateful.

However, I wonder how tickets are going, I wonder if corps are going, and a lot of this is heartburn caused by gas ... gas being up 33% in one year. I would think not only drum corps, but band booster organizations planning trips are faced with skyrocketing costs.

I write knowing that in some circles things are not going well - tickets are indeed dragging in some places. Weather issues are probably compounding things, especially the floods in the midwest.

So if you read this blog from various points throughout the summer, come back or e-mail and tell me how it's going out there.

In the meantime ... here is something I will do. I don't know if you subscribe to Halftime magazine. In an online world, print still works for me! Anyway, here is the deal. If you subscribe to Halftime ($10!) by going through this blog, they will donate $1 to the "Saturday Night Lights Blog" gas fund.

Because I remember drum corps economics, though, there is a catch. I love the top corps ... I really do! But ... the gas fund will go to the non-top 8 corps that logs the most miles this summer. No, this is not an incentive to finish outside the coveted Masters of the Summer Music Games positions! But its a chance to help out the corps that isn't quite top tier in revenues.

So to subscribe and donate, follow this tiny link.

https://musemedia.magazinemanager.com/subscribe/subscribeOnlineMuseMedia.asp?source=SaturdayNightLights

Want to know more about Halftime? Click below!

Moving Pictures

It's getting closer to the start of the season! I'm getting my schedule ready for live shows, but it is going to be mid- to late-July before I actually get to see one. So far it looks like Murfreesboro, West Chester, and Westminster for this year's reviews. I'd like to squeeze in a few more, but right now I"m not so sure.

Until then, I'll have to settle for moving pictures. Not wanting to see repeats, however, I found this website to be intriguing. Maybe you will, too, until your summer begins!

World History and other subjects

Last week was finals week, which meant after a whirlwind weekend seeing my beautiful "daughter" married off it was helping my oldest boys prepare for their exams and papers. One of the subjects we reviewed together was for world history, particularly more recent (1800s and on) history.

The study of history is really the study of change, and change is often the result of conflict. Sometimes it is conflict among peoples, but often it is conflict among ideas. (Maybe even ideas values and tradition!)

As we quizzed and drilled for a final exam, the following musicals came to mind ...

The King and I
The Sound of Music
Pacific Overtures
Evita
Caberet
Fiddler on the Roof
Nixon in China
Miss Saigon
Big River (this for English 10!)

Not all of these I was introduced to by band, or even in my high school years. But as we quizzed I found myself singing a few lyrics, and I wondered how much easier the topics would have been for me if I had associated the story with a musical during my high school years! (And High School itself is now a musical!!)

Speaking of musicals, my oldest son's 2008 field show was officially announced - yet another story surrounding events of world history - "Les Miserables." And if that isn't enough, that means during my son's time he will have performed three shows from the vintage year 1989 ... Phantom Regiment's "New World Symphony", Santa Clara Vanguard's "Phantom of the Opera," and now the Cadets! (Hmm. What of the remaining 9 from 1989 finalists would I choose for 2009?!)

Is the fact that shows come from one year ironic (English term!) in and of itself, or is it also made ironic that the field trip made that year by a small group of people from Charlotte to Kansas City was not to celebrate the end of a vintage season (another "finals week!"), but to kick off of the next step in the evolution of the then Charlotte Drum Corps Association - Carolina Crown!