Who's gonna win the DCI world championships?

[MtMike]

So, with Drum Corps finals coming up in a month, who's gonna take it? Anyone seen any shows? Will it be bluedevils, can Phantom complete it's turnaround?

[Auriaprottu]

I used to live for this stuff back in the 80s, but I haven't been paying attention for about ten years now. There's at least one BigSoccer member who is actually a corps alum (Trooper Bari). I hope either the Blue Devils or Phantom wins, but the championships usually aren't until mid-August, IIRC. Thanks for reminding me to put a link to DCI in my Guestbook.

BTW, why didn't you put this in Music? Yes, it's competition, but it's musical competition. It'd probably get more attention there.

[Eric B]

I used to live for this stuff back in the 80s, but I haven't been paying attention for about ten years now.

Same here. I did try out for the bass drum line of the Velvet Knights back in my penulitmate year in college (rather half-assedly, though), but that was about my last foray into my marching geekdom

BTW, why didn't you put this in Music? Yes, it's competition, but it's musical competition. It'd probably get more attention there.Hey, if Curt Gowdy commented on it, it's sport! :)

[soccernutter]

Moved

[La China Poblana]

My brother was a Cavalier Cadet, and when I was in high school, I had friends in Phantom and the Cavs. One summer, when my brother was on tour, they made a record (yeah, it was that long ago) at Niagra Falls. I'm sure he'd never tell his friends, but he still watches the DCI Championships.

[Ringo]

I went to these one year back in high school. good times.

what was the one corp that used to not take things seriously? they didn't wear traditional uniforms, their drum majors had a funny salute, IIRC they just sort of scattered onto the field instead of marching in. anybody remember who i'm talking about?

[La China Poblana]

My guess would be Santa Clara Vanguard. They've always had an "irreverent" vibe. I remember one year where the band wore multi-colored Chuck Taylors, and the drum majors began their salute from lawn chairs.

[Eric B]

what was the one corp that used to not take things seriously? they didn't wear traditional uniforms, their drum majors had a funny salute, IIRC they just sort of scattered onto the field instead of marching in. anybody remember who i'm talking about?That sounds like Velvet Knights, from Orange County. It wasn't that they weren't serious (their motto was "We may be funny but we ain't no joke"), they were just trying to convey the laid-back Southern California image.

Their heyday was about the mid 80's when they had a sting of finishes in the second six, but they stopped making it to the finals by the late 80's and I believe they folded by the mid 90's. I'm not sure if there is a top full sized corps in SoCal anymore.

[Auriaprottu]

I went to these one year back in high school. good times.

what was the one corp that used to not take things seriously? they didn't wear traditional uniforms, their drum majors had a funny salute, IIRC they just sort of scattered onto the field instead of marching in. anybody remember who i'm talking about?

I'm thinking either the 80s Velvet Knights, or the early 80s Bridgemen (I'm not sure they're around anymore). Their uniforms looked like yellow raincoats with a "B" on them, and they wore big black hats that flopped down in front.

[Ringo]

My guess would be Santa Clara Vanguard. They've always had an "irreverent" vibe. I remember one year where the band wore multi-colored Chuck Taylors, and the drum majors began their salute from lawn chairs.

this is who I was thinking of. thanks!

[UncleSam527]

Carolina Crown will win the whole thing methinks. Actually, I haven't followed it much yet, but my best friend is in Carolina Crown (I could have tried out w/ him, but had no monies) and I know a lot of their staff so I will root for them.

[TrooperBari]

what was the one corp that used to not take things seriously? they didn't wear traditional uniforms, their drum majors had a funny salute, IIRC they just sort of scattered onto the field instead of marching in. anybody remember who i'm talking about?

That would be the Velvet Knights. A kooky bunch of SoCal cats that could play with anyone, but could never take themselves seriously enough to contend. Their drill scores were always subpar, which isn't entirely surprising since there was no drill - just choreography.

They took over the "fun corps" mantle when the Bridgemen went away **sniff** and when VK folded, some of their staff and all of their spirit went into a new corps called Impulse.

[TrooperBari]

I must say I'm stunned that DCI actually agreed to have Finals west of the Mississippi. Seems like forever since the last time that's happened.

As someone said, I am a Troopers alum and I'll be in Denver for at least the quarterfinals. My little brother is marching Troop this year and the indicators saying this might be the year for a semis breakthrough.

[Scoey]

I must say I'm stunned that DCI actually agreed to have Finals west of the Mississippi. Seems like forever since the last time that's happened.

As someone said, I am a Troopers alum and I'll be in Denver for at least the quarterfinals. My little brother is marching Troop this year and the indicators saying this might be the year for a semis breakthrough.

Looking at things to date, I don't think semis are a realistic possibility this year. But it doesn't matter. He'll have awesome memories anyway.

Are you and I the only drum corps alumni on Bigsoccer, Trooper? I'm sure there are more...

If you guys want to seriously geek out and get your drum corps fix, surf around http://www.dci.org/allaccess, and you can check out some video clips from some of the shows from last year. And if you check out the dci.org store, you can download performances from this year.

[TrooperBari]

Looking at things to date, I don't think semis are a realistic possibility this year. But it doesn't matter. He'll have awesome memories anyway.

Are you and I the only drum corps alumni on Bigsoccer, Trooper? I'm sure there are more...

If you guys want to seriously geek out and get your drum corps fix, surf around http://www.dci.org/allaccess, and you can check out some video clips from some of the shows from last year. And if you check out the dci.org store, you can download performances from this year.

I was wondering where the hell you were. :p

Are semis out of the question? I'm not so sure ... their score jumped eight points in three days, so something must have clicked. Either that or the DCW judges got exported to Atlanta.

As far as I know, you and I are the only corps alumni out here. Drum corps and soccer - we double-dip our subculture.

[Scoey]

As far as I know, you and I are the only corps alumni out here. Drum corps and soccer - we double-dip our subculture.

Speaking of which: http://www.capitalregiment.org/aim/ It's almost too good to be true.

[scottinkc]

Are you and I the only drum corps alumni on Bigsoccer, Trooper? I'm sure there are more...



I marched with Phantom Regiment from 85-88, but since I've been out I don't really follow it that much. I couldn't even tell you how the Regiment is doing this year.

I always liked the Troopers, who did you march with Scoey? (or did you already say it and I missed it?)

[TrooperBari]

I marched with Phantom Regiment from 85-88, but since I've been out I don't really follow it that much. I couldn't even tell you how the Regiment is doing this year.

I always liked the Troopers, who did you march with Scoey? (or did you already say it and I missed it?)

You marched PR? Badass! They are one of my favorite corps and the first show I ever did was New World Symphony a la PR 1989. We never could quite get the horn line to get that "taking a bath in chocolate" effect.

I think Scoey was with the Marauders way back in the day.

[scottinkc]

Hey TrooperBari, congrats on Troopers making top 25. Was this considered a successful season for you then? I long for the days when Troopers were top 12 contenders.

As for Cavies, phew. Their shows have always looked the same to me.

I read in our local paper that Sky Riders have been based in Kansas City now for several years, although I haven't heard of them until now. They're mostly a parade corps, I guess. Shame, I always liked them, too (That jazz version of Home on the range was awsome (sorry, probably before your time))

[Ringo]

That would be the Velvet Knights.

nope, it was the santa clara vanguard I was thinking of in this case, but thanks for the help all the same. :)

I always liked the blue devils ... and I heard rumors that they're headquartered in concord, ca, mere blocks from where I sit right now. are they still good? I haven't followed DCI since the early 90s.

I actually quit my first job because I couldn't get the day off for DCI .... screw Kmart.