Moose

Here is an entry by George Hopkins from this web site http://www.livejournal.com/users/yeaguy/ In it he explains why the cadets aren't finished with the show and explains a little bit about the program. http://www.livejournal.com/users/yeaguy/ Well ... the show not being complete is costing the Cadets points. In addition, the "STORY" is not being communicated, therein adding to more confusion. The problem ... we have 6 shows in seven days, and four clinics scheduled, PLUS --- miles and miles to travel, so ... it is a bit difficult. Step #1 --- Finish Jeff Sacktig is finishing the drill now. We are to teach Tuesday with the full visual program being performed Wednesday in Fort Mill, SC. The guard will take a few days to catch up, as will the performance ... so, we expect a solid portrayal in Orlando. Comment --- I said on May 27th I would not get upset if we were not finished and I am holding to my promise. I would love that we be complete but, with winter guard and indoor percussion, the lack of staff time at rehearsals in the Spring .. well, it catches up to you. Add in a three week spring training and it is tough to get the final product on the field. In 2006, The Cadets will not come out for Toledo. We will begin at least one weeek later. Step #2 -- Uniforms, Silks etc. There is a good deal of finger pointing ... Bottom Line ... we do not have the "stuff". We received the guard uniforms Saturday but without a critical component. We are hoping for arrival Wednesday. As for the silks, we have one set in --- the water silks --- we look for the others before the end of the week. The process of photo transferring digital images to the uniforms aned silks is timely, and a bit costly. The jury is out on the advantage and effect of such. We shall see. I am meeting with the production company Saturday in hopes of becoming a distributor of the product to bands. Time will tell. Step #3 -- the Story Marc and I have been talking. The story of DREAMSCAPES .... four dreams ... is not clear. We are making changes to make it clear. The issues have to do with focus ... that is, getting people to look where we want them to look. This is not easy without lights or other theatrical tools. Indeed, a few times cool drill has pulled the eyes of the audience to the wrong side of the field. We are correcting now. Marc also has too much detail. We need to make sure the show lives on different levels. We need to make sure the one time viewer can get it, as can the ten time viewer who has the time to read in a bit. Here is how a hack drummer like me sees it -- The show is about a young girl .... and her dreams. In her dream - She is walking down the street (Kill Bill Whistle). She comes to an address ( the door) and gets sucked into THE ZONE. (think Twilight Zone) - She comes back out ... dressed for rain ... she is in a different place. (LIQUID) - Watch for the waterfall, the whirlpool, the umbrella, the showerhead, the fish -- IMAGES ARE US As dreams go they move with little sense. - Through the door she goes and out as a princess. She is part of a mid-svil chess match. (DANCER) Note the chess pieces on the guard, check out the flag, see the black and white, see the chess game as the percussion moves about then backs out. Listen to the two themes --- two levels of thinking --- the dichotomy that exists in color and sound. And then onto the factory (INDUTRIAL ®evolution. - Machine shop noises - All is automated ... - but where did the wrap come from - where did the broadway jam come from - and what happened to the ending? think DREAM --- not complete ... transitions staggered and unclear ... And finally --- FALSE MIRRORS (Same music) Our girl see herself with umbrella, as princess, and as construction worker. Who is who and what is what? She runs, she is frightened ... the corps is a maize. But ... how does it all end? Theme from the Zone ... and .. well ... keep your eyes on the door. The Cadets have a great corps ... percussion, brass and guard are all strong. We are getting beatup for making mistakes, and at this juncture there is little credit for the demand. 196 tempo for 3 minutes in the opener 200 in the closer Crazy difficulty It appears to not much matter, but then we are not done ... not a good thing. I have great faith in this show. It is exciting. It is cool. It is different. And --- it is a little confusing... but ... give it time. I feel for Gino and the brass line. This is the best ensemble I can remember ... but ... well, let's just say evaluations do not always evaluate what you do, and how you do it. It is a challenge .. and not all in the adjudication committee are comfortble early in the year. We will need to perform to a higer degree of excellence ... and then, perhaps, we will gain some credit for the WHAT. My view ... the days of being credited for WHAT, for taking on the new ... for RISK ... well, those days are not all that alive today. But ... that's just my view. We have our work cut out for us. Monday --- Evansville. Tuesday -- Clinic in Tenn. Wednesday -- Fort Mill Thursdy -- Powder Springs Friday -- Reh in Orlando Sat -- Orlando Sun -- Reh in Orlando Mon -- day off at the parks and laundry. See ya

I will be there, and I am planning on writing a review so you wont feel left out if you cant go.

Children under 2 are free strictly for throwing on to the field purposes

Its too early, but from what i know/have heard, I am (sadly) predicting that the cavies take it again. But i wouldnt count out The devs, Cadets, Vanguard, or even the bluecoats.... Go Bloooooo!

What a thug... you have a very aggressive taste in music.

oh yea, 2001 is my favorite, tied with the "old school" 2004.

Who is it and why? I am a huge Santa Clara Vanguard fan. They are the classiest drum corps, and everything about them is intense. I love the dark and mysterious feeling that they give.

Cadets or Crown Front Ensemble.

The door in the cadets show looks like a closet....and why are the glassmen sprawled out on the turf?

HOPEFULLY.....i will be able to try out this fall, but for now i will just enjoy watching...