Disappearer221

I was a participant (as a percussionist) at the International Festival Institute at Roundtop for two summers. Those summers gave me some of the best memories of my life so far, right up there with my summer of drum corps. I learned a whole lot from Tony Edwards and Tom Burritt, and the orchestra is absolutely top notch. The audition is very competitive, and they dont take anybody under 18. I say go for it, the audition rep list is basic, but at the same time very comprehensive. The audition for Roundtop is much more competitive than the Aspen audition, because Roundtop usually only takes 5 percussion players, as opposed to the 20 or so needed to staff all the orchestras at Aspen. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

I didnt think that was on the PML...

I dont think a single band in this state has it "dropped in their lap." It doesnt matter how good the design, teaching or feeders are, greatness cannot be achieved without blood, sweat and tears from the students.

There were only 2 people from the Reagan Drumline there actually... Alot of the best programs in Texas each had a handful of players there though. The level of instruction these kids recieve at their high school programs compared to many other states is going to be one of the things that really makes the Crossmen special this year. In my opinion, there was enough talent at the first camp to make 3 entire amazing battery sections.

Bell 05 at the end of the show... Lux Aramque facing backfield... Amazing moment, always gives me goosebumps. What a sonority. Scott Dean's Double C at the end of his solo in the Sketches of Spain/Rodrigo concerto movement of Blue Devils 03... so emotional. Another one of my favorite moments. And definitely several moments in Reagan 03 and 05. That design team places hits so masterfully in context.

Some great videos of the Churchill and Bowie Percussion Sections can be found Here. Enjoy some Texas drummers representing well...

Nice job with the self hype... But Seriously, I just checked out all the vicfirth vids, and there were some lines drummin' for sure up in Indy.

I personally never judge a band from a backfield read...

My favorite "deception" in the show was one of the subtle ones... near the end of the 2nd movement the brass have a chord with a little crescendo on it, and the trumpets mimic like their in on it with a slight move up to the box. Only when their horns come down, you realize that their horns were backwards. Cool little effect.

Cmon. How about a little more class guys.

Calling a UIL Judge an "****" on this forum is a very immature, unprofessional thing to do, and reflects badly on yourself and on your band program. Remember that judging is always going to be a little bit subjective, such is the nature of music. Im sure the judge had his reasons for the placement, and Im sure that he has the resume to give some weight to his opinion.

All of the 5A's at Alamo Stadium Tonight recieved 1's except for Highlands I believe.

Hmm... Fire Garden Suite by Steve Vai? A little BD 97 in the works?

"My only beef with the shows were that there were hardly any major swing sections and high squealers, and the pits. Almost every single pit was amped. " I dont understand what you have against an amplified front ensemble. Amplification allows the instrument to be played how it is meant to be played, with a dark, characteristic sound quality instead of the bright, harsh overplaying that had to be done to cut through a horn line unamplified. Also, the best front ensembles have become much less xylophone heavy due to amplification. Again, adding to the beautiful, balanced tone quality that the best pits are putting out now with amps. Xylophone is now being used more as a special effect. So coming from a former DCI front ensemble member, and current front ensemble teacher, amps are a god-send that allow us to play beautifully instead of harshly.

Looks like revo is taking the highest scores in div 3 right now... rock on Texas!