<p>So many of these threads involve negative, sad, or unfortunate circumstances. And those are certaintly times that bring us all together (and sometimes drive us apart).<br>
But - sometimes - nice thing go unnoticed.</p>
<p>This past weekend - thousands of young men and women (and their families) descended upon Indianapolis, IN for the Drum Corps International (DCI) finals competition. On Thursday - over 40 (not sure of the exact number) of drum and bugle corps performed. Big and small - they were all out there giving their best. Even though the smaller corps don’t have the name recognition or audience draw that the bigger corps have - they are still out there giving their all, and I really enjoyed watching those shows. The hard work and enthusiasm was so evident. On Friday, the top 25 corps competed for a spot in the top 12 - who competed on Saturday night.</p>
<p>For the most part, the top 12 were a “given.” But one group - the Crossmen from San Antonio - beat the odds and moved up a notch to make it into the top 12! This was the first time in 8 years that the Crossmen made it to the finals - and the crowd went wild! I will also mention that soccerguy315 - who often posts here - marched with the Crossmen for 2 years. And, having watched the show - I was thrilled they made it.</p>
<p>For us - this was our son’s 2nd year as a mellophone player with the Madison Scouts (an organization that will be celebrating its 75th anniversary next year), and once again the Scouts were in the finals. What a thrill! Yes, it’s fabulous watching your own child out there, but it is also just phenomenal to watch all these young people (ages 15-21) out on the field, treating the audience in Lucas Oil Stadium to some fabulous entertainment.</p>
<p>Here is a YouTube video of the Madison Scouts from Saturday night.
Note: soccerguy315 - couldn’t find a decent video of the Crossmen. If you find one - please post it! They were great fun!</p>
<p>Now that the drum corps season is over, these young men and women will be going back to their high school and college bands. Cheer them on when you have a chance. Yes, they are increcibly talented, but their dedication, commitment, hard work, and love for music really makes it all worthwhile.</p>
<p>drum corps is awesome! if any parents on the board have kids in HS marching programs, you should definitely check it out! At least see if there is a show near you next summer!</p>
<p>I know a girl who works for the Madison Scouts. She is always posting pictures on Facebook from their various summer trips and practices. Also, when I was in Whitewater, WI a couple years ago there was a big competition at UWW which included groups such as the Scouts and the Calgary Stampede…</p>
<p>Singersmomm07 - Glad your D and S saw it in the theatre. Boy - it was a MESS Thursday night in Indy. My son managed to get back to the bus and change and get into the stadium just before the huge storm hit. And when a break finally came (about 11 pm) - he headed back to the busses and we scooted off to our hotel. I know my DH HATES indoor drum corps shows, but I was so glad we were inside!!</p>
<p>I heard that the storm messed up the “feed” to the theatres and that they had to replay a couple of performances at the end.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link, soccerguy315. I reallly enjoyed their show.</p>
<p>The storm did disrupt their feed and they got vouchers for another show. But they had seen a lot before then and were satisfied, except for the audience. S1 is over 30 but still loves marching band, he was in Penn State’s Blue Band. DD is graduated from college and is still fond of it, although she only did color guard in HS. There was a theater full of HS students and parents who were loud and obnoxious, like they were in the stadium, but worse. It did kind of ruin some of the enjoyment.</p>
<p>LOL! Now that my son has his “chops” in prime working order - he heads to Blue Band auditions next week. Altho, he does need to practice on his trumpet, since he’s been playing mellophone all summer.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear about the obnoxious folks. Can’t escape them. For the most part, the people around us were well behaved, but we had pretty price tickets - so mainly parents and corps alumni.</p>
<p>I’m old enough to remember a time when drum corps was all male and all white, when some said that racial and gender integration would be the death of drum corps. Well, so glad they were wrong!</p>
<p>missypie - we were talking about the “old” days when there were all girl corps. Now, the only remaining all male corps are Madison and the Cavaliers. </p>
<p>And I like that there is a big international following, as well. Madison had a couple of kids from Japan, 1 or 2 from the UK, and my son’s best pal was from the Netherlands.</p>
<p>Gee, this brings back memories. When I was in HS marching band, we performed at lot of exhibitions at drum corps competitions in the midwest. We marched “drum corps style” but as a band couldn’t compete and there weren’t as many band competitions as there were drum corps. We usually played at the end before they announced the results. Often performed where Madison Scouts and Cavaliers were competing. Many…many years ago.</p>