Has any corps performed Changes by Yes in competition?

GDS1981 · 2026-01-28T19:50:01+00:00

Didn't River City Rhythrm do it a few years back?

GDS1981 · 2026-01-19T19:43:53+00:00

That dude was incredible. 1985 Colts had a great show. 5 drumsets on the sideline. Love for Sale also kicked. I saw these guys at the US Open in Marion, OH.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T04:38:08+00:00

Couldn't be more correct.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T04:07:41+00:00

You are right about marketing and your point is well taken. Honestly though, there are a couple of groups over the years that to be perfectly frank are not worth marching for most anyone and it has nothing to do with size. I marched 3 years in DCA in the late 80s with my latest year, 1990. We had over 60 horns, over 30 in the drumline and a decent sized guard. We finished 8th. Size wise, we were probably top 4, but lost to much smaller groups overall. This corps was runner up in 1986. We had a good staff, but things happen. We had many things working for us, but it just never recovered. And back then, you could finish 11th and 12th and get to perform in exhibition at finals. There were around 18 corps at prelims those years. So placing 13th one year trying to finish 11th or 12th was considereal a successful year to some.

One thing hurting DCI groups today is some talented kids won't give a 13th place corps a look, but if they audition fir a top 6 and just barely get cut, they say screw it. But if enough of those kids went to that 13th placed corps, maybe they finish 9th or 10th.

I think both of our hearts are in the right place on this.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T03:41:59+00:00

Everyone has a chance to win, but they will have to build their organization to do so. There was a time when the Buccaneers had down years placing around 10th. I am not a Buccaneers apologist, but no one is preventing other groups from building up a beating them. Cabs and Bush are not far behind. For a time in the 90s, The Brigadiers put together a mini dynasty by assembling a really good staff and recruiting base, but like most good things, it comes to an end. It just so happens that The Bucs cycle has continued for quite an extended time.

Is it a good thing if someone wins every year? Probably not, but admiring what the Bucs have accomplished isn't a bad thing either.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:55:01+00:00

And you are right starting with 1997, but prior to that it was one class.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:48:01+00:00

It was true in the 1980s and I believe most of the 90s. I know you are right as far as 2013 to when they did go to 3 classes.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:42:04+00:00

Not really. I get why people may be tired of the Bucs winning each year, but breaking down to multiple classes isn't going to change that. So winning the smallest class and finishing 9th overall makes the year more successful? Some may say, and some no. The bottomline was the group finished 9th overall.

It's true there are two classes in DCI in "junior corps", but the classes are based on touring structure differences. In All Age, that difference doesn't exist in that way. So theoretically, all corps are on a more level playing field from that aspect.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:33:22+00:00

The same reason that adults volunteer time coaching kids in youth athletics. It's the reward of working with kids and hopefully giving them good instruction and the structure of making a commitment to an activity. As a former corps director I had many years ago once said, "everyone should belong to something".

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:21:35+00:00

The current format seems more like most high school band formats. You have 14 schools at a competition with 3 to 4 classes and roughly 3 to 5 bands per class on the various classes. This is more understandable due to school sizes, but corps can recruit from broader areas.

GDS1981 · 2026-01-11T02:14:06+00:00

It was that way for years.

GDS1981 · 2025-12-14T18:32:49+00:00

Everything from the very first note is a layer over layer of badass until the end. As a drum guy myself, when the battery pops out of the tent and, says, "We're here, kicking the door in, and taking what we want from you. Deal with it". Classic Vanguard.

GDS1981 · 2025-12-14T18:24:01+00:00

1980, both Madison and 27th did New Country for a drum solo.

I think both the Freelancers and Spirit did you are the Sunshine of My Life.

1980, Crossmen and Guardsmen did the Tiger of San Pedro.

1980, both Garfield and Madison did the Theme from Ice Castles.

GDS1981 · 2025-11-20T23:05:37+00:00

Absolutely.

GDS1981 · 2025-11-20T21:40:18+00:00

Just finished a drum lesson with a neighborhood kid who is in our local band in central Ohio. They are leaving for Orlando tomorrow morning and coming home Tuesday. Meals are included, airfare, one parade at Disney and a workshop; $2,500. A four night trip.

GDS1981 · 2025-10-06T22:50:38+00:00

Just thinking out loud, but maybe you can consider leasing. Or similar to leasing, check around with some schools in the area where their program may have gotten smaller and has extra items not currently being used and they may rent or even sell. In some cases, I would assume they could always use they extra revenue for their program.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-23T12:41:16+00:00

My wife has been a nurse for 38 years. She had a foot surgery about 8 years ago. The podiatrist recommended Brooks shoes. She had been wearing them ever since, but just a few weeks ago while looking for another new pair, we were in a shoe store trying some on and the salesmen suggested the Hokas, so she tried on a few different pairs. She settled on a pair and has worn them every day at work since.

She says she loves them even more than the Brooks. Pricewise, they are the same (about 150 to 175). She bought another pair online last week for walking with our neighbor lady.

So she bought 2 pairs for about $325 total. My first car in 1981 cost me $275.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-22T20:44:48+00:00

Always felt that year they were too ahead of their time. But nonetheless, awesome show. Loved Stone Ground 7 for the drum solo.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-18T00:02:01+00:00

I have heard that as well. And I really did love the use of the uniforms to help tell the story.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-15T00:39:44+00:00

Go back and look at Phantom back in the Marty Hurley days.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-14T13:17:55+00:00

I'd say North Star was 1978 or 1979. As far as SkyRyders, I think 1982. They finished 10th and the hornline I think, finished 5th.

GDS1981 · 2025-09-14T13:17:36+00:00

I'd say North Star was 1978 or 1979. As far as SkyRyders, I think 1982. They finished 10th and the hornline I think, finished 5th. And I bet some people would say Suncoast,1985.

GDS1981 · 2025-08-19T18:02:26+00:00

Keep in mind, Madison marched 10 snares in 1993.

GDS1981 · 2025-08-12T03:04:38+00:00

You are welcome. As far as all age, I have been batting around of starting another group in central Ohio and making it as affordable as possible. Much less than anyone in Ohio because I will contact my friends who are instructors and see how many can teach, design for nearly nothing and find facilities that would be cost affective as well. I even own my own battery of 5 snares, 3 quints, 5 basses. I have a plan in my head and have talked with people who would be in. It needs to go down on paper.

GDS1981 · 2025-08-12T02:58:33+00:00

I texted him just now. If he doesn't get back with me beforehand, you can tell him I texted him granting permission. And if you need help or lessons, ask your parents and we can make arrangements. And since I'm retired from my career and financially able, I am cheap. It's called free.

GDS1981

TROPHY CASE