Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Elise Churinskas
Ed's comments regarding the Caballeros being "over-rated" is unfounded. The Hawthorne Caballeros generate an energy which excites any drum corps crowd which in itself is to be admired. They make drum corps desirable for the average fan and bring in the crowds which equals $$$$. Their popularity brings success to all competing corps sponsored shows.
Ed's comment about the Cabs' consistent is true. They have been the most consistent corps in DCA history and set the standard by which all others follow. The Cabs idea's and routines are the most copied of all corps. This shows how the other competing corps always strive to be like them. This in itself is the highest form of flattery.
In closing, the Cabs consistency is what will take them to the top this year. In the home stretch they always have something more to give , while I am not convinced the other corps will be able to improve their show enough to keep up. GO RUSSO! GIVE IT TO 'EM! "BULL"!!!!!
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Larry Shane
This is in response to Josh Ort's review:
If you are a drummer, how can you say that between Blue Knights, Magic, Crown, and Colts that BK is the shaky one???
Blue Knights has always been known for the STRENGTH of their drumline and has been CRUSHING these other corps in drums for the past 3 years!!!!
Good drumming IS NOT playing 1,000 notes per measure........
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by e. k. ford
Dan Hobl, your coastal influence shows. Are all MidWest Corps as worthless as you describe? Were you at the Saturday afternoon concert where Phantom got the LOUDEST and LONGEST ovation? Just because you don't like classical music....I could go on. Remember 1996, Dan?
Black was awful.... + Music was boring and uninspiring.... + Crowd 'didn't' like the music --------------------------------------- = a crowd pleaser and 1st place
They're playing with you! This show has much potential - will they use it? You're being lulled to sleep! 5 points wasn't a large enough margin to win with last year - what will 4 points do? p.s. You complain about a drastic change from last year? How's that? They're scoring BETTER! BLACK IS BACK - but a little color in the guard sure wouldn't hurt (think what that would do to the score on Finals night!)??????
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Bruce Keefe
Bart Guthrie's review
I have enjoyed nearly every review on sCORPSboard this summer.
This one just lit a responce that I had to not only send to the
author but also to you. Today's drum corps activity is so good
for so many people whether they are fans or corps members. This
kind of overall negativism is not the kind of reading I want to
see when I log on for the latest in DCI activity.
I am not asking you to eliminate all opinions from your site but a little review to keep the grand standers away would be a good idea.
As I said to Mr.Guthrie in an e-mail this morning -- if i was near him during a convesation with his kind of attitude I would have to leave the area before I said something to embarrass myself. My opinion... It's easy to be negative. It is much more difficult to find the positive in our lives. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion.
BEK
This response was submitted by Bill Reid
Mr. Guthrie should get on with life. He contributes mostly negative comments in his reviews and this one just continues the trend. Notice how he openly states that he could do things better. Forget the negatives, the announcers, bad seats, whatver. Stick to the joys of the activity and the performances at hand. He can't distinguish the fact that when he provides harsh criticism - versus constructive - of a corps show or show designs he hits the emotions of the performers. He lamely says he is attacking the 'old adults' who head the corps - what a poor excuse. Such a bitter, bitter person. Words of advice - eiher go to the shows and enjoy them or save your money and go to the Tyson school of earbyting - I'm sure you'll love it there.
This response was submitted by Lynn Lamers
I just wanted to echo Bart Guthrie's comments about the Stillwater Jr. High being a TERRIBLE site for a drum corps show.
I've wondered for years why the shows continue to be held there! The stadium is small, uncomfortable, and not at all ideal for watching a drum corps show. As Bart said, what happened to Blaine? Or ANY OTHER TWIN CITIES LOCATION???? I know several people who have stopped going to the show just because of the stadium. What can be done to convince the organizers to move to a new location?????
This response was submitted by Bart Guthrie
Dear Bill, Bruce and other drum corps enthusiasts
I believe I provided a very balanced review or critique of a particular show. I admit that my July 1 review of the Hastings show may have seemed harsh. That's why I started my Stillwater (July 23) review with an apology and explanation. I believe it very accurately expresses my motivation.
If you've gone to movies, plays, concerts and other forms of entertainment, you know that the review and critique are an integral part of the process. While most of the reviews posted here are more like "fan letters", I thought it was well within my right to point out some of the flaws that I noticed not only in the corps performances, but in the choice of venue, show promoters, announcers, pace etc. These are all part of the entertainment experience and are fair game for review and in turn criticism.
If (as has been suggested) only sugar-coated 'fluff n' puff' be included on this page, then I think the suppliers of this page would do a great disservice to the review process. And judging by my e-mail, it would make for dull reading. There IS a place where "seldom is heard a discouraging word" and it is called the press releases that find their way into the show programs. Might I suggest that if readers don't want to read negative comments and suggestions, that you stick to the show programs and forget about signing on to these pages. And in addition to the flaws that I point out, I go out of my way to clarify that they are a)ONE MAN'S OPINION and b)aimed at the creative team, NOT the performers. In re-reading the July 23rd review; overall, I include 2 to 1 positive comments to negative ones. Please re-read the reviews of The Crossmen, Madison Scouts and even Garfield. If any of those corps wanted to pick a sentence or two to pluck from those reviews and paste on the side of their equipment truck as they motor down the highway, there are plenty to choose from.
Finally, I have no intentions of attending any more shows this season (or maybe ever), so you have read my final review. But just so you don't think I am alone in my views, I include some of the e-mail correspondence I have received as a result of the Stillwater review. Naturally, I cannot identify the senders because they didn't send it to me with the permission to identify and broadcast it for others to see.
Thank you for your comments and thank you to the people who run this bulletinboard. It is a great service.
EXCERPT # 1 -from e-mail files.
Thanks for a great review. Maybe your perspective is better than those who are so close to the design and presentation of the shows. I agree a popularity contest should not decide placements but some consideration has to be given over and above the technical proficiency of the corps.
It would be nice if the Div 1 corps would get some advice from outside the immediate activity. The directors, caption heads and judges could use a fresh look at what they are presenting. I hope the Cadets take your advice. I've only seen them once this year and as good as they are technically, sometimes taking your breath away, afterwards their show didn't stay with me the way the Crossmen's or Bluecoat's did.
Thanks again.
EXCERPT #2 from e-mail files
Bart:
I thoroughly enjoyed your review of Stillwater and I appreciate everything you said.
You are right on target with your comments re: Crossmen. Also your comments re: Madison vis a vis CBC.
Thanks for an insightful review. I know in my heart of hearts that you are speaking for the majority of show attendees. If more leaders of the activity had a like wisdom and vision for drum corps, perhaps the activity would be healthier.
Thanks for saying a lot of things that needed to be said. Please, for the love of this unique artform/youth activity/musical genre/competitive sport, please don't stop speaking your mind! I know I won't!
EXCERPT #3 from e-mail files
I just wanted to say -- I'm with you on moving at least one night of Drum Beauty back to Blaine -- or any other of several suitable locations in the Twin Cities. I HATE the Stillwater Jr. High. I have several friends (and at least one husband) that have stopped going just because of the lousy stadium.
How about circulating a petition at the shows next year to have the show moved? It wouldn't be hard to circulate since everyone is darn near sitting in each other's laps!
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Dave Clark
I must say that I agree with all that I have read about the Blue Devils. So far I think their M&M execution is fantasitic, just short of incredible. Their horn line is really swinging with power, fantastic intonation and great precision. I think their drumline is also tough to beat (no pun). I don't really notice the guard if they are doing their thing like they should, so they must be. But I question the ending, again and again. It's a real downer. They just plain lost me. At first I thought it was just me being too dumb to get it. I have a feeling they have a major surprise in store for the final? Without it I don't think they can repeat.
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by B. Reid on Saturday, July 5, 1997 at 19:06:36
My location: San Francisco
Response: As a DC alumni from the 60's, I enjoy viewing your site
just to see where the activity is going. It is a great venue though
I haven't been to a contest in years. To the point - the reviews
typically are OK, but tend to have strong bias which is also fine,
but reviews such as that I read today from Bart Guthrie - July
3 contest was mean spirited and shouldn't be allowed. He mocks
smallish type corps. True they may not be well trained, but they
are trying hard, I'm sure. Why downgrade kids ? They are trying
and are out for a good time. Strong negative comments should be
avoided as they hurt the sensitivites of our young people. They
are in it for the fun - let them have it - so what if they are
not up to a par of the top 12. Praise is great, constructive criticism
should always be welcome, but pushing kids faces into the mud
is terrible. I know freedom of expression is important, but why
allow that kind of trash into a fine web site. He obviously is
a very unhappy person and looking to hurt someone. Don't let him
vent on your Web Site. It's hurting someone I'm sure.
Keep up the great work.
This response was submitted by Oncken on Sunday, July 6, 1997 at 09:08:12
My location: Illinois
Response: I found your score board to be very well done. What
upset me was your reviewer for the Hastings show. Who ever did
the review must have just lost his dog, best buddy, or maybe PMS
was the story. There was nothing that this person liked... a review
is good and bad with facts to back them up. The remarks helped
no one. This person needs to get a life and wake up that not everything
needs sarcasm.
Thanks for being on the web.
This response was submitted by J Stephen Yoder on Monday, July 7, 1997 at 22:46:23
My location: Michigan - Ohio - California
Response: Hi guys - thank you so much for the scores and service
you provide to the drum corps community - however, please read
the reviews that you publish before hand. I found the review written
by bart guthrie to be absoultly offensive and rude - i would hope
that we are all here to support the drum corps actcivity and not
to sit on a pedestal and judge the quick and almost dead - barts
reivew was done in poor taste - but then again i am sure he has
taught many a dci cahmpion in his lifetime - i have taught finalists
at all three levels of the activity from michigan, ohio and california
- this guy is a pea brained jerk you couldn't be entertained at
a side show - thanks for letting me air my feelings - Sincerely
- J. Stephen Yoder ( Northern Aurora - Glassmen - Frelancers )
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Jim on Friday, July 18, 1997 at 10:47:17
To Barry who wrote the review on Sun July 13. To understand the Cadets show....do a little reading about Philip Spark and the British Brass customs...the guard makes sense as well as performing it exceptionally well!
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Brian Anderson
In response to the review of the Blue Devils 96 show, any muffled head selection is absolutlely a rumor. Devils are playing on a SEVERLY TOURQUED Falam head with correspondingly torqued flam bottom heads. Their drums are some of the most staccato drums I've ever heard.
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Cindy Fennewald
The comments that are made on the shows are for the most part very positive. I have a personal interest in the G-men as my daughter is a part of the horn line. I have a problem with the constant negative comments on the ladders - yeah they are a bit wierd - I've seen the show a number of times- but these kids didn't write the show - they perform the show they are given. Would it at all possible to concentrate on the job these kids are doing and not always add a negative remark about the ladders. The other corp have wierd things to but its the G-men and their ladders that seem to make the top of the list in unkind remarks. These kids are working their selves to the bone as are the rest of the groups - give them some credit and praise. They certainly deserve it. Mom
Editorial Notes:
The reviews we post are from amateur writers (for the most
part) who are just fans of drumcorps, as we are and you are. They
are just opinions. They are the opinions of the writers and not
of sCORPSboard.
Most reviews are positive for most corps.
However, strong opinions are the purvue of most individual fans, especially those who take the time to write reviews.
We thank our readers for their responses. We do edit for foul language. We do reject or edit reviews that have ad hominem attacks.
This response was submitted by Scott Macintyre
Dear Scorpsboard,
I am responding in regard to the Fairlawn NJ review by Mr. Mike Siglow. If you have been reading the RAMD you will know that Mr. Siglow has a personal vendetta with the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corp. and to include his following comment on the Sunrisers, is wrong. I am asking that none of his reviews be allowed posting in such a great place, or that his reviews be given special editing.
Sunrisers: Were not here tonight. Loved 'em.
We (the Drum and Bugle Corp community) do not need imature comments such as this. We do not mind critical reviews of our show. Like you say, it is the opinion of the reviewer, however, this is NOT A REVIEW. It is a personal attack on the Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corp.
Thank you for you time,
Scott MacIntyre
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