I WILL SURVIVE!!!

I am finally back at school and that means I will be blogging more than I did over the summer.

So I have been down at school now at my new apartment for about 1.5 weeks and I am loving the place. However, there has been some ups and downs since I have been here.

Of course, one of the positive sides of being back down at school is seeing and hanging out with friends that I have made over the years down at school. It was nice to know some many people and have things to do. I remember back to freshmen year knowing no one and now I have an amazing group of close friends and a bunch of other friends that I made through class, my major and just randomly meeting. It is a great feeling and it is weird to think that after this year I will be done with school... well, unless I go back for my Masters.

To add to the positive side, I secured a job the first few weeks of school working at TIS (a bookstore) during the rush/busy part of the year. I have been doing everything from collecting book bags at the door, help bagging items for the cashiers and being on register. It isn't the best job in the world, but it is money and it is fun people watching.

However, not everything has been so bright and cheering since I have been down at school. Last Tuesday on the way to work I was driving in and I stopped as the traffic in front of be were because of the light. So I started to brake and I came to a complete stop. A few seconds after I came to a stop I was jolted forward as I heard brakes squealing. At first I was in shock, but then I became extremely pissed off with the person who ran into me. I was directed to pull off to the side of the road into an animal clinic/hospital parking lot by a man who witness the accident. There in the lot I got out and talked to the guy who hit me. His vehicle was not as severely damaged as mine though. It was hard dealing with the situation because this guy kept crying and pacing around the lot. I just sat there waiting for him to calm down so I can talk to him and get information. I called the cops to inform them I needed someone to come down to file a report. It took the police 40 minutes to get there. WAY TO GO MUNCIE POLICE! There everything was taking care of. However, I wasn't able to go to work because the accident and police report took way to long and the biggest reason was that it was too dangerous to drive my car to work and back. Even though it was just down the road.

The next day I woke up and my neck, right shoulder and upper back was in pain. Throughout the whole day I had to deal with this. I just relaxed at my apartment until I had to go to work, which I had to take the bus. However, this was the day all the freshmen were moving in. So traffic was chaotic and you had to wait in traffic patiently. Apparently the bus driver did not have any as she bi-passed all of campus and ended up going down some back roads. Everyone in the bus was so confused on what was going on. I left my place one hour to get to work because I knew traffic was going to be a mess, but the bus just added to things. Luckily I was able to get off the bus around Muncie Central High School, but with only 20 minutes to get to work. So I ran a bit and then walked my way to work. Luckily I got there with a few minutes to spare.

Work way fine, but my body was still sore. After work I made it back home safely, but then I had to call my friends Adam and Amanda up to take me to the emergency room to get things checked out. I told them I would call them when I was done because I had no clue on how long things would take. I ended up waiting 2.5 hours before getting seen and I was at the hospital for 4.5 hours overall. While there I had some tests done and some x-rays. Nothing was wrong, but just extremely sore muscles. They prescribed me for some muscle relaxers and another medication. The drawback of them is that they make me drozy and tired. Nothing like being wore out before school even starts. I am currently still on the medication and the pain is slightly going away, but it still hurts now and then. Luckily it is no where near what it was like when I went in to the emergency room.

So school started this past Monday and so far I am going to like my classes. Some of them are going to be differently and others are going to push me, but I am looking forward to them. All of my professors have my attention and they are not boring or draining... yet.

Then there was yesterday. After classes and getting a quick bit to eat, I headed to Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana. There I was to meet up with my friend Matt. He referenced me to the band director there to go ahead and teach the guard in the marching band. After lasts night practice, well... I can't wait to go back. They guard was great and they can be amazing! I am so fortunate to have been ask to teach there and I can wait to go back and get things going. Here is a clip of them last year. This show is from Semi-State where they made the top 10 and went to State the following weekend. At State they placed 6th place!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TICl25cj9bA&feature=related

So overall these past 1.5 weeks I have had highs and lows, but hey... that's life. You either play the game or get plowed over. Life will go on with or without you. As the title of this blog states: I WILL SURVIVE!!!

John Glenn Falcon Pride: Part 2

So it has been a really long time since I posted anything. This summer has been busy and hectic from interning, working and teaching.I promise, once back at school I will be updating this more.

For now, I want to highlight the school I have been working at this summer teaching guard. They are coming along and they have so much potential. They just need to realize it. Being average shouldn't be good enough for them.

Take a look at these promo trailers I made for them. They are intended to get them, as well as parents and others, pumped for the season. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdTbU8OiQMA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L7CDdG9Z6E

John Glenn Falcon Pride

So one benefit of being home this summer is that I have been able to help out with the John Glenn band. I am so pumped fore their show this year and I can't wait til the guard staff and I can start teaching the girls the show.

For those who saw them last year, they are much improved. The guard is already at where they were mid-season. There is a total of 18 girls and they are going to rock it!

A few days ago, the staff got together and we wrote about 2 minutes worth of work. These girls are going to be getting it. The work is awesome! Especially the opening solo work... ugh. It's gonna be hot, if I do say so myself!

Well more updates will be coming once camp starts! Go MFJGFP!

One Year Anniversary... Thank you Thunder!

One year ago today I was on a plane to Spokane, Washington to be the replacement drum major for the Thunder Drum & Bugle Corps. For those who don't know the story, here is an explanation of what happened.

Last summer I was not planning on marching corps due to the fact the 09 season was such a rough one for me. I didn't want anything to do with it. So in 2010, I was not going to march... or so I thought. I first received a phone call from my old director at Capital Sound, Marc Gofstein. He asked what my plans were for the summer. After I told him I was just going to be working, he said to expect a phone call from Bill. Bill Clark was the old brass instructor at Capital Sound.

No later than 5 minutes talking to Marc, I got the call. I knew something had to be up, but I did not know what exactly. Bill informed me that the drum major at Thunder needed emergency surgery and they needed a replacement drum major. They could of taken someone from the corps to fill the spot, but the corps was already small in size and it would of only hurt them.

After talking to Bill and also the corps director, Bill Harvey, and the assistant corps director, James Laymen, we figured out what was going to happen. The next morning... REAL early, I was on my way to Chicago to catch my flight. I went from Chicago to Salt Lake City and then caught my connection to Spokane. I was so nervous because I did not know what to expect. I barely ate anything all day and by the time I got to Washington it was late. I felt sick to my stomach. I did not know what to expect, if it was going to be the same as my previous year doing corps, etc. Nothing felt better getting out of the car at the school and people rushing out to meet me.

The first person to say anything to me was Michael aka McLovin. I love this kid and he is like the brother I will never have. I remember it clearly. He said, "Are you our new drum major?" I said yes and then he ran to me and gave me a hug. I knew I was going to be in good hands and that this summer was going to be amazing. (Ya, I bet you don't remember that Michael, do you!)

And yes, the three week tour was amazing.It was pretty hard leaving this group. Everyone says that at the end of the season, but for me, I will more than likely never see these guys again. Unless they march a different group and I bump into them that way. All I know is that I had one of the best experiences in my life and the memories I had will always be in my mind. So on this one year anniversary, I want to give a giant thanks to you Thunder DBC! You brought my passion fro drum corps back to where it once was. I wish you guys a great season as your first show is tomorrow.

It Gets Better!

The majority of us has heard the of the "It Gets Better Project". I pulled this directly from their website... 

"Growing up isn’t easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. This is especially true for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves. 

Justin Aaberg. Billy Lucas. Cody Barker. Asher Brown. Seth Walsh. Raymond Chase. Tyler Clementi. They were tragic examples of youth who could not believe that it does actually get better.

While many of these teens couldn’t see a positive future for themselves, we can. The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better."

Last night I was searching some stuff on YouTube and I found this video of The Columbus Kids Choir and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. Take a minute to watch this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7EcsFK1s8&feature=share It just struck me. It made me happy to see that such a beautiful song can mean so much. It makes me feel that there is a better and brighter hope for everyone. That one day it won't matter who you are and who you love.

I also pulled this from the It Gets Better website. "Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them." I ask you, what can you do to make the life better for someone? Even if it is not for someone dealing with their sexuality. What can you do to make a difference? Maybe someone is dealing with a loss in their family, a break up or they are just down. I ask you, what will you do to make a difference in this world? 

Everyone... IT GETS BETTER! No matter your situation, there will be someone there for you to talk to and get through it!

Top 10... Places I Want To Work At

So it has been a while since I had the chance to write something on here. I have been super busy with interning, teaching the guard and job searching... which ended with success. I ended up getting a job at Hollister. I am super pumped that I start that.

On top of it all, there is a DCI event in theaters tomorrow night and then this Friday there is a show at Ball State! So I get a double dose of corps this week. Hopefully I don't get too emotional with it all. However, I get to see a bunch of my corps friends and seeing them perform their hearts out will make things worth it.

Yet, none of those topics is the reason why I am writing this blog. For the past week in a half I have been researching and looking up places I want to work at after I graduate. My dream is to work for a college or university doing internal communications, work with the athletic department helping out with campaigns and other tid bits or even working with the recruiting office trying to get the best of the best to apply.

I have a bunch of cities on my list... Seattle to Miami, Boston to San Diego and tons other cities. It can't be too early to start looking and researching about these different schools, along with researching the background of the city the school is located in to know what one is the best one to start at right after school. Things such as: cost of living, available job market if things fall through, social life, etc.

So here are my top 10 schools/cities I want to move to and work for.

#10. Boston University












#9. University of San Diego

#8. Northwestern University

#7. Old Dominion













#6. University of Tampa















#5. University of Utah

#4. UNC Charlotte

#3. Drexel University

#2. George Mason University

#1.Towson University

And of course this is all subject to change after I get more in depth with my search. Schools may switch around, stay the same, they might go off the list as new ones come on, etc. However, these are the ones I am looking into the most and lets see what comes of it.

Update: Internship, Work Out, Teaching

So I just wanted to write on here my progress of the summer so far.

First, we have my internship. The first week went great. I have designed so much in the time I have been there than I have in any class. I love it though. I get to write the body copy and design stuff. It is a great combo! It is even better when you get to see your work published. One of my works, an ad about our new exhibit, has been in the newspaper from Wednesday til today. Great feeling. I also have been doing other things such as updating the Adopt-a-Car program. I am still working on mailing people to renew their stuff and I will finish that the beginning next week. Overall, the internship is gonna be a good one.

Next, we have my work out regiment that I have been going at for about a week in a half now. I am seeing slight progress, which is making me excited because it has only been a short time and I have the rest of the summer. The areas I have been seeing the most progress is in my shoulders and abs. I am finally getting back the abs that I had when I was with the Madison Scouts. Hopefully I can get them to look better than what they were when I was with them.

Finally, we have me helping out the John Glenn band. I am excited for this! Not only am I able to help teach the guard, but I also helping them develop their show and hopefully take them up to the next level. We are revamping how they do things and being more demanding. I see them doing extremely well, but that is me just being over optimistic. I guess this is a good substitute than marching corps this summer... Ok, well maybe.

Internship

Today I started my internship at the Studebaker National Museum. I was so anxious to finally start my internship. It took a while to figure out where I was going to be, but now that everything is settled, I am glad I am  decided to go with Studebaker.

When I got to the museum I was nervous. For what reasons, I do not know. Luckily my advisor at the museum, Mrs. Soderberg, is the easiest person to talk to. We sat down and talked for about 45 minutes about what she had planned for me this week. From there I went to my desk and work area. (Yes, I have my own desk and everything!) Today I was working on publicity for the museums new exhibit, Viva Italia! They brought in a bunch of Italian sports cars and they are sweet!

My job today was creating an ad for the newspaper. Mrs. Soderberg was amazed how I cranked out a pretty amazing ad in an hour. (It took a while uploading and finding the stuff I needed) There were some edits made from the first design after a few people looked over my work, but it now is currently is being sent to the South Bend Tribune and will be in there until the exhibit closes in October. This first experience of having my work being public is exhilarating!

At the museum there are only a handful of employees. So having an intern that can design, as well as write and do everything else, was a blessing for them. So since I got that done in a timely manner, I was handed my next assignment. Again, another ad. This one was for the museum in general and it will be going inside the Irish Sports Report. A magazine that goes all over to Notre Dame fans. The goal is to attract people into the museum during home football games. I also got this one done before I left today. Just seeing Mrs. Soderberg's and other employees smile over my work made me felt great and I can't wait to go back tomorrow and get back to work.

Getting My Drum Corps Body Without Drum Corps

So we all know that I am not marching corps this summer... (ya, you are probably getting tired of me talking about it)

There are a many things people enjoy about marching corps. You have the traveling and seeing new places, performing every day (shows or practice), getting that drum corps tan from being outside all day, but probably the most talked about part of corps is how your body transforms into this captivating and stunning body. It all starts at the first camp from just the little things. Once move ins start/spring training starts, the body is kicked into top gear and the body really starts to transform. Well, hopefully your body was already in shape before the season started. There is even a Facebook group dedicated to showing off what corps can do to your body. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Body-by-Drum-Corps/120855854602427

But back to reality... Since I am not marching this summer, I have set myself up a work out regiment from now til I move in to school. That gives me roughly two and a half months to get what I would of had if I marched this summer.

So far I started mt work out today at 9 a.m. and I got done around 11:30ish. I just wish that it will stop storming out so I can go for a run or bike... But that can come later.

Anyways, but the time summer ends and school picks up again I will have my corps body back, but without the drum corps.

Lasting Impressions

So I was working on some stuff and I had my iTunes playing. Spring Valley's 2009 show, Lasting Impressions, came on. I let it play, but I enjoy their voice over they had. (Ya, me enjoy voice over. It's a rare liking.) However, here is the words that were used in the show and I wanted to share it with you everyone.

In our lives there are those special people who teach, motivate, love and inspire us. These individuals leave lasting impressions on our lives and our character.  Their influence guides us on our own search for success.

Armed with their example, and motivated by their guidance, we find our own way. We adopt the best aspects of their lives and make them our own. We learn, to laugh often and much and win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of people.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty and find the best in others.  

To leave the world a better place. Whether by a healthy child, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived….. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED!

And through our lives, we act as an echo to their memory. An echo that never fades. We are the lasting impression, of their true success.

Lasting Impressions

So I was working on some stuff and I had my iTunes playing. Spring Valley's 2009 show, Lasting Impressions, came on. I let it play, but I enjoy their voice over they had. (Ya, me enjoy voice over. It's a rare liking.) However, here is the words that were used in the show and I wanted to share it with you everyone.

In our lives there are those special people who teach, motivate, love and inspire us. These individuals leave lasting impressions on our lives and our character.  Their influence guides us on our own search for success.

Armed with their example, and motivated by their guidance, we find our own way. We adopt the best aspects of their lives and make them our own. We learn, to laugh often and much and win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of people.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty and find the best in others.  

To leave the world a better place. Whether by a healthy child, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived….. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED!

And through our lives, we act as an echo to their memory. An echo that never fades. We are the lasting impression, of their true success.

Shout out!

It has been a while since I wrote anything on here. However, this one is going to be a quick and sweet one.

I want to give a shout out to my good friend Olivia Horton! She is currently right now in Liverpool, England having an experience. She will be over there for 8 weeks and I hope she was a wonderful time. I can't wait for her to get back so she can tell some great stories and of course we can finally go out together. (She turns 21 while over there)

If anyone would like to follow Olivia and her trip, here is her blog. http://ohorton.blogspot.com/

GPA

Well it is the end of the school year and people are now starting to get their grades back. One thing I hate the most though is when people post their GPA's on Facebook or when they ask you what did you get. Sometimes I wish I can get better grades and I try my hardest to achieve them, but it does not come easy for me. For some, school, test, papers, etc. come easy for them. For me, I have to set myself down and work diligently on each one. I know I learn differently from others and it is just slower than everyone else.

Back to people posting their GPA's on Facebook and what not. Congrats, you probably had some easy courses or got lucky in a class. Yes, you may of worked your butt off, but so did I. However, there have been a few people I have been seeing on Facebook that are constantly changing and updating their status saying how they are so surprised on how they did do well. Really, really now?




First off, if you are so surprised, you don;t deserve they grades you did because you did not do anything during the semester. Secondly, why do you have to constantly update your status? People will see if it if they want to see it. People... my gosh.


However, I want to leave you with this. A list of names of people who did horrible in school and became successful in life. Some of them didn't even graduate high school.

• Albert Einstein
• Bill Gates
• Abraham Lincoln 
• Sir Issac Newton
• Thomas Edison
• Steven Spielberg
• Dave Thomas
• Walt Disney
• Winston Churchill

What I see with these people and I are that they were all motivated to do something in life. They did not want to be average or the same as everyone else. They wanted to go out and make a difference. They had something that drove them. I fit all of those categories. I may not become as famous or well-known as the names on the list, but I do see myself going out and making a difference. So just because I do not get good grades doesn't mean I am going to fail at life. I have these role models to look up to because they were like me when they were in school.

My thoughts on the 2011 DCI show (Part II: Non-Finalists corps)

Last year the Colts once again almost made Finals, but they ended up finishing their season in13th place. I am surprised that they have not announced their show yet or any music at least. I will like to see the RED TEAM make it into Finals once again, but it is getting harder and harder to do so. I think they can do it and by pass someone, but I just want to know what they are doing this year.

One corps that I truly enjoyed last season was The Academy. Their show for the 2011 season is titled (RE) for every action there is a reaction. I am real excited for this show because I feel that it will be able to make Finals. They have been so close and I feel if they get everything lined up right, they can make it. They play music phenomenally, but it is going to be their GE and guard that has to rise. Good luck Academy!

The Troopers 2011 shows is called. The Road Home. I am interested to see where they go after last season. They had a good show, but it seems a little too hard for them. Being able to see them over the summer a bunch, since we were at almost ever show, I got to see them progress. However, when I saw their Semi-Final performance I was surprised much didn't change. I am pumped to see them because someone I marched with this past summer is marching bass their. Get it Troop!




It looks like the Spirit of Atlanta will be going back to its roots this summer. Their show, Film Noir is going to be old school Spirit. As their directors said, it is going to be "sultry". Besides knowing the title, I know nothing about the corps this season. I have been keeping updated via the Fan Network with the videos they are releasing, but that's it. Lets see what SoA does this summer...








One show I automatically like just because of the show banner is Crossmen with their show Renweal. The music they are playing seems like Crossmes and I am excited for them to come on the field. Not only will the top 12 be a tough pack, but the middle pack will be fighting for positioning all season.

Pacific Crest will be performing their 2011 show, Push, Pull, Twist, Turn. Can you say Bop-it? I am guessing this is what they are going with this show. I am excited to hear how they play some of their pieces. They will be playing Push, which I am excited to hear since Avon played it a few years back.They are also going to be playing Serenada Schizophrana, which is an amazing piece! Will Pacific Crest break new ground this summer... maybe. 

Ok, I will admit it, I have a soft spot for the Mandarins. Last seasons show just got me hooked and I loved it even though they placed low. It was a great show, just not executed well. Their show for the 2011 season is called The Forty Thieves: An Ancient Tale of Spices, Toxins, and Perfumes. Whoo, that is a mouth full to say. I bet the announced are going to have fun saying that every show. Good luck Mandarins!

Can Teal Sound make a move this summer? Their show programming is getting better and better. Their 2011 production is called Sinvitation 7. I do not knowing anything about this show and I am intrigued to see what they do with it. 

One group I want to see do better is Jersey Surf. Their 2011 show is called Pedal Tones. This show should be interesting because I can see them use this show as a play on words. I can see them playing "petal" tones, but also doing something with flowers and the "pedals". They have no music announced yet, but I am sure they will announce soon or we will find out when they perform on their first show. 

Ready for another dark show? The Cascades will be performing their 2011 show, Pandora, A Dark Gift. Whoo, look at that, dark in the title. They announce where they are getting their music from, but no music titles. They are playing Hanz Zimmer, Thomas Newmen, etc. Could be some good music this summer. Good luck to all of my Thunder family now marching there!

Pioneer will be performing their 2011 show, Celebrate. Looks like they are going back to their Irish/Celtic music, but then again they are "celebrating" their 50th anniversary. I have some friends marching here this summer and I wish them the best and have fun! 

My thoughts on the 2011 DCI show (Part I: Top 12 corps)

We all have our own opinions on drum corps shows and everyone does not view the same way. Here is a look on what I think this season is going to pan out. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say, but these are my thoughts on this upcoming season.

First, we start off with the Blue Devils. They are coming off an undefeated season and two straight World Titles. Could they possibly pull off a 3-peat? There 2011 show is called, The Beat My Heart Skipped. When I heard this I was like, wow am I going to like this. However, I then saw the logo/poster for the show.Y a... not what I expected. I am interested to see what comes about this. It is going to be good or it is going to be like past shows and no one is going to get it. Of course they are going to be one of the best, again, with their amazing guard, percussion and brass, but will the fans enjoy it.

Next we have the Cavaliers. Their show is called XtraordinarY and I heard it is going to be about chromosomes... I do not know what exactly they are going here, but it is the Cavaliers and will pull it off. I am interested to find out what music they will be playing and more details on the show. As of now I am skeptic.

Last years bronze medalists, the Bluecoats, actually just announced their show yesterday. They will be presenting, Brave New World. I looked at some of their music and I like it a lot, but the concept is a little wide range for me. I can see them doing so cool stuff, but I just hope they don't go to crazy and create a mess. One thing I can see either being tragic or amazing will be them playing one point in quadraphonic. This is extremely risky and I will like to see them early on and compare them to Finals night. Seeing what they have changed to the show.

One show I am dying to see, as well as a bunch of other people is Carolina Crown. Their shows have become fan favorites over the year and this year it seems like they are caring less about placement and more about pleasing the crowd and having fun. Their 2011 show is called RachStar and they will be playing stuff from Queen, The Rolling Stone, Black Sabbath and of course RACHmaninoff.  

This came right off of Crown's site. "From stage diving to piano concertos and lighting truss to drum sets, Carolina Crown shifts gears and takes drum corps entertainment in a new direction.  With musical selections from Queen, Rolling Stones, Rachmaninoff, and ELP, and iconic quotes from Jimi Hendrix, Guns & Roses, Deep Purple, Rihanna, and Ben Folds, the talented young men and women of Crown 2011 will explore the look, lifestyle, experience, and showmanship of being a “Rach Star." I can't wait to see this show!

Next we have the Cadets. Yes, I will admit it... I am a sucker for dark show and it is one reason I am excited to see the Cadets perform their 2011 show, Between Angles and Demons. I love some of the music they are play, i.e. "Angels in the Architecture" and plenty of music from the movie Angels and Demons. It should be a good show, but as I said before how I like dark shows, it seems as if most groups are trying to do them. So the style of show is starting to wear off on me. We will see what happens with this show.

Coming off a resurgent year, Phantom Regiment will present their show Juliet. I want to see this show, but it will be one of those shows that I will either like or just have to sit through and find something to enjoy. I have not heard much about their show so far, but knowing Phantom, they will have a decent show. I am most interested in following their percussion this year since Paul Rennick left PR to go to SCV. Should be interesting.

Next we have my all time favorite corps, the Santa Clara Vanguard, presenting their 2011 show: The Devil's Staircase. I am super stoked for this show because they are playing some great music, such as stuff from Barber, Jenkins, Dorman and of course Etude #13 aka the Devil's Staircase. I know many people saw last seasons show as a flop and they lost hope in SCV, but this show seems like it is going to reel people back into the SCV brand. Having Paul Rennick over to lead the percussion is only going to make the corps stronger and hopefully they will rise in the ranks this year. I am also interested in seeing what they do with the uniform this year.

Last year, in 8th place, was the Blue Stars. They have not announced their show yet and I am surprised they haven't done so. They are one of two corps that have not announced yet. However, through the grapevine I heard that they are doing some sort of Borune/Spy type show. We will see what they put out though. I would not be surprised if they did this as a show for two reasons. One, Sullivan wrote a similiar show for his high  school, Tarpon Springs, back in 2009. Second, it seems as if Blue Stars are becoming the new Blue Knights with the dark shows. However, this is all speculation and we all have to wait to they announce it.

Next we have the Boston Crusaders presenting their 2011 show, Revolution.I'm excited because they are playing music from the hit musical Les Miserables as well as the "1812 Overture". It should be an fun and entertaining show, but I do not know what they are going to with it. I can see them take a few avenues with the show concepts, but what they actually do... we will see. 

THEY ARE BACK!!! The Madison Scouts surged into last year with a great show and this year I see them  rising when they present their 2011 show, New York Morning. This show is going to be a classic Scouts show, but with a big difference. They are playing "New York, New York" as well as "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". However, I do know some of their other pieces they are playing and the concepts of the show. (You gotta love inside sources) All I can say is that you better not leave your seat this summer when they come on or you will be missing pure drum corps!

Next in my countdown is the Blue Knights. (Insert knew pop here, ok even if they didn't do it last year still do it) Officially they do not have a show title yet, just music. I know two people marching there that I marched with last season and I am so proud and excited for them. On youtube I found some clips of them from camp and I am intrigued to see what is going to be put in the field. They have so beautiful music and they are playing it well, but will it translate to a great show on the field?

And finally we have the Glassmen presenting their 2011 show, My Mortal Beloved. I know nothing about this show, absolutely nothing. From what I can see, it looks like it is going to be a dark show... maybe? O dang, I guess I am going to have to go to a show now. =)

So far there are some interesting shows. Certain one I for sure I want to see and others I will watch and will have to be persuaded to like it. In years past there have been a bunch of shows I did not like right off the bat when they announced it. Heck, last year I did not like the Cavaliers show at first and it is one of my favorites from last year.

Stay posted and check back soon as I will post my thoughts on corps 13-23!