Sunday, August 10, 2008

     WOW!!  Congrats to all of the marching members, staff and support team of the Phantom Regiment - the new 2008 DCI World Champions!  I am so proud of my corps (you see, when you have "worn the helmet" of the Phantom Regiment you will ALWAYS be a part of the corps and its traditions and history).  They were already champions after hearing the crowd reaction - the ending in first place was just icing on the cake, believe me.

     Aside from a very small minority of idiots who only try out for a corps because they think they will have the best chance to win championships with them, most people march in a certain corps because they love the style of music they play or the way they approach performing.  ALL of the marching members are champions for all of the hard work they put in this season - it's just that someone has to be crowned the ultimate champion and it sure is great that the Regiment can bask in that glory!  Their only other title was a shared championship with the Blue Devils in 1996 - so having one all their own is pretty cool!

Now, I've got to get back to working on the 2009 Brigade music and the 2008 DVD!!

- Rex out

Friday, August 8, 2008

What a fun evening Thursday night!  I was at the Quarterfinals broadcast at the movie theater and it was great to see so many Brigade members also there.

I am very proud of the fact that we saw five former Brigade members on the big screen:

Matt Jacob - Blue Stars

Nick Taylor - Bluecoats

Mike Kowbel, Joe Bauer and Tony Holm - Madison Scouts

Awesome job, guys!!  Now - it is obvious that I have a special place in my heart for my former corps, Phantom Regiment and I was thrilled to see that their field show production of "Spartacus" has already become a drum corps legend.  They are really throwing it down this year and wether or not they take the championship title - they have my respect and admiration.  The picture at the top is from the 1982 version of Spartacus!!  SUTA!!

Here is how I would have (HONESTLY) ranked the top twelve corps last night:
 
1.  Phantom Regiment

2.  Cavaliers

3.  Carolina crown

4.  Blue Devils

5.  The Cadets

6.  Santa Clara Vanguard

7.  Blue Coats

8.  Blue Knights

9.  Boston Crusaders

10.  Blue Stars

11.  Madison Scouts

12.  Glassmen

- Rex out