by Jim Macri | Oct, 2021
I once went out for beers with a friend named Bob, who served as a U.S. Army military policeman in the Vietnam war. He told me that he joined a V.F.W. post after discharge and that some of the World War II vets at the place made him feel as if he were personally responsible for losing Indochina to the communists. He said that the ribbing became especially intense in 1975 when Saigon fell, and the TV at the post showed images of helicopters lifting off the U.S. embassy roof with desperate refugees hanging on to the landing gear.
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by George Diorio | Oct, 2021
Introduction
Among the aspects of the drum corps activity that have changed over the past five decades, it could be argued that the visual elements have been the most affected. The standards “back in the day” included marching in straight lines, wearing uniforms that matched exactly in color and style, and adhering to extremely stringent rules. Today’s visual programs have changed so much that many alumni claim it is “no longer drum corps.” Admittedly, some of the changes have diverged glaringly from the activity’s original roots. And yet, many of the same elements that made people “drum corps nuts” back in the day still exist today. (more…)
by George Diorio | Oct, 2021
In Part 4A we discussed Rules and Judging. In this article, we will cover Attire.
Attire
For decades it was easy to identify a corps marching into a stadium from a simple glimpse of their uniforms. Until the late 1970s most corps wore uniforms that were a part of their signature. Many were classics worn for decades. A majority wore cadet style uniforms with shakos while others had roots derived from other styles. There were the military inspired (Troopers, Knights), scout influenced (Madison, Racine, St. Paul), ethnic (Caballeros, Kilties, Muchachos), police inspired (Bluecoats, PAL Cadets), and nautical (Stockton Commodores, IC Reveries).
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by George Diorio | Oct, 2021
Part 4(a) discussed Rules and Judging. Part 4(b) explored Attire. Now let’s examine:
Equipment/Props
Up until the late 1960s, the equipment permitted on the field was quite limited. Other than “legal” musical instruments, color guards carried flags, rifles, and sabers and rarely anything else in terms of equipment or props. If you fast forward to today, the contrast is stunning. In addition to a much wider range of guard equipment, almost every corps brings additional non-musical items onto the field. (more…)
by George Diorio | Oct, 2021
Part 4(A) discussed Rules and Judging. Part 4(B) explored Attire. Part (C) studied Equipment and Props.
Now lets look at:
Design/Movement – 20th Century
The early years of “marching and maneuvering” in drum corps involved parade formations and straight lines with heavy military influence. Marching behind the corps proper and executing “the manual of arms” were often the extent of contributions from color guards. Most maneuvers involved platoons and squads at tight intervals. Drum lines were largely pinned to the 50 yard line. Fast forward to this century, and what is presented on the field these days is very different from those original roots. (more…)
by George Diorio | Oct, 2021
Part 4(A) discussed Rules and Judging. Part 4(B) explored Attire. Part 4(C) studied Equipment and Props. Part 4(D) examined Design and Movement in the 20th Century. Now let’s look at:
Design/Movement- 21st Century
After the turn of the century, visual designs began including so much simultaneous GE that it was often difficult for audience members to decide what to focus on. In addition to a flood of new equipment, sets, and props, the complex designs featured layers of content with dynamic patterns and forms. Some programs were so content-dense that they required several viewings for the average fan to fully appreciate what was being presented. (more…)
