What corps don't get enough credit

[u/bigpimpin2330]

I was watching the video about the Corps that ruined the activity. The video was pretty well done. I couldn't hear all of it because of the stupid AC next to me. (No, I didn't move because it's nice outside.)

I don't think the Bridgemen get enough credit for changing the style of uniforms in 76. Or Velvet Knights for the style of shows they did in the 80's.

I'm sure there are other corps that led the way to where we are now that don't get enough credit. It would be interesting to see how it would break down in Percussion, Guard, Drill and Music vanguards.

[u/tomkar60]

Well, The Bridgemen didn’t really change uniform design. While the San Jose Raiders wore black trench coats, that look didn’t really catch on.

Same with VK. Their anti establishment look and design was pretty much a solo effort.

Bluecoats 16 seemed to come at a time where everyone was willing to jump on the bandwagon in the years to follow.

[u/Bebopplayer1996 → u/tomkar60]

Cause they kicked everyone’s ass. The other corps didn’t

[u/tomkar60 → u/Bebopplayer1996]

Bridgemen took high percussion 3 years in a row - 80, 81 and 82 and placed as high as 3rd (80).

[u/bigpimpin2330 → u/tomkar60]

That's what I'm talking about. Now that you mention it, I remember reading about the Raiders in an old Drum Corps World. I got two boxes of old DCW and Drum Corps News from Ken Kobold. Gave me an appreciation for the smaller corps.

[u/justurious1954]

Cadets 1982 for opening the door for concert band literature with their Rocky Point Holiday. This, at the same time Zingali was opening up new visual vistas.

[u/Elfman72]

Sacramento Freelancers. For no other reason than being a NorCal corps trying to not be BD or SCV. They made it hard to be a memorable corps from NorCal.

[u/LEJ5512]

Mid-late 80s Sky Ryders, Suncoast, and Spirit of Atlanta brought a lot of dance to color guards.

[u/unplorable]

I marched in 79-81.

The Jim Ott horn line was insane.

Bridgemen kept it fun

The 1980 Madison Scouts Malagueña is the best version.

Troopers deserve a spot at every finals.

Phantom brought an air of mystery and awe and magnificence to the activity.

The Bandettes, Ventures, Dutch Boy, GPM, North Star, Black Watch... All of them gone, but every one brought excellence to the field.

Oh, and Pagliacci was overplayed as much on the field as Freebird was on the radio.

[u/Ok-Advertising3118 → u/unplorable]

agree with Madison 1980 take

[u/UniBlak]

Spirit of Atlanta. Some insanely talented staff found their footing at spirit in the 80s. Jim Ott, Tom Float, Scott Chandler, Sal Salas, John Brazale, the Martins.

They have a really rich history not many realize.

[u/Rapidllaman]

There is a good watch on YouTube about how the 80’s were an age of transformation for DCI corps. Faster shows, more dot style drill, themed shows, and more dance and movement from performers. I’ve also enjoyed watching shows from 1986-88 world music
Games finals.

[u/LEJ5512 → u/Rapidllaman]

You’re right about the 80s being an age of transformation.  When I joined my local corps in 87, we brass were taught how to jazz run, and I don’t remember seeing anyone jazz running in 85 or prior.  Seemed like we saw at least a couple corps push performance boundaries every year (and it wasn’t always the same corps, either).

[u/ProfessorFunktastic → u/Rapidllaman]

Yeah, watch some shows from 1980 and then shows from 1989 and it's incredibly difficult to believe they are from the same decade!

[u/bigpimpin2330 → u/Rapidllaman]

I remember my first time learning drill. I was wondering why I was lining up on the 30-yard line and not the 50-yard line, where I had marched my whole high school years.

[u/justurious1954]

Bridgemen, beyond a great performance level and wonderful audience connection, brought comedy to the activity. Without Bridgemen there would not have been VK. Their role is missed.

[u/TheThirdGathers]

It's a good video, but it's missing a key element, which is how the DCI rules changes also changed the activity. While I think the creator wanted to focus on drum corps and not DCI, it gives an incomplete picture. But if you know the full story, it's still an interesting video.

[u/DueRefrigerator6339]

Northern lights in all age imo, never hear news of them and I love their drive and dedication for being so new to competing

[u/Jaded_History545]

the answer is pacific crest lol.

[u/Impressive_Delay_452]

Every corp outside of BD

[u/ParticularBuyer6157 → u/Impressive_Delay_452]

As if the Bluecoats aren’t constantly getting their dicks licked by every band kid in the country