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Drum & Bugle Corps, A 50 Year History
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****DVD Drum Corps World Magazine Review ****
When Drum Corps Was Really Drum Corps! by Michael Boo, DCW staff
I have just witnessed the most incredible drum corps video experience of my life. On Sunday, December 6, Larry McCormick, Drum Corps International Hall of Fame member and president of Sharper Video Productions Inc., invited a few dozen friends and drum corps acquaintances to witness 21/2 hours of his most recent labor of love, "When Drum Corps Was Really Drum Corps", a 50 year history of the junior drum and bugle corps movement in America
This big-screen presentation covered the 4 hour video collectors series. It truly left the viewer yearning for more. Larry is no stranger to drum corps. He marched in the Cavaliers during the 1950's playing in the drum line. He then became an esteemed instructor of the corps from 1962 through 1971. Not content with the restrictive instrumentation of the day, he began to design new percussion equipment (remember the flapjacks, the predecessors to marching timpani?). He then went into show designing and is credited with the introduction of the "total show" concept (his shows were often far ahead of their time, such as the Cavalier's 1971 "circus show" - the Madison Scouts' "Alice In Wonderland" 71 show ) In homage to the Cavaliers' 50th Anniversary, Larry decided to create a comprehensive history of the corps and the entire activity. The two years of hard work he put into the project is well-reflected in the remarkable production values of the finished product. I think it's safe to say that there has never been a better produced video series in the activity.
Make no mistake: This is far more than just a video history of one corps. The series explores the evolution of the entire drum corps activity up to the events that led to the formation of DCI.
The program includes many historical videos of corps of the past, color guard championship shows, and even a rare performance of the US Marine Drum Corps under the direction of Colonel Truman Crawford at his retirement ceremony in Washington DC. While the title of this series alone might cause some people to flinch. Whether or not it's a sly and wry commentary on today's activity is something only Larry knows. But to anyone who remembers the "early days" or is intrigued by the past, this series pulls no punches in presenting the aura of drum corps back "when" that can't help but give one goose bumps during a viewing.
The series starts with an historic post-World War II prologue, explaining why the country was ripe for the explosion of drum corps that was to soon follow. A large number of non-drum corps historical film clips went into the production of this part of the series.
There is much film of early competitors that was dug up from the vaults of many old-time corps fans. I had heard of several of these units, but had little idea what they were like. Through interviews and reflections, the historic rivalries are relived and brought back to life. The famous Midwest vs. East brawl with St. Vincent's after the VFW Nationals in 1957 is explored, including the participation of two senior corps of supposedly "responsible" adults.
Several laughs were heard throughout the room as Don Warren, founder and still president of the corps, shared his memories about why he created the corps out of the Boy Scout troop of which he was scoutmaster and how he himself was only a couple of years older than the older members. The great Cavaliers' hall fire of 1967 is explained, a tragedy that claimed most of the corps' history and much of its equipment, just prior to the corps moving forward in the same season to win both VFW and American Legion Nationals.
For the curious, an explanation of the origins of the corps' "splooie" is, well... ... never mind. Interviews conducted with adults of today who were members in those earlier years are quite touching. You can see clearly just how the corps and the activity touched and changed their lives forever. Don Warren explains how the Combine of 1971 was formed due to bad judging at the VFW and American Legion Nationals and how that, in turn, directly led to the creation of DCI. Plus, 1971 was the year of the aforementioned "total concept" theme shows, complete with costumes. Former Madison Scouts Director Bill Howard is interviewed as he remembered how the head of the VFW Nationals proclaimed there would be no costumes, or much of any other innovations, and that (along with the judging) pretty much persuaded a handful of influential directors to form DCI. Howard goes on to explain why the corps felt they needed to control their own destiny. But the video series doesn't preach or get in the way of the story. It allows the activity to tell its own story, and there isn't a dull moment. The entire drum corps world is covered as it is viewed through the eyes of the Cavalier organization. But true "corps" fans will enjoy this viewing experience as much as those who are connected to "The Green Machine."
As a history lesson, "When Drum Corps Was Really Drum Corps" hits a home run. As pure entertainment, it hits a grand slam. It would make a perfect gift for any drum corps fan.
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