I have been involved in the blogging experience for approximately four weeks. As a novice, it took a while to learn proper utilization of the technology associated with this genre. I continue to learn. The topic of my blog is the drum and bugle corps activity.
Over a four week period I posted 26 original comments, received four comment responses, and four votes on a poll I created. Additionally, I made numerous comments in response to posts on other sites. I created links to other blogs and specific comments within those blogs, and also provided links to mass media artifacts within the Drum Corps International website.
With regularity, I read blogs on twelve different sites: BEANTOWN Caffe, Gazing Into The Abyss, Drum Corps International, BRUCE REYES-CHOW, STICKY DOORKNOBS, On The 50, Point Two-Five, StickyFigure, Drumline Blog, La Vie 101, Historical Drum Corps Publications, and Drum Along The Mohawk Blog.
La Vie 101 was the most "hip" site that I visited, as well as the only international (Canadian) blog I watched. I felt like I was getting to know someone who didn't take themselves too seriously. Topics included graphic design, fashion, family, food, drum and bugle corps (Syracuse Brigadiers), and the exchange rate. Many observers added short comments. As I will soon be 46 years old, something about this site made me feel as if I were bridging a generation gap. Because the writer is involved in the summer drum and bugle corps season, she couldn't post very frequently. Even so, her site seemed very alive.
BEANTOWN Caffe is a very attractive and well constructed blog from Boston. Generally, this blog reveals a strong sense of community, appreciation of the natural, and desire to find personal meaning in life. There are ads and links to friends on this site. There are links to musical performers: Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps and others. Pictures displayed on the blog are beautiful and of high quality. The writer posts frequently. I'd like my blog to be more like this one.
Gazing Into The Abyss is a most intriguing blog and originates from Myrtle Beach, SC. It is very much a daily diary that addresses life issues. The writer addresses perspective by strategically intermingling song lyrics throughout his comments. The writer posts lengthy commentary daily and I'm amazed and appreciate the commitment and effort shown by this writer.
StickyFigure is another interesting and attractive blog and a site that I will continue to watch as I am keenly interested in the topics it addresses, i.e., the sociology of work ethic, marketing, consumerism, and business ethics. This blog has dense interconnection with other blogs and also advertising links.
STICKY DOORKNOBS, originating from Denver, caught my attention not only because of its connection to the drum and bugle corps activity, but also the 24 hour "blogathon" that was conducted to raise cash for charities. Other topics covered were baseball and the writer's personal health. Also, I discovered the technical term "meme" on this site and I still need to find its meaning.
On The 50 is a blog that addresses issues associated with the drum and bugle corps activity. This site has a link to a "Wiki" about drum corps. Also, rather than covering numerous interests on a single blog, this writer has created three separate blogs each dealing with different topics. The writer posts on the drum corps blog every few days.
Bruce Reyes-Chow conducts a blog that is geared toward, "Pastors and church geeks." This is a very good blog originating from San Francisco and the writer posts daily. My original attraction to this blog was the writer's connection to Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. However, after watching this post for a while, I found a very interesting exchange of comments regarding the kidnapping and murder of Korean Christians in Afghanistan and the lack of coverage of these events by mass media. I desire that great cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity exist in the U.S. and on this site I was exposed to backgrounds different than my own. This blog is highly interconnected to other blogs. There are also ads displayed on this blog.
Point Two-Five caught my attention not only because it is a blog dealing with the drum and bugle corps activity, but also has three authors rather than one. This site provides links to marching activity blogs. The writers post every few days.
I have been disappointed with the response to my blog, but realize my technical incompetence may have been a cause. Additionally, the name I chose is too long, bland, and associated too closely with a single, obscure topic; the drum and bugle corps activity. As I became more comfortable with blogging, I tried to expand the content of my blog by pulling in comments and links regarding topics connected both with the drum and bugle corps activity and society at large. Topics included: work ethic, marching band, life changing experiences, music education, terrorism, Indianapolis, media coverage, travel, commitment, and youth. Additionally, I added a poll in order to attract more interest.
Overall, the blogs I observed were updated at least every few days, were heavily interlinked, displayed advertising, covered a variety of topics as well as my primary interest (the drum and bugle corps activity), and exhibited great freedom of speech with little censorship. Generally, writing and comments were very personal.
Mass media utilized within these blogs included videos, news articles, songs, and advertisements. Specific comments regarding media artifacts included: regret that a certain drum and bugle corps wasn't receiving the enthusiastic coverage it deserved by writers on the Drum Corps International website, unbelief that American news media were not intensely covering the Korean hostage situation, and dispute as to the accuracy of the date a certain event was being claimed to have been videoed.
I have greatly enjoyed my introductory experience with "blogging" and plan to continue to participate by creating a different site. Importantly, even though I didn't observe great controversies displayed among bloggers, it is obvious to me that this genre provides a non-threatening way to express dissent and provide alternative views alongside mainstream practices, concepts, and ideology.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Life Changing Experience
As I have indicated numerous times throughout this blog, being part of the marching band community is a life changing experience. The effect is difficult to describe, but one hears and sees hints of it here and there from those who have experienced it.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Marching Band Is Cool
Thirty years ago this month I became a member of my high school marching band. It is difficult to describe, but it was the first time in my life that I felt I really belonged and mattered. My very best friends were in marching band. I wasn't the best musician, but I tried. At my school, the students and community members were proud of the marching band and it meant something to wear the uniform. It was great to be a member of a team. The marching band experience influenced my life and behavior in ways too many to mention. There must be something to this phenomenon as the experience has remained in my heart and head these past thirty years. Its much more than the performance. Here is a hint.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Music in the Family
Both of my sons and their wives have all graduated from college recently. Three of the four have degrees in music and the one who doesn't plays gigs with a band that tours nightclubs. Two of the four have landed jobs and the other two are searching. Now, its time to pay the school loans.
"Every day I write the list
Of reasons why I still believe they do exist (A thousand beautiful things)
And even though its hard to see the glass is full and and not half empty (A thousand beautiful things)
Annie Lennox
It is interesting to hear about this guy's music career and to read the music verses along the way.
Thanks
Kevin B
http://www.drumandbuglecorps.blogspot.com
"Every day I write the list
Of reasons why I still believe they do exist (A thousand beautiful things)
And even though its hard to see the glass is full and and not half empty (A thousand beautiful things)
Annie Lennox
It is interesting to hear about this guy's music career and to read the music verses along the way.
Thanks
Kevin B
http://www.drumandbuglecorps.blogspot.com
Indianapolis Show
I attended the DCI event in Indy last weekend and found all of the corps' shows entertaining. The audience attendance was good and the crowd was very attentive, enthusiastic, and supportive of all of the corps. Thinking back on last weekend, I realize how easy it is to be especially impressed with the top corps and overlook the efforts of the smaller, younger, and lower scoring corps. The audience members in Indy didn't seem to take for granted the lower tier corps and gave groups like Capital Sound and Colt Cadets frequent and strong applause. There is a short video regarding these two corps' performance on the DCI website. The DCI World Championships will be held in Indianapolis next year and I can't help feeling the Championships there will be special. The citizens of Indianapolis appreciate the arts and especially the marching activity. Bands of America has held its national championships and DCI has held regional events in Indy for many years. So the community has been and educated and socialized to appreciate and enjoy the marching music activity. I'm really looking forward to attending the World Championships in Indy at the new dome next year.
I did have one concern develop while attending the event in Indy last weekend. There was a man who moved from seat to seat in the stadium during the evening. He acted very strangely and carried a large backpack. He made several calls by cell phone. Did he have a ticket? If he did, why wasn't he sitting in his assigned seat. The event was crowded, so I wasn't certain how he was finding empty seats. At one point he placed the backpack under a seat and left the seating area. A number of us became alarmed and at about the moment we were going to alert an usher, the man returned to his backpack. People continued to watch this man throughout the evening. It was an unnerving circumstance.
Given the threat of terrorism in today's world, I don't understand why facilities and DCI allow people to bring in any large containers. I saw officials going through people's bags as I was passing through the entry gates and I considered this while observing the behavior of the man with the bag. However, I couldn't help but wonder, did he slip by the guards somehow.
I did have one concern develop while attending the event in Indy last weekend. There was a man who moved from seat to seat in the stadium during the evening. He acted very strangely and carried a large backpack. He made several calls by cell phone. Did he have a ticket? If he did, why wasn't he sitting in his assigned seat. The event was crowded, so I wasn't certain how he was finding empty seats. At one point he placed the backpack under a seat and left the seating area. A number of us became alarmed and at about the moment we were going to alert an usher, the man returned to his backpack. People continued to watch this man throughout the evening. It was an unnerving circumstance.
Given the threat of terrorism in today's world, I don't understand why facilities and DCI allow people to bring in any large containers. I saw officials going through people's bags as I was passing through the entry gates and I considered this while observing the behavior of the man with the bag. However, I couldn't help but wonder, did he slip by the guards somehow.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
reyes-chow :: FAITH: Silence about Christians held hostage by Taliban
Often, I think, certain stories (such as Korean Hostages) receive little coverage by the media because to report that certain story would cause ill effects on some company, group, country, or person. The ill effects are usually economic.
I really don't understand why the kidnapping and murdering of Korean Christians has not been covered by the media. One could guess that our government might not want the American public to think they have blundered in Afganistan as badly as they have in Iraq. Maybe deciders think that to widely report the stories would widen the gap of animosity between Christians and other religious peoples.
Regardless, these are very sad and disturbing events and we should have access to the facts regarding the Koreans.
It is interesting to consider which stories are covered by the mainstream media and which are not. Check out this story and blog.Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Dark Knights - 2006 Blue Knights Tour - Brightcove
Take the time to watch this and learn about the drum and bugle corps activity.
Kevin B.
Dark Knights - 2006 Blue Knights Tour - Brightcove
Kevin B.
Dark Knights - 2006 Blue Knights Tour - Brightcove
More Publicity for Blue Knights
Go to this address. When it comes up, scroll down to the BK story. Click it. After a short commercial, the story will play.
http://cw2.trb.com/news/local/morningnews/
Kevin B
http://cw2.trb.com/news/local/morningnews/
Kevin B
DCI Writers Give BK Their Due
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League
A fan of Blue Knights mentioned recently that the DCI press doesn't cover them with the same enthusiasm as it does other corps. I agree! However, looking over the recap story from the Indianapolis and Denver shows, it appears that the DCI writers finally noticed! BK's improvement in scores is amazing!Keep it up Blue Knights.
Kevin B
Monday, July 30, 2007
On The 50 » I Think DCI Is Trying To Kill Me
On this site is demonstrated the passion and commitment of someone highly interested in the drum and bugle corps activity. There are many, many others who, like this admirable Trooper fan, love the activity, have favorite corps, and make crazy travel and life schedule arrangements in order to support the activity. Its nice to know that when I am on the road attending drum corps events, there are others out there traveling along in spirit.
On The 50 » I Think DCI Is Trying To Kill Me
On The 50 » I Think DCI Is Trying To Kill Me
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™
I find the concept of "Bones" revealed in this article very interesting. However, I don't know the history of Bones. Might someone fill me in?
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "‘Bones’"
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "‘Bones’"
point two-five: Uniform musings, Part 6 - New Uniforms in '07, Allentown edition
Check out a good discussion of uniform styles at this site.
point two-five: Uniform musings, Part 6 - New Uniforms in '07, Allentown edition
point two-five: Uniform musings, Part 6 - New Uniforms in '07, Allentown edition
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Is the Work Ethic Dead? « StickyFigure
This is an interesting article and those who believe in the Work Ethic of Drum Corps might find this interesting.
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™
Check this out!
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "Performance video clip of the Cadets from July 8 at the DCI Louisville event in Kentucky."
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "Performance video clip of the Cadets from July 8 at the DCI Louisville event in Kentucky."
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
YouTube - Percussion Personalities
YouTube - Percussion Personalities: "the 2005 DCI championships on ESPN2
during the break they talked about the personalities of the percussion line"
during the break they talked about the personalities of the percussion line"
YouTube - FanMail 05
YouTube - FanMail 05: "From: thecavaliers
What musicians/performers do the corp... What musicians/performers do the corps members admire most; Are you obsessed with a television series; How many gallons of fuel does the corps use in a week?"
What musicians/performers do the corp... What musicians/performers do the corps members admire most; Are you obsessed with a television series; How many gallons of fuel does the corps use in a week?"
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™
Does this comment resonate with you?
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "CM: Why did you choose to march with the Santa Clara Vanguard?
JW: I marched with the Vanguard Cadets last year, and I love the tradition, the spirit of the corps and just everything about Vanguard. It’s just a beautiful corps and organization with great people. We play music that’s really emotional and really heartfelt, and I love all of it. It’s all about passion, devotion and tradition, and it’s amazing."
Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League™: "CM: Why did you choose to march with the Santa Clara Vanguard?
JW: I marched with the Vanguard Cadets last year, and I love the tradition, the spirit of the corps and just everything about Vanguard. It’s just a beautiful corps and organization with great people. We play music that’s really emotional and really heartfelt, and I love all of it. It’s all about passion, devotion and tradition, and it’s amazing."
Scouts
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What's Up With The Scouts
At a show in Salem ,VA I saw the Madison Scouts for the first time this season. They finished last among the Division I corps at the competiton. Scouts didn't even have the last couple of minutes of their show completed. I was greatly surprised.
Five days later I attended the regional event in Atlanta and the Scouts had added the ending. However, their scores were still low and they didn't make the evening finals. At finals some Scouts' members sat behind me and other spectators asked what was happening with the show. The corps members were so very nice and responded positively. They first wanted to know if we had enjoyed their show. They asked, "Did you like us?" Then they explained that they has totally scratched the visual program, it wasn't working, and had put a completely new visual show on the field the past two weeks. The said that they had been, "Practicing like crazy."
The guys seemed upbeat and enjoying the season despite the scores and extra work of putting together a new visual show.
The good attitude and work ethic exhibited the Scouts and all drum corps members is inspiring!
Kevin B
Five days later I attended the regional event in Atlanta and the Scouts had added the ending. However, their scores were still low and they didn't make the evening finals. At finals some Scouts' members sat behind me and other spectators asked what was happening with the show. The corps members were so very nice and responded positively. They first wanted to know if we had enjoyed their show. They asked, "Did you like us?" Then they explained that they has totally scratched the visual program, it wasn't working, and had put a completely new visual show on the field the past two weeks. The said that they had been, "Practicing like crazy."
The guys seemed upbeat and enjoying the season despite the scores and extra work of putting together a new visual show.
The good attitude and work ethic exhibited the Scouts and all drum corps members is inspiring!
Kevin B
What's Up With The Scouts
Thanks for the report Kevin!
I am glad they recognize what isn't working and have taken steps to
fix it. I'm going to a show tonight and will get to see the results
of the rewrite. I have nothing but respect for the Scouts and I wish
them the best.
Ryan Kime
Editor
Drumline Blog
I am glad they recognize what isn't working and have taken steps to
fix it. I'm going to a show tonight and will get to see the results
of the rewrite. I have nothing but respect for the Scouts and I wish
them the best.
Ryan Kime
Editor
Drumline Blog
Monday, July 23, 2007
Atlanta Regional
Wow,
The show in Atlanta was great and the performances by the corps were awesome. Looks like Crown is a crowd favorite again this year. It also appears that any one of the top six corps could win the championships in Pasadena. The top six corps all appear to have much room to grow, change, and perfect their shows. It will be interesting to watch the season progress.
Pick a winner in the poll located on the sidebar and please post reasoning for your selection.
I pick Cadets. Reasoning: speed.
Kevin B.
The show in Atlanta was great and the performances by the corps were awesome. Looks like Crown is a crowd favorite again this year. It also appears that any one of the top six corps could win the championships in Pasadena. The top six corps all appear to have much room to grow, change, and perfect their shows. It will be interesting to watch the season progress.
Pick a winner in the poll located on the sidebar and please post reasoning for your selection.
I pick Cadets. Reasoning: speed.
Kevin B.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
30th Anniversary
Thirty years ago this summer I attended my first drum and bugle corps competition. The competition was held in Cary, NC. and featured the 27th Lancers and the Bridgemen. Since that summer 30 years ago, I've attended local and regional competitions every summer and have attended 17 Drum Corps International World Championships.
Through the years, the activity has brought me many joys. The corps have introduced me to a multitude of musical pieces and styles. Traveling to various competitions throughout the country has taken me to many wonderful cities and towns that otherwise I may not have visited. The visual and musical excitement created by the corps has been not only entertaining, but awesome. Lastly, the activity has provided me proof that there are other individuals in the world who realize the value and see the result of hard work and teamwork.
What joys has the drum and bugle corps activity provided you?
J. Kevin Benson
Through the years, the activity has brought me many joys. The corps have introduced me to a multitude of musical pieces and styles. Traveling to various competitions throughout the country has taken me to many wonderful cities and towns that otherwise I may not have visited. The visual and musical excitement created by the corps has been not only entertaining, but awesome. Lastly, the activity has provided me proof that there are other individuals in the world who realize the value and see the result of hard work and teamwork.
What joys has the drum and bugle corps activity provided you?
J. Kevin Benson
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