I was Drum Major of Mechanicsburg in 2005 (ACC Champions, Group III, Score: 98.8). Just to let you know, Mechanicsburg practices every twice a week for 2 and a half to 3 hours each night. They also practice on Fridays (football games) and all day Saturdays (before competitions). From what I understand, it's not the most demanding practice schedule and it's not the least. I hope that answers your question. Good luck with your season.
For the entire band to march drill that flawlessly (or almost) requires much more demand than say jazz running 2/3 of the show and missing sets. Its all in the big picture.
I'd just like to say that I'm in West Deptford's band and I truly believe that despite you guys being a good band, we should have beaten you at least in 2006 and perhaps this year if we didn't have someone fall.
To contest your claim that they hardly moved and won, Susquehanna at the same competition marched faster drill and won with a similar score. I saw your show and was impressed with the momentum of your drill and the forms.
It seems to be a design preference on Mechanicsburg's part that they write slower drill so they can max out their music scores. The drill that they have is effective with the kind of music they play and makes it easier to clean.
that year were insanely talented, and I actually know one of them, Max. Sorry if I offended anybody but its not just right to critique a band just because your mad they got first, or because they beat your band, and Im not saying that everyone who commented on the band was doing it because of the above reasons, but for those who were just jealous.
I think the difference in scoring between circuits isn't a matter of being objective, it's a matter of how each one weights and severely judges visual, music, and GE. For example, a 95 at TOB would likely be in the low-mid 80's at BOA because they judge considerably harsher on all elements. If you look at bands like Avon HS or Lawrence Central from Indiana, it really redefines what 93.00+ is. Biased judging was the Ohio OMEA circuit for a long time. Ugh, louder was better.
Mechanicsburg does so well (heck they always whip us at ACC's). But when you hear them play this opener after you were just listening to Phantom Regiment 2003, it looses a bit of its luster.
adding to my other comment since there wasnt room. Overall, I thought the drill and music was very clean, and the guard had a great impact especially with how many there were
I personally have been part of a top 10 band for the past three years, and I have mixed feelings about Mechanicsburg. First, I do notice some bias with Mechanicsburg. But they do have some very nice musical phrases. On the other hand, I know that for us, some of our hardest parts are while moving 5-5s across the field. Based on that, I want to know how they can get very high demand scores. On an unrelated note, does anyone know how long mechanicsburg practices or what their practices are like?
I dont want to start an argument, i'm just adding some thoughts ok, but 1:04-1:34? dont get me wrong, I completely agree that the music was played exceptionally well, but 30 seconds of standing still does get a little boring. and I know i'm not an expert but personally movement does make the show more interesting.(Lampeter Strasburg, Shikellemy, West Deptfortd, and Camp Hill all had nice movement in my opinion)
i think the 4 person horn section deserves credit. lots of credit.
I was Drum Major of Mechanicsburg in 2005 (ACC Champions, Group III, Score: 98.8).
Just to let you know, Mechanicsburg practices every twice a week for 2 and a half to 3 hours each night. They also practice on Fridays (football games) and all day Saturdays (before competitions). From what I understand, it's not the most demanding practice schedule and it's not the least. I hope that answers your question. Good luck with your season.
For the entire band to march drill that flawlessly (or almost) requires much more demand than say jazz running 2/3 of the show and missing sets. Its all in the big picture.
I'd just like to say that I'm in West Deptford's band and I truly believe that despite you guys being a good band, we should have beaten you at least in 2006 and perhaps this year if we didn't have someone fall.
To contest your claim that they hardly moved and won, Susquehanna at the same competition marched faster drill and won with a similar score. I saw your show and was impressed with the momentum of your drill and the forms.
It seems to be a design preference on Mechanicsburg's part that they write slower drill so they can max out their music scores. The drill that they have is effective with the kind of music they play and makes it easier to clean.
im a member of WD and i wanna say thanks too.
hey congrats on coming in first place! i am from Lampeter Strasburg and we came in 7th so yeah good luck next year!!!!!
that year were insanely talented, and I actually know one of them, Max. Sorry if I offended anybody but its not just right to critique a band just because your mad they got first, or because they beat your band, and Im not saying that everyone who commented on the band was doing it because of the above reasons, but for those who were just jealous.
I think the difference in scoring between circuits isn't a matter of being objective, it's a matter of how each one weights and severely judges visual, music, and GE. For example, a 95 at TOB would likely be in the low-mid 80's at BOA because they judge considerably harsher on all elements. If you look at bands like Avon HS or Lawrence Central from Indiana, it really redefines what 93.00+ is.
Biased judging was the Ohio OMEA circuit for a long time. Ugh, louder was better.
I recognise the opener from the reading buccs from earlier that summer
Mechanicsburg does so well (heck they always whip us at ACC's). But when you hear them play this opener after you were just listening to Phantom Regiment 2003, it looses a bit of its luster.
adding to my other comment since there wasnt room.
Overall, I thought the drill and music was very clean, and the guard had a great impact especially with how many there were
I personally have been part of a top 10 band for the past three years, and I have mixed feelings about Mechanicsburg. First, I do notice some bias with Mechanicsburg. But they do have some very nice musical phrases. On the other hand, I know that for us, some of our hardest parts are while moving 5-5s across the field. Based on that, I want to know how they can get very high demand scores.
On an unrelated note, does anyone know how long mechanicsburg practices or what their practices are like?
Do you guys have like a huge statue of Bret Michaels in front of your high school??
I dont want to start an argument, i'm just adding some thoughts
ok, but 1:04-1:34? dont get me wrong, I completely agree that the music was played exceptionally well, but 30 seconds of standing still does get a little boring.
and I know i'm not an expert but personally movement does make the show more interesting.(Lampeter Strasburg, Shikellemy, West Deptfortd, and Camp Hill all had nice movement in my opinion)
this is high school, not drum corps...
haha yay I see myself! XD