From: kal@vaxeline.ftp.com (Kelleigh A. Lewis)
Subject: Re: VK bashing & DC North
Organization: FTP Software, Inc., Wakefield, MA
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 15:50:45 GMT

In article <Aug.14.10.34.28.1992.24986@andromeda.rutgers.edu> dowzycki@andromeda.rutgers.edu (Ken Dowzycki) writes:
>jerger@d0msu7.fnal.gov writes:
>

>   The biggest problem I have with the Velvet Knights is that
>they are nothing, nothing but regurgitated Bridgemen.  Do they
>think that they are actually presenting something new?  I had the
>displeasure of growing up on a steady diet of Bridgemen bullshit 
>which includes chickens, dancing bears, lions, fat lady, tall man, 
>clowns, so forth and so on.  Velvet Knights are doing the same
>thing only with a modern drill, but guess what, IT ISN'T WORKING.
>VK seems to field a full corps every year yet they will always be
>relegated to the cellar (of finals).  If they are smart they will
>take a page from Star's book.  No more Mickey Mouse, Space Show, 
>Circus Acts, they wised up and look where they are today.
>
>   Not to speak ill of the departed but in my opinion Mr. Hoffman
>just infested another corps with his jibberish.  Do you really
>think that Hoffman's shows from his days with Bayonne hold a candle
>to anything Zingali did with 27th.  In comparison, their drills 
>were anemic and the guard was an eye sore at best, that is, when they
>picked up equipment.  Ditto VK.  Only now the Velvet Knights are at
>it longer than Bayonne and what do they have to show for it, a tie
>for 7th as their best placement?  (Which reminds me, the guard
>scuba diving on retreat was another GEM!)  Maybe VK is not CAPABLE
>of performing a REAL DRUM CORPS SHOW.  Tell me, what is their best
>section?  Are they known for anything legitimate?  Drill?  Hornline?
>Drumline?  Guard?......  Silence, right!
>
>   Who is carrying on the questionable tradition of Hoffman antics.
>Is this some kind of tribute to him?  Why not seize the opportunity
>to compete with the Big Boys, instead of running around in Red
>Converse.  Give me the Freelancers anytime over these chumps.
>VK can continue to "present" their shows which will allow Mr. 
>Pottymouth to hit the john when they are on, or if it is too
>crowded, just use VK's busses.  While we are at it, I'm surprised
>that you can keep a straight face admitting that you took part in
>that debacle.   With VK out of the picture maybe we can see some
>talented corps in finals like Glassmen, Spirit, or for that matter
>anyone.  Well, there always is a fly in the ointment!


>>>>Why all the VK flaming? Granted, they are not the "best" corps out there, 
and yes, they are not STAR, or the Cadets, but is that a good enough reason to 
rake them over the coals? I always thought that drum corps people were a
little more open minded than that! There is alot of people out there that
find VK very entertaining!  Sometimes it's refreshing to see something 
different out there. Most of the other corps are pretty much doing the same
thing, what's wrong with taking the "fun" side of the activity out on the
field. It's not like they work or practice any less than any other corps! 
I've stayed in the same school with VK a few times in the past, and they've
proved that it takes just as much work to be goofy and silly as it does to 
be serious! They worked very hard on the drill and music, and then added the
silliness.. 

	If you don't like them that's your opinion, but it's still a
drum corps, and I give credit to any drum corps for doing what they do! 
I really don't think ripping apart everything they've done is necessary!

  I'm not blaming anyone for their opinions, I just think the flame was a 
little harsh!


  Kel