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Thoughts on Fantasia...

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 10:53 am
by J. Peeples
After watching Fantasia this weekend I’m reminded of the real reason I’ve stuck with color guard as long as I have. It’s about entertaining, inspiring and touching people, just like Stanley did. He didn’t always teach groups that won, but he touched the people he worked with and those people never failed to entertain.

Over the years I’ve had my fair share of wins and losses, but looking back, those aren’t the parts I remember the most. Mostly I remember the people. I smile when I think of all the fun we had and laugh when we all tell stories of the times when we were going through a bad rehearsal or dealing with some drama that came up. I think of people who have become closer to me then my own family and teachers that have inspired me to become more then I ever thought possible. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for these people and this activity that allowed us to share these experiences.

Being reminded of Stanley really makes me think about the one thing that so many people overlook about this activity. He touched so many people and helped them grow in such a positive way. He touched 1000’s of kids, including one very insecure 19-year-old boy who thought he would never be able to dance way back in 1995. I’m so glad he took the time to personally push me, even if I fought him every step of the way for so long. I’m so thankful he never gave up.

For the first time, in a long time, I truly miss being 19 and performing with my friends in an incredible show taught by incredible people.

Jason (Jase) Peeples
Blue Devils World
'95 '96 '97

Fantasia

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 3:30 pm
by LEIGHGUARDBOY
Fantasia is wonderful. My jaw dropped when i first saw their show. There show this year is one that no one who watched it will forget. Its a show with meaning and background behind it, and those shows are the ones that inspire young and old to contine with not only color guard but with what ever inspires them deep inside.

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 9:41 pm
by lilprincessss
I have to agree. I was on Fantasia last year, and I never got to meet Stanley...but I know all about him. I cry every time I watch because I know just how much he meant to all those people. I love Karl Lowe with all Iv'e got and he has just put out the most beautifull show. Just to hear his and even Sheila's voice is touching! I think they are beautiful, and whats even more beautiful is that I know they care more about this memory and what it means to them than they care about a metal!
You better get it Fantasia!
Kelly K

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 9:47 pm
by RifleDiva86
I also feel the same way about Fantasia's performance. It gives me chills to watch them because they are so remarkable. Every year they inspire me more and more to becoming an even greater performer. I really wish that Blue Devils had a World guard again because I think they would give Fantasia a run for their money. I loved Blue Devils World in '97 when they did the White Rabbit show, formerly known as "What the Door Mouse Said"....that was another awe-inspiring show. One of my all time favorites....

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:08 am
by crack it
when my guard first saw Fantasia in Fresno, we were just in shock the whole time. And we didn't clap because it was like we were in a transe, i dont know how they do it, but its great. and then at the end when the announcer starts talking, you finally wake up. But i LOVE their show this year, god its amazing. It's such a huge change from last years show with all the loud music and stuff, now its slow and dancy. I definately like this year better. And i heard a rumor, dont know if its true, that they were going to fold next year? i pray that thats not true.

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:19 am
by LibertyPress
Fantasia's show really makes you reflect. For me, it makes me remember the good times I have had in the past. Fantasia gives the power of connection with the audience, especially with the new text added. I can remember experiencing some of those events, yet not the same, but still, the same sentimental value.

Like:

"Driving with the top down..." just so you can look at the stars. Now who hasn't driven at night and stopping for a second and gazing up in the sky at the stars? Whether with someone, or just by yourself... wishing and hoping.

"Pickles... jars and jars of pickles." And the smallest things that most people take for granted can mean the WORLD to someone else.

Things like that that makes you think of your own life and somehow make the connection with the show. I have never seen a show that has captivated many... from beginning to end.

I mean, just listen to the words on this poem... wow

Vanishing Act by Lou Reed

It must be nice to disappear
to have a vanishing act
to always be looking forward
and never looking back

How nice it is to disappear
float into a mist
with a young lady on your arm
looking for a kiss

It might be nice to disappear
to have a vanishing act
to always be looking forward
never look over your back

It must be nice to disappear
float into a mist
with a young lady on your arm
looking for a kiss

It must be nice to disappear
to have a vanishing act
to always be moving forward
and never looking back

How nice it is to disappear
float into a mist
with a young lady on your arm
looking for a kiss

Looking for a kiss
float into a mist

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 3:02 pm
by drum corps baby
The first time i saw fantasia's show in fresno, i was like wow, they have a really nice show. i mean i liked it a lot, but i just didn't understand it. but then when i saw it again, just this past weekend in hayward, i started to actually pay attention to the music, and everything that was going on. and it was amazing. i almost started to cry. its just such a moving show, and its just hard to even describe it. i think that the right word for the whole thing would be...beautiful, in every way.