Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps 1979 "LET IT BE ME"

[1979Regiment]

I saw it live, too. Been running to it, training for Marathons from Ausie to Ausie. Wherever Jim Ott is buried this Let It Be Me is no doubt playing from the ground.

Too bad the night had to end with the best corps of the decade once again finishing second.

[Duanebliss69]

we are watching the best right here....for sure

[houstonbhorsemen]

I was at this show, and Spirit of Atlanta at the end, after the 2 minute warning,, was the LOUDEST marching unit I have ever heard!!!! It felt like the paint was peeling off the walls. All with vale rotor "G" Bugles!

[Palmtree2011]

I got to see it too!!

[Mrdesertsnake1991]

It was the culmination of 7 yrs. of marching band, and a HUGE honor to go out to South Cobb HS and try out for the SPirit and actually make it...only to get hurt in an accident and not get to Tour with them.to hear that power and bearound some other great Horn players...wow, what a thrill. brings tears to my eyes hearin that stuff again.Thoughts go out to my Spirit corp mate John Hardiman (Pebblebrook HS) (RIP), and my Army colleague Marshall Brooks,both Spirit alumni.

[jimisback]

@Mrdesertsnake1991 Who is this? I knew John. I must know you also. I marched Spirit 1979 as well as Pebblebrook HS.

[Mrdesertsnake1991]

@jimisback Hi, my name is Jim (Jimmy) Calhoun. I graduated from Douglas Co. in 79 I was close with John...he was agood friend. When I got back from germany, my Wife and I ran into him in Midtown where we both lived...and he was very ill then...and passed soon after. John was a good guy...troubled, but a good guy. I loved him like a Brother. Hope you are well, and Happy Holidays

Jim Calhoun

[MrTubanator]

where can i get music for this??????

[xsabers]

As good as this is, this video only reflects about 1% of what this performance was like in person.

[cheftomco]

Try to contact some of the corps like scv or blue devils they may have some g bugles or they may be able to point you in the direction to buy so.

[buckeyenut39]

@ Hotwheels ,you are so right !!I'm a Canton Bluecoats alumni in the 80's and after watching this years shows I was so disappointed there was no emotion in the shows I was bored watching this year

[jsouter]

Jim Ott was a master at arranging. He could arrange the middle horns in a perfect harmony with the rest of the horn line. His death was a great tragedy and loss to the drum corps world and he is sorely missed. There aren't many who had his ear for what the music could be.

[dennmann99]

CHILLS! For some reason, this makes me tear up. Lots of great memories from that time period. Spirit is still on my mp3 player and I must listen to the whole show if it starts, even though I've heard it thosands of times. THIS is the Drum Corps that I want my kids to know about to enable them to enjoy today's corps ore. Thanks !!!

[LiamusShakirus]

dude at 3:16... OKAY, ALL RIGHT! ahahah awesome!

[mgdcrash611]

this still gives me the chills waching this



[bonesteve]

damnit! why can't drum corps be like this again?!?!?!? ants scurrying around the field/brass can't breathe/no power to deliver an ending anymore. so sickening to hear the puny garbage coming out of bells these days...and it isn't their fault, either: visual design has taken so much away from the musical aspects of corps that i spend more time trying to find something happening musically and ignoring the stupid scramblings occurring all over the field.

[vkgarry]

One of the strengths of Jim's arrangements was writing in the natural power range of the horns. That's how you break press box windows...allegedly! :-)

[sbmackie]

I was with Madison from 1980-1982. Jim Ott wrote our book in '80 (They're Playing our Song, Malaguena, and Looking Through the Eyes of Love). He was a superb writer and a all around fine human being. We toured with Spirit alot in those three years. Always felt a good connection. Great times.

[robmal1227]

This is way I have been a Spirit of Atlanta Fan as well as an Alumni since 1979. This closer will always be the best that has ever been. I miss Jim Ott and Im glad that I had the opportunity to play for him for 3 years....Go Blue!!

[88Drumline]

I didn't get to see Spirit perform this 78-80 but finally was able to travel to Whitewater in 81. Let It Be Me wasn't in the show to start the season, but they added it along with other changes at the mid season break. I didn't know it was coming, back before the internet of course, and I just about peed my pants when they blasted the first chord in prelims. If you helped put Let It Be Me on the field any of those years, staff or member, thank you. A life long memory.

[politicalsheepdog]

The signaling devices they are using sound much better that the field brass they use today. The crown response alone should tell everyone that.

[poochpup34]

Another comment. I'm also professional brass player, playing mostly studio, movie soundtracks... but always a Drum Corps fan. That is what amazes me with this Spirit line. From the first night when those contras and baritones smack it, to the incredible mellophones playing that high secondary melody so clean and purely, and the push to final note of power. Very full, in tune, full of depth, the kind that makes you just all into it like a giant hole. Longing for the return of the Spirit sound.

[1mctous]

@poochpup34 Beyond a doubt Jim Ott advanced the art of ensemble brass playing, not only with great arrangements, but with great communication with his many excellent brass ensembles. I hope to play contrabass for him in Heaven.

[poochpup34]

I've followed Drum Corps since the late 70's. Being a brass player, always loved the big brassy sounds. Year in and year out, the Blue Devils hornline is the most brass athletic (powerful) and my favorite. However, I grew up a Spirit fan, and without a doubt those hornlines of the late 70's and around 1980 were just phenomenal. The talent that group had was incredible. Georgia on My mind, Nutville, Let it Be Me, some of the best, full, depth, and clean playing ever.

[micropickletwo]

Jim Ott passed 31 years and 1 day ago. He is still missed by fans lucky enough to have heard his arrangements live.  Well done , Sir!

[SDW2001]

Everyone saying this was the peak of drum corps: I appreciate the nostalgia...I do. But arguing that these corps were better than todays is simply stupid. Half-decent HS bands have better drills and marching technique today. Granted, it's an evolution of the activity...but arguing that today's DCI is crap? Come on.

[micropickletwo]

@SDW2001 Can't help but notice you didn't make any claims about today's music being better.  Today's DCi compared to the 1970's is like Lady gaga compared to the Beatles.

[tmtv633]

@SDW2001 I agree it is not crap but it is different. But just from sheer numbers at DCI it was the peak of Drum Corps. And no half decent hs marching bands do not have better drills and technique. How could they? Time alone wouldn't allow it. And i have to add how is todays marching tympani and mallet technique. But again it is not crap and I cannot wait til the Hattiesburg show to see the BD and CC.

[HOTWHEELS]

@SDW2001 You're right that today's corps have superior drills / marching technique. I would add that today's performers are in superior athletic condition, and the demands of today's shows blow away the demands on those corps from the past. Having said all that, the sound that this drum corps produced, with it's emphasis on music over motion, was simply phenomenal and unmatched in today's activity. The G bugles helped enable that sound. If you weren't around to have heard them live, I pity you.

[bonesteve]

@HOTWHEELS yes, yes, yes to everything. and i agree that the athletic prowess of current corps athletes is not to be dismissed; even the best athlete, though, has to sacrifice some performance aspects to survive a 9+ ordeal like the corps members of today deal with during the course of a performance. no corps deliver the big G bugle sound, but there is no excuse for wearing out the brass players with constant running when there is no possible way to overcome basic aerobic needs.

[Jbarr2012]

@HOTWHEELS I that music education (specifically brass pedagogy) has improved drastically since then.

[ColonelKlank]

They also played "Tonight" from West Side Story.

[ColonelKlank]

I was there!

[newtojo]

I was at this show and had "Let It Be Me" in my head for hours after the contest ended. 1979 and 1980 were, IMHO, the peak of drum and bugle corps. Power, entertainment, memorable tunes, and fierce competition all made this period my favorite. What a blessing to have been able to watch, listen, and participate in DCI when it was at its height.

[drbcrb]

Think of how many corps fans went home after a contest humming this. With the current day, how many fans of the current drum & brass bands go home humming anything?

[micropickletwo]

The finale was so loud you couldn't hear yourself screaming in approval. This was truly THE best night in DCI history.  I am so glad i was there. RIP, DCI.

[euphmmx]

Holy SOA bugles

[MrPimvis]

if you don't like this, you don't like drum corps! WOOHOO! AWSOME!

[newtojo]

At once tender yet supremely powerful. Possibly the finest horn arrangement in the history of drum and bugle corps.

[TheButterflyPainter]

So awesome.  My brother marched with the Spirit for four years and was in this show. Thanks for posting.

[saxmasta]

Im so proud to know this is iin the history of the corps I'm in.

[guardgirlerin]

My dad was in this show!!! And I will be marching with Spirit of Atlanta this year!!!

[jimisback]

@guardgirlerin Congrats, It was fun playing it too. Have fun with the SPIRIT OF ATLANTA !!! Again.

[elkabong1961]

I marched with Garfield Cadets in 1979. I remember this as it was yesterday. This is just so stunning. Still brings tears to my eyes.

[cwowms]

This bring tears to my eyes but they are tears of joy, thanks for the memories.