DrumLine Battle: Crossmen vs Jersey Surf

The Crossmen and Jersey Surf squared off in San Antonio. Which Drumline do you think should have won?
Filmed July 20th, 2013

[@gavbot]

Hey guys, tall crossmen snare drummer standing next to center here, and we appreciate all the awesome comments! Please understand both organizations were way under pressure to do this. DCI did not give us proper time to prepare, and if any of you march DCI, than you know you spend your time practicing what's important. Please know that both organizations worked hard, speaking from marching Crossmen the past few years

[@lorilxn1597]

I'm 57 now and I really miss drum corps. Went to DCI for many years. Drum Corps is so great for teenagers. I was in Emerald Knights from Cedar Rapids Iowa

[@lorilxn1597]

I'm so happy you guys won 🏆

[@jasenswalley3985]

@@lorilxn1597 42 and was in Nite Express. :)

[@lorilxn1597]

@@jasenswalley3985 that's awesome, I obviously was too old to be in Nite Express. I remember hearing about them. They brought back Tournament of Drums too, of the Emerald Knights and Nite Express alumni have a group going for exhibition.

[@AvengedOnez]

That cymbal visual at 5:13 was just spot on...

[@aandrave]

The surf did a great job and they are a newer corps on the east coast where it seems it's sometimes harder to attract talented players, but man it was a real joy watching the Crossman. Their tenor drums are nearly perfect. Very precise and very classy line.

[@roxfoot]

what are the multiple drum players playing, timpani perhaps ?

[@grahambateman9147]

Mm By

[@tracytanniehill8504]

Please don't forget to send me the

[@elziramontanare6898]

Isso que é banda🌟

[@tatusko]

Crossmen. Cleaner and more complicated figures. No brainer.

[@arielsuave]

+Andrew Tatusko I agree! More fluent body formations and movement too in their first passage. Was surprised of result!

[@relicleader]

+Andrew Tatusko Agreed.

[@borderlander2260]

+Andrew Tatusko more so they were in sych the whole time Jersey was out of step with each other if you noticed that.

[@sadietrigg2850]

+Andrew Tatusko Absolutely no contest. Jersey Serf were physically out of sync with each other and had terrible form. Crossmen were crisp, focused, incredibly technically sound, and their rhythms were simply more complex. They were absolutely robbed.

[@rudisalvarez9941]

tomagapo

[@brandonpryormusic]

I remember when drumlines used to play cool cadences with grooves. R.I.P. Latin Lover & Doublebeat

[@evilclownattack]

Crossmen sounded like they were playing show music and jersey sounded like they were playing warm ups...

[@kerryward6896]

even though the crossmen from san antonio lost they still represented our great state of TEXAS very well ! better luck in the future guys !

[@Grahamster00]

+Kerry Ward I know neither lines, but coming from a drumline myself, I believe the crossmen outplayed (and quite frankly outclassed) the Jersey Surf. I thought the Surf were playing warm up drills at first. Also, Surf dropped their sticks after playing? No manners whatsoever. But that's just my opinon

[@kerryward6896]

i like the way you think ! thanks or the comment !

[@goldenboy551]

+Kreate , I agree

[@chloemartinez4128]

true

[@kerryward6896]

thanks

[@sjhaas]

Jersey Surf wasn't too bad, but I liked Crossmen much more

[@alaninnh]

Congrats Surf. I love you guys and am happy to see you found some judges who realize how good you are.

[@Jaysen6740]

Saw the same battle in the GA dome and Surf won there too. I was ticked! I couldn't believe it. Crossmen weren't perfect, but were SOOOOOO much cleaner!

[@Giggles56]

I was disappointed in crossmen, seemed as though they didn't put as much effort in their playing. Clean style don't win the challenge, it also the playing and choreography effort. Crossmen put too much effort in dress and not enough in choreography.

[@TheSigmaElite1987]

Jersey Surf sound like a normal warm-up....

[@spacekj6738]

Billionare Boy dont matter tbh honest, it sounded so good, it was different

[@DKTaoNeo]

These judges need to get their eyes and ears checked . . . Crossmen was far cleaner and more impressive. Jersey sounded like they were practicing warm-ups for most of the battle.

[@TheSkeeter91]

if Jersey Surf can beat them with a warm up, what does that say about Crossmen?

[@DKTaoNeo]

Like I said, the judges need to get their eyes and ears checked, that's what it says about Crossmen. Watch it again and be honest, if you know anything about marching drumlins you can tell w/out much effort which line is better.

[@TheSkeeter91]

I marched on a drumline for 6 years

[@DKTaoNeo]

I've marched for years as well and I also instruct. Not diminishing or disrespecting your comments or experience, I just believe Crossmen's showing was far better than J Surf. Crossmen's material was more impressive imo.

[@tstew258]

Thank god someone else was thinking that: they literally played eights!

[@alisontunny9362]

Both of them were outstanding. I’ve never seen or heard this before.

[@EricZeBaws]

I wish my school hyped our drum offs up this much 😂😂

[@HE360]

I think this drumline battle is a great idea. I wish they would have thought of this a long time ago. This could have been a tie breaker for some corps that tied at the top and this will force the drumlines to stay on the top of their games.

[@teddybrawl]

I found myself bobbing my head to the Crossmen's steps.

[@brown55061]

Silly me I thought we could just look at the scores at semifinals and determine which drum lines were cleaner.

[@arthurvoigt444]

NJ's uniforms were designed by someone on LSD.

[@alexsouth45]

Hahaha

[@justafanintexas7913]

Lake Shore Drive in Chicago?

[@wareagle197155]

A pied piper.

[@terryroper5860]

In 1969.

[@mk6435]

Although this is a great display of percussion by both lines, the Crossmen clearly win. However, Jersey Surf do not let that EVER stop you from challenging the bigger corps.

[@user-uj1zi6ek2z]

I love Crossmen's cymbals! They were beautiful and interesting

[@dakers2052]

It was my pleasure to watch Crossman perform at the Seattle Summer Music Games (a DCI sponsored event) for the first time live. A fantastic performance, polished, great sounds and visuals. Look forward to their return to the Pacific Northwest in the future (hopefully, not every 7 years, which seems to be the case).

[@mrcal18]

Nah. I think The Crossmen won this one. Cleaner, more articulate...

[@andrewupdegrove8270]

Drumline battles aren't meant to asses clarity and precision. That's what their shows are for. Drumline battles are for show. There is a reason there are a ton of people watching. Yes it has to be clean but you want a group that the crowd loves.

[@TheBritishSensation1]

I think crossmen should have won that battle. They sounded so much better and they look like bad asses with their uniforms

[@tomhenderson7498]

From a Brit, you guys know how to put on a drum show!! Wow!

[@ryanwest7405]

4:44 girl on left of screen drops cymbal. lol

[@leighmcmillan6282]

YES! argghh!!

[@keklordgrey4522]

that should be at least.... at least a major tick against....

[@somegayfuck1272]

After reading the comments and knowing how intense band and drum line is, my thoughts went to when my friends and I had a huge talk about how much better we were than Squidward Tentacles. I can't be the only one whose had this conversation.

[@breAnnasmama]

Let me know when they get done warming up and start bringing it haha 😆

[@chikken_soup]

These two must have influence the creation of the Top Secret Drum Corps

[@morcombewise720]

The Crossmen blew the Jersey Surf away. The drumming accuracy was higher, the marching more challenging and complex, and even the cymbals players threw in flash waves for visual effect. A _lot_ higher caliber performance.

[@allypablo007]

Jersey was really good but crossmen were better. Thing is that crossmen's turns were slightly shorter than I thought they should have been.

[@hohman6]

I agree 100 percent, Crossman's Snare line was uniform, everything sounded better tuned, and their body language also showed better discipline.

[@csrtitus]

I read the title as, "Crossbowmen vs Jersey Shore." I was disappointed.

[@thegizman2574]

this is the best battle i ever heard and saw as well

[@danielmjr2545]

trumkey3 I was in a start up corps here in San Antonio called the Alamo Marksmen and the Crossmen were one of the feature corps in 1980. Back in the day and I still have that program.

[@amthunder1]

Crossmen had it!

[@kenjamin90]

Yes they are. During the season. So may-August usually ESPN3

[@franzswa]

This is no drum battle. This some rudimental warm ups by corp style drum line.

[@lifeobserver8079]

OMG, how do you decide???!! Phenomenal!!!

[@saydaddy91]

Crossmen demolished them. Do the Judges have ears???

[@chrisflashmusic]

10000000%

[@dakotabritton7531]

hornline battles would be absolutely insane

[@12345timm]

Crossmen did better, The tone of JS's snares makes me uneasy whereas crossmen have theirs perfect

[@crztrod]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@mychannelboyeeeeeeee]

I know nothing about percussion, and I thought that too.

[@ninjamonkey646]

12345timm thank god i wasn't the only one. the JS snares made me want to vomit lol

[@questruak9296]

💯 agree

[@mattkulesza7766]

Agreed

[@billvill61]

Back in the day I was a snare drummer, but for me, it's the medodic basses that kill me. I love how creative the bass parts are. They aren't just a metronome, to me they are the backbone of the piece. Without them, the piece would be empty and boring. Love it! Listen to this without watching it and you'll see what I mean.

[@SilentBob731]

Wow!!! Awesome stuff...truly worthy of the longstanding tradition of tribal percussion originating around Nigeria hundreds (or thousands) of years ago. These guys could be from Africa...they're so good. "'What is your name?" "I Told You It's... "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS !!!"

[@marksasahara1115]

Yeah, Crossmen, for sure. Better formation, interesting cymbal work, better playing. It was close, but the Crossmen should've won.

[@sdustin7986]

Uniform stick height is everything. You gonna be yelled at. At 7 am when all the other kids are still sleeping. Marching band is Life 101.

[@TopDrumCorps]

Stick height is not everything lmaoo

[@joephysics5469]

Just an old tuba player here. The Crossmen had my vote.

[@billypeso1625]

Crossmen smashed Jersey Surf. Definitely a bad call

[@Sam-hr2pl]

+Deez Nuts agreed

[@nevergiveup7639]

Crossmen had some really cool visuals, especially for the cymbals.

[@GazMic100]

Good lord!!! - Thats hard work and dedication right there!

[@embrezar]

Dropping your sticks? What is this, Nick Cannon's movie "Drumline?" Come on, guys.

[@DaXXPuniSHeR]

agreed. and im from Jersey. Crossmen are always clean and never dirty. Crossmen won in my book

[@itsyeboiblayt7472]

I was lokey just watching that movie clip lol

[@frankalfar]

Crossmen no contest. Too much robotchicken in Jersey Surf at the end,lol

[@joestreet7567]

embrezar pitch

[@sergeschout5864]

love them all great show guys and girls!

[@emilymckeon5983]

Representing the amazing musicianship in NJ!! Go Jersey Surf!!!

[@jim13904]

Bragging rights goes to BOTH bands in this competition . Lots of work and practice went into the performance . And it would be great to see the names of both bands involved listed in the Credits . Something those young men & woman could keep and show to their grandchildren in the future and say this was me way back when .

[@tracytanniehill8504]

Pic is of the essence and rehab center of lighthouses dumbass f*** you have any questions about ugly sister and your mom and your family I said that a phone call you what's a dumbass beaches I know I'm not you no more the bucket Beach Mall super Mom you ugly man sushi kids

[@brianreid3494]

This is beyond talented

[@sananto6896]

Jersey's uniforms with the black hats are really cool. Best I have seen in high school. Difficult to choose which played better, each has a distinct sound.

[@seand763]

Crossmen should have won because they were cleaner and didn’t start off with warm ups that a high school would play and they didn’t drop a cymbal either. 4:43

[@paytonflatt4935]

Seems like jersey surf doesn't seem to care about keeping in step or matching stick heights...

[@viroisonline]

there clearly using aimbot

[@conradebanks2224]

lol

[@rafathama]

They're

[@kenjamin90]

And some movie theaters around the country are broadcasting some of the competitions live. It's pretty cool to watch that way if you can't make it live...but I would suggest trying to make a live show.

[@ashtonjordan-kn4ic]

They both are very good

[@marksnyder4432]

i seen a battle between Jersey surf and Crossman live and omg amazing!! I was so close to them and just perfect

[@FLS713HTX]

I met all of em they came to my high school right after their performance of Alamo dome to perform at the berry center here in Houston Tx.

[@FerreusOpus]

As one of the performers that are in this video, I find it interesting to read all these comments.

[@BlendermanCreations]

I saw quite a bit of upper body movement coming from the tenners while they marked time.

[@ATDBJProductions]

People are saying that jersey wasn't clean, but they were a hell of a lot better than anything you could get in my high school :P

[@funkywhite]

I thought the JS was decent until the Crossmen began. Oops. Crossmen took it.

[@mbiggan94]

Crossman were CLEARLY the better line, however the old guys that were also judging based their decision off "crowd reaction" (the Surf Staff) and the flashy bits, no drumming was actually judged lol

[@pancakepredator8474]

Crossmen. No two ways bout it.

[@biteme19671]

The Crossmen beat hands down on the 1st volley, then they fell off in the 2nd, I thought they were going to pull it thru, but a great battle none the less.

[@gunks_getaway]

Don't know the results as I'm typing... Crossmen won. Hands down.

[@yungtwiz]

Thomas Gunkler how did that go for you buddy?

[@Cciberia]

Bonito los colores de los bombos,, si incluyen instrumentos de vientos,, wow seria para mi muchisimo mejor.. me gust el video

[@ZakkWasNotAvailable]

one of the jersey surf's crash cymbals was dropped like twice lmao they definitely deserved to win

[@marilynoconnell961]

This is very old, very fun to watch though!

[@renes.7820]

woow was für ein battle respeckt !!!

[@user-te3rl3zx1v]

ชื่นชอบ ศิลปะดนตรีแบบนี้ไพเราะอีกแบบ

[@susanm7359]

The senior bands were awesome... husband and I followed Connecticut Hurricanes...

[@dimasryandamhmd8993]

amazing.!.

[@GeneralN0va]

I remember being in the alamodome for band.. good times, good times

[@heudithmolina8966]

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought Crossmen should have won.

[@Lynchpman]

Just as a general comment, people who are saying that corps drummers can't do anything else, two members of the Blue Man Group were in DCI.

[@dads07limo]

3 of Jersey Surf's instructors are Crossmen alumni! Surprise, surprise, surprise!

[@DL-tv9ed]

Crossmen were definetly better...

[@phoenixknits]

True.

[@aaronvogel1268]

they were. but drumline battles are judged on hype

[@keklordgrey4522]

just the beginning of the "woke" movement.... and our eyes were shut......

[@TheChach19]

I think drumline battle would get more corps involved. That would make it much more fun

[@kilo4121]

I like their warm up

[@officialjulianscott]

I'm trying out for the drumline

[@dads07limo]

...haters are forgetting this is for fun! THIS IS NOT A DCI COMPETITION!!! ..I would bet 99% of the "bashers" wouldn't make Jersey Surf's line! Drumline battle is open to the outside,...talk your talk,..walk the walk!

[@donjohnson7194]

Very talented drummers on both sides

[@apetcovi8232]

Anyone else catch the Jersey Surf cymbal player drop a cymbal when they were done?? JS was just sloppy.

[@lorilesage8088]

Crossmen way better!

[@bandgeek2k176]

Crossmen... definitely the Crossmen win. I also like:Pacific Crest, The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, Santa Clara Vanguard, Madison Scouts, and a couple other i can't think of at the time.

[@seleneraven2399]

Why do Jersey Surf's uniforms look like a bad nightmare circa 1972?

[@samanthabree1246]

Selene Raven Their theme was soul music.

[@caemboyz5348]

good the batle n veri nice...i like it...

[@Humansareanimals.]

Great performance both! Wht alwayss have to win someone?

[@SnareSmurf92]

Good stuff, makes want to dust off my pad and pick up drumming again

[@batman32451]

Oh ho. Crossmen took it, but those bass runs on BOTH sides. Gotta love some bass runs

[@Jazzvibe3071]

Really dig the Surf snare sound. Almost sounds like well tuned mylar...

[@luukbooij5099]

Het was geweldig prachtig

[@PoohStickProductions]

Are DCI tounaments ever on TV? And if so approximately when and on what channel?

[@JerRonamo1024]

Tightness over visual allday