Pitch Perfection: The Phantom Regiment

100 musical machines, the brass of the Phantom Regiment warms up in Hattiesburg, MS. 7/27/11

[@ConnorRydland]

I find myself watching this video 5 years later still amazed that I was given the opportunity to stand in this same horn arc

[@planaritytheory]

sick humblebrag

[@regimentfront2012]

SUTA!

[@woahbiscuit4695]

i find myself watching this almost a decade later. i still get goosebumps. every time.

[@mtfenley]

I’ve always loved phantom regiment I would’ve loved to be able to do this it was such a let down I just wasn’t able too

[@phand007]

Thank you for being there! PR ‘11 Tpt

[@waceymurley]

"And they're in fifth place."

[@oklahomanorm2278]

Hàrt

[@marinecorpsammofajitasmres4387]

it's been years since I've seen this, and I come back to the video. and i still can very much hear a Beautiful Connected Halo Ring when they play and hold out there Notes close to the end of the video.

[@FutureMP445]

5th place my ass. They sound perfect and powerful!

[@jdavid1027]

I'll take a 5th of that!

[@samrshelley]

It was a travesty.

[@jlj7789]

The brilliance of the concept of Pitch Perfection is actually in all of the 'bad' stuff they are doing. The ideas of breath control and release, air movement and control, articulation (which is not perfect, but absolutely consistent throughout the line - which means its getting better), are all perfectly executed when they are doing the 'wrong' things This makes the focus on getting it right is just that much more important and centered when they are dead on.

[@jimbrown8818]

If 2:43 doesn't affect you in some profound visceral way, well hell, I don't even want to know you.

[@yesorlando05]

I never tire of PR's top-heavy HL. The prominent low brass sound is something I've always been drawn to by this corps. Such richness. The ballad at the end is stunningly beautiful. No crazy runs or fancy articulations. Just a perfect blend of voices that soothes the soul.

[@erikwaterson361]

I love Phantom's rendition of Lord's Prayer.

[@davidjack7418]

Couldn't agree more with the "top-heavy" comment. My first DCI experience was when I was just a middle school student that got lucky enough to go along with the high school students to a DCI show, and it just happened to be 1996. I've been a big fan of PR ever since.

[@KiranSundarkdog97]

@@davidjack7418 great time to become a fan, huh? 😀

[@davidjack7418]

@@KiranSundarkdog97 Absolutely. I had no idea what DCI even was at that time. I was just excited to start marching band in high school. Here we are, decades later. I still love Phantom (among others) for that experience alone.

[@bdarne0024]

If every one was this devoted to tonal center the world would be better

[@KurtWittman]

I LOVE me some Phantom Horn Line! All of the corps horn lines are great. But Phantom has always been one of the crispest and cleanest IMHO.

[@jareddavis950]

Kurt Wittman along with crown

[@KurtWittman]

Yes Sir!! Love them too!

[@jacobivy2854]

Carolina Crown is my number 1, but these cats are close in my book.

[@sputnikalgrim]

Stumbled across this again on December 31 2022. DCI has always been a love of mine and Phantom is my favorite Corp. this video illustrates so much, but if I had to put my finger on the one thing that sends me, it’s the hit, it’s always going to be that hit

[@matthewstump7563]

I enjoyed the time when I marched Lead Soprano with Star in 1988 and we competed against Phantom in so many competitions. There were two competitions where we tied for 1st at both of them two days apart. I think by the end of the year it was something like 8 wins for Phantom and 7 for Star with 2 ties. That was a lot of times for us to meet each other. Great times.

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

1:30 I loved it when they sung their pitch. That was beautiful.

[@austincarl9013]

Has to be one of the greatest hornline videos I have ever seen.

[@bencvang]

First Realization: It's so loud, It's unbelievable. Second Realization: My volume is only at 50. Ultimately Jealousy

[@marcusssc8493]

Ben Vang dude holy shit I just noticed too

[@crashcourse1999]

Look up the more recent from crown. "Crown drops the hammer" recording quality is legit and it really gives you the full volume range. Best representation I've heard that wasn't live of the volume range of drum corps

[@KurtWittman]

I teach my students matching principles when I volunteer at the HS. When it comes time to teach pitch matching, I direct them to this video. SO CLEAN!

[@samshelley6152]

The story behind this day and the motivation we had at warm-up is about as classic as Phantom Regiment gets.

[@sparksparkboom]

Sam Shelley what's the story behind it?

[@samshelley6152]

@@sparksparkboom If memory serves correctly, we were punished by visual staff for a few people being hungover in the morning after a "free day" in New Orleans. Lots of running, lots of continuous reps without us getting to put our horns down (we're talking 20+ minutes of holding the horns up). All in Southern Mississippi in the middle of the day in late July. Not fun. Then they took "SUTA" away from us and removed the "pull halt" at the end of the company front in Elsa's for this show only. We "the hornline" weren't particularly pleased about these last two removals, and so we "brought it" that night. I remember getting dressed on the bus and everyone was fuming. Visual staff continued to be antagonistic through visual warmup, so by the time we got to music warmup we were ready to let off some "steam." I think that's why the lead trumpets can be heard clearly above the staff through all the block chords here. I was a lowly 3rd trumpet near the mellos, but even from there you could sense the pent up anger across the line. We were very good, and so were previous versions of the hornline, at channeling this anger into playing better. I think this video encapsulates that well, and the video from the show this night also illustrates that (in my opinion). I don't know why I'm sharing this 10 years later on a public youtube video, but looking back its interesting to me, and reinforces a bit of the legend of Phantom Regiment. Hope you enjoy the story.

[@michaell.8938]

Goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

[@titogarcia1481]

I'm the only one who can not stop listening from the 2:43 ???

[@TheKrispyKarim]

Tito García nope xD

[@mercilpb]

Its my favorite segment of any show ever.

[@AustinAngela]

Same 😭😭

[@danny2595]

Lord's Prayer is always my favorite history bit to play. Such a rich and gorgeous arrangement

[@dianaakatini]

My band director does this exact exercises with us. Well, I'm a senior now, but yeah. It made our sound much better. The listening, the watching, everything was just better. This was the best year of marching that my high school has had, other than my freshmen year. We missed state by one. :/ But yeah, these guys know what they're doing.

[@garrettsmith6237]

Lmao at the end "they're in 5th place"

[@MrLambo234]

Is it bad that I cry every time I watch this

[@tylerviney93]

Nope, that first note that they hit at 2:42 gives me goosebumps every.... single..... time.

[@democratsuck]

That whole chorale will change you to the core!

[@haydengroover590]

Gilbert Craven to the "corps" you mean lol

[@willpayton8477]

No it isn't. You have passion for sound and the love music. Even I cried when I saw this clip. I have a passion these Band Corps. Never be asamed for what you passion.

[@mariannesouza8326]

Definitely not!

[@jtcoop40]

not to be weird but the power the disharmonies hold made me shake. I just imagine hearing this before a battle in the old days and I can't imagine the energy the music holds. Pure magic.

[@stephencardone7549]

I didn't think you could hear overtones through speakers? guess i was wrong

[@phand007]

It's so sad to see members of other corps, such as Crown, rip on the regiment so much. That says a lot about the character they "teach" at Crown. Phantom is much more than a Jim Otte award.

[@funstream48]

All right. There mems are pretty dank.

[@cobrolol2204]

I still come back to this video many many years and every time I’m always left with goosebumps and tears. I miss marching band

[@iruben77]

holy amazing! that's why phantom regiment will ALWAYS have a place in my heart as THE best of the best. not just in their warm-ups but in action on the fields during competitions!

[@Benisuber1]

All of you doubting how in tune Phantom is, go listen to them in the lot. I promise it sounds like one big brass machine. Awesome. If you knew anything about drum corps anyway, you'd know that cameras just don't do it justice.

[@ollyinhd5081]

I can't believe that resolve at the end, it was so incredible flawless.

[@AdamDaley1]

Anybody else just close their eyes and listen... what a feeling of power you get. I sure do miss the horn, wish i stuck with it for moments like this

[@cobrobro]

still here years after i can't get enough

[@Taanstafl12]

Yet to find another hornline vid with that pronounced of an overtone.

[@johnythanj]

Overtones like CRAZY man. That is remarkable how THAT many people can get to such a level of excellence that just by looking at them, you can tell that they are a family and they have been together for months working their craft and working for 12 hours+ a day 7 days a week. Phantom, I tip my hat to you.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Gottdamm...that gave me serious goosebumps hair all standing up. Always a phan of the Phantom since '77

[@RBVTBONE]

I dunno why but the way a hornline sounds, especially while playing a ballad warming up with the drumline thundering in the background is always incredibly epic... something about the contrast that gets to me.

[@marinesNewport]

I'm impressed! The resolution of the chord is magic. Almost perfect. There were two sops flat and at least one baritone flat but almost perfect. WOW!

[@OldMoneyAudition09]

Respect. I marched 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006 (diff. corps) and this brings me back to those warm summer days playing in the lot before and OUTDOORS SHOW. A little roughness but a whole lot of heart and a big wall of sound. Like this piece a lot. LEAVE THE DOME!

[@EMJ31]

Well said, sir. Any of these fine musicians, and anyone who has ever played a brass instrument, blessed with the gift to create their own sound, and then to experience that sound shared with a group of others, will realize that what occurs beginning at approximately 2:40 of this video is what each of us hopes it will sound like when the gates of Heaven are opened for us. It is only when we combine such talents and hard work with others that we create this larger beauty that is beyond ourselves.

[@TubaMan2015]

It’s 2017 and I’m still fucking amazed. It’s just mind blowing. Damn I miss marching band

[@gavinmiller7709]

2:46 .... the trumpet's high note gets me every time

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Great sense of humor. What fun...and talented too; It would be wonderful to "sit in", wouldn't it?

[@ApolyonTheSoulRender]

I think people are sometimes invited to sit in the circle/arc at larger shows or clinics

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

How splendid! I am so envious.

[@chriskanemeier]

Sarah Hearn-vonFoerster If you ever go to a DCI event you are more than welcome to watch the parking lot warm-ups. Just remember you may end up missing a performance making your way there and back to your seat.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

I m a professional musician who knows that rehearsals or warm-ups are more interesting than performances, but lacking the adrenaline rush. Wonderful to experience both.

[@MattIndigoWilliams]

I can't for the life of me understand who or what kind of creature would dislike this.

[@PlushChronicles]

Are you fucking kidding me this is insane

[@rkrealtorva]

Simply amazing. The "Lord'd Prayer" from 2003 is one of my all time favorite PR pieces. That along with Biebel's "Ave Maria" from the "Faust" show.

[@sputnikalgrim]

I still struggle with words to describe how much this moves me

[@jarrodbriley]

I listen to this and literally just have chills and goosebumps running all over my body. It's incredible.

[@seabassmcbigfat]

I kinda can't stop watching this.

[@jgallup23]

This has got to be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard coming from a drum corps. Way to go Phantom!

[@KiranSundarkdog97]

I want this Phantom back.

[@culversofgallatin3933]

Me too. PR alum 1978-1981

[@KiranSundarkdog97]

@@culversofgallatin3933 great time to be a PR member! Though I was about a year too early on my previous comment - JD Shaw’s back with that Phantom sound now 😀

[@hogcheez]

coming from a guy with perfect pitch, this is sex for my ears.

[@twutle]

Tythecloud yep lmao it's sam

[@heartfixer8]

I cried during that years show. The first impact was the most moving thing I ever ever felt in my entire life. Can not simply wait till tomorrow to see them and many others again.

[@zachee09]

That chorale at the end...smh!! Just when I thought the resolution was coming, I was led further into different motifs. All I can do is smh. That was wonderful!! #GooseBumps

[@ClearEnforcer]

They are just one of the few groups you have to see and hear in person to be astonished (:

[@mrmoped92]

The trumpet overtones at the beginning, just heavenly!

[@aireworks1]

god 2:43 to the end gives me chills beyond imagine. they have a very powerful hornline this year and i absolutely love that they are using the lord's prayer as a warmup now.

[@DoctorTrombone]

this appeals to my actual perfect pitch.. so god damn powerful

[@mitchglisson]

Never get tired of those goosebumps at 2:43. Beautiful sound

[@HannaBostic]

@3Phntm Right? I decided not to audition on brass my first go around, I still have some polishing up to do. But I'm dying to be a part of that hornline at some point. Way better than they get credit for.

[@ataricom]

I have family in Rockford. They LOVE listening to the camps.

[@justinthornton143]

3:05 gave me goosebumps!!!!

[@theRmd1992]

Sounds great. I love Regiment and will always be a huge fan of them!!

[@FtWayneIN]

"GOD'S Pipe Organ"..............Phan Phor Life!

[@tannermeyers]

Phantom Regiment should do a show of just ballads👏👏👏

[@TheRobear2010]

I was there for this at Southern Miss! PR's brass is simply amazing

[@hiddencharges]

That is sick! Gives me chills.

[@kbone390]

I love how someone from Hot 8, a completely different style of music, can dig drum corps. Awesome

[@thomascowart3]

So. Immensely. Beautiful.

[@JAshley64]

I can't tell. Is there a delay in the audio or are they all coming in half a beat behind him and perfectly together. (Which would be amazing)

[@armynurseboy]

I've always loved Phantom hornlines

[@austinhall2819]

I just cried. Im a guy.

[@blvdnight5]

real men cry at music

[@tommyk0101]

Gerry G. true

[@bhgblackmamba1]

pretty sure it's all overtones. you can hear the freaking fifth the whole time/. It's incredibly in tune.

[@martyheller7562]

sounds like artillery salvos at first.......then all of a sudden blends into beautiful music

[@caycemoore1416]

I'm literally goin to join phantom regiment playing my trumpet

[@connor.landers]

2:42 blows my mind every time I hear it

[@strife181]

@MrTjames94 Okay, try to listen more carefully then. Don't get wrapped up in the volume or the type of music they're playing. Is there ever a sound before the rest I the ensemble comes in? Are there are ANY waves in the sound? Is EVERY sound a good one? These are questions that we should ask ourselves when critiquing the cleanliness of any ensemble. However, I will admit that Phantom does play very musically, which I respec them for that. But, it's still not even close to perfect.

[@mutterschied]

Hey, hey, wait a moment! The guy in the green pullover at 2:36 isn't il mio grande Maestro?!! Wow! LOL! Hats off, whoever you are, Maestro!

[@CutandShoot5x5]

Perfect order out of chaos!!!!! Beautiful 😢

[@fwh65006]

Dude my new director for my high school is in this video!!!!!!!!!!! He`s wearing the green jacket!!!!!! :D

[@christophernguyen4532]

If only I could see this in person....

[@funkyman800]

I'd love to conduct this! Stand right in the blast zone and lead it through this awesome progression.

[@andrewstevenson7785]

I truly wish I could live on this sound I wish I could also play my contra like they do.

[@slapufirstandlast]

I love this group

[@andrewnance2156]

its in parking lots and in bedrooms with practice pads and dreams..

[@MrTubanator]

In my opinion, just sitting and watching drum corps warm-ups is better than the actual show.

[@restimulating]

God this is so good

[@craigwilson2212]

that's just a warm up and it made me want to cry

[@bugtahoe]

Off the chain.......no words fit the sound!!!!!

[@g.montecelo]

Why do people always have to argue or try and find flaws in DCI videos? -___- watch the video for the beauty the ensemble has and enjoy it. simple as that. EVERY hornline in my opinion is phenominal

[@lakini81]

Best line ever: "And their in 5th Place."

[@Bearded_Yeti]

i didnt know they sang during warmups. so awesome

[@Silo29]

@generalducttape For one, no. The hornline did not. I assure you. Maybe one hour. Tops. And who's hornline do you prefer? You a crown fanboy? Rad BD upper split?

[@Wahl95]

@Nate Wagoner Some baritones (euphoniums, maybe?) are playing the third.

[@g.montecelo]

Weren't we technically 80 musical machines? haha. Thanks for the vid dude. Got a great recording of us.

[@ShadowStorm453]

Speechless....

[@1997pianoboy]

actually the horns were playing the fifth. Listen to when they tune. Horns are the only ones that played a different note.

[@Shaneybob324]

And you're in 5th place!! love it!

[@DrumCorp08]

Can anyone tell me why they have to raise hand up before sing?

[@LicardoDeBousee]

Is that a lead trumpet playing a double E towards the end of the chord progression or is that simply an overtone?? Incredible!

[@peacefather.]

@Newlolz989 Arg! I knew it sounded so familiar...thanks! :)

[@uslessstraw21]

What are the dirty gritty sounds that they make at 1:45? I hear other cores do it and I have never learned the proper name. Can someone help?

[@mellomagnum7120]

I believe they're known as "pedal tones."

[@briandougherty776]

ungardedtitan - Pedal tones while over blowing. The purpose is to open your airway as much as possible and learn to control your airspeed and embichure. Thus alowing you to play louder with a clean tone. That's why the average corps player can play loud with clean tone.

[@Makugan07]

ungardedtitan It doesn't sound like pedal tones. It would be much more our of control if it were. I think that each instrument is playing its lowest note on the instrument. That way they have max resistance while still having a pitch to the sound, that way when they go back to the chord it will be more free flowing. I could be wrong though.

[@jmbermea]

Evan Hatter They ARE playing the lowest notes on their instrument,. The point of this is that if they can play the lowest tone on their instruments with that much resonance and that full of a sound, they can do that with every other tone on their instrument. They played an excerpt from their show afterwards to translate what they were just practicing into an actual performance.

[@samshelley6152]

ungardedtitan We do a combination of playing the lowest note of each instrument (all 3 valves depressed), which is what you hear at 1:45 and half-valving, which is what you hear at 2:20. Playing the low Concert E is all about maximizing airflow when the instrument is its "longest". Essentially its an overtraining exercise. The half-valving is an exercise designed to provide maximum back-pressure. When executed correctly, it requires great diaphragmatic strength to maintain airflow in that state (like lifting a weight). Once you release, airflow is then very easy and you get the beautiful sound that we all know as the Phantom Regiment.

[@jrobs00]

even someone tone deaf could put that on pause for 3 and a half minutes and say holy crap....thats in tune! Love it!!!

[@TheMrGhostlore]

Studies show Phantom's Hornline is the leading cause of goosebumps...