Houston: ExSIGHTment of SOUND

[Hook'emCavies]

Storms were supposed to be coming through and ruining the show, but with luck as soon as the storms got the Houston area it literally evaporated away. For once I wasn't complaining about it not raining... I was ready for some loud DCI corps! Without further to do, here is what I thought about each corps I saw starting with Carolina Crown.

Carolina Crown- Personally, I have been disappointed with the direction they have been taking in recent years. I like the horn line, not as loud as the other corps, but they were technically the best of the evening. While I was greatly entertained by the horn line at a technical aspect, I am just not a fan of this show. I miss the Crown of old and would have rather see this corps march a show like the 2009 "The Grass is Always Greener" again and win it! This may be a bold statement, but it feels like Crown is trying to copy the Blue Devils in terms of show production. While I have enjoyed the Blue Devils shows for the past two years, Crowns shows are making me think they aren't sure what their identity is and they are trying to find a groove with their show this season. I do understand that things change and evolve, but its been pretty drastic in 2013 and 2014. They did have brief moments that made me think "Hey!! That is the Crown of old!", but then they would tease me with hints of Jupiter and Mars in the music. Personally, I think Crown should have gone with "The Planets" theme like The Cavaliers did in 1995. As I see it, Cavies hold the standard for "The Planets" and Crown actually could easily take it from them. Now of course I might be a minority in what I think about the Crown as of recent, but this is my two cents on the 2014 production.

Blue Knights- This was a very nice show! It really seemed like the new uniforms they are using this season matches the show idea. Horn line sounded way better than I thought I was going to get and I was greatly surprised! I love that every corps is starting to up the standards! Meaning I like how each corps is making an effort to entertain everyone no matter where they place. I like the prop ideas they had and I am not a huge prop person. I wish I had the pleasure to see this show live again!

Phantom Regiment- This show sounded so much better than what I heard during pre-season (via youtube). They just have this wall of sound that just seems to be effortless and endless. No matter where they place or do score wise, the are just loud and proud. I was expecting a death scene in this show, but sadly there wasn't one. This corps is going to go right back up in the rankings in the future and it is my understanding that a good portion of the marchers are rookies? If they can march like that in their first year of marching then they will be very dominate in the next few years.

Blue Devils- They had the best trumpet line! It was dark, in tune, and just beautiful! I liked seeing less props on the field, at least compared to the 2013 show. The Blue Devils just have a formula for success and at the same time that horn line reminds me that they kept their identity. Sure their shows have been pretty crazy, but the horn line is just consistent! However, the only complaint I have is the color guard feature with the chairs. I know a lot of people have been talking about this feature and to an extent I agree. I get what they are trying to do, but its still a family event. Never the less, I am 100% sure that they will win this season and I really don't have a problem with it.

Santa Clara Vanguard- The show they put on the field made me consider teaching in California. This is easily my favorite show/group from California and I love the trombones! This corps was LOUD and proud and I was up on my feet a couple of times. I wouldn't be surprised if they beat the Bluecoats and finish third this season. The drill was just amazing as to be expected. I liked the background props and I actually felt like it helped with the over all setting of the show. The percussion was crazy good... They will more than likely win this season. Overall, SCV keep this up PLEASE!! I am looking forward to the future productions!

Bluecoats- I get it... the show is called "Tilt" you don't have to tilt THAT much. With that aside, easily my second favorite show this season! They were the first corps to perform and I was extremely happy that they started the night with a bang! I wasn't a huge fan of their uniforms, but when I saw them up close my opinion changed completely. I liked how they are really pushing to consistently stay in the top 5 or 6. This is easily a show that they can medal with. The best part about this show is that closer... the idea is just PERFECT and I can not stop listening to it! Please keep up this trend!

The Cavaliers- This was my favorite show of the night and I was honestly thrilled that my favorite corps is marching my favorite show this season. They had a presence that I haven't seen or felt from this corps in some time. The show they are marching this year is a great example why I am a Cavies fan. I was the fan that yelled out "Welcome back" as they were exiting the field. I loved the drill design like no other and the general effect was very Cavalier like. I am convinced that the reason why they are placing 6th is because sadly the lower end of the horn line isn't as good as the upper end. It just seems like the baritones and tubas were making some careless mistakes that are typically not very common. However, the lower end is greatly improved and I hope they keep up with all of these improvements. In my opinion the trumpets and mellos played and march like a top 3 corps. The show could place in the top 3, no doubt, but sadly some things are holding them back. After seeing this show I know for a fact they will be back in the top 5 real soon and possibly win another championship in the future. They have a found a new system that works and is still very Cavaliers like. I couldn't tell you what my favorite part was... too many to pick from!

Thanks for reading my thoughts about the evening and I hope that ya'll can make it out to a show or two this season!

[jjeffeory]

You will have great teaching opportunities in Texas too!

Glad to hear your review and it sounds like you enjoyed a bunch of shows, which is a great thing.

Thanks for the review!