Bruckner8

Since everything is mic’ed now (or almost everything…will be soon, even guard members), how about using AI for the product OUTPUT? That is, put all of your corps eggs in one basket, the Electronic Caption, and have the AI create the overall sound. It kinda sounds that way now, though mostly terrible since the EQ/Soundscape decisions being made by humans are awful. I’d probably trust AI to make better decisions on this alone. Then, in the future, AI could judge “itself!”

Who has the most Competitive Inertia? That is, who has the most consistent leadership, in admin and staff? Who has good relationships with judges? Who has (or will) continue to “peck” at everyone currently above them in a caption or two? As another poster has said, an equally valid question is: who in the current top 6 is more likely to dwindle? Cuz ya need both.

1) continue their leadership and staff consistency 2) if they bring in anyone new, make sure those people have good relations with dci/judging community 3) embrace the past harder, especially with engagement/fundraising. Alumni and the SAC community want a winner, and probably understand how important their participation is. I’m sure the Mandarins Admins know this, but still: don’t miss on this one.

100%. Note that I was responding to a specific question about moving up from 6-7, and I drew a line above Mandarins since this is the Mandarins 2026 thread lol. That said, “Top X” has been in the Drum Corps Lexicon since forever, and will remain that way as long as we rank. Fundamentally, though, I agree with your sentiment….buuuut….6 is a little better than 7 😛

Note that Cavies, Madison, and Cadets had to tumble in order for those corps to find room in the top 6. SCV and Phantom had a few slips as well, but now seem to be on firm footing. Cadets are gone (though their legacy is alive in other corps), and Madison seems to be a perennial non-factor. So the questions become: Who in the current top 6 is most likely to tumble? And who below them has the most Competitive Inertia to fill that spot? Both need to happen. The Mandarins are certainly doing the right things on their end.

...and...we're back! Add Boston to the list of corps that has followed the formula defined by Competitive Inertia: Qualified and consistent leadership and staff, fabulous relationships with judges, and most importantly: Finish in 2nd or 3rd place in a year prior (2nd in 2022 and 2024), before being "allowed" to win. Since my initial post in November of 2007, Crown (2013), Bloo (2016, 2024) and now Boston (2025) have won their first championships. It was clear that Boston had the inertia. All forces, real and imagined, wanted Boston to get this title, lol. I'm glad they were qualified. Let me be clear: Anytime it was CLOSE, Boston got the call. This is the essence of CI, and it's OK. Finally, for CI to be debunked, someone new is going to have to win without medaling in a prior year. Mandarins is next in line, apparently, and seem to be doing the right things. Blue Knights? They made much needed changes, clearly for the better. Can they keep it up? Colts always providing entertaining shows, and quality experiences for their members. Blue Stars and Troop have storied pasts with Top 3 finishes in the 70s, but that's two generations ago. Cavies have certainly started over, but they're still within reach of the current generation of inertia people. They will get calls when it's close. They just need to get close, and that might take a while.

Reaching new levels in brass yesterday. Vibe is positive, yet all business. 100% buy-in. Very optimistic for the near and distant future. Can’t wait to see them again in a few minutes, and at tonight’s show. 🙂

Bah nvm

2019

Or early 2000s when the term “Cadeviliers” was used around here quite often. One is gone; one clamoring for relevance again. Devs are still doing what they’ve always done: Invent and Excel. Now, a couple more have filtered into the top 3, with Bloo being most consistent, and now Boston and Crown. I love that Phantom and SCV are relevant (watchable) again, and the clear improvement in Mandarins can’t be overlooked. Cavies are an x-factor for 2025, but will probably be in the mix going forward. Sorry I’m remiss in mentioning other corps, but I already went beyond the “top 3” concept lol.

I’ve met him. Great kid. Contras rock. Hornline in good hands. I’m excited for you, him and Dragon Brass!

Whatever rule led to the micing of field brass. That’s the silliest.

...and... ...and... ...and... ...and... ...and... ...and... Seems a lot of people are on board with Competitive Inertia. Here is my original post from 2007. https://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/index.php?/topic/107285-a-competitive-inertia/ It's amazing how much has changed since then, but not the logic of my post: Basically, the impossible task of being a judge practically guarantees that past performance will be included in any decision, especially when it's VERY close. It's human nature/survival. It's incumbent on lower corps to understand that, plan for Quality/consistency, and use good manners during critique. 🙂 In the spirit of this thread, I put Bluecoats 2019 in the "when judges go bad" bucket. CI was the reason. Change my mind, lol.

Right on. I couldn’t care less about woodwinds, but I strongly detest the micing of field brass, esp contras. I go to warmups these days, never shows. All good; my personal desires are of no concern to DCI, and that’s OK.

I couldn’t care less about pre DCI in a thread with DCI in the title.