DCI-86

It does look like he was let go!

Not sure why they would let go possibly the best in the game?

I’d be really surprised if Boston let him go, I suspect, as he says, it’s time for a change for him.

Their guard had been their top scoring caption for many years (but brass beat that this year). They weren’t the issue, the percussion had been their Achilles heel for a number of years

why?

That's impressive!

This ^

But Blue Stars weren’t at the show, so how did they pass them?

Their guard attracts some of the most talented spinners in the activity. I doubt many of their guard are freshly out of hs. They go there to be challenged and learn some of the most difficult books (from Michael Shapiro and co)

I just find watching BS much more interesting both visually and musically. I feel they are taking more risks (esp visually). I also think you should be careful comparing previous year’s shows (the final version) with a show that isn’t fully realised yet. BS have a history of really getting it together by the end of the seasons (esp the guard) and I se this year as no different. IMHO, Cavies are so much better than last year but as I said, I find it rather generic and “vanilla” (in a different costume it could be anyone). Now of course this is my opinion and I totally respect others see it differently.

I thought that would happen. Cavies show is safe and vanilla 9probably the right move for them this year) and not very memorable. Blue Stars is interesting and engaging, and they march and play better than Cavies right now. Whether people like it or not, BS has carved a niche in the activity that no one else is filling. Cavies need to refind theirs.

All good. I think Bluecoats' guard is wonderful. Understated at times, fantastic technique and using a broader range of effects (than tosses)

Bluecoats guard were 2nd last year, Crown was 4th

A better question is does SCV catch BD tonight? edit. Oops just realised scv isn’t at the show!

I couldn't agree less re: the guard! I think this is their best guard since 2018. Really interesting book that doesn't solely rely on tosses for effect, and probably the best staged/integrated guard in DCI this year. Unlike so many guards this year, they never spin just for spinning's sake and really add a lot to the visual. They now need to clean and get consistent.