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Seriously, Henry, let it lie. Your griping about it won't help their show or their standings, and they run the program, not you. I lost you when you claimed "demoralizing"; those kids are as dialed in to their timeline as any other corps. They're on a schedule set by the staff, not by the kids. Some corps do it differently. I've seen BK two nights in a row in SoCal and I'm not thrilled that the show isn't done. But I AM thrilled with the show I see so far. You should be, too, methinks. Patience, young Jedi. Patience, you need. (Keep it up Wes. Be not distracted by the slings and arrows.)

So, as a counter-weight, I'd like to give my thoughts on this years show: This is *by far* the best Regiment show fielded since 08. On all fronts. Maybe its because I've watched it upwards of 20 times, but the opener is stellar, drums are rocking, guard is fantastic, and the drill already shows Tony Hall's crazy imprint. I'm sure it will show more of it as the season progresses. Congrats to Will on some brilliant arrangements, and the hornline for being kick-### all around (as expected). That trumpet soloist is a phenom. A true classic in the making. I'm actually very confused about those who seem to not like it-- if this isn't your thing then perhaps Regiment isn't your style? There are "good," well-excecuted shows by other corps that I don't like at all-- but they simply aren't my style. Drumcorps is a subjective activity. Do I think Regiment is being under-scored? Sure. But, it seems like scores across the board are being kept low, so I won't complain too much. Besides, since when does anyone march Regiment to get a score? IMO, this should be a top 5, if not top 3, contender. There are other great shows out there though, scoring higher, and I think it will be a dogfight throughout the season. TL;DR Regiment has their best show since 08.

He is having the time of his life. He absolutely loves the Blue Stars - members and staff. I haven't seen him this happy since he was a toddler, and everything made him happy when he was a toddler so that doesn't count.

Never read the tempest, saw BD last night, totally could see an amazing story bing told and could hear the Doom, and Love portrayed.. Came home, found out what the show was based on, and read a synopsis of "The Tempest". I was blown away I saw so much of the story on the field. Bravo BD. Brain candy and drum corps~

I was at the show tonight, and it was an interesting crowd. I wanted to post during the show, but didn't get any service. I'm bon the train going back to Chicago so I'll try to give you my thoughts (if anyone out there wants them). I paid the extra money and was sitting in he center section. A lot of families around who would leave after the corps of their child performed. One girl was reading a book, another on their phone, etc. So, I could understand the notion that the crowd wasn't too enthusiastic. Regardless of the people around me, I loved it! I clapped and cheered for every corps, and was thoroughly entertained by everyone. The scores I think came out about right. I do think the spread between Cavies and Blue Stars should be that much. I was very impressed with their show, though I would've loved to have seen some "Make DCI Great Again" propeganda/merchandise at their souvenir booth. I thought the show felt like the Cavaliers I fell in love with when I was exposed to the activity in the mid 2000's. I don't follow the boards on here too much, so I didn't know much about Crown (other than their stagecoach) but holy cow, this show has some gold medal potential! I loved the movement by the entire corps, but really thought their guard moved well. And the trombone solo is perfect for those moments in the show. I actually went into Blue Stars show with high hopes after what a few friends have told me. it didn't quite live up to the hype, but I still thought the corps did a great job. Although, I didn't quite get the purpose of the gold lamp lady. I might've missed her significance throughout the show. I'd like to watch it again and pay better attention. I thought he brass moved well and sounded good. I thought it was a noticeable increase of difficulty and execution from the Colts. Colts was maybe my biggest surprise of the night. I loved their show! I do think it lacks difficulty that would be needed to make finals this year, as I thought performing after the Troopers I noticed less of a demand. That being said, I thought the corps performed amazingly. I liked the shadow effects in the boxes. The Troopers were the only show I saw prior to tonight, from the dci Facebook live broadcast. I will say that I liked the new uniforms, and thought it was still obvious who they were (similarly, I liked the Cavies uniform too). The show I think is 75% a finalists show. I just think there are still moments of the show design that doesn't keep the attention as well as it could. Their brass is incredible, and their guard seems to have improved over the last couple of years. Genesis and Legends both surprised me with their talent and show design. I was actually surprised with the gap in their show, as I thought they were pretty equal. Colt Cadets had a fun show, and I noticed some pretty young guard members. Kitties made me want to retire early, just to pick up a horn again and get back on the field. I wanted to write more, by the phone is probably gonna die so I tried to rush through this while it was fresh in my mind.

Wisconsin knows how to do drum corps ;)

Actually, I think virtually all of us on DCP show up early and watch EVERY corps perform because we all are pretty passionate about drum corps.

The entire end of the closer is being reorchestrated this week, so changes on the way!

Gotta jump in for defense on Wes too. He's a BK homer for sure, but as homers come he is about as fair of one as you can find. I always respect and enjoy what he has to say. If you have been on here awhile you should know that. God, I can't wait until a week from now after DATR so we can talk about their #### show already. I understand some grievances but this #### is getting old fast. I don't understand why it suddenly exploded this year. Is it because they aren't that far behind the Scouts?

Before they get back to "Awakening", though, it will be changed to "Holy Statues Awakening" then "Garfields of Rome" then "Statues of Bergen County" and then "Statutes of Hibernation".

You really have a thing about DCP'ers. Let it go. It'll consume you. Just enjoy the volatilty of the scores and placements that'll be coming for what they are, and enjoy all the Corps shows for what they are. Hoping to see a lot of fan angst with the scores and the placements is not really such a good thing to be hoping for, imo.

Hey, I am a Bluecoats fan and have gone on record several times saying if Bluecoats slip it could only be good for fans since that would mean there are better shows than that monster. Please don't lump all fans of any corps together.

Not exactly sure what the problem is here. About every member is lacking a shirt during rehearsal. Was it how low the waistband was? One person in pit won't ruin a corps' reputation. Now, if the person was completely naked for some reason, I would understand

Blue Devils are amazing this year. I love the different movement they have on the field and the curvilinear forms apparent throughout the show from all the performers. I LOVE the music and how they use the horns to create effect. This is the most mature show on the field to me. They always bring something new to the form and I'm rooting for them all the way. Along with The Cavaliers, who are returning to form in a good way.

Honest question to you: what is so new and innovative about Crown this year? Vanguard? How about Blue Knights? Many corps have shows very similar to what they have done in the past this year. As for what's new in this BD show, the style is completely different! This BD show is MELODIC, way more than they've been in the past, like, 7-8 years. The drill formations in this show are very diff from BD's past. No more rotating blocks, sharp lines, and isolated blocks of players. This show features lots of curves and flowing drill that we don't very often see with BD. Finally another small visual difference are the props! You may have seen the show with the white props, but no longer are they that style. This show is ironically probably the biggest stylistic change BD has made for a long time

Would you say that this show is....... Awakening?

The Blue Devils are simply phenomenal in all sections.. no weaknesses anywhere, imo. This is my favorite BD show in years too.. I can see BD running the table this summer, especially once DCI adds the percussion judges later.

From the DCA website: Sunrisers 71.60 Bushwackers 68.60 Hurricanes 67.75 Congrats to the Sunrisers!!! I believe it's their first win since the 2007 Class A Finals.

if people get this reference ill be happy

Thanks for the fun tonight.....this Happy Bluecoat momma is calling it a night.

You can't say you wish a corps would do something new and then name the people you want them to sound like - that's not new, it just means there's a difference in taste. And that's okay! & There are worse things than exposing kids to an extremely well-performed drum corps show that's a jazzy ode to Shakespeare. Also - Sliding down ramps doesn't change that when I close my eyes I am hearing that classic bluecoat feeling. Every corps has an identity. Why does BD get flak for staying true to theirs?

Henry..... Wes is actually a homer, but he is pretty fair when it comes to the corps where he marched. This is the BK forum too - so I think to be positive is a good thing. Wes' posts, to me, are informative and have long respected his posts on here since he marched and teaches.

My kid doesn't appear to be demoralized! My kid believes in and loves the show. They are performing the heck out of it. Go Blue Knights!!!!

Friendly reminder that more randomness in judging is what everyone wanted. Now you're getting what you asked for

GO BEANPOT!

Bluecoats entire style for the past 3 years has been to pick a music book that for the most part hasn't been done before and apply it to some kind of visual concept that they can do a lot with. That is exactly what they did with Tilt and Kinetic Noise, and its what they've done again this year. I would honestly say this year they've done the worst job at it out of the three years they've done it. They are just really really clean at this point in the season this year, but I think their placement is gonna drop as other shows have more room to improve (but i would be glad to be proved wrong). Crown has had the same style or formula as well for the past 3 shows. I would say they've done more differently than Bloo or BD though, but you can still tell all their shows are similar. They pick some kind of story to tell (lovers on the moon?, going to outer space, going through hell, getting revenge), and play with an amazing brass sound, but usually don't have the same level of thought put into their shows as BD (which is probably why they are such a fan favorite. That, and they are usually the underdog against BD). I guess its just my opinion against yours, but I think it is fairly evident all 3 of these corps have been doing a similar trend for awhile, and there is nothing wrong with that. Having an identity is important.

Ummm excuse me, but the gap between Cadets and Bloo has shrunk. Certainly glad to see this.

From an older fan, after watching two broadcasts . . . . Cadets really ARE building that show into something that can finish high in Indy. Maybe even 3rd, I think. The ongoing changes I've noticed have been good ones. The "statue" theme is difficult to pull off, but it's coming around with improved color choices and still imagery. Probably would have better results if all the statues didn't become so animated all at once, and so early. Perhaps a few, large, paintings of statues on either side perimeter. Something that says to the audience throughout the entire show, "Hey, this is about statues, I recognize a few of those!" Whatever decisions are made between now and Indy, this is a strong corps already. There's been no drop-off since last year. I enjoy watching them. Bluecoats are understandably popular. They have a unique approach that's easy to "get." It's a novelty, even cute. Of course, they are strong musically, and well polished early on. I'm not so sure this show will win Gold, however. There's a simplicity to it all that I find emotionally underwhelming. In no way, do I mean to suggest easy. Phantom Regiment's guard is elegant and flows throughout beautifully. And, why not? That's the Phantom Regiment image we've come to expect. That creamy, rich, lower brass layer is still there and will only get stronger. At Finals, Phantom should again be stunning. I enjoyed Crossmen's music and theme better last season. That airy "flight" theme with vocals was wonderful. Glad I was able to purchase the Blu-ray! Same for Boston. That 2015 show really grew on me in a way this one probably won't. Maybe it was the talented, well-integrated vocalist I miss most. Such stage presence! The large windmill props sometimes create a jumbled mess when inside a tighter-packed brass line. They present an overwhelming amount of the color White that seems to erase the corps proper. Blue Stars have a fascinating production. Sharp looking, big brass, great movement. Looking forward to enjoying them several more times! Compared to what I viewed on the Muncie broadcast, I'm thinking Carolina Crown would have beaten everyone last night. I tend to think it is going to stay that way, too! Cavaliers are putting together a real monster of a show. Superb "drum corps ingredients" have taken over the political references in my mind. I'm able now to mostly tune that out and just concentrate on the excellent execution of the show. High level performer technique. What a color guard! There is no doubt, this is Cavaliers! (inject a little more Green, please). Haven't see Blue Devils, SCV, Blue Knights, or Madison yet. . . . but, is it time now to add more levels to the Finals awards podium?

BD with a 75.5 Thoughts on the show (from what I remember...getting tired) Golden Empire: Solid in all sections. Nice brass sound, although it didn't project very well to my seats (about halfway up, Side 1 45 yard line in the BD section). Amazing size for such a young corps. Watchmen: Needs a good deal of work, but potential is there....battery tended to drown the brass at times, since the brass ,line is somewhat small. Incognito: I'll be honest...it was painfully bad. tiny horn line absolutely buried by a drum line FAR too large for it, and a musical book far above the ability of the kids to perform...have seen this time and again with small corps. I understand the large battery was probably because of the need to reach DCI's minimum size...but the staff of not doing these kids ANY favors. Here's a hint...stop trying to play music you need a good sized brass lien to play...start picking stuff for a tiny ensemble that they can actually pull off. This is like Jester all over again...but worse. The only good thing I can say is that the kids tried their best. Impulse....some good solid moments, but that's all that sticks out right now. However, narration did NOT help at all....totally worthless...almost Cadets 07 bad.. Gold: Solid brass line as always...first glimpses of some power in the brass line. Intermission and the Freelancers Alums....playing all BD music! We in the BD section were MOST pleased! Well performed and fun! Mandarins: The first truly solid corps after Golden Empire...started having trouble deciding where to look, which means the programming is picking up. First really loud line that projected. Academy: DEAR GOD, PLEASE MAKE FINALS WITH THIS SHOW!! Fantastic from top to bottom...fave of the night. Top shelf programming and performance....brass parted my hair a few times. Pacific Crest: Solid, not as loud or impactful as Academy, tho. Storyline easy to follow. Madison: Hard to live in the shadow of the 99 show, but pulled it off well. Blue Knights: What did I just watch?? Like a bit of performance art...an art form which I find really pretentious. Lost me early on. Blue Devils: Awwww yeah! Spectacular for JUNE...definitely a contender as always) Really fading now...g'night.

The Rose Bowl venue is FABULOUS and Pacific Crest's show team does an outstanding job hosting this show. Attendance was somewhere around 7,000 VERY appreciative fans who rewarded even the smallest of corps (Incognito) with rousing applause. This is our second year attending this show and I don't think I've ever found a better way to "do" drum corps. Of course, the loge and catered food and drink is nice, but the vista of the San Gabriel mountains in the background and the STUNNING weather make it superb for watching drum corps. I actually enjoyed the lower-placing corps better than the big dogs (excepting BD). Academy's show is AMAZING! BK is going to be spectacular when it's full show is on the field, Mandarins played very tastefully, Madison is too-freaking-heavy on the amps, PC has a design - finally - that's understandable from the stands (a couple of guard holes prevents the tracks from being complete but will be fixed when those holes are filled again), and oh, did I mention that... BD cannot be beat. Their level of performance tonight was factors-of better than any other I've seen so far, Cadets and 'Coats included (haven't seen Crown live yet). This is the first year in a long time that I enjoyed the lower-placing corps so much that I'd rather watch them than the top-placers. Did I mention Academy? Fabulous show!

Ok, I'll start us off. ...I was wrong about the preview performance. Shaming myself as a BD fan. I'm blown away by how much this show has changed in the last few weeks.

I agree in some ways....it is a wow show with the ramps, but I watch it and think it really doesn't have a heart. It is effect for the sake of effect. Repetitive rhythems that are catchy true but don't really tell you anything. Last year it was the age of "you must tell a story and have a heart". I don't see that in Bluecoats show.

Let it be known hence forth... Never go full BrassMonkey.

Go Phantom!!

I dated her once. Nice girl. Made me smile, too. :>)

That's not what he said at all. Wesley may be biased, but I didn't see anything wrong with what he said. Think about it: BK has yet to put a full show on and they are still only a point behind the Scouts who have a really solid product on the field right now. They have no reason to be demoralized about that. I think what Wesley was trying to say is that if any of the two parties (BK and Madison) should feel demoralized, it's the Scouts BECAUSE they have a full show and still can't pull ahead of BK. He did NOT say that the Scouts should be demoralized BECAUSE Scouts have a full show on the field. I personally think neither party is demoralized and you all are fighting over the most pointless thing ever. Let the scores speak for themselves and accept that all these marchers are having the times of their lives right now.

Well if that ain't the bean pot calling the kettle black! (Sorry, I couldn't take the chance that I wouldn't be able to use that in the next 24 hours!)

Glad I went to bed when I did. Aint nobody got time for this behavior!

I'm convinced judges don't hear the crowd at all. Sometimes I don't even think they hear the brass lines either.....

I will take the crowd any time.

I'd really like to thank BK for blinding me during the first half of the run last night....got stadium light reflections from mirrors on BOTH sides....ouch. I felt like an ant downrange of a kid with a magnifying glass....

Things should pretty much awaken at that point.

I'm looking forward to another great show after last night's East Coast Classic. It's exciting how The Cadets are closing the gap, the PR show is rich and gorgeous and reminiscent of '03 and '10 and their Elgar performances; and Bloo is bringing the activity to the next level. Worth mentioning also are The Spartans who are performing a very entertaining show and create nice volume and effect at times. And tonight in Lynn, thankfully, the start time is more the norm and more groups will be under the lights. I took a total of 14 other people last night to BC. 12 had never seen drum corps; 1 was seeing her 2nd show, and my wife was seeing her 4th show. None were in marching bands. 1 is a talented pianist, another a French horn player, otherwise no musicians or dancers. 2 were kids aged 4 yo and 7 yo. We sat directly on the 50 in rows 29 and 30. Everyone was amazed, particularly by PR, Cadets, and Bloo, as you would guess. I'm on a mission to convert the nonbelievers. :)

I watched on periscope and unlike the post above can't wait to see this again! Now that everybody is moving towards what BD did the last 2 years they found a way to change it up to stay fresh. They are the innovators in the activity and the just March and play so #### well!

They come out with the 12.25 all white/cream ones. I guess they really will have come to life?

Or maybe it's because BK is performing the snot out of what they do have, and only the fact that it is incomplete is keeping them from scoring higher. Same thing with Phantom and BK last year. Phantom kept BK at bay by about a point, but once their full show was on the field, the tables turned.

Yea. Shouldn't an incomplete show be severely penalized? There is absolutly no excuse for a drum corp to field an incomplete show, especially nowadays when the season doesnt start until the 3rd or 4th week of June. Shame on the BK staff for not being prepared.

Just got home from the show. This has to be the most-prepared CV corps ever, for this early in the season. Very impressive. They are going to have a good ride this summer.

I won't be making any more posts, don't anyone worry.