DITD

Couldn't disagree more (respectfully). The Dr. Beat is only a "crutch" if the staff clicks it on with no information given. Odds are, especially these days, that there is an educational objective and members are being told how to relate to it, how to interpret it. With visual and musical responsibilities in performances of today, a performer must associate their contribution with feel and muscle memory. The Dr. Beat facilitates this. Inner pulse, as you said is developed, and the key to this maturation is a set reference. I almost recognize the sound of distant warmups from the stands as nostalgia of the activity. I remember from my marching days that warmup sites are not proctored by the event coordinators. Staffs normally scout out there places. Not that it is disorganized, but the warmup ritual is its own subculture. To say that a cell phone call from the stadium to a corps that is being too loud is just not reality.

This was my take on Crown's hornline from Atlanta too. They have the same wall of sound from the last few previous seasons, however the precision is different, and mostly in the way they release and note length & articulation. Again, still very, very good, but not the "play several phrases with out a discernible break" from other programs. They've got time to pull it together. It'll be a great home stretch!

Good review. I was there in Atlanta and saw it almost exactly as you did. I like that you caught on to the much hyped Crown hornline. I've been telling my friend who has not seen them in the last few seasons that they are "the IT" and was expecting that on Saturday night. They did not deliver. That's not to say that they won't get it together by champs, but wanted to say I noticed that too. Also agree with your take on Cadets, Bluecoats. BD, I get what you're saying. I'm not entertained, but I accept why they're winning. Your remarks about talent and execution with this group, IMHO, are undeniable. Personally, there are moments in the program that are slowly paced but if I examined it further, I would classify it as "high brow." It goes over my head, but I'm inclined to respect it. It is not my cup of tea, but I wouldn't refute that they are getting it done.

I say they keep the current trend of escalation. I'm not sure that this was this intent, but let's say that their program this year was designed to be a 10-12 tier presentation, then my guess is that they would up the demand level only to 7-10 for 2011. My assumption is given that all of the current caption heads/designers are in place from last year. When I think of these individuals- Prime, Vanderkoff, Hannum, Moore, Ancona, Medworth, VanDoren- I think of 2 things: 1) Dci hall of fame! 2) Disciplined and experienced. These guys wrote the book on grid iron rehearsal drilling. Finally, I think these designers have realized that even from a lower tiered design, they can still cultivate the Madison-esque moments. There are still phrases in the show that sound and look like the "Madison Scouts."

I say it's possible only because I'm reminded of 2 seasons (some when I was marching and experienced first hand!) when Cavies were seemingly slotted for 2nd or 3rd, then surge past the front running Blue Devs and never looked back. 2001- Murphreesboro 2004- Quarterfinals

True that! '95 was my first year watching finals, and as a young one, I felt that the Cavaliers program was the championship one out of the litter. Cadets would've been second if not for the falls IMHO. Proof, as many times in history, that a corps can win with a 4th place or lower hornline??

Many of these designers follow the "Star of Indiana" book of fundamental teaching. When I watch their 2010 program, it oozes this philosophy to me. I think the Madison caption heads, in the round table discussions, designed a program for the corps that was achievable and not overzealous. Rather than trying to take Dci by storm, let's give make a show for the members we have, and create success for ourselves over the long term. I could be completely wrong. . .but this is my impression. If I'm close, I think it's smart and so awesome to see the boys from Madison back!

Lemme get your thoughts on this. . . If you're one who believes that show design for a particular writer or arranger moves in pockets of trends, then many Dci designers are in the accessible and crowd appealing phase, as opposed to esoteric and abstract concept phase as it relates to fan's sentiments of it being a good year?

A G7 reference?

I think it's all around a very good year. There are rivalries throughout the top 12. When Madison, who is occupying the 10-12 position, has such a quality product, then it is a good season. Corps are going to be working their tails off coming into finals to arrive for their peak performance!

Thanks for doing this thread. I didn't know it'd be full retreat!? This is a first for regionals since the change, right?

Thanks for doing this thread. I didn't know it'd be full retreat!? This is a first for regionals since the change, right?

The top 6 are pretty consistent here. We know Crown is going to have a strong season, BD is having another strong offering, and Cadets will be there too. Many have Bluecoats in the 4th position and it'll be interesting to see if they don't place higher. Perhaps 3rd. Not a dark horse, but something like that.

Out of curiosity, have you ever felt this way about a Cavaliers program? I've always thought that their presentations "ooze" whatever concept they are conveying. It's just opinion, but I liken the Cadets program (thus far) to the same endeavors as a Cavalier program. . .coordinated conceptual communication.

I was thinking the same thing about being "too cute," but I don't think it will because the design team would not allow this to happen. I know they designed a campy show so far, but ultimately as far as show texture goes, I think a Cadets product ends up being in the style of the Cadets; a BD product ends up being in the style of BD; etc.

I agree. I think you roll the dice as a designer when you're trying to go for a certain effect and transitions become bumpy as a result. This year, the pieces and concept seem homogeneous. . .especially at this point. At June 6th, I'm thrilled about the season revving up here shortly!

To all of you within driving distance of a corps rehearsal, count yourselves LUCKY! In Florida, it's few and far between. To be close to such a World Class org like CC too! I would be there with every spare minute, soaking up the fact that they do things well over there!

I think BAC's program coordinators that took over last year (which is actually a return for them) is a great thing for the corps. It gives them an opportunity to have a unique image, and that's what I'm looking forward to this season from them. In general, I feel like many of the WC corps are "finding themselves" in a positive way. . .Blue Stars, BAC, etc.

Shirts on = family show/clinic.

I'm pretty sure their "hidden agenda" is to work hard everyday. Life lessons, drum corps is the vehicle, and such.

insightful!

DING DING DING DING DING

While I agree with you, that does not preclude the mentality that studio professors and select band directors discourage students from marching. I was told that some corps use techniques for breathing and loud volume playing that are unnatural or flat out incorrect. Secondly, he wasn't a fan of leaving for a summer and neglecting other genres of rep. And this was a mentor that I trust!

hmm different perspective than what jts5032 was going for?

I agree.