George Dixon

Well back in the day when they wore light blue and white uniforms we all called them the Jersey Smurfs hahaha

Henry I don't always agree but I do agree with you here. As great as Coats are they have to win captions. The other night the only caption award so far this year was in a show they were in and high percussion went to Cadets. This could be the year Coats win some captions but that has yet to be proven. Crown obviously has a shot at guard, brass and GE. Cadets at Brass and Percussion... you have to win some captions to take down BD and right now they clearly have the strong hand.

looks great - I like the really really really really short grass - perfect for marching on

Should be a quick read - Indy is pretty small :) Let me know if you have any specific questions - I've been there maybe 25 times so I know it pretty well. As others do here I'm sure.

I'm also staying at the Alexander. I've stayed there and also (another year) the JW Marriott as well as the Westin The Stadium is a 5-10 minute walk Alexander has bar/lounge which I will probably get a drink (or 8) at during my time there. I'm only in town Thursday. The bar has a good vibe for a hotel bar Center City Mall is close by along with the Convention Center - around those 2 are a bunch of restaurants and brew type bars Indy closes up EARLY and the downtown is pretty empty on after, say, 7pm. London it is not. Breakfast I always enjoy Cafe Patachou - VERY good. First Watch is popular as well Taste of Havana is a good casual lunch option Locally Grown Gardens is another great local choice I'd advise you to avoid the "chains" - very average (at best) in most cases For Beer a few local gems - Black Acre Brewery, Flat12 Bierworks (no food) are solid G.

I bet you $12k that happens!

Also very curious how Spirit debuts under a new team. I haven't seen their show yet. Cadets cleaning is going to be interesting, they have their cleaner guard caption head with them the next ten days or so... plus Marc Sylvester in to supplement their very large visual field team they are carrying. I'm thinking the next week they will be working hard to get there. Coats also have a large amount of dirt in a very difficult exposed design.

Curious if the Boston / Crossmen gap changes with Boston on later, following the intermission. Cadets have had several busy days include parades and concert and a show plus a ton of changes. Hopefully not too much drop off this evening as they push thru a tight and busy schedule. Coats have made changes from what I've heard and added some things. Can't wait to hear how it goes. Score wise for the top two I'm thinking 78-80 for Coats tonight and a 76-78 for Cadets I also say Crossmen stays ahead by about a point.

Well I was at the ensemble - in the very low stadium stands - and I agree the drums could be upfront more - but it's hard to tell much else in a small HS stadium for a program balanced and designed for LOS. I could hear the batter just fine

I agree with your post. However - I just want to remind you that when I (for example) said that about Crown last year it was in reference to the show on the field at the time. Everyone remembers the closer change and addition of the banner at the end - however it was really (IMO) some very wise and timely changes in early July/mid-July to Crown's 2015 opener and second tune that really changed the equation. It fixed the show "arc" and added the tempo and dynamic diversity that was missing early on. And then the closer and BOOM. If I was guilty of anything it was underestimating the smart changes they would make. The year prior (Crown 2014) they failed to make several obvious changes that were needed, so it called that decision making into question I guess. Learned my lesson on that one. Totally agree that right now it's hard to define "pecking order" as corps are putting small and large changes into their program - that why the "Lock for a Medal" discussion going on elsewhere is premature Bloo could go undefeated all year. They could finish fifth (unlikely, but possible). With at least 4 or 5 corps with caption strength it's hard to tell. As far as Cadets 2015 - they didn't change the things they needed to. Less "TEN" would have added up to a lot more. Instead they kept adding and it ended up a lot less. I think that's what they call "new math" lol. Cadets this year - like Crown last year - are making better changes (so far) but the verdict is still out Crown 2016 is in a great position, the wonderful show "arc" is there. They can add and refine small things, add to the back end of the show and clean clean clean. A real advantage. Boston 2016 is also in a great position, but I agree with others, content additions/changes will be necessary. The sliding gets a little old as you watch the show. You're like mentally ready for the next "big thing" -- I'm thinking they have that set up for the end of the show with the 2 lines of brass already "aiming" at the slide - but time will tell!

Exactly. I also hope the folks at CrownBEAT tonight will enjoy the changes to Cadets program. Watch the ballad and listen to the ending of show for big alterations :) Even without Crown there, this is a very fun line up this year - Legends, Surf, Spirit & Crossmen make for a GREAT first half, and after the break, Boston, Cadets and the undefeated BLOOO Coats!

Yeah that is disappointing. Even Crown can't be two places at once. Disappointing for all the home fans!

Oh gotcha. Well if do it will certainly be a surprise to everyone ;-)

Oh you mean when cadets do a lot better than expected? Lol. I watched them last night, that corps is going to be very very very good.

Cadets ensemble is from 3-4:30pm today

eh - I have a feeling he's a lot like me - BUSY I run a huge organization, much bigger than YEA - and my writing has become very scrambled as I keep getting busier

not sure about that - Coats have had a lot of rehearsal time while Cadets have done parades, concerts and a show. Cadets also shoved in a ton of changes so the score might not grow as much in 24 hours... I'd say give it through this weekend to see the impact

There's a male addition also with a lot of solo feature work... not sure if the one you're talking about is among them The girl I saw was a stunningly good dark-skinned African-American who was picking up the show wicked fast. And tossing 6 & 7s in the corner like she was bored lol. I would assume she is filling the last silk/rifle spot that was still a hole during the run tonight

So - last spot in the guard filled by a ringer from Tarpon Springs, FL BOA Guard - working them in with some features as well...

Cadets lot Book Part 2 7/2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pi9mabiWYY

Oh wow - Hi! I'm blown away as well. Saw them a week ago in A-town and the corps in on another level since then. Really good :)

Cadets Percussion Book 1 in the lot 7/2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vGRxEomVuE

they had a TREMENDOUS run tonight - WOW - such energy the corps has improved a month in the past 2 weeks - the guard is better than they ever got last year and EMOTIONAL lots of changes today - very effective! Lots still to do... "story" is explained much much better now

Looks like it.

At ensemble. Cadets starting to hit a groove. Working changes into the ballad. Exciting to watch it come together. Urbana band kids sitting near me with their mouths dropped open in amazement. Full brass line rehearsing with the replacement tuba working his way into the drill. Guy obviously has a lot of experience, picking things up quick