Yeah, only just now realized the Bluecoats used Simon & Garfunkel's song in their show. Instantly makes me love them, whereas before I was an ignorant chooch. They're one hell of a lot cooler than I EVER gave them credit for before. Mea culpa, guys.
Crown's little mello flourish this year at the end of the Abyss - Whereas I'd been sitting there with my piehole wide open the first time I saw this show live, when they tossed that little melodic M-80 in my lap, I could swear I had just heard the Giggle of God. Imagine, therefore, my immense joy when I not only re-listened to LAST year's show, but the wonderful kid who wore the DCI helmet cam for Crown's encore performance was himself a mello, and therefore gave me the thrill of my decade by vicariously letting me play that wicked' cool lick.
Blue Devils' first-ever female center snare, Nicole Casino - My GOD, what a dynamite chick, and phenomenal drummer (not necessarily in that order, Ms Steinem). Unfortunately, she didn't march guard for anyone, nor was she a drum major or fashion model, so unless DeLucia steps up, I fear I may be denied her unique insights once next season rolls around. After all, how cool would it be to have her conducting interviews with some of the best drum staffs in drum corps? Yeah, yeah, yeah...horns, horns, horns....that's all some people care about.
The Troopers and their drum major, Justin Anderson - I don't know who it was who said that the Troopers' semis performance was the best 14th place show they'd ever seen, but wow. Talk about a corps who comes out and kicks you in the soul, they were it, dude. Having spent some time in a corps that never got to perform for a full house, their semis performance was the most emotional and balls to the wall I'd seen in almost 30 years. I almost find myself hoping they don't achieve the level of success they're so entitled to, for fear of having to share this immense pleasure with others.
What can I say? I'm selfish that way.