Jump to content

DarkHorner

Members
  • Posts

    186
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

DarkHorner last won the day on July 27 2012

DarkHorner had the most liked content!

Profile Information

  • Your Favorite Corps
    Blue Devils
  • Your Favorite All Time Corps Performance (Any)
    1993 Star of Indiana/1993 Blue Devils
  • Your Favorite Drum Corps Season
    1993
  • Gender
    Male

DarkHorner's Achievements

DCP Veteran

DCP Veteran (2/3)

112

Reputation

  1. I think Cadets' pit used glasses of water in 2011 for the beginning of Angels in the Architecture.
  2. Off the top of my head I can think of The University of North Alabama, Jacksonville State University, Western Carolina University, Riverside Community College, University of North Texas, and The University of Texas at Arlington (which as an anomaly is a college marching band without a football program). I would probably consider each of those to be relatively serious, "corps style" marching bands, but the level to which each would be "corps style" varies.
  3. 1) Blue Devils - 1993 (This is my all time favorite brass sound and is some of the best music I have heard a drum corps play, ever.) 2) Star of Indiana - 1993 (I admire this show. It was truly ahead of its time and speaks for itself.) 3) Blue Devils - 1991 (This is probably my second favorite brass sound; although, it's a close tie with 02 Cavies. The brass book is absolutely insane, and the opener has some of the smartest drill design I have yet to see.) 4) Cadets - 1987 (I would probably question anyone who does not like this show. It is one of those shows that I believe to be the pinnacle of an era of drum corps, truly masterful.) 5) Cavaliers - 2002 (This is straight drum corps perfection. I consider it to be along the lines of 87 Cadets in terms of defining an era. Also, the brass has arguably the best tone quality that any drum corps has fielded.) 6) Blue Devils - 2012 (This is a show that grew on me over time. I may be swayed a bit by the Bird and Bela redux in this show, but I feel it is a wonderfully designed show that just works.) 7) Santa Clara Vanguard - 1999 (Barber Symphony No. 1 and 2. Yes. I debated putting this show higher, but there are just too many good shows.) 8) Blue Devils - 2010 (I think this was BD's best show ever. It is a stunning masterpiece of design and execution. It is not my favorite to listen to or watch for fun, but when I want to see some darn good drum corps, this is a show I consistently return to.) 9) Cavaliers - 1995 (Cavies had the best treatment of Holst that I have seen in drum corps. That alone puts this show into my top 10.) 10) Cavaliers - 2008 (This show was just fun. I wish they had done this show in 2007 because I think it would have won that year, 08 had BD on point and that weird PR surge. I think this is a gold worthy show that just had a bad luck of the draw.)
  4. I really don't understand why everyone wants all the corps to be all happy happy hugging time. Most corps when at retreat will stand at attention, not moving around like fools, showing respect for the other corps. When they are dismissed, they leave quickly and quietly, symbolically giving the field to the champion corps. I actually prefer what Cadets do, it stems back to the military tradition of drum corps. Anyone who cannot get this needs to do some serious research on the history of this activity and its roots in the military.
  5. Weirdly off topic, but...I hope it does not move to Vandy. That stadium is atrocious for drum corps. It is very much a bowl type stadium. The seats at Murfreesboro are much closer to the field than those at Vandy. Also, Nashville traffic sucks.
  6. Devils swept the captions, including brass. Edit: beat to it
  7. Not sure why you refer to it as such, but Texas is not west. It is 1700 miles from San Antonio to Indianapolis, IN and 1700 miles from San Antonio to Stanford, CA (just to pick a couple of the locations you mentioned).
  8. Not singling your post out, but it is the best jumping off point for a physics based discussion of why sound in Lucas Oil sucks. While what you are saying is partially true, sound is not a collimated source like a laser. Waves by nature still spread in all directions, but yes, the most intense part of the wave goes to the audience. The issue then is that the sound reverberates upwards at different times (the sound from the corps and the reflection of the sound off the stands and audience wind up out of phase). This leads to a wave effect known as interference where one wave's 'trough' hits another's 'peak.' This effectively will muddy up the sound, as some frequencies experience destruction, while others may experience construction. What this means for the audience is that you hear the initial sound, and then an echo that is slightly different, followed by another echo which is slightly different. This past paragraph is true of any enclosed performance venue, a dome or LOS. Now the question is "Why is the effect so pronounced in LOS?" The answer lies in its interior shape. A dome is more or less an ellipsoid in shape. What this means acoustically is that there are more surfaces and directions for the sound to bounce around. Now, remember that interference? That is the key as to why the echo in the GA Dome dies out more than the echo in LOS. With more surfaces, more sound waves will experience a phase shift and experience destruction. This leads to fewer sound waves making it back to you in the audience. This causes sound in the GA Dome to be more of a single echo and a light rumble as opposed to several echoes with an ongoing rumble. Continuing from this, LOS has a cylindrical roof. This is possibly one of the worst shapes for sound. Essentially, sound has three surfaces to hit: 1) the curved part of the roof (where it either gets reflected back once onto the curved part, onto the flat part of the cylinder, or back to the audience, back stands, or field); 2 and 3) the top and bottom, flat surfaces of the cylinder (where it basically is going to take a trip down the length of the cylinder). The flat surfaces are the problem. Sound travels down the length of the cylinder causes tons of little echoes which turn either into the echoes that initially escape and the audience hears or the low rumble which just seems to keep going and going in LOS. Now, the question everyone is waiting for, will opening the roof help? Yes. The sound will have a chance to escape, rather than reverberate extensively. This would give an echo more pronounced than in a bowl stadium but less pronounced than in a dome. Would people be happier? Maybe. If you are within the 30s, the difference would be night and day. Outside of that, you would only slightly more enjoy your experience (it still has room for echoes, just not to that level). In conclusion, LOS has a bad shape. This is why it sounds like drum corps in a missile silo. However, financially, this seems to be the best option for DCI: a long term contract with an enclosed stadium (practical for weather reasons, of course), so we probably will not see it moving locations anytime soon.
  9. I like the BD tenor break the most. Before, Cadets had my favorite drum moment, but live, I was just astounded at that tenor break, so much exposure.
  10. It is mic'ed, but not loud enough. At Atlanta, I heard the amplified marimba and the acoustic sound of the on field marimba separately. It made for a bad effect. One thing to note is that the first feature is definitely easier to hear than the second. Perhaps they need to adjust for varying stick velocity.
  11. I just got in from the yearly trip to Atlanta, and I have to say, it was one of my favorite DCI shows in years. There is some amazing quality top to bottom in the corps this year, and if you have yet to see a show live this season, make every possible attempt to do so. Now, onto the review portion. The new stadium construction knocked out the orange lot, so I settled for the red deck (it is nice and secured, and I recommend it to anyone who goes to the GA Dome for any event, especially DCI Atlanta). I got there after the SoundSport competition, so I cannot comment on that portion of the show. My seat was quite different from last year. Last year I had a seat on the side 2 48 in the upper deck. This year, I wanted brass in my face, so I got a ticket on the side 1 49 (never quite can be on the 50 after all) about halfway up the lower deck. With the projection screens in the GA Dome, you don't miss out on the awesome drill moves, since you can look up at the screens and see them, and you get to see the corps and guard up close and hear the brass and percussion on a more intimate level. If you sit in the lower deck, make sure to sit at least 10 rows from the top, or you will only hear the noise from the concourse. I feel fairly qualified to speak my opinions on the brass and percussion of the corps, and I will do my best to comment on the guard, but I hardly ever focus on the guards, so this commentary will be sparing at best. National Anthem Why can we not find someone to play the national anthem? I was irritated when they used a recording. I was then infuriated when that recording messed up in the middle, and they had to restart it. Maybe I am a bit traditional and patriotic, but the national anthem is something that one cannot mess up. All Age corps Carolina Gold The corps has definitely improved since the past season. There is more maturity in the sound of the brass. However, the corps is carried by a few players in each section, and the percussion is pretty rough at this stage. If they had been judged against Atlanta CV, they may have been as much as 15-20 points back in my opinion (although, I am unfamiliar with DCA sheets). Still, the show was quite entertaining, and it was a much better start to the competition than the past year. Atlanta CV Wow. I am always amazed at the level of performance these guys achieve. They need to work on brass playing at the individual level, however. There were many times that I could hear individuals with intonation issues or simply not being able to play the part. Field percussion is very strong, but the front ensemble left a lot to be desired and needs some serious work. Overall, they were loud, in your face, and entertaining, all good qualities to have in a show. World Class Pioneer I was disappointed in this year's show from Pioneer. The music choices are good, and I enjoy the theme, but I feel the level of performance dropped from last year. They field a full percussion but forgot to teach the battery dynamics. Any attempts to hear the brass were simply futile. I would hate to have been farther from the field, as I would possibly have never heard the brass. One good thing to note was the backfield Irish Tune segment. It was very well balanced and pretty. Overall, Pioneer needs to work on balancing a full percussion with a small hornline. They really suffered from going on after Atlanta CV. I do not see them making semifinals. Jersey Surf Another disappointment early on (don't worry, the shows get better after this one). I can approve of doing a serious show, but when you start with "Why does no one understand me?" in a whiny teenage girl voice, you will lose half the audience's interest immediately. As for execution, Surf continues the tradition of doing everything wrong in brass playing. Did they make a big sound? Yes. Did they ever get a cutoff together? I honestly am not sure, but I am leaning no. Add to this bad articulations and intonation issues, and I am surprised the judge put their brass above Pioneer's. Percussion was so so. They are dirty, but the book seems pretty good. Overall, the show was not as bad as it had been on fan network, but my enjoyment was robbed due to the same old issues that Surf has been having for the past few years. Honestly, I am unsure if they will make semis, either. Cascades This was definitely a welcome change of pace. I would love to hear their brass if they filled out to full size. The instructional staff is doing wonders with this section of the corps. The show design is a little flat, but it was entertaining. The drill could do more to help with the theme. Percussion was about the same as Surf. I liked the show, it made some good use of unique arrangements, and it is one of the better uses of Summertime that I have heard in a while. The whole corps is very dirty in their playing and marching. They won't make semifinals unless they clean tons. Mandarins I would have had them more than 3 points from Jersey Surf. The theme of the show is nothing special, but the music was fantastic. I normally cannot get into an original music show, but it worked out really well for them. Their brass were the stars of the show, and the percussion dealt with some pretty complex vocabulary in comparison to what I am used to seeing in a 19th place corps. The guard had a noticeably rough run, and it showed in their energy levels. With the right level of cleaning, this show could move a place higher, but I would probably guess it will remain in this placement at semis with the possibility of getting overtaken by an open class corps or two. Pacific Crest If guard was rough for Mandarins, it was strong for Pacific Crest. Honestly, the most I remember about the show is the guard doing cool puppet-like stuff (the corps proper did some neat little things as well). One issue I had with the show is the tone. The music used seems to shift the mood from dark to whimsical constantly. The Can Can ending is fun and got peoples attention. I thought their brass was weaker than Mandarins, but the percussion was stronger. I agree with the judges in giving them about a point lead over Mandarins if only based on performance level alone. Oregon Crusaders I have some serious "meh" feelings about this show. They are not selling it to the crowd at the moment. The music is dark and is a harder sell. That being said, I thought the brass and percussion were in a new league above Mandarins and Pacific Crest. They play with a lot of maturity that the other corps did not demonstrate. This was the first corps that I did not hear many instances of individuals hurting the sound of the ensemble. Guard seemed nonexistant. I can honestly say that I cannot remember the guard at all. Best part of the show had to be The Hymn of Axciom. It was a very different approach than what the Bluecoats later used, and it came across almost as a completely new song as such. This show seems too hard a sell for them this year but they should enjoy moderate success at semis. Intermission Drumline Battle - Mandarins vs. Medellin Gran Banda This felt almost excruciating to watch during the first half. However, it was entertaining in the second half but not for percussion reasons (dance battle anyone?). I am confused by Drumline Battle still. Sometimes it seems really serious and others completely the opposite. It is better than nothing during intermission, however, so it gains my vote of approval. The Academy I like the uniform accents this year. The show is also quite fun. Very pompous and silly. They played and marched well enough, but I felt the level of performance had gone down from Oregon Crusaders to be honest. The show theme is much better, and the guard is extremely prominent (pretty uniforms too). I think 16 is the highest that this show will go, but I could be wrong. Troopers This show is pretty dang good. I did not think I would get into it, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Compared to the groups before and after them, it was night and day difference in levels of the performers' maturity. That battery is absolutely sick. Hats off to the percussion staff. Brass in addition is quite superb. They played with balance and finesse that had yet to be heard. One of the top moments of the year was the HUGE sound they got on America the Beautiful. Seriously, that sound was unmatched until Madison took the field. I can say without shame that I made a fool of myself by springing to my feet when they crescendoed. The low brass has a very thick sound. My only complaint with the show, is that it can be hit or miss (look at the GE judges). The middle section needs some work to truly sell the product. They have an outside shot at finals, but it will be a tough fight. Spirit of Atlanta They got a huge greeting from the hometown crowd. However, unlike last year. They really fell flat. The first 3 minutes of the show are pretty good, but after that, it just feels bogged down and repetitive. It feels like they are attempting a show from yesteryear in the style of today, but they are not doing so in the right way. The brass was a step down from the Troopers, and I thought the percussion had a pretty good run, but I am not a fan of the book. The show has a problem of dragging out and being boring. It won't make finals. This show just has no chance. I hope it does not hurt their recruiting after several years of making it. Colts I will be honest up front. I HATED this show on fan network. I thought it was pleasant in person. I could actually understand the scarecrow, and it made sense. Except, the scarecrow's mic went in and out before finally cutting out entirely. Missed a good 60% of the dialogue due to this. It is a really awkward show when the brass is supposed to play down for the dialogue, and then the dialogue doesn't happen. I am a bit surprised that they finished above Spirit by as much as they did. This show is in the same boat as Spirit, but I can see it helping Colts recruit rather than hurting recruitment. Madison Scouts I do not like this show. I do not like the casual mishmash of some of my favorite music. Honestly, I hardly noticed they played any Open Wide. Fanfare for the New was nice at the beginning, but I needed about double of what I got. It really feels like they picked too many musical selections. The drill design works well from a lower deck perspective as opposed to high cam. The most interesting thing was the trombone soli. Even then, I wonder what was so wrong with using baritones, but I am not the man making these decisions. They will make finals, but they will be no higher than 11th. Blue Stars It's a show about a house. Pretty straightforward. Their brass and percussion could not quite hit the level that the Scouts are at, but that guard makes up for it. As I said earlier, I do not pay much attention to guards, but they made me pay attention. They sell the theme. I think this is the most important thing that a guard can do is sell a theme. The props are nice, and unlike some others, I enjoyed all the props. It is a neat show that shouldn't be taken too seriously. Just have fun watching it. I think it will place about Scouts by a bit. The show is just better designed. Crossmen Gypsy music works for them. The brass was considerably weaker than the Blue Stars or Madison. I would put them in the same area as the Troopers. The percussion was pretty tight and really helped to set some grooves going. I love that Crossmen groove sound that just makes me bob my head. The show is pretty fun, and the drill is a huge step up from recent years. Also, Caravan. 'Nuff said. They will fight Troopers to keep their finals spot. They are certainly going to have to earn it (I think the spread was closer than what the score says). Phantom Regiment The brass is really the only thing I have positive things to say about. I do not dig the design (an entire Tchaikovsky ballet and you don't use it). It is an okay show, but the brass is all that is making it okay. The brass is killer, and the arrangements are pretty solid. I just feel no energy from the corps in this show. Maybe it will grow on me, but I don't see it doing so. Also, is it just me, or are the phantomettes having a down year in terms of quality? They seem to be struggling a bit. I could see them getting passed by Boston and ending up 9th by finals. Intermission 2 20 minute intermission. I got some overpriced popcorn from a vendor dude. It was okay. Not worth the money. Boston Crusaders They are doing their hardest to sell this show. It is starting to come across, but the brass feels a little too weak to really get the most out of this show. It may simply be too hard for them to achieve the total possible effect of this brass book. Percussion on the other hand, just needs to clean. I could see their percussion as high as 6th. I like how the animals all put on a darker mask at the end and have human clothes on. I really enjoyed animal farm when I read it at University, and I think they capture the message about as well as a drum corps performance can. They may pass Phantom, but they won't drop in placement. Blue Knights Hmm. This show worked better for me on fan network. I did not enjoy the speaking that much in person. I find that a bit odd, but it is simply how it went. Their brass is weaker than Phantom's, but their percussion is stronger. They are also much cleaner than Phantom right now. Visually, it is a toss up between the two. I saw the gap a bit closer to Phantom. They may keep 7th or may get 8th. I don't see them lower than that, but who knows what could happen. The Cavaliers Their brass was not better than Blue Knights' brass for sure (except that low brass, wow). Their percussion also deserved a higher score than what they were given. They are about on par with the Bluecoats as far as percussion is concerned. The brass playing has gotten better, but the high brass has a lot of problems with fullness of tone. It is not the best Cavies show, but I was pretty entertained by it. Carolina Crown They played and marched really well. However, I heard some weird brass issues that I have never heard in Crown brass before. The high brass, trumpets especially, seemed to be having some balance and intonation issues. Not sure why the judge did not pick up on that. Still, it is really impressive brass playing. I wish they would play Jupiter at the end instead of that god awful double tonguing thing. The front ensemble starts it out and the brass never delivers. A lot of what they are doing comes across as for the sake of points. This is sad because there is some beautiful playing (see: ballad). I would rather hear that ballad 100x than the rest of the show once. Overall, I see them spending this year on the outside of medals looking in. Santa Clara Vanguard I like the 2004 version of this show. On fan network, I wasn't yet sold. In person, I am about halfway sold. They were quite good, but the arrangements just feel a bit worse in quality than 2004. The trombones thing is dumb. Near the end they play on the baritones followed by the trombones. Is there a difference in sound? Yes. Is it significant or even wanted (that ugly too bright tone)? No. I just do not see the need for 24 trombones or giant phallic props. It is a waste of money. Send that extra money to some struggling corps instead. Back on topic now, that percussion is the bomb diggity. I think it is finally their year for high percussion if they can hold off BD. The show is pretty fun. I would like to see it again. It will probably stay with Crown, on the outside looking in. Blue Devils The moment they finished the opening fanfare, I knew they would win and by a lot. This corps is oozing confidence out of every pore. Visually, this show is stunning. Musically, it is astounding. It may be the best drum corps show I have seen in at least a decade if not longer. Wow. They do have some cleaning to do on some forms. They are near perfect on some and just slightly jank on others. I honestly thought they would edge out Crown in brass tonight, but I'm not the judge. That new ending is just phenomenal. It is like a final statement of, "We know we are bamf." Also, like most Blue Devils' shows, the guard is a treat to watch. They will win gold. No one is catching this show. Bluecoats But I wish Bluecoats could! I love this show. I think everyone in the crowd loved this show. It was spectacular. That being said, individuals are holding them back. Their brass score has to be suffering because of that. For instance, at the end of The Hymn for Axciom, there was a baritone or euph that just ruined the sound by overplaying. I think the trumpets are crazy strong, but the rest of the brass seems dead set on pulling that brass score down. I am unsure on the change to having no down ending, but it was ok this way too. The percussion is strong, and I think they have an outside shot of getting High Percussion if SCV, BD, and Cavies have bad nights. I would keep this show in 3rd. It doesn't feel strong enough at the moment for 2nd. Cadets I was bored out of my mind with this show. I hate that. I love the Cadets sound and playing abilities, but the show concept is so boring and incohesive. Seriously, how do those quotes go together. A quote about the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, the Moon Landing, and the Civil War, just to name a few. They just do not go together in my head. Also, I do not see any benefit in the fake cummerbund. Just go back to the original one. All that being said, This is a really good corps. It is just not a first place good corps. I see them in a solid 2nd and no lower than 3rd. Final Verdict I am unsure if I agree with some of the caption placements from tonight, but overall I think the judges placed the corps in the right spots. It is a good year for corps. I am seeing a rise in the level of talent of the lower level member corps. I hope this trend continues in the coming years. [Disclaimer: I am tired, so typos may run rampant throughout this post.]
  12. Is anyone else having trouble seeing how this show even follows the plot of Swan Lake?
  13. Cadets use Yamaha brass, so whatever is the current Yamaha marching baritone is what they use. However, learn on a concert euphonium rather than a marching or concert baritone. You will develop more lung capacity with a concert euphonium (takes a lot more than a clarinet), and you will need it to project your sound without sounding awful. Start with a beginner's book (like the elementary one) then consult Rubank books for range building exercises and technique exercises. It will be hard to get the chops before this audition season, so don't be afraid to audition for a lower ranking corps. One year in any corps will do wonders for your abilities. 21 is fine to march.
  14. It's not "showing too much too early" that kills a corps. Many people mistakenly say this. It is when a corps is unable to make the changes that will improve the show to the judges' likings. You cannot have a "complete" show in June because you do not know what the judges will think works or doesn't work. You also don't know what the kids can get clean. In that sense, a "complete" show will not happen until prelims (hopefully), as the staff will constantly be changing things to make sure it scores the best with the judges. If for instance, a corps managed to come out guns blazing with a finals level show, I still think the judges could find ways to nitpick and drive the score down. After all, you have two months to make improvements. Any show can get better.
×
×
  • Create New...