kinetic inferno11

But saying that having a single group win is bad for the activity is not true when the goal of the activity is performance enjoyment. The crowd would shrink every year if that was the case. Winning is part of it sure, but it isn’t and should never be the sole reason people enjoy watching the shows every year.

It’s not about winning…

And in 2017 SCV was within .1 of BD at this point in the season just to never actually catch them. It’s seeming less likely that even with the runs the 2-4 groups have had lately that any of them will grow enough to catch up to BD

This has been the strongest run BD has had all year so far. Definitely a lot more engaging than last night.

I’m not asking for them to reinvent themselves, it’s more about the shows and the programming of those shows not really introducing much in terms of innovation or difference. This year many groups have round stages or metal framing. That’s been the trend for years. Foldable and angle-changing props for BD. I’m thinking more in terms of that stuff than formula for “weird being Bloo” and “BD is going to always do the same formula” if that makes sense. also I am not only addressing the Bluecoats and BD. I’m talking top to bottom. Everything in between

Nothing too “out of the box” for any group. Each corp is playing to their identity. Not that it’s bad at all, but there’s nothing groundbreaking or a show that just screams “this is going to be one of the greats remembered for years to come”

Ok, some thoughts from last night in person: 1. BD is in another league on the visual side of things. That alone should keep them in front for the year. Both sides now was the only thing that made me teary-eyed all day. It is such a treat to experience. 2. Boston not winning guard yesterday was a real head scratcher. The work that they did was phenomenal and personally I saw less error in their technique than I did the Bluecoats. The GE of the ending has been addressed and I really didn’t think a tarp could impact a show so much, but it did. 3. Bluecoats show is so aesthetically pleasing. There was so much beauty to be found from a compositional standpoint. Lots of repertoire variety to keep the audience intrigued. The trombone feature after the ballad was so awesome. Very loud too. The dynamic contrast they play with is so nuanced. Really loved the overall program. 4. Crown is extremely musical, but the visual does not back it up very well. The guard is superb. Best they’ve been in years. 5. Phantom and Mandarins are so different, but both were very enjoyable productions. Mandarins ballad live is so special. They just play with such passion. 6. Troopers were a step up from last time I saw the show 2 weeks ago. Guard is getting better and they have a wonderful sound. Got chills during the harmonica solo. 7. Pacific Crest has a clear enough storyline to take them to finals night, but they need to enhance their performance expression to stay ahead of the Blue Knights. Other favorites would have to be the Colts and Spirit. Both shows were very entertaining. Colts have a show that just makes you happy. Overall it was a great day of performances, and I really think that this year in particular is one where the shows (while mostly pretty safe) are consistently enjoyable.

It did a lot here in the stadium…

First standing O’ before a group was done! That was amazing to witness live!

What a treat! So happy they got to perform for the drum corps crowd! Need them to come back next year!

Not a camera person in sight on the field

This is a completely different program than they even played a few days ago! Man, they apparently learned a lot of music to play this weekend! There’s so much nuance in their sound.

This group from Thailand performed at our TBA conference the other day. They moved me to tears. Such an INCREDIBLE group.

I do want to say really quickly how amazing it is that Pacific Crest was able to reinvent themselves in a year. Comparing them now to where they were last year is insane. They have grown so much!

I have been MIA here for awhile (though I have been lurking) but I am in the dome and will be posting my thoughts after the show tonight. Been enjoying the groups so far! Worst part has been people talking full volume during performances 🙃