gentle123

The only captions that BD took from SCV were GE and Analysis (both visual and music). Does that just mean the judges simply "liked" BD's show more? And Vanguard still "outperformed" them?

For the record, Ike Jackson is the man behind the movement of this corps :)

IMO, there is no way to say that any scores from this season will indicate competition between corps. For example, Coats went from 1st to 5th (2016 - 2017), Boston went from 12th to 6th (2016 - 2017), and Madison bounced from 6th to 13th (2015 - 2016). Once either corps shows consistency in placement, we can make an assumption about future rivalries. That being said, the scouts shouldn’t have even been in finals this year. The 2017 show had far less substance than their “unsuccessful” 2016 production, and I personally believe that the show this year wasn’t even in the same league as the rest of the top 15. The Mandarins will place higher than the Scouts, but only due to the Scouts (program coordinators) shortcomings

Official word on the tuba running across the field: He came out of the mens room and missed the beginning of the show Source: Multiple members from Boston

Young person here. Not lovin' it

Academy has been slowly closing the gap and is now less than a tenth behind Mandarins. There is a strong chance they'll be over taken

Not only did Mandies brass take 8th, but Prosperie put their percussion in 8th as well. Interesting perspective...

Who will make it in on Saturday night? Mandies have been strong out from the gate, but seem to have plateaued while both the Academy and the Scouts have recently been picking up steam. Academy my has been slowly closing the gap between the two groups ahead of them but need to make a 2 point jump to catch Madison. Each show between the 3 groups are vastly different and have unique aspects that give them the potential to take the 12th place spot. Who will take it and why?

1. Devs - the odds are in their favor. If they aren't 2nd, they're probably first 2. Coats - they are the reigning champs, but have yet to prove that they belong at the top. A questionably dirty finals performance has left some with doubts 3. Vanguard - a 50th anniversary push will be enough to get them out of their 4th place rut but not much further. I think devs and coats have had more going for them in the last 5 years than SCV 4. Crown - Out of the top four, they have had the most volatile/varying placements since 2013 (1st, 5th, 2nd, 3rd). Its hard to predict where they end up, but consistency is key and they have not shown it. 5. Cadets - they haven't given us reason to believe they will pull off anything astounding, but the talent is undeniable. I don't anticipate them dropping as far as people expect, but i don't expect them to make any huge moves 6. BK - anything could happen. Their percussion section is undeniably strong, but a number of people felt that last year's show design was a swing and a miss. They have the talent but need to push back in to the top 6 7. Cavies - seemingly on the rise with a lot of talent. They just need to prove that they can keep consistent with last years performance and solidify their spot 8. Academy - coming off their first finals appearance, this corps will be hungry to solidify their spot in the top 12. Now that they know where their potential lies, they can be expected to take their consistently amazing show designs and add a great level of difficulty to it 9. Phantom - A consistent contender in the 7-10 placement range. They've been relatively quiet in the last few years and haven't shown signs of ramping up 10. Stars - A consistent 7 - 10 contender (I admittedly have not kept up much with the Blue Stars) 11. Boston - People have been hyping this corps solely on the staff changes that have been made. Staff changes will be one of the least decisive factors in pushing a corps forwards, however I believe they will battling it out with the other corps in the 9 - 12 range. 12. Madison - Again, another corps who has had varying placements throughout the years. It's always a good bet to expect Madison on finals night. They will surely be pushing the envelope to affirm their place in the top 12

Drop some tips for making bus travel much more enjoyable and bearable for the summer. 1st question: Window seat or aisle seat?

Can someone explain to me why no one is ever worried about Crossmen not making finals? NO HATE TOWARDS X-MEN AT ALL. I have massive respect for them. In my opinion their show designs/concepts are far too vague and the music is not typically very engaging from an audience perspective. The talent of their members is undeniable, but I have never been particularly "wowed" by any moment in their shows. What makes this corps consistently finals worthy and why do people always be on them being in the top 12?

Where did you see the clips?

What's new here?

Can someone explain the beef with George Hopkins to me?

Does anyone have any suggestions on good shoes to rehearse in for the summer? I'm a tenor drummer so putting the extra weight on my ankles for 10+ hours a day really takes its toll on my legs. How have you guys found ways to preserve your body and get through tour? (Not limited to shoe suggestions)