First things first. GREAT review. As I didn't get the chance to make my way to San Antonio this year, I'm always excited to hear about the show. :D
Just a few quick corrections on your notes about BK. I've included it above for easy reference. The ballad is actually an arrangement of I Go On, the corps song, from Bernstein's Mass. It was first played in 1990 (arranged by Jim Prime).
An intersting side note on the hornline- this is one of the larger hornline's that BK has marched in past years. I don't remember all of the numbers, but it's definitely larger than 64. Back in January the brass staff was flirting with the idea of going to 72 horns. It's entirely feasible that they decided to do so. And they're on brand new King Bb Horns! B)
As for the marching style - it look the same to me as when I marched last year. We've been using this style for a while now. One of the signature things about BK is our marching style - very bent leg, based on physical therapy and teaching people how to walk again. The feet are pointed on the pass, giving the distinctive triangle shape. In all the years that I've been a BK fan or member, we've ALWAYS done the full count prep step (except in certain cases). The thing in the pit with the player hitting the crotale and the full corps prep step comes straight out of last year's show. We added it in after First Tour last summer. In fact, if you look/listen all throughout the show, there are snippets of past BK shows, which makes sense, considering that A Knight's Tale is not only about the meidevil setting but about the corps itself and the things that make us Blue Knights. :)
Once again, thanks for the review, and I too hope that BK can make Finals this year. They definitely deserve it!
Respectfully,
Mark