DCIfan04

Generally speaking, has music composition and the quality of narratives they form with the audience strengthened or weakened in recent years as compared to years prior? Why? OPINION: (Again, GENERALLY speaking...) It seems that in recent years the growing appeal of creating exciting visual moments has become such a driving factor in show design that the aural narratives of music composition has taken more of supportive role. (Perhaps this has developed due to evolving judging systems and pursuit to design a show that will 'win' GE and Visual captions?) To contrast, it seems that shows from the 90's and early/mid 2000's had more musical accessibility due to stronger musical composition/form/melody and thus, stronger emotional memory. Personally, my experience of shows from the 1990's and early/mid 2000's is that there still remains such a strong emotional connection primary through the musical story that those shows conveyed. The music told a powerful story, and the story still connects years later through through memory. After attending several shows from recent years (though being very impressed with the incredibly high levels of performance & execution) I find myself struggling to take with me something memorable and emotional. (Again, speaking GENERALLY...there always seems to be several shows each year that would not fall into this category). Either way you look at it, the blend of aural and visual is indeed a dynamic and beautiful relationship in any given show. Thoughts?

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Zach- You will be missed. My prayers are with you, your family, and the rest of our PC family. It was a pleasure to march alongside you.

Pacific Crest - once they clean up the show. It's well designed and has alot of potential!

Just saw the show last night at walnut. I was instantly reminded of Garfield '87, so i was excited about the musical selection but was expecting a great classic vanguard 'in your face' arrangement. They went on for about 8 minutes with some little tricks and licks, but everything moved so slow visually and musically. It was starting to drag on a bit, but finally i saw the company front coming and they hit the big impact...VERY NICE. thank you for that moment. So, sweet ending, nicely done. But the first 2/3 of the show...somewhat flat. we'll have to see where the design team goes with this. Again, Garfield '87 did such a good job, its a tough act to follow. Best of luck.

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Does anyone see some judging inconsistencies with the Percussion caption judges. EX. Madison Perc1- 15.8 4th place Perc2- 14.7 11th place Pacific Crest Perc1- 14.5 10th place Perc2- 16.1 5th place Those pretty large margins for two judges to differ THAT much over the SAME performing group in each case.

Yes, of course they are coming east for finals. They have been to every world championships since 2003 and have been a Semifinalist corps twice ('03 & '07). They are not just a part-time regional corps like many people think. Best of luck to PC and everyone else this season! Its going to be an exciting race once we see everyone going head to head in a few weeks.

its seems evident that a certain corps from arizona is a carbon copy of a certain corps from santa clara. its hard to deny that. originality, maybe not so much. but its definately a model for a drum corps that works well.

Pacific Crest will most definately have a cymbal line next year. they have some of the coolest visuals!! did anyone see their I&E? Bohemian Raphsody = awesome!

Pacific Crest

Pacific Crest for sure, they are rockin' this year.

well said, i think others can agree. they were clean a month ago and the looked great, and 4 weeks later they are just about the same. Academy is really going to have to fight hard with these other corps you mentioned (ie. colts, glassman, Pacific Crest, BS, Spirit, Crossman) if they are going to have a chance. its going to be a race to the finish come finals week!!

Yeah, why does DCI give Academy this favor? That is by counting their California score for seeding in a regional. Pacific Crest has been in that same position in past years, but their CA scores haven't given them proper seeding when they get to their first regional. Any thoughts as to why this is? Maybe there is some kind of rule or something that I missed...

True for past years but not 2007. Did you not know that PC just got back from 2 full weeks in the Midwest/East Coast, beating head-to-head southwind, madison, troopers, pioneer, and cascades. and at the allentown regional they beat crossmen (different nights, same judging panel) and were in 14th place. (and at that just .95 out of the top 12 that weekend). just some food for thought in regards to you comment about the matter. Good luck to PC and Mandarins as they head out to see their competition soon!