cajal

Electronics are far from 'accepted' by many. The Bluecoats did a great job with them, but many examples of electronic implementation are far less effective (my opinion). I realize that the same could be said for music/marching/spinning, but there's something really jarring about electronics in drum corps (again, my opinion). The first thought I had when I saw the Cadets this year... another waste of a talented corps because of narration, a 2007 reboot. By 'waste', I mean distancing the performers from the audience because of the narration. This is NOT an insult to the performers, they were incredible. I feel exactly the same way about the 2005 Blue Devils. I'm still surprised that the Cadets went that route again.

After so many years, this is a tough one. In no particular order: 1982 Blue Devils 1984 Garfield Cadets 1991 Blue Devils 1994 Phantom Regiment 1988 Suncoast Sound 1990 Star of Indiana 1993 Star of Indiana 1990 Crossmen 1990 Bluecoats 1995 Carolina Crown 1999 SCV 2000 Cavaliers 2010 Blue Devils Ok, it's a baker's dozen. Couldn't help it.

You've got to be kidding. Really?

Boston had an entertaining show, and for a "dark" show I think it got some decent responses from the crowds throughout the year (admittedly, I'm judging this primarily from watching FN). The show wasn't a complete mess visually, but they never seemed to get to the polishing/refining phase by finals week. Hopefully their staff will take this into account when they design next year's show. Fun show Crusaders, keep churning out entertaining shows in the future.

I really liked this year's Crown production. Hopefully their studio recording will be as great as the past three that I bought

Congrats, 'Coats! Biggest crowd response during retreat since Phantom '08? And totally deserved. Fantastic show, BLOOOOOOOOOO!

The Marine D&B corps was awesome, and it's really cool that Al Chez showed up to play with those kids!

It really is a shame that the stands are so empty, there were a number of really entertaining shows in open class so far.

Sound quality isn't the best on high cam, but at least it's not cutting out much.

Really enjoyed that Genesis, bravo!

This is definitely a world class design.

The Cadets don't have much to worry about. If their show was in 1st going into nats week, it might be a bigger issue (disgustingly so). Hopefully there won't be many 'superfans' (the ones who know everything and feel the activity is about nothing but them) voicing their displeasure. I don't like their show at all, but everyone should acknowledge the excellence in that corps this summer. This goes for every corps, of course.

I'd create a new corps if money was no object. Either that or resurrect one that folded for financial reasons. I think that would be more fun than taking one over that currently exists and is healthy financially.

I think their musical book is really entertaining, even if it is a bit ADHD in places. It might not be scoring well, but who cares... I'll be listening to this one in the future! Well done Scouts, hope you nail it in finals.

I think Crown should loan the Bluecoats a trampoline to put their last jumper on the catwalk at Lucas Oil. Pow, GE. Hm, might want to wait for a domed stadium to try that at, though.

That show gets better every time I see it, OC.

Nice show, Cascades!

Gotta love that 60 cycle hum on the high cam feed hehe

If this is the major part of the new ending that was supposed to add lots of GE and 'bring the show home', good luck Cadets. I'm sure it will be squeaky clean in no time, but that probably won't matter much, IMO.

I was wondering when/if there would be a "surprise" live broadcast this year. Didn't the fan network have at least one of those in previous years?

Favorite corps draw would be improved: "Genius idea!!!" Favorite corps draw wouldn't: "This is an outrage!!!" Nothing to see here, move along......

Good luck with the show, Garfield. When I lived in Columbus I went to your show twice, and they were two of the best run shows I've been to. Hope you break attendance records!

Absolutely agree. Corps taking different approaches is essential, both competitively and for entertainment purposes.

I absolutely think they could've put other 'spacey' songs in there without beating us over the head with hornline runs. That's my own OPINION, or personal preference. They're winning brass, so they did a fantastic job competitively. Remember, it's just a preference. I watched the show with a non-drum corps savvy friend and they remarked "Why did they play something that sounded like warm-up scales/exercises for half of the show? They were great, but it's too much" I tend to agree. Just a preference, that's all. I'm not bashing Carolina Crown.

Crown's horns are absolutely fantastic. I think that the music that they picked (which contains so many fast runs) demonstrates the same skill over and over and over again. I think that's where the 'notes for the sake of notes' comment comes from. The staff picked music that demonstrates that skill - A LOT. It's not the only one they demonstrate, of course... but it's the one they repeat over and over again. It's all just personal opinion, nothing that's bashing that magnificent hornline. My .02, anyway.