jimcporter

I'm not sure where this thread got all sideways with my USMC D&B comments. I'm well aware of the differences between DCI and the military. The USMC D&B corps is a job - they are paid musicians that travel the world as amassadors of U.S. culture. They never see a battlefield. I've easily seen them 30 times in my lifetime, and their show is always the same. There is no question of talent. They're amazing musicians. I'd really like to see them mix-it-up - play a new book, or add some new drill moves. Don't you think it would be cool if they commissioned some pieces from some well-know American arrangers? Jim Prime comes to mind... What about another Brass Theater? The greatest innovations in the U.S. are from miltiary - why not show it? I've personally taken an oath to protect the Constitution of the U.S. - so believe me, I get it. BTW - '83 Cadets would easily beat the '91 Coats - that's not even fair. Easily one of the most important DCI shows in our lifetime.

To put things in context, I'm always comparing drum corps today to when I marched with Bluecoats in 1991. This was not a particularly impressive year for us, but at least we were top 12 (11th). This was also the year we saw Star of Indiana take it all in a special and emotional farewell to Zingali. Speed drill, body sculpting, and marching "outside the box" were all the rage. Madison Scouts were hot, Phantom & the Cavaliers had yet to win a title, Velvet Knights & Crossmen were competitive, Sky Ryders and Freelancers still existed, and the Blue Devils and Cadets placed 5th and 6th, respectively. Weird year. So I'm going to look at today's Fairfax performances against the old 20 year old corps, and make a judgement call on how today's corps would stack up. I'm a big fan of all the latest advancements - they just have to be done right. SEATTLE CASCADES - I couldn't wait for the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps to finish up so we could see some real Drum Corps. If you want to see a relic, come to Washington DC for a summer. I swear, these guys are stuck in 1968. I liked the Cascades - they seemed a bit small (but way bigger than Marine Corps). The "weather" prediction in the show was a bit strange - folks were whispering if this was the real weather report. I think not, but we'd have to put the show on hold very soon. Overall - young group, with a show that's written to the talent level. BLUECOATS '91 would've crushed. JERSEY SURF - Definitely a lot more crisp, but seemed smaller than Cascades. The new uniforms are really sharp. The brass sounded controlled and balanced. I don't remember much about the show, but it seemed well written - but not too challenging. Seems like they're on the way up. BLUECOATS '91 - would win 9 times out of 10. ### WEATHER BREAK ### CROSSMEN - Much bigger and more precise. The first "full" corps of the night. I liked the show as I was watching it, but it seemed to lack any sort of "AHA" moment. Drill was a bit average (by today's standards). Pit seemed a bit too loud. I also don't understand why the battery feels the need to yell "DUT - DUT - DUT" during the quiet sections - seems very amateur. I think this is why I started making comparisons - Crossmen '91 played Metheny and here we are again. I think if the drill was tightened up a bit and a better ending was tacked on, this group would've taken the CROSSMEN '91 crew. BLUECOATS '91 still win in a head-to-head comparison (I'm biased with our old rival). ACADEMY - Boy was I psyched to see these guys in person after getting blown away by their performance in the Open Class in '06. I was really looking forward to all the sick brass licks. While their performance was definitely a step-up from the Crossmen, some pitch problems prevailed and I heard a tendency to overblow the power chords. Not as controlled as I would've expected. I also thought to myself - these Bb instruments suck... they are so muted and stuffy sounding. BLUECOATS '91 looking dicey - I'd have to give ACADEMY the nod. COLTS - Take that comment back - the Bb instruments don't suck. The COLTS blew me away with their balanced sound and technique. The opening hit was monster. Some really exposed brass moments came out amazing. Great sound. Great show. A big step up from Academy - clearly a top 12 show. This would be a top 8 show in '91 - clearly BLUECOATS '91 would've gotten the beat down. GLASSMEN - Probably the only corps that has fielded shows that I've hated: The "Balloon" show (forget year) and the "Beethoven" show (forget year). Tonight, I was just excited to see another top 12 corps. The first 1/3 of the show was admittedly rough for me -- lots of exposed parts and some poor pitch problems. I'm not a guard expert, but this was the first time I noticed how good they were. The drill was impressive, and clearly the last 2/3 of the show really saved them. BLUECOATS '91 would'e gotten the beat down / but COLTS '10 should've had 'em. BLUE STARS - Easily the crowd favorite. This was on a completely different level. I thought to myself (reading the program) that this reminder me of those '90s pretentious Blue Knights shows with Philip Glass and other <bizarre name that composer>. Incredible look, incredible music book, great drill - the full package (no gimmicks). I caught myself "wooting" after the drum feature, and that's not something I <ever> do. The houdini boxes seemed to have a big statement in the opening act, but lost all meaning by the closer - I'm not a GE guy, but there seems to be something missing. Why not hide some additional brass players until the end and beat BD at their own game? This would've been TOP 3 in '91 with some extra polish (giving Star a run for its money). BLUE DEVILS - This looked like a NYC Production Company on the field. They're clearly in a different class. The swagger, the musicianship, the innovation - I could go on and on. There's actually too much to take in - so I really hope that in 5-10 years this will be recognized as one of the shows that moved the activity forward. I don't want to feel like a sucker if it's all smoke and mirrors (cough) - this show is actually confusion on the field. I could also see how this could easily be one of the top 10 classics of all time. Side note: I found it amusing to hear a baritone burp out loudly during one of the syncopated sections - deduct a full point in my book. ;-)

1. HOLY NAME CADETS - Tighten the ending up a little bit more and its a winner - suggest adding a "Z" pull for posterity 2. CAROLINA CROWN - Add some purple - please. Just off-set the green! Robot dance bugs me. Change final set to a crown. Winner! 3. BLUE DEVILS - Not my favorite show, but there's no denying it's clean. The brass book is difficult and played well. New ending adds nothing. 4. CAVALIERS - This should be lower (zzz), but they execute so well. 5. BLUECOATS - Just add one more phrase to the ending and presto magic! One more speed drill set wouldn't hurt. 6. SVC - Having a hard time getting on the bandwagon. Very repetitive show with an abrupt ending. Loved them in previous years. 7. BOSTON CRUSADERS - So much potential - just a bit cheesy in design. Brass line needs to tighten up on power-chord releases. Nothing bugs me more than a tuba or trumpet hanging over. 8. PHANTOM REGIMENT - What happened??? 9. [TIE] - SOME COMBINATION OF BLUE STARS, BLUE KNIGHTS, ACADEMY, GLASSMEN, and TROOPERS 10. [don't care] 11. [don't care] 12. [don't care] 15. MADISON SCOUTS - Sniff. A legacy dead. Super heroes? Shoot me.

So weird -- Philly boys are now Tex Mex.

does it even work on a mac?

class action

FREE PLATINUM FOR PPV!!!

cuz their hornline is that friggin loud?

Hmmm... Yes, purchased PPV. But still don't see it. Probably still too early given that it's a Pacific time show.

Help!!! Does anyone have the link? I don't see it when I login. I'm not a platinum member. Jim

loud, louder, loudest.

Bluecoats horn book is amazing. This show is amazing! Drill is a little dirty, but within' striking distance. Prediction, BD is going 3rd tonight.

* Bluecoats * Blue Devils * Blue Knights * BlueStars

Going for the throat with true innovation will make it happen. They play it too safe right now. I'd love to see an evil and nasty side emerge.

The last minute of the show is smokin'! Seems like all the right pieces are in place. The innovation is real. Without question, their horn line is top 9-12 material (in-tune, on rythm, nice balance -- aka no heroes). Has anyone seen them in person? Are these guys legit?