jimthetuba Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 9 minutes ago, DrumManTx said: I feel like Bluecoats have been proving the previous year wasn't a fluke for 3 years now. Yeah you're right but Crown had the same kind of thing going on they were hovering around top three then they won in '13 and haven't won since. The question is whether bluecoats will be able to have another show which is in title contention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shofmon88 Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 Most anticipated for me? SCV. 50th anniversary. I really have high hopes for them after last year's show too. Least anticipated corps in world class? Bluecoats. I cannot get into their show from last year, and I dread seeing its effects on other corps' shows. I thought Tilt was fantastic, and Kinetic Noise was pretty good, but I worry the direction their design team is headed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumManTx Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, jimthetuba said: Yeah you're right but Crown had the same kind of thing going on they were hovering around top three then they won in '13 and haven't won since. The question is whether bluecoats will be able to have another show which is in title contention. In terms of a title yes I agree. I don't think not winning denotes a bad season or makes a title a fluke though. Edited February 2, 2017 by DrumManTx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoaDci Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) Ok, heres my two cents... I dont see Bloo winning a title anytime soon. They have really learned a style that fans and judges really enjoy, and instead of ditching that style they managed to keep it going which is impressive. With "To Look for America" they showed what they could be. You could definitely feel how electronics were integrated into the show, and more importantly- were integrated well. You could tell though they didnt really settle into their style yet. Then Tilt came, and really showed what Bloo could do. Then, they followed with Kinetic Noise. Kinetic Noise by far is my favorite Bloo show in the last few years, the complexity with the chords and the way the show was written was extremely complex. Every second of that show was enjoyable for me. Then came Down Side up, which was by FAR my least favorite of "New Bloo" (someone please put that on a T shirt). The uniforms were a bit of a mess and nothing really worked for me visually. Full exposure (I need to put this in the unpopular opinions thread) the ramps were not used to their full potential. I feel they could have done alot more with them. I will say one thing though- that show grooves SOOO hard. I often find myself humming the melodies of the solos. And Im not a battery guy, but the drumline has one of the most musical groovy books Ive heard. So to bring this full circle, I think 2017 Bloo will be what weve seen for the last three years. Ideally we will be seeing something closer to 2014 or 2015 than 2016. I dont see Bloo winning anytime soon, there is just too much competition coming out of Crown, SCV, BD and Pioneer that I dont see them winning. Edited February 2, 2017 by BoaDci 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrumManTx Posted February 3, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted February 3, 2017 I think there is reason to anticipate/be excited about everyone...... Bluecoats - I've been a fan since they gave me my first live drum corps experience in 2009. It's been an uphill downhill rollercoaster but the last three years have been nothing short of amazing being a fan of them. Again and again they put out a show that seems to hit everything I love about drum corps. Every year they are supposedly getting stale, the competition will be too much, the shows just don't have enough in them to finish well...and yet they keep on climbing. They keep finding a way to refine, perfect, and evolve their craft. But I'm excited to see them for the real reason that matters, win or lose, I know I can always count on them for a show that will entertain, interest, and excite me. Success isn't only defined by a championship, but by the impact you have on the audience and they've packed a helluva punch for awhile now. I don't see that stopping. Blue Devils - They're absolute masters at their craft. If I don't love their show I can at least respect the hell out of it and am always in awe of what they seem to attempt and achieve every single year. I haven't been a huge fan for 2 years now but that doesn't diminish the fact that they're an amazing corps, organization, performing ensemble, people, and whatever other measure you wanna throw out there. And an anniversary year? Hell yeah. Carolina Crown - One word. Brass. If there is a corps I can always count on for some amazing musical moments it's Carolina Crown. I'm very interested in how their staff shake ups change their approach. I think it's a great time for them to refresh their identity a little bit. Santa Clara Vanguard - In terms of drum corps history this is one of my favorites form every decade. Last year they gave us an incredibly beautiful and accessible show that was a fan favorite in pretty much every circle. Their brass continues to improve leaps and bounds and the Rennick's just keep on being absolute masters of their craft. Throw a huge anniversary on top of that and I can't help but feel like we are in for something incredibly special in 2017. The Cavaliers - Last year was the first time in about 5 years where the Cavaliers felt like the Cavaliers in all regards again. That incredibly entertaining swagger, fantastic visual program, incredibly entertaining guard, fantastic drums, and an incredibly cohesive show that had audiences laughing and screaming on their feet at the end. They seem to have reset, and if that's the first year of that reset I cannot wait to see what they have up their sleeves next. The Cadets - They feel like they're in the middle of a metamorphosis right now. And even if last years show design kinda flopped, I couldn't be any more excited to see where they head next. If there is a corps I'm incredibly perplexed by for the upcoming season, it's them. Blue Knights - While last year was a bit of a miss for me personally that doesn't change the fact that in 2014 and 2015 they gave me some of the most emotional, beautiful, unique, fresh, and exciting drum corps in my time as a fan. Their approach to every aspect of a show now is so distinct and recognizable, and when a corps reaches that level of knowing who and what they are and what they want to portray some pretty amazing things seem to always happen. That's exciting. Phantom Regiment - There were hints of greatness last year, and in bringing in a visionary like Cartwright along with some great changes that were implemented the previous year like Will Pitts I can't help but wonder what kind of show we will be getting. This corps has the members, talent, and emotional punch every year, they just need a guiding voice and show that can channel that into some of that old Phantom Regiment magic. Blue Stars - Another corps I've been in love with since my introduction to the activity......and they're bringing the old gang back together in terms of design. Sullivan and Ford mixed with a master educator/brass caption head, amazing percussion staff that has had years of success, and the absolutely bonkers/wild/incredibly brave work in the guard caption and I can't help but feel like they're going to be the corps that I fell in love with back then, but in a new way with new staff members working with them on the performance side of things. They rebounded from a slight stumble in 2015 last year, and I don't see that stopping. Crossmen - My favorite show from them in years last year. They've developed some fantastic consistency across all captions, and their show last year was incredibly fresh and exciting despite my major doubts prior to the season. It was streamlined, seamless, and incredibly accessible. I feel like their members are ready for a show that's another few steps above that one even. I can't wait to see what they do. The Academy - Another corps I've always loved, their ascent from 2014s incredibly entertaining and cute show, to 2015s incredibly accessible and entertaining Mary Poppins portrayal, to last years incredibly emotional and perfectly designed for that membership show, it's been a helluva journey to watch. It's that 3 year ascent that makes me think they won't just be a flash in the pan. And while I can understand worries about them topping such an amazing show, the direction of Michael Townsend, Klesch, and their other amazing creative minds has put those worries to rest for me. Another corps that seems to have found their niche and is blossoming and exploding as a result of that. Boston Crusaders - In my time on DCP there were three names I and seemingly everyone would always look forward to in terms of their work. Gino. McNutt. Townsend. Over their tenure at their previous homes they gave us incredibly powerful, articulate, and just #### loud brass. Amazingly clean, rudiment-ally proficient, and hauling ### like no one else beats. And incredibly emotional, clean, and inspiring guard moments. I don't know why them moving somewhere else seems to have diminished that in the eyes of some, but I could not be any more excited to see what their collective mind will come up with. And the fact their teaser they released seems to implicate a show of......darker themes? They have me eating out of my hands in anticipation. Combine with that a membership last year that clawed their way into what seemed like an impossible position? That's a dangerous combination. Madison Scouts - If there is a corps everyone can count on to flat out entertain them, make them scream, and just is impossible not to love it's the Madison Scouts. What happened last year sucked, it would for anyone. But I'm confident in their staff hires this off season and I think they'll be just fine. If there is a corps I know will not sell out just to earn a few extra tenths it's these guys. Keep being you. Everyone loves it. Troopers - They've been right on the cusp for 4 years now. Of finals. In every other regard they're a massive success. Last years show was incredibly bold and outside their comfort zone but worked so well. While it might not have reached finalist status I dare you to find me more than a few shows that reached the level of emotional impact that closer did. I'm always excited to see the Troopers. Much like the Madison Scouts they're hard not to love. Colts - While last years more serious and reserved show didn't do a ton for me I absolutely loved the musical moments they created. Really great guard and brass combined with some great drill made for a show that despite its flaws had tons to love in it. I'm very interested in where they go next year. Mandarins - Their last few shows have been incredibly well designed for where the corps is at as a membership collective. I'm not surprised at all last year they broke a corps scoring record. The show was incredibly cohesive, their brass and drums brought the musical side of that show to life, and that color guard is one of the most improved sections in all of drum corps as of 2016. The designers seem incredibly in touch with what this corps is capable of, and that can only lead to great things. Oregon Crusaders - Bold. Exciting. Not cliche. They're risk takers. Those uniforms and that combination of music last year? But it worked so much better than I think people thought it would. They always amaze me at their musical power and infectious performance energy. Their shows are so fresh and exciting. And their annoucned rep. for 2017 floors me. I cannot wait to see what they do. If they can just kick up the visual side of things a notch we'll have a new name in the conversation for finals because they're there in most other areas. Pacific Crest - After a few years of uncertainty they did exactly what they needed to do last year. They picked a theme that was simple and had tons of possibilities, and executed it fantastically. I really thought they were under appreciated and even a little under scored last year. No weaknesses and they rebounded back after a pretty dismal 2015. I can only see them improving. Spirit of Atlanta - After a lot of off season uncertainty last year they chose to do a smaller tour and be smart about what they were doing. They did a show that was incredibly distinctive of their heritage and just entertained us. It wasn't the best, cleanest, or best designed show but it was entertaining as heck and the members looked like they were having a blast doing it. I think with some direction they could have a hit of a show. Seattle Cascades - They continue their "New Cascades" ascent. This is another corps that seems incredibly in touch with what their members are capable of and how to design a show around that. 2016 was no different, pushed the members, and they delivered. They have a strange knack for making me love music I should be absolute sick of hearing on the field. They're fresh, in touch with who they are and what they can do, and I expect that to continue in 2017. Jersey Surf - I wasn't a huge fan of last year but they seemed to mature quite a bit in many areas last year. I hope that continues in 2017, and I hope they find their voice. When they do like 2012 magic can happen. Pioneer - While the numbers may not show it I think they've made huge progress the last two years. Their guard has really developed very well, the shows are more cohesive and better designed than other recent offerings, and their captions are improving. It's tough battling an exploding Open Class but I think they've made huge strides in 2015 and 2016. Genesis - I couldn't be more excited that they're in world class. Short of winning they're so ready not just as a corps but as an organization, there are more measures of a corps and organization than numbers. I love their programming and approach to show design, it's incredibly exciting and powerful and they are starting to match that in the performance captions as well. Their announced show for this year provides some incredibly interesting mixes of music and will certainly not just be another generic show. Welcome, and I hope this move gives them a push to that next level that they've been oh so close to. Open Class - They continue to explode in quality, size, and as organizations as well. Last year they had a field of incredibly entertaining, proficient, and just fantastic shows that were among my favorites across all categories. I can't wait to see what they do in 2017 as well. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xandandl Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 11 hours ago, shofmon88 said: Most anticipated for me? SCV. 50th anniversary. I really have high hopes for them after last year's show too. Least anticipated corps in world class? Bluecoats. I cannot get into their show from last year, and I dread seeing its effects on other corps' shows. I thought Tilt was fantastic, and Kinetic Noise was pretty good, but I worry the direction their design team is headed. Wait. You're in Australia, right? Can't get into Downside Up? Doesn't take a genius to figure out the paradox there now, does it Mate? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoaDci Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Most anticipated: 1. Pioneer 2. BD 3. SCV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowtown Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 13 hours ago, DrumManTx said: I think there is reason to anticipate/be excited about everyone...... Bluecoats Pioneer - W Appreciate your giving some attention to all world class corps 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corpsband Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 6 hours ago, cowtown said: Appreciate your giving some attention to all world class corps He's contractually obligated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumManTx Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 1 minute ago, corpsband said: He's contractually obligated. If I don't do it I can't post on here anymore. D: (I AM KIDDING). I always give all the corps some love. They deserve it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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