South St Paul review

[contratech]

Show time 4:30, sunny and close to 90 degrees. My vantage is about 8 rows up, side 2, 45 yard line. This is my first and only show of the year, DCI or other wise, so I am easily entertained.

First up, Lakeshoreman from Troy Michigan. This is the first I’ve seen Shoreman. They look on the younger side of the Sr Corps age group but decent size for a new Corps. To me the show was over written for the talent is every respect, but the membership is making it respectful. Simpler program and arrangements would make this corps MORE competitive. If they keep membership together and refine fundamentals they can make noise next year.

Next up Frontier. First thing that hits you is the sound of the horn line…in a good way. But as the show progresses the brass loses focus. Too much free form, too many contrived high fives and the benches are a silly distraction rather than enhancement. Other than the scatter drills the visual program is pretty good and performed at a decent level. The guard enhanced the show and percussion was OK. This is another case where simpler show and arrangements would have allowed the talented brass to make more of a presence. This Corps has some talent and a future, but not this year at DCA.

Next up Govenaires. I’ve admired this corps for years as a consistent small corps that is good, entertaining and has it’s priorities in good order. The 81st edition met all expectations. Marching 13 brass (maybe two holes) and about 13 perc and 10 guard they presented a well executed, entertaining show. Music includes Nutville, House of the Rising Sun, and Welcome to My Party. There are no leakers in the 13 person brass section, rarely a weak moment, and frankly I’m amazed how they pull it off. The visual style and execution is great and the guard is OUTSTANDING. I had them even Chops but the judges saw it differently. I still see them as dead even with Chops come DCA time. They still have some room to grow musically.

Corps number four, the Kilties. I was hoping for good things after hearing Scott Stewart was running the show and Kilts did not disappoint me. What a turnaround!

Marching 50 brass (sounding larger at times) with nice full sound with a program that fit the Kilts perfectly. I did not recognize the music, but it didn’t matter, the theme carried the show and the Corps sold the theme. “Renaissance”. Powerful, at times dark, edgy and smooth. The guard was a major asset to the program. I’m not a perc guy but the battery they seemed solid enough. The drill is a step up for the Kilts and pulled off just OK. They will need to improve some fundamentals this winter, but considering where they have come from, this is a big time step forward. Total show and totally entertaining. I have not seen any DCA Corps this year, but based on previous talent out east, I see the Kilts as a lock for DCA finals. Book it!

Tough to follow the Kilts but Chops pulled it off in surprising fashion. Not surprising the show sounds like fun “It’s 7 O Clock and I’m ready to rock”, but surprising in the show is more less free of gimmicks and props. The 13 man brass line is very smooth and balanced. Percussion injects the energy and the guard enhances the show but not to the level of the Govies guard. Throw back music of the 70s was pleasant and “Brand New Key “ was fun and interesting. Marching is better than average and I can’t see any reason they won’t be at or near the top spot in DCA small corps championship.

Last Corps MBI. About 40B 30perc and 25guard. This show jumps to #3 spot of my all time favorite MBI right behind 99 Earth, Wind and Fire and 04 Moon Dance. The program is smooth, sophisticated, powerful and totally entertaining in every respect. The corps opens with Nutville. Very smooth arrangement. The guard weaves in and out of program, always moving, always adding to the complexity and I never felt they were a distraction or an after thought. The guard performs at a very high level. The high light of the show was the final piece and showcased the percussion. The battery is not yet jaw dropping good, but it’s getting real close. In two weeks this show will be drop dead awesome. The Brass line sounds smooth and well blended and had power to spare. The negatives? I’d like to hear a little more punch in Nutville. Almost too smooth. There were times when they pulled off some tough visual stuff yet simple arcs and straight lines were at times agonizingly awful. There were some distracting brass members that appeared close to tipping backwards while back stepping. Brass visuals throughout the show are well conceived and executed (except the closer) they marched 5 or 6 holes. I hear three of them are yet to be filled. If anyone out there wants to have a legit shot at top three in DCA this year… see your local MBI recruiter. Two weeks to fix and clean and this Corps will be dynamite at DCA.

[CallipygianKing]

Tough to follow the Kilts but Chops pulled it off in surprising fashion.

Gracias! Excellent review, too...

[Scerpella]

Last Corps MBI. About 40B 30perc and 25guard. This show jumps to #3 spot of my all time favorite MBI right behind 99 Earth, Wind and Fire and 04 Moon Dance. The program is smooth, sophisticated, powerful and totally entertaining in every respect. The corps opens with Nutville. Very smooth arrangement. I hear three of them are yet to be filled. If anyone out there wants to have a legit shot at top three in DCA this year… see your local MBI recruiter. Two weeks to fix and clean and this Corps will be dynamite at DCA.

Count me as an MBI fan as well. This is my favorite MBI show in 6 years despite the fact they are not carrying their regular complement of cloud piercing sops (I understand theyll be in for DCA.) But its exactly that lack of sop nuclear power that makes this show so balanced and enjoyable. This is not a show that is just out of their grasp (like some of the screaming jazz shows in the past have been.) This show is literally in MBI's power zone. Its is smooth, dynamic and impactful. I saw them from a good vantage in St Peter and I really liked it. Visually its not super complex altho they have great marching skills and they seem to glide through this show. The horns do take a knee during the whole drum feature so Im sure thats going to count against them in a head to head with someone with a more challenging visual program. The ending is the only weak part of the show and they seemed a bit gassed for the last minute of the show. (Speaking of course from a viewpoint of knowing exactly what that felt like Saturday night) Guard and battery are their usually good quality.

Without having seen any of the eastern corps yet, I say the only thing that will keep them from climbing higher than 3rd is their visual demand.

[contra111]

I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. This is my first review ever and I'm just a dumb horn guy but here goes:

Beautiful afternoon in SSP, light breeze blowing out of the west endzone. Show started uncharacteristically late, about 10 minutes or so. Apparently some problem down on the field with a sizeable hole in the ground at a sprinkler head. Pretty good crowd on hand. I'm not sure of the seating capacity of the stadium, probably 500 or so, but the stands from where I was standing was about 3/4 full. I'm am rather pleased that the DCA Central shows have survived to this point in time. I had my doubts when they were first started whether they would draw enough fans but am glad I was proven wrong. A HUGE thanks to MBI director Ann Jones and her staff for all the hard work to keep this show going year after year. Also thanks to the Lakeshoremen and Frontier for traveling to Minnesota. I'm sure it is quite a financial burden to make the trip but we love having you here and it is fun to see both corps grow from year to year.

Lakeshoremen: 17horns, 6perc, 10guard, 3pit, 1dm. I too was kind of struck during their show that they seemed young. They reminded me of a division III DCI corps. Very tough book from what I heard. Seemed like they handled it pretty well. No big disasters to speak of. Horn/percussion trade solos to open the show. Lots of energy and none of those marching were backing away from anything. Some timing issues in the middle of the show. After a long bus ride and long weekend, I thought the horns were running on fumes but somehow they dug deep and found a little more for Cuban Overture and finished nicely. I don't know if I would have it in me to march with you guys. I tip my hat to all of you! 66.725

Frontier: 22horns, 8perc, 5guard, 4pit, 2dm. I really like this corps. This is the third year I've seen Frontier and if I'm not mistaken, this is the third different uniform for them. They open with a very lush, full horn sound with "I'll Be Seeing You". This corps has some players! Nice bari feature in the opener and nice mello feature in "Home". At the big hit in "Home" it seeemed like the percussion and horns were watching 2 different drum majors. Some uncomfortable timing issues but they managed to hold it together. When I saw that they were doing "Caravan" I was thinking, Oh No. Boy was I wrong! They took that tune nd made it their own. I liked the arrangement alot. You could tell that it was written for them. Some low brass intonation problems but I thought the use of the benches was excellent for getting the Contra sound out from within the horns. One thing I do have to say is HORN ANGLES. That was very noticable quite a few times. Colorguard needs to be more integrated with the horns and drums but I'm sure that will come in time. Good job and can't wait to see you next year. 70.888

Govenaires: 13horns, 7perc, 10guard, 5pit, 1dm. What can I say about the Govies, they keep going and going and going... Lots of energy and ALWAYS a hit with the crowd. They really know how to sell themselves. They open with the usual "We are, The Govenaires". I have to say that my favorite rendition of that was a few years back when they integrated that with "Georgia". Major goosebump moment, but I guess I'm just a softie. Fun show, fun music, fun corps. Nice way to get your name out there by giving away buttons as proof of payment at the St Peter show. As always a demanding horn book. Strong percussion performance. They had a tall snare drummer, I'm not sure if he was a rookie or not. His voice sounded familiar though <wink>. The colorguard was great as usual with alot of integration and interaction with the horns and drums. I thought I heard some phasing in Queenie but may have been where I was standing. "Welcome To My Party", what more can I say. I can't Limbo, never have never will. You guys made me tired watching you. That Contra part was INSANE! Good job, you're going to do great at DCA. 77.325

Chops Inc: 12horns, 9perc, 9guard, 7pit, 2dm. Another corps that likes to have fun. Following the Kilties would be tough but they seemed to handle it with cool, calm determination. Like already stated before, not as much "schtick" in this show as years past. Handled the opener quite nicely, minor timing issues in "Free Ride" but I liked it overall. I will try to be unbiased but I had a problem with "Brand New Key". Not with how the corps handled it or that they even chose it. I just hate that song, always have and always will. Sorry. But it fits well with this corps, and to be honest, they did a good job. The washboards were a nice touch and the drummer's sabre toss was GREAT. The ballad "Without You" had some beautiful lush sounds and really showcased the hornline nicely. I think this corps will definitely be in the hunt come Labor Day. 79.338

Kilties: 50horns, stop, wait, darn it I can't count all you guys. WOW!!! What a comeback these guys are making. I saw them in Madison earlier this year and thought they were great then. HOLY COW!!! Just an absolute fun show. The opening set followed by the scatter was so cool. It was great down in St. Peter but in the bright sun it just looked way cool. You could just feel something was coming and then the opening hit BAM. You would have gotten a standing ovation out of me but I was already standing. Noticed a few timing issues here and there but you guys rocked. The show just has such a dark gritty edge to it in places that is nicely expressed with the power of your hornline. Percussion also looked and sounded great. There are however issues with personal marching style and guiding but from years past these Kilties are light years ahead. When the corps goes into the closer, I swear I hear the opening strains to....? I'll just leave that to the easterners imagination. But if that is a pre-cursor to whats coming down the road, I can't wait. Marching a more modern drill is difficult for some but overall you guys are on your way. If the Kilties don't make finals this year, there is definitely something wrong. 84.325

Minnesota Brass Inc: Not much more to say than what contratech said in his review. I marched with MBI, I am probably alittle biased so will try not to sound too much like a "homer". I have a hard time with how many horns Brass is marching this year. Sometimes it looks like 42, or 48 or 46 or 40. I know there are 2 contra holes. Boy it is tempting but now reality has taken control. No matter how many, this horn line is about finesse (SP). I am blown away by how well they are playing together. Earlier in the year (Madison) I had my doubts about their chances but in the last few weeks they have stepped on the gas. The percussion line looks young and new (I don't recognize anybody) and they have also stepped up to the challange. Watching MBI in St. Peter, they just looked awesome. Their marching, while a few problems exist individually, has really come around. They seem to make it look effortless. Transitions seem to be defined and executed well. A far cry from some of the vids of when I was out there. The colorguard is very good with some nice impact moments. One of the rifle tosses looked perfect to me. Nicely integrated but there are a couple of moments where they are sitting on the front line which makes the corps look quite small and totally exposed. When you see them entering the field they look pretty compact, but don't let that fool you. I see Brass easily holding their own at DCA and maybe even moving up a spot or two. 91.013

Good Luck to all the corps competing at DCA this year. Wish I could go but have work issues. Sounds like this will be the most competetive year ever.

[pvt_cairns]

Kilties: 50horns, stop, wait, darn it I can't count all you guys. WOW!!! What a comeback these guys are making. I saw them in Madison earlier this year and thought they were great then. HOLY COW!!! Just an absolute fun show. The opening set followed by the scatter was so cool. It was great down in St. Peter but in the bright sun it just looked way cool. You could just feel something was coming and then the opening hit BAM. You would have gotten a standing ovation out of me but I was already standing. Noticed a few timing issues here and there but you guys rocked. The show just has such a dark gritty edge to it in places that is nicely expressed with the power of your hornline. Percussion also looked and sounded great. There are however issues with personal marching style and guiding but from years past these Kilties are light years ahead. When the corps goes into the closer, I swear I hear the opening strains to....? I'll just leave that to the easterners imagination. But if that is a pre-cursor to whats coming down the road, I can't wait. Marching a more modern drill is difficult for some but overall you guys are on your way. If the Kilties don't make finals this year, there is definitely something wrong. 84.325

You are correct about what you're hearing in the closer, but there's more to it, listen to the lower brass toward the middle of that statement, you might catch a little extra medly of a famous Kiltie song if you listen reeeaaaal hard. Guess you'll have to wait and see in Rochester.

[contra111]

HOLY ####, that will be awesome!!!

[contratech]

So I thought I heard strains of a famous Madison tune...am i correct? And will they also further enhance with a famous Racine tune? I love when that happens.

Jim

Kilties: 50horns, stop, wait, darn it I can't count all you guys. WOW!!! What a comeback these guys are making. I saw them in Madison earlier this year and thought they were great then. HOLY COW!!! Just an absolute fun show. The opening set followed by the scatter was so cool. It was great down in St. Peter but in the bright sun it just looked way cool. You could just feel something was coming and then the opening hit BAM. You would have gotten a standing ovation out of me but I was already standing. Noticed a few timing issues here and there but you guys rocked. The show just has such a dark gritty edge to it in places that is nicely expressed with the power of your hornline. Percussion also looked and sounded great. There are however issues with personal marching style and guiding but from years past these Kilties are light years ahead. When the corps goes into the closer, I swear I hear the opening strains to....? I'll just leave that to the easterners imagination. But if that is a pre-cursor to whats coming down the road, I can't wait. Marching a more modern drill is difficult for some but overall you guys are on your way. If the Kilties don't make finals this year, there is definitely something wrong. 84.325

You are correct about what you're hearing in the closer, but there's more to it, listen to the lower brass toward the middle of that statement, you might catch a little extra medly of a famous Kiltie song if you listen reeeaaaal hard. Guess you'll have to wait and see in Rochester.

Edited August 19, 2008 by contratech

[pvt_cairns]

So I thought I heard strains of a famous Madison tune...am i correct? And will they also further enhance with a famous Racine tune? I love when that happens.

Jim

Kilties: 50horns, stop, wait, darn it I can't count all you guys. WOW!!! What a comeback these guys are making. I saw them in Madison earlier this year and thought they were great then. HOLY COW!!! Just an absolute fun show. The opening set followed by the scatter was so cool. It was great down in St. Peter but in the bright sun it just looked way cool. You could just feel something was coming and then the opening hit BAM. You would have gotten a standing ovation out of me but I was already standing. Noticed a few timing issues here and there but you guys rocked. The show just has such a dark gritty edge to it in places that is nicely expressed with the power of your hornline. Percussion also looked and sounded great. There are however issues with personal marching style and guiding but from years past these Kilties are light years ahead. When the corps goes into the closer, I swear I hear the opening strains to....? I'll just leave that to the easterners imagination. But if that is a pre-cursor to whats coming down the road, I can't wait. Marching a more modern drill is difficult for some but overall you guys are on your way. If the Kilties don't make finals this year, there is definitely something wrong. 84.325

You are correct about what you're hearing in the closer, but there's more to it, listen to the lower brass toward the middle of that statement, you might catch a little extra medly of a famous Kiltie song if you listen reeeaaaal hard. Guess you'll have to wait and see in Rochester.

It's always been there, people tend to miss it, it's there though, just listen to the lower brass 2 measures after the horns start playing. It's there like a ninja baritone lol.

[Annabelle79]

It's always been there, people tend to miss it, it's there though, just listen to the lower brass 2 measures after the horns start playing. It's there like a ninja baritone lol.

You can listen for it in the front ensemble as well. The chimes play the oh so famous Kilties song.

[BrassMember]

Count me as an MBI fan as well. This is my favorite MBI show in 6 years despite the fact they are not carrying their regular complement of cloud piercing sops (I understand theyll be in for DCA.) But its exactly that lack of sop nuclear power that makes this show so balanced and enjoyable. This is not a show that is just out of their grasp (like some of the screaming jazz shows in the past have been.) This show is literally in MBI's power zone. Its is smooth, dynamic and impactful. I saw them from a good vantage in St Peter and I really liked it. Visually its not super complex altho they have great marching skills and they seem to glide through this show. The horns do take a knee during the whole drum feature so Im sure thats going to count against them in a head to head with someone with a more challenging visual program. The ending is the only weak part of the show and they seemed a bit gassed for the last minute of the show. (Speaking of course from a viewpoint of knowing exactly what that felt like Saturday night) Guard and battery are their usually good quality.

Without having seen any of the eastern corps yet, I say the only thing that will keep them from climbing higher than 3rd is their visual demand.

We did take a knee to let the perc. have the attention, but we changed that on sundays practice before the show, we have added full body ripples, all horn members get shakers, and we get to "enjoy the perc" so to say. once that is cleaned it will be very cool and will add a little to the visual score.