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Me: 31, pharmacist, male, Bluecoat FMM-> Tuba. This is my 13th year in a row of attending this show as either a performer or spectator. Brought several new people and that was fun- including my boss, old college friend, a 7th grade trumpet player… I’m basically a DCI evangelist! . I consider $45 a good investment to get a new viewer to a show—because what if it impacts them even half as much as it did me when I saw my first show in 2000? Changed my life Just some thoughts--- and if it’s not clear- I was there, this is not a FN viewing recap. Order of appearance: Music City: very solid for open class. These kids are well instructed and march with poise and confidence. Love the musical selections… part of me, as a Nashville native, would LOVE to see this group eventually go World Class. We have a ton of talent down here in the south— got MCM for our WGI stuff… I mean- we can do this guys! Give it a few more years. Proud to claim Music City- Cavies: I guess for me it’s sad to see that they have slipped this much. All my live-DCI-watching-life they have been a dominant force—I’m not sure if there’s any one glaring deficiency—brass ensemble was noticeably weak- and volume wise they really were only a small bit louder than Music City- I know Cavies are known for their controlled, balanced, brass—((was super ###### a few years ago when they did a mf version of Mars…but don’t get me started on that))—but I mean, they were noticeably softer than every other world class group out there. I’m all for quality—but give it some more power, boys! Overall design is smart and drives home the theme- but I’m not sure I see much chance of them breaking 8th place come finals. Not sure if BAC or BK will give them a run for the money—probably not—but I’d say that would be more likely than them beating Madison at this point. Crown: **this show is a must see LIVE show—I had only see video of this up to this point and it’s just an entirely different animal when you see it in person—the Trumpet solo that gets carried around the field—the left and right timpani, the 16th note run on the right side that snakes down the line -- this is a show that is made to be experienced, not just watched on FN. Going from Music City to Cavies to Crown it really felt like we had just seen three different divisions of marching music- they are in a league of their own- up there with BD and Cadets. I think the overall demand of this show from a big picture perspective is right up there with BD—I’ll talk later about the one thing I think BD does that gives them the edge… but the unison moves are so crisp—the members so skilled and confident that you can really just sit back and enjoy—new ending is cool with the ending in the big crown with the big bass drums as the jewels in the crown--- but I liked 2011, 2012, and 2009’s closers better—I bet they’ll kick it up another notch by finals but it’s not going to be enough for them to take the gold, IMO. Lock down Silver? Probably—I said it in 2011 and I’ll say it again- Crown is the future of drum corps—I love their design and visual themes and hope a few years for now more of the top corps have shows that resemble crown’s style… this is the kind of show that I feel proud to show to friends/family and say- THIS is DCI, this is what I love—what do you think now? – you’d think the abstract parts that come from Einstein on the Beach would have thrown some of the new people—but they all liked it- reprising 2001 at the end is genius- that’s what people remembered—also I’ll say the ballad had me almost in tears- they’ve managed to get a good bit of emotion in there- well done crown- thank you Cadets: I still love this show--- I think crown is a bit more accessible in a way (which feels funny to say with some of the abstract parts of EOTB)—I think recalling back to Star 93, SCV 99, SCV 2000—it’s great to finally be able to hear some of that source music again—I think the opening big hold on the right with the triangle, etc is solid musically and is very effective- could add a bit more visual demand there… but I mean from movement to movement, color to color- this show grabs you and pulls you in. it’s powerful and demands respect. This show is not at risk of falling below 3rd… not sure how they are going to pass crown but it’s possible? Not much more to say- loved it. It's a true joy-- a drum corps fan's dream /--- cadets style. Bluecoats: I knew they were 6th before they announced the scores- was pleasantly surprised how close they were to phantom—I guess it’s clear now just as in some of the past few years that the percussion and brass are musically performing several steps ahead of the visual program (looks like both were in 4th overall- pretty impressive). I think the ending needs a few more sets to really drive it home—I think the theme is light enough to where each person can interpret a bit differently and I think that’s ok—((sssseeeecret sssssociiiiety, lol)) I guess I wish I knew a bit more about what the theme was—parades, contrasting military with civilian life? – I find it hard to put in words. I don’t see this as being as BD-like as some have suggested—there’s a few running sets. Color Guard is something we’re going to have to invest in more- I know nothing about guards, how to make them better, recruit better members, but if this tuba player can sit here and see that the guard needs work, that’s not good. All of the other G7 have guards that are good in the traditional sense—big unison tosses, integrated flags, etc. I think the demand for Blue’s guard is just lacking and we’re not even nailing the demand that we’ve got… (I’m very surprised that we beat cavies’ guard) I mean- fix some of the visual issues and Bluecoats are a solid 5th… but until then I don’t know. We don’t have the drill design to compete with the top 3 either—need to risk more. – and someone had mentioned the toe first marching but I didn’t really notice until tonight—what’s the deal with that? Is there something advantageous to doing that? Looks like we are always jazz running? It’s not bad- just seems polar opposite from cadets’ style… this show won’t go lower than 6th or higher than 5th… depends on how hard phantom and blue push— maybe we could move the bleachers up during the ballad to hear/see what’s going on better? – I’d say this was louder than Cavies but softer than the other 5 corps. But clearly the music judges rewarded the quality so hey, that’s cool. Smart. Phantom: It does seem a little bit like too much of a good thing—it’s classic phantom. Not quite as emotion-inducing as some past years (2010, 11, or 12, IMO) but it’s still there. Brass is huge sounding—told my new friends “ok their brass sounds huge… and I love that” and boom! Sure enough there it was there. People did laugh at the big monster thing in the back of the field—I got some good pics. Hehe. I think before it was a perceived threat/ scary woods and they personified it but it made it a touch more cheesy. I liked it— I love how the sops can march around with the trees- that’s impressive to me. Guard is well integrated and adds a lot of impact to the music. Percussion seemed pretty weak to me tonight- even drill wise not keeping it tight at times- Brass plays loud but does overplay and gets a bit bright at times—probably explains the 6th there— I think there’s going to be more to that ending- can’t see it just ending on the book like that. I don’t think this program will challenge the top 3— SCV: I think what this thing needs is just a little more focal points for the story—like some dedicated characters – just at least give me a Jean Valjean, right? I feel like we need something to focus the emotions of the moment on – this is something that Phantom often nails—give us a guy/girl to root for. I guess they do that a little-- You are telling a story. Guard integration is awesome—really benefiting from the guy/girl costumes-- I love the music and I love how musically they perform- how the arrangements flow as complete songs, not just snippets—I don’t like the musical re-write of final company front! Wish we could change that back… when 2013 is over—no matter where they finish—I will ABSOLUTELY listen to this show the most—it’s not going to be close. This is one to put on the headphones and mow the grass, blast down the road in your car… this is a show you can listen to and enjoy—just like last year’s SCV was… I’m very thankful to have that… I do not see this show breaking into the top 3. It did, however, get the strongest/fastest standing ovation… I’d love them to pull a phantom 08, but with crown and BD between them and the gold I don’t see it happening. BD: Got so much flac when I called them winning last night… this show is deep. What do I mean by that? For guard members, brass, etc. it’s not simply move from point A to point B in x counts and while spinning or playing this… it’s… you 5 people move over here like this--- you 5 people take this route--- eh, I’m not making sense… but it’s like how Star 1991’s cross to cross only worked out because each person, group got custom routes and paths to make it work… it feels like that… the guard does SO much with SO many different pieces of equipment—and they’ve got the big tosses, but it’s subtle stuff… I remember watching them rehearse ensemble last night and seeing this group of 5 guard girls do this spinning and over-the-head toss of the semi-circle things… and I kept thinking one or two of them was just way late- but I’ve figured out that they just start at different times—each person starts a count or two after the other- but it’s not like down the line- it’s somewhat random… and the choreography of the guard, and the poles, gosh… it kinda blows my mind what they are doing—the girl that tosses the ball up and does a flip and is lifted up by some of the guy guard members and catches the ball… I think one of the biggest things it helped me to keep in mind when watching this is the sacrificial nature of the piece as it is portrayed in the Ballet… it’s about a young girl being sacrificed by dancing herself to death…. Just think ritual sacrifice when you watch this and I think more of it will make sense. This is my favorite BD show since 2007, for real. Other general observations: - Biggest crowd in years here… guess the $45 seats aren’t as painful as many seem to think they are.. - I really believe the top 3 are untouchable at this point. I don’t see SCV or Phantom getting a medal (or Bluecoats). The demand of these shows is just noticeably higher than everyone else… - Got some hate for this yesterday too- but I am having a very hard time seeing BD NOT winning at this point… it just feels like all they have to do is cruise to the gold. The talent level they have is out of this world… if ANYone beats them it could be crown… but I mean… I’d gladly slap down a good chunk of my own money if anyone wanted to put a straight up 1:1 bet of BD wins or they don’t win. I really would. I mean no disrespect to you Cadets/Crown people—I love your shows too- - The GOO is getting louder… I think SCV was the only group not to over-do it IMO. Everyone else there’s just an ever present BLUHHHHHHHHHHH all the time. It sounds cool and feels cool… but what I freakin’ hate is how you can’t tell when you hear bass anymore how much of that bass is coming from the low brass and how much from the speakers… I’m thinking it may not be wise to put any more than 12 contras on the field anymore… put more guard members out there for the visual… the subs can easily make up the difference… for better or, as I feel, worse. -

Thoughts - that's kinda nuts.

OMG!!! SCV is incredible live. Magnificent!

Buy more Ovaltine?

That guy in the blue striped shirt probably needs to go to the doctor to get that left shoulder looked at

Wow!! Who needs the G7 when you have a line up like this show? If I had a choice between going to a TOC show and Huntsville, my money would be going to Huntsville!!

Looks like a dud to me

Hoppy will announce that YEA is moving from Allentown to Ocean Springs :ph34r:/>

In other news, Oregon Crusaders beat Academy tonight.

BD is out there in a parallel universe from most people in the coast to coast audiences. Thats fine, I can watch them or go talk with friends, family or whatever when they are on. BD does not care what I think, nor do the judges, and thats fine too. My biggest fear is that Carolina Crown, that used to be a very entertaining Corps for years, has one step into the World of the Weird this season, and BD has them spooked on what to do next. Should BD win another title with another weird show, I suspect that Carolina Crown, in order to win with the judges, will place both feet into the World of the Weird and we will lose another Corps that will leave us on this planet to go inhabit a parallel universe far, far away frm us and where the bones of Salvadore Dali are embedded into the deep terrain there.

Maybe they're planning on giving out a major award.

Crown did a great show for the home crowd! Standing o at the end of every movement around us. I am in horn line shock...amazing!!!

Cadets practicing in the rain 1 hour ago at Rock Hill

I'll tell you what I love...this is the first year in AGES that we've had THREE brass lines playing at this high a level. Usually it's just two. I love that.

I applaud the Blue Stars for what they have done this year sincerely, but admit that I use that occasion to repost this thread amongst world class readers since this forum gets more views than Open Class. http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/index.php/topic/157055-raiders-financial-issues/ Please help if you are able.

Bloo..solid job tonight! Alot of improvements since i saw them last. Crowd loved em! O

It would be wrong for me to begrudge anyone pursuing their own dreams. If you dream of marching SCV snare, then go for it. But I have a special place in my heart for MMs who stick with one corps until ageout, no matter the final placement. If I were at a DCI show tailgate party and met two people, one of whom marched the same corps until the end, and the other of whom marched in several corps including maybe Phantom or BD or Cadets in their final year or two, I would spend most of my time talking with the one-corps person. I mean, I wouldn't be a jerk or anything, it's just that I would find the depth of devotion in the former person more of interest than the breadth of experience in the latter. That's just me. Front-runners interest me less than corps builders. It's like baseball. I hate the Dodgers, but I respect the organization and love people who are lifelong Dodger fans. Pick your team. Love your team. Let's have fun rooting against each other and enjoying good baseball. I think it's cool that President Obama is an out-front White Sox fan. I've got no love for the Sox, but I'm tickled that the Prez has a team and is sticking with it -- even if they are 16 games out of first place. There are drum corps kids like that, too. I think they are the bedrock of the activity.

This is why I stopped watching Ancient Aliens. 1: Episodes that contradict prior episodes 2: Bad hair days for some hosts 3: Conspiracy theories that confuse even those that are paying no attention I am confused, will nourish and then sleep.

This. This is and always will be the story for the majority of corps who have not consistently finished in the Top 7. In some ways, it's a compliment to the staffs of the non-top corps, who help train and hone the skills of eventual members of top corps. However, it makes every year almost a fresh start for those corps.

+ Santa Clara, back in the top four! For me, I auditioned for BD and SCV last year. My experience at both these auditions has made me decide that regardless of who places where, I will be marching with the Vanguard next year. If SCV manages to bring the heat by the end of this season and places higher then that's just bonus incentive. I've noticed that it seems like the mindset of most people who audition for SCV tend to want to be a part of the organization and don't care whether they're 4th, 1st, or 13th.

There seems to be a general consensus among those that do not care for the programs presented by the Blue Devils over the past few seasons that even though they don't particularly enjoy the shows the Blue Devils are still innovative, original and unexpected. I have to disagree. At this point we know exactly what we are going to get from the Blue Devils before their program is even announced. A concept that while interesting doesn't necessarily gel with what is on the field, Visual that while clean is still composed of scatter drills, rotating blocks, and follow the leader. Highly technical musical passages played by both brass and percussion with feet firmly planted still. A highly skilled guard in garishly unconnected costumes more memorable for their ability to emote or stretch than any actual equipment work. Props and prop pushers (or as they are known in the theatrical community stage hands) relegated to pushing around visual distractions from one place to another. And finally and most importantly...... A complete and utter lack of connection to the people in the stands. So I ask the question..... What is original, innovative or unexpected about the program decisions of the Blue Devils if you already know precisely what you are going to see before they even enter the field? Many have spoken of what happened at the premiere of The Rite of Spring among the rude, obnoxious, and almost riotous audience members the evening of that first performance. It could have been worse......... the audience might have responded with indifference and polite golf claps.

The Boston Crusaders will celebrate their 75th Year Anniv. in 2015. They will have a terrific Drum Corps. This, I have little doubt.

The Billy Mays Remembrance Foundation will donate 400 cases of Oxy Clean to the corps withe the dirtiest drill.

...wandering among the PVC trees.

INT will be expelled from DCI for complaining publically about DCI's slotting for them.

I don't think I saw a response to this, so I'll just say: the stomping is a reference to Najinsky's original choreography for Stravinsky's ballet. A stomping motif structured the Ballet Russes' entire show. Actually -- totally geek moment -- soon after the moment you mention, 4 members of BD's hornline are actually performing Najinsky's original choreography note for note. When the corps is reassambled into a block and playing those staccato notes from the "Augurs of Spring" movement, 4 members of the hornline have broken from the block and are stomping and jolting their bodies to the accents in the music. They are literally performing a move from this same moment in the original ballet. (In case you're curious: watch about 3 minutes and 38 seconds into reconstruction of the original.) I think it's a very cool easter egg -- like the coolest thing ever -- but mileage may vary.

The quality of Fan Network so far this year...that might not generate quite the jubilation they are going for.

I'm guessing it will be something that doesn't turn out to be major. Something involving that Soundsport and Drumline Battle, but they want everyone to think it's a big announcement. Drum up interest and what not. Or they'll reveal where they're going for Finals after Indy is done. (Come on, California. )

Best use of their Balls -Blue Knights -Blue Devils Best use of mid-show uniform change (full corps) -Boston Crusaders -Cavaliers Best use of mid-show uniform change (guard only) -Santa Clara Vanguard -Phantomettes -Madison Scouts guard -Spirit of Atlanta guard Best use of special brass instruments -Cavaliers -Bluecoats -Oregon Crusaders -Blue Devils Best use of a "piano" -Academy -Spirit of Atlanta -Jersey Surf (honorable mention for their organ) Best use of an Americana show -Bluecoats -Madison Scouts -Troopers Best unusual show design -Carolina Crown -Blue Devils

Well what ever... I am really digging this show! They have a real winner and I think they might win this year!

Crown guard wins again!

Still baffled with BD winning Visual GE. Just blows my mind.

They cursed themselves by making Finals for the first time in 1995 with... that show.

That's why I qualified it. I'm sure it's interesting to some people, but watching corps in the lot doesn't support and show some love for the small corps who are busting their hump just as hard as the top corps everyone flocks to see in the lot. I know I always told family and friends to go watch the show instead of my corps in the lot, they could meet up with me after the show. The kids in Open Class and the lower World Class corps need everyone's support, not just their parents. If people really, really want DCI to survive, start supporting every corps. That shirt you buy or donation to the fuel fund can be a much bigger impact to an Open Class corps than a Top 5 corps. On another aspect, you don't need a ticket to watch the lots. That also means that the people running the show aren't getting the money they need to keep hosting shows and providing services for people.

I was wondering how they would navigate the bleachers tonight with the field conditions. Go Bloooooo.

chill out. it will come.

I absolutely love this moment! The diagonal "company front" that builds the inverted arc from the center! Absolutely stunning!

Oh come on Brasso. You said that the TOC shows were a dud. I replied with a picture refuting said "dud" status -- with the most important measure of a show's "dud-ness" -- BUTTS IN SEATS. You promptly *changed* your tack and tried to tie BD's show design choices to the TOC show format: We have ALL have eaten some crow on DCP -- why are you running so fast from your well-deserved entree? Eat up, my friend. It's not fatal.

Go Vanguard! Get miserable!!

That is beyond ridiculous, and a giant educational fail by your staff. You start with short increments and increase them over the winter, particularly when your line has lots of inexperienced members. Challenge them, for sure, but 25 minutes is just abuse. Especially when you consider you'll never have your horns up in the show for more than a couple of minutes at a time at most.

Central Daylight Time 6:30 – Music City 6:47 – Pioneer 7:04 – Cascades 7:21 – Oregon Crusaders 7:38 – Jersey Surf 7:55 – Colts 8:12 – Troopers 8:29 – Intermission 8:46 – Pacific Crest 9:03 – The Academy 9:20 – Blue Stars 9:37 – Crossmen 9:54 – Blue Knights 10:11 – Spirit of Atlanta 10:28 – Boston Crusaders 10:45 – Madison Scouts

You merged together " appreciate what all these kids do ", and " enjoy what a Corps is performing ". The implication seems to be that you somehow believe that if an audience member does not like a Corps show, he or she does not " appreciate what all these kids do ". With all due respect to your assessment, I reject that observation out of hand. I know lots of audience goers that might dislike a Corps show yet still very much " appreciate what all these kids do ". I'm in that camp as well. I appreciate " what all these kids do ", but I don't enjoy all the Corps shows the same. For me to state that I do would be disingenuous.

Ok, so what time do we show up at your house ? I'll bring waffles

It is too early to begin looking at next year since the story of this year is hardly over. First, Blue Devils have not yet won finals, so predicting the demise of Crown is a bit of a stretch, also deciding Cadets will beat Crown is not a forgone conclusion. That being said, last night's point spread between Blue Devils and Crown and the closeness in cores between Crown and Cadets does make it quite possible Blue Devils will win and Cadets will top Crown, but I'm thinking there will be another turn of events between now and finals. My guess is regardless of who wins this year, recruitment will not be a problem for BD, Crown, or Cadets. I'm also not sure that if Crown does not win it all this year, problems are in store for the future. Cavaliers had seven years of top 5 placements before their fist championship, including two consecutive years as runners-up. Cadets have placed in the Top 7 since 1981 but's it's been a rollercoaster ride going from 1st to 5th, 4th to 1st, 1st to 4th, etc. Crown does not have to win this year to have a future, but if they should loose due to percussion issues, they could face challenges since it's not a new issue and the problem is not the talent of the performers. I expected that Crossmen would have a much better season this year based on last year's placement, but they are in the same place as last year at this time. I expected that Troopers might have some challenges this year based on last year and thought it would be two or three years before Blue Stars would even be in contention of placing in finals. I based this conclusion on placement last year and potential recruitment. I think I'm a little bit wrong. It's a good thing I'm not a betting man (although winning a scratch card last year did pay for my Indy tickets, so maybe I should bet).

Same as ever year, kids are drawn to instructors / style/ their ability to make the corps they want. Why should anything be different ?

I'm so happy they'll announce that so everyone gets it :rolleyes:/>

I love all these "order of performance" comments. Sure didn't seem to hear them when BD went on FIRST a couple of TOC shows ago.