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Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong.......wrong. I have been in corps that practiced insanely well yet still had bad runs at the end of the season. Bad runs come from all sorts of reasons: internal factors like fatigue, frustration, poor focus, poor cohesion among members, poor practice technique. External factors, like weather, unexpected acoustics and field conditions, poor crowd response and so on. Bad runs can also be caused by giardiasis.

Prediction...a C in position 1-7 maybe something like this Coats Cadets Crown Cavies Crossmen Crusaders Colts

This. This is the show. That I have been waiting. And waiting. And waiting for with this staff. It has arrived, they're going to medal. I don't know who they'll knock out, but this show is just fantastic on every single level. The brass is so much improved, percussion as good as ever. Color Guard is fantastic in design and performance. Peter Weber drill is his best in years. Finally a Shaw book that sounds unique but still like him. This is an amazing show, easily up there in my favorites already. Best SCV since 1999? I think so.

I recently stumbled upon this rehearsal video of the Cavalier's 2003 production - Spin Cycle. Since then I've compared this show to many modern shows and have come up with the conclusion that this would be a top three program in 2015. This show is packed full of GE, not to mention the music ensemble has a very controlled sound amidst the fast paced/complicated drill. Also, the visual package of this show is OUTSTANDING to say the least. With a few added modern additions to the program (i.e. props, sound effects, etc.) this should IMO would be a top three show. You could probably say the same thing with their shows in 2001 and 2002. Just a random observation of today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs8rQ4gSD7g

The only alumni I see complaining aren't Cabs alumni

Congrats to all the corps for a wonderful night of entertainment. WOW! There are some very promising shows this summer. Troopers 59.4 - The Troopers were really really good folks. This is a great show that will move up the ladder when they clean their marching. BIG sounding brass line and percussion sounded good to me. Love their repertoire. This is a highly entertaining and moving show. This may make a push for finals. At the moment they are extremely dirty with all kinds of step-off issues and drill movement and alignment problems. As this show cleans I think fans are in for a treat. BAC 61.6 - I need another read or two on Boston's show. The kids perform very well with a very solid percussion section. They march well. The brass is being held down at the moment for intonation and balance, but I was really having trouble connecting to the music or the overall theme. Looking forward to seeing them again. There is some really good stuff in this show, they just need to expose it more and highlight the musical nuances better. Blue Stars 63.65 - I wasn't sure what I thought of this in the theater. Live was a BIG difference. There is a LOT of stuff in this show, but I really liked the music, the drill is wonderful, and once clean and tweaked some I believe this will be top 12 all the way. The crowd was entertained by these guys. Cavaliers 66.75 - The Cavaliers show also has a lot of potential. Great Cavies drill, some very demanding and exciting music, and I am beginning to get some of the guard interplay with the corps. Knowing how they can improve, this thing might be a BIG shock to many of you who think they are going to have a down year. I don't think so. Crowd in my area was very entertained. Crown 71.55 - Absolutely BLEW the stadium down. Seriously, it's in ashes...and my ear is gone. Unreal how loud, but also balanced they are. They hit some unison and unison/octaves tonight that might still be resonating over Terminal Tower in Cleveland. Don't care for the uniform, but it didn't bother me as much from up high. There are some amazing musical moments in this show. A few are stunning, like the fugue section in the build to Ode To Joy. I could have used a bit more nuance and dynamic contrast from them, and there are some visual issues they will have to address. All in all, people will love this show. They got a big ovation. Percussion played much better from what I heard at the cinecast. Cadets 73.15 - Just my opinion, but I think this show is stunning and wonderfully musical. The Cadets had the most dynamic range and musical control of phrases I felt. They are playing a killer musical book, and of the corps here their drill is clearly the best on the field. Percussion and brass are wonderful and will be right there with Crown, Coats, and BD all season long. Their guard had some issues tonight, and they need to get the injured players on the field. The ballad likely needs more climax, and of course they haven't yet put on their real ending. Aside from that this is classic Cadets. Nothing overly innovative, just straight-up music and movement. Of all the corps tonight their pit balance and mixing of the synth, bass, and other elements was really good. Maybe down low it might have been "hot" but when I heard synth it was a good mix up top. A great overall show with massive GE potential. Top 3 most likely. Bluecoats 73.25 - There is nothing normal about this year's Bluecoats. This is FUTURE corps. This is a stunning show that grooves, constantly evolves, utilizes surround sound (with speakers all over), has many solos and solis, utilizes effects better than anything I've heard, and it's just plain fun. For people that have not seen Bluecoats 2015, it's an experience unlike anything you've had. They combine electronics and acoustic playing (all done live) in a masterful way. I sense they will change some drill to better meet the music...the ending for sure. Their brass was BIG sounding and just about as loud as Crown. I thought the baritones got out of character a bit in the ballad and began pushing to hard. Balances were off there. Still, the brass section has a refined and amazing sound. Their tubas I believe are unmatched in DCI. Incredible writing. There are some stunning effects that just grab you. It's definitely a polarizing show. Many around me were not sure how they felt about it. Some loved it (like I do), some just hate anything electronic, and many were just not sure yet. But I think everyone was blown away by their performance and by the effect the show has on a person. This is maybe the first time I can truly say that if this thing cleans the Bluecoats may very well win GOLD. At this juncture (to my eyes and ears) a lot will depend on how they hang with Cadets and BD. I will reserve judgement on SCV, and even on Crown as they clean. They are all amazing corps, so this will be a dogfight...but it's a fight that BLOOO can win. More later

Ugh, not this $%#% again...

We're arguing about Cadets and Bluecoats leapfrogging? This is going to happen all season, folks. If you shout yourselves silly now, you'll have heart attacks by mid-July. It's all dogfighting at the top this year. Best season.

Which shows do YOU like? You never have anything positive to say.

Information can't flow up and down the chain in drum corps? Perhaps he talked to each caption head who most likely talked to the members, OR, maybe (as he usually does) he addressed the corps after they marched off the field. It happens in Cadetland. Trust me. I've been through it.

I have had my tickets for a month now; very much looking forward to the show. I attended BD Family Night and liked what I was seeing and hearing from BD. Eager to see how the show comes across now that the closer and all uniforms are on the field. And goes without saying that it will be great to see SCV, BK, and Phantom live. The biggest point of interest for me, however, is seeing what Pacific Crest brings to the table this year. PC is a corps that has been systematically and successfully building their program for the past few years, and may be positioned to make a significant jump up the rankings this year. I'm eager to see what strides they have made since last year.

I can't help but laugh at this. Bluecoats are just cleaner right now and weren't subjected to a questionable GE score like the first show. I'm sure the Cadets will once again overtake the Coats at some point this season as they clean stuff up, but blaming lack of focus and passion is pretty funny.

The Anaheim kingsmen. Many might say Star was the best corpse, but i'm partial towards Anaheim.

The one that's still dead, preferably.

and for anyone that followed me last night on periscope ill be making a business trip out to cali for work and my boss bought me tickets to the Corps at the Crest show so you get bonus videos.

No. The only thing the mouth should be used for, is blowing air into horns.

Why in the world are there only 4 judges for the first 2 weeks? Both shows do pretty well for attendance, so they can afford to bring everyone in.

A few quick notes before I have to log out for about three weeks (leaving for a backpacking trip Wednesday and have to get a lot done before that). I brought four "apprentices", each just a year or two out of college, who've been working and learning at our theatre for the past ten months. Two had never seen a drum corps before, one had some WGI experience (mallet percussion) in Colorado, and one marched Jersey Surf in 2010. I asked them before the scores were announced whose show they enjoyed the most. Two said Crown, one said Blue Stars, and one couldn't decide between those two corps. (Crown was also my favorite tonight, but I withheld giving my answer until they spoke so as not to risk swaying theirs.) They respected the proficiency of Cadets and Bluecoats, but felt that the Cadets' theme wasn't very interesting and questioned whether Bluecoats' use of electronics was entirely fair or comparable. The placements and scores seem entirely reasonable to me (although it's a bit frustrating that these seven corps therefore are in the same order they were at the end of last season). Any of the top three could eventually win it all (as apparently could two California corps). Every corps has a lot to clean, even Crown. I believe Crown only had four bass drums on Wednesday--is that right? Tonight they had five for the opener, and then one of them (the second largest--is that "bass 4"?) moved to the back sideline. The "Abandon All Hope" banner had a small problem: one of the poles that lifts it overhead came loose, so that guard member had to pull it by hand, which made it droop at that point. Most of the audience didn't notice. One of my guests posted a picture of that banner to her Facebook page, and one of her college English professors in response wrote, "That is a very literary marching band." Another of my guests tweeted and then said, "Wow. Carolina Crown just liked my post." Bluecoats seemed less revolutionary live than they had in the cinema showing. Of course, it was my second viewing. My second favorite performance of the evening. Cadets' bass synthesizer was not overwhelming at all. I don't like this show as much now as I did when I saw their 2013 show in Akron. Right now it seems frantic and somewhat disjointed; I expect as they grow into it, they can bring it alive. This live viewing confirmed one thing I felt in the theater: the green 0/1 boxes need a better look. The wrinkles in the wrap appear messy even from 35 rows back. And their surface is also too shiny, reflecting the lights so that depending on placement, the top surface just washes out from a viewer's perspective. They probably should just paint the boxes (and with flat paints). Cavaliers were much more enjoyable here than onscreen. Edited to add: They had mic trouble for the trombone feature, which I could barely hear. Blue Stars will be solidly in Finals. As with Cavaliers, it felt like the camera work on Wednesday did them a disservice by focusing too much on the wrong details. Boston had a rough start, I think. "Animal Farm" last year was more interesting to me at this point. This one will probably clean better, though. After they played, my guests asked me if all corps feature female vocalists. Troopers give an awful long time over to that singer. She gets more featured time than most brass soloists ever do. Still, a more than pleasant way to start the evening.

I was very disappointed in the "fails," except for the free 30-second commercial every time I had to restart...... I saw more of Charles Barkley than I did the awards ceremony ! I've been supporting DCI with my $$$ since they starting selling videos (1980s..... over 30 years) ....... there have always been problems with "feed," even pre-recorded..... This week we saw the free preview where Steve Rondo interviewed Dan A. and they shared the DCI Kool Aid about how much we'll be getting. How many decades will it take to just get it right ? I have no problem paying for a service that supports the creative licensing of our talented writers and designers. Our activity centers around these creative geniuses...... but the platform for the product is still unstable at best........ I'm not at all sorry that I dropped $99..... it was well worth it just for tonight's show...... just wish it would become dependable.......

It was a 4 person panel. Get the rest in there, who knows?

I'm not really seeing how last year and this year are the first two years in a "10 year change" from them. They use the same style of brass 16th note passagesthat aren't from any source material, that they have used since 2003, the same marching technique, the same make it up as they go along drill(Their words), and the same random white props that may of may not go with that years show. Lots of the same shtick. Great performance, but they have been repeating themselves for years Please tell me if I'm missing out on the innovation.

Jesus, someone tell BD brass that it's only June 20.

I know that the final set was a mushroom cloud but I couldn't help but see a middle finger from SCV. :)

This SCV show perfectly demonstrates exactly what an ENORMOUS loss it was for Phantom Regiment when they lost J.D. Shaw and Paul Rennick.

Because Cappybara.

Blue Devils should do "It" - and in the middle of the show they can put in "Groove is in the Heart" by Dee-Lite and everyone will think it's art.

Not much happening on this thread. In the meantime, if you're too lazy to travel over to the other thread, here are the results from the competition in Lisle tonight. 1. The Cadets - 74.60 2. Bluecoats - 73.70 3. Carolina Crown - 72.80 4. The Cavaliers - 69.10 5. Crossmen - 63.40 6. Boston Crusaders - 63.30 7. Colts - 57.10

that game was a beauty! All hail the mighty Martinezs :p

I loved Spin Cycle. It was the only Cavaliers show in during the "original music" era that I really liked. It was incredibly creative both musically and visually, and featured probably the best Cavies brass line prior to the Bond show in '04.

Lol @ the two guys at the end of that video stumbling...

By the end of the season I hope to be able to give this show 10 out of 10 stars.

Boarding the 2:40 PM train from Chicago to Lisle, arrival 3:31. Chugga chugga whoo whoo. Weather forecast is ideal. 80s now, but dropping to 70s. Comfortable humidity. No rain in sight. Remembering hat, as the audience faces the setting sun. Train returns from Lisle at 11:38 PM, reaching Chicago at 12:29 AM. Round trip $8 on Metra weekend fare. Such a deal. That's the stats. Looking forward to souvie purchases, concession stand beer, catching up with the stadium roadies, showmanship on the field, and goosebumps.

I have to say, Carolina Crown sounds a lot more like Phantom Regiment this year than Phantom Regiment does. But, I'm enjoying the heck out of the show this year, moreso than the past 2 years.

It's nice to see Kristensen as far away from Crown as possible. Yes, I know he had a warming moment with them at finals but he still tends to be one of their harshest critics from a judging standpoint.

I'll have to say this is their best prepared show since '12. They are marching and playing quite well. However, I don't think the music is arranged to make them sound like Regiment. Organ Symphony needs some work, too. It's a good start. They should do well this season.

I agree, I was pretty unimpressed. To be honest my first impression was they borrowed some random bands uniforms for the day cause theirs weren't ready. Were they in need of a makeover? Probably. Just not sure that is it. It's tough when you have identities such as the Cabs or even The Cadets. For so many reasons change is a risky proposition, the fans and Alumni are reluctant to change and they give so much vital support - life moves forward. Kudos on finally taking the chance, just not sure I get the new vision. Wait till The Cadets change their uniforms, North Jersey might blow up. AoE

No DVR no chance to see the show. I'm regretting paying the $99

Go Green Machine!

I dunno, man, I just teach brass. The answer to that is way above my pay grade. :)

,,,,impossible you say?......

I was there live and I have to say that these shows are the best I have ever seen from every single corps that was there! I think BD/SCV could tie. No one is on the same level as these two drum corps are on except Bloo. The concept of the BD show is super simple. Just go watch into the woods and bingo you will get it. Then again if you still haven't got it you probably never will so just crank up that VCR and watch your old timey drum corps shows pre pit. I really love the SCV Stanley Cup trophies with the tops cut off. :D SCV was very loud! I thought BD was back on G bugles after fam day. SCV is even louder! Every single corps tonight did a stellar job. BD guard had 4 falls. I predict either BD will take all captions tomorrow ...OR... SCV will eventually catch them and win. Going to hang out with BD tomorrow and then PR on Monday.

BD is awesome as per usual though this year it seems like SCV, in my opinion, did better than BD. That doesn't happen often! PM me for SCV/BD DCI West Goodies... if you catch my drift.

I have my top 5 picked out for sure. I'd bet a lot of money on it. Blue Devils Bluecoats The Cadets Carolina Crown Santa Clara Vanguard Performance levels and design are a noticeable step above everyone else at this point by quite a bit. This is going to be an absolutely incredible season, the amount of talent, variety, and consistency across every caption in these 5 is ridiculous. Blue Devils - I have my reservations about the middle parts of this show, but they are undeniable already in terms of performance. They're easily a caption contender in Brass, guard will probably as well (though Vanguard did top them tonight). They're going to win A LOT if not all shows between now and Atlanta, after then is when this gets interesting. IMO they're not unbeatable in terms of design, but they're going to be hard to beat just cause of how #### good they play an march. Bluecoats - This show has the potential to be huge, and already is in some ways. Something totally refreshing and new in what they're doing with sound. Just incredible to me. My favorite show right now, though 1 isn't far behind after tonight. I'm in total love with what they're doing. Don't have much else to say than I'm completely behind this show. The Cadets - An absolute beast of a show, the Waltz section is ridiculous. I see this show getting layered for the better down the road. The front half through the ballad is spot on thematically IMO, after that I think they probably have some things in mind. The ending they have for July should be a fantastic addition. Brass and Percussion are top notch. Guard will be interesting to watch, if they clean up they'll be fine. Strong across the board. Carolina Crown - Dark Horse. Some people are already counting them out which is a huge mistake. They won brass and guard tonight, and I see that happening a lot down the road. Percussion, we'll see. The drumline is hugely improved, regardless of scoring. They have a lot of work to do thematically and some changes to make IMO, but if they do they have the talent to really surge late for a medal. I see potential for this to be huge. Just depends what they do down the road. Santa Clara Vanguard - Will go into a little more detail here since a lot probably haven't seen it. Talk about throwing a wrench in. I had my doubts about this show but after watching them tonight, completely gone. Visual design is top notch, and I see this cleaning well. It was a lot more polished than they were last year at this time. Visual design is sublime, my favorite visual package I've seen this year. All sorts of REALLY cool circuit, lightning, electric, nuclear symbolism in the drill. Props are integrated almost seamlessly, almost didn't noticed they had moved, those moments are woven into the design and aren't glaring. Hornline sounds fantastic, they're way ahead of the last two years. Percussion is killer again, up there with Cadets. Color Guard is also hugely improved. Absolutely love the costuming and silks, they're very striking. This is the first JD Shaw book at Vanguard I can say I'm in love with. Creepy, eerie, quirky kind of mad scientist vibe going on throughout the entire show. "Pure Imagination" is given an absolutely haunting treatment. The closer is musical bliss, and visual. Best product since at least 2004. They're going to throw a wrench in some peoples predictions. This is the show we've been waiting for from this staff. IT. HAS. ARRIVED. I have absolutely no idea what order those top 5 will finish in. Some could finish 1st or 5th. Been following the entire season since 2009, and this is by far the best set of championship worthy shows I've seen at this point. We're in for a historic season in my eyes. None of these shows reads off as a dud in any way. I can easily say that 4 of these are at least as good at last year, if not better. They will sort themselves out come finals, but right now it's anyone's guess as good as mine. I'm blown away. Every single one of these shows I can enjoy in varying ways, and I can say that in past years that is definitely not the case. Not by a long shot. 2015's going to be a year for the ages. Bluecoats, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Cadets I can say I love.

Reminds of Silicon Valley. Come on DCI, middle out...

Well, lets be real, most everyone does this in drum corps. I mean, hasn't Crown been playing in unison and the same tuning friendly major keys for 10 years now? And Cavaliers still trying to design like its 2002? And Cadets still playing the old fashioned game of great drill and great performance? Phantom still trying to sell a love theme with 12/5 drill most of the show and then jazz running the rest? I think its all relative and if we are being honest, Bluecoats 2015 might just be the first really unique thing to happen to DCI since 1993 and Star of Indiana. The reality is up to this point, BD has just done their shows better and makes them look easier most years. Better talent, better performers, more mature artists. It's not necessary ideal in our activity to have one dominant team, but you can't knock professional level performance, year in year out. Until someone outperforms them consistently (Crown 2013, Cadets 2011), it probably won't change much in the future.

Bias alert! SCV's drill is my favorite of the season. Yeah, I know that it still early, but their drill just blows me away! They may not be the cleanest, but it's really mesmerizing drill!

Wow! BD just doesn't miss a beat. I loved that ... maybe even more than last year (though it's hard to beat that ballad from La Strada).

Nobody likes Super-Cooled Vegetables. Come on, man.

I love both corps, but BD looks like they are in slow motion after watching Vanguard. Z

Hopeful prediction: 1.Blue Stars 2. BD 3. BAC 4. Cavs 5. Colts 6. Bluecoats 7. Blue Knights 8. SCV 9. Crown 10. Cadets (The power of 10 will only get you so far) 11. Oregon Crusaders 12. Madison Real Prediction: 1. Blue Stars 2-8. BD, Phantom, SCV, Bluecoats, Cadets, Crown, Cavs 9. Blue Knights 10. BAC 11. Madison 12. Oregon Crusaders