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Some of the comments in this thread are pretty ridiculous. Can we let them learn the show and at least perform it a couple times before we dismiss it as so-so

I am a BAC alum. If anyone is going to take offense of these uniforms it would be folks like me who have donned the very ICONIC red and black uniform from this corps that I love. I've held back my comments since the announcement on Monday, but have decided to make my feeling known publicly today... Honestly...I hated my uniform BITD...not the colors or what it represented...but for the simple fact...the thing was falling apart at the seems literally during much of the run and gun drill we had to perform in 1990...we did not have the huge bibbers the corps have used in recent memory...we had suspenders to hold up our pants and many times not even the proper length pants for that matter...a bunch of us looked like we had for a better old term high waters...the staff had to sew extra material to my uni so I'd stop busting out of it...I was in fairly decent shape then...but not a skinny dude by no means...and the cummerbund was held together by bobby pins because the Velcro didn't seem to hold too well either....when you are expanding your diaphragm in shows it was very uncomfortable in those things....I am SO JEALOUS that the members have a costume/uniform that they can actually move in that is COMFORTABLE...oh and BTW...the material was NOT summer friendly back then either by any means!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE!!!! The costumes have a very modern twist on a period of the 1600's era when the puritan (NOT pilgrim) colonists who had left England seeking religious tolerance. THE COLORS ARE PERFECT! While Puritans have the reputation of dressing only in somber black, in reality their dress was colorful, if simple. Servants dressed all in blue, a color symbolizing servitude and heavenly grace. Black meant humility and was, like blue, inexpensive. Orange and red meant courage, brown symbolized humility, and yellow or green stood for renewal. These and other colors, if made with inexpensive dyes, were acceptable to Puritans. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE 2017 RENDITION OF THE BOSTON CRUSADERS!

I wasn't even going to venture into this topic, but the discussion over on the Boston season thread led me here. So here's my .02 worth: DCI is now Theater in The Stadium. Various theater companies around the country change members year to year, even though management and artistic direction staff may stay the same. They develop costumes and sets for each production to better tell the story. You wouldn't use the same sets and costumes to do "Rent" as you would for "Othello." This is the same thing as DCI circa 2017. We are past the time of debating show themes and uniform changes. They are now a part of what defines DCI today. New year, new show, new theme, new costumes... new normal.

I was very touched by the Madison Scouts message to Music City on their FB page singing "You'll never walk alone." There's a group of former MCDC members in this year's Scouts. So comforting as well as other corps' FB tributes, many of them musical, all of them heart-felt. In the middle of all the passionate wrangling that goes on at DCP, seeing the love from fellow corps members being poured out on Music City is comforting and healing. "God bless us all. . ."

Interestingly, as far as the non-positive comments about Boston's uniforms go, very few seem to have been directed at the type of uniform, or materials, or the presence of thematic content. So the posts telling everyone to get over it because the times-have-been-a-changin' are rather misplaced. The bulk of posters seem to be accepting of the new materials and the increased attention to theme - they just object to the actual aesthetics of the particular design and whether or not they actually reflect the theme in the way that the video spiel proclaims.

Nice chatting with you there last nite as well, emc2. Boston's Assistant Corps Director Ron Lambert did a terrific job last nite in MC'ing the 1st public field show performance of the 2017 Boston Crusaders. The audience was about 90-95% or so filled with non MB/ Drum Corps people. They were just nice people in this small N.E. College rural town out for the nite to see what the free concert was all about. Boston performed here last year at their ST camp completion, and word must have filtered out among the community that if you have not seen what these kids can do, come out and see. Well, they did, and the stands were pretty much full..... Ron explained to the audience in a very engaging manner what the show would be about, what the music would be, and why it was chosen and what moods the show would be attempting to convey and the like. He explained to these mostly unfamilar with Drum Corps folks what this activity of Drum Corps entails. The College's President and his Wife were present and seemed to be be enjoying the event and the tutelege. .. after the field performance, Boston took time to bring back some of their ensembles , battery, brass, guard etc to replay a portion of the show with that Corps section, and explained the moves they were doing in that segment of the show, and why.. Boston then had their encore songs played, and Ron explained the background to the songs... finally, Ron brought out the Guard around the semi circle to lock arms and explained what " Giant " was all about historically as a Corps song for the BAC Jrs/ Srs, and then had the Corps finish with that. When it was over, the lady sitting to the left of me told me what a " great show this was ", and how " the explanation of what Drum Corps, Boston Crusaders, the show, the instruction, etc is all about really was so interesting and so educational ". When I left the stadium I glanced over to the sovie stand and there was the Lady and her husband appearing to look like they were going to purchase some souvies along with others from the community.... it doesn't get much better than that, imo... haha!. In some small way, the Boston Crusaders won over some new fans to this wonderful youth activity of ours. Once again, terrific job by Boston Crusaders Assistant Corps Director Ron Lambert in MC'ing the Castleton Vermont Community Performance last nite.. and great job by the performers in the Corps as their 2017 show is going to be epic this season, imo.

Can we keep non actual uniform posts in the other thread and leave this for actual new uniforms.

I love the traditional cadet style uniform Boston has had all these years. I especially loved the most recent iteration. Very cool classy, current. But current in it's own context. What they have now come up with may be difficult to take at first glance, but the decision to do this is understandable. Boston has come up with a costume the reflects (in their opinion and others too I'm sure) the program they will put on the field. A complete package. What may be a thought of as a problem is to have the cadet uniform worn in a very specifically designed themed program. The cadet top would not make the most contextural sense when trying to portray, as effectively as they hope, the program they are offering. They are designing a total program in their music, their look and storytelling. That is the way DC is headed. I expect there will be similar changes in a number of other corps. To me, it isn't matter of "look what we started ha ha ha" It is more in the vein of look at how we are moving the needle on innovation. So you are either on the bus, or you're not. And the overarching factor is if the MM's like it. Every time DC moves forward there are naysayers, wagon jumpers, and things are a bit rough. But in a short amount of time, everyone joins up and everyone gets good. Think of how not very long ago, electronics were really awful. Now what corps are doing is amazing (whether you like electronics or not). I am looking forward to seeing them Friday night and Saturday at the free show in Everett, MA with 7th Regiment & Northstar. I was hoping to see them tomorrow but it isn't working out. Have to take a dog to the vet of all things.

Great explanation. I've not seen in in action, but I know that Vanderkoff likes to treat the field like a stage in musical theater. If you were to watch the visuals in Blast! you will get an idea of how he interprets movements on the field (stage right, left, front, back) and how he highlights various sections of the corps. Things like stage entrance, stage prep, stage performance, and stage exit are concepts and techniques that they use to highlight sections and/or ideas. How they actually describe this to the members I have no idea. But over the last 3 years it's been very clear just how differently the Bluecoats interpret the football field.

My eye/ear test tells me they have an inexperienced brass line. Guard is staged better and integrated better, but will they be able to compete with BD, Bloo, SCV, Cavies? Not sure. At this juncture they will be somewhat behind the leaders in some performance areas. Percussion sounds fantastic and should be strong. How will judges deal with visual proficiency with so little of the leg showing? I just think 3 of the 4 performance areas (brass, guard, marching) will be captions that may start slow and hopefully move up for them. From a visual perspective the show feels good to me. Uses the field well. Nice staging to this point. Some good drill, with more to come for sure. From a general effect standpoint this show should be much improved over 2015 and 2016. So in a nutshell the visual design and GE aspects of the show should gel when clean into a fairly strong vehicle for the Cadets. It's always tough to see these things in June because performances are raw and the ideas are in sketch form. But I am pleased with what I am seeing. Percussion will be great. Brass will come around in time, but just how good can they be? Who knows. It sounds like they have talent. They just sound very raw right now. Guard also seems to have major talent, but they are clearly still learning sets and not really performing well at this point. If you told me that The Cadets would lose their brass and percussion staff, most of last year's visual staff, and some guard staff, I would tell you that they are in a world of trouble. In watching what I have seen so far of the 2017 corps I must say they are doing plenty fine. No, this is not a seasoned top 3 Cadets corps that we got so used to seeing in the 80s, 90s, and from 2000 - 2014. They have taken somewhat of a hit with the change in staff. How could you not? And yet, I do think they are going to put out a better, and more logical show this year that has some excellent potential. With upcoming Bernstein shows and performances with the New York Philharmonic each of the next two summers they may have put themselves back into position to build off this show and really grab some major talent next year.

Man... by the time a PA announcer finishes this, the show will be over!!!

The music in this show is so amazing. I can't stop listening to it!

By the way, is there any doubt about the power and influence of the Bluecoats 2016 show now that we see so many corps coming out with costumes and bolder concepts for this upcoming season? The last 3 years have proven to be ground breaking for the activity. The Bluecoats are a BIG part of that. Certainly BD and Crown deserve some credit too, but I really feel like the "eyes" of the activity are on the Bluecoats. Should be a fun summer!

The 2017 uni is different but its the same. Seems to be the trend with the corps this year. Good stuff, imo.

I believe they will reveal the uniform/costumes on 6/20/17..If I'm not mistaken, they revealed last year before the online preview of the show.

Welcome to the dark side my friend.

Sorry, I probably should have been more specific in my original post. I'm referring to the clothing hanging under the DM podium.

Please add this photo to Boston's uniform along with the other...it includes the guard as well...thanks!

Clutching my pearls, I can't sit still waiting for the reveal. Let me see little green men.

Let's see if this works. He opens this ballad and closes it out. Seventeen years old standing in the Georgia Dome in front of bunch of people. The staff mentally changed their "status" for him from "horn player" to "performer" after this run. :-)

MODs. Please pin this thread.

Here's that video:

I bet they are doing no such thing. I know staff at two of the three corps. No doubt, your comment only reflect on you. .

Perhaps you might ask the mods to "pin" this thread up above similar to what is done with the show themes and music selections., Good work.

I remember watching that show while on tour, and none of us could stand it. From being "inaccessible," to the large amount of visual and audio dirt as a result of all those mirrors (at least in early season) we were so upset when it bested the Cavaliers. Now that I've grown up and pulled my head out of my ### it's become one of my favorite BD shows to listen to.

then i'm now 100% with whitedawn and a few others' comments hoping this show places well because it's what i personally like in dci, but i'm becoming a dino pretty rapidly

I just hope it doesn't hurt my back!

Oops. Dont forget their show announcement: The 2017 Bluecoats are proud to present their 2017 program: Cedar Point! ....now please sit back, relax and Obey listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions. Observe all posted ride safety rules, and follow all verbal instructions given by ride operators or provided by recorded announcements. Keep hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times. Secure all loose articles, including wallets, change, sunglasses, cell phones, and hats. Do not board a ride impaired. Remain seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit. Always use safety equipment provided and never attempt to wriggle free of or loosen restraints or other safety devices. Parents should make sure their children can understand and follow safe and appropriate ride behavior. Never force anyone, especially children, to ride attractions they don’t want to ride. If you see any unsafe behavior or condition on a ride, report it to a supervisor or manager immediately.

Yeah theyre probably sponsored by Cedar Point and we just dont know it yet

Hmm so now we have rollercoasters on the field?

Honestly I'd be lying if I said I understood those shows in any way, I just find the staging, the blending of the hornline, and the raw talent in all the soloists and overall corps to be amazing. I also love how they were able to create such amazing compositions with minimal consistent melody

On the subject of BD 2010... such an underrated show that doesn't get enough love.

###### just let the show hit competition before dooming them I'll be free in my criticism if this ends up as a 2014 type of ending or whatever but atleast let the corps do their thing for the summer and prove themselves first

I can't wait to hear this ballad in decent audio quality

Congratulations! Maybe they could show us "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter"? Last year in DCA, the Sunrisers mashed up that song with Madonna's "Material Girl". (Which is appropriate since the music video for that song was an homage to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.)

I agree

I do - they're fine. (Mostly more of the same.) Mike

Hi George. I'll be interested in how the Cadets start scoring/ranking in mid July. That's when they've started to tank in past seasons due to design issues. Everything up to that point is just who's more prepared out of the gate. In their golden years, Cadets got slammed early season. To me, design in 2017 (even in its early bare form) is much better than the past few years. Brass should be fine. Maybe younger but certainly talented enough to benefit from good teachers.

I’m shocked that you like them Our uniforms were falling apart too, I think almost everyone’s were but we at least had pant pockets That’s the problem with drum corps today, the marchers don’t have pant pockets

When people ask me why I love drum corps so much... this. This is why.

Karelian Bear Dog - bred to hunt bears. Feel free to try your luck.

Second.

I think all a corps needs is to have one of these patrolling the area.

My opinions and not fact or an announcement: The corps and guard are in choir type robes for a very short part of the show. They are more tailored so they don't fly around all over the place and look sloppy. They are practicing in these skirt things to control the knee and lower leg movement during this part of the show. Marooon for the brass and Gold for the guard. They have another layer underneath and they are quickly removed out of site from the audience. The guard is out of them after Simple Song after they have a dance feature with "Books" (Bible) at the pews. The dance is very effective moment. The brass has a feature in a block midfield and then the robes come off after Agnus. The costumes underneath are more like what several other corps are using, but these are more specific. Then they add a shako and an overlay for the closer There are huge stain glass windows surrounding the sides and back of the field which look fantastic and provide a "backstage" for all this to take place out of sight. Written into the drill. The closer I'd expect a very white or cream color scheme for the "Forgiven" portion.

I'm just going to do what I do every summer; watch good drum corps. Why people think that our activity of drum corps is excluded from change is beyond me. You want to go back to the days where everyone wore khaki pants and white tee shirts? I am all for the costumes; some I will like more than others. I'm sure I'll be able to tell Boston from Cadets from Crown from Blue Devils from Blue Coats. Have a great summer everyone you'll be hearing from me. Look for my blog! Fan of the Arts

I thought they did quite well.

Yes Great crowd there last night. Nice to talk to B there as well. All is well in BAC land. You all will not be disappointed. The kids are great and working hard. G the props are great as always and fit the shows themes. The 4hr drive back last night was interesting a lot of deer on the road i saw over 10.

Agree. The annual changes we see do not surprise me. The change in competition wear is not just for a dramatic new look. It has a utilitarian purpose, too. Improved movement, easier maintenance, possibly lower cost per unit, and of course, greater thematic flexibility. All good to me! Every season, I expect to be uneasy about someone's design and color decisions, but now, they'll get another crack at it the following year, making me satisfied. No doubt, Boston Crusaders' changed appearance impact will strong, but I expect it won't be a real distraction for long. NOTHING about the appearance evolution we see happening is driving me away . . . . . . bring it on ! (a real dino, here)