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What bar are you going to? I''m gay, and can't say I see anything like that LOL.

I usually make fun of these Costiforms/Unitumes but, I like this one. It's a great interpretation of a modern Cadet look.

I had the pleasure of seeing Crown rehearse tonight in Lexington, KY including a full run through. TheY sound great- lots of impact. Good blend of new and old school drum corps, lots of drill, minimal use of props, tasteful use of electronics, minimal reliance on voiceover to tell a story. I am not sure I followed the concept very well (math?) but I rarely pay much attention to the deeper meaning of show concepts. I liked the music and the kids are working their tails off. Drums have some cool licks. My middle school band kids remarked numerous times of getting chills. I'll always be a proud Bluecoat alum but sure enjoyed my evening watching Crown. Best of luck to them this season.

There were years where the drumline was the weakest part of the corps. That's not being a 'hater', that's the truth. That being said, I don't think the performers were to blame. They did the best they could with what they were given and it's up to the staff to elevate them with teaching and the material. Last year was a huge step forward. The drum line was NOT the weak link any more and in fact they were one of my favorites to watch last year. If they win, it will be because they absolutely earned it. If they want to use it as a 'big F you to the haters' they're putting the hate in the wrong place IMO. The ironic part is if they win, they will have been chosen that by the judges, the ones that were the true 'haters'.

I've seen what I needed to see. I'm happy with it. George, I'm on all summer starting in Allentown. Say hello, I'm easy to find. I sure would love to meet you. I'm good at keeping things to myself when it comes to our Cadets. Irving Fan of the Arts

Hello folks; remember the RAMD days? I have taken the time to read most of the posts here and as usual some make me smile, some laugh, and some just make me shake my head to myself and say "they don't know what the hell they're talking about". I thank the person who posted my review of what I saw the weekend I went to Ada to see just what our Cadets have been up to. Unless you have been to Ada to see just what the Cadets are putting on the field this summer the rest that is being shared is pure rumors and speculation. Lots of questions surrounding the props and uniforms which is why I took my butt to Ada to see with my own eyes. I will say this and shut up; The Cadets righted their sails last summer and this summer they plan to be in not only the discussion but in the game called drum corps. Get ready to see a whole bunch of good drum corps this summer. . .starting in Detroit. Go Cadets Go!!! Irving Fan of the Arts

Someone besides me has exquisite taste in clothing.

Bronze medal shows? There are a lot that don't resonate well with me and a lot that I can take or leave. Tomorrow I am going to have a lot of trouble... My answer is easy as my favorite show of all time happens to be a 3rd place show. Bluecoats 2015 Kinetic Noise

Crown already set with clear ponchos

and one of the best guards EVER lol

Enough for everyone.

I don't consider myself a Boston homer in the slightest, but there sure is a lot of insecurity about how well they'll place from certain people. They have a staff and membership that's just as good as any other of the other corps competing for a medal. Seems like certain people don't want to accept that because it means "my favorite corps" has a less likely chance of getting into that top 3. I say bring it on, let's see what everyone's got and you get what you get.

Headgear coming - I’ve seen the guard uniforms, it’s really cool

Absolutely everyone wants to be better and everyone is better. Everyone is going for the gold and each one will win it. LOL. I know what you are saying though. The reasoning behind my thinking Boston will move up is that the new staff took a good group from 12th to 6th. It was supposed to be impossible, it could never happen. Now people are claiming it is easier to go from 12 to 6. But it comes across as if it was easy. We know it is not and was not. It was deserved. Moving from 6 to 5 was hard but not as hard as going from 5 to 3. That is supposed to be exceptionally hard. Almost exponentially hard. However the move from 6 to 5 was achieved by an improved talent pool (brass was getting cut kids form other competitors) and a step up in show design and complexity to match the talent. The in-season layering was well planned and implemented. (which is what all the top tier corps do and do well). What this tells me is this staff knows exactly what they are doing and they are well aware of what is required to compete at the very top level. The talent pool took a big jump this year especially in brass. My understanding is some vets did not make it back this year. Percussion writing also stepped it up and the guard talent, believe it or not, has gotten better, and is the cream of the WGI crop. The staff with this group of kids have taken that next carefully planned step forward. So I look at what the staff is working with, what I have heard for their musical book and comparing it to last years BAC, I see no reason to think they will stay in place or slip back. I am predicting 3rd. I think it is not out of reach. If I am wrong I am wrong. I can't pick winning lottery numbers either. First indication of where BAC is with their competition is only 2 days away.

I am gonna always have a soft spot but I thought Bluecoats last year was so organic and emotionally captivating. Ballad was incredible. But if I had to pick one, 2015 Bluecoats Kinetic Noise. I had never heard a show like that before, there is something ethereal about that music program for me. The two minutes before the ballad when the looping trumpets start and that build and release over the next two minutes was transcending the first time I saw it. I let some expletives slip in the theater that June. 😂 I’ve never felt that way when watching a show before that. I feel like if that show had another week it would have moved up a spot or two, they were on the verge of winning that year. That show exploded in the last week of the season. I don’t think 2016 would have happened without 2015

88 Blue Devils. The only drum corps show my wife ever actually liked. It was that good.

So glad to read these announcements with larger judging panels. BRASSO must be doing his version of an Irish jig.

2019 Boston

The Cavaliers 2008. The show it self was designed so freaking well. From the old Cavies snake move, originally composed music, to marching members jumping over each other. It was a true Cavies show.

Isn't it funny how the Boston haters come crawling out of the woodwork to say how "easy" it was for BAC to go from 12th to 6th in 2017....these were the very same folks who at this juncture in 17 said such a climb would be IMPOSSIBLE. Seriously guys...keep it up! Keep telling the members, staff and mgt of the Boston Crusaders how there is a glass ceiling and they can't possibly get past two more corps....you guys are just feeding the Lion.

2015 Bluecoats: Kinetic Noise - I play this in my car at full blast and irritate my son. This show was meant to be played loud! followed closely by 1990 Star of Indiana: Balshazzar's Feast - the first time I heard this at the Preview of Champions in Madison, it absolutely blew my mind!

I think you're right. Many of my 80s friends think 2016 Bluecoats destroyed DCI. I disagree. The elevated it IMO. I don't like all the changes modern drum corps has embraced, but I love the way costuming has taken over from uniforming, and I love the elevated use of props we are seeing. The 2016 Bluecoats are responsible for that. They also elevated the usage of electronics in 2014. IMO the 2014-2016 Bluecoats were the most innovative corps of our time.

Imma take cover in here. 😳 Very excited to see what they’re up to Thursday! Have missed being around them this year. I am sure I’ll continue to love what they’re doing, they’ve had this team together for quite awhile now, most of them since 2013. Staff consistency is a very good thing.

I've seen Crown's percussion live and...Thursday can't get here soon enough!

I don't think I've ever commented on a uniform thread before but those Cadet uniforms are wonderful. A respect towards tradition yet very modern in style. I ranked that up there with 2017 BD's uniform they used during the first part of their show and Coats' uniforms from 2013-2015. Those are my favorite uniforms in the modern era.

I heard this a lot last year too... didn’t agree then and don’t agree now but that’s also based on videos, not live yet.

I think the Cadets corps uniform is Amazing! love the cut out in the leg with the stripes. Guard is a little gaudy for me, but on the field from a distance that can be what you need.

well - it's official - Cadets have won "best uniforms of 2019" Now - on with the show! Cadets mixed with Victorian excess with a couple dashes of steampunk = delicious cocktail IMO

Some people do seem to be thin skinned about the thought of Boston medaling, unlike others who aren’t the least bit concerned.

Regardless of all the posts about who will beat who and who deserves it and who doesn't, the members of every corps are out there working their tails off. Winning would be nice, but it isn't all that matters to them. Heck, most of them have friends and classmates in other corps! I'm not sure why there is such a deep level of discontent when thing might get shuffled, but what a boring activity it would be if the results were always predetermined. That's like watching baseball knowing who would win the World Series. Members & staff move around, corps designs ebb & flow. It just happens.

2018 Bluecoats!

Thanks Irving...love your recaps and first-hand impressions. Keep 'em coming. CVA shirt-wearer

I loved Bridgemen 1980, Garfield Cadets 1982, Phantom Regiment 2012 and probably a few others that will pop up into my head later.. But my top choice for a corps finishing in 3rd place belongs to Bluecoats 2015 show Kinetic Noise. It's also one of all time favorites. It was a show that had to be experienced live to fully appreciate.

I’m ready for the internet to blow up now. Holy cow!!

His election was obvious to anyone paying attention and so is this.

Can’t wait to go! Never been to a show so early in the season, other than when I marched. I’m mostly excited to see if SCV can maintain the top spot opening up from last year. It’s always hard for a corps to do this that isn’t BD 😬 My Prediction: 1st - SCV: GE and percussion will be on top. 2nd - BD: Brass and guard will be on point. 3rd - Cavies: Best show concept since 2016’s “Propaganda”. 4th - Mandarins: Another strong, potential top 12 show. 5th - Academy: Showing improvement from last season out the gate. 6th - Troopers 7th- SCVC 8th- BDB 9th- Golden Empire 10th- BDC We’ll see how it all plays out, it’ll be interesting to see what actually ends up happening Friday night!

Now placements are a complex thing in that a corps can themselves get better from year to year but there are other corps around them that they themselves have a better show, or have better talent etc.., But in just comparing this years BAC to their own show last year.. It is a significant jump in what is being asked from the hornline in all aspects of their show. And they are also achieving are at significantly higher level as well. The guard because of the better show seemingly have even more exposure and they are sure as hell going to get credit for it. You combine those things along with a stronger show with more meat on the bones, with more chances to perform, and this Corps has made significant enough improvements to warrant a jump into the Elite level in this activity. Now this doesn't automatically means that they jump into top 3, because Bluecoats, Crown, and SCV may have maintained or elevated their own content and achievement to stay ahead, but what it absolutely means is that in comparing the top corps in this activity, BAC now has the vehicle to go toe-to-toe with the best of them and say My Apples taste just as good as their Oranges. Mister GE MUSIC Judge Which do you prefer? My Apples or their oranges?

whoever scores highest wins

It’s getting spicy in here.

Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Country Joe, CCR, CSNY, etc. should have some material to consider.

Good luck Bloo. Will 2019 mark 4th consecutive year to win the DCI Tour Premiere? Will Crown be #2 for the 4th consecutive year? Will Boston surprise these two Goliaths?

Yeah there were some pretty brutal comments made about Crown’s percussion in ‘13 and ‘15 so to see them doing so well makes me happy.

Love you Poppycock! The Cadet reveal is one of the best reveals so far this year for sure!

The silver part that they teased on the video, Is that on the leg? Left leg, right leg? Very elegant modern take on the Cadet uniform. New Design team already making their elevated design aesthetic shown.

At last, a uniform that matches the stature of the Cadets. IMO last year's uniform was too feminine looking. Nothing beats a West Point cadet style uniform or a variation. Case in point, The Marine Drum & Bugle Corps has stayed up to date with modern type shows and music but still wear the time honored Marine uniform which we all love.

Star 90, no question. BD 88 for the honorable mention.

1990 Star of Indiana 1996 Cadets

I'm a part of the generation you speak of. I believe you are grossly exaggerating. Regardless, I do get what you're saying. I just am of the Opinion that people will be excited regardless of whether the uniform is revealed in bits and pieces or all at once