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There has been a lot of befuddlement -- dare I say consternation -- over the state of Drum Corps International this year. I had a feeling that certain things are being overlooked that would, perhaps, shed some light on the intended meaning of the corps’ shows. So, I reached into my extensive contact list and was finally able to get in contact with new DCI artistic director Lee Carlson. After initially running me off his lawn, Mr. Carlson and I were able to sit down and have an imaginary conversation regarding the true meaning of several corps’ 2019 shows. In the name of cutting through the noise, I’ve decided to share the true show synopses below. Santa Clara Vanguard The defending champions show is entitled “Vox Eversio,” which translated from Latin means “Elevator Music.” The story features pajama-clad small town boy Jake dreaming of his first youthful trip to the Beverly Center Macy’s with his parents. Jake’s fondest memories were riding the elevators up and down, being surprised by the sights and sounds behind each opening door. Things take a darker turn when the elevator breaks down and our young protagonist is trapped for some time with a roaming sousphonist, which were quite common in mid-1900s Los Angeles. Bluecoats The Bluecoats self-titled 2019 show warns us of the dangers of drugs, featuring the esoteric music of little-known British indie rock band “The Beatles.” /ˈbiːtl̩z/ Dressed in their Sunday best, The Bluecoats receive offers of various illicit substances from several mysterious strangers dressed in black and white. What first seems like a fun, trippy party quickly descends into the harsher realities of a drug addict; including chasing a small black bird through the park for hours and eventually passing out in the gutter to the trumpet-sounding screams of passersby. Hope is not lost, however, as The Bluecoats come together at the end in support of one another at rehab. Carolina Crown The 2019 offering from one-time DCI champion Carolina Crown is a literal journey “Beneath the Surface” of the human body. Wearing uniforms that capture the now transparent nature of the human form, we see the ever-present motion of the microscopic world inside us all. Thrill as bacteria spin and fight for dominance of our frail humanity. Your eyes will be wide with wonder as you join Crown on this journey through Cellular Biology 101. Blue Devils In a year of darkly themed shows, the Concord Blue Devils may just take the proverbial cake with their take on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride entitled “Ghostlight.” Be warned, for behind every door and in each cellar is another grim, grinning ghost wanting to socialize. When their tour busses breakdown outside a haunted Motel 6, these Blue Devils have no choice but to endure a night of terror beyond their wildest imaginations. “We’ll leave the light on for you,” takes on sinister new meaning in this 2019 production. Boston Crusaders The Boston Crusaders, fresh off a recent 3 hour tour to a tropical island, choose to take a departure from their more literal shows of the past two seasons to explore a deeper, more literary theme, basing their show off one of the bestselling books of all time. I am talking, of course, about Malcom Gladwell’s 2015 book “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.” This show can’t be summed up any better than Amazon reviewer “Storm” puts it: “Too much of any good thing will lead to a bad thing (and vice versa). I would much rather be a big fish in a small pond than be a small fish in a large pond.” Also, someone dies at the end, which is always good for a few extra GE points. The Cavaliers? Despite every assertion that this is not a train show, recent entry to the World Class ranks The Music City Drum & Bugle Corps is taking the field this year as “The Cavaliers,” paying homage to one of the best corps of the 1990s and early 2000s. This direct sequel to their 2018 smash retelling the story of Casey Jones’ last ride to hell picks up right where last year’s show left off. The corps now finds itself on the “Wrong Side of the Tracks,” a thinly veiled reference to being in Hell. Corps members are welcomed with what at first seems a joyous song and dance routine. It is only when each member realizes that they will have to spend an eternity hearing complaints about “losing identity” and “costumes vs. uniforms” and “back in my day” that these members of Music City Drum & Bugle Corps are truly able to appreciate what Hell is. Choo Choo, indeed. Disclaimer: In case it isn't obvious, the above is a work of satire. I have not ever spoken with (or stalked) Lee Carlson. I am sure he is a very fine man. I support the corps and the members. I am father to two former marching members. I have loved the activity for a very long time. I will continue this if there is enough interest. That is all.

Most impressive moment of this show to me is the opening brass hit. Sustain at a standstill, seamless transition into a jazz run, and diminuendo....serious box 5 level demanding and execution already. What a great opening effect moment and I've not really heard anyone point this out.

What Blooo is doing this year goes beyond scoring/placement/etc. Last night in Hamilton my 13 year old daughter wept on and off from the fIrst chord to last final bow, the music and show moved her that much... As a member of the 1992 Bluecoats (and the often slagged '92 Beatles show) the 2019 production is mind blowing. The show is amazing- it is light hearted and deep at the same time, one beautiful melody after another. One other thing that makes the show pop is the juxtaposition with all the dark/angst oriented shows. Last night in Hamilton Colts, then Spirit, the Cadets came out one after another with the same look/same dark angst/etc. Then here come Bluecoats with a totally bright, fun, uplifting show. Like a rainbow after storms haha... Don't get me wrong I highly enjoyed everyone last night, but Bluecoats seems extra fresh after the dark angst of everyone else. Thank you 2019 Bluecoats for bringing my DCI days back to life with the Beatles.

I marched in the era when the most sophisticated teaching method was: "Again." I watch ensemble rehearsals today, and have two simultaneous thoughts: 1. I would have loved to experience a block like this 2. I don't know if I could hack it. The rate at which information is constantly flowing out to these young people is astounding. I am convinced that, basic competence at the instrument/equipment and ability to put one foot in front of the other assumed, the most important skill needed in 2019 world-class drum corps is the ability to process and retain information. To be, and like being, a sponge. The modern ensemble instructional environment is a study in remarkable efficiency. Here you have 180 people scattered across a quarter-mile of real estate, and stuff gets done. Stuff gets better. And in the span of 60 minutes, the members will get water and chill two, maybe three, times. When they step back into the set, it's business time. Aside form the competitive benefits such an environment may provide, these young people are learning huge lessons about how to concentrate and maximize efficiency. When the block is over, the members are tired, and maybe a lot that is because of the sun and the exertion, but I imagine it's equally because their brains are tired.

Proud dad alert- video of my son conducting the Cavies with Wayne Bergeron last night in LA. Can’t format properly on my phone. He, Tom Hooten, and Michael Martin sat in as soloists with the Cavies acting as backup band. Eric Whitacre walked up out of nowhere and watched the whole thing and stuck around to meet the Corps afterwards. Crazy!

Drumline sounds crispy playing this wonderful book from Tom Rarick (my favorite current battery arranger). One of my favorite visuals they do is the iconic Ringo goofy grin head bob as part of the opening drum solo (@:28 in this clip). They are really getting into some details with this show. I've found numerous little bits like this as I've watched some of the show clips. The Bluecoats is an amazing production!

Just a few thoughts on tonight's show.... Fairfield band boosters do a GREAT job every year, tonight was certainly no exception. Nice job with the SSB by the Fairfield band! The Hamilton stadium compares favorably to last year's Mason stadium, but parking much better at Mason. Good size crowd...bigger than Saturday night's show at Canton. Very disappointed there was no encore...not sure what happened there. Cincinnati Tradition got things started. Their warm up was very close to the field and I kept thinking "that sounds REALLY good." I can remember when this corps was about 1/4 the size it is now. Nice to see they are continuing to grow in both numbers and quality. As to be expected they do not have a complete show on the field yet, but what they have is done well...especially knowing it's still June and, unlike the World Class groups, they haven't had the benefit of 4-5 weeks of Spring Training. I really look forward to seeing their finished product. Madison Scouts were considerably better than I had anticipated after watching them of FloM. They were very well received by the crowd. This corps still carries the mystique of the Madison Scouts name/brand. If any corps is entitled to do an "old school" style show I would think it would be the Scouts. However I don't anticipate this show being able to compete, score wise, for a return to a finals position. The corps appeared to be very young. I hope they can have a good retention percentage in the next couple of years! I would also say that the uniform left me a little flat. Would much prefer they had gone with a retro look from the early 2000s. The Colts appear to have taken a pretty significant step up in terms of contemporary design. I like the new costumes, but still prefer the more traditional "red team" look, but I totally understand why they made the change. They have some nice props, but are still figuring out how best to use them. The wind created a few issues with them. The Colts have some fine musicians and a good book. With some more visual layering and getting the back half of the show stronger musically I could see them in the fight for finals night. Spirit of Atlanta had the show I most want to see again (with the exception of The Beatles). Their use of color/costuming/props is indeed top 12 worthy. They have a very strong music book that I think will become even more appreciated by fans/judges as the season progresses. This show has MUCH potential and I look for a real battle between them and Phantom this year...which they are winning at this early stage. The Cadets were better than they were at Canton. They have some very talented musicians and a music book that I feel can compete for top 6. I am hoping they have more of Maslanka Symphony #4 in the works. In my opinion it is simply too short and not yet supplying the impact they need for the ending of the show. They made some changes visually with the way the treat the queen and her death, but it's still not communicating well to most of the crowd in my opinion. Cadets do get an A+ for their 4 large props. They are used very well. The drumline played much better tonight. The BLUECOATS...WOW. I've watched the development of this show through Spring Training and what really has me impressed and excited is how well the members, in all sections, are making this show "their own." The 2014, 2016 and 2018 shows all developed this "vibe", but it took time. Bloo is coming out of the gate firing on all cylinders! Each member seems to be taking ownership of the production and are selling it to the crowd in a very professional manner. I think this is going to be the "crowd pleaser" all year long and is most certainly a gold medal contender. In my opinion there are no weak moments, no weak sections, and certainly no obscure story line or theme to leave anyone confused. The music book by Doug Thrower and Tom Rarick has quickly become my favorite of anything they've ever done. That, IMHO, is really saying something. The Bluecoats have done 3 performances and have added some new things in each. I know there's still more to come. The design team of Bloo has done it again!

I came to love Drum Corps watching my older brother march SOA in 79 and 81. Now my son is a DM for the Cavaliers. If Both corps are playing the last night of the season, my personal season has already been made, regardless of scoring or placement. Cavies are bringing heat I haven’t seen since “Mad World “ and now Spirit is on the rise. 2019 shaping up to be my favorite season since my son started marching 5 years ago! Go Spirit of Atlanta! KSA!

Bluecoats, the most creative corps for the last six years. And this may top them all. posted from the DrumScorps app

Boston was absolutely amazing in person. That guard... No one ahead of this corps should rest. posted from the DrumScorps app

Ok, one more tidbit that blows my mind - very subtle, but I'm pretty sure I'm right about this - is happening on the field while the guard is doing the 1000 Hands movements in Within You Without You. It's best from hi angle but The horns get into two circular shapes with a guard member in the center of each while the tubas are in 2 files headed backfield. There is a moment where the back few tubas arc into each other and at the same time the horns lay down in their circles. At that moment, I believe they are referencing the self portrait drawn by John Lennon. The tubas form a nose and the two circles are the round glasses that Lennon famously wore. The reason I think it's the self portrait is because like the circle on side 1 is higher than side 2 just like the drawing. To add to that, the image was used for the John Lennon documentary Imagine, which was the title (and central musical motif) of Bluecoats 2009 show (2019 is chock full of call backs to previous shows). The '09 show that I believe that they are calling back to by using "spirit guide" characters (remember the guy with the umbrella who guided the corps to bigger and better ideas in that show?). Amazing details!

All they need is love.

It is a very self-centered instrument. Talk about wrapping everything around yourself.

They did it! I said they should add a filter to that Come Together solo. I didn't expect them to put a wah pedal on it. That was cool!

For any that might not know...Ringo, even to this day, almost always ends an interview by flashing the peace sign and saying "peace and love." That appears a few times in the show. The bow at the end of the show is how The Beatles ended many of their early performances including their Ed Sullivan Show appearances. Some younger fans may not know the impact Ringo's drum set had on Ludwig drums. The iconic bass drum head with The Beatles logo also had the Ludwig logo. The company, at that time, was having some financial problems. On the Monday following the first Ed Sullivan show the phones rang off the hook with orders for "the Ringo kit." William Ludwig has often stated Ringo may have saved Ludwig drums...and he still plays them 🙂

For reaching 100,000 posts here on DCP! What the **** is wrong with you. 😂

Good stuff from Cadets. That drumline is STRONG. posted from the DrumScorps app

Music City! posted from the DrumScorps app

Cavies Secret Weapon- Eric Whitacre joins the Mellophone line.

Finally, these dadgum themes make some sense. Good stuff. Gizmit.

Well, Crown used to have a bandwagon, actually a stagecoach. And now Mandarins have a bunch of bandwagons. Bluecoats had a stage once, but never a stagecoach, or a bandwagon. Boston had some windmills. Or so I tot.

I'm the TRUMPET player that when they said 'we need some mellophones'... I said 'give me that thing'. So... not only am I universally perfect... I'm also better than everyone else.

I remember a day working at Canton HOF with the brass staff up in the tree line. The baritones goofed up something and Dave McKinnon and Doug Thrower were addressing it. The baritone line dropped for push-ups because... drumcorps and all... And I'll never forget Doug's response. He said "No, no no... get up". And Dave followed with "We are here to fix problems, and that doesn't get us there". It was a great teaching moment and a demonstration of care for the members and their interests. That's not to say that the old drumcorps ritual of 'celebrating stupidity' doesn't have it's cultural place at times... but 'tasking' harder is rarely the answer to the underlying problem.

With all due respect, Scouts got probably the best reponse of the night behind Bluecoats. They had some very cool elements that the crowd really dug, cool drill, etc. I thought they moved as much, if not more, than most. The group I took included adults and middle school band kids and they all liked Scouts second to Blooo.

Great show, Spirit. I'm 'raving,' if you will. posted from the DrumScorps app

The attention to detail is amazing. No one captures an era like Bloo. The beat generation last year and the Beatles this year.

Very scary top 6. Every corps in that group needs to stay on top of their game. Concord, Crown, Coats, Cavaliers, Clara and Crusaders Have their work cut out for themselves.

Love the positive comment. Its' been a week now and everyone including the Cadets design team knows what's working and what's not. All I would like is a season of not catching up because of constant visual changes. Let's correct quickly and in good Cadet fashion clean the snot out of the show. COLORGUARD take a deep breath--now perform your butts off and sell this show BEHOLD. There are many fans out there who want to see the Cadets do well and I am at the top of that list. I will be very vocal when I come on tour in Allentown. Cadets always get pumped to perform in front of their fan base and alumni. Go Cadets Go!!! Irving Fan of the Arts

On that Madison scheduling issue. It just does no good to put the burden of design on the proficiency of execution. Meaning, it is counterproductive to work the kids harder on the stuff that they are responsible for when the bulk of the problem lies in the stuff that they are not responsible for. It's especially no good to do this if/when the touring time table calls for sleep... or some retreat time. Anyone that has marched can probably remember those days when the marching block rehearsal was horrific... inexplicably and indefensibley because the content numbers were low. That kind of behavior saps the morale in a hurry. Madison needs to go back to the drawing board... not the proverbial weight room, or the lap track, or the basics block. It is vital that the membership have the best experience possible and that all of their hard work be dedicated to real effectual goals (not compensation for missteps).

well....no. Ya see, health and wellness is something that should be taken into consideration, unlike days of yore superman attitudes and crap treatment that led to overworked, underfed, sick and injured kids. Back in the day you didn't have 5 weeks of spring training where they often go 12-14 hours a day every day. Ya beat the #### out of them 24/7, eventually they start breaking down.

After seeing the Madison Scouts live in Hamilton I must say this: All is not lost for 2019. The brass line has a better quality sound than in 2018. The brass book is too easy to earn high music analysis scores but as the season progresses I’m confident the staff can add some difficulty. Still, an easier show at this point of the season is what those young men — and they are young — need to get some confidence. They play very well and they put their hearts into every note. The retro uniforms are the bomb. I love them!

No body posted “Karen” losing her stuff about the drumline warming up by her house? Hilarious.

They were clean. The judges between my ears had them marching on Saturday night.

I'm glad they are bucking the narrative... not for the decline of BAC, but just because Cadets need some good news right now. They need to see for themselves that something is going 'right' to some degree.

Great score jumps for Boston and Bloo. Nice job by Cadets percussion. Spirit is digging their toes into the top 12, hope to see that continue.

They are crazy good

That guard looks better every night! Hope the scores reflect it. They are almost in a box of their own right now.

They sound crisp! Hope they start getting more credit for it.

I have that same gut feeling that Spirit’s show is indeed Finals-caliber that I felt with the Mandarins last year, and with The Academy in 2016. And I was proven right the last two times I felt it, so I have confidence that Spirit will do the same!

Crowd already loving Spirit. They have a very talented trumpet section this year!

@DrumManTx and anyone interested in the inspiration for this year's round props and tarps; here's the Sea of Holes clip from the Beatles' Yellow Submarine movie: (low quality, but the only clip I could find on youtube)

THIS! And thank you! I do hear Madison is younger. Corps with kids ranging from 14 to 18 must operate differently than those with young adults in the 18-22 age range. Experience is a factor too. And as you stated, nobody knows better how the members are doing than those who teach them and feed them every day on tour. Even older and more experienced corps have to take into account health and safety and morale as they go through tour.

Longest chord in Rock and Roll. :43 seconds I believe.

Us dumb old brass and drum players don't know what we are looking at. But the concern was really about conceptual writing and content (as it was for the drums last year). I don't think that the membership or the teaching is weak in guard (I know they are the best and brightest). The observation that causes concern is that the apparent guard work and its effect seems... maybe... to us dumb old brass and drum players... to possibly be taking a back seat in the writing to other elements of the show design. Given that their visual numbers last night (including guard) were tracking ahead of the other captions is a good sign that indeed... we are dumb old brass and drum players that don't know what we are looking at.

And honestly....being a crowd favorite, scores aside, will do a lot to help boost interest

Self Indulgent? I can answer that with only one word......... SOUSAPHONE!

The best goodbye ever. Sad as it was. “And then, the perfect capper, finishing with a song called “The End”, which features alternating guitar solos from John, George, and Paul and a drum solo from Ringo. It was an ideal curtain call from a band that just a few years earlier had been a bunch of punk kids from a nowheresville called Liverpool with more confidence than skill. This is how you finish a career.”

Hope you're prepared for the safe space crowd to rain fire on you.

Good one! Wrote a drum exercise that needed a name, so my daughter and I played the same game with the word, "flam". Result was: Flammulence

Congratulations on your well being. But it is 2019 now and there are different ways to maximize progress and what you are describing is not one of them. Work smarter not harder. That applies to more than drum corps too. I have watched a corps in ST this year and am amazed at how they are taught and how they learn. Beating MM's into submission thinking you will achieve excellence is not the way to go. Having a rehearsal plan each day and being consistent with it will garner better results for performance. Being aware of MM's nutrition and proper rest is needed to get the best in the long run. Years ago I was running a rehearsal following your idea of rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, don't lose ground because everyone else is doing this too (not actually true). We were getting nothing out of rehearsal because of MM fatigue.. So I backed off, just had a goofy fun rehearsal and stopped pounding run through after run through. We had the best performance of the year that night, gained ground. It is not about pound, pound, pound anymore. It is about rehearsing in a manner that gets the most out of your MM's. They require energy to maximize a performance. Times change and so should teaching methods and rehearsal conduct.