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What an awesome day of Drum Corps yesterday! I got to my seat on the 2nd tier club level, 50 yard line, 6 rows back. Heaven for watching a DCI show. Was there from Carolina Gold at 1:55 through Santa Clara Vanguard to end the night. General Comments: I've been a drum corps fan since I was 14 years old. I'm currently 55. So I've lived through the evolution of the activity. I watched Jim Ott hornlines ( my brother marched on them), and now I watch Van Doren hornlines ( along with all the others). While I do have a lot of the old school in me, last night was one of the most breathtaking shows I've ever been to. A lot of people will say "once you break into the top 6 it really turns up". I disagree in a sense. They were all spectacular. For instance, Madison Scouts brought tears to my eyes. They aren't even a 3-wood from the top 6, but I found myself wrapped up in their show, their drill, their sound...and quite frankly, I hope the negativity around Madison just stops. Then throw in Spirit of Atlanta, Pacific Crest, Crossmen, Phantom, Mandarins, etc. There just wasn't a bad show ( please don't quote that last sentence and turn this thread into a diatribe on the one show you may have thought was "bad". ) The marching arts are alive and well! The Venue: The Dome is the freaking BOMB! The only thing I thought was strange was that we were in the 237C Harrah's Club Level...and they opted not to have any food or bar service this year. Which seems like a huge lost sales opportunity to me. But hey...I don't run their business, and it was only a few steps out of the club level to food and drink. Generally I thought the acoustics ( for a dome) were pretty good. My chill bump moments: I'm a sucker for an emotional ballad so must of them for me were in the ballads of these shows. In no particular order, my chill bump moments were: The close of the Madison Scouts show...aerodynamic drill movements while playing fffff and me thinking "I'm watching the end of an era" ( please don't turn this thread into the co-ed debate). Possibly had a tear in my eye. Loved their show, and think the rumors of their demise are greatly overstated. The close of Phantom Regiment's show...with the corps pulling into the final "Phantom Formation" and the "burning platform" chugging right down the 50. I've always been a Phantom fan, and I'm rooting for them to continue to do what it takes to restore themselves to their former glory. Saw flashes of that last night. The baritone's "second verse" in Academy's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"...some rich baritone musicianship and a nice chart. "Gabriel's Oboe" solo turned cross-field duet from Carolina Crown. Delicious. Chicken skin! The entire Cavaliers ballad...that low brass in the beginning reminded me of a different era of Phantom Regiment when their low brass sound was trademarked as their own. "Hey Jude" from the Bluecoats. C'mon...let your hair down...it's just fun and fabulous! "Hurt" by the Blue Knights. Wow. What I see moving into the last two weeks: The "heart versus head" predictions are as follows. Bluecoats rock the dome in Indy. The whole building is singing "Hey Jude". Yet they still win a silver to... Blue Devils...who I think still have a lot more to show us. SCV finishes 3rd about a point behind Devils Carolina Crown rides a brass caption win to 4th and mitigates some of their GE issues The Cavaliers surge late and beat Boston in Indy with a fan favorite type show that is just straight up energy from the first note. Boston has LOS on their feet screaming when Goliath's head comes off again. Cavaliers/Boston will be a scrap until the last note. Blue Knights tighten the current margin between themselves and BAC/Cavaliers. They have a majestic show! What a show! See you in Indy!

I was high up and on the 50 in Centerville and yes, Blue Devils won brass fair and square; percussion too. The Bluecoats are terrific this year but their brass book isn’t as hard as the Blue Devils’ brass book.

A few things concerning the "new" Hey Jude ending... It was not something thrown in because "corps do new endings at Atlanta." This was in the design of the show for a long time. Ever been to a Paul McCartney concert? He has often ended with "Hey Jude"...not always, but often. The show concept is the spectators are AT A LIVE CONCERT, not listening to an album. The Beatles have so many iconic songs, but for the "general public" their most recognizable song is probably the outro to "Hey Jude." (you just want to sing-along.) Any change comes with a risk...the real answer to was it successful may not necessarily be the impact on the score, but the impact on the FANS...and it seems to be working just fine. AND IN THE END...judges are fans too! I can't wait to see and hear the FAN reaction at LOS.

I’m blown away. The Blue Devils are unbelievable.

At the show last night. Favorite show: Bluecoats My favorite show from them in a long time: Spirit OMG that drumline is so clean: Vanguard Best beards: Cavies Favorite solo: Vanguard trombone, and his interaction with the ensemble Favorite uniforms: Blue Knights Show that came across better in person than on video: Cadets Loudest crowd reaction: last seconds of Bluecoats I think Show I was surprised I liked (but not that surprised): Blue Devils Show I was surprised to not like: Boston The pit section I never noticed: Crown (except the white noise that seemed to be generated with every loud brass moment) There's a lot in this show that I don't know why they're doing it: Blue Stars Show that seems ready to win right now: Bluecoats Show that seems ready to win in 2 weeks: Blue Devils The real winner last night: The A&T Drumline!!

This post may sound a bit "Corny" but I would like to acknowledge cfirwin3 as "Teacher of the Weekend" for the week ending 7-28-19. He has provided us with some very detailed and informative posts explaining a number of points about music and the drum corps activity. Additionally, he has uploaded a series of videos on youtube comparing older drum corps shows to newer show designs. Well Done and Thank You

The most entertaining show does not deserve to win based off that. You actually have to the demand and execution of that demand as well. Bluecoats does not have the overall demand other shows around them have. If you notice the scores the last couple shows, their achievement has been higher than content a lot across the sheet. They need to add more demand and execute it and then they will win. posted from the DrumScorps app

BD understands that the season is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. A experienced knowledgeable staff focusing on performance strengths to maximize any weaknesses, if there are any. Not surprising at all!

Now THAT is an interesting recap. BD swept music

Another big week for BAC! Head to head with Cavs Wednesday at Chester! Home cooking at Lawrence Thursday! Last one on Saturday at Allentown! Eat em up Boston!

Hey everyone! As we know, Prelims spots are determined by averaging scores from San Antonio, Atlanta, and Allentown. I did the math so no one else has to in order to figure out the difference your favorite corps needs to score above the corps in front of them to move up in the lineup. For example, Blue Devils has to score more than 0.325 points higher than Bluecoats to perform last in Prelims. Bluecoats: 0.000 Blue Devils: 0.325 Santa Clara Vanguard: 0.925 Carolina Crown: 3.275 Boston Crusaders: 1.263 The Cavaliers: 1.075 Blue Knights: 5.388 Blue Stars: 0.588 The Cadets: 2.613 Mandarins: 2.300 Crossmen: 1.138 Phantom Regiment: 1.750 Spirit of Atlanta: 3.063 The Academy: 3.888 Colts: 0.788 -----Big, Loud, and Live 16 Cutoff----- Pacific Crest: 2.150 Madison Scouts: 3.850 Troopers: 1.763 Genesis: 4.700 Music City: 0.588 Jersey Surf: 4.025 Seattle Cascades: 5.400

Just gonna leave this here

Wouldn't the best corps be the one that plays and marches the best? Now if you said best show, you'd have an argument.

I’m sorry but this may be one of those years, for me anyways, that the best Corps may not win. I’ve seen all the corps and Bloo just does it for me. I understand BD is clean as they always are, but Bloo just has “it” for me. That’s the show I’d rather see encore on Finals night.

Hannah is down to her Final 2 bachelors.

And swept music against Bloo, that hasn't happened yet this season. I hope those Music analysis scores hold up!

Paul Mc Cartney said Blackbird means "black girl" as bird is a slang for girl. The song is in part about the state of race relations in the US (written in 68 I believe). The ending now has the blackbird dancer sharing a moment with a black female guard member and then the black woman is then lifted up by the full guard at the end. A subtle but fitting and meaningful touch.

I talked to one of the Drum Majors ( nope, not MY Drum Major) at the Atlanta housing location. From our conversation, I can tell the Corps is loose and happy (albeit a little tired) and just happy to go out and throw down and let the judges do what they will. They are clearly playing to perform for the audience first. It's working. My biggest chillbumps from the Atlanta show wasn't from action on the field...it was seeing a video of the MM's in the tunnel BEFORE they went on the field. This is the 3rd edition of the Cavaliers I've spent a lot of time around ( 2017 and 2018 being the others) and this crew has a tangible "IT" factor. It's undeniable. They are performing with a "nothing to lose" attitude. I look for a fun final 2 weeks...regardless of placement. You can bet they are going to bring the house down in Indy.

I already had one, albeit from Division III (as Lee Beddis once told me: "Congrats, you're best of the shitters!"), and I had just won WGI with X (and we set the record score at the time) so no, not really. Winning was not my top priority. The possibility of winning was simply an added bonus. I primarily wanted a fun and relaxing age out season without the ######## I had dealt with in 2009 (and kinda 2008). Also, we won I&E in 2009, so I had already experienced all the winning possible in the activity to some degree. Moreover, I had been around the corps since 2003 when I volunteered on the cook crew alongside my mom for basically the whole summer. She later served as the head cook from 2004-2008 (she was asked to step aside in winter of 2009 and replaced with one of Dann's friends "Chef Dave" who had no idea what he was doing, and that resulted in one of the worst food programs I have ever witnessed; she later worked as the head cook for SCV for a few years), and I would hang out to help out when I was not actively marching in other corps, primarily ToC 2004 and finals week 2005. I loved Colin McNutt and his staff and started auditioning for Madison in 2005 but did not have the necessary skill set until 2007, although I had been primarily auditioning on tenors at the time and did not switch to bass until after I marched bass at Impulse! in 2006. Having been around the corps through two major changes and having experienced the third, I felt like it was time for me to experience something different.

A fantastic night of drum corps viewing...hard to imagine a better non-regional venue than BB&T Stadium, and the weather was just about ideal. I actually went with my dentist(!), who I've known since we graduated from rival high schools the same year. Just some random thoughts... NCA&T - Glad to see these guys performing here, perfect way to start things off. Of particular interest were the 8 or so marching floor toms (at least that's what they sounded like, looked like mini-basses) SPIRIT - Love the big dual flag work in the ballad, interesting musical book, and handled all the costume changes well. The ending moment with the door was a nice surprise. I really need to check out the source music. PHANTOM - Absolutely one of my favorites this year (bought my first ever Phantom T-shirt). For everyone ragging on their design, it is one of the few shows that holds my interest musically AND visually the whole way through. I just about lost it with the trumpet/mellophone horn switching...brass players, how hard is that to do? Love seeing the male guard members in the regular uniform in the first part of the show. The ensemble vocals in the closer have a raw energy and you can tell these folks are pouring their hearts into it. I cannot believe this is 12th place. BLUE STARS - Fantastic full ensemble brass sound, though I miss those lush major seventh chords from last year. Like the way they take the theme to the hilt. This was the first group that got me scratching my head trying to figure where the soloist was (we were sitting low side 2 just inside the speaker placement). The uniforms look good up close but man, so much detail, so busy when trying to take everything in on the move...does saturation = effect? BLUE KNIGHTS - OMG...you can actually still design a music book like this??? Where each musical moment flows organically into the next without any contrivances to ramp up the content scores or just provide filler for the visuals? Hard to remember the last time I was so emotionally affected by a show like this...thank you BK, simply spellbinding! CADETS - Much, much more well received live than in recent broadcasts. Brass playing with greater control this evening. No need to repeat others' criticisms, I'm sure lessons have been learned. Did they remove some of the ending from Atlanta? CRUSADERS - I really like this design team's approach. The show is clear, powerful, easy to follow...not just a random assault on the senses. I wish the music book had a little more depth to it. Percussion sounded just fine from my vantage point. My big question, why do they not use an actual slingshot prop?? Is it safety concern? CAVALIERS - Favorite pit of the night! Low brass is also to die for. Unquestionably high energy, feel like it all just whizzes by you before you can take it all in. A few too many visual transitions with the horns running/scattering from one side to the other...used to seeing more craft and cleverness from these guys. Kinda feel like if you put this year's music with last year's visual (minus tarps of course) they could be medaling. BLUECOATS - Smiling, cheering, roaring, stomping the whole way through for my alma mater. "Within You Without You" is my favorite section, show is over too quickly. I am a little concerned by how much pre-recorded material is featured. A few loose moments between brass and percussion, feel like there is more to be achieved on the Music Analysis front. The homer in me would like to see them win, however... BLUE DEVILS - ...are making a believer out of me. So many amazing things large and small. Each musical section has its own distinct groove to it. This is the most ever I have enjoyed the BD guard, especially the saber work in the ballad...reminds of the Cadets flag work in 1997 - so active, yet tasteful and elegant at the same time. Hoping they will turn off the ghost light for finals week. VANGUARD - Yeah, they play the snot out of everything but it just seems like a tale told of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Trust me, I have always ADORED SCV and last year was the bomb, but I'm hoping this angry hipster rebel phase wears off soon. Showing my age here but I remember when Don Angelica referred to them as the "Rolls Royce" of the industry...not sure what make and model would be appropriate now. I did enjoy hearing that screamer trumpet from last year again...does he have bionic lips or something? CROWN - I was ready for that opening hit and they did not let me down! Wish they had used more of the minor mode from the original in the rest of the opener. Intonation in the ballad is just jaw-droppingly pristine, maybe they can get just a little more crescendo out of it? Closer does indeed have that Madison-esque vibe going for it, on our feet well before the end. USMC - G Bugles!!! That is all. Despite my reactions probably being typical of an early 90's FMM slipping into dino-dom, there is nowhere else on earth I would have rather been than last night. The intensity and artistry of today's performers is still as thrilling to see as ever. Thanks to all the corps for making me feel like a kid at Christmas, and to the Crown folks for hosting such a first class event. Here's hoping for all great performances as the 2019 tour winds down, all too soon.

That's three outta the last four against Bloo! It's still not over yet! But looking good BD. DO IT UP DEVILS!!

Blue Devils use of props this year is amazing. It sets the standard of excellence. Bravo BD!

honestly, i've rarely donated directly to a corps. i am more than willing to buy merchandise if i like their product, but I save any kind of serious donations to go directly to members fees. That way i don't have to get hung up on placements or administrative decisions that bother me....if it's a kid I taught or know them or their family, no problem because i'd rather help the kid out and not have to worry about if i like their show or scores or whatever. And since my corps is dead, I don't have to worry about feeling pressured as an alumni.

I'm not sure about the new ending.... Because I couldn't hear most of it over the cheering and jumping up and down I was doing! Winner!

Meh... a ring's not all it's cracked up to be. I went from dead last in DCI (Scenic City 2003) to the top (Cadets 2005). The experience is what's important. The competition aspect serves as a framework and a vehicle, but I don't remember who beat whom on any given night.... (well, except for the first time we topped the Cavies in 2005... I think it was San Antonio... that was a good night). And that's why I have so much hope for Madison. This year is such an enjoyable show... if the kids are having a great experience, I think they will build retention. If ndkbass' post is any indication, that is what they need to focus on, admin and staff alike.

THAT is selling a show!

The men have been settled in and sleeping for a few hours here in Northern Virginia. I'm looking forward to the open rehearsal this afternoon/evening at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, VA. Many of my former students are planning to attend this rehearsal as well. What a great day to have them here in the area after the placement last night.

Can I just say, I freaking LOVE the 2019 show..LOVE it!!!

Yes. I heard them live earlier this evening and they kicked it up several notches.

1997 BD got swept by Cadets in GE, but BD swept all visual and music captions, won by almost a full point on finals night. It's rare but can happen.

I noticed! Congratulations!

If by "recall" you mean "completely fabricate in a childish manner," then yes.

I have to admit that Blackbird is far from the top of my favorite Beatles songs. However, it is becoming my favorite part of the Bluecoats show this year.

It's really a challenging show to master, i'd go as far as to say its one of the most challenging show this year. Some call it demand but i rather use the word challenging for this show. I take a closer look and i started to look so much closer at the MM. the amount of demand this puts on them to be consistent with this show. They are pushed and i could literally feel the MM Energy, how much it is taking out of them. I have a new respect for BD MMs. I am happy it is a show they enjoy performing.

I know someone said a week or so ago that this show would not be done by Atlanta. Watching the show at Atlanta and again tonight on Flo, I have a feeling there is more to that company front than what is there right now. The whole show they are running around the field, and they get to the end and stand for 20 some odd counts? It doesn't seem done to me, and I'm hoping by finals they have a high octane last minute of the show, because Lucas Oil will eat it up regardless of placement, myself included. Way to go CrownBRASS! Keep it up! I'd love to see that Ott come back where it belongs

Ok so a couple of thoughts from this show having attended live: Devils: wow they sound SO much better live!! That saber line is so fierce. Brass sounding MUCH improved- definitely deserved that brass score. Not sure why they’re scoring so low in analysis. Everything works it’s so artistic and beautiful. Coats: This show is truly special. The ending still needs a little rework (dynamics please, it’s fortissimo for like 2 min straight). They know they’re marching easy drill but they do achieve! So fun. SCV: their brass just hits you like a wall! Really love the new ending. Percussion is a thrill to watch and listen to. Guard is also very strong. So much energy tonight. Crown: okay so nobody else marches and plays as much or as well as crown. They re really moving this year it’s insane. I honestly don’t think their brass is as strong as the past but congrats on 1st in brass. The show is ehh. “ Beneath the surface,” but most of the time we just hear voice overs about movement 🧐 Cavies: my moms favorite show. That ballad is so luscious and full of tone and just beautiful sonorities. Music is definitely their strength and their front ensemble is awesome. boston: LOVED IT! I think if you were to ask the audience what they’re favorite show was they’d say Boston. They had a great run! Guard is untouchable. I personally like cavies better but Boston and them are so close. Hornline is so rhythmically accurate it really generates a lot of effect IMO.0 BK: honestly I thought they were sloppy tonight, especially visually. Musically liquid is their biggest selling point. It’s quite a bland show without much concept or color, or really much of anything interesting. Music again is their strength. stars: If you’ve only seen this show on the live stream, then it’s hard to really appreciate this visual program of this show. Visual really drives the moments together. Great group, I noticed much more live than I could on flo. Guard is very skilled. cadets: I actually like it, except the do better part (it’s so cringy). They had a really good run too I thought. Another corps that needs a design rework though. The maslanka was great - you can tell they love playing it. Phantom: definitely some design issues and gripes I can see, but it was an enjoyable and traditional show. Nothing too unique but I think it will carry them to 12th. spirit: they have the talent but the visual program is lacking in content and achievement. Music has power buts it’s not clean - yet. The ballad uniform change is just bizarre. The beginning was strongly design and executed- the end not so much, back half felt like another corps. Their brass to synth balance was crazy off too.

Just wow. Getting back to hotel, after the traditional, post NightBEAT Waffle House pilgrimage. No WiFi for play by play during the event, but a few amateur, armchair observations: *BD & Blooo are stupid good. No shame in placing behind them in ‘19. *SCV can be caught, but it’ll be an exceptionally heavy lift. Actually, perhaps they can’t. *Crown live is off the chain. My God, CrownBRASS alone is worth the price of admission. Wish they’d incorporate some viz changes, but they’re the best 4th, 5th or 6th place corps you’ll ever listen to. *Cavies are contenders for tops in tier two. *BAC still for real Top to bottom, there’s mad talent abound in the top 12 this year. I’m biased of course, but BB&T Field may very well be the finest, open air venue in all of DCI. You will never again witness better weather for a DCI event, in late July. What a glorious evening!!!!!

Cool. They are fine with that. But I wouldn't be so sure. That overall margin is ridiculous. A single caption is in play at .2 and the overall margin is less than .3 right now. Bloo is just one or 2 outstanding achievement scores (which they have done) from taking it back.

Ok we are safe. Hope everyones runs went well and GO BLOOOOO!! posted from the DrumScorps app

Colts in the most epic upset ever.

When Phantom Regiment arrived at its rehearsal site (also the show site) at Laidley Field this morning, it encountered a challenge with the turf. The artificial turf had somehow been scrunched up, and it was sticking out a few inches. This was going to be a problem not only for Regiment’s rehearsal but also for […] View the full article

There's a LOT of wisdom here. I do donate to a Corps, but I also "save for a rainy day" to donate to individual members of Corps. And I usually save THOSE funds for the MM's that I can tell are up against a wall with no other way out.

Hey it's ok brother! Everyone knows i am a BD homer but i think it will be Bloo tonight as well. Just for the simple fact it's Bloo's turn to counter punch BD's body blow from last night. Ali/Frazier Thrilla in Manila!!

I think it will be Bloo tonight. I would say why, but I think I would get flamed for divulging my reasons. But truthfully, I don't have a clue.

Having intimate experience with two different corps food programs, I can't imagine having the guts (or even a *reason*) to fire the long-time food person. They are about the most indispensable person in the entire corps. Mike

Do what I do when I want to get away. Throw up on your desk. I guarantee they'll send you home.

Well...he sat with me in the Georgia Dome from 2008 until 2015 ( when he was on the field with Atlanta CV). And he's been on the field ever since. I have a funny feeling he'll be affiliated with a Corps during the DCI season in some kind of capacity for awhile. But if not...he knows his seat is always still there for him. 🙂

My high school band director used to differentiate the music in our shows by "This one is for the serious crowd..." or "This one is for the Popcorn Eaters". I use "PopcornEater" as a self-deprecating handle that I'm not to be taken too seriously in my opinion. I know a few things about Drum Corps, but I prefer to appear dumb as a bag of hammers. And often succeed.

I think it's because they can afford to.