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I'll say it even though there will be an attack on me BUT...... How about corps executive directors say "Enough of your freaking ego's and write an exciting, fan-friendly show, where we entertain the PAYING customer and NOT worry about making the judges happy!" Vince Bruni did it best as director of the Empire Statesmen, play music that the fans know and can relate too! As a music educator I am in awe of the talent out there today. I know the old school people hate what is happening and there are some like me who appreciate the advances in corps today. That being said, there was only ONE show that made me happy so thank you Bluecoats! How about 2020 ALL corps make the paying customer happy!!! If the fans don't come then what? Okay so now attack....see my name is there for all to see and not hiding behind a fake name!

I found something to like in 20 of the 22 World Class shows. For the two I couldn't find something to like, I respected the hell out of the performers to do their best

I totally disagree. Spirit did this already and it didn't quite work as folks wished. After placing 11th in 2013, they changed direction with "Magnolia" in 2014, placing 17th. "Georgia" in 2016 placed 21st. They are making their way back to Finals. Let them find their own way.

I find the "play music the audience is familiar with!" trope to be kinda silly. I do agree corps should be more melodic, but why do these melodies have to be familiar ones? What I really love about DCI is that it has introduced me to so much new music and literature that I wouldn't have discovered without it. I have a running list of my favorite pieces over the years on my Spotify

Megan Rapinoe is awesome

I think it’s the dental and vision plans.

It was so close, and for a moment I thought the BD guard might win...but then Boston cut a head.

Let's Go Bloo! This corps has taught me not to speculate what is coming next, because it's always going to be better than any of the ideas I have. This design team keeps coming up with great show themes which they put their heart and soul into designing- looking forward to June already.

The brass arrangements for Bluecoats were so incredible that I didn’t really care all that much that it was Beatles music.

1. Bluecoats 2020...you ain't seen nothin' yet!!! 2. Bloo 2016 3. Spartacus 2008 4. SCV 2018 5. Crown 2013

I’m no expert but I do love the shows that keep it simple. I hope Cadets keep it simple. I’d like to add them back to my list of favorites next season.

Tier 1 - Getting constant listens and views from me ------------------------------------------------ 1. Blue Devils 2. Blue Stars 3. Carolina Crown 4. Cavaliers Tier 2 - really enjoyed them over the course of the season, still growing on me ------------------------------------------------ 5. Blue Knights 6. Santa Clara Vanguard 7. Mandarins Tier 3 - appreciated the shows during the season, but probably won't watch them much now that the season is over ------------------------------------------------- 8. Bluecoats 9. Phantom Regiment 10. Crossmen Tier 4 - didn't like it during the season and definitely not watching again ----------------------------------------------- 11. Boston Crusaders 12. Cadets Shout out to Pacific Crest who would be in my tier 2 if they were in the top 12 (I wasn't familiar enough with the shows from 13-20 to really rank them)

1. Bluecoats (not because I’m a supporter) 2. Boston Crusaders (closely behind) 3. Cavaliers (closely behind) i only choose a top three every year. Last year’s list was the same except The Cadets were in Cavies place.

The best version of "Fanfare For The New" was the 1979 Guardsmen. GREAT hornline with charts from Tim Salzmen and great drum charts by Jim Campbell. https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A2KLfaI3OVZdAAoAMRwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N2Noc21lBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=1979+guardsmen+drum+corps&type=sbc_dial&hspart=att&hsimp=yhs-att_001&ei=UTF-8&fr=yhs-att-att_001#id=1&vid=3af79b91fe7b28406d034c21c4a6f848&action=view

2019 is in the books and what a great year for Bloo it was! Highest score in corps history, High GE, a tie for Top Music and a well deserved Silver Medal! Let’s see how this amazing design staff tops this!

Bloo, all of it, all season, but the 90+ sec standing-o during closer finals night was an incredible moment between the performers and the crowd. BD, top notch as always, great props, great shoe feature! SCV, music in general and the blend between battery and front ensemble. Crown, primarily ballad thru closer. Last couple years seemed to miss something for me, but this year was on point! Cavies, ballad and energy throughout. BAC, really great show Top 6, really off the hook I could go on, but Semifinalists in total, overall best year ever as a fan

Even back when I marched it was "You act like a professional, you get treated like one." That can have just as large a positive effect on the members as being continually beaten down can be negative.

Most of George’s survivors marched for years or worked around him for years after what happened to them. So many survivors stay around their abusers for years, PTSD. Or not.

Spirit has been undergoing one of the best reinventions in DCI the past couple years. Their shows shout Spirit without falling back on what made them great in the past. They’re still producing shows with that old Spirit swagger that are fun for the members to perform. Best of all they are remaining relevant. Keep on the same path!

I understand this sentiment and feel the same, if you're personally connected you automatically enjoy it more. I had an ageout son in Open Class. He knew MMs that went on to BAC, Cadets. My wife sat in the clinic with a 7th who went on to BAC and she cooked for 7th and at least once for Heat Wave this tour. Personal enjoyment for me is weighted heavily on knowing people in the corps and staff, so me and/or family either travelled around with these Corps, knew people in them, housed with them, chatted with parents, or connected in some other personal way. 1. All of OC (but especially 7th Regiment, Les Stentors, Colt Cadets, Guardians, Legends, Southwind, Spartans, and Heat Wave) 2. Boston 3. Cadets 4. Colts

Colt Cadets will follow suit next year, but in keeping with the younger age group, to keep it more kid friendly it will be titled "When heck freezes over"

1. BK -- Our son is a mellophone ageout, so, after 4 years in DCI and 3 with BK, this show connected on all kinds of "I Remember Everything" levels. It's only natural this would be our favorite of the year and that, as the corps resolved into the BK dots and "were, at last . . . home," we'd be choking back tears. More objectively, as one of the GE judges said on tape, BK brings something completely unique to the activity, something that connects on a wavelength that no other corps generates. For all the reasons others have so amply expressed throughout the season on this forum, Blue Knights was the standout from a pure enjoyment/emotional-connection level. Few 2019 corps even approached BK's level of communication clarity . . . 2. . . . and BD was one of them. I started the season cool to this show. Early on, it came across to me as bloodless and clinical. By the time I saw it live at LOS, I was happily proved wrong. They might not have executed visual forms to the same degree as Crown or Blue Stars, but the member-to-member visual quality of their set-pieces was superior to anything else on the field. These were musicians who could, to a person, dance. The extended swirl of the horn line around the ghostlight in the opener was a masterpiece, something that I have replayed in my mind many times in the past few days. It was the most stunning visual moment on the field this year. Musically, it was all fabulous, though only the closer really reached me emotionally. The tap/percussion feature was a hoot to watch, and I agree BD's props were the most effective of anyone's. I thought they deserved the win. 3. Crown. The energy from beginning to end was compelling. Soloists were majestic. The snares leaning back in front of the brass during the ballad's big hit was a pure drum-corps thing, and I like drum-corps things in my drum corps. The closer was a complete gas. I will listen to this show a lot. 4. Cavaliers. Road to Perdition alone would put it on this list of personal-anjoyment faves, but the gentlemen performed this entire show with such passion that I can't leave them off. They made their mark on me. 5. Bluecoats. Just the overal design aesthetic makes it a favorite of the season. Musically, it was all about Blackbird for me. 6. Crossmen. I loved how the show blended raw horsepower with tongue-in-cheek cartoonishness. So many years, Xmen are solid yet indistinct. Not in 2019. Can't forget that drum major. 7. Troopers. The show design didn't set DCI on fire, but it did set the stage for Troopers' continued relevance and, as a corollary, their competitive advance. 2019 was a watershed year for Troop, moreso internally to the members, admin and Troop nation than to the fans in the stands, and a number of necessary internal cogs snapped into place this year. It was memorable and enjoyable to me for what it signified. The show itself was pretty strong musically. The young brass line punched above its weight. The percussion, as usual, didn't flash but cranked out clean, solid beats and was undervalued all season long IMO. Their 2019 production should serve as a . . . um . . . launchpad. 8. Scouts. Just the way they went for it. And for the last chapter of a long story. The feeling I had as I watched them leave the LOS field on Friday will stay with me a long time.

Exactly, no right or wrong here, just personal opinions! Except for in Cappy's case, that's just wrong!

I say keep doing what they're doing. Knock and Neon Underground were both eclectic and progressive, and I loved both of them! Mike

Whoever did is getting awarded "Most Ironic Designer" of 2019

1. Bluecoats (despite not being a Beatles fan at all, it’s another 12 minutes of drum corps design perfection) 2. Cavaliers (costumes, brass performances, and the ballad) 3. SCV (only because of the music—did not like the concept or the staging) 4. Knights (awesome percussion and brass books) 5. Blue Stars (amazing show from end zone to end zone, weird concept that doesn’t really work but I respect their effort) 6. Crown (brass performances are worth the price of admission, but still a head scratcher as far as design concept and visual) 7. Boston ( I just enjoy seeing them climb the ladder) 8. Mandarins (a total commitment to mood and concept) 9. Pacific Crest (made the most of their talent, second best ballad of the season) 10. Blue Devils (technical excellence, best use of props by a mile, interesting concept, sticking to their knitting from a design standpoint—just still feel disconnected from their performances—sterile) 10. Colts (really strong brass line and switching uniforms was cool—but worn out with the hell concepts in DCI)

They perform right at the average number of shows compared to other corps every year. It's a myth that they perform one of the fewest number of shows per year. They just maximize their rehearsal time really well.

Gee WHIZ, that's awful. We need to CURDtail the bad puns before the mods have a MELT down.

you left one staff continuity. the major names have been there for years. There's no revolving door

I personally think audiences found the top 6 corps to be very entertaining. Boston, Cavaliers, BD, and especially Bluecoats were easy to follow and enjoy. Crown and SCV had fantastic music books, so even though their theme or concept was a bit more complex, you could still find plenty to enjoy in their shows.

Thank you Bluecoats for another incredible season. From my first viewing at the tour premiere on 6/20, I knew this show would contend the entire season. I was excited to watch every chance I got on Flo. Being the year I got to watch all 3 nights in Indy, it was truly special. This was one of the most entertaining shows in DCI history for me, and it will hold a special place in my heart forever. Thank you designers, instructors, and performers for making 2019 a memorable season for thousands of drum corps fans. Keeping doing you! BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

They've at least been in the conversation for finals for the past two years. What can they do to get over that hump? As was stated elsewhere, their relative success of the past two years should definitely help with recruiting.

Time to get the hype train rolling for Pac Crest!! Could be the next corps to break into the top 12. Four corps from Cali dominating finals!? Let's hope it's in 2020! GO PAC CREST!!!!! 2020 IS THE YEAR!!!!!

Oooh ... pick me ... pick me! I think Bluecoats looked absolutely awesome in 2018 and 2019. The slightly different costumes on each performer are fascinating to study as an audience member, and the way they combine to form the overall visual aesthetic of the show is very pleasing. I think it's the best non-traditional look that we've yet seen in DCI. In contrast, Santa Clara all wore the same ugly grey pajamas this year. I know which one I hope other groups study and learn from!

Showed my 11 year old brother their victory run (loosely describing the concept of the Ghostlight to him as he loves musical theater) and he just kept saying "Wow!"- the show is a hit.

2020 Blue Devils accept your challenge............ Sorry been playing Mortal Kombat all morning. Day off today LMAO.

I don't think there were any I didn't like. Some special mentions - Now in my "All Time" rotation - Bluecoats, Blue Devils Enjoyed waaaay more than I expected to - Crown, Boston, Mandarins, Spirit, Pacific Crest, Colts, Madison, Spartans, Genesis, Guardians (I definitely had the 😐 face when I first heard about it), Louisiana Stars, Colts Cadets, Les Stentors (seriously) Mike

Same

Blue Devils Bluecoats Boston Blue lol Blue Stars Blue Knights all of OC.

Who was responsible for "Do Better"

Actually, no they do not. The new reported incident is actions between two minors, not an adult and a minor.

You know the thread has gone on too long when it degrates into cheesy puns. Everybody has a different opinion on this but in the end we'll just have to agree to disabrie.

I’m looking forward to the activity moving away from “ME ME ME ME MEEEE!!!!” shows featuring incredibly talented performers wearing eyeliner & purple hair like the what’s-their-name soccer player and “GRRRRRRR...!!!!” and 🤬 and then blowing the whole concept to hell with a jazz version of a heavy metal ballad that was filler on an album from 30 years ago that was “supposed” to illustrate the introspective reflections of present day rebellious urban teens. Or something.

What’s weird is, I would put all of them among my favorite shows of all time. And they are all very different.

That article is a month old and isn't about a pedophile

This isnt my list of favorites, but rather a ranking of how "great" these shows were in terms of concept and performer execution: 1. Cadets 2011 2. Carolina Crown 2013 3. SCV 2018 4. Phantom Regiment 2008 5. Bluecoats 2016

If Bloo was cheese this year (Bloo Cheese?) then more cheese for me, please! because Bloo was really Gouda!

It's a little hard to do that when you get an average of 30 seconds of music (brass). On topic, how BK's show had anything to do with 'remembering everything', I have no idea. Vanguard, Vox whatever, didn't understand it at all.

I'd say it's a combination of a lot of things. The Blue Devils are the largest Drum & Bugle Corps organization in the country, probably the world. They operate an A, B, and C corps. They operate a winter drum line, guard, a special-needs guard, their Yamaha School of Music lesson program, the Diabolo Wind Symphony, and several other programs. They have the highest revenue earning and profit in drum corps. Money is important in this business. BD is a smart organization that has been wise about their earnings and investments. The A corps is a destination corps. Essentially kids from all over the country, and the world, have auditioned to be Blue Devils. This sort of popularity was built over decades and was likely due to great instruction, great tour experience, the way they program their shows and feature their performers, and many other reasons I am sure. Although the A corps is very national/international, the rest of the organization is very local or regional. I'd guess (and I have no facts on this) that they have roughly 350+ kids taking part in year-round programs. Again, I am not even counting the A corps. I am basically just factoring the number of members in the B and C corps, the DWS, winter guard, winter drum line, and the Yamaha School of Music, etc. It's at least 350+ kids, and likely closer to 400 involved in local year-round activities. My guess is SCV is the only corps to come close to this sort of year-round involvement of local youth. The Blue Devils have the most full-time positions for admin, designers and teachers. From a competitive standpoint, I believe their staff fully acknowledge that they need to know the judging sheets well. After all, if you are going to compete it would be wise to know exactly how you are going to be judged. Everyone wants to be entertaining, but being competitive means showcasing strengths in each caption. In this regard, BD has consistently been outstanding in all performance captions over the years. Brass, percussion, guard, and visual proficiency are fortes of theirs. Once you factor in design, visual analysis, and GE, the combination of their strength across the board makes them tough to beat. The Blue Devils are a great organization with a passion for helping youth enjoy great opportunities in performance. Like any organization that wins a lot (New England Patriots, Lakers and Celtics back in the day, etc) they tend to get beat-up. Some fans don't like that their A corps gets many members who marched elsewhere and want to finish their drum corps experience marching BD. But this happens with other corps, too. Crown and Bluecoats and SCV, and definitely Garfield/The Cadets from back in the day have all benefited by being destination corps. I think people would appreciate the Blue Devils more if they really took the time to examine all the things they do from a total organization perspective.

I agree with Barneveld. While Boston and Crown were tight for much of the season, you guys pulled ahead at the end. Congrats! And may we agree that both our corps demonstrated that actual drill design is still effective!