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Ok, so here is what I saw/heard…this was based upon a single run through to what they have one the field, plus a lot the smaller reps. No spoilers, only opinions Bigger, Louder, Faster, Higher: Anyone who is only familiar with 2022 Bluecoats performance and repertoire will not recognize much of the 2023 version. Brass Ensemble is WAY louder, and are beginning to find their “voice” as a group. Percussion/pit is on fire already, and guard has switched from being dance-centric to weapons-forward. Talent level of this group, as a whole, seems to be many notches higher than last year. Show difficulty is extremely high. Opener visually reminds me of how I felt in opener of 2016, when I could not focus on just one thing, because there was so much to experience. Brass sound has an intensity, a weight to it that has not been there since pre-covid. This is one focused group of individuals that will rock and shock the DCI fan base once they see what Bloo has be up to these last 30 days. This is a “big venue” show, necessitating a swiveling head. I feel like there is a singular goal in mind with this corps (as every year, in principle), and they have the vehicle to achieve it. Traditional Bluecoats formulas are implemented in this show, which I think will please most of the fans. In summary, I loved 2022 Bloo because they squeezed every ounce out of that show, and achieved and competed and closed out at an incredibly high level. I think 2023 Bloo has a show that they won’t need to squeeze so hard for it to “blossom”, and they can come out of the gate blasting away. I really can’t wait to talk to you all about first blush when you get to see it.

Blue Stars over Crown for 4th. Calling it now.

Thanks for the link to the show debut yesterday. I understand its June, so, I’ll see what they add, clean, etc, as there is a whole season in front of them. I get a lot of this will look and sound different in time. It always does. Although for now…...idk. Maybe some of you feel the same here. I need to understand we are in a new era. And regarding that era, there is one thing in the way I expect things to be. I realize now, that needs to change. I still think each corps is going to come out and do a Gaines like drill, totally wowing me from their first show. In my head I am thinking as I am in 2011- or earlier. I see Cavies, Cadets, SCV, or Crown, and my first thought is, “what will Saktig or Gaines come up with this year when I first see them in June?” I am expecting a drill that just makes me say, “ Oh my God that’s incredible! “. “How awesome is that straight leg technique going to be in the visual.” Or, “how great is that brass going to sound as they are doing those sets.” Last year with the Cadets, I felt that from first view. But, everything must change. I need to understand that the props, dance/movement, etc., play an important role now. Whats on the field is going to look different, and the corps will be interacting with them a lot more then perhaps running and gunning with 16th and 32nd runs in a drill. And to be honest, its an acquired taste for me. But rather than turn off, I am trying see it through and be patient. This said…There are some things I like, and things I don’t like so far in this Cadets show. I had some very optimistic thoughts on this show, when it was announced. I thought it could be one of the best from the corps. The repertoire is outstanding, and the theme to go along with that, seemed to fit the athletic and “ movement is music” style of the Cadets. I was hoping for a bigger brass presence in the opener as well as some of the great drill they had in their opener from last year, carrying over into this year. The circular prop in the middle and the concentration of the members doing dancing and movement is a lot different than what I thought I’d see. To that, and as I said above - I understand this a new era we are in. And I am open to it growing on me. But I was hoping for some larger drill sets with the Hans Zimmer piece and a build into that famous theme. Was looking for something more instead of a heavy percussion into then 20 second, “ hey! we are here” moment with the brass. Honestly, a little disappointed there. Immortal is the highlight for me. Great arrangement. The soloist is outstanding in the ballad part of the piece. Looking forward to how this grows and builds. But, again, disappointed somewhat in the non movement/ no drill in the brass passages of the rest of the piece. We will see if that changes. Overall, its June. And historically with The Cadets, what we see in June could look very different by August. In the meantime, I will see how the show progresses and root for and support them as I always have- perhaps along the way learning to understand The Cadets and the entire activity, differently.

....so next day impressions. The corps is full. 16 Tubas, lots of mellophones. In order of preparedness: The pit and battery are top 5. Lots of notes. Some electronics, but not as heavy as before. Everything seemed to be blended very well. The snares have a LOT of tasty features, and they sound extremely clean for June. The tenors less so, but they sound great. I'm just not an expert of battery percussion, so I can't judge the nuances of tenor drums. The bass drums have some nice features too, especially at the end. This section is ahead of the other parts of the corps. The hornline is very good. Their sound is probably a cross between the previous brass staff and the Saucedo approach. The mellophones have some things to improve on or water during a specific part of the show. The solo groups are great. The Trumpets sound good and approach getting bright without going over the edge. There are a ton of nods to previous shows, but this show feels fresh and new to my ears. I'm very critical of their designs, and this design is a classy tribute to the past while still being tastily modern. Yeah, are we permitted to give away what tunes they're playing yet? The pictures of the uniform jackets make them look sloppy and unbuttoned, but in the field show, they're wearing white t-shirts and it's buttoned up. It reads as 2010 uniforms crossed with the earlier uniforms. Very classy. They're loud, aggressive, and brash. They're also soft, beautiful, nuanced, and still dirty. The guard is large at around 44, and some of them look younger. We'll see how this section cleans up. The silks that were in seemed classy to prideful. The stylized plume looks great on all the members, and they use them for a specific visual effect. It's a nice effect but nothing over the top. The drill is a blend of old and new. Lots of nods to older drill, but still mostly between the 30s and the front hash, like most modern drill. The props move around VERY well this year, and end up in all four corners of the field. There's a diamond cutter, some Samurai-type drill, blocks, curves, stepovers, and company fronts done in the Cavalier way... There's also modern staging. Some of this drill is pretty dirty, and it seems like today was the first time they ran the whole show all the way through from the comments given. If you saw the picture of the Cavalier Corps' through the years, well they play music from those years. There's a lot of content, and it's mashed up like BD taught the activity to do. You can imagine that there's going to be "Rainbow" woven through out the entire show, but it's mashed up with Gloira ('90), and some Gloria ('89) as well as Mars and some other stuff that is usually associated with an East Coast corps from some popular musical. I probably shouldn't ruin things too much or someone may not let me live, they may let me die? Yes, there are nods to '81, '82 too. Mostly visually, but also musically. Without ruining things, it's NOT a tribute show, but there's a lot of music from their history. It's done in a very contemporary way. There's a LOT of drill. The field coverage is great. So far, there are no tarps. The props move and are appealing, but they're not intrusive. I see lot of potential for more integration into the show. Everything on the design front is leagues better than everything done since 2019. This show will grow and grow into something incredible by the end of the season. What they performed for us last night is the skeleton. They're done with the show SKELETON, and they look better now than they have many years where they placed in the top 5 in the past. What I'm trying to say is their skeleton this year is better than previous show skeletons in the past when they placed in the top 5. Everything is there, they just need to clean, layer, and adjust. ...and their marching style is ****** leg. The show is modern. It should please the judges just as much as the fans and the alumni. Lots of comments around me from the locals was that this was much better than last year for them. I definitely see this as a 4-6th place design. It's aggressive, sophistocated, and class from beginning to end. Yeah, they finally have a show ending that makes sense before finals week ( 2019 excepted) again. Let's see if the members can clean it up and the guard can perform. I definitely see them fighting with Blue Stars for 5thish.... Have fun! I can't wait to hear about other corps this year too Also, the show is about 11 minutes long, and feels like 5 minutes. It just goes by so quickly. It's that much fun for me.

Driving back from canton today…will post tonight. still processing what I saw, too 🙂

I’m very excited based on what I know. Sure there will be the expected uproar over the uniforms based on an up close shot not like they’re intended to be seen (from the stands) and everyone will forget once they see the whole product. Should be amazing.

So I watched that clip a few times. No closer yet, but this is one heck of a show for The Cadets. Love the music so far. Powerful stuff! Field perc is going to be really good as they clean. That bass drum feature is super nice. The pit writing is fantastic. Brass is powerful and playing a challenging book. Incredible trumpet soloist in the ballad and the tubas are cranking in a few section. Keep in mind that this is a 6-week season so the show has to clean fairly quickly and I think The Cadets have hit the right sweet spot in terms of demand vs cleaning vs entertaining. This goes for the drill too, though I know changes will be made and the closer was not performed for this show. Overall they are in a good place competitively and also should be quite entertaining this summer. Well done Cadets!

Just got back to the hotel. Still in awe of what I just saw. Best Mandarins show ever! Calling it now. This will be a fan favorite. Must be seen live. Don't have a ticket to any of their shows, club someone over the head and take their ticket. Anyone who predicted Mandarins out of Finals, here is a towel, start wiping the egg off your face.

Though I am here in Northeast Ohio, I have not seen or heard any of this show, but I will echo what another poster stated. I have heard that this is a BIG venue show. I have also heard the talent level is very high. Of course take that as you wish because Bluecoats have had a very high talent level going back many years.

their show this year is nothing like the Blue Stars have ever done!!!!, futuristic, modern, contemporary, adult, forward and driving with unbelievable staging in motion with an avant guard feel and approach. And those horns.... ohhhhhhhh la la, smoking!!! This is not your traditional Blue Stars and nothing to be underestimated or taken lightly. Must be seen live to be appreciated in its fullest!!!!!, on the edge of your seat...bet against them at your own peril.

Crown (fitting) BD (not a 3rd place show) Bloo (all top 4 *very* close ) Boston (following the pattern ) Cavaliers (close to 4th) Blue Stars (shocking) Mandarins (more shocking) Cadets (strong but not back yet) Blue Knights (not forgotten) Phantom Regiment (ouch) Crossmen (bones is a consistent finalist) Troopers (could be 11?)

1) BAC 2) Bluecoats 3) Devils 4) Crown 5) Stars 6) Cavies 7) Cadets 8 ) Phantom 9) Mandarins 10) Troopers 11) Blue Knights 12) Colts

"I like your Phantom Regiment. I do not like your Phantom Regiment fans." - Mahatma Gandhi

Whatever makes you feel better. Ending the discussion with that.

Someone at the show posted this clip. If you want a better vantage point with a better look at the expanse of the field coverage check this out. The show is going to be wonderful I think. It's got that June 24 dirt and it's unfinished (only 3/5th performed) but this may give you a better idea of what they are going for. Plenty to come for sure (as with all the corps). https://youtu.be/8CqiOIxnOm8

I'll bite. 1. Crown 2. BD 3. Bloo 4. Boston 5. Blue Stars 6. Cavaliers 7. Phantom 8. Cadets 9. Mandarins 10. Blue Knights 11. Troopers 12. Madison Scouts

Tour Week One pics https://carolinacrown.smugmug.com/2023-Season/Tour

It reminds me a bit of the MMX camp that the Xmen do in san antonio every year. It doesn't have nearly the same turnout but it is still a lot of fun regardless. I met some awesome people at those camps and did a lot of really run things with the MMs. It was great that my band program at the time had such a strong connection with the org (they used our school for many camps and our stadium for spring training, we bought their old equipment trailer, etc). The camp did a lot of the same things that the MFA/BOA camps do with crown.

My daughter is in BCCG, so I very much respect their secrecy. I will use generalities, nothing show specific. In other words, no spoilers.

appetizing!

The scoring process leaves much to be desired too.

Chowchilla High School used to have a small (but mighty) marching band. Their color guard used "flowers" as their ID signs. The group I marched with (and then taught for over a decade) was always in the same class with them, and they were always a tough out. I cannot wait to see Mandarins this year. The entire concept and musical selections sounds off the hook.

I really don't like how DCI chooses to display the schedule on their website. Too much fluff -- not enough content. So... (third times the charm!)

This show is awesome and the corps has so much room to grow and clean. Mandarins are going to have (another) historic year. Whatever they are doing there, they need to keep doing it.

1. Blue Devils 2. Boston Crusaders 3. Bluecoats 4. Carolina Crown 5. Cavaliers 6. Cadets 7. Blue Stars 8. Phantom Regiment 9. Mandarins 10. Troopers 11. Blue Knights 12. Crossmen

I'll go first... Blue Devils Carolina Crown Boston Crusaders Bluecoats Cavaliers Cadets Mandarins Phantom Regiment Blue Stars Troopers Colts Blue Knights

Saw the family night premiere of Sinnerman tonight. Listen, I know every corps seems to be coming out strong this year, but it is not an exaggeration to say that this is THE strongest the Mandarins has ever been--both the performers AND the show itself. Will they finally break through into a higher place than 10th? We'll just have to see what happens and how everyone else does coming out of the gate. But this year's Mandarins is NOT going to make it easy for anyone to keep them from moving up.

https://fb.watch/lnaO2SZrAA/?mibextid=YCRy0i

The video I saw has me dying to see more. Our stadium is one of those where you are RIGHT next to the field where you feel like you’re out there with them. Can’t wait. Only 3 weeks away!

Can’t wait to see them here in Canyon Texas 🙂 They've been a favorite of the locals every year.

Saw a video of the community performance. This is the best Mandarins I have ever seen. I think that if the judges put them 10th again they are completely wrong

Whoa, slow your roll. Jc, are you for real? Where did I say you were evil?

According to Google, "a troll is a person who posts or makes inflammatory, insincere, digressive,[1] extraneous, or off-topic messages online (such as in social media, a newsgroup, a forum, a chat room, an online video game) or in real life, with the intent of provoking others into displaying emotional responses,[2] or manipulating others' perception, thus acting as a bully or a provocateur." If the shoe fits.

yes, percussion on a whole seems to be at a much better place... Several drum features in the show. Staging takes on a modern contemporary drill design with drums and all facets/sections of the corps....not to mention beautiful seamless transitions... should be a fun one this year!!!!

1) Bloooo 2) Blue Devils 3) BAC 4) Crown 5) Blue Stars 6) Cavies 7) Cadets 😎 Regiment (I can’t explain the default 😎 lol) 9) Blue Knights 10) Mandarins 11) Colts 12) Troopers

Bold prediction but entirely possible.

1. BD - don't like it, but can't say otherwise until someone steps up. 2. Blue Coats 3. Carolina - I think they make a comeback this year. 4. BAC - just didn't love their show music during the preview but that may change when I see the visuals. 5. Blue Stars 6. Cavaliers 7. Mandarins 8. Cadets - it looks like a fun show but visually super challenging and could end up with too many sloppy moments. 9. Blue Knights - I think last year was a fluke 10-12 Phantom - Just wasn't inspired by their preview music, but again that could change with visuals. 10-12 Crossmen - They will make it back 10-12 Colts - I like what they did last year but wonder if they can build on it. All a guessing game, but it starts this week so that is awesome!

The Pequod sank… 😬😂🤷‍♂️✅

1. Boston Crusaders 2. Blue Devils 3. Carolina Crown 4. Bluecoats 5. Cadets 6. Cavaliers 7. Phantom Regiment 8. Blue Stars 9. Troopers 10. Mandarins 11. Blue Knights 12 Spirit of Atlanta

I needed to see this show last week

I know a few people who have done the BOA campers. Funnily enough the other person on the DM team in 22 did that BOA stuff. The ones I did enjoyed it, and of course Im sure that the Crown members love performing with the kids as well. I know when we did that stuff in 18/19 it was a great time

Anyways to try and get this thread back on track I heard crown learned their closer recently. That’ll be exciting to see it in the field

Great post Chief Guns !

The rep is amazing! These guys are my pick to win it all this year!

After watching the clip from the park, love how you can almost visualize the show from the concert performance. Great uniforms too! Here’s hoping to a great year for BAC!

Not us usually one of those “everyone is better than last year people” but yeah. It’s gonna be a GOOD year.

They seem aggressive too. I've got a long drive home, but I'm excited about this show!

Wow! This show is going to be a monster! 1 Encore tune is going to please older alums, other, younger and older.

Mandarins. Yes my son is there, so there is some bias lol. But everything I have heard so far, Sinnerman is going to be a freaking monster. I can't wait to see this show live tomorrow at Family Day. No idea where they will place or what they will score, but this much I know...........Mandarins are sick and tired of being the gatekeeper to the top ten. I will leave it at that. Bloo/Boston. I have so much respect for these organizations. I always look forward to what they are bringing to the table each and every year. Also.......I think these two corps have the classiest fanbases on DCP. Big shout out to @craiga @Liahona @Barneveld @oldbandguy @cfirwin3 @Jurassic Lancer and everyone else who represents those awesome fanbases. Cadets. In my honest opinion, Cadets are STILL one of the big dawgs of DCI, and here's to hoping they make their return back to the top five real soon. Blue Stars. Something is brewing in La Crosse Wisconsin. I have no idea what it is, but I think they could be the most dangerous corps out there. Don't sleep on the Blue Stars. Pacific Crest. If we are just speaking on strictly momentum, no corps was affected by the 2020 covid shutdown more than PC from a momentum standpoint. They were building something in 2019, and it would have been great to see how they did in 2020-2021. Reports I heard is that they are vastly improved from last year, and they seem to have gotten their sea legs underneath them once again. I would love to see PC in the next several years push for a top 12 spot so we can once again have three California corps in Finals.