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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

Give an extra loud cheer for my boy when they take the field. Sinnerman will entertain you!

27!

I also wanted to provide some information regarding the vision of the future of the Sport Park that is now home to the Cadets. Troy Bingham, who owns the sports park and was instrumental in getting the cadets to relocate, laid out the vision. He wants the park to be the world class facility for all sports and athletes. This includes the marching arts. The field the cadets performed on is going to be turned into a 3,000-5,000 seat stadium with turf field, flood lights and all. It’s rumored that this will become the new home of the Lake Erie Fanfare DCI show once the Cadets take ownership of it starting next year and make their official home show. For those who don’t know, the sports park is home to massive soccer tournaments all summer long, so this field would get a lot of use. There are also 7 other fields on the facility that will all be turned into turf fields. The Cadets, and local organizations, in conjunction with the sports park are also in the process of creating other youth organizations the benefit the local region. They did not offer specifics, but I foresee the return of a DCA corps, probably entrance into the WGI world, and other trainings for local marching arts programs. I can also say there is also work being done in the community in hopes of corporate sponsorships for The Cadets. These are all early stage projects, but definitely things that need to happen. The future is bright for The Cadets in Erie it would seem. And let me tell you, Troy is upstanding guy who puts every ounce of his being into making his visions happen.

There’s gonna be a lot of 📈📉📈📉📈 a lot of that haha

I’m looking forward to that competition from corps in the 5-8 spots. I hope there’s some back and forth to make things interesting

I do wish the Blue Stars could break into the top 5. Their shows flow so well and make sense without me having to analyze and breakdown everything to get it.

Based upon Regiment having to play catch-up design wise while Blue Stars have the luxury of taking some risks that I believe will be entertaining and rewarded on the sheets.

1. Concord 2. IDK 3. IDK 4. IDK 5. IDK 6. IDK 7. IDK 8. IDK 9. IDK 10. IDK 11. IDK 12. Pacific Crest

I’ve found myself enjoying bloo’s 2022 production more and more the more I listen to it, one of the more well-put together shows musically in the activity, so faithful to its source material and translating it into the medium of drum corps, the percussion section was the bridge to each moment and movement of the show, it’s no wonder they won the Sanford last year. I have no doubt that they’ll be an incredibly exciting group to watch with what I’m hearing from people posting now about their hornline going to the next level and having even more of an impact in the live performance setting. Can’t make any predictions for the year without hearing what Bloo is up to, they’re in the mix year in and year out!

Star 1990 is my first choice. Always will be, forever and ever The show is my favorite of all time. What I like about the recording of that show is that it picked up the “FFF” moments so well from backfield to front and in blocks and company fronts. You can hear the crescendo into the company front, which is just goosebumps everytime. The opener of the Cavaliers show, same thing. I blew out a speaker once in my car because of the way that first, glorious, turn from backfield hit of Gloria comes through a speaker. But a close second…..Madison 1995. I was at Allentown that year to experience it. Sat at the 45 yard years line, midway up. The. Place. Was. Electric. …..I wasn’t in Buffalo, but Allentown was just as crazy. 2:48 of this video on. I have never seen or heard a crowd got that crazy over a corps. And the company front is the definition in Webster‘s of thrown babies.

I hate doing these things but since my big fingers type a lot I'll put one out there 1. BD 2. Bluecoats 3. Boston 4. Crown 5. Blue Stars (one homer pick is allowed) 6. Cadets 7. Cavies 8. Phantom 9. Mandarins 10. BK 11. Troopers/Colts (one will be here and the other will be 13th) 12. Crossmen I think BK looked at itself and filled positions to be themselves again. It's hard to pop into finals and stay there consistently so one of the new groups just barely misses it but all I've seen is a video of a harmonica player doing circle drill so not sure what's coming out of Casper and Dubuque. BD gets it's 3peat after many recent attempts. Bluecoats get the drum trophy again and that's what will separate them and Boston in an almost tie again.

Yeah.

4 days in NC, 2 in OH, then in Muncie for 4. It's a LOT of rehearsal time and not a lot of time on the bus Being at the show site those 4 days is also a substantial bonus. Members really enjoy interacting with the BOA campers there (and of course the campers are just ridiculous at the show, cheering for every single corps but maybe just a wee bit more for Crown ).

The early season rumor was that Martin was arranging the show instead of Klesch. Obviously false. And if he did indeed arrange a piece it's interesting that Crown would not credit him. I suspect that it's more of a collaboration but in any case I STILL want to hear it. FWIW I think bringing in new ideas to the music side (which Martin as well as Shah/Jackson probably did) is a fundamentally good thing for Crown. (and your post had no snark and is not what Grandpa was referring to. Everyone's welcome here but there are a handful of posters who continue to post in this thread only to troll and insult crown fans. Not cool. )

Agreed. Two things the DCI should do well: schedule and scores. The schedule has been atrocious for years.

It's all good. I just think people need to lighten up more on DCP.

1998 was a good 50th Anniversary year. Went from 7th to 4th too, so that tracks too.

Oh good grief. Okay, usually when a corps has an anniversary year; the show and corps, overall, tend to be a little more special and a little more driven to create something special and memorable just because. How's that for an expanded answer? Sometimes I think DCP could use a little more "Coffee Shop."

On Friday, The BACPercussion spent the day at Zildjian Company! The percussion section was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour inside in the factory before performing for the Zildjian team!

Today the 2023 Boston Crusaders visited the place where the drum corps began 83 years ago, Most Precious Blood Church in Hyde Park Massachusetts.