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So this marketing campaign came up on FB for me. And all I can see is ..

How is it finals week already? Before the season ends, I want to thank all the wonderful parents of MMs that I have seen on DCP this season. You give us a really great perspective on the activity and who it is for, you make insightful contributions to discussions of shows and performances, you give us all new rooting interests because we all want to see your kids and their corps do well, many of you have volunteered and/or traveled to support your MMs at shows, and last but hardly least, you have been there to support your kids to enable them to pursue the drum corps dream. Please forgive if I miss or haven’t encountered any of you, but looking at you: @Chief Guns @MandarinMom @DAYGO @Metalbinky @spacewill @darlacorp. If any other forum members can add more names, please do! I hope all of your children have had great experiences this season that culminate in a finals week experience they will treasure and learn from, and that you have gotten to enjoy the ride they have been on. Here is to a successful and healthy end to the season for all the MMs of DCP parents.

Make no mistake about it. Come Sunday morning, BD will still be the standard. You don't dominate this activity as long as they have and lose that in one year. I liken it to Crown brass this year. They are incredible this year yet again and will probably not win the Ott. That being said, anybody who knows anything about brass knows you don't win the Ott 8 of the last 13 years unless the roots and culture are firmly in place to put you in that position year after year. BD has that, in every caption. I'm sure others will disagree, but I've leave Indy next Monday knowing BD is still the standard.

PC had a similar experience in Sacramento. Warm up spaces were tight and it was as hot as the sun!!!!! PC was warming up on a street beside the parking garage that corps were using to move their props to the stadium. PC had thought everyone had already moved their props so they started using the street. BD had just started moving and needed to pass. Instead of being jerks, or interupting the warm up, they kindly went up to some PC staff that were watching and apologized for interupting but explained the situation. PC staff completely understood and quickly asked their members to move. Instead of being rude BD staff was apologizing for disrupting them. They had right of way and were apologizing! People, this is a 3x defending champ and a corps who hasnt finished outside the top 2 in 30+ years engaging with a corps who has never made finals. They treated them as equals and showed the utmost of respect. Over the years I have been on the BD hate train. But the more I have been able to see them in person and have informal interactions with their staff, the more I see without question that they are a world class organization for areas beyond their finishing order. I may not always love their shows, but you will never hear me bashing this current teams professionalism and humbleness!!!

Depending on the percussion panels, they could arguably win every single caption except for guard which would be a remarkable accomplishment

Things are looking pretty good for Bloo going into Indy … but always remember, Win, Lose or Draw, keep it classy Blooland If we win, act like we’ve been there before (because we have) and be gracious If we lose, race to be first to congratulate the champions (Stepping away from the pulpit now)

It reads like it’s from the guy who got stood up for the prom by the girl who went with some other guy.

Just got to where we're staying. How that Crusaders show is being beaten by 1.3 is amazing. I'm not disagreeing with the scores, I was just wowed by BAC. But it sure looks and sounds like Bluecoats are in the driver's seat. Just so strong and they use the silence between the notes to such effect. It's been a trademark of theirs for years. Was really pleased with almost everything tonight. Some major problems with people finding seats, the rows in our section were not clearly marked. So glad we came to Canton though. Was my first live drum corps in five years. Great way to come back!

I really believe in the crew of the 2024 Regiment will push it to the limit! The “Phamily” has your back and we will be with you on the field as you bring the folks at Indy to their feet…repeatedly. Couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments! SUTA!

I honestly only expect minor changes, if any at all.

I'm number 200!!!!! YEA!!

Ok, but I thought we all agreed we would look like this...

BD will medal. I think they are closer to BAC than most give credit for. The race for silver is close as is the one for 4th. Good luck this week, BD!

It was very subdued. I’m going to die inside if it’s like that in Indy. I need some high energy fellow audience members around me.

I can't post any pics of it but as we came back to our vehicle in the Allentown lot Friday night , the Blue devils Hornline was wrapped around our truck. Me not much the fan was very impressed of the professionalism of the entire staff and group. The lead arranger came over as we loaded our bikes and asked if they should move so we could leave. Well we weren't leaving and we actually decided to stay and Enjoy the dish that was served up. What a great sound and very pleasant mellophone line as they were the section that was at our bumper.

What it sounds like to me is he has some personal vendetta against Vanguard, like that annoying ghost lady. It’s exhausting.

I disagree with you. Yes, the ballad is a lot of park and bark (and it makes sense related to the theme), but they do quite a bit of movement throughout the show and they do it very well. There are some high velocity and difficult drill moves within this show, when it is appropriate to the design. It’s not just about marching and playing anymore. Any of these corps can do that. And, it shouldn’t be. It’s about overall design and execution of that design. Regiment’s show is perfectly designed (musically and visually), they are conveying the theme very well, the members are executing at a very high level, the show is very effective. That’s why it’s being rewarded so well. It doesn’t need anything more than it already has. It’s perfect the way it is. THAT’s what makes a good designer - understanding that you don’t need to add elements to a show just for the sake of creating some illusion of demand and content. You can play and move, for the simple sake of playing on the move, all you want, but if it’s ineffective, it’s ineffective, and that is not going to bode well for you when it comes to scoring.

yowsa

Five years they almost didn’t make Finals and now they’re beating the Blue Devils in GE. The turnaround has been legendary.

I've been checking out batterie transcriptions from 2022, 2023, and 2024 across the activity. I have to say that of all the books I've looked at and played my way through, Rarick's are the most fun and dynamic. Somehow it feels like he still goes under the radar in the activity. Maybe that's just me. Winning percussion against Boston last night is HUGE. No matter what happens with the Sanford, Rarick is a gem, and he has a tremendous team.

unless a corps had stuff planned for Saturday in Allentown and hasn't had the chance to roll it out yet, i'm not expecting major changes

In case anyone missed my VERY IMPORTANT post in the Canton thread... I see Boston pulling a major update in Indy, going for the win: when they hit the infinity form in the closer, all pants turn purple (#purplepantsband) and they play the 2013 Crown closer. Now that's a time/space travel glitch! 🙂

THIS. Hoping the members who are under the weather are getting some rest and plenty of fluids. Adrenaline will take over on Thursday and you will feed off the crowd! Looking forward to seeing you at Lucas Oil soon!

BD already has the hoops lol. Not to far off lol.

Funny story... Seattle was waiting out a rain delay. My son said, "They're from Seattle, let them perform in the rain, it'll give them an instant two point bump in score." 😂

I'll throw in the first show of the season at Mt. Sac out here in SoCal. That show was band kids only, and according to people i knew that was there, it was like being at a Beatles or Michael Jackson concert. Those kids were losing their minds over the corps performances.

It won’t be

Hot take: Phantom beats Blue Devils at finals by 0.025 to take bronze, largely due to beating them in percussion (judged by Jeff Prosperie). 🤪

This us, the BD defense team.

BD fans have been comfortable since the Gerald Ford Administration lol. But in all seriousness I didn't see anyone say BD had a off year. Bloo is just better in 2024. Period. And we salute the Bluecoats for the amazing year they are having. Phantom was better in 08. Cadets were better in 11, Crown was better in 13, Bloo was better in 16, and SCV was better in 18. No one denies that. Those corps won fair and square, no excuses. Again no one is taking anything away from Bloo. Heck I would be the first to say that BD and Bloo fanbases on this forum get along and respect each other. In 2019 when BD won, it was the Bloo fans that were incredibly classy and congratulating BD in their show thread, it was the BD haters that were crying and whining. In 2016, BD fans swarmed the Bloo thread and showed them love and respect. All people are saying is, we have seen this movie before when we hear cycles are made to be broken regarding BD. And you are correct in that statement. But if i got a nickel for everytime someone said BDs reign is over when they lose...........I would have enough money to purchase Lucas Oil Stadium. So until the cycle is broken, BD will pedal into the 2025 season and beyond as the favorite. And they earned that right. And you best believe if Bloo/BAC or any other corps dominated like BD has over the last 17 years, I would say the same thing about them.

When I marched seeing my parents in Orlando at finals was so meaningful. Best wishes to all the parents this week and thanks for what you do to give your kids a special experience.

I'm right there with you on the front ensemble. They are GOOD and they carry a lot more weight for the overall production this year than they will likely get credit for. I've been amazed at how well the percussion blends and supports the brass ensemble no matter where they are staged. It's pure art. Don't get me wrong...this brass book is masterful...but I've gotta show some love to my percussionists!

Rarick is masterful at having the battery and pit support the overall show in his writing. Bloo consistently has one of the best front ensembles year after year. I think if you really dig into what the drum cats say, he's well known as being one of the best designers of an overall concept that there is. 2023 was a sickeningly good pit book and played stupidly well. The whole team is amazing and the right pieces are in place consistently. I think that's the sign of a great leader. Let the specialists specialize, let the designers design and work within those parameters to integrate your groups book. Rarick also seems like a humble cat, which I appreciate.

I may or may not have been in Section 6, Row 6, Seat 6 lol.

They’re at Avon in Indy so it’s not like it’s that much of a hassle to get to Lucas Oil. Plenty of other corps around with drivers that could lend a hand or worse case one driver can just make the drive, get a ride back to Avon and bring the other one.

I thought it was because of the hot temperatures people didn't wear corps jackets. San Bernardino show, it was so hot the Devil tapped me on the shoulder and asked for directions to the souvie booths.

Yessssssssss. This AI BD pic needs to be posted every year going forward. Epic.

I did talk to a guy wearing a Royal Crusaders jacket. He was DM in 75.

In my head anytime I go to a DCI show I am there for the Maroon and Gold team...but it's just me dreaming. I then wake up and cheer for everyone. 😞 🙂

Hell hath no fury like BD going into finals week. I can see them surging past Boston for 2nd place. They have a few days to clean, clean, clean

I agree with this take on it.

I don’t have a favorite so I don’t care who wins or who places where but logically and having watched the tendencies of the judges, I don’t think that is going to happen. I think it will be Bloo(obviously), Boston, BD, Crown, Phantom Regiment. I do think Scouts will make finals and I’m thrilled about that I’ll admit because of my history with them. i also think that the judges had to catch up with Boston’s show. Once you connect with it, the light bulb goes off. Because I don’t think they should have lost a show to BD at all. This is no reflection on BD. It’s just one of those years. They’ll adjust and snap back and put the whoop ### on everyone probably again next year.

All good brother. Appreciate you in saying that. Its all love here. Trust me, us BD fans understand about defending your corps. We are on the front lines everyday of every summer defending BD. And we got the battle scars to prove it lol. To be honest, the last ten years, BD has gotten lots of love on the forum, sure there are pockets of hate, lies, and nonsense, but we can handle that. Nothing like 2009-2013. This forum was a freaking war zone when it came to BD. To this day I think we still have some DCP posters that are MIA lol.

Thank you. That's all I was trying to say. Absolutely no disrespect to Bloo or any other corps in saying that.

2015-2016 BD had several shows including some regionals where they found themselves sitting in 3rd. And in 2011, they started off the season sitting in 4th, until they kicked it into high gear around San Antonio. And I don't recall anyone saying what Bloo/BAC is doing is a shock. Anyone paying attention the last 10 years have watched the rise of those phenomenal corps. And I am on record saying BAC will win a championship sooner than later. And once again BD fans have no issue with competition rising up and challenging the Devils. Heck we welcome the challenge. And if you beat BD, we salute you, we celebrate you, and on to next year. Not only am I a BD fan, but I am a current Mandarins Dad, and I am watching my son's corps rise up and hopefully knock down the door to the top five in the next year or two and start challenging the big dawgs including BD. Again......you are correct that cycles break. No argument there. Difference is, BDs cycle has been going since 1976. It's going to take alot more than one undefeated season from any corps to break that. And its asinine to think otherwise. I am sorry brother, but you dont build up that kind of equity over 48 years like BD has, and it just goes away in one season because the corps you like is winning.

The Blue Devils have earned the benefit of the doubt. Next season they will be odds on favorites to win it all because it’s what they do. I’d hold off on talk of cycles breaking until the cycle actually is in risk of breaking.

Tonight was drumcorps heaven! Great venue, great weather, great crowd, and the Bluecoats were phenominal. I loved every corp, every minute.

How cool thanks! Gonna be an amazing last week to an amazing season!

Santa Clara Vanguard Announces Expanded Partnership with Dynasty Percussion - Santa Clara Vanguard (scvanguard.org)

Doing some recap reading….i wouldn’t be surprised one bit if Phantom surges into 3rd this weekend. Also Bluecoats will score a 99.xx and 2nd place won’t be near them.