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cavies79

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    Cavies Sans Gaines?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    This is not the first time that the Cavaliers have gone thru changes in their drill writers. When Steve Brubaker took over for Ralph Pace (1982) as designer, there were many critics of his writing. As we all know, that changed as Steve's visual style evolved. Same thing will happen for Richard. He is a very talented writer and takes pride in his work. The Cavaliers will be fine. One last thing, after Steve Brubaker, there were 5 different writers...Richard makes number 6. Yet, they have been very competitive almost all of those years.

    • Like 1

    How weak is the Cavies Show?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    I agree with the previous poster. Sure, Cavaliers will get better as the season goes along. However, the corps in front of them will get better too. It's not like those corps are going to roll over now! And, as for the Scouts not beating the Cavies down the stretch. We must remember that they also have a deep history, tradition, and pride. And, now unlike in recent years, they have the staff.

    In 1988, the Cavaliers were struggling with "Firebird". This was the first season they did this music. The guard was very young and was struggling with not only the work, but also getting to their sets in the drill. It was also the first season that they had a different arranger. Cavies were getting beat by several corps including Bluecoats. With hard work, and several music edits and drill rewrites, they moved up to finish 5th. With the talent and staff they have, never count them out at finishing strong. Maybe they won't win, but I predict they will finish much higher than a lot of you predict.

    I know some of you will say that the other corps are working just as hard, good staff, etc. But, the Cavaliers are well known for their work ethic. So, sit back and enjoy all of the corps. And regarding Cavaliers, don't be so critical. These guys are 18-21 year old trying to have the summer of their life. Please allow them to enjoy their season!

    • Popular Post
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    How weak is the Cavies Show?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Maybe drum corps will see a flip-flop of placement in the next 20 years?

    This post is definitely one of the funniest I've ever read on DCP. I have to respond to the above statement. First of all, the members of the Cavaliers are a class act!! They are having a great time on tour with the other corps members. They are working hard and I am sure having a great summer. I don't believe any of them joined the corps just to win a DCI Championship. They joined because of the friendships they are making, the travel, and the opportunity to perform in front of enthusiastic crowds.

    Secondly, the Cavaliers have survived over 6 decades. The alumni base and parental support are both very strong. I believe they have a stronger base more now than ever. In the 70s, the corps had some difficult years, but they survived. In fact, I am positive the members had a great time and built life long friendships. Years later, the corps is still here and entertaining thousands of drum corps fans.

    Regarding the show, they still have time to clean and layer this show. If they don't win a championship, or even place in the top 3-6 catagory, the corps will continue. The guys will continue having the same great experiences that thousands of previous Cavaliers had. In closing, my hats off to the current 2012 Cavaliers...no matter what the scores are, continue having a great experience.

    • Like 12

    Opinions

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    What corps has the toughest music package? The toughest visual package? The toughest package musically and visually combined?

    What corps has the most entertaining music package? The most entertaining visual package? The most entertaining package musically and visually combined? Too early to tell, but I am guessing Cadets

    What corps will be the fan favorite? Madison Scouts or Cavaliers (All male corps are really popular)

    What corps will receive high music, high visual, and the high general effect captions? What corps will receive the Jim Ott award, the George Zingali award, and the Fred Sanford award?

    High music- Crown

    High visual- Cadets

    High GE- Cadets

    Jim Ott- Crown or BD

    Zingali- Cadets

    Sanford- Cavaliers

    What will be the most controversial show this year? (controversy can be applied to many different aspects)Cavaliers or SCV

    What corps will experience the biggest drop in placement? Blue Stars

    What corps will experience the highest climb in placement? Spirit

    In your opinion will this year in DCI be a pivotal or very memorable season, or the opposite? I don't think it will be as exciting as last year in terms of show design.

    Do you believe there will be any surprises this year? I think possibily. Biggest surprise might be Spirit's final placement.

    Fairfield, OH - quick thoughts

    in DCI (All) Corps Show & Event Reviews

    Posted

    Just got home from the Fairfield, OH show. Brought my five year old son with me for his first DCI show ever! It was wonderful to see him react to the performances. He had a blast. I'm still stuck in the 1990s as far as my tastes go in drum corps, so, you know, I get excited (for real) maybe five times over the course of the entire evening.

    Beautiful weather tonight, dry and in the low 80s with a pleasant breeze. Glad the show was tonight, and not tomorrow, as the weather is supposed to top 100. Excellent crowd as well, in terms of attendance and responsiveness.

    I'm tired, but I wanted to share a few very brief thoughts on the last few corps:

    CROSSMEN - First big sounding corps of the night. I was impressed with the show design. Reminded me a bit of the 1992 show. Overall the corps was pretty clean - much more than the Colts, IMO. They had a few really nice grooves going in the show, rhythmically.

    COLTS - Loud, but sloppy, musically. The crowd really liked their volume. Music seemed a bit esoteric (evil?) for much of the show, didn't really connect with me all that much.

    CAVALIERS - Interesting. They definitely have a long way to go as far as show design and cleanliness. They will definitely get there though, and they will be fighting with the other big boys for the top spot. The show was kind of "weird" for me, for lack of a better description. The music is disjointed thematically, although I think that's what they might be going for? Not sure. It's not clear to me, which means it's probably not clear to the design staff as well. The use of electronics (the overblown, distorted sounds) were pretty clever initially, but grew tiresome in the closer. Again, the show will grow a lot over the course of the summer. I remember seeing the Cavies really early on in 1999, and I just did not like the show. By the end of the season, I loved it. I hope the same will happen this year. Anyway, musically, there were a few nasty blown releases (a big one in the opening tune by a baritone). The show got a mild response from the crowd, but it didn't connect like past Cavies' shows.

    CADETS - Highlight of the night, for sure, with the most enthusiastic crowd response. Wonderful show, lots of fun. The Christmas music is very accessible and creatively arranged. Loved the little nod to Vince Guaraldi in the last moments of the show. Very clever arrangement of Jingle Bells - awesome park 'n' bark section in the middle! The Cadets are very clean for mid June. They still have a lot to fix, but they are definitely ahead of the Cavies in terms of performance. Again, overall, just a really enjoyable, accessible, and creatively arranged show. It's so nice to hear melody in this age of over-arranged, dissonant drum corps music.

    Thanks, and good night!

    Nice review! I won't get to see anybody live until San Antonio. I really hope Cavaliers have their show together by then.

    Cavaliers in Trouble?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Sorry to be sensationalist, but WOW ... what in the world did the new staff do to this corps? Even the corporate-friendly hosts of DCI At The Movies were baffled by their show. I know it was "incomplete", but there was nothing I saw that had ANYTHING to do with the Cavies of the past 15 years.

    I know that all the geniuses of the early 2000s Cavies are with SCV right now (and I hope their show is good), but how could they not find people halfway decent to replace them? YIKES.

    I'm a big DCI fan and am not trying to insult anyone here, but I just can't believe the product I saw put on the field tonight. I had to come home and watch Frameworks, Spin Cycle, and 007 to cleanse my palate.

    Spin Cycle, first of all, most of the staff is not new. The only big change is the drill designer is different. Most everybody else is the same. Secondly, it is only June. If I remember correctly, a lot of people wrote off the Cavaliers in 2010, after several staff changes and a younger corps. They came back and finished in the top 3. Don't count out Cavaliers! They will be in the thick of things by the end of the summer.

    How do we save Drum Corps

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Correct.

    I also don't watch... Bad B movies simply because the actors really enjoy doing it or a game rematching the '80 line up of the Lakers and the Sixers, etc. I don't enjoy it and I am ok with not pretending that I do.

    A specific example that is sort of similar to my view of alumni corps and SPCA or whatever they are...

    In the late 90's I went and saw Cheap Trick play at some dive in Salt Lake City. I was pretty excited to be able to see them, especially in such an intimate venue... could hold 200 max, maybe. While the music was ok, I left the concert actually sort of feeling bad for the guys. I mean, here these guys who once had this incredible success... playing not nearly as well as they once had, doing a gig at a ###### dive in SLC, for a fraction of the money they used to, and playing the same stuff they have for decades.

    Watching/hearing was enough to know I wouldn't go watch (see rematch of the 1980 Lakers/Sixers).

    In recent years, I have seen Chicago 2xs, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Earth Wind and Fire, and more. These are all veteran groups, but they still put on a great show. I'm sorry Cheap Trick wasn't up to you standards. Many of these older groups can still pack the arenas. Ask Bon Jovi, KISS and others. In drum corps, there have been some great alumni corps.....the crowd enjoys watching them and the members enjoy performing. You might not like this, but there are many who do.

    Carolina Crown news

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    I saw the title of this thread and opened it up expecting to read about a tragic accident or a death. Come on folks, "Sad" news is someone like Marty Hurley having a Massive Stroke, laying in a Coma in a Hospital; Adam Sage leaving Crown is nothing more than what Instructors/Caption heads have done since the beginning of drum corps! In the future, please be a little more careful within the titles of your threads.

    Update: Noticed that you put the Sage leaving info as a small tag; why not eliminate the large "Sad News" line all together and just make the large title state, Sage leaving as...?

    I want to clarify that Marty was not in a coma. I spoke to his assistant band director @ Brother Martin H.S. in New Orleans. They heavily sedated Marty, but he was never in a coma. Marty has a long ways to go for improvement, so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

    Dennis

    DCI Finals Week Review

    in DCI (All) Corps Show & Event Reviews

    Posted

    Where did you go 2011? Another Drum Corps Season has come and gone – seemingly barely after in started. Thankfully, 2011 delivered – for the most part – on a promise made by Cesario & DCI that there would be more of a focus on entertainment and corps going back to their roots this summer. Easily the most entertaining season since 2008 (I consider 2003-2008 DCI’s modern renaissance), this year was also very competitive in small clusters. All of this made for a memorable Finals weekend this weekend in Indianapolis – and perhaps the first that almost made me forget how much I hate DCI Finals being indoors.

    I’m just going to write one review for the 3 fabulous shows in Indy, and mix in some thoughts on the season along the way. Just to get this out of the way, I marched in the early 90s, and was on staff for a couple of years after that, and this year marked my 23rd straight year to attend finals. I have a bias towards music over visual – thought not in an extreme. I’m also an unabashed Phantom Regiment Fan – my adopted favorite corps since my own corps no longer exists. I go to finals every year with a great group of friends who marched at different points in the 70s, 80s or 90s, and to a person, we all felt like this year’s edition of Drum Corps was a nice step forward. We had great seats all 3 days in Row 7 of the upper deck, center section, between the 45 and 50.

    One final warning – while I try to be positive – and I truly appreciate & love the effort all the kids give to their corps, I tend to be very candid in my opinions. I will also only be reviewing the World Class Corps.

    Pioneer – Congratulations to the corps on celebrating a terrific anniversary this year. It is too bad they weren’t able to pick up more kids this year, as I thought their program was a nice step forward. The departure from some of their Irish traditions was refreshing and the show was enjoyable. Clearly the corps youth and size worked against them, but I thought the design was well written for them, with an effective drill and a music book that flowed well. I have to question the wisdom, though, of this corps staying in World Class if they can’t recruit more members and be more competitive.

    Jersey Surf – I didn’t get to see Surf until Quarterfinals and I have to say I was surprised and impressed. I really enjoyed Surf in their first year in World Class in 09 and felt like they took a real step backwards last year. I gather that my opinion wasn’t shared by many, but I really though they made a nice move forwards in 2011. Pedal Tones had a very enjoyable music book and visual program – accessible and fresh. The guard was perhaps the best I’ve seen from them, and while the costuming was a bit out there, they were very entertaining. In fact, several in my crew felt they were the most entertaining corps of the day until Crossmen, or the start of what we used to call the top 17. Keep it up, Surf!

    Cascades – Cascades were much more uneven than Surf in my opinion – in terms of show design in particular. Pandora’s box likely worked much more effectively in small stadiums or down low than it did up high in a big stadium. There is just so much you can do with a rather amateur-looking stretchy box in the middle of the field. Still, performance-wise, Cascades took a nice step forward this summer, with a stronger hornline than last year, and improved marching technique. With their director retiring, here’s to hoping the foundation is there for Cascades to stay in World Class competition and continue to improve for years to come. Kudos as well to the new uniforms. Quite effective on the field, though the bright plumes can certainly shine a harsh light on ensemble visual problems.

    Teal Sound – Ok, I’m going to struggle with this one more. Apart from an enjoyable hornline that and put out some nice power, I did not find much to enjoy in this show. The new brown uniforms are just not appealing, and create no visual effect whatsoever. Perhaps they should change their name to a less flattering “Brown Sound”? If you have a color in your name, at least have enough of it in your uniform to reach the upper deck. This is the one corps musically that I feel has gone off the deep end with electronics and it simply is out of place in a drum corps show to me and not enjoyable. Lastly, the numerous holes in their drill – were distracting to the visual program – and at times much more visible than others. I really hope this corps goes in a new direction musically – they have too much talent and too many numbers to languish this low in the World Class ranks. I understand this corps had a tough summer – and I do salute the kids for pushing through and giving us their best in Indy. Show design is not their fault!

    Mandarins – I used to be a huge fan of Mandarins. Year after year this corps put out gutsy, ambitious shows with small numbers but strong performance levels – often with effective music books that were unique to them and entertaining. It seems this corps started regressing last year, and fell further in 2011. There was very little that was memorable in this show design – and the 40 thieves theme to the show was almost impossible to find. The burnt-orange uniforms are still unappealing, and the silks were plain enough to make this corps very visually forgettable – despite having one of the stronger individual techniques in the 18-23 slots, and a well written drill. Musically, this was perhaps my least favorite Mandarins book ever. It will be interesting to see what direction this corps heads next year.

    Pacific Crest – PC is another corps that I wish would find a more appealing and accessible musical identity. They have numbers, talent and power, but consistency from year to year in music choices and arrangements just isn’t there, and 2011 was not one of the up years. Visually, I thought the 2011 version of Crest was a step forward, and quite impressive given their part time touring and rehearsal approach.

    Crossmen – What a joy it is to see Crossmen returning to their musical roots. After disappointing musical arrangements the last several years, the changing of arrangers worked wonders – and Crossmen had an extremely accessible and entertaining music book. I found Hallelujah beautiful and some of the new and some of the re-done classic jazz sections of the show to be vintage Crossmen. The closing moments were also downright exciting. Crossmen also gave us signs that their once-beloved guard program is starting to rise again – with some very nice work both in ensemble flag and weapons moments. What holds Crossmen back more than anything is drill design, and most significantly, individual marching technique. Solving these issues would go a long ways towards making Crossmen a finalist again. Thanks so much for entertaining us this year, Crossmen!

    Colts – Colts were one of the few corps I hadn’t seen until Indy, as I missed them in Allentown. I was prepared to be less than impressed based on many reviews, but I actually really enjoyed Colts show – and more so on the 2nd viewing on Friday. As usual, this corps hornline brought some nice power and excitement to the field. The music book had an enjoyable mix of the instantly recognizable classics and more innovate, modern moments. The visual program was certainly a step up from Crossmen both in drill demand and execution and helped them stay in front of Crossmen in my opinion. I thought the deception motif worked well and was effective as well. It was apparent that Colts were younger this year, but thanks again for entertaining us, Red Team! Here’s to hoping you are challenging for Finals again soon. On another note, hearing how well Swan Lake still works on the field, I’m now hoping someone else will build a major part of a show around it soon.

    The Academy – Over the last couple of years, Academy has become one of my favorite corps, and I’ve loved Klesch’s arranging. With Klesch not arranging this year, the corps’s music book did not quite measure up this year, but was still very enjoyable to me. I love the dark, powerful, lush sound this corps has developed, and musically, this corps is on the cusp of Finals. The opener was powerful and exciting, and the ballad beautiful, while the more contemporary closer also really grew on me. It’s the visual side of things that continues to hold this corps back. Drill design remains a huge weak point for Academy vs the other 3-4 corps vying for those last couple of spots in Finals. Academy’s product just isn’t as intricate or complex (or effective). The guard program – after what I felt like was a high point in 2009 with the Ascent – has regressed again and is their other major area that lacks competitiveness to the Finalists – especially in design, but also in performance levels. I’m hoping Academy can turn the corner in these areas – after all they have only been in World Class for 5 years – and they can become a perennial Finalist contender, or more.

    Troopers – After taking a bit of a step back in 2010, I felt like Troopers moved forward again in 2011. This seems like Troopers’ biggest hornline and guard ever, and the drumline is quite solid. As usual, Troopers brought us one of the better individual marching techniques outside the top 12, and while this music book was a bit too subtle and melancholy, it fit their show theme and was effective. Without the huge infinity chord at the end of the show, there would have not really been any memorable highlights in this show. I think that really cost them vs Glassmen and Spirit. Regardless, it continues to be great to see Troopers both still around and challenging for Finals. I hope to see them back & better than ever next year! This is a corps that is part of DCI’s identity and the activity the better for them being good again.

    Glassmen – This is another corps that I didn’t get to see until August that to me was more enjoyable and effective than many reviews had led me to believe. Visually, this was perhaps the best of the 4 corps in the 12-15th block. There was a lot of demand in Glassmen’s very well designed drill, and the guard was large, strong and effective. The Immortal Beloved theme was well portrayed, and to me, at least, quite enjoyable. Musically, Glassmen just lacked the power and wow factor to distance themselves from the Academy, Troopers, Glassmen and Spirit block. I am still hoping to hear again power and precision from Glassmen like they brought us with their late 90s hornlines, but that is an increasingly distant memory now. Until they can address that, though, they will continue to live in the 11-14th grouping.

    Spirit of Atlanta – Welcome back to Finals, Spirit! And thank you for truly reconnecting to your roots as Spirit of Atlanta in more than just name. By this weekend it was clear that no one was going to challenge Spirit for 12th –and the consensus of my group was they really could have been 11th by Saturday night. Spirit brought us exciement and power with a large and effective hornline this year, and a drill that was light-years ahead of recent Spirit visual programs – in design and execution. I also felt like the guard made a nice leap forward this year as well. The Film Noir them was nice portrayed, and there were some nice visual highlights like the music projector set to open the show and the corpse chalk outline form later in the show. This was a great vehicle for Spirit to return to their true identity – and it will be interesting to see where they go from here. I do hope they back off the electronics and sound effects a bit. They also seemed to be one of the worst offenders with augmenting the bass of their sound with the keyboards too much – and it wasn’t needed with that wonderful hornline!

    Blue Stars – I’m sure no one in the organization is happy with their slide in placements this year. The corps clearly had talent – and likely the most demanding show design they’ve brought to the field yet. There were just too many design flaws in this show, and Saturday night was also marred by way too many drops from the guard. The ramps and scaffolding didn’t end up bothering me as much as I thought it would – but the placement way too far forward on the field really compromised the visual program for Blue Stars this year – forcing the drill to be way to compact, cluttered and to the front of the field. The corps never really solved their M&M technique and Ensemble Visual problems this year, and it really hurt them. Musically, I continue to enjoy the power and proficiency that the Blue Stars Hornline gives us. This was perhaps their best hornline yet. The book, however, was not nearly as effective as 2006-2010 have been. The brass book lacked highs and lows (it was almost all loud), and made this show a bit tiring. Here’s to hoping they recover quickly from a one year stumble in programming and come back with a vengeance in 2012!

    Madison Scouts – Easily one of my top 3 shows of 2011, Scouts just did a masterful job with a sensitive theme that could have been offensive or shameless in the hands of a lesser design team. I thought they brilliantly and emotionally gave us the feeling of that awful morning in New York, and then lifted us up with one of the more uplifting and emotional closers of the last decade. Who knew Alicia Keys would work so well on the field. Even with repeated viewings I never stopped getting a lump in my throat and goosebumps in that closer. I still can’t get that music out of my head, it’s one of three shows that I really wish I could see again – along with Phantom Regiment and Carolina Crown. What an amazing year for DCI when this show is 10th! Scouts easily brought us their largest and best guard program since the 80s in my opinion, as well. If they can raise the bar on their visual design and demand overall, this corps can once again challenge for the top 6 as soon as next year. Thank you, Madison, for a memory that will live on for years in 2011.

    Blue Knights – Who knew English Folk Song Suite could be pulled off so well on the field? There were many doubters when this show was announced last spring, but boy did BK prove the doubters wrong. I will say that musically, there show did feel a bit all too similar, but the hornline was excellent, and their power and proficiency was quite impressive with a difficult book. It was the visual program, though, that really kept this corps in front of Madison and on the heels of Boston. What an amazing drill – very difficult and very effective. This was also one of BK’s best guards, and they added a great deal to the show. The drumline was perhaps not one of BK’s best, but the feature with the pit coming out with the old, traditional drumming was a real highlight for me as well. While I was in the minority that loved BK’s dark shows in 2006 and 2007, I am amazed with the terrific, accessible shows this corps has put out the last 2 years and will eagerly await 2012 from them!

    Boston Crusaders – You have to give Boston credit for being gutsy with show design. When you tackle Les Miz and 1812, you are going against some legendary drum corps performances of the past. Boston very smartly reinvented both to avoid comparisons to those legends, yet made the show accessible, entertaining and exciting. Absolutely no question this corps was powered by an amazing color guard. Some of the most striking ensemble flag moments of the year came from Crusaders in the opening ¼ of the show. Those red and yellow flags had huge exposure risks, and the guard performed flawlessly with them, leaving indelible images on the crowd. Musically, the corps was quite competent, but lacked the power to take this show completely over the top. Additionally, while better by Saturday, this corps really had issues in Indy with clean company fronts. It was more than surprising that the corps couldn’t clean those signature moments to close the show as well as the show deserved. I don’t know that the white tarp worked was well as hoped during the Bring Him Home section, but wow, what a soloist and a nice musical moment that section of the show gave us! No matter, this will be one of the most remembered guard programs of the year, and congratulations to the whole corps for entertaining us yet again!

    Bluecoats – You can count on the modern Ohio-Texas hybrid Bluecoats to be a terrific music ensemble, and they were yet again in 2011. Their hornline was powerful while producing a rich sound that is always great to listen to, and that drumline was again fantastic. Unfortunately, the vehicle just wasn’t there for Bluecoats this year. Maybe the least interesting of all the finalists in 2011, the Bluecoats music book just didn’t do it for me this year – though I did like the beautiful opener. After that, though, this show just felt like a musical and visual re-hash of last year. The Mackey piece at the end just was not effective at all. And make no mistake, I loved 2010 Bluecoats, and actually felt they should have won in 2010. This show just didn’t go anywhere and couldn’t hold my attention by the 2nd viewing. Visually, the corps was not nearly as clean and tight as they were last year either. I’m a much bigger fan of the Bluecoats 2004-2006 shows and I hope they move back towards that direction.

    Santa Clara Vanguard – Perhaps SCV was the one corps this year to not get “the memo” about returning to their roots and entertaining the fans this year – at least musically. SCV ended up wasting a very strong visual program (and guard and drumline) with a music book that just fell completely flat outside a fairly enjoyable ballad in the middle. Perhaps the show theme doomed them from the start. I hoped for so much for SCV after 2009, but the fact is this once beloved corps has only made top 3 twice in the last 12 years, and is not connecting to the audience with the beautiful and exciting music that made them such an icon for 3 decades. If there is any corps in need of a new musical direction, sadly, it is Vanguard, who for most of the last 23 years has been my 2nd favorite corps. Perhaps it was the power and proficiency of the hornline (or lack thereof) that really hampered the effectiveness of the show – I’m, not sure. From my perspective, though, SCV, along with Boston, had one of the 2 weakest hornlines in the top 12, and that’s just not right.

    Phantom Regiment – Talk about a 180 from SCV. Phantom Regiment in 2011 was all about Power, Music and Emotion. This will go down as one of my most beloved shows from the corps I adore like no other. The closing strains from Elsa’s kept me awake for much of Saturday night. Many will poke holes in this show, criticizing the level of difficulty or such – but I will say it is equally difficult to be that lyrical while being that spread out and exposed on the field, and I thought that Phantom’s brassline was phenomenal. And wow, the vintage, deep, dark, powerful Regiment low brass sound was back this year by Finals like I don’t remember hearing in many years. I hardly talked to a soul who saw this show live in Indy that didn’t have it in their top 2 favorite shows this year, and some of my friends who are hit or miss with PR actually said this was their show of the year. Visually, the corps was just beautiful this year, with a spit-polish clean, wide open drill (thank you so much, Phantom, for bringing back Jamie Thompson!!!), and the best Regiment guard since the 90s. And indeed – what an amazing color guard! Those ladies moved so well, and their equipment work was also outstanding. Very deserving of that top 3 finish in guard – to the opposite of the what the naysayers thought would happen when the corps announced they were going back to an all-female guard for 2011. I also felt like the corps strongly deserved those 4th place GE Visual and 3rd Place Ensemble Visual scores – while being significantly underscored in GE Music and Brass. While I will recognize and agree that there was not enough velocity in this show to challenge for a ring (and the drumline is still a work in progress) – I don’t honestly care. I loved everything about this show, and PR reminded me what I fell in love with about drum corps in the first place. The activity at its best still has the ability to create moments of magic that transport you away from everything and give you such powerful and emotional memories. Bravo, Phantom Regiment, Bravo!

    Carolina Crown – It would take a very special design team to blend a Rock Concert with rich Rachmaninoff music – and Crown has just such a staff. Along with Phantom, and Madison, Crown had the other crowd favorite show this year, and I believe it is because all 3 refuse to sacrifice music for the sake of visual design. I hope none every change that approach. Crown brought us another terrific music book and an amazing hornline this year. The crowd was in their hands from the preshow to the guitar smashing finale, and everything in between. I thought the corps improved dramatically in visual execution over the course of the 3 days – and that was just enough for them to hold off a surging Phantom Regiment. I do miss the more heartfelt and inspired Crown shows of 2006-2008, and I hope they move back in that direction a bit, but I loved this show, and along with PR & Madison, this is one of 3 shows that I am sorry I don’t get to see live again. I can’t get enough of any of those 3 shows! 2011 also continued, to me, what is now a 5 year trend of the corps in the 3-6 slots being more entertaining than the top 3 (with the exception of 2008).

    Cavaliers – the Green Machine brought us what I consider to be a vintage Cavalier show this year, chock full of visual demand, effective drill, and gimmicks that get the crowd going and are exciting. This is the most I’ve enjoyed Cavaliers since Sammurai, and no coincidentally, I felt like this was the best hornline and drumline Cavies have brought us in Indy so far. The guard was stellar again, as well. What held this corps back from challenging for a ring? I think 2 things – musically, there just weren’t enough high points to me, and there was too much of a melancholy feel to the book. Visually, I believe the stilts were a mistake, and were visually limiting. If you are not going to do anything more interesting that walk around on them with a staff, then, there are probably more effective things you can do. I also felt like that Cavaliers did not tighten up visually as much as Cadets, BD and Phantom did, and that hurt them a bit. Still, the upside down drumming, brass playing and conducting were fun, effective highlights, and I enjoyed this show very much! It was just missing “something” I can’t quite put my finger on.

    Blue Devils – In a surprising turn, I actually enjoyed BD more than many people appeared to this year. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, because BD brought us a much more lyrical and melodic music book this year, and I love BD when they play great music. While not on par with my favorite BD shows such as 88-90, 92, 95, 00, 04 or 08, I really enjoyed this show (odd how all my favorites are not championship years for BD!). Visually, I grew to appreciate BD’s props this year, and I thought they were very effectively used in the show. One highlight to me was how the corps spun a large horn block on side A and had one of the cubes moving with a corner of the block – a small touch, but very effective when noticed. I do hope that BD gives us a prop-free show for a while going forward, though. As usual, BD performed with unmatched energy and performance levels this year. Their guard was as memorable as always, and I think the corps moves so WELL, they don’t get enough credit for the movement they do. Thanks, BD for returning to more of your jazz roots this year, and for giving us such great melodies. Please make that a trend!

    The Cadets – Easily the most enjoyable Cadets have been to me since their 2005 championship show, I thought they were the clear champions this year. While I feel like the first half of the show was only ok musically, the latter half of the show was terrific both musically AND visually. And wow, did Cadets return to their roots – and the roots I adore, with demanding drill, great velocity, and ambitious programming. While this show wasn’t deep, it had just enough heart to connect to the audience, and the visual program was just not to be denied. While not one of my favorite championship shows –either overall, or of the Cadets’s many championship shows, this was a very deserving show that was performed with amazing execution levels. If they can find a way to repeat that feat, and add in the heart and musicality of my favorite Cadet shows like 92, 93, 95, 00 and 05, they could repeat again quite soon.

    Well, there you have it. As usual, this is far longer than I intended – so thank you to anyone who stuck it out and actually read this whole thing. As usual, I’m a bit sad today, the day after Finals. I wasn’t ready for this season to end – always a good sign. I can’t wait to see what we get as fans next year, and I hope the more crowd-friendly approach most corps took this season is expanded upon next year. 2012 can’t get here soon enough!

    Harvey

    Great review Harvey. I agree that Madison's show was great!! Regarding Cavaliers, I think they were still a bit too dirty in the visual department. This probably cost them the championship. I saw them in San Antonio and they were super clean. When they made changes in Oklahoma, their scores dropped immediately. Maybe an extra week would have won them the championship. Who knows? Either way, this was a great year for drum corps. I just hope that the Alicia Keys' selection makes it onto the DCI recordings. Without this music, I would be very disappointed.

    • Like 1

    Madison Scouts 2011

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    I am SO glad I finally got to see the corps live on Friday and Saturday. The crowd's anticipation before they started reminded me of being in the stands in 1974 before the start of Hawthorne's show. Absolutely electric.

    There's so many ways that 9/11 could have been treated in a trite, preachy fashion. Madison hit all the right notes in their approach(no pun intended). This is a show people will be talking about for years to come, long after they've forgotten the score.

    Congratulations.

    Jim, I saw the Scouts perform at the Texas Bandmasters Convention this past July. Jim Mason, Thom Hannum, and Robert W. Smith all spoke about the design elements of this year's show. I have to say that this year's show is now one of my all time favorites. I am just hoping that the closer "Empire State of Mind" is allowed on the DVD/Blue Ray. I would be very disappointed if it wasn't.

    Congratulations to the staff and performers of the Scouts for a great 2011 season!

    Predict your finishing order for the end of the year.

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted · Edited by cavies79

    Madison will not pass Boston Bostons show is designed to makes small changes throughout the year, OPlus Bostons percussion sections is much better technically than madisons.And visually Bostons is much better. Boston will also stay in front of blue knights and blue stars. Its also possible for Boston to pass SCV.BTW bostons perc. section beat Phantoms in Lafayette La.

    Madison's musical book is a bit better than Boston's. I had the opportunity to sit in a Madison Concert at the TBA (Texas Bandmasters Convention) and the concept is awesome. If everybody knew how this show was derived, they would look at it different. I think Jim Mason, Thom Hannum and Robert Smith have done a truly awesome job with this show. I like Boston too, but feel Madison's music is better. What might hold back madison is their visual program. Not quite there yet, but getting better under this staff. I didn't march with Madison, but I have a lot of respect for them and especially with the current design team and instructional staff.

    • Like 1

    Predict your finishing order for the end of the year.

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    1. Cavaliers...98.3

    2. Blue Devils...97.65

    3. Cadets...97.0

    4. Carolina Crown...96

    5. Phantom Regiment...94.7

    6. Santa Clara Vanguard...92

    7. Bluecoats....90

    8. Madison Scouts..88.95

    9. Blue Stars...87

    10. Boston....86.5

    11. Blue Knights..86

    12. Spirit of Atlanta...85

    13. Troopers...84.5

    14. Academy...84

    15. Glassmen...83.5

    16. Crossmen...82

    17. Colts...81

    I saw these corps in SA and feel that Madison will possibly move up depending on what visual stuff they do. SCV is already making their climb.

    Madison Scouts 2011

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    At this point in time, the synchronization rights to "Empire State of Mind" have not been secured. The Madison Scouts have secured the ability to arrange and perform the piece, but the sale of synchronized video content has not yet been granted and DCI has appropriately decided to mute the replay content on the Fan Network to avoid any possible infringement at this time. This does not affect the broadcasts of live performances, only the replay of them.

    We have been furiously trying to resolve this issue for over 7 months. Due to the popularity of the piece and the numerous artists involved in its creation, it has proven to be vary challenging. Let's just say that drum corps licensing is not a high priority for the agencies involved with a pop tune like ESOM.

    We are continuing to aggressively secure a license and we appreciate your patience as we work through these matters.

    Chris Komnick

    Executive Director

    Chris,

    First of all, great show!! It's great seeing the Scouts back in top form!! Do you know if there is going to be a problem with "Empire State of Mind" being on the DVD or CD recordings? I sure hope not. I think has become a great closer for the Scouts.

    Dennis

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