marshamello

DEFINITELY NO CAPES!!! Or at least if you add a cape, make it for decorative purposes only. I find the lame drills to drum solos, with the horns flopping their capes up and down, to be one of the cheesiest things anyone has ever done in DCI and so unsophisticated for such a class act as Phantom. IMHO

I just visited the web site for the Plymouth-Canton Marching Band when checking out the thread on minimalist shows and noticed that their 2003 show was entitled "Souls of the Gypsy Caravan" and was described as follows: "The Souls of the Gypsy Caravan features a variety of mideast and far east music. Travel with us on our pilgrimmage but remember that the desert can be full of surprise and excitement. Sometimes you can't believe your eyes or ears." Sounds a bit like the Bluecoats show this past year. Bluecoats show description: "The Bluecoats are proud to announce their 2005 Program, “Caravan.” "Caravan” will take both the Bluecoats and its audience on an incredible voyage. A “caravan” can be defined as a convoy or group procession traveling together to a common destination. The big band standard’s familiar melody, inspired by the sounds and emotions of the Mediterranean, elicits colorful images, from desert sands to spiritual ceremonies." So all you who always point to Boston and The Cadets for borrowing a marching band show concept have yet another target!

Like most any effect, it depends on how it is implemented. I felt Cadets 2005 was wonderful and well-integrated into the show but Cadets 2003 seemed an awkward/forced addition that was just tagged on to the start.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, one thing they are already borrowing is Dutch Boy's 2005 show concept! As to Gaines' drill moves, they've been borrowing those (watered down versions, that is) from the Cavies for two years now.

Moderator close this thread now! Oh wait, I forgot, it's OK to go on and on with negative and blatantly offensive comments when it comes to The Cadets or Hopkins.

After seeing Phantom last night, I think they look and sound great but just don't have the difficulty level to beat Cavies or Cadets. I see Cadets in first, Cavies in second, and Phantom in third and winning the Disney award.