stardust9121

I've been wondering if they're going to add a new ending sometime soon. They've done it several years in the recent past, I believe. That'd be a great chance to put in the Conquest shots more obviously. Or maybe it could be added into Cruzados somewhere?

I'm confused as to why one *wouldn't* score movement. It's an absolutely integral part of guard today. I was taught to consider it as a fourth piece of equipment - flag, rifle, sabre, and body. Also, "movement" is something that is considered *in conjunction* with spinning - there's always body underneath the equipment work, after all, in any show with any degree of maturity. So it's not an element that can be isolated and removed. As far as judging based purely on spinning - that's what the "excellence" and "vocabulary" captions are for. Fan appeal? "General effect." The drill's too cluttered these days or the work's not clean? I agree that there's plenty of poorly written and/or ineffective drill out there - drives me crazy sometimes, too - and that there are many shows whose flag work only has the "washing machine" effect. But these ARE taken into consideration in scoring. And many problem areas get progressively improved upon as the season progresses. It's completely fine if you simply aren't a fan of what winterguard shows are doing these days. But some of the issues you've mentioned are a little inaccurate. And I'm sorry if I've misinterpreted you. ...Can I suggest going to different shows? Checking out what some of the major IW guards are doing? Connor, I think you said you found indoor percussion more interesting to watch? Haha, I've always had the same things to say about it that other people have had to say about winterguard - I've just never been as drawn into those performances. Also, it's so hard to hear and appreciate it when it's echoing around in a gym! ;)

I really appreciate the great responses to part one! It was nice to focus on two corps specifically and hear a little feedback on corps that don't usually get as much attention. Moving on to the second thread in this series...let's talk about BAC and the boys of Madison. Just as a reminder, or for those who missed the first part, I'm simply going to quote my first post as a sum-up of what this thread's about:

Now that the season's been over for almost a week, the finals scores are in, and we've all had a while to digest and discuss, I was just wondering what everyone's closing thoughts on each corps was. I especially wanted to take it a few corps at a time and start with some of the lower-tier finalists, just to get some discussion going for corps that don't often get the in-depth treatment. (I'm sticking to finalists for now simply because more people are likely to have seen these performances, and because you have to draw a line somewhere. Absolutely no offense intended toward other corps.) So, let's start with 11th and 12th, Glassmen and Spirit. Now that's all said and done, how do you feel about their seasons? Their progress (or lack thereof, if that's how you feel)? Their design? Their final performances? Improvements over last year? Hopes for next year? Brass, percussion, guard? Vents or praise? Let's give these corps a good wrap-up thread. (Assuming this thread gets decent response, I plan on following up with BAC and Madison, Crown and BK, etc...)

Red! 2000 BAC.

I march guard, but I've always thought the pit would be cool.

The corps has apparently been having problems lately with the city of Clearwater's noise regulations. They were forced indoors for much of this camp. Also, Triple Forte, don't worry - the ballad certainly isn't "angry and aggressive," and is a significant portion of the show.

Anyone have a sense which corps has a director and staff with the smarts, resources, energy and charisma to keep the talent home? Are Bluecoats, Crown and BAC able to retain their best youngsters? I do know that BAC should have a boatload of ageouts this year. :)

This past year it was in New Hampshire.