Danhobl

You guys are on top of things. As far as I can tell, DCI.org doesn't even have the scores posted yet. Comments on the placements: Looks like it may be a two horse race in Foxboro. Did Europe hurt the Devils? Nice to see the Scouts back up in the top 5. They are for real this year. Why doesn't Phantom place higher? Everyone is raving about their show and hornline. Drumline and guard are much approved. Sometimes I think the judges put the Cavies, Cadets and Devils in the top 3 because THAT'S THE WAY IT'S BEEN FOR SO #### LONG!!! Bluecoats are extremely competitive this year. Way to go. Santa Clara has obviously slipped a bit this year. I listened to their APD tonight. The music didn't sound all that great. Sad. Hope they bounce back. I mean, they didn't even qualify for the Murfeesburo contest. ####!

I'd really like to know what the issue is too. Does anyone familiar with their music this year know what they could be playing to cause licensing issues? Seems crazy to me. I wonder if some composer is putting up a stink or something. That's a shame for those kids.

That's for all the feedback on domes. I guess I'm not the only one that thought the RCA Dome in Indianapolis sucked (for sound quality at least). Seems to be a consensus on that. I wonder why DCI keeps going back? They might be waiting for the new stadium. I was happy to hear that they are going to build a retractable roof stadium. It is long overdue for football, DCI and BOA. In my opinion, they can't build that thing soon enough. I know somebody posted it will be up in 2008, but is that for sure? All I know is until that new stadium is built, I won't be going to any DCI shows in the RCA Dome anymore. I'll get my fill next year in Madison for finals!!! I am psyched!!!

With the San Antonio and Indianapolis shows coming up (both inside domes), I was wondering what everyone's opinion is on having shows indoors. They do take the weather out of the equation and I know corps like turf, but I went to Indianapolis last year and found the acoustics to be pretty bad. It was so loud. The echos distorted the music. What does everyone else think? Was it just me?

Wow. I mean wow. I never knew that Phantom's '03 show was so controversial. I guess it was such a great show, that anyone saying anything negative about it really cuts to the core of the people who love it. Just all the postings goes to show you how much this show touched people. To address a few points: Sitting on the zero yard line? Please. All I know is that to me, they sounded tremendous live, and on the DVD. And you saw the DVD, and weren't impressed? OK, maybe you weren't impressed, but how can you watch that show and not be moved at least a little by the music. You must be dead inside. Overated, not overated. Who cares? The hornline played the show, which may be most emotionally moving and musically beautiful shows in the history of the activity. For that, they deserve all the credit in the world. Forget the judges scores. Forget the 4th place finish. From reading everyone's opinion, Phantom was the corps who truly came out on top in 2003.

Thanks for the reviews everyone. They were a good read. A couple questions/comments: - You mentioned that the Bluecoats, Cadets and Cavies all used amps. I really don't mind them, unless they are used with the human voice. Did any of these corps use them for singing/narration? If so, that's lame. - You mentioned how the bluecoats scores seem disproportionately low to the Cavies and Cadets. It doesn't surprise me? Why is that always the case? It seems like drum corps has a top 4 or 5 corps, and it would take an absolute miracle for a corps like the Bluecoats, Crown, Glassmen, Boston, Crossmen, etc. to break into that top 4 or 5? Anybody have any thoughts?

95...96...whatever.

Phantom Regiment 2005 Dress Rehearsal June 12, 2005 Let me preface this review with the admission that I am a huge Phantom Regiment fan. I love their horn line. Ever since ‘A Defiant Heart’ in ’95. They are the corps I root for each year. However, I’m going to try to keep this review as impartial as I can. Also, remember that this was only a dress rehearsal. It was the first time these kids have performed this year’s show in full uniform, and although impressive for this early in the season, the show is no where near perfect and there’s lots of cleaning to do. Don’t worry – that’s what the rest of the summer is for, right? Well, here’s the review: The drive down to Winnebago, Illinois, from Southeastern Wisconsin was very smooth – made it there is just under two hours. When I arrived at Winnebago High School, the corps was just assembling for pre-show warm-ups. Souvie stand was open – bought a couple shirts (I’m such a sucker, but how can you go wrong when you can buy last year’s shirts for $5.00?). Admission was FREE (thank you Regiment!), and I took my seat in the high school bleachers. The stadium was small, with 3 small sections of bleachers, the middle section no higher than 25 rows. The field appeared to be in great order for marching and the weather was absolutely PERFECT – 70 to 75 degrees with a calm breeze. The stage was set for the debut of the 2005 Phantom Regiment. For those of you who aren’t aware, Phantom Regiment’s 2005 show is entitled “Rhapsody,” and includes two famous pieces by George Gershwin, “American In Paris” and “Rhapsody In Blue.” I’m not a huge fan of Gershwin – whenever I listen to it, I either feel like I’m listening to my father’s music, or, I’m stuck in an airlines commercial. As a result, I was interested to see how this music would work. Their show begins with the corps spread out from end zone to end zone in sections. The music begins with the front line, who introduces the familiar Gershwin music. Meanwhile, the sections of the corps begin moving, sequentially, one after another, until the whole corps is moving. The backline percussion joins in as the corps continues to progress from one drill move to another. Then, horns up, the corps halts, and a big hit from the horn line as the colorguard opens their umbrellas in unison. Quick sequences of melodic exchanges between the corps are then slowed down via a solo soprano front and center on the field. Our “Gene Kelly” character is now introduced center field. (Yes, there is a male member of Phantom’s guard this year. He’s a kid from California, who is extremely talented with the rifle (as well as in overall stage presence). I never saw him drop anything all night, and he was doing some pretty demanding rifle work. During the dress rehearsal, he work dark pants and a white undershirt. We were told he will be costumed in the full Gene Kelly garb by the end of the summer. Although I like the all female concept typically used for Phantom’s guard, I wasn’t put off by this guy being there. I actually think he fits the theme of the show quite well. I just hope it’s a one year thing though.) Moving on…Near the end of the opener, the tempo picks up again, and some really intricate drill movements take place. I can really see the influence of the new drill designer in Phantom’s show. Granted, I was only in the 25th row of some old, run down high school bleachers (so I couldn’t get the upper deck stadium view), but you could tell at times that the corps was booking it and was attempting some pretty complicated movements. As always with Phantom, the drill was well incorporated into what was going on in the music. The second section of the show is slower, and begins with a soloist center field, flanked by Gene Kelly. The corps then halts and joins in. The guard is showcased front and center while the corps plays. The music continues to feel like…well…Gershwin. The contras are also showcased nicely during this section of the show. Phantom’s contras are always a presence and play well. I counted 13. That’s a lot of low brass, my friends. The section concludes with my favorite part of the show. Lots of fast moving, sequential drill movements as the corps moves from one side of the field to another, ending in a block formation to the spectator’s right. Nice park and blow moment here. Meanwhile, the guard forms a line from left to right. The guard flashes their flags from left to right, with Gene Kelly performing a rifle toss on the far right just as the horns cut off. Real nice effect. The block disperses and the corps spreads out across the entire field. The tempo is slower now, with the guard performing some dance moves, then we move into some nice park and play moments that Phantom is so famous for – guard now performing some nice flag work to compliment the music. REALLY pretty music here. Phantom’s horns are showcased wonderfully. The corps’ last chord fades and the tempo picks up, as we begin the closer. Again, the corps performs some pretty challenging drill movements, interspersed with percussion breaks and guard tosses. The music now is more of an interplay between the horn sections and the drum line. Also some pretty demanding runs for the sopranos and mellos. The corps then assembles, turns and blows, feet shoulder width apart, while the guard dances in formation off to the side. The corps then joins together to form a formation in unison. Some real nice melodic moments here, as the corps re-introduces some centrally themed music. Think about Phantom’s shows over the past few years – they always have that “moment” near the end of the show where they hit you one more time with some glorious music from earlier in the show. The music ends with one long chord, with the corps spread from sideline to sideline. The front line percussion takes over as the corps turns and marches to the far sides and back of the field forming a perimeter around the field (with the exception of the guard, who is center field and ends in a chevron, the contras, who are showcased front and center once again, and Gene Kelly and one female guard member, who are center field, separated by a distance of about 20 yards). The guard member, now holding an umbrella, and Gene Kelly run toward each other to meet on the 50. Just as the front line percussion music ends with one last “ding,” the guard member lowers her umbrella towards the crowd, hiding both her and Gene Kelly. It’s a nice cutesy moment to end the show. OK. That was the show (as best I could describe it). Here’s my “between the lines” take on this years show. Remember, this is just my opinion. First of all, I think the corps is very far along at this point in the season. This is most evident in the music. I mean, they haven’t even set out on tour, and the music is in really good shape. The drill is rough right now, but that’s to be expected. I even saw one snare lose his drum at one point during the show. Overall, I think it will be another successful year for Phantom. If I had to make a prediction right now, I’d say this is another 4th-6th place show. It will all depend on the guard and drum line. We know the horns will be top notch – this is Phantom – but the wild card is what a male element can bring to this guard, and how much can the percussion improve over last year. I think Phantom is off to a good start on both fronts and things are moving in the right direction, but I have my doubts that it will be enough to overtake the top corps. I do have some issues with the music though. While I applaud Phantom for choosing music that is recognizable, and that the crowd can get into and go home humming, I wonder if you’ll need to be 40 or older to get into it. Maybe it will grow on me, but right now, the Gershwin music isn’t really working for me. I’ve never been a huge fan of Gershwin, so maybe I was doomed to begin with, but I think it’s lacking some general effect / excitement. I think this will end up being Phantom’s biggest challenge this summer – achieving a high GE score with music that IMO doesn’t lend itself well to high GE. (i.e. trying to prevent being “your father’s Phantom Regiment”) I’m interested to hear if others feel the same way after hearing and seeing this show. I think a lot will depend on how much you like Gershwin’s music. I’m sure some people will like it, and some people won’t like it. I know, that’s drum corps, right? What else is new. Thanks for reading. I’ll be following the rest of the summer via DCI Season Pass, and through postings on this message board. Dan Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

That's one excellent, early review of the Cavies' show. Thanks so much for that review - it was very descriptive and it makes me excited to see and hear their show. One question though - you said you've been over to watch Phantom as well. Could you possibly write a similar review for Phantom? I'm really interested to hear a fan's perspective of this year's show, and I haven't really heard anything yet. I know, let the competitions begin and then I'll be hearing tons.

Just wondering if anyone has caught a sneak peak at the 2005 Phantom Regiment (probably listening in on some early rehearsals)? If so, let us know what you've seen/heard? I'm very interested in how Rhapsody is going to play out this year. Thanks!!!