[Cadets 2018]

35 minutes ago, sched88 said:

Do you feel that with all of the props on the field these days, the drill has become less interesting? When I watch videos today, I feel like the drill isn't as interesting to watch compared to when the field was practically empty except for the corps itself.  The props take away the space for the marching members to do the kind of drill that sticks out and has those "wow" moments.  Plus, when members have to stop and move the props around, it is taking time away from actual marching too.  

I know this question wasn't directed to me, but I'd like to chime in. I think it depends on the props. In cases where the props are front and center (Bluecoats since 2016) I do think drill takes a hit. There is less field to work with, therefore the drill is limited. Can it still be done? Absolutely, but there are more limitations and have to be more creative for it to work. It seems like the drill the last few years has been less and less impressive, with more focus on body movement and jazz running rather than marching and drill. 

Nothing excites me more as a drum corps fan than to see a corps running all over the field and watching mind bending visuals with music. I am not sure that props are the culprit the last few years as much as it has been emphasis on body movement. Instead of a complex drill maneuver, they (visual creator) are relying on movement to create the impact. Cool drill moves still exist, but they aren't as crucial.

As many have said, drum corps is going through a change.  Right now corps are playing with a new toy. Complex drill will return in my opinion, but it may take a few years for the new car smell of this movement to wear off a bit.

[Cadets 2018]

57 minutes ago, One n Done said:

This is a great point.  I don’t think anyone is moving (traditionally) as much as the Cadets.  But, I also don’t think this drill is always effective.  Yes, there are moments that very much are.

I think of late, musical clarity is HUGE for judges.  And effect is absolutely EVERYTHING.  Much easier to do both NOT on the move.  Drill seems not to be credited in composition unless it is generating effect.  Demand isn’t necessarily effective.  I think a lot of groups, based on trends in evaluation, are smartly picking their spots to move and play.  And when they do, it’s a calculated and effective risk.

To FTNK’s point, I think we are seeing the answer.  The drill is tough and it is being achieved well at this point.  And that gets you 7th place.  I’m guessing the future for the group will include more effective prop use, better visual integration of guard, and development of stronger non-marching movement skills.  It kinda has to.

As weird as it may sound, going "old school" (traditional uniforms, fast drill) could set them apart in a good way. If they can execute the drill at a high level, they could argue to the judges that what they are doing is more difficult and deserve more credit. 

I think there's a way to add the marching and movement in a way that could set them apart. There's also that possibility it will attract more players if they would rather put the emphasis on marching movement over dance movement. 

If they chose to do this, they would have to create drill that would give fans/judges those wow moments. Unfortunately that is severely missing from them lately. 

[Cadets 2018]

11 minutes ago, chris ncsu said:

For sure. It's annoying, though, to catch yourself thinking about certain Cadets shows that placed higher than this one -- looking at you, 2008 and 2016 in particular (but those 2016 musicians!!).

Big difference is that this program was thrown together just a few months before spring training. Imagine if the design team had a full off-season. One thing that makes me very optimistic to the future of the Cadets from a design standpoint is this: no huge overhauls. That shows at least a design stability in my opinion. One could argue that they could have added/subtracted more, but like I mentioned- this program was put together in an incredibly short time. 

To have a show designed with such a short period and STILL be a finalist and placing 7th, I feel pretty good about the future of The Cadets.

If any year is to be overlooked by placement, I think this is the one. That being said, people will remember this year's corps. I think this corps has incredible significance to the future and we will look back at this year with fondness and incredible respect for what they (members and staff) were able to do.

Not to mention, this year has some incredible shows and placing 7th this year in my opinion is pretty impressive. Next year placing 7th or lower is another story. But I have a lot of faith in what's going on.... something I didn't feel strongly about a few months ago.

[Blue Devils 2017 60th Anniversary!]

I don't see it as ageist, I see it as stupid. For someone who was chosen to represent his corps, you gotta have better judgement. I don't blame him for feeling that way, but to publicly come out and slap the hand that feeds him..... not cool.