This is my first attempt at a full review. My short review is very similar since this was only a standstill.
My pictures did not come out but Revolution has already posted pictures on thier website, They are primarily of thier group but they do have some of the other groups.
Texas Preview Pictures
The venue:
The historic Alamo and the Artisen River Theater!
Jam packed with tourist, the groups surely had a crowd to entertain. While most were there to support thier group, many were just in the right place at the right time for a good show. It was hot but there was plenty of shade at the Alamo. Not the same for the River theater unless you could stake out a nice cool place at the top like I did!
In order of performance:
FRONTIER, Dallas TX (Senior)
2 DM 19 Hornline, 13 Percussion, 9 Guard
(missing - 10 Hornline, 3 Perc, 9 Guard)
1st year group but you would never be able to tell, very well balanced and energentic. Liked thier music, very accessable and engaging Texas music Rep. Thier strength is thier hornline. Guard seems to be coming along nicely as well. Very good for a first year group, very professional! No uniforms, just white Polos and Tan Shorts but still sharp. It is my understanding the chose to wear thier parade uniform rather than thier uniform in the TX heat. Smart, but I would have liked to see thier uniform. I expect many good things from them in the future and hope i get a chance to see more of them soon.
TRINITY, Sequin TX (Junior)
1 DM, 5 Hornline, 7 Percussion, No Guard
Another 1st year group but very small compared to other II/III corps. Lots of ideas trying to be presented with thier music book. Hats off to the kids for stricking with this program. Everyone has to start somewhere and I bet it was no picnic starting up in Revolution's backyard. In time they may get stronger as they get more members. No Uniforms just matching shirts.
GULF COAST SOUND, Houston, TX (Senior)
2 DM, 16 Hornline, 13 Percussion, 10 Guard
Much Improved GCS group. They are stepping into different programing than what we traditionally saw from Bayou City Blues or GCS in the past. About the same size as the other senior corps. Hornline not as strong but seemed to have a stronger percussion line. I liked the uniforms and the Star on thier sashes. Once the program gets stronger they will have a stronger connection with the audience just with thier musical selections.
REVOLUTION, San Antonio, TX (Junior)
2 DM, 33 Hornline, 23 Percussion, 15 Guard
(missing 2 hornline)
WOW! Very Large group for Revolution this year and the show music is very powerful. I was completely surprized. There are moments in the show that are seriously wicked when it all locks in. They do tend to overplay (Baritones) but I like LOUD music!!! With more time this group will fix all the kinks and really set the II/III world on it's ears. When I saw the group start up at IWU, I was sure the size would drop, but they have maintained thier numbers. This is the strongest book I have heard them play and they seem to enjoy playing it. Almost wish they had come out with this in 2003 rather than that other show. The corps looks sharp in thier new uniforms - much better than the things they had in the past. Very classy and very mature looking group even with some younger members. Guard did not perform like the other groups just walked around informing guest and accepting donations.
Massed Hornlines from all the groups played America O'Canada - I wish they could have had more to play!
It was a very hot day and I could never get enough water! Everything is so overpriced downtown! I had a great time getting a small Drum Corps Fix in June and cannot wait for the San Antonio Regional.
This was my first review so please be gentle.