Aaw

My intent wasn't the use of the most comprehensive use of the word melody, rather the melody used specifically by Gershwin, which happens to be the essence of Americana. The last time I checked, Gershwin wasn't 19th century. Thanks for the attempted music lesson.

This thread was in no way meant to bash any group in particular. I respect every corps because I have been there, putting in the hours. I was simply stating that the material given to a few corps this year was at best, subpar. My complaint was mainly directed towards the judging community who rewarded a very lacking show in terms of music and GE over a total package that was performed much better. Check out the DVDs with an open mind. I think that you'll find that the difference between Cavies and PR from a design and performance aspect is pretty undeniable.

I'll agree with the statement that the Cavaliers' drill is cleaner. But isnt it always? How about the music? Only once or twice did they let a musical idea come to full fruition. All of their musical arrangements were much to choppy and therefore, the entire show made no musical sense. Not only was Phantom given a better show to perform, they performed what they had better.

In watching the 2005 Finals DVD it is quite apparent that the judging community dropped the ball during the entirety of finals week. Specifically, I'm talking about the placement of Phantom Regiment. The only other corps that put an equally impressive show on the field, (in terms of demand only), was The Cadets. I found myself confused after watching Cavies. The difference in quality between PR's and Cavie's 05 productions is almost uncomparable. Where is the music in the Cavies show? The statement that "the hornline doesn't play while marching" holds true about 90 percent of the time. Now compare that with PR's line, playing rich melodies and tought technical passages while really on the go. If memory serves me correctly, Cavies and PR tied in horns that night. That is probably one of the most rediculous things I have ever seen out of the judging community. Where is the balance, blend, good intonation, rich sound in the Cavies hornline? Heck, where is the music?! I mean, this line doesn't play at all! The difference in GE is also uncomparable. A very poor show in terms of audience appeal and pagentry. The Cavies show did have a good deal of visual appeal. However this has always been their strong suit. Also, as mentioned before the brass don't do much playing while doing these drills. If "Stop, Play, then Go" is the future of drum corps, I don't think I will enjoy it nearly as much. I can only hope that Phantom is pioneering the musical future of DCI, with beatiful melodies, and memorable moments. Isn't that what music is all about? Now who can hum or even remember all of the selections from 05 Cavies?

Uh, not this year.

- '91 Regiment

- '91 PR - '03 PR Some of the loudest and most energetic endings ever.

Phantom '05 moves into my 2nd all time favorite shows. Behind PR '91 and ahead of Star '91.

Has to be Regiment, hands down. With one of the most musically sound books in dci's history and the GE to match, this show was MUCH better than the credit it got.

What music?

1. Regiment 2. PR 3. The White Horse 4. Phantom Regiment 5. BAC

1. Phantom 2. Regiment 3. PR 4. The white horse 5. Phantom Regiment

Without a doubt, the crowd favorite all season long. For the entire 2 1/2 months, all I read were great comments about this show l feel that this kind of show that should define DCI. It's attractive to new possible fans, yet is dictated by the most musical book on the field. No gimmicks or uneeded "effects" here, just great music put on the field. I would take the largest roar from the crowd over some of this "stuff" the judges put out, anyday.

Without a doubt, the crowd favorite all season long. For the entire 2 1/2 months, all I read were great comments about this show l feel that this kind of show that should define DCI. It's attractive to new possible fans, yet is dictated by the most musical book on the field. No gimmicks or uneeded "effects" here, just great music put on the field. I would take the largest roar from the crowd over some of this "stuff" the judges put out, anyday.

Not to mention that Regiment's real GE score from last night was pretty skewed. Its disappointing to see what DCI is rewarding these days. Lame if you ask me... <**>

I think that the guys who think this will only be a two way race between Cadets and Cavies are going to be in for a surprise. Where in the world are you guys getting the impression that the gap between Regiment and Cavies is 3 points? The latest scores for each corps are: Cavies 95.35 PR 93.65 Keep in mind that the Cavaliers' score was from the day after Regiment recieved their latest score. So apparently you guys who think a 1.7 gap is impossible to close, don't know your drum corps. history.

Based upon what has transpired in the past few days, what do you guys think will happen come finals week? Will Cadets dominate? Will Cavies pull ahead? Will PR lead going into finals week? Will PR be able to sneek up a spot between each finals week show? What do you guys think?

ttt

Just got back from Massillon tonight. Great show for all, especially Regiment, What a total package. I talked to my buddy in the hornline after their ensemble rehearsal. He said a few nights ago Dennis Delucia came up to PR's DM after the show and said this is the best Phantom Regiment he's EVER seen. Now that's a compliment if I ever heard one, and I'd agree with it. This show is one for the ages. Anyone who is counting this corps out of the title hunt is mistaken.

Not sure if this has been posted yet, but the gap between PR and Cavies/Cadets is closer to 3 points than 4. This makes it all the more possible that the title will not automatically go to the current top 2.

That's what I'm talkin about Regiment! That's an absolutely huge move....Now to start getting after the top two.

02 BD: Our brass caption head called them one of the best hornlines he had ever heard, and for Alan Goodwin, that's saying something. I'll definitley agree with that.

Can anyone that was at Murfreesboro tonight tell me how PR's hornline was? The recaps show that PR was down by a 1/2 point to Cadets in brass. Thats a pretty big gap especially for this hornline. I talked to a member of Regiment's hornline tonight and apparently there were some blend issues....Anyone have any comments?

Just a few weeks ago, Regiment's GE score was holding its own, if not its high mark at times. What's with the dip? It doesn't seem like they are getting consistent numbers in that area? If Phantom's GE score would have kept on track, they would be right on BD's heels, not being chased for the 4 spot. What do you guys think?

Just to throw in my two cents: I agree mostly with the original poster. It seems that there are two schools in drum corps: The school that thinks the "story" or general show concept is most important. The second school thinks the music should dictate all other parts of the show. I happen to fall in the later of the two. Yes the Cadets and Cavies who obviously are from the first school are executing a little better right now.....But not buy a full 2-3 points that they have on BD and PR, groups that USUALLY put the music first. So why the gap? I think its kind of obvious that DCI prefers a show that tells a story reguardless of how good the music is. Just look at how the DCI has changed directions. In the early/mid 90's it was the music that prevailed....Star 91, PR 96 only to name a few.....Shows that have a story line and tons of props on the field? No just a great musical showcase Now....02 Cavies, 05 Cadets and Cavies.....These are shows with a story line that seem to be fairing better at the moment. Again its all a matter of opinion. Mine simply happens to not exactly jive with where DCI is going at the moment.