[Delayed Review of Finals Week]

Not true. They won GE Visual in 2000 as well. They also finished 2nd in 2002 and 2004, so it's not like they haven't been contending.

But I will also say this....

I saw the show in Dallas, along with Madison and Phantom. Madison's drill was definitely the most frenetic of the evening, but it also seemed to be alot a of "movement for movement's sake" while Phantom (who taken their own criticism for allegedly having a "high school level" visual) certainly moved around alot, but it did always lead anywhere to enhance the music. In other words, the visual sometimes felt like it could be for any show.

What I loved about the Blue Devils' program was that the entire visual program explained, complemented, and enhanced their theme. You KNEW this was a Godfather show, from the specific forms (cross, heart, fish, horse's head), to the way the corps led up to those forms. Even when they weren't necessarily moving at blinding speed, they were doing something that created a visual idea of what they were playing. And if the brass or percussion wasn't moving, they were out of the way for the colorguard to grab your attention. In other words, I feel that the Blue Devils excel at staging a show. They know how to move your attention from spot to spot and keep enough overall movement and speed to not have it be stale.

Thank you... its hard to get a point across without sounding like a jerk on these forums.

[Delayed Review of Finals Week]

Great review... thanks for the comments.

However, I have to ask others (even though my better judgment tells me not to proceed because I know I will get crucified) am I the only one who couldn’t get over the degree to which BD stood still in this show? Sure, when they marched they did it with precision and it seemed flawless, but IMO they take the award this year for park and blow. I am anxious to review the DVD... and maybe I am wrong... but it seemed to me they were standing still or casually walking from set to set for at least 4-5 minutes of their show. Don't get me wrong, it was a great show and deserving of 3rd place, but I expected much more.

It's the same story every year. "BD has easy drill... they don't move blah blah blah" The Blue Devils are the furthest from a 'park and blow' corps there is. They cover more ground faster and longer than any other corps out there. While corps make easy things look difficult the Blue Devils try to (and IMHO are wildly successful) make difficult things look easy. They have nothing to prove... just watch them as the troop the stands after a show... I guarentee they will be the the sweatiest and most winded kids out there. Keep doing what you're doing BD, even if it remains unnoticed because hopefully the same 40 people on these forums aren't reflecting the overall drumcorps concensus. IMO its BD's reputation for being the "Yankees" of drumcorps that people constantly look for flaws in their shows rather than achievements. *sigh* such innocent ignorance.

[Finals Observations]

That was tasteful

Almost as tasteful as his comment.

[What are some of the fastest songs(bpm)]

blue devils 2004.... 260 in the closer :)

[Finals Observations]

You say BD was clean...

In what sense?

Musically, I thought BD had some insane horn parts, but they had trouble playing together. Although, they hit dynamics pretty good. However, I found both their percussion and hornline dirty during the show.

Visually, BD sucked. I wished Dave Gibbs went back to teaching them visual. There are some people who insist that BD can't march anymore. I don't believe so. BD in 1999, 2003, 2004 = Serious stuff. However, BDs feet were sloppy and upperbody control. I thought I was watching the Cadets' upperbody at one point! Overall visual was rough and seriously sloppy. Thats what happens when you march with bad technique. I believe Madison could've beat them.

Wow, I hope you have a bit more experience than that "06 Div II Mellophone" with all of the trash you just talked.

[BD's BlueView Episode 4]

Yep, I make a lot of money from all the work I do for Drum Corps…NOT!

So that you can be bothered by my posts even more, I can tell you this...

1. I have never marched

2. I have produced tour videos for 4 of the top 6 drum corps for the last seven years

3. I was one of the first producers to create off-season camp videos for the web.

4. I strongly believe that DC has the potential to do a lot more (as far as its fan base goes).

5. I also believe that too many opinions on this board from old guys are the detriment of this activity. It is a proven fact that drum corps alums are the toughest critics to this activity.

6. (And this one is going to hurt) I think senior corps’ takes financial resources away from junior corps that really need help!

My posts are limited to things that I know and that is the videos I produce. The rest of my opinions is my own and really should not reflect on the work that I do.

Also…Cire has made the same comment about our host on other forums. He really needs to get over it.