Agent 89

Yes, the elasi-corps move of Cavies was the most awesome drill move I've ever seen. I smile each time I watch it... even on the little Season Pass video screen. I also loved BD's cocking semi-auto pistol... that was sweet!

This poll make no sense.

Awesome! Thanks very much for the unbiased sentiment... that is pretty rare in these threads. I agree with you all the way. SCV & 'coats 2006 productions are both outstanding and there is no shame in placing 4/5 either way for them. The Cadets perform exceedingly well, and that has also given them a chance, but on finals night it always seems to come down to whomever has ultimately the greatest overall package. I think that leaves them in 6th this year. Go Blooooooooooooooooooooo! Hey - will somebody tell 44.5 to make sure he fills up with a full breath before he plays the high note in his solo? It looks to me like he's not getting enough breath support and just needs to fill all the way from bottom of his stomach to the top of his chest. Then, he'll power out that double-F (or whatever it is). That was a great hint that I learned from a pro player at a clinic when I was in college. If he nails that, it'll be worth a full point in GE, just watch!

I think someone invented it. I would be shocked if someone had the score before it was announced in the stadium.

They only just announced BD's score on the steaming video.

That makes me feel better. :D Thanks

As a Bluecoat alum... I'm not celebrating as much, but I was certain that SCV was going to top the 'coats last night. I thought Bluecoats were much much much better tonight than last.

:(

Is anyone from the show going to post scores here as the retreat happens? I wanna know! I had my mom's laptop all hooked up to my LCD TV to watch the show tonight (and the audio through my stereo), but alas... no streaming video... I need some instant gratification!

Hmmmmm... it really sounds like you're bragging. I think true perfect pitch is VERY rare.

Hi... when you've gotten VK back on its feet, could you bring back that little group from Bloomington, IN next, please? :P

Vee Kay VelvetKnights.com presented by (Insert sponsor here) (Sponsor name) Knights... as in Comerica Park, etc.

<_< Well... so much for that nice feel-good thing that was going on there.

Very true in terms of how they stack up with the other percussion scores (because there are completely different judging panels)... but, its just cool. This is kinda unprecedented territory for the 'coats percussion, so we're taking what we can get. GO BLOOOOO!

Nobody "gives up a spot". Any new corps which makes it into the top 5 has to earn it by being better than one of those corps... same thing for each additional rung of the placement ladder on up. Every corps every year tries its hardest to make the best show it possibly can, so BD, Cavies, Cadets and anybody else will continue to do that. What I think will eventually make the difference is which corps can retain its outstanding design and instructional staffs (or even improve them), and which corps has the most veteran membership. Having a strong, veteran group of members can not be overstated here. It is key to being a cohesive and focused group. Invariably, though, someone each year will lose a lot of veterans to aging out and/or defection. Whomever is best able to avoid this problem and continue to restock their talent pools will be the ones who continue to flourish. (I really think the staff and talent turnover issues both hit SCV at the same time in a big way a couple of years ago. They're just recovering now). These things happen to every corps to some degree. It is impossible to avoid completely, but it can be offset by having a very strong talent pool to pull from (like BD & Cadets) when they need to restock, and by having the great designers pass on their tricks of the trade to their replacements (like Cavies and Star) when they are about to lose a designer. I love this aspect of the activity, and it reminds me a great deal of the issues that college sports programs have because their athletes are limited to only 4 years of elligibility maximum. It keeps the game from being completely monopolized by one or two groups entirely, and allows opportunities to others.