kadune

Lest we forget, that this is the first/second year of this decade... But I humbly disagree and agree (partially) with the OP. While I loved PR 2008 and was more excited for my friends in Phantom to win the gold than my own experience on finals night, Madison's closer is my favorite closer in a long, long time. I get chills almost every time I listen to it. On Youtube.

I had to vote 2004 -- that was my first year following drum corps, and my first show (Siloam Springs) got rained out at intermission, but I was so hooked I went to Broken Arrow and Cavaliers blew me away. Of course, I had to vote 2005 since that was my rookie year, and just a fantastically performed show that sticks out more than any other, sans 2008 and MAYBE 2007.

To the actual topic, and SCV. One corps I marched had silent bus rides, where sleeping was discouraged (though a 2 hour trip from Mississippi to Louisiana for a show was a lone exception). The other it was up the members -- usually light conversations, personal music, followed by a pre-show CD put on 10-15 minutes before arriving at the show site... JOURNEY!

If the Bluecoats are stalling/struggling, I'd much rather it be now than late July... I remember 2008 and our 2 week struggle to break 90. I haven't seen the show lately, but I still think that some rewrites are necessary for the ballad. I was really hoping for them to be a serious contender throughout the season. Though it's hard to say when they're not with a lot of higher competition (and that is not a slam at the corps present at the show). Edit: and of course I forgot about the limited panels. Can't wait for a full panel again.

World Class 1 Bluecoats 74.900 2 Blue Stars 73.200 3 Glassmen 69.500 4 Colts 68.800 5 Teal Sound 63.100 6 Pioneer 59.300 Open Class 1 Legends 63.500 2 Colt Cadets 60.100 Read more: http://www.dci.org/scores/index.cfm?event=fd8982a5-9d83-4c8a-918c-4df31bb9c3ec#ixzz1QusWqMKz

Bluecoats = Creeps (or creepy, if you prefer) Get it? I'll be here for way too long.

Bluecoats have the best opener that I've seen this year. Madison Scouts have the best closer (with my homerism with the Bluecoats a close second) this year. I love the hit in the Cavaliers show where they play Nature Boy and Drew Shanefield added a Little Fugue motif. Blue Devils trumpet double tonguing stuff... awesome.

Somehow, I don't think yelling "I am Spartacus" is a rip off of "Vanguard!" Ya know, since it thematically has its origins outside of drum corps.

Just heard a recording of this... think I found one of my favorite closers of 2011 (next to Bluecoats-- those Contras are sick); love Empire State of Mind.

I think it's remarkable to think that they were .025 away from a FOUR-peat. 07, (08) 09, 10... Incredible things going on in that organization. Their staff knows how to win. Entertaining on the other hand... I'm sure there's 50 threads here attacking BD for what they do, but holy cow. Those kids are talented and the staff knows how to bring it out.

Blue Devils took 20 in colorguard and visual ensemble. Very nicely done. And it appears whoever posted on twitter that Coats drum score was 19.2 was accurate. What a shame. My homerism wanted them to do better. Still, this is one proud Bluecoat.

Wow mass exodus before Devils score announced. Classy. Good job Devils. WAY TO GO BLUECOATS FOR MEDALING!!!

Wow. G7/World Series is top 7 by one tenth! Wow.

Mrs. America at DCI? Hot diggity.

Gene M. worked with the Bluecoats while I was there. A real inspiration as a staff member!

It was a lot less obscene than 2008. A LOT more tasteful (if any hang over is actually tasteful...)

Hah, love the hornline members looking for themselves on the big screen...

Liked the drum major throw through the two mirrors additions. Yay GE!

My sentiments exactly.

Wonder if we'll witness another joint encore for the ages?

video highlights? too cool!

and here's the broadcast! yay!

For those of you not paying attention, DCI.org has put the video feed up... right now with a countdown at about 15 minutes

I dunno, but someone also said they looked over the percussion judge's shoulder and saw that Coats got a 19.2 in percussion... Dunno how reliable that can be.

That soloist marched Memphis Sound in 2005 with me. We were both 16 and drum corps rookies... In 2006 he moved to Bluecoats and now is aging out as the horn sergeant and as a 5 year Coat vet. I like bragging about him to my friends since I've known him for so long... and because he's a darn good player.