A Cavalier TDY

Many years ago, I was at a season ending contest where the merger of two 'average' corps was announced to the spectators in the stands. The person I was with, who has ALWAYS had GREAT one liners, said 'two times zero still equals zero'. Crass ... but true.

Having known of the existance of 'the original' Night on Bare Mountain for some years, I actually bought it as a Christmas present to myself. It's quite different from the Rimsky-Korsakov arrangement. One MIGHT say it's rather 'unsanitized' (i.e. read 'brutal'). Check it out. I'd LOVE to hear an orchestra play both back to back and find out what the audience reaction was via a poll.

Steve, count me in for Shostakovich 11 and add Vaughan Williams 5 ... particularly the slow movement. Vaughan Williams 7th would be a blast, but it'd be a bit 'dark'! ;-)

I'd definitely agree with you abot William Schuman and Mahler's 3rd. Tubin's 4th would be a blast to hear on the field. I'd also like to hear some of Hovhaness' works. That said, I think you meant to say Ernst Bloch, not Toch!?

That they did. I've been around drum coprs since 1970, but took a few years away from the activity in the 80's. When they came on the field, and they were HUGE that year, I was thinking 'who are these guys'? When they were announced, I was OVERJOYED that DCI had extended an invitation to a DCA powerhouse to PROVE that 'there was life after junior corps'. Then they started to play. VERY impressive!

I agree with you. I was REALLY hoping they'd continue along the line of their 2011 show.

Thanks for the great review Big W. This is first season in a LONG time that there are SO MANY good corps in 'the senior circuit'. I'm SO CLOSE to pulling the trigger on spending some hard earned cash to watch prelims on The Fan Network! I know what you mean about Fusion Corps. Your comment reminds me of the lean years Bush had after 95. Small in numbers, but strong in every section. Good for them! Good luck to all of the competitors next weekend. I know who I'm pulling for to 'bring home the title', but do want to give a BIG hand to the Cabs. They've had some tough years, but they've REALLY put together a great product this time around.

While Hurcs do have a fine drum line and guard, I don't see them being able to hold off MBI. While I'd love to see it, Cabs in second might not be in the cards this year either. What I WILL say is that a number of corps have really 'stepped up their games' this year ... and the fans win. To those of you who have provided show reviews this year, a vote of thanks. I may just sign up to watch prelims. Although the price might be a LITTLE high for one show, I'm sure Id get a kick out of watching the show.

Mine too. Although, there were several! It was a GOOD year for the activity!

Boston last beat Cavies in 1978 (my age out year). In the 'pre DCI era', 1970.

I totally agree with you Brasso. Boston had a very good corps this year. And the show? Dynamite! Congrats to the entire Boston Crusader organization for 'putting it all together'.

Cadets were until 69.

I'm with you on Boston this year. This is probably the most entertaining show I've seen from them since 2000, Red in 2003 or the 'American tribute show', whichever year that was.

Thanks for the review Wes. Like you, I think a LOT of corps have stepped up this year. My congradulations to all corps who have beaten corps which have been ahead of them for MANY years in the standings. This proves that we DO have a horse race ... which is great for us, the fans of this wonderful acitivity. While I'm at it, I really did like the Troopers show last year. I haven't seen enough of them this year, so I'll have to remember to do that. I'm one of those people who CAN'T WAIT to see all the original Combine corps in finals. My fear is, this year won't be the year that that will happen ... again.

While I haven't seen any shows this year, if history says anything, you can NEVER count Empire out. That said, I'm SO happy for the Cabs. They've had a couple of rough years and things look like they're turning around. Good on 'em!!!

Nice review. Thanks! I was at the show in Kalamazoo last week and must say, I DID like what Madison's arranger did to blend Pictures with tunes from the corps past. I actually thought this was quite innovative as I had NEVER thought these pieces as being related to one another in ANY way.

Whoops. Saw your screen name and saw Jay's above too. 1 + 1 /= 2 in this case ... and I'm an accountant! ;-)

Thanks for the review Jay. I'll see the corps, and others, in Kalamazoo. Jeff

Your comment reminded me of the Dutch Boy Cadets in the early 70's! ;-) Thanks for the laugh.

'... chose to dump a Crayola box all over the guard'. I love it. What a GREAT analogy! ' ... and it is hard to be serious when dressed as a Christmas package'. I know I couldn't do it. Thanks for the review.

Man, what a great review. Thanks!

Definitely needed more cowbell AND flute!

To each their own Wendy. Jeff

Keith, while the merger of Seneca and Opti created a two time finalist, I moved over to Opti in the off season after being with Seneca for the previous four. The Optimists looke dlike they were going to have a FANTASTIC year and were poised to do great things. Unfortunately, dollars were preventing them from going it alone. In my humble opinion, the merger was one of the WORST things that happened that year. Sorry ... that's my opinion and always has been. In fact, I LOVED the activity and was so put off by this turn of events, I didn't march that season. The next year I joined the American 'Green Machine' and finished out my junior eligibility with them. Jeff

Crown 2010 Mahler 2. Now THAT was awesome!