jay72877

I was in St Ann's that year! I am so excited that someone commented on that show! As other people said earlier, we did do two shows one for prelims and one for finals. The rifle part in the middle was the same work in both shows, but we had different drill, different spots and different entrances/exits. Everything else was different. Both shows were a lot of fun to perform to and great people to march with. Jason Hess Crescendo 95 Forte' 96 St Ann's World 99

Hello, I just got home from Battle Creek and thought I would share my brief thoughts on the 15 corps. Most of my comments are of the color guard, because that is where I marched and know the most about. Capital Sound-I saw them in Belding a few weeks prior where I was impressed with their show. The corps is still progressing nicely. The guard is one of the cleanest of the night. I like the part in their show when there are several horn solos, and everyone points to the soloist. That part if cool. They did music by Danny Elfman (sp?). The most recognizable to me was the theme to Beetlejuice. Nice job! Colt Cadets-I love watching this corps. It’s amazing that the staff can get those young kids to do all of those things. They did a great job with a show called "Criminal Mischief". Memphis Sound-Another great show from Memphis Sound. Good guard. I like the dancing in the beginning. The Magic-I watched the guard warm up which was interesting. The show was okay. They just need to tighten it up. I really liked them back in 2003. Southwind-One of my favorite shows of the night. The corps has two different uniforms. And they arranged the show nicely between the two halfs. The guard did a nice job too. Capital Regiment-Really, this was a super cool show. This show is a must see. It was divided into three parts: work, rest and play. The “play” section was a lot of fun to watch and the “rest” section was nicely done. Good job! Colts-First, I am not a fan of the color uniforms at all. They remind of Glassmen-style uniforms back in the late 90s. Musically, I love when they do “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca, but I dislike how the color guard has a plain flag and those skirts. Yuck. It just isn’t my favorite Colts show. Spirit of JSU-They did a show called “Something borrowed, something Blue” or something like that. It was just a nice show. Nothing that really stuck out. Glassmen-This was a cool Glassmen show. I like the guard costumes and I like the characterization in the beginning. I also like the guard ballroom dance. Pretty cool show from G-men. Madison Scouts-I also saw this show in Belding. And it is apparent they have done some terrific additions and changes since then. They guard has so much energy. I really appreciate the tribal theme. They are doing a good job with it. Boston Crusaders-I am not crazy about their props. They kind of get in the way I thought. I also thought the drum line was way too loud. I could barely hear the horns. Nothing really stuck out in this show either except this was a great color guard and their weapons really amazed me! Carolina Crown-What a cool show this was. This is a must see too. I don’t know what their show was called or the music, but their visual was way cool. And I thought their color guard was unreal. BlueCoats-I was really excited to see the Coats after seeing their amazing scores so far. First, the color guard flags are amazing. I mean, the trend among all the corps for designing color flags are to have really cool designs with a lot of colors, but these flag designs definitely stuck out. It definitely made the show so much cooler. The overall show is great, and the guard was also unreal. I like the guard uniforms a lot. Phantom Regiment-Um, I am not pleased about the 6 boys in the guard. This was the last truly all-female guard. Its too bad boys are in it now. I guess I am old-fashioned like that. But, nonetheless the boys did a good job. I especially liked how they kept adding in and coming out of no where. The guard uniforms were my favorite of the night; especially with the sleeve additions. This isn’t my favorite Phantom show, but it is pretty original. Blue Devils-I am still speechless after this show. Amazing! Even though I haven’t seen Cavaliers yet, I hope this show wins. It’s superb! I love the new corps uniforms. Thanks, Jason

Here are some comments about the corps I saw from both nights in Kalamazoo. I usually don’t make reviews on this site but I hadn’t seen any on here yet about the Kazoo show, so I thought I would give my thoughts on all the shows. Racine Scouts—Even though this corps is small, they did a great job! The have some great marching technique and some nice drill moments. The guard was clean, and overall I was entertained by their show! Thanks Racine Scouts! Memphis Sound-- I think this corps has stepped up a level since last year. Last year they seemed a little lost on the field. This year, I think they have a much more professional and polished look and sound. The color guard is much better this season too. Blue Stars-- I saw them a couple of weeks ago and their show weirded me out. I still think their show is very different, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it. I don’t think I have seen Blue Stars do a show quite like this. Then again, I haven’t seen Blue Stars in a long time. Anyway, the guard costumes are unique and colorful. Their weapons are a little dirty and need to be cleaned. The horn line sounds good to me and so do the percussion. The percussion section is exciting as each section is featured. The end of the show is exciting with the kaleidoscopic drill. It reminded me of the Cadets. I mostly enjoyed all of the movement with the corps. It looks like the corps really gets into the characterization of their show. The show is called Pixilation: the Music of Final Fantasy. Pioneer-- Way to go Pioneer. I really enjoyed their show this season compared to past years where their music and design seemed to be a little flat. This show has some great performance qualities. The guard has some cool Irish style dancing that I enjoyed and their guard work is very clean. Magic-- Okay, so I think the kids do a good job with what they have. But overall, it wasn’t my favorite show of the night. I think they need something more exciting. I loved Magic in 2003! I wish they could be back to that level. The color guard work isn’t very good either. I didn’t understand why they had bamboo poles, and then they had this stretchy fabric stuff in the ballad. Oh well, maybe next year. Southwind-- This is the first corps that gave me goose bumps. What an awesome show by Southwind. They have reached a new level of professionalism with this show—Distorted Imagination. I heard their shakos are similar to a marching band in Oklahoma. I really they think the shakos are cool and was surprised when I saw a picture of Southwind. It just seemed to me Southwind wasn’t the type of corps to really push the envelope or to turn from their roots of traditional wholesome music that I have come used to them playing. Their guard costumes are really cute, and the guard is excellent. Some solid weapon work too. I enjoyed all of the movement from the horn line. I think this show is a must see. Spirit-- Cool Broadway show. I enjoyed the props. Guard was good, solid. Cool horns and percussion. I think they have a great chance to make it back into top 12. BlueCoats-- They are so good this year. They are also a must see. The guard is one of the best guards in DCI. The talent level is awesome, and the equipment work is very cool. I enjoy their costumes and the flag designs. The corps music is so much fun to listen to. Their show is very entertaining with all the samba influence. Blue Devils-- okay, so this show is copy of James Logan 1999 show with the Dance Marathon. Hmmm, perhaps having Scott Chandler involved in both organizations would answer that. The narration is cool, and the guy who does it does a good job. Competitively, I think Europe did hurt them, not having any judge’s comments for the past month. There were some transition moments where I thought it was very uncharacteristic of the Devils. There is this one part where the corps ends in the front corner of the field. And then there was this large silence. I didn’t get that at all. But not to worry, it will be better by August I am sure. I enjoy Prelude, Fugue and Riffs. That was fun to listen to. I don’t think they will take Cavaliers. And Madison Scouts are right on their heels. Okay— So it rained both nights. And they pack the people into Waldo Stadium like Sardine sandwiches. And the staff at Waldo didn’t hold people back during the show as people were walking down the steps getting to their seats. So that is annoying. Anyway… Capital Sound—I missed them. :( I wanted to see them too, especially since they are no longer part of the Madison organization. Right? Lake Erie Regiment-- Their show was stopped in the middle due to lightning. But about 15 minutes later they did their show. They have lots and lots of props. I don’t understand why they have all these props that the guard uses, but it was interesting watching them. I enjoy this show. The horns and percussion sound good, and the guard was clean. Way to go L.E.R.! Colt Cadets-- Sort of like a mini toned down version of Velvet Knights. Their arcade show was so much fun to watch. Who cares about their score, I had a great time watching the kids put on a show. I enjoyed the “Continue” and then the count down to put the coin back in the slot to continue the show. Very creative! Chops Inc-- Chops did a great job entertaining the crowd. Generally not a fan of Senior Corps. IMO Capital Regiment-- So much better from 3 weeks ago. I enjoyed the opening statement. They also have some great percussion moments. I enjoy when the corps makes the same shape as the sundial. Very cool. As a side note, I’d hate to be the two girls who just move the sun dial around all summer. Colts-- I love this show. I am a Crossmen alumni, so although I want Crossmen to make it in to the top 12, I also want Colts to make it in. I enjoy the opener when the horns play to the back and resonate the sound and then the loud push to the front gives me goose bumps. I don’t think their percussion is scoring as well and perhaps may be holding them back? The guard has some beautiful silks, and great movement too. Glassmen-- Awesome. Okay, so I am not the biggest Glassmen fan, but this show is great! Another must see. I love what they did to New World Symphony. The guard costumes and flags are so unique, it’s very refreshing. And the guard is very nicely trained. Go Glassmen! Boston—hmmm, cool show. Don’t remember a lot about it. They sound good. Okay, so I am a guard person, and their guard is awesome! There weapons are terrific. I was interested to see how they rate against Crown. Crown-- I enjoyed how the guard costumes are so simple with the angel wings on the back. I also enjoy Sarah McLaughlin’s “Angel”. Their guard is unreal! Way to go! I put Crown ahead of Boston too. Scouts-- Another must see show. I love watching the girl as she is perfect for the role. The horn line is excellent and the guard’s characterization qualities are a joy to watch. The whistles got my rate up too! I don’t think they will catch BD, because I think Blue Devils will clean up and once they do they will spread the score from Madison and be right on the heels of Cadets. Cavaliers-- Okay, so I didn’t care for the Bond show last season. It was cool, just not my favorite. When I saw pictures of this year’s color guard and I saw the ladders, I thought “oh no.” But, whoa, I thought this show was excellent! I love the fire stuff. I thought I’d hate the hats, but in the end I thought they were appropriate. The guard is so athletic, and at first I didn’t care for their uniforms, but, in the end they made sense, sort of. The baseball section is so cool, I love the part when he hits the ball, and well….you just have to see the show. The ladder section is interesting. I’m not typically a fan of ladders but once again it was appropriate. Oh yes, and I saw one of the snare players didn’t have his sticks! He was air drumming. Oh no! I hope he didn’t get in too much trouble. Okay, so without seeing the Cadets yet, but hearing lots about their show, I think Cavaliers have 1st place again. Rightfully so, their show is designed and performed beautifully. Thanks, Jason Coachmen 92-4 Madison Scouts 95-6 Crossmen 97-9

What a great review. I enjoyed it a lot.

Just a quick review from what I thought of some of the Division II and III corps that I saw in Grand Haven. Unfortunately I thought the show started at 7:30 so I missed a few of the division III corps because the show started at 7:00. Taipai Yuehfue (sp?) - I know I messed up the spelling of the corps name, I am sorry. But I saw them from the sidelines. What a great corps. I really enjoyed their show. The color guard is very clean. I like corps/guard uniforms. The brass and percussion are entertaining -- in the ending of show the brass does movement during the percussion section, which altogether was a lot of fun to watch. Revolution - This corps is great. This is the first time I have seen them, and I am pleased to see a corps from Texas become so successful. The guard has some difficult work, and therefore it is a little messy, but I still appreciated it. The horns and percussion were great. They will definitely be a top contender for division III. Blue Stars - Awesome corps. I haven’t seen them since 1994! But I enjoyed their show tonight. They did a Jewish theme for the opener and ended with Candide. The corps is very professional. A wonderfully arranged musical pitt section which I enjoyed, and the percussion and brass did some great things. The guard I believe had 6 members but they were GREAT! Good for you! In my opinion, I believe they will take the division III title. I believe that was all the division III corps that I saw. Division II: Spartans - Nice show. Big drum line. Gosh, I don’t think I have seen the Spartans since 1992! Whoa! Vanguard Cadets - Nice show. Good horn line-very loud. The color guard's flags are too small, and the poles look really long. Being a color guard person, it bothered me. The weapons look like Blue Devils technique. Mandarins - Cool show. Don’t care for the corps uniforms. Ok, so maybe I am out of the loop, but didn’t the corps only allow people in the corps who was mandarin? I noticed a lot of people who didn’t look mandarin. The corps is great. I enjoyed their music. Cadets 97 for the opener, and Blue Knights 2000 for the second song. The guard is good. Although I think the streamers on their sabers are not helping the weapons catch their equipment. Although I have never spun a saber with a streamer on the end, but I would figure this would slow the rotation down, which just screws everything up -- just a thought. :) Capital Regiment - This corps is great this season. The color guard is clean clean clean, thanks to Marletta Beckman (sp?). Being a color guard guy, I appreciate a clean guard. Great flag designs. Capital Regiment finally passed Mandarins for prelims. Good for them. If it wasn’t for Magic, I believe they would win division II. Magic of Orlando -- Obviously they should be division I. They did the Wind and the Lion; I think that is the name. It is Lassiter Winter Guard 98 music. Great show. I really enjoyed. Wonderful musical moments. The horn line is loud! The ending is very intense. The color guard is crisp, with some great weapon work. I CANT WAIT TO SEE how the corps fairs against the division I corps. Although I don’t think they will make top 12, I think they will pass a few corps to be right on the edge, perhaps 13th? Nonetheless, I still would love to see Magic be right up there. I didn’t stick around for scores. This is my first time that I have seen a division II/III show. I really did enjoy it. I was saddened to see that the audience was so small. Perhaps it’s just the location of the show? Do all division II/III shows have small audiences? It is too bad, because everyone works just as hard, no matter what size the corps. I remember the thrill of marching corps was to be able to perform in front of a large audience. Perhaps DCI should do more to promote the division II/III shows? Thanks for reading my comments. Jason Coachmen 92,3,4 Madison Scouts 95,6 Crossmen 97,8,9

Dont forget in 1993 they also had sabers too. I heard that in 1993 they were supposed to add rifles mid-season but never got around to it. In 1989 and 1992 they spun large gold poles, whatever you want to call them. I also don't think rifles and sabers became almost mandatory in todays color guard until the mid 90s. 1993 was one of the best drum corps shows ever. I miss them.