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Room_101

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  1. First off, I enjoyed my time at the theater! It was great to see these top eight corps this early, and I hope DCI uses this as a bit of a "market research" tool for future years. I would love, in the future, a season opener and an end of July/early August viewing in the theaters. Yeah, we could do the Fan Network, but this is more fun! Though my review is "honest," I do NOT simply attack certain corps. Every corps has strengths, every corps has weaknesses, I'm just giving my thoughts as I see them. Nothing would make me happier for some good intelligent discussion to result from this! I know some fans might be perturbed by some of my review--let's discuss it! Blue Devils - 15!!! ...minutes that I should have just slept through. There’s a dividing philosophy right now about the Blue Devils. Some believe their shows are just plain too easy, others believe that they are just so talented that they make it look easy. I have typically been a proponent for the former, and after seeing their 2011 rendition, I fail to see how any reasonably intelligent individual can still believe the latter. They have run into the same problem the Cavaliers did in 2007. Using “popular” music not written for drum corps, how can we make sense of the tempos? The Cavaliers decided to just march everything doubletime, and ultimately had a show that they just could not perform. The Blue Devils, however, chose to march 90% of their show andante (read: walking tempo). Sure, there are demanding aspects during the other 10%, and sure, slower tempos have their own difficulties. But this, to me, was a show that sophomores in high school could perfect in the time given. The show is not bad, it is just a slap in the face to their members. With that said, there is still plenty of room to grow, as there were a number of standstill moments that will surely be filled in. Regarding the houses, are there going to be coverings on the architecture to make the house more obvious? Were they simply missing because of the windy weather? I hope not. The Blue Devils, ever the modernists, would do best to stick with the “cubist” (though not really) minimalism of the white PVC. Cavaliers - In 2006, the Cavaliers were the corps of the decade, with five titles in seven years. Then the Blue Devils won in 2007. And 2008 (yes, they did, even if the scores didn’t say so...but that’s another discussion). And 2009. Undefeated. And 2010. Again, undefeated. So now who is the corps of the decade? Well, the decade is over, and I won’t answer the question, but one thing is for sure: the Cavaliers are ######. They came out of the gate roaring, and they certainly don’t want their championship drought to reach its fifth year. I didn’t really follow the theme (though the XY bits were obvious enough), and the most memorable moments--the stilts and the tenors--seemed a bit random, even after Scott Koter’s exposition pre-show. However, this group is notorious for fleshing out every possibility throughout the summer, and I have a feeling the show will make much more sense in just a few weeks’ time. I’m looking forward to it, as this corps seems to have no weaknesses. My only beef is that, for many years now, I’ve felt as if the second half of their shows are often let downs. MACHINE, Great Divide, and Mad World all didn’t have the “oomph” in the second half that the first half did, and as of now, XtraordinarY is the same way. Granted, it was the second show of the season, and they always have a “surprise” ending late July, but I hope it lives up to the first half of the show! Bluecoats - Bluecoats, you are good. So, so good. However, I get the impression that you are the freshman trying to fit in at the senior party. “I learned a curse word, and I’m going to use it now! And again, and again, and again!” This corps is incredibly talented (and has been for years!), but this show just seems to be missing the intangibles. All of the pieces are there, but something about it is lacking to me. They are so, so talented, the arrangements are great, but it’s just not clicking. I wish I didn’t have to say this, because I am so impressed by their organization, but it just isn’t doing it for me, and I’m not smart enough to express my thoughts in words. I will say this: 2010 was a banner year for them, and they need to be careful not to stick too close to that 2010 formula, lest they become just a one-trick pony. Carolina Crown - Another great corps, another great hornline, and another kicking guard, especially in that wind! I enjoy the show (as did everyone else), but I admit to being turned off by the excessive cheese factor. I understand the reasoning for the cheese, and kudos to the kids for performing the crap out of it, it just doesn’t do it for me. In any event, they will be a corps to watch out for, as the Saturday results show. Like most others, I agree that the second half needs some work. I wonder if this is an anniversary year for them? The Bohemian Rhapsody usage seemed a bit premature after using it just a few years ago. I’m not slamming it, I was just curious if there was a reason other than show design to include it. I recall many complaining a few years ago that Crown didn’t have a “style,” but I don’t think anyone thinks that anymore. Their visual style is unlike any other, but I’m not always the biggest fan. I appreciate the motion into the ground, but it’s a bit odd when it is done in the exact same way that it was done last year (at least to my mercy-of-the-cameraman-eyes). Similarly, their body movements sometimes just seem random. “Okay, let’s do a plie here. Now, knees to the left. Uh, now to the right. And left again. And back up. Yes, artistry!” I’m not sure I’m convinced... In any event, they are good, the fans love them, and they know how to clean. They’ll be in the hunt! Cadets - This is the Cadets that so many fans have been waiting for! They have a great show, a great design, and some incredibly hard-working members, judging by their product last night. They really move, and of course the “they never go under 176 BPM” advertising Hopkins did pre-show didn’t hurt. (Note: they aren’t the only corps like this! Just the only one that said so.) The show seems great, and my only complaint is that some of the “acting,” especially by the demon side, just plain got old. Granted, it was pre-show, I’ve just never been the biggest fan of that stuff (see Crown, above). These kids are trained to be musicians and marchers--not actors--and I think it, all too often, clearly shows. But, I’m just being picky. Like no other corps out there, the Cadets make some pretty awe-inspiring later season surges, and they just might be on their way to bringing the title back home. Speaking of “home,” I can’t wait to see the Allentown crowd react to this corps! What a great moment that will be for the members (and the audience)! Phantom Regiment - I don’t talk much on here, but when I do I certainly don’t pretend to be Phantom’s biggest fan. I appreciate all of the hard work, I just don’t like the shows, and without overstepping the boundaries of this discussion, I don’t think either of their championships were deserved, but rather belonged solely to the Blue Devils (and I’m not even their biggest fan!). I apologize to the Phans that that statement bothers, and if that’s you, I don’t recommend reading further. If I owned the Phantom Regiment, I would just clean house. The percussion has already been washed out and given some fresh faces--good--they doing pretty well, too! Now clean house with brass, color guard, and design, and build something back up. JD Shaw’s arrangements last night proved to me why he never should have left Boston Brass, and why his time as Regiment arranger should have been finished a few years ago. It was easily the worst Mozart Requiem arrangement I’ve ever heard. Some of that is performance--I know it’s early season--but there are so many issues with the brassline it is just unbelievable, especially with a group with such a storied and decorated hornline. Speaking of horns, how about those trumpets in the Verdi? Yikes. After all of the advertising that they have a Boston Symphony trumpeter/Phantom alum on staff, I would have at least expected the trumpets to be decent. Alas, I was very, very wrong. But, like the Cadets, they know how to surge and re-write, and maybe the show will work out in the end. Santa Clara Vanguard - After reading some reviews, I went in thinking that this corps would be awful. They weren’t! Of course percussion will be phenomenal, and they have some early season issues corps-wide, but this is not the disaster I was told it would be. Their show is hard, and one that will take more than one viewing (all of them will, honestly). As such, I apologize for not writing more here. I need to see it again. Will they win? No. Will they still be a great corps that’s one rung higher than last year as they try to rebuild? I think so! Blue Stars - I remember seeing their show in July last year thinking that they had one of the most physically demanding shows of the season, and the same is true this year. They really work these kids, and the kids really seem to respond. Along with Crown, I always get the impression I’ve seen their shows before. Crown seems like a re-hash of the BOA Champion Avon last year (punny title, classical mixed with rock), and Blue Stars seems like a re-hash of another show I’ve seen, but can’t put my finger on. Anyway, they are good, but some design choices seem to be getting in their way, especially their props that limit the field usage. I hope they get out of their placement rut, and I wonder if the difficulty is doing that to them. They start off slow because of the tremendous difficulty, and I wonder if they just stay in that spot “because they’ve been there all year.” Though I know some don’t like their show design choices, I hope they keep really working their members, because I see a big pay-off for them very soon. Maybe not this year, but soon. My Placements (unscientific): 1. The Cavaliers - 72.25 2. The Cadets - 72.15 3. Carolina Crown - 71.4 4. Blue Devils - 71.2 5. Bluecoats - 71.1 6. Santa Clara Vanguard - 68.5 7. Phantom Regiment - 68.35 8. Blue Stars - 68.1 Fan reactions at my Theater (even more unscientific): 1. The Cavaliers 2. Carolina Crown 3. The Cadets 4. Bluecoats 5. Blue Stars 6. Santa Clara Vanguard 7. Blue Devils 8. Phantom Regiment - Zero applause (yes, you read that right! Maybe it was because the show ends somewhat abruptly, but still...not a single clap. I even asked the guy next to me if that was the case, and he agreed.)
  2. Songs Have Words. Therefore, Not Songs. Become Capable Musician. Before Talk Trash.
  3. A reason not yet stated: It would be an absolute PEDAGOGICAL WASTE to spend an entire summer on something that no one will use. You can play Bb instruments in professional ensembles. Educators will teach their students on Bb instruments. The list goes on. The only really practical use for using G horns is if someone plans to enter the MDBC, but there's no sense putting 80 hornline members through that torture (not to mention the audience) just so one prospective MDBC kid can get some experience.
  4. Would you mind elaborating? I actually thought their visual was atrocious in 2008. In fact, the problems that "caused their downfall" in 2009 were, in my opinion, evident all throughout Spartacus! I'm not saying you're wrong! I'm just curious what your specific thoughts are.
  5. Cavaliers 2003 - Spin Cycle The epitome of demand and show design. The musical/visual integration has, in my opinion, never been matched.
  6. Yeah, it's not like they're just gonna transpose it to B-flat anyway Anyway, it's the same reason no one has done Dvorak 7, either (or any of the many great Dvorak pieces, for that matter). Everyone has their heads stuck up Dvorak 9's butt!
  7. They probably COULD, they're just smart enough to choose NOT to. Although, that tuba sound is strangely similar to some I've heard over the years... (is someone whistling Pachelbel?)
  8. The same holds true for normal playing. If someone plays with a distorted sound (the "loud timbre" I mentioned earlier), it will seem louder, even when it's really not.
  9. Of course it's not said like that, but the brass guys at Phantom know the sound they want, so that's the sound they teach! Nope, just someone who actually uses their ears, unlike so many others in this activity
  10. I think what a lot of people are overlooking is the difference between SOUNDING LOUD and actually BEING LOUD. In a perfect world, the perfect musician would sound no different when "sounding loud" and when "being loud." But, realistically, there is always a timbre change. Even Herseth and Kleinhammer and Jacobs sound different at fff than at mf (this is the fundamental reason, I think, why the Cavies sounded the way they did for so long). I think many fans equate this "loud timbre" to actual volume. I'm pretty certain they would be SHOCKED at the (actually quite minute) decibel differences between "loud" corps and "not loud" corps. Often, it's not really the decibel difference, it's the fact that they are encouraged to play with a "loud timbre." In my opinion, Blue Devils, Cadets, and Phantom play with this loud timbre. Phantom especially...even when they play mf, they still sound like they're playing loud (this is NOT a good thing!). Crown and Bloo, however...they're doing some good thing. I'll give the Cavies another year or so to gel before I decide what road they're traveling.
  11. I didn't know about this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Boo. I think what Hop is doing is a great idea. After all, drum corps is basically a co-ed college fraternity. They have regional alumni chapters, why shouldn't we? It will be a great way for alumni to get together (relatively) easily, and I'm sure the corps proper will notice a financial impact, as well!
  12. I do agree that the final note of BD 08 was pretty rough, too. However, I definitely didn't confuse the two hornlines. Listen to the ends of both recordings. If you don't hear what I'm talking about in Phantom's show, then you aren't listening! But to me, being a bit above the ensemble like that BD guy is WAY less offensive than being 30 cents out of tune for 15 seconds straight. (His volume might also have been made more obvious by the recording, but it sounds like you heard it live, as well...so that can't be it.) Also, the rest of BD's show was so great brasswise. Phantom, I'm just not a believer in their sound since the 03 debacle. Of course, something tells me that I will never agree about Spartacus with a guy named "kickhaltsforlife" Agree to disagree!
  13. Fair point. I believe it has something to do with copyright. A CD recording is simply the music itself. A DVD, however, includes a visual presentation, a color guard, and overall theatrics. If I understand it correctly, the copyright laws for creating this "dramatic" presentation differ from the simple musical presentation. Maybe that has something to do with it? I should mention: the thing about Phantom is just what I heard from a number of (good) sources, including members that marched that year. I haven't verified it. The copyright stuff, however, is my own conjecture.
  14. Exactly, Bloo. The irony is that this "real music" is often precisely the opposite. Let's remember the 2008 Phantom DVD debacle. From what I've been told, the composer gave temporary permission to use his music, pending his approval of the final product. When he saw/heard his music being played, he thought it was an absolute ATROCITY, both from an arranging and performing standpoint, and reneged his permission to put that part of "his music" on DVD. Also notice that Crown has been on a pretty big Bernstein kick recently, and the Bernstein estate JUST HAPPENED to quit granting performance rights to his music for marching groups, notably after some questionable arrangement liberties taken by Crown in the 2009 season. What many drum corps fans consider "real music" is often considered a travesty by the actual composers and their families! Yikes.
  15. That specific instance starts at 11:38 on my recording. I'd say there's about a 30 cent wide "concert F" (I even hesitate to call it that) happening right there. (But it's so "emotional!" Ugh, give me a break.) EDIT: Just to clarify, I didn't quite say they "sounded like 6th graders" at that spot. Just that they were exhibiting musical characteristics that should NOT have been rewarded the way they were.
  16. Cavaliers 2002. Yeah, it's a great show, but 2003 was lightyears ahead in terms of show design and performance (with the exception of visual). Phantom Regiment 2003. One of the worst musical performances of all time. "Real musicians" look down on drum corps because of performances like this, especially since so many consider this their "favorite musical show" of all time. Egads. Cavaliers 2004. I dunno...I just didn't buy into the hype that year. Blue Devils 2007. Hello?! Did you see what The Cadets did that year?! No, you didn't...because you blinked. There was a great time-lapse video from that summer of the top few corps from up above (maybe in Atlanta?). Most corps were normal, The Cavaliers and Cadets absolutely FLEW by, and, well...let's just say the Blue Devils portion of the video was very telling. Phantom Regiment 2008. The worst guard, visual design, and visual performance from a champion since (ironically enough) Phantom Regiment 1996, and the brass wasn't much better. Sure, my blood was pumping like every one else's at the end of that show, but that's no reason to forgive all of their unbelievable errors during the previous 12 minutes.
  17. I just don't get how anyone can say that. There were so many poor musical moments throughout Spartacus. They were nothing compared to the EGREGIOUS visual disasters, but when I first heard the end of their show and I realized that these college-aged musicians couldn't match unisons and octaves on a concert F, I thought they should have been fourth (yes, fourth...BD, Cavs/Crown, Phantom). I learned how to do that in the sixth grade! (Not to mention they hold that stupid note for like 30 seconds and they NEVER fix it...and I won't even get into the mistakes that happen when the other chord members enter!)
  18. And every Cavalier show in the past 20 years is proof that teaching this style DOES work. There are pros and cons to both, and neither is more or less correct than the other. There are also certain types of moves you can do in each style that would be just about impossible in the other style.
  19. But why just the first movement? There's great stuff in the other two! (although I'm admittedly not the biggest fan of the scherzo)
  20. I KNOW I will get attacked for this. I have made it a point to keep this to myself up to this point, but since someone brought it up... I think the problem is JD Shaw. From what I have been told by current and recent members, he is not really a team player. To him it is his way or the highway. From what I understand, JD ultimately pushed Rennick out. Whenever the two were head to head with different opinions, JD always won. Perhaps because JD actually marched Regiment? I'm not sure. If I had to side with one of them, I would go with Rennick, but apparently JD pushed around his weight (...maybe literally, haha) to get what he wanted. Add this to the fact that JD has a history of "less-than-gentlemen-like" actions around people, and it's easy to see that I'm not his biggest fan. I've been told he pushed Rennick out. Perhaps he pushed Rosander out, as well. Maybe even Scotella. Of course, Farrell might be backing up JD throughout all of this. I'm not connected to the organization, so I can't say for sure. I will say this. I don't like JD's arrangements. I don't like Phantom's brass sound. I don't like Phantom's show design. I HATE the way they look when they march (this is the Emmert brothers' fault). If I were Rick Valenzuela, I would clean house. They will already have a new Percussion Head, new Drill Designer, and a recently acquired Guard Head. Get a new Brass Arranger, Visual Coordinator, and Program Designer and start your return to the top! I say this again: I fully expect to get attacked for this. I'm not attacking Phantom in any way. I'm just telling everyone else what I've been told from very reliable sources.
  21. While we're at it, let's re-segregate the water fountains.
  22. They were entertaining. It was great to hear the music live again, and to see those members experiencing the rush of performing one last time. They didn't march, though. This was a bummer, and I was admittedly left pretty flat. The bar was set pretty high by the Cavalier Alumni in 2008, which I think has been the best alumni performance out there.
  23. Every corps has great ambassadors, and every corps has members whose actions they wish they could forget. I've watched BD members THROW their Finals medals at Regiment members TWICE in the last few years--2006 and 2008. But, for every member that did that, I know there was a member that was incredibly grateful for his experience and a great summer. Look, these members aren't perfect. I don't agree with it either, I think it was really rude. BUT, emotions were high...I say cut them at least a little slack. (And all of this is coming from someone who isn't even a BD fan!)
  24. Quit putting words in my mouth, and maybe we'll talk. Later.
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