Room_101

Do you think anyone would ever hear all of those notes? Signed, Someone who wishes people would get over this "more notes!" kick

The irony here is that, of the two drum corps people that have done this to me throughout history, BOTH of them were Blue Devils! Back on topic, I think it would be interesting to hear Rite of Spring. I'm not sure how well it would translate to the field. I have a feeling they would have to stick with the more "fan-friendly" sections, simply because so many sections of it would be all but impossible on the marching field.

I applaud SCV for staying true to the MUSIC instead of just playing loud, audience pleasing chords, or whatever it is some of you hacks want to hear. Bartok was an incredible musician, plain and simple. Bravo to the Vanguard for trying to stay as true to his visions as possible, perhaps at the extent of pleasing some of the audience.

No one was more shocked (and impressed!) than I was when I saw Bloo's scores tonight. With all due respect to their incredible achievements thus far this season, let's not forget about 2007... I'm not saying the same thing will happen again! We just can't forget that there might be several "reasons" for these scores.

Whatever corps they "belonged" to, I hope you don't let them tarnish your opinion of that organization. Every corps has people like that. Every high school does too. Sports teams, even entire countries have people that act this way. Unfortunately, it's just part of life. I hope you were still able to enjoy the show as much as possible!

The Cavaliers also have a medical staff/trainers on hand at all times. I think they are the ones that started it, actually.

How right you are. Marcus High School was UNBELIEVABLE.

Is he the same soloist from last year? If so, great! He was fantastic. Far superior to their 2008 soloist, in my opinion.

DISCLAIMER: I WENT A LITTLE BIT OF A DIFFERENT ROUTE WITH THIS TOPIC, IT'S NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU ASKED Corps absolutely have to deal with this. MULTIPLE judges' tapes from 2003 Cavaliers have phrases like, "Not quite up to par as last year," etc, etc. In the end, The Cavaliers were no longer battling the Blue Devils for first place...they were battling their 2002 selves! Judges aren't supposed to do it, but they do. (And yet STILL people continue to allow judges and placements to determine the success of a season...the judges are imperfect, people! But that's another story for another time...) I think this partially explains 2006 Cadets (which should have been higher, in my opinion) and 2009 Phantom Regiment (which also should have been higher). We'll see what happens with the Blue Devils this year!

It's a tribute to The Cavaliers' history of excellence that people are starting to think they are "in trouble." Just like how 2007 and 2009 were "bad years" for them. I can think of HUNDREDS of marchers who would LOVE to have that kind of a "bad year." PS - They are not in trouble. They have a full corps, a great instructional staff, incredible volunteers, one of the best fan bases in the activity, and some of the most loyal alumni out there. There's no way that is "in trouble."

I haven't seen a show of theirs finished this early in yeeeears. They usually have more drill sets than everyone else, so that might be why. Were both of the other two finished?

Interesting! I'm glad to know it was a "tested" process, and not something just done on a whim!

This is right on the money. It's not that people are going after the groups with the DCI Championships. They are just going after the corps who they think perform the best shows. It is these "best shows" that in turn usually win the championships!

I'm looking forward to what I believe will be a defining year for this activity!

I'm with AlexL on this one. I don't think we're slighting Phantom at all by predicting them out of this show. We're just recognizing the outstanding recent achievements of other groups. Let's face it. For several years now, it's been "The Top 3." Well, now there are about 6 corps that are good enough to be in this "Top 3." It's the same thought process.

That's what they do. Gatorade and water. I think BD does too, right?

I apologize. I wasn't trying to spoil your fun. It sounds like YOU can handle this type of discussion. I know that I can. I'm just not sure that everyone else here can, that's all.

Did the Cavies invert the black/white on the sash, too?

oops.

Then you won't be the problem! In any event, I can think of at least three corps whose shows this year will be COMPLETELY different from the "formulas" anyone might list here.

Boy, nothing could possibly go wrong in this thread.

***applause*** VERY well put. I am infinitely more worried about this than drum corps marketing...and I love drum corps!

Carolina CROWN is due to the whole royalty thing they have going back to the American Revolutionary War (for instance, Charlotte is named after Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg). I think the Madison SCOUTS is pretty obviously from their Boy Scouts roots. Magic of Orlando I believe has something to do with Disney and the Magic Kingdom, etc. Interestingly, Magic of Orlando was founded in the same year (I believe) as the Orlando Magic. I am also 100% NOT sure of this, but I wonder if this might be true. The "blue devils" were, long ago, considered to bring pain and sadness to mankind. This term was later shortened to "the blues," which then became a landmark along the history of jazz. Can anyone say if this had anything to do with the Concord Blue Devils' name?

To the OP, I see what you're saying, but I think it's a REAL stretch to make the connection with Carolina Crown in this decade. I know why you're making this connection, but I just don't think it's strong enough to merit. I think Star 1993 was an innovative year, but I think everyone talks it up too much just because they chose to leave the activity. Case in point: If the Cavaliers had up and left after 2002, I think there would be a lot more Cavie fans here, not to mention even more love for the 02 production. The same can be said about 2006, and possibly 2004. If the Phantom Regiment had up and left after 2008, Jesus Christ...I can't even imagine the lovefest that would be happening here. Cadets, 2005...Carolina Crown, 2009...etc, etc. My point is that YES, it was an innovative show. I just think that people had blown this innovation way out of proportion since Star decided to leave.