PrfctTimeOfDay

Here are some quick thoughts of my favorite groups at Indy, O3 – The Boxer is fun, refreshing and had some of the best flag work of the day, definitely in the medal hunt Zydeco A – I love the mamas and the papas, the closing flags with Cass Elliot’s face on them are divine, not to mention a pretty cool flag feature. Fun show throughout, once cleaned they’ll be close to O3 and also in the medal hunt Bellbrook – Mother, Mine is one of the most powerful and emotional shows that I saw all day. Definitely a SA medal contender once they clean it up. Beautiful flag feature and staged brilliantly by Michael Gaines….ie. Michael Gaines has each member on their own baby/mother picture during the flag feature and then again at the end. Lake Orion – Sometimes just a straightforward guard show is the best route and Lake Orion proves that. Simple, yet refined. You also can’t go wrong with Cat Steven’s ‘Peace Train’ Interplay – Doe, a deer a female deer! So fun, and complex, one of the best uses of props with their ‘round notes’ that they move all around. I really enjoyed them quite a bit. Lexis – How can you not love a show that has an ‘oven mitt’ flag feature. 4 stars indeed for this cooking show, I think underscored in finals. They should make IO finals. South Shore – The crowd favorite as always. FUN, with a capital F, who cares about the sheets when you can entertain. I think WGI needs more ‘south shore’s’ Last in equipment and GE with the so called ‘anointed’ ones….if that tells you anything (ie..our activity is stuffy, resistant to change and adjudicated by WASP's with a median age of 55) Complimentary metamucil in the hospitality room! Greenwood – I like the stylistic change with Greenwood. Solid in all areas, though at one point early in their music I thought they had stolen their soundtrack from “Revenge of the Nerds” Who else remembers Poindexter on the violin and a rap by me ol little Lamar!?! Great Show Greenwood, LOVED IT! ***I know world class is supposed to be the class of ‘innovators’ But, I never thought that it’d be with scholastic groups though. Both Carmel and Lawrence Central are pushing our activity in new and exciting ways…KUDOS to them!*** Carmel – As stated above, very innovative show, especially with their opening flags, which appear to be rope flags but they spin like flags on a pole. Strong in all areas, and I’d say frontrunner for the gold…I don’t know if anyone can touch them. This show is complex, unique, performed exquisitely and entertaining. It checks all the boxes and I really appreciate that! Lawrence Central – Last year, LC had my favorite show of the year (the box show) This year, LC again has one of my favorite shows and continues to reinvents their identity while pushing the boundaries and breaking new ground. They use fabric (much like Carmel) in a way that is inventive and exciting (they also use fans) They had the only moment of the day where I was truly surprised, thrilled and had a genuine visceral reaction. I won’t give away that moment, I’d like for you all to experience it as well. Onyx – Last year and this year’s shows have been masterpieces. I don’t know any other way to explain it. They continue to push the boundaries in movement and ensemble, and do it in such a way that is entertaining and thought provoking. I can watch this show over and over again and find something new and appreciate it. They have a very good shot at repeating as IW Champions. O2 – Don’t underestimate O2…I think they can make IW finals. They are staged and move wonderfully. The purple flag feature is gorgeous and their primary dancer is I’m guessing 14? 15? I also adore the ending of this show. They certainly could make some waves in IW this year, and deservingly so. Other thoughts (mainly rants…you’ve been warned): Ok, Admit it, you have no clue what Warren Central did, because you, like me.. watched that monstrosity of movie screen that they set up on the back 50. Design team.. maybe it’s time to re-think? Music selections this season are mostly horrendous. I’m not sure if copyrights are hurting groups or if staffs are being lazy and taking the easy way out, but I may start selling Zoloft by the pill at upcoming shows! Enough with soundtracks with Narration. My god, it is the year of narrative speaking shows…and if that’s not bad enough, it’s narration that is LACKING music! Again, I’m not sure if copyrights are to blame for this or what, but I’d say 80% of shows had some sort of narration and BAD narration at that. What happened to picking great music, a great theme and great work!? Okay, Rant over! Best to all this season!! :smile:/>

Just watched the video...and the was an awfully long time before anyone did something. Unfortunately, it's probably going to take something tragic (followed by lawsuits) before there is a policy change that is universal and adopted by DCI and each organization.

Me too! ME TOO!!! I think he is one of the best, and most underrated writers out there right now. I'm surprised more HS bands don't utilize him. I believe he writes for BOA finalist Wando HS and a couple others?

I saw it too...the changes start at the point where they speed up the first time in Nessun Dorma. So, instead of speeding up there's a run of notes (which sounds nothing like Nessum Dorma) in its place AND at the same musical pace...but I'm still not sold that it's arranged for maximum exposure...there is no rise or fall to the new addition, rather, it's just loud. **EDIT** What I think I didn't care for is that the new tagged music comes in at a place in Nessun Dorma where the melody goes down, but instead the new music goes up in register and just stays there** From what I can remember after that, the soloist comes back in again does his thing, the ending is very similar if not exactly the same melodically...but the drill is different. The drill is still compact and near the front, but it sounds like maybe they are playing a couple clicks faster than the previous ending. The guard also had no flag work (for the new additions), and marched with silks at right shoulder or stripped, I believe....again all from memory, so take it for what it's worth!

It's already been uploaded to an unmentionable place.

Results from Tour of Champions - Houston, TX Blue Devils 89.350 Carolina Crown 87.600 Phantom Regiment 85.450 The Cadets 85.250 Santa Clara Vanguard 84.450 Bluecoats 83.200 The Cavaliers 80.400 Boston Crusaders 80.300

big spread from crown to BD

Phantom jumps the Cadets

So does SCV pull away from the Bluecoats tonight?!??

Blooo had a really ugly rifle drop that cartwheeled about 3 more yards after hitting the ground! Yikes!

That's easy: Lee Carlson "judging".

I hope that someone can get all the teal kids together who are now marching a new corps during finals week, and take a picture of them in the uniform of their new corps. It would be really nice to see them all together again and interesting to see where they ended up.

Poor Ewan? I have to admit....I can't stop watching it and I bust out laughing every time. Pay close attention to the last 10 seconds...you'll hear it! :-)

My gut says that if crown doesn't win DCI, it will be because of either the margin in guard or percussion...or perhaps both. I still think they have the best vehicle to win though. Watch those 2 captions closely. Those are BD's strengths.

I do...it's a big part of my job. I also could have schizophrenic, but it's late and my brain hurts.

Ah, the demise of the Westerville South Marching Band, it's the saddest band story I can think of. From 4th in the Nation, to not even having a band program less than 10 years later.

I'm a Flyer too! I also remember the marching bass and marching amp member!! And wouldn't you know, The Centerville Jazz Band won BOA Grand Nationals the next year in 1992! I'm convinced that the CJB is the most well known high school marching band in the nation, especially after the movie, 'From the 50 Yard Line" came out....The elks are/were bitter rivals of the HS that I went too: Huber Heights Wayne!

Ugh....But, I was at the Centerville show tonight, and at least they did go out on a high note! The had a great performance tonight and got a standing O from the crowd. Best of luck to all the Teal Sound peeps!

I was there tonight....I think the crowd was pretty high energy, but man were we packed in like sardines!!! Ugh. I thought about linking arms with the people on either side on me. Overall...I thought Spirit was very impressive, better than I was expecting and FUN!. There are moments of Madison's show I really enjoy, they might have been the crowd favorite. Company front to the end of the show was so delicious it had to be fattening. The Bluecoats were MUCH better than what I was expecting and could really pack in the brass sound. the guard is MUCH better than last year and had a good night. Love the silk choices, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to catch Phantom, but it'll be a fun dance to watch. The Cavies look as though they've made some needed changes and integrate the guard better, but I still think something might be getting lost in translation? The guard was VERY inconsistent and sloppy....almost as if half of them were tweaking on crystal meth while performing....a propros for a 15 minutes of fame? I think they'll catch and pass Madison, but not Bloooo. They really closed the gap tonight Crown has made me a believer. I'm not one to get emotional, but there were moments of genius in that show, and Leon May is to be commended. Amazing drill and executed very nicely tonight, there are some musical moments that almost made me cry...literally I was getting teary. I love the freshness of the show and concept, and the ingenuity of the direction the corps is taking and the forward thinking of the design staff. Kudos to Keith Potter and the other who have really elevated this corps. Also, you could tell Rosie had been in to clean the guard, because they too were ON tonight.I think this Crown could and should win in Indy. Crown and Phantom now are my 2 favorite shows of the season! :::EDIT::: It also looked like Crown might have been down 2 tubas tonight?? Also, GREAT night for all the groups! Beautiful, slightly cool weather, as opposed to the 102 degrees it was 2 days ago. Lots of familiar and big name faces in the crowd tonight. Eric Martin of BOA sat in front of me. I think Centerville/Dayton's close proximity to Indy, Columbus and Cincy had a large pull in those that came tonight. I think Cville seats about 8,000 and it looked pretty full. Overall, great performances by all tonight...very proud of everyone's effort and hardwork. For parents and friends stuck back at home, you would have been very proud of your child tonight!! For point of reference this is Centerville Stadium:

KC Perkins + KC Michael + Damon Padilla + Jamey Thompson + Michael James = DREAM TEAM!!!! You couldn't construct a nicer, more talented, creative staff....and even more, they are the most down to earth people you'll ever meet. Completely approachable, humble, compassionate and always wanting the best for all the kids in the activity.

I'm deleting my review, no good deed goes unpunished....Adios!

agreed! Ugh...and the show is entitled 'A Good German' 11+ million people were murdered in the Holocaust for crying out loud! Perhaps a better approach to this show would have been an adaption of Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" Heck...even that is a better show title. ...and that's not even addressing the design and technique issues I saw.

I just got this sent to me today, and I'm going to try and make it out to this event. Bellbrook (OH) one of the top SA guards this season (with a wonderful show to boot) is having a community performance of all its music ensembles to help raise money for a high school that was hit by a terrible tornado earlier this month in Indiana. Kudos to the school, staff, and kids for being a class act and reaching out to those in need. This is what it's really all about!! Here's the email I received: You and your family are invited to a night of FREE musical and visual entertainment! Come enjoy the award-winning 2012 competition shows of the Bellbrook High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, Flag Line, and Middle School Winter Guard. Command performance info: Friday, March 30, 8:30 p.m., Bellbrook HS Gym Special night: As you know, a series of deadly tornadoes blasted their way through the Midwest on March 2nd. One town hit especially hard was Henryville, Indiana. Their high school was destroyed along with their band room and all their instruments. We were able to contact the Band Booster President and he stated that their largest fundraiser for the year is held Easter weekend. They won't be able to have it this year due to obvious circumstances. From our community to theirs...we would like to reach out to them by collecting donations the night of our Command Performance. We will be "passing the drum" and collecting any spare money you may have to help the Henryville students rebuild the music programs they love so much. Thank you for your dedication and support, The Bellbrook Music Boosters

Favs from Cincy! Bellbrook…I could watch this show for days and days!! Michael Gaines staged another masterpiece with Bellbrook which is evident by them taking the EA caption and coming in 2nd in GE. The show ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ explores the thoughts and memories we hold dear about a simpler time, and is done so in a very modern way. Bellbrook is the real deal and should be a strong finalist in SA at WGI LWN- Beautiful flag work from Lincoln Way North!!! So delicious it has to be fattening. I LOVE Greenfield-Central’s show ‘In this Shirt’ My only criticism is that the writing on the t-shirts is not visible to the audience and needs to be silk-screen or applied in a way that we can actually read them, as it’s integral to the theme. That aside, GC moved my in a very emotional way, and I just adore this show. My favorite SO show of the year. Raise your hand if you think GC looks like old Center Grove! That’s a GOOD thing. Greenwood is also VERY good and has a boy who I swear is 28 and a ringer! He has amazing skills and technique for a high school student I actually quite enjoyed Naperville Central’s show on the elephant man…in fact I love the moment when their soundtrack says “who is a freak” and they spin their props around which unveils numerous mirrors and reflects the audience….so you can see yourself! A VERY powerful moment. Aren’t we all freaks in some ways!?! O2 is Gorgeous and their featured guy is simply amazing. Beautiful and solid work, with technique for days! O2 reminds me of old-school Onyx. O2 will medal...mark those words! ;-) Ancora was also very good, but they were the 3rd group…yes THIRD group to use the music ‘This Bitter Earth.’ Lawrence Central has my FAVORITE show of the year! It’s creative, cutting-edge, ingenious…and so beautifully performed and executed. The way they manipulate those boxes and integrate them into the show is stunning. You do NOT want to miss this show…it will be a lot of people’s favorites this year. 2nd year director, Becca Sullens should be given incredible credit for developing and bringing to life this wonderful production. Northview, I have to admit, I was cracking up half way through this show….a clucking chicken is featured throughout the program almost mocking the vocalist of the magic flute. This is a show that will have the audience on their feet. The performers are what really sell this show…they’re fantastic. Trumbull’s throwback show to honor WGI’s 35th with a nod to Erte and Emerald Marquis was a HUGE crowd pleaser, that got a standing ovation Pride of Cincinnati is staged meticulously, and performed at such a high level. The members are well trained and have top notch technique, but for me…there’s something missing in this show. I’m not sure what it is…maybe soundtrack design? I just feel it’s overly repetitive with an emphasis on Christianity. I don’t think that it is at all controversial, but as a viewer, I feel a little more depth with the questions concerning whether there is or isn’t a god should be spliced in..and some of the sermon preaching removed. Then again, that’s just my humble take. To me it comes off a little preachy, and what I really want the show to do is, draw me in with their performance and soundtrack which will make me question those fundamental beliefs...but right now it just doesn’t…Right now, it’s just a good show. Zydeco – First off I love any show that uses ‘I can’t make you love me if you don’t’ It’s like Byron Valentine pried into my mind at the age of 15. Pairing it with the Tin Man theme was simply genius. Another Michael Gaines staging tour de force, and a flag book by Michael Shapiro…I’m in heaven!! Love this beautiful show Onyx is the real deal. This year they invite the viewer into their show and to experience it with them as opposed to last year where it seemed (at least to me) that the dissonance of what they were trying to create left the audience out of their production. Very strong movement and weapon skills. There are brilliant movement passages and I LOVE the pole work, especially removing and attaching the silks through the duration of the show. This may be the strongest Onyx yet! And better than that, it’s an Onyx that almost everyone can and will appreciate! So there are my Favorites from Cincy! Hope you enjoyed…

My initial thought is.. how irritatingly pompous of their staff...you're spinning wooden guns in a gym, not safeguarding your daughter from the extremely hot alcoholic quarterback of the school. The reality is that it's not all that disturbing, but more so: self-preserving. They want their show; specifically their ending to be a surprise, and this is the cowardly way to do it...otherwise the emotional impact is lost from viewing it over and over again. Also, Fantasia has made copyright claims to all youtube videos posted, so be careful. I had previously seen the show on youtube, and if you possess a video of the show, be discreet on how you post it or who you send it to.