Jump to content

Tony L.

Members
  • Posts

    769
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Tony L.

  1. I think this year might be a good opportunity for the Cadets to do something centered around the topic that drives everyone crazy here: the uniforms. I envision a somewhat staged version of Mass that includes an actual plot where the very act of removong the uniform coupled with really "modern" drum corps elements such as trombone soloists blasting into microphones and some heavy exploitation of movable props culminates in the drum major ultimately shocking all of the other Cadets by losing faith and shedding the uniform. Ultimately, everyone puts the jacket back on and the Cadets close with a "classic" drum corps finale: a great company front. It allows them to use modern and classic elements in a way that has some kind of focus and purpose -- two things that were really missing from this past year's show. Oh well, just a thought.
  2. I would say 1994 Cadets WSS. I happened to see them several times throughout the season that year and I swear the ending was different every time, musically and visually. Also, I happened to have liked the otiginal BD "Ragtime" opener (forget the year), but they changed it to a a Joplin rag, I guess because it was more familiar.
  3. So, it seems that Cadets 2017 has nothing to do with everything that has been battled on the previous pages. SO, I will try to get back to the topic by asking that the Cadets tackle a piece that I have always thought would be great for Vanguard, the choruses from Deaf of Klinghoffer. Back in the late '90s, Vanguard had success with music I thought would haver been perfect for the Cadets, so it is appropriate that the Cadets take my ideas for Vanguard now. We'll see. Of course a David Bowie or Donna Summer tribute would be cool too.
  4. Can we just clarify that the Visual caption award is for visual performance, not overall visual. So, I believe that Bluecoats actually won the visual performance caption finals night, not BD.
  5. So, I just want to say that I have come away from Indy this week with much respect for the members and the staff of the Cadets. The fact that they got that mess of a show to the point where it actually finally came together (albeit not perfectly) is a testimate to the work ethic and the desire to be better that the Cadets are known for. I have nothing but respect, and I think that is what the take away from this year should be. Take that same effort and talent and start from a better place next year. The sky is not falling! On a side note, I actually have to say that this show could actually have used some narration at the very beginning to at least set up what we were about to see. The question thought is whether the narrative was ever clearly conceived enough to even draft such narration. Who knew, the one year they decide to not talk is the one where it actually could have been helpful!
  6. I would say Mandarins, Genesis or Legends. Obviously some are already close, but these three are the ones to watch.
  7. If anyone has two tickets for Saturday that they need to get rid of, let me know. I am in Indy now and can meet up at the stadium for the transaction. Thanks.
  8. Has anyone had experience with getting lost or stollen tickets reissued by DCI? Anyone know if it is even posssible?
  9. I am going to repeat my usual suggestion. Do Mass as an identity crisis show about what it means to be the Cadets. It starts simple and pure,complete with the maroon and gold unis, and goes down a road with electronics, trombones, lots of amplification, and members discarding the maroon jacket and ultimately replacing the jackets with a great simple company front finale. For me the best of both worlds. Do as many "modern" elements, but put that into a context where the very act of doing those things is part of the real struggle and drama being portrayed. I just feel like everything happening on the field needs a purpose. If they can someone turn the show into what it really means to be the Cadets, that would be a fitting hommage to the 87 show. Otherwise, just go play scales and run laps.
  10. For Academy, the next step is Finals. For Mandarins, it is showing that they are ready to be in the conversation for being a Finalist. It takes (usually) a significant build up to take that next step and I feel like Mandarins have put together a few really solid years and they just need to put that final piece in place to follow the road that I think Academy has blazed. In all honesty, top 17 now is basically the same as making finals during the late nineties early 2000s, the shows and talent have gotten that strong. Eventually I feel like we will see corps in that group float from 10 to 17 without having significant noticeable drop offs. We shall see.
  11. I still feel that those with the most to prove are: Bluecoats(to show they can be a champion); Cadets (to prove their championship mettle); Academy (to show they've taken the next step; and Mandarins ( to prove they are ready to take the next step). Should be a great weekend!
  12. And so I have now found the rest of Academy. All of these Academy spottings must be an omen. I guess I will have to like their show when I finally see them next week.
  13. So just saw an Academy bus sitting at the end of my block in Center City Philadelphia. Now that is something!
  14. Actually, it would just the same if the stone statue shed the stone exterior and then HE runs over to the cake with the human soloist. It provides the same bigger moment, but seems a little more inclusive and uplifting (given that it is very difficult to understand an internal struggle on a football field). When in doubt make it more obvious and not have the main guy's interior struggle devolve into a cheesy fight with a statue that was simply sitting there doing nothing and bothering no one. No need to beat him down.
  15. So, I am always excited to hear feedback from first-time attendees or those who have a little exposure to the activity, so I was interested in what my group of newbees had to say about last night. Generally wowed by the excellence being achieved, but the show they all enjoyed most (although they had to leave early and missed SCV and Cadets) was Bluecoats. And the one they all liked the least: Madison. And the Blue Knights drew praise for their great use of costuming and color. Oh, and one person felt that Phantom had the best sound of the night. I thought it interesting that their selections lined up with the judging -- except for the Phantom sound. Not sure they would have been placed first in brass. But, they did sound better than I was expecting. Any way, random thoughts . . .
  16. So after final seeing the show live last night, I was more than a little confused by the ending. I had no idea why the stone statue ends up in a fight with the newly human character. To me it seemed forced and not really in keeping with the majestic music. While I understand the concept of the awakening, I would think it more effective if the stone statue somehow breaks out of the stone to join the "awakened" individuals. Somehow that would seem more positive than just beating someone down. It just seemed too forced and more than a little confusing. But, on the whole, while I recognize the flaws in the program and some obvious marching issues (uncharacteristically so), I really do not think it was not the hot mess that everyone thinks. And, I actually think that it has the chance to pass Vanguard. But we shall see!
  17. Which lot is the one furthest away? I think that they are Lots A B C and D. And parking is free at the stadium, so be sure not to pull into a non stadium lot charging for parking. I saw that the last time I was there.
  18. Anybody have advice on what the best lot to park in would be? I am coming in from Philly.
  19. Bump. If anyone knows anyone who suddenly can't make it, please connect me to them. I will be in Chester tomorrow looking for tickets to Finals. At this stage anything will do!
  20. This venue is amazing for drum corps. And, the last time I went, they also sold beer! Always a nice companion with drum corps. Anyone know if they sold beer last year? I was last there in 2014.
  21. I will take the finals tickets, but I only need two. If that works let me know.
×
×
  • Create New...