Tony L.

Really, that's too bad. So many great works lost forever to drum corps and the marching arts world in general. Oh well, on to the next off-season fantasy. That's what the off-season is all about anyway. I wonder when this happened though. Didn't the Cadets do a Maestro Bernstein show a few years ago with West Side Story? Let's hope they were able to overcome this, since I would not want to have that show have to be removed from DCI media.

I completely agree too. In fact, this was my submission during that let the fan's pick the show contest that they ran last year I believe it was. I have always thought that there could be a good drum corps allegory there, where the show would start in a very straight-forwad "old school" manner and then progress through to near the end where there would be trombones blaring, singers, and all heck breaking loose (you know the section I am talking about). Ultimately it would resolve into a simple, straight-forward finale that would reaffirm the Cadets' "faith" in the power of simple drum corps. It would allow them to do all of the modern things while also making us consider what makes the true essence of drum corps. Much like the original Bernstein piece does with religious beliefs. Not that I have given this any thought over the past 20 years or so . . . .

I have always thought that a corps like Surf (or VK in the past) could totally do a "Forbidden Drum Corps" show similar to the Forbidden Broadway shows: take some shots at the biggest hits from the previous season or two in a parody type show. SCV needs to do a show centered on the music from THe Death of Klinghoffer Mandarins should do a full treatment of the Red Lantern or Butterfly Lovers Cadets should do a treatment of Bernstein's Mass which is essentially an allegory for current and recent past questions of faith in drum corps: it would build to the portion of the mass when basically all hell breaks loose (trombones playing, people singing at the top of their lungs, electronics blaring, players moving beyond the field to the edge of the stands in a cacophony of sound) only to resolve ultimately with a statement of faith in the simple pure sounds of the finale from Mass. The show practically writes itself. Blue Knights could do something interesting with a show about the horrors of heroin addiction with music from A Single Drop of Blood on the Ground (I believe that is the title of the album)

A beautiful night for drum corps, a great line up, and a very large appreciative crowd. The one major issue as a fan that must be addressed is the seating in the center section of the stadium (non VIP) was without a doubt the most uncomfortable seating I have ever experienced at a drum corps show. Imagine bleachers with SMALL hard plastic seats -- it was like sitting behind those awful stadium seats that people insist on bringing. The kind that takes away all possible leg room. Thankfully enough the guy next to me left after one show! At least I could watch while sitting sideways! Never again will I pay for these $50 tickets. Buyer beware for next year's show. Despite the comfort issue, the corps were all very impressive. I did not take any notes, so I shall only offer impressions. Jersey Surf: This show's concept is just not being fully realized. I don't have an issue with Surf trying to be more serious, but this show is just a little too half-baked to be successful. The horns seemed to be a little off last night as I heard a lot of individual mistakes and the ensemble really never seemed to get a full solid sound. Individual marching technique needs to be addressed as well, a little rough last night. On the whole, a pleasant enough show, but not as solid as I would have hoped. Colts: I was very impressed by how well this corps moved and how interesting the drill was. Brass sounded really strong as well. The voice over was crystal clear where I was seated and I did not find it too overbearing, but parts of the narrative just don't seem to make sense and seem to be included for the sake of sounding profound in some way. The ending of the show really did not seem to work well last night, not sure if it is new or not. But, at the end, when the scare crow is back to his old self and exiting to "If I Only Had a Brain" just did not seem to connect with the crowd. Part of it was that he disappears for way too long before finally emerging. They need to find a way to make hi transformation occur on the field or at least explain how he manages to leave Oz. Oh, and with him gone, how is Oz to be governed? But, I was a little surprised to see them so close to Spirit. I would have had them closer to Crossmen. Crossmen: Great show from them this year. Really enjoyed it on the whole. All parts are strong. I only have two issues with this show. 1) The drill never really goes beyond the 20s and that is even rare. As a result, the drill seemed a little too cramped. 2) the Carmen music starts off fine, but then I really didn't care for the mix between what the drums were doing and what the brass played. A little disconnected (at least last night). They seem to be a lock for finals (although last night I really felt that Colts would have been closer than they are. Blue Stars: So much going on, but a very fun show. Clever things going on visually and musically. Love "The Chairman Dances" and thought they did a good job of working with it (although still having a few moments of "drum corpsizing" it). I love the red plumes and the transitions to the corps uniform. Just a great show for them and a significant leap forward compared to last year's show. Can't wait to see them again in Indy. Spirit: Sorry Spirit, but due to the uncomfortable seats and the fact that I saw you in Chester, I decided to take a break. Based on the score, they must have had a good run. The drill marched by members between the 10 and the Goal line was well performed, but unfortunately, that is all I can actually comment on. Cavaliers: WOW! This show has really grown and I think it still has legs. When I saw this at the movies, I thought they finally had an interesting package that was still true to their version of what a drum corps does. And it has progressed very nicely. They had huge effect last night and the crowd just loved them. Some minor individual brass issues, but on the whole, they sound better than they have in years. The visual elements are striking as well and very well conceived. My one wish for this show would be to have the baritone soloist who becomes an immortal somehow transition and stand out from the rest of the corps. They build to a very dramatic moment and then he gets up and falls back in line with everyone else. There could be more opportunity there to complete a storyline, but it just ends. I really think that they could possibly catch Crown with this primarily due to GE. It would come down to whether their brass can stay closer to Crown's than Crown's drums can stay to Cavies. Should be a great show in the end regardless. Bluecoats: They have an amazing show this year with quality throughout. That being said, last night I felt like they lacked energy at the beginning of the show. Just didn't impact me the same way they did when I saw them in Chester. I hope it is not just the effect of having seen the show before and it was just a down night. But, regardless of the first part of the show, they took off from the ballad on to that amazing ending. The crowd loved it. I love the show, but I do wonder if it might run out of steam at the end of the season. We shall see. Crown: This is a really strong corps that has a pretty inferior product to sell this year. To their credit, they are performing the crap out of it, but this show is just one cluttered and confusing piece. The elements are often there (i.e. love the beginning, the trumpet feature, the space debris section, etc.), but when taken together, it becomes more and more about less and less. Even the brass section, amazing performers doing incredible things, but for no apparent purpose. It is what I always used to call the "technically proficient mambo": Playing extremely difficult music for the sole apparent reason of showing you can play difficult music. While we can appreciate that, it does not necessarily affect us in any particular manner. Oh, the space debris section was much better since the guard stopped using the round devices and are instead throwing them. Ultimately, this is a great corps with a decent show and they will likely end up in 4th as a result. Cadets: So, as a disclaimer, I typically love the Cadets, but as a result of that love, when they do shows I do not like, I tend to be really negative. This year, I was really not connecting with the show when I saw it in Chester -- it just didn't seem to go anywhere. Last night was a completely different situation. They have upped the emotional impact of this show incredibly. The additions of draping and bunting (although it does need some help) on the stage help out a lot as do the new uniforms worn by the narrator, and the fact that the narrator has reeled in a bit of the dramatic effects that he had in Chester made it so much easier to watch. But, the key to the impact really lies in the performance of the corps members. I really think they are connecting with the message of the show and it is really starting to come across to the audience. The new (at least to me) ending was very effective and I am sure it is even more impressive when you can actually see all of the drill and the front quarter of the field! The increased tempos also really help keep the show moving during some of the parts that dragged a bit in Chester. They are not going to stop working and it should be very interesting to see where they land. After what I saw last night, I would be very surprised to see them get passed by Bloo, but it is still a ways off and one never knows. So I am off to the chiropractor now, but with the overall talent and shows last night, it was easily worth it! Can't wait to see everyone in Indy!

I think we will see the gap close a bit between BD and Cadets/Coats (have to have some semblance of an actual competition for the title going into the last couple of weeks). I also think that Coats will pass Cadets to help add that layer of drama as well. I also think BK keeps moving up.

It is now apparent that everyone is just chasing the Blue Devils. I have not seen them, so I am not making any assessment of the merits of that, but they are as far ahead at this point that I can ever remember. I had thought that this could be 2008 over again with BD killing it all season only to be overcome by Phantom (with Bluecoats as the Phantom), but BD is so far ahead, that I just don't even see that as a possibility. So the question is, will there be any movement at the top or is this a done deal? I think the crowd in Indy will be solidly behind Bluecoats, but I can only see them pushing as high as second. ANy chance of anything interesting happening at the top?

Well, I for one feel that 1996 is one the best Cadets show ever. It really was the Cadets doing what they do best. Win or lose, the marching members should all remember that year fondly and not think about what might of been.

Definitely agree that Nixon in China would be awesome too. Would be cool to see the Cultural Revolution ballet presnted on the football field!

Double post

Vanguard should do music from "The Death of Klinghoffer." Great choruses, very dramatic, and closing with "You Embraced Them" would be amazing. I just can't see amyone else doing it. Mandarins could do "Raise the Red Lantern" (great ballet music and comes with a built in visual package and story). Or I am still waiting for them to play some music from the Last Emperor soundtrack. Finally, I think they could really do a great job with "Flower Drum Song." Broadway still has so much to offer and I am hopeful that Vanguard's success with a fairly straight Les Miz show this year will help pave the way for more Broadway. I could see Colts doing a tribute to Iowa by doing "The Music Man", Madison doing "Will Rogers Follies", and other shows like "Parade", "Steel Pier", "Once on this Island". I would also love to see Vangaurd do another Fiddler show, but do it in a way that really explores the darker side of the story (oh and they could still do the Bottle Dance). Finally, I think Spirit needs to a Disco show next year that is also a tribute to the great Donna Summer (may she rest in peace). Someone needs to a tribute to her and I think the total package that Spirit could put together would be amazing. I would love to see them do "McArthur's Park" and "Last Dance". The story line would be fairly easy to follow as well. If Spririt did not do it, then I would like to see Surf try it as a slightly more sophisticated show (for them at least).

First live show was August 2, 1988 in Cincinnati (took a few more years before I realized that corps were not always August quality since I typically only attended this show in August). The line-up was pretty amazing back then and in retrospect (Scores courtesy of Corpsreps.com): Position Corps Score 1 Santa Clara Vanguard 91.300 2 Phantom Regiment 89.600 3 Madison Scouts 88.200 4 Velvet Knights 87.600 5 Spirit of Atlanta 83.800 6 Sky Ryders 76.100 7 Freelancers 73.800 8 Florida Wave 68.400 9 Glassmen 51.700 10 Limited Edition 45.900 Pretty amazing to think that Vanguard was 3 points ahead of Madison that night and ended up losing to them at Finals (which amazingly were on August 20th that year!)

Just getting back from Allentown and thought I would write a brief review (my first in years). Allentown was its usual self -- and that's a good thing. Always a fun trip and especially so when the quality of corps is as strong as this year. I was seated in the upper deck, around the 35 on side 2. Rather than provide a detailed description of the shows, I will simply share my impressions of each show that I saw. Night 1: Academy: So much talent evident on the field, but this show was a bit of struggle. The master of ceremonies character and Lola and the rest of the Cabaretesque visuals/storyline just did not come across well and felt completely lost when the sing-a-long started. And that is when the show was very awkward. Not sure if I actually heard anyone singing, and so it just didn't work. On the whole, this corps should try something a little less conceptual next year. It seems that the talent and impacts are getting lost as they struggle to put them into a total package. Mandarins: I loved their show!!! This is the largest corps I think they have fielded, but they still have that Little Engine That Could feel to them. They are playing extremely well and actually pull off a story show with original music that is thoroughly engaging and somehow familiar. I think telling such an American tale really helps connect the show with the audience as it is a very common story. The drum feature was definitely a highlight of the night. Great crowd response. Just a note on the first two corps: How crazy is it that the show started at 6:30 when the tickets had 7:00! Thankfully I pulled the schedule from the website and got there in time. But the crowd for the first two was noticeably light. Colts: Maybe it was just a bit of a rough run for them, but this show just seemed very flat to me. (It's also always a bad omen when the opening soloist don't hit it). I appreciated the musical approach, and the colorguard outfits and flags were probably the best that I have seen from Colts. Unfortunately, the show just seemed confusing to me. It started almost like a Peggy Sue Got Married kind of feel and somehow morphed into Field of Dreams? Nice progress from last year and I hope they keep moving forward. Troopers: WOW! They sounded amazing and while their visual show is not the toughest on the field, it is verry effective. One of my favorite shows of the night. The crowd reaction at the end was amazing -- other than Vanguard, they got the most crowd response. Not sure if they have the legs to push for the final Finals spot, but this year is a great antidote to last season's head scratching show. Troopers don't need a theme or concept, they are the theme/concept. They should never forget that. Spirit of Atlanta: They sounded great as well and the overall package is very strong. Guard seemed to have a bit of an off night, but still a fun group to watch. The variety of music played is incredible, especially to do all of it as well as they do. The one issue I have with the show itself is that there really is nothing to the story that is compelling. I will also echo what someone else wrote on here that the silent drill before the big hit in the finale kind of deflates the buildup and the effect is lost. But still a really fun show. A little baffled, honestly, as to why they lost to Blue Stars. Blue Stars: Strong corps, insipid show. Voodoo? I am sure this sounded good when planning, but this show is just a waste of a great guard (who had a really strong run) and a really strong percussion section. Oh yeah, the brass are strong also. Not much stood out to me from the show except the big black voodoo doll and use of music that intimate some sort of connection to voodoo or spells. It just struck me as odd to take a non-literal theme such as the "spell" of love and root it directly in a very literal characterization of voodoo. Just a baffling show. I had them below Spirit and closer to Troopers. But, alas, I am not a judge. Bluecoats: This show plays so much better live than online. I really enjoyed the different spin on an American show along with their unique approach to how to actually put a show together. Going on after Phantom really made them seem very fresh and different. Storng throughout, but it did seem that the guard were having a tough run. This show is placed in the right group of corps, but I think it should be 5th, not 6th (or possibly 7th depending on how Cavies do). Phantom: Hmmmmmmm. Just a lost show for me. The guard looked great. The witch didn't look as silly as I thought it would. But, as a whole, this show did nothing for me. I don't usually dislike Phantom shows, but this one should just be filed alongside the Red Violin show IMHO. Don't worry though Phantom, it get's better! Vanguard: A very strong show that is being sold to a very appreciative audience. The company front in the middle of the show is my highlight of the season. Just amazing. loved the new flags at the end. My only issues with this show is that I don't think the very end delivers the punch that the rest of the show promises. I also feel that the music is a little overarranged. But, that beign said, they manage to hit the highlights from Les Miz in a new and uniquely Vanguard way. I actually had them ahead of Cadets. Not sure if they will climb from 4th, but who cares at this point. Just enjoy their amazing show! Cadets: So, while I thought the Vanguard show was a little overarranged, the Cadets show is (at times) unbelievably and horribly overarranged. The best parts of the show are when they allow the music to develop and breath rather than simply forcing it into some drum corps formulaic set up. This show would be a million times better if they actually took some time with Medea and allowed that to work towards an organic resolution. Instead, the finale tries to create a finale out of the music and it just seems to me to lose steam. Also, the down ending is nice, but it did not seem to get the reaction one would have thought. I do not see this show any higher than 3rd. Oh, I actually am a huge Cadets fan, so it pains me to be so negative. Favorite Three Shows Tonight: Vanguard, Troopers, Mandarins

I think one that bears mention here is Vanguard 2003 (Pathways). The opening piece, "Orawa" was hard enough standing still (as I discovered while watching them attempt to play it during a standstill performance), but doing it with the corps divided on opposing goal lines remains for me one of the most difficult brass performances ever attempted. Gotta love the effort.

I may be in the minority here, but I actually really liked the Troopers music this past season and thought the brass was not a problem at all. I do think that they suffered from a problem that, quite frankly, I felt numerous corps suffered from this past season: questionable (at best) concepts/visual programming. The music on its own terms was very solid (albeit not necessarily the most in-your-face or "western" type show that people may want). But, when the music was placed in the context of the overall concept or theme for the show, it just didn't make sense and made it virtually impossible for the music to be effective. So, while cleaning house as a way of reloading the Troopers program may very well be a great move, I do not think it fair to attack the music (at least the brass) on its own from last season.

I am looking for 2 tickets to Allentown. Both Nights, upper deck, and as premium as possible. Thanks.

I always thought Vanguard would be amazing playing music from John Adams' Death of Klinghoffer, especially the various choruses. Also, I would like to see Mandarins explore some music from Chinese ballet like music from Raise the Red Lantern or perhaps the Butterfly Lovers.

Great review. I got to the show late, but will just add a couple of thoughts based on what I saw. Madison sounded great, too bad I didn't get to actually see them. Oh well, I will have to wait until Allentown. SCV was much better than I expected. The horns definitely had some issues at lower dynamics (which unfortunately is the majority of the show). But, the ballad was amazing! One of the few "goose bump" moments of the night for me. And, yeah, the "Vanguard" yell was weak. I know it's become something of a tradition, but sometimes, it just doesn't fit, especially when it is just one person yelling! Cavies were quite the spectacle. I didn't really find the music all that memorable, but they do create some really interesting and new effects that I enjoyed. The horns are significantly more aggressive than Cavies have probably ever been, but of course, the trade off is that they were a bit rougher sounding than Cadets and especially BD. Visually impressive (wish I could have seen it from up high in a large stadium!), but at times there is almost too much to try to watch. As a result, some effects were lost. The good news for the Cavies is that they appeared to have the most visual dirt compared to the other two, so more to clean, and presumably more to gain. BD. I really have to say that I wanted to hate this show (since I really despised the Chairs in 2009, and was not the biggest fan of 2010), but as one of the first lines from "A House is Not a Home" says -- a chair is not a house! Right now BD is performing at such a high level that it is just amazing to watch. Musically, I think they are really wringing the score for as much emotion and impact as possible. Visually, they really do offer a host of interesting moments that are just being performed to the max. I do find that the Say a Little Prayer arrangement and the lead up to the final movement are less successful parts of the show right now. The bad news for BD is that I just do not see where they can improve performance in any significant way and as a result I don't think they will have the horses to win it all. I don't think that their performance level alone will be enough to win it all. But, I said that in 2007 also, and we know how that turned out. Oh, one final comment, the trumpet soloists for BD are not quite up to typical BD standards -- and unfortunately, they are miked up! Cadets were very good last night, but I just think that they are just not quite as far as they can go with this show. The sound of the horns was aggressive, but a bit too harsh at times and there are parts where the horns seemed to be treading water while they collected themselves for the big hits. Also, last night there were a few parts where there were some tempo struggles, not quite a tear, but definitely not in synch. That being said, if they ever get to the point where they work out the musical issues and push throughout, this will be an incredible musical show. Visually, the drill is amazing and performed at a high level (but with room to grow). The battle sequence was amazing for my first time viewing, just a great visual impact. The guard (like Cavies and BD) had some issues with drops, but I am assuming that had to do with the wet conditions. The new guard costumes look fantastic. And thank goodness the head angel has a new costume because the early season version made her look like the mother in "Carrie." On the whole, I completely agree with your assessment, I think this is the show that will ultimately win, but I think that unless the Cadets work on the various performance issues, any one of the top 3 (or possibly 4 as I have not seen Crown yet) may yet win it in Indy. One final question, are the introductions like we saw last night always the way they are done? I saw a comment about SCV's intro, but the Cadets intro was so cheesy and it got a laugh from the crowd too. Just not the way to set the mood for the show that followed. I hope that is no always the way the into works.

The locations for the single tickets are: Friday -- Section G, Row 33 Saturday -- Section S, Row 7

According to the schedule that came with the tickets, here is the lineup: 7:37 Raiders 7:54 Jersey Surf 8:11 Madison Scouts 8:28 SCV 9:05 Blue Devils 9:22 Cavaliers 9:39 Cadets First live show of the season tonight, can't wait! There is currently light rain in Center City Philadelphia, but I think the weather during the show is supposed to cooperate.

Due to a cancellation, I now have available one extra ticket for each night in Allentown. Let me know if interested and I can send you exact seat details.

When I have music playing on the Mac through the speakers and put in headphones, the sound from the speakers stops. I have seen the red light coming from the headphone jack. I have wiggled the headphones to no avail.

I am using a DVI cable for the video. And that part is working fine. And just to be clear, the headphone jack is not working just on its own. So I am a little baffled by the fact that the headphone output is listed as part of my audio device information under the "About This Mac" information, but does not show up as a sound output option. That's the issue.

So I have checked the system with a different device and my sound system is functioning properly. The problem is with the computer -- no sound is going to the headphones. I have checked my sound output devices and for some reason the headphones and the external speakers do not appear as an option. So obviously when the Mac Help explains how to switch output, it doesn't help because the options are not there. Is there something that I need to do to set up the headphones as an output option? Never used headphones with this laptop before, so never knew this until now. Any advice? Or should I just head to the Apple Store to confer with a genius?

I just wanted to report back to everyone that I have now gotten my Mac to show videos on the TV (the Cadets in Hillsboro, OR -- WOW!!!!). Now I am having a problem with the audio portion. I have the cable that runs from the headphone jack to the sound system, but no sound is coming out. If anyone has any trouble shooting ideas, I would welcome any suggestions. Atlanta is less than 2 days away and I am hoping to get all systems in order before then! Thanks.

Excellent advice, I knew I could count on the drum corps community to assist! You guys are the real geniuses!