Jump to content

BDCorno

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    961

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by BDCorno

    Hotlanta On My Mind - July 29, 2023

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    29 minutes ago, ftwdrummer said:

    Last night on Flo high cam was my first read of the season. Some scattered thoughts, noting that (a) I was on Flo, (b) high cam only, so no details, (c) on a 13 inch laptop screen because the room with the TV is being repainted, and (d) in the midst of the show my baseball team traded for Max Scherzer:

    Madison felt more Madison than last year's show. Probably because what I caught of it around Internet rebooting was hats and Latin.

    Music City was a solid 'fine.' Same with BK and Pac Crest.

    I adored Troop but I'm a Troopers mark. Would like a bit less cheese at the end, but really enjoying the body of that show. Harmonica good.

    I don't think I'd realized quite how much brass arranging in DCI had changed in my time watching DCI until Cavies returned me to the music-that-sounds-like-a-screen-door-slamming era. The show it most resembles to me musically is 2001, which is...fine, if you're pairing it with the early 2000s Cavies visual package. Didn't work as much for me here. But that battery is fantastic, and a nice tribute to the idea that keeping good people in place long term pays dividends.

    Cadets brass doesn't play much, do they? Kinda wish they had a different uniform--not the classic uniform, but something that feels a bit less rehearsal-uniform-ish. But the uniform reads well, and the visual stuff they're doing is good.

    I need another read on Crown. Because most of what I got is that I'm getting bored with Crown brass books. They're starting to feel gratuitous in a way that isn't particularly enjoyable--akin to an outdoor orchestra concert I attended several years ago where they programmed Carnival of Venice and about two thirds of the way through the audience started applauding because it was impressive and also because we were bored out of our minds.

    Phantom doing Muse is confusing but works? Mildly baffled by it. Also baffled as to how Phantom-y they are without really having any of the Phantom hallmarks visually. Also baffled as to how much I enjoyed this.

    Bloo: I'm tired of their Sixties kick. I appreciate that the narration comes from the source music, but this year's set isn't really my cup of tea. And scorching hot take: Bloo hasn't had an ending that improved the show since 2014. 2015 was fine, but didn't dramatically alter the show. 2016 and 2018 just needed endings that landed the plane and they did that; 2017 was...fine; 2019 the new ending was dramatically worse; they had no clue how to end the show last year; and not sure they do this year either. I might not be cool enough for Bloo. Or too old for it. And that's ok.

    Boston: it's Crown 2010 redux. And...I feel like BAC can't get out of their way with musical selections in some cases? It consistently feels like they're wedging things in that don't work. It was My Shot and Gonna Fly Now in 2019, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You last year, Wellerman and Shipping this year. Part of me wants to adore this show because On the Waterfront is secretly my favorite Bernstein, but...it was a solid miss for me.

    BD: not the best BD show ever. Best thing on the field by a mile this year.

    Overall: based on what I saw last night I kinda want to send everyone's design team home and say try again? There was no great show anywhere on the field on first read with maybe the exception of Phantom maybe, and that's a shame, because they all have elements of greatness.

    Maybe it was just my read yesterday and I'll have a different opinion next time I watch.

    Some excellent takes here, especially for a drummer [rimshot] 😝

    I was just talking with a friend last night regarding Bloo. I think what happened is that they just stuck with the 60s thing one year too long. Too bad. Great corps otherwise.

    Blue Devils? Yeah it’s not the best show ever but 2014 is a very high bar to scale. I think 2017 was a better program but the musical ensemble is the best ever for the corps. For that reason, I think they will best 2017 scoring wise, but fall short of the all-time record.   
     

    Something I sort of missed with Boston just until the other night, they have some pretty intense horn work during the opener but then there’s a long stretch where they’re really not allowed to do much (6+ minutes!) before they return for a strong finish. It’s a bummer, because I think the show “slows down” too much, and that an incredible horn line doesn’t get the time and exposure it deserves. Supremely talented group all around, but unfortunately, I think the program lets them down once again.
     

    For those reasons, I think BD win it, Crown second, Boston third and Coats fourth. 

    • Like 2

    Let's Talk About the Blue Devils...

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    On 7/27/2023 at 6:14 PM, Sh0uldN0t said:

    Generally the same, yes. The difference is BD is the only corps that consistently draws from the other top 5 corps. I know there are exceptions. I know some of them personally. But generally, BD has the advantage of being able to attract more talent than the others. Whether their motivation is a life-long dream to march Blue Devils or just to improve their chances at a championship, this migration imbalance has the double impact of improving BD's profile while diminishing the others.  

    I see what you’re trying to say, but your generalized assertion about the talent is faulty. I don’t think you can say they have more talent than any of the other top groups. Top three or four horn lines have similar talent level. Top six drum lines, crazy talent. Top three or four color guards, same. 
     

    The difference is finding a specific performer profile, including visual capabilities. It’s not just enough to be able to play or spin at the highest level. You really have to be able to move, and “perform”. This is true at a number of other top groups at specific captions, but there’s nobody that really has that top to bottom like BD. The gap is closing though. 
     

    There is plenty of talent to go around. BD still wins because they put together the best programs most years, and manage to get the most out of their kids, at the right time. I can think of a couple of recent times they closed the deal on finals night with a peak performance…2007, 2015, 2019 come to mind. They have also been bested by some amazing programs and corps…2008, 2013, 2016, 2018. 
     

    As for migration from other top groups? Yeah, it happens but the number is not huge. There are also extremely talented individuals that do not make BD that go onto the other top groups. A particular winky trumpet player comes to mind. Lots of mad talent that audition at BD, then move on to, and are a great fit at another top contender. So I think the raw talent is comparable, but maybe BD just does a better job screening for their needs. 

    • Like 4

    Hotlanta On My Mind - July 29, 2023

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    3 hours ago, craiga said:

    Congratulations  to the Blue Devils for their win last night in Atlanta.    A .85 spread one show and 1.9 spread the next, with both BD and BAC having stellar performances.

    I wonder, which panel was correct?  

    Both were in their own way. Blue Devils were much better last night than the night before. On the flipside, I don’t think Boston was as good last night, than the night before. The absence of a full complement of groups in TN also affected the spreads. Once again, I stress that BD was “night and day” better last night. NOT stellar on Friday. 

    • Like 2
    • Popular Post
    • Popular Post

    Blue devils judge love

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Chrisinatl86 said:

    Really judges can you keep letting the blue Devils win every year. do the math when they keep winning and winning and winning it’s really very obvious that there’s something going on. Hey im from California +2.0 points thanks

    Do you know what’s not fair? Giving somebody first place in an effort to “be fair”. I have judged virtually every discipline in the activity other than percussion. It’s fair to give an honest evaluation and number and ranking. Judges do this, they total the score and the chips fall where they do. Blue Devils win often because they are almost always in the top 3 in all areas. The staff and the organization put the performers in the best position to succeed, and know how to get the best out of them at the right time.
     

    As a member of the first four title-winning groups (and one that fell painfully short in my third year), I respect the longevity and success of the organization. I also have a healthy respect for the very fine units that compete at a very high level with BD each year. The groups these days are so good, that it’s difficult to even tell the difference, unless you’re up close like the judges are. Once in a while, I scratch my head at a particular number, but I never see any kind of a conspiracy or other intrigue going on with the numbers.

    When any corps wins DCI, it’s an incredible and earned accomplishment. The level of competition is unparalleled in the history of the activity right now. The competition is fierce, and any group that triumphs has managed to master incredible amounts of minutia and detail in doing so. It’s great that my group is on a great run right now, but it’s not always been that way. There have been stretches of heartbreaking defeats in the past, and inevitably there probably will be in the future.
     

    If I am a marching member, and I was, I want to beat the best when they are at their best. That’s the essence of what the activity should be, and some notion of “fairness” really shouldn’t be part of the equation. It’s a life lesson that will serve these talented kids well in life, whether they’ve achieved a title or not. Doing your absolute best as an individual, and as a team is the lesson. Complaining about the results is the domain of those that aren’t fighting those battles each day.
     

    I get it, we all would like our favorite team or kid to win, and it’s heartbreaking when they don’t. Besmirching the trained professionals that have to sort it all out is petty, and doesn’t acknowledge their expertise and the difficulty of their job. THAT, my friend, is what isn’t fair. I have found out the kids these days do much better about putting it all in perspective, than the adults on these forums do. Perhaps we should learn something there. The season is not over, we still don’t know what’s going to happen. Enjoy the shows, and know that the kids are getting a rich experience regardless of the results.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 10

    How many vets are going to leave their currant Corps to go to BD

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    On 8/15/2022 at 8:34 PM, 84BDsop said:

    Keep in mind that 66 people may 1) include support staff like cooks and drivers -- people equally important to the success of the corps as any Wayne Downey or ScoJo -- or 2) a lot of those staff may be techs who float in and out during the season, not full-timers like Meehan, Glyde, or ScoJo.

    Yeah, was about to say. I know when I marched in Blue Devils, we had Wayne and Jim Ott on horns, Mike Moxley and Mel Stratton on vis, Rick Odello, Ron Menke and Steve Chorazy doing drums. Color guard was somewhat self-run equipment-wise with input from the vis staff. All full time on tour. Now, almost all groups have techs rotating in for a week or a few days on tour. Frankly, it's good because many young and talented performers/age-outs get some real experience in the trenches, which will help them establish in the industry. Yeah, it's kind of weird for us old-timers but it's the new way.

    How many vets are going to leave their currant Corps to go to BD

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    On 8/15/2022 at 7:55 PM, Tim K said:

    Probably no more than any other year. Depends on the number of age outs and open spaces. I’m not sure people flock to Blue Devils as much as people claim.

    Yeah, I think that's not as much a factor as even 10 years ago. People flock to Bluecoats for the vibe and style. People flock to Crown if they're brass players and prefer that style. People go to Boston for guard now. Sure, BD still get their share but there are so many great programs at the top, they all draw great talent. You can see it in how good the top 6 and beyond are getting.

    Friday, August 12th “DCI World Championship SEMIFINALS” Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, INDIANA

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    10 hours ago, ediblewaffles said:

    Does anyone else think nerves are getting to BAC? First ever time in this position HAS to be playing with at least a few moods and attitudes

    I don’t think so, they have performed very well from what I’ve seen. Still, when a corps climbs into the rarified air of medal territory, and especially contention for the gold, it is almost a rite of passage to fall short before climbing that last step up the podium. I think they are a definite contender for next year, have set themselves up with a very strong showing, and now have the experience to make that last rung on the ladder. 

    • Like 1

    Friday, August 12th “DCI World Championship SEMIFINALS” Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, INDIANA

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    10 hours ago, saxfreq1128 said:

    What is it with BAC percussion? Is the lot energy not translating to the field? Because the lots are insane. That wouldn’t explain why they aren’t owning content, though — the battery alone, my goodness. Is it the pit? (This is why I wish we had a separate pit judge!!)

    If I recall, in a recent season they did have two percussion judges. One was a field judge and the other ensemble. The intent was to get a better read on the front ensembles. I guess now that they restrict the field judge and keep them off the field, they felt they didn’t need the second one. IDK.

    • Like 1
×
×
  • Create New...