CrownLeadSop

And? Don't take it as a personal attack, it's just an observation. The top 5 is going to be comedically close this year, and I agree that SCV's tight forms could, like BD's propensity to stand still during the hardest parts of their brass book, be a differentiating factor in the content boxes. Again, it's an observation on a discussion board and a response to someone else's opinion about visual scores, not an accusation or indictment. Who knows, they may add a ton of characterization and velocity by the end (and I expect they will).

That's fine, but it's not an observation I've made until this year. Just because others have said it doesn't mean that it's wrong this year. They stand and play (well) more than the Cadets (etc.) do, or they seem to. It's not an accusation or anything, just an observation.

Sorry, that was a typo - that's not an observation I'd have made at any point LAST year. I don't even think it's the norm for them. Maybe it's just compared to SCV and Cadets it stands out more.

Sorry, but we're talking about comparisons between them and the rest of the top 5. You cannot tell me that it's on the same bar as what the Cadets just wrapped up doing, or even the velocity throughout SCV's show (almost entirely while playing).

What do you mean? This isn't an observation I'd have made at any point this last year. Just seems like a big part of the show this year. Edit: typo ("this" to "last")

I doubt that it will hold up for long unless BD starts to add some "simultaneous responsibilities". It's a lot of park and bark this year, more than I've seen anyone do in the top 5 in a while.

Sounds like 3-4 other people starting having issues during Cadets, too, so there's that.

I just reloaded the page and all is back to working.

Aaaaaand my stream just stopped.

I appreciate classic run-and-gun Cadets for a change. However, you'll never win everyone over. Some will say "they're too progressive with Y" one year and others will say "but look at how innovative corps Z is by comparison!" the following season. Sometimes, those people are the same. My guess is a lot of people really enjoy this show, because the GE is kitschy but not "plastic" (that's the new phraseology around here, right?).

Can't wait to see this closer on the field and in uniform.

Love the baritone soloist and the ballad - up there among my favorite in a long, long time. The rest just doesn't do it for me in the same way Bluecoats doesn't do it for me. I had to take my headphones off because I was getting a headache, and not because of the volume.

Changing the closer for the last 3 weeks has been a Crown m.o. for a while.

Sounded like the poor guy was having wind/fabric issues or trying not to overblow the microphone, Take the mic away and plant him still with Sally dancing around him and he will be nails just like before, I figure. The last phrase sounded great but I liked it sans mic either way.

Am I the only one that thinks 2015 Bluecoats is very.. early 2000s Cavaliers, at least in terms of design? I just feel lots of Richard Saucedo style sound effect-esque writing and the visuals to match, though obviously not on the same level of clarity or perfection of a Michael Gaines book. It's like early 2000s Cavaliers meets Tilt, with the theme being ... more electronics.

I don't know that any of it matters until everyone is together. The only thing that really matters is maintaining spreads at their respective shows, and even then, still not sure. Phantom 08 comes to mind.

Not sure how anyone can claim slotting when the corps are not performing head-to-head. I would say "let's wait until the 11th" but the Bluecoats won't be at DCI Minnesota. Hell, when's the first time EVERYONE is together?

I think the end of the opener is much more generally effective now, while showing off some quality note playing by an excellent brass ensemble. It definitely signifies the descent quite a bit better. I would venture to guess it gets tweaked one or two more times before it's all said and done.

That's not exactly how that went down, but I don't know if I don't like that version better. :)

FWIW BD had a lot of park sets that looked great. Is that enough? Maybe, it has been for some contenders in the past.Interesting brass scoring, but I think it will last just about as long as Crown's first drum placement. Time will tell. Couldn't disagree more with the end of DI. It was very musically confusing in its original state. This may not be the final version (certainly more they can do there) but this is a major improvement. As for brass judging... I'm sure Wayne heard just fine as he was standing BEHIND the amps every time I saw him on the sideline. Just not sure I agree with his numbers. I am not too surprised, though, he was sitting right in front of every frack for Crown, starting with the preshow trumpet quartets.

Perc .3 behind first Brass .4 behind first

Crown drums closer to first than Crown brass. Last time that happened was...? #history

That's my guess-ish. I might have Crown a shade closer if I were feeling bold.

Yeah, I admit I have a pretty full-on bias for excellent brass performance. I'm a brass player, after all. :)

I've got BD by a point or so. They were just cleaner than everyone else. Crown and Cadets are a toss-up for me. I was worried about Boston when I listened to their preview show, but this is a pleasant reassurance from an achievement standpoint. The props are interesting.