bucmellow

I never once said I did, and if you were at Allentown you heard what I mentioned. The fans are not into the Blue Devils music, no matter how well its excuted. My statement was "I hope we hear the fans Blueeee not Booo". I have never disrespected the Blue Devils. They are a super tallented corps. But the fact remains they DO NOT connect with the vast majority of the crowd. I say again, if you were there last night, you heard what I am talking about

HUMBLE opinipns regardless of what they are, don't speak for the fans. A vast majority appreciate the likes of the Cavies, Blue Coats, Crown Cadets and Vanguard. Most don't appreciate the Blue Devils show. I think its partly the music and partly the glitz of mirrors, and last year chairs. There is something inspiring about the Crowns coverage of the field, and Santa Claras wild finish. That can't be said about the Blue Devils. I just hope the fans keep ot to a Bluuuuuu at finals and we dont hear the Boooos we heard in Allentown

You have nailed it, that's exactly what the scoring was all about. I too believe the scoring would have shown a bigger spread between first and second if the judges had had a little more wiggle room

I have been involved in DCA and DCI since 1963 and I marched DCA from 63 thru 79 including 3 DCI Champions, and I can agree with you that Drum Corps had a lot of passion back then. However, I've never seen a better Corps than this years Buccaneers. With G bugles there was a lot of sound back then, no doubt covering a lot of execution errors, not so with b flat bugles. The music all corps now play is demanding with far more exposure. There have been great corps in DCA since Reading won the first championship right thru Reading winning the last. IMO DCA has improved by the decade.

The same thing happened with DCI and the Blue Devils. In Reading's case just as appropriate the way scoring is done.

I second that thought

To be honest this bickering on other blogs (2009 Championship) about how the Buccaneers could not compare to DCI corps is ridiculous. It’s like comparing Apples and Oranges. Reading's administrative and instructional staff is second to NONE in DCI, and every DCI director will attest to that. As for individual talent, I remind those who don’t know about DCA that many DCA corps have School band directors, music instructors, music majors and professional musicians marching with them. With all the experience that they bring to each corps, there is little doubt that there is no DCI corps with more talent. The big edge is the day in and day out schedules DCI has, but corps like Reading were far ahead of many DCI corps when May came around. Reading can certainly hold its own against DCI’s finest, no embarrassment for certain.

Ar you for real? Have you really watched the Blue Devils and listened to their music???? 3 measures in the entire program in Rhapsody were challenging. Readings drill was far more difficult and the horns and drums exposed, no sitting around and carrying chairs from place to place. Oh, you see their score? I can't believe you could say something so rediculous.

This is real, perhaps all scores are high, but this is the best senior corps, period.

Thanks for your hard work and insight. Thanks to DCA for allowing us to enjoy the show

Expected nothing less from Reading tonight. They wanted this one for Geoff

As an Old Buccaneer, I know the closeness of our family. My condolences to the corps, the staff, and more importantly to Geoff's family. Finish the finals off with a win for him.

Outstanding review, you tell it as it is. Judging leaves a lot to be desired. I'm certain BD fans won't like your conclusions, but those who have been involved in drum corps for decades, it's right on. To get the credit they got for their show at the expense of other corps who had far more difficult shows is just a mystery

Excellent review, just about everything I agree with. Certainly no quibble with the Blue Devils winning, but the margin and high score were ridiculous. Others had far more difficult shows both in marching and the exposure of the brass and difficulty of the scores played. Sometimes one wonders what does go through these judges minds. This is not saying the Devils should not have won, I agree with you it should have been much closer. And yes the Vanguard is back and had a show I will remember for years to come