tigger2

Not sure I would call them underdogs any more, Spirit of Atlanta has really impressed me the past couple of years. I think they have placed a spot or two lower in brass than they should have the last few years. The judging system is full of music judges that don't currently, nor have ever, produced any great music ensemble themselves, so I doubt that they can recognize fully all the demand, depth, or range of skills asked of the performers in all corps. Spirit's brass book has been almost as challenging as any of the top six lines the past few years not to mention that the play legit swing or jazz, unlike even the big boys who play what many call fake jazz. Wow, its BD, Madison, or Bluecoats so it must be real jazz style, right? I think if they can tame their high brass, get a deeper low brass presence, and play with a bigger sound, they are going places and taking names.

Probably will see: SOA clearly in 10th, though I think their overall show stronger than Scouts BD in first Crown a close 2nd SCV 5th Crossmen, I would like 12th but we will see. Unless there have been a lot of positive changes, I would prefer Stars in 11th, Crossmen 12th, and BK 13th. I would have to second all of the above quoted post and add Pacific Crest and OC to the mix of headliners.

It has taken a few days to finish this. Hope the boss isn't looking. I am headed to Indy on Wednesday and staying at work many hours to get ahead. Overall, I really enjoyed both nights. Lots of driving both nights, but worth it, and easy enough sharing the task with friends. Blue Devils: Despite my disfavor of their shows of the past few years, and my similar reaction earlier in this season, I was entertained throughout the production. They play, march, and spin so well. They convince you that every step, every note is pristinely calculated by the designers to allow the performers to express themselves physically and musically with a sense of confidence unmatched by any other corps. If I consider sheer achievement of incredibly high demand levels of all show components, this performance is not the epitome of that brand of drum corps. However, if communication, professionalism, and realization of performance responsibility are the lone variable, this is the world champion. The audio and visual varieties are the greatest point of effect for me. Carolina Crown: The Crown 2012 show is certainly of the ilk that I tend to prefer. Though a fan of a wide array of show styles, big and majestic, bold and physically challenging have a particular appeal to me. Though others describe them as still “dirty,” I do not agree. Some imperfections certainly exist, but I did not think any more that any of the other top groups. I would describe what the brass are being asked to do physically and musically to be nearly, is not definitively, unmatched by any corps in the past. If communication and realization of performance responsibility were the sole measure of a world champion, there may be some debate of Crown being the recipient. If considering sheer amazing achievement of demand, this is our world champion. The sheer level of “I can’t believe they are doing that” is the greatest point effect in this show, as well as the brass playing and arrangements. Phantom: I would easily use this year’s production to produce fairly long list of PR show’s that we all would agree are extremely typical Phantom. This is a good thing. There have been years where many, including myself, have feared the emerging homogeneity of show styles from all corps. I continue to hope the new sheets and Michael Cesario as DCI Artistic Director will contribute, as promised, to the celebration and reward of a wide range of drum corps styles. Though not what I would consider a championship level show, many aspects are stellar. The musicians and guard are equally challenged and responsible for a show that full of dramatic appeal. I find the color guard and visual musicality to be particularly appealing. Cadets: Bravo on selecting a show that was not a safe follow up to last year’s championship. I found that as I watched, I was looking, listening, for how they could best elevate this theme to be anything but trite or sugary sweet. They accomplish this quite well on many levels. Though I do not find the guard costumes to be what I would have approved, they are understandable. The Christmas boxes/ramps work fairly well. Though Crown looks and sounds like Crown, BD like BD, Phantom like Phantom, I found that Cadets perhaps look and sound too much like Cadets. I found myself wanting a slightly more expanded, reinvented Cadets with this theme. I found the brass arrangements and musical percussion writing to be the highlights of the production. Bluecoats: I enjoyed this performance, but could not help asking the same question I have since the Criminal show: “They talent seems high, and the performance level strong, but what’s missing?” Not to slight them any as they are quite good and deserving of many accolades, as they made their ascent into the top 6, I think we have all been waiting to see what is next. A recurring issue for me for the past several years is the lack of show theme evidence in the production. Seems such would elevate the overall effect values for the audience. The brass quality and flag designs help the most appeal tonight for me. SCV: I strongly agree that this show has returned the corps more clearly to its unique identity over recent productions. It seems that Pete Weber rightfully channeled some Myron Rosander-isms into the drill. The efforts are most effective. The drum line played quite well, though some moments were surprisingly unclear; however, that is not uncommon from the best lines in this acoustic venue. I loved hearing familiar tunes and find most of the brass arranging to be well done. The “Music of the Night” at the end was effective and clever. The very end seemed a bit short of the mark. A strong corps and I am selfishly pleased with the return to their brand of drum corps. Boston Crusaders: The field entrance took a lot of work to produce, and I felt it added to the atmosphere a great deal. I believe this portion however is still not judged nor considered in any way with scoring. The show is well performed. I could not help but think that Boston seemed to be doing a Phantom show, though not exactly, as Phantom would do it. All sections perform well. I felt the Performance was a somewhat uninspired. Though not hugely, this show seems a departure for them. If seeking a unique Boston style in 2013, what would that be? Cavaliers: The corps came across to me as on trying extremely hard to convince someone that they are talented and are trying to over come something. What specifics caused me to feel that way? I am not sure. If judging, I too would have difficulty placing them among the other corps currently just ahead and those just below them. Ten or so moments of great craft and performance are connected with awkward phrases that seem to have an unclear message and direction. The drum line is wonderful and I expected them to place higher. The brass and color guard are not performing at the levels we are accustomed to seeing and hearing, though they are good. The flag designs are wonderful. The ending deserves performance and GE credit, but, despite any summer long plans to always have that moment or not, it does seem tacked on in an effort to boost the show’s appeal . . . I would have done the same thing. Madison Scouts: The beginning takes a bit longer to develop than the past two year’s shows, but I feel it to basically be the same intro. The large sounds thorough out were clearly enhanced/mixed with electronics which I found to contribute to my overall impression; beyond the male swagger which the capitalize on so well, I do not identify the newly defined Scouts as what I would call the Madison style of drum corps. Some resemblance is there, but it is not the sound, arrangements, color guard, nor the approach to GE in general that I would point at and say quintessential Madison Scouts. All that said, maybe this is not necessarily a bad thing. I found myself enjoying that many in the crowd were responding to them positively, though not sharing those same reactions myself. The beginning and ending carry a lot of the shows success. Though predictable, I did enjoy those moments. I did not enjoy the arranged moments for the brass in that the joining of the nostalgia tunes with Pictures is forced and often scored low, diluting the association of the Madison style I know. I accept that my take is probably different from most. Spirit of Atlanta: Of all of the top twelve shows, this one went by the most quickly for me. That is as it should be. As I reflected back on the performance and show design that evening, and since, I am positively struck with the huge amount of musical and visual variety that is offered in the show and how well it all fits into the Sin City theme. More so, when the corps announced the show, several of my friends and myself thought that though the theme seemed to fit them to a tee, how could they do a Vegas show and not look or sound like all of the other versions we have seen or heard before. The design team answered that question with a Vegas show that is cleverly original and fresh, using old iconic Vegas music and images, with new music and visual sources that give this vibe that seems so right. The performance was well done and received a well-deserved reaction from the crowd; including an honest standing ovation at the end . . . something this persnickety crowd tends to always hold in reserve. If judging this one, I would have to step back and really consider the “what” from a design stand point and what each section brings musically and visually to the production. Despite the new sheets, I believe the judging community may still suffer, as I have felt they always have, that esoteric means good and accessible means too simple. There was not anything I did not enjoy or appreciate about the show. Bravo for reinventing and establishing a new Spirit that reminds us warmly of old Spirit, but with great variety and a competitive insight. I venture to say this corps communicates their theme as well as any. Blue Knights: This show is such a departure from last year’s. I do not know if one could more juxtapose two productions from the same unit. They use all areas of the field, except lower far side 2 (no one seems to ever use that area). The show seems to be a conundrum to me. Is it serious? The reason I ask is because of the few moments of odd inserts: the rudimental interjections from the battery, the Start Trek and Jetsons quotes, the electronic versus transcription approach to the musical book. If the answer is “well, it is all of those things,” then it seems the show does not do that enough, so when these things happen, they seem extremely out of place and distracting. If someone were to respond, “one needs a bit of humor to break up something so heady,” I would not buy in that those “bits” are not neither set up nor answered, as is obvious by a lack of crowd response and a lack of clear communication. I enjoyed a lot of the battery performance though did not always feel the writing was musical or directional. I wish the brass played more in that I found the percentage of pit and drum line exposure to be dominant and tiresome. Blue Stars: This show is well produced. If doing a show about the sea, the inclusion of sailors and sirens, ropes, nets, and fish, a dock, rocks, and anchors, seems extremely logical and appropriate. I wish however that they had expanded beyond those obvious things, brought a fresh twist to a theme we have seen similarly treated many times before. The performance level by the drum line is exceptional, though like Blue Knights, I found some of the writing to be distracting and more drummy than part of the musical picture. The color guard had some great moments. I found the constant return to the four small sea themed flats to be distracting and predictable. A solid show with good performance levels. I find those corps around them to be offering more from a design stand point. Crossmen: This group has improved so much the last two years. As I have referenced throughout this review, Crossmen have a clear, refreshing style of drum corps of their own. The weaknesses in the performance were always brief and quickly corrected. Though the theme is not overly stated, I feel that we are allowed into the “fragile world” concept enough to get it, but not be so distracted that we worry if we are getting it with every phrase. The brass have a big sound and a fine soloist. The guard staging is good throughout, though I find the brass and drum line drill to be too secondary to the guard drill, causing it to often be disjunctive from itself and lacking in logical flow at times. Though I have not talked placements thus far, I do feel Crossmen to be stronger than Blue Knights and very even with Blue Stars. Glassmen: The group has improved a lot this summer. All sections show a good level of talent and performance. The glass theme is clear until the closer. The Organ Symphony does not seem to fit the show. The use of mirrors and the Plexiglas makes sense, but the manipulation and performance with them is awkward. A good corps that shows the improving level of non-finalist groups. The Academy: Playing Rite on the field is a challenge in many ways: how to arrange the complex orchestral sounds for brass and percussion, what parts of the original will speak to the crowd, were is the harmonic relief, is this a sacrifice or something else, etc. I feel they have made some good decisions and have created some very interesting and captivating moments. These however seem to be mixed with moments that are quiet working or clear at this time. The talent and performance is very strong at times. Pacific Crest: Like much of the crowd, I was pleasantly surprised by their performance . . . not that I was discounting them. They were a stand out compared to the corps before them, raising the level of production value and performance of the evening with their offering. The show theme is clear and pacing is quite good. The flugal soloist was lovely. I would not be surprised to see this group up two more places come Friday. Troopers: Not typical Troopers, but still connected conceptually to Americana. I really enjoyed the arrangements and sounds, timbres throughout. The brass writing is fresh and clear. Lots of tasty percussion writing and subtleness to the overall music book. The guard has some wonderful silks and they are a beautiful ensemble to watch. Overall, however, the show is much to slowly paced and lacks enough variety. Another example of how strong the non-finalist pool is these days. Colts: I always forget how beautiful this red is on the field. The show theme is by and large allusive. The guard costume odd and not pleasantly. The closer is very exciting and seems from a completely different show. A good corps. Jersey Surf: This was just fun. A comparison to VK is perhaps not mostly fair, but I do find it appropriate. The style of this show adds to the overall experience of the entire field of corps, something many have been complaining about for years. Mandarins: This show theme is overall enjoyable (Mayans). The percussion feature is most notable. Cascades: There is some talent throughout all sections of the corps. The confidence level is not there yet. I hope they have a good rehearsal week to perform comfortably and feel good about such. Pioneer: The theme is fairly evident and the member’s commitment to the performance was evident.

Though I think Bluestars are good, yes, they have lots of drill cleaning to do. As far as their overall show, I am just not sure what it brings to the table. I feel we have seen this show many times with corps and bands. What the brass do musically is NOT matched by the drums. This show perfectly clean, with Spirit slightly dirty still does not compare.

double post

GREAT REVIEW. We share some very similar thoughts. Thirteen very strong corps with strong shows for 12 spots. Cleaning will start to become a big factor. I too think Crossmen have a stronger show than Blue Stars. but also Blue Knights. All three shows are so different and what is great skill/section for one of these three is a weakness for the other two, etc. Yes, With so many positive this year, Spirit seems a real stand out to me. Last season was a great come back for them. An event that historically is followed by said corps falling back out of finals the following year. The show is so well crafted and clever, and super entertaining. The show also is not a mere notch up from last season, but several. If this momentum keeps going, next year could be pretty terrific. I am not a fan of Madison's arrangements for the same reasons. As a composer and music professor, I constantly hear some of my colleagues not only complaining about the lack of musicality in drum corps, but the lost art of great arranging skills. My ears just can't get past it. The transcribed phrases of Pictures however work extremely well. I think many people are listening and seeing with their hearts and not always with their ears and eyes. I get it. The over use of synth was incredibly distracting and I assume worthy of at least a lowered place in music analysis. Though, back to that heart attachment to Madison thing, even from judges. I agree with your takes on Cadets and Phantom. An effective new ending for Phantom could lock in the 3rd placement. Like them both. We will see what happens with the top two. I enjoy Crown's show most. ND makes me work too much, but there is sometimes something to be said for that. Seems that demand would hve to play a pretty big role in the evaluation. I have heard for years. . ."When things/captions and sub captions are equal", demand becomes a tipping factor. Thanks for taking the time to write such a comprehensive review.

All of my favorite are so different from each other. BRAVO to the corps. Cesario, whoever has lauded and supported that trend. 1. Carolina Crown 2. Spirit of Atlanta 3. Santa Clara Vanguard 4. Phantom Regiment

I agree about Scout's arrangements. I think my composition professors would say that they appreciated what I was trying to do, but would ask me to revise or move on. It seems that maybe you just cannot put the desired tunes together without compromising those nostalgia pieces or the Pictures melodies too much, creating something awkward, rather than clarity. The parts that are transcribed, slightly arranged to fit brass, are well done.

Hot #### SOA. Live it Love it, you deserve it.

WOW. It is official, West coast inflation has been replaced with East coast inflation.

Clever name for a show. Good crowd but oddly reserved, even for the home team. COLTS: I had not heard much about them, so I was ready for anything. They have their good moments, but seem to be having a bit of an off year at this point. The loud brass hits and ensemble guard moments were the highlights. I do not understand the show theme. To say the guard costumes are interesting is overly understated. I will refrain from any off comments about any early season creative expression. There seems to be some good talent mixed with very young talent. They were spunky and worked hard to entertain. That was obvious. I am not sure of the musical direction of the drill, it seems almost purposely undisposed to the music. There seemed to be at least 10-15 brass holes at any given point. The percussion writing seemed busy, but challenging and eventually affective. I love red plumes, a lot. CROSSMEN: What a delightful show. First, I for one will be hugely disappointed if you change the down ending. It is artful and poignant to your theme. I love how it ties everything together. That said, selling the show theme throughout can improve somewhat. The brass and percussion are pretty solid. The guard and marching seem a tad faltered at this point, but it is early. There were a few reminiscent moments of old Crossmen, whatever that really means. East coast danger with Sierra Club caring??? I enjoyed the opener the most. The flugles add an interesting color and I am glad you are still using them. This was much stronger than Colts tonight folks. An improved Crossmen over 2011. The steady but forward progress is good to see. CAVIES: They seemed to not have a good showing tonight. If I understand correctly, they just put the ending on the field, which may be taking most of their rehearsal attention and focus. The color guard costume is very casual, but works pretty well without the silver jacket. There were several cool moments of GE regarding brass and color guard coordination, though the percussion most often felt left out of the flow and intent of each musical phrase. I tried to follow a theme, but could not. I was surprised by the brass tonight; they had a lot of performance issues musically and visually. The guard is again very talented and the drill pretty engaging most of the time, though I am surprised how dirty it is at this point. I tried to ignore reports of a "down" year, but it did seem that way tonight. There are really talented people on staff there so I am sure they will improve and be very good. CADETS: How lovely, your branches. Sorry, had to go there. Yes, reports seemed confirmed; though a Christmas theme, the show is quintessential Cadets. Sounds and looks like Cadets in all respects. A bit cutesy at times, there are also some pretty rockin' moments. All sections are solid. I am surprised how complete and clean they are for June 25. They use colored ramp props which will probably undergo several revisions in color and use before any fat lady sings. The recent edition of an ending is obviously behind that of the rest of the show. I really got into this one tonight and am eager to see it once again. Though no one asked me, can we rethink the guard uni, pretty please with sugar plums on top? CROWN: Dirty, sure. Talented, oh yes. Dangerous, absolutely. Comparisons as a newly resurrected Star 1993 is legit, in all good ways. I was extremely engaged most of the show. I do not buy the monochromatic color palette and feel some rethinking there could make a huge difference. The guard costume ... trade with Cadets for a few shows, couldn't be too much more ineffective (sorry, but really?). It is like you don't want to be rewarded for guard contribution. Despite my few digs, and currently a dirty drum line, this is going to be terrific. Really terrific. Brass are impressive beyond belief; the cracks, and tuning issues will go away soon enough. Running and playing takes time to develop. Not sure the theme is clear as of yet. May not be necessary to this show. Clearly tonight's winner in my view.

I agree. To say it was rough is a gross understatement. Though always pulling for the members, WTF?

Has to be a parody. They can't be serious. I'm right, aren't I?

First, I am not predicting a placement for SOA nor trying to create any DCP hype controversy. I love drum corps and feel fortunate to have been able to attend this event. After moving to the southeast three years ago, I have been able to see Spirit early season all three years. In 2010 I felt I was watching a corps that was really trying to improve itself. In 2011, that was of course much more evident and I must say I loved the show and felt all three finals week performances were terrific; making finals was clearly deserved. I do have a close friend with a son in the group, but other than that, if I have any real bias, I do love any comeback story. I took some notes so I could give and remember some facts and my impressions accurately. The event started without a spoken introduction. The brass played Tara's Theme from Gone With The Wind. It was loud but not over done. It got everyone's attention. Following Tara's Theme, the brass immediately played an extended version of Salvation is Created. The arrangement is clever and exciting. More volume was displayed. Before getting to the rest of the performance, I want to state that of the four staff members that spoke (board president was one of them), it was clear that these people were intelligent, professional, and clearly passionate about the organization, its history and future, and the young people it serves. After a brief welcome, the color guard performed. I counted 37 members. They spun in a block with bright pink flags. They did a basics routine that isolated upper body and lower body responsibilities. Though not an expert, it was incredibly clear that this may be the most improved section of the corps. I was further convinced of this when they spun the opening phrases of the show. It was very athletic and very clean! When I saw them spin with the music later, I would add that the work is also dead-on musical. Time for some show explanation and music. So a Vegas show, but not your typical approach to this theme. The opener hits you immediately in the face. Shocking. The main theme to Luck be a Lady is used for the introduction. I don't know if you can get more Vegas appropriate than that. Again, it was great to hear this intro and see the guard perform along with it. Stand-outs of this intro: Very clean beats already, brass volume, and holy mellophones. Wow! Without pause, the rest of the opener starts with a cool groove based on a bass guitar like sound that totally places you in a cool vibe, or, walking the Vegas strip as their program coordinator later described. The opener has three or four sections that continually build on each other until we get to what I expect is a big park and blow moment as the corps put feet apart and showed us they already have a confident swagger to them. This was the loudest moment thus far. After a huge release. We returned to the bass groove from the start. Percussion and then horns layer in, again, very cool vibe and fun. There is a build to the last punch. Huge crowd reaction. Stand-outs of the opener: front ensemble licks, every section of the brass are featured very successfully, an appropriate Vegas vibe throughout while still sounding modern, and I must say again, holy mellophones. I was already thinking that this is not 2011 Spirit, but a big step forward. Luck be a Lady was next. The program coordinator set us up well. If you know Sinatra's Live at the Sands version, the arrangement starts and ends that way, with a clever and extremely fun Latin treatment in the middle section that uses some well thought out clave grooves and dead on stylistic brass writing. The performer that plays the trumpet solo at the start of this tune was fantastic. Spot on style and what confidence. I love that the arrangers kept the brass stabs from the original Sands version. LOUD! I was amazed at how relaxed the tune sounded, in the best of ways. Nothing forced, just grooving along. Lots of tasty dynamics already showing up and some very clever battery writing. A bari trio is featured on the melody. The Sinatra ending is slick and after the tune ends, a trumpet held some ungodly high note that ended with a great kiss off release. Again, huge crowd reaction. Stand-outs: the soloist, the attention and effort to being stylistically correct, lead trumpets, and the great battery writing. Can't wait to see this color guard performing to this tune. I must admit that I was one of many thinking, Lady GaGa as a ballad? Well, to say they nailed the arrangement is an understatement. Simply gorgeous. We were told that the inspiration for this section of the show is the seduction of the city, "the opportunity to fall in love, or at least in lust." Yes, that got a good chuckle from the crowd. A beautiful pit intro followed by a lush brass octet (I think. Maybe a few more players?) leads right into the main melody of Poker Face. A trumpet duet in the middle changes the pace a bit in that it has some appropriate attitude to it, followed by a hit of sorts (the "real" one comes later). Each brass section gets the melody as does the pit. The big hit comes after silence. Very loud but played with great quality. Piano and one trumpet soloist ends the tune quietly. The program coordinator pointed out that the show features a dozen or so different brass players, a display of talent depth. Each was quite excellent. Stand-outs: the brass and pit arranging, the control the horns are already displaying. To not give too much away, the closer starts with a very familiar segment from the rock/rap genre tune. It caught me by surprise, but as I listened and considered the show theme I thought, perfect. We were told the closer is about going to Vegas to live it up. To go big, expect big return for big plays; the excitement and attitude/philosophy of how a high-roller approaches Vegas. After the short build up and a short brass and battery punch in the face (this one was hugely loud), the tune went into a groove that seemed straight out of any Vegas movie scene where a high roller has pulled up to the casino curb, stepped out of his expensive car, and walks in ready to be noticed while he plays it cool. I loved the appropriate use of vibraphone here, the quintessential Vegas soundtrack go to. Instruments layer in and layer out, electric sounds add to the slick Vegas attitude, and some awesome battery exposure and great writing connect it all together in very feel-good, logical way. The need to bob your head takes over as the tune quickly builds to a sudden halt immediately followed by a timpani roll (how Vegas of them). It was explained that this moment is the "gag" of the closer. What followed was a loud and creatively arranged recap of the opening of the show based on Luck be a Lady. I was struck with how my ears immediately linked the two together and how my mind immediately thought that in keeping with the show theme, "someone" must have taken a risk and hit it big, thus the timpani roll and recap of Luck be a Lady. A drum corps ending appropriately plays the tune out. Big sound, big confidence, big standing ovation. Stand-outs: the percussion has more than taken a step forward this season and this tune really shows that off (wow bass drums!), cymbal line is scary good, stamina of the brass, attention to show theme detail and making it evident even without the visual component. Simply put, I was blown away. And, they had only been together three days. Alumni joined the brass for Salvation is Created and of course Georgia. Having all the members, staff, and alumni sing Salvation was a heartfelt bonus to the event. Great food, a great sense of excitement about where the corps is going, lots of baby blue everywhere, a genuine sense of family and member centered goings on, and many mentions of thanks to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country clearly communicated Spirit of Atlanta as a class act. I can't say I have always seen the corps in that light and that makes me feel somewhat guilty. Thanks for a great performance and a great experience Spirit of Atlanta 2012! Well worth my drive. Ride this wave of forward growth as hard as you can. Best of luck, can't wait to see this one on the field.

I was at their concert yesterday and they stated they still had a few openings. After seeing/hearing this concert, I would highly recommend all interested persons to contact the corps ASAP. There was not one aspect of what I saw and heard that I wouldn't call fantastic.

Think my best friend's son just snagged the trumpet spot. I am very excited. Been trying to get him to march for a while now. From the way he plays, I assume he will be a great addition. He is an awesome young man! Even more reason to support Spirit in 2012. I will be at their performance this Sunday. Looking forward to it.

OK. OK. If I did some research on here I would probably find you are what most would consider from old school drum corps (not that such is singularly a bad thing at all), you are bored, you like pushing buttons, and you have some closeted unsavory issues with Spirit. Other than that, I am sure you are a fine fellow. A few facts for you to consider: 1. Nearly everyone has holes this time of year. 2. Some corps advertise the spots. Some do not. (some fear that overtly negative people will use the holes as a great chance to bolster negative propaganda. Sound familiar?) 3. Having over 300 audition for a corps is a positive thing. Some have double that. Spirit's comeback effort is celebrated by many; perhaps a few facts were over reported by some who were eager to promote recent successes, but alas their reports may not have been completely factual. Why does that bother you so much? DCP, hello. 4. Once members are cut from corps A, they often audition for corps B, therefore, they are no longer available for corps A. 5. Some auditionees are sold on marching corps A and do not audition for corps B. They are often given specific things to work over the season so upon returning to audition for corps A, their chances are better; they very much could not be yet qualified to march Spirit and need to develop skills, so giving them a spot now would perhaps be counterproductive for what is best. 6. 350 auditionees could include only 100-120 or so brass. Some of those who are talented enough cut themselves because it is hard mentally and physically. Many high school and university marching bands do just fine with their performance level, but require a far cry from what drum corps requires. 7. Unfortunately, many talented potential members wait until this time of year to get a spot because they know holes open up with most every corps and that they can avoid having to pay camp fees and will probably get their overall fees reduced. Corps could say "no" to this practice, but it may not overall be what is best for the corps. 8. Spirit of Atlanta seems to be getting their act together in many ways. Most fans want all corps to succeed and survive the many difficulties that have caused hundreds if not thousands of corps to cease to exist. There are thousands of marching performers who consider doing drum corp, but never take that first step. I am so thankful that there are some young adults who are willing to be told "no", and still plug away trying to do truly exceptional feats. I am sure there are three out there who are excited, willing, and able to fill these holes with skill, an admirable work ethic, and tenacity that will pay 100 fold the rest of their lives.

After reading my post, I agree it is more negative than positive. Not my initial intention. I guess I was trying to justify why everyone's favorite corps may not win or move up... There are lots of talented corps and staffs. There will be many great shows and great performances. I feel the talent depth keeps getting stronger and stronger from top to bottom. I am not sure if Cesario's artistic vision is necessarily reflected in the show announcements, but of course know that none of the preseason conjecture has too much basis on what will eventually revealed as truth once we see the corps perform. I honestly want everyone to do well and see the activity thrive.

After reading my post, I agree it is more negative than positive. Not my initial intention. I guess I was trying to justify why everyone's favorite corps may not win or move up... There are lots of talented corps and staffs. There will be many great shows and great performances. I feel the talent depth keeps getting stronger and stronger from top to bottom. I am not sure if Cesario's artistic vision is necessarily reflected in the show announcements, but of course know that none of the preseason conjecture has too much basis on what will eventually revealed as truth once we see the corps perform. I honestly want everyone to do well and see the activity thrive.

1. BD, Though I wish they would be more appealing to a wider audience, they will again perform well with a show concept that most judges will be afraid and unequipped to criticize. The performance level will again surpass most in all captions. 2, Crown, Though a bit of a stretch, I suspect the new staff members who I see as fitting better with the remaining staff than those who have left will make for a great summer and overall product. 3. SCV, see above (Crown) PLUS a much better rep and audience appeal 4. Phantom, An even better year and vying for the guard trophy, the lack luster drill and thuddy look of large college marching band forms will keep things in fourth 5. Cadets, just a hunch that they will have some areas of show development that just don't click 6. Cavies, I am just tired of what we have seen and heard the last few years and don't think this year's offering will garner much more excitement or interest. The overblown and pretty nasty brass issues, especially pitch and poor balance will finally be recognized as such 7. Bluecoats, feeling that staff changes and a large turnover of members will keep things in seventh 8. Boston, great technique but lack luster overall design 9. Madison, new and old staff don't click well despite improved overall talent level 10. Spirit of Atlanta, seem to be taking care of business in the off season, much depends on members bringing a higher personal performance level to all-days 11. Blue Knights, good again, but not better 12. Blue Star, nice show, but... 13. Academy, a stronger year and some captions clearly better 14. Crossmen, see above 15. Glassmen, lost half of their best caption people and the brass issues are not getting attention 16. BDB, scare some people even more in 2012 17. SCV Cadets, see above 18. Trooper, lots of heart but not enough talent or show interest 19. PC, good again 20. Colts, keep loosing staff through the winter and overcoming staff issues from 2010-2011 21. Cascades, better but so are most 22. Mandarins, see above 23. Jersey Surf, clever but rebuilding still 24. Teal Sound, rough winter 25. Pioneer, reaching their goals

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank God. I had just found Fiedler on speed dial and was going to ask him if the head injury was recent.

Yeah Spirit! The video is AWESOME. I love that they are doing well. It is great when someone or something makes a come back, which last year was completely (Maybe the best 12th place corps in over 20 years). Staying in is of course the trick. Having been in that situation myself in this activity I can tell you that yes the show design has to be good and the talent solid, the members cannot rest on thinking their efforts can stay the same and the corps move up. If the staff and members step it up in the winter over last season, that is where the biggest difference can be made, Looks like they are off to a good start.

The fact that BD did not win. Cadet's uniform considerations during the drill. EPIC! Crowns entire show. Especially PIB. Elsa's. Thanks PR. Holst on the field with integrity. Thanks BK. Spirit of Atlanta reminding us of old famous them, but being different from EVERYONE else. Loved it! Oregon Crusaders spunk. Should have won, but that does not matter as much as the fans they gained. Overall, a sense that entertainment value mattered at least somewhat.

I really like Academy and Spirit of Atlanta. Both took me a second look, both are unique and look great on the field.

Though not a big fan in years past, I saw a glimmer last year of change. A seriousness that said they were trying to live up to public statements of improvement. There have been some great one year turn arounds, right now, this one seems pretty dramatic. I hope the glimmer I saw last year, followed by the fantastic showing this year, that this is not a one year splash. I loved this show and the corps' convincing performance all three times I have seen it live. Cannot wait to see it tonight. Way to go Spirit of Atlanta. Awesome job. A great effort of reinventing a corps that I wondered if they could ever be competitive again and have a unique identity that resembles the glory years. Congrats to the designers and performers. Well done.