tigger2

This is also an example of not considering all of this in context. Though not everyone's favorite Cavies show, they were great. It hurt that Cavies were being compared to Cavies. Every year cannot be a winner. They were 3rd. Hello, 3rd. That doesn't suck. I wish they would have stuck with going out on the limb with rock music, instead of back to the formula show in 08, also 3rd place. Wouldn't most any corps, including Spirit, love to be 3rd? Bring it on Spirit.

The comments so far are very interesting. I for one am very excited. I have not liked much of anything they have done for a decade. Sure, there have been some good moments. They just seemed to have no identity, certainly not like their hey day. If I am reading into the press release correctly, this show is an attempt to recapture the old Spirit energy with something new, and something that could give them their own niche again. Makes perfect sense to me. A few specific reactions to previous comments: Referring to Kansas as a "one hit wonder": this person does not know Kansas, or needs a review. BIG HITS: "Carry On", "Dust in the Wind", "Fire and Ice", "Song for America", "Point of No Return" many other great tunes. Since when does a corps have to play "hits" to be successful? Someone lists Northern Aurora's lack of success (from 1993 BTW) as a reason not to play certain music. Think about this. It makes no sense. Can't count how many times I have seen and heard really bad versions of 1812, Candide, William Tell, 007, etc. With the "Northern Aurora" analogy, if any music has ever been played by anyone and it was not good, it's off the list, undoable, a bad idea. This is just silly. All this conjecture is a matter of trust. The drum corps community does not trust groups outside the top six, or a fast up and coming corps like Blue Stars, to make decision that will be solid for success. I am not knocking Bluecoats at all, love them, but...they release a cool image and people think the show is going to be great. Why, the image is interesting, but anyone who thinks it through knows it is just an image and promises no success in and of itself. This cool image plus of recent love of Bluecoats helps us trust that something great will come from the group this summer. Nothing against Spirit, but the trust level is no where near the same. When was the last time they were the talk of the activity or showed signs of taking it all by storm? Watch it as it happens: Top six or so announce their shows and most if not all fans will react positively, The next three or so corps announce their shows and there is more diverse reaction, corps 11-21 announce shows and you will get a very wide mix bag of reactions based on the recent forward or backward competitive movement of that group. I think this music has great potential. It is exciting music on its own. It does somewhat remind me of some of my favorite drum corps moments of the last six or seven years. I can count on three fingers how many corps from 2008 that I listen to on the CDs based on the fact that the music has something to offer. Kansas has so much great music (famous and not as famous) my only fear is how they will decide what to leave out? Best of luck Spirit.

The drum corps teaching has certainly changed over the last twenty years. It used to be odd to have band directors on staff, much less musicians with advanced degrees. Not taking anything away from those instructors of yester-year. They obviously produced some excellent brass lines. There does seem to be a trend, particularly with the top six or so horn lines to have older staffs with multiple experiences with music making and music instruction. Can not help but think that this group will be great for transforming a 15th place horn line. I felt last year's horn line seemed to have some depth, but just lacked the higher levels of polish or musical detail. I would love to see Spirit turn some heads and start getting a lot of attention. This brass staff move seems like serious decisions are being made to do just that. It will of course take a few seasons to really get cooking with a serious plan to move up. Not that you have to be top twelve, but it would be nice to see a corps with Spirit's history make an exciting comeback. Like the previous poster stated, I hope for something new and different from the old southern themes, and very different from their recent stuff, yet kind of in your face and accessible like their top six years.

After several weeks away from DCP, I thought I would check out the staff changes and rumors of staff changes that always seem to hit this time of year. After finding some info on several confirmed changes, and after not finding support for some interesting rumors I've heard, I must say that Spirit's addition of Waymire seems to be the most significant change thus far in terms of level of need being met with level of qualification. Not that other corps haven't added some top notch people. Spirit desperately needed a program coordinator with lots of diverse experiences, seems Waymire fits that bill well. I've seen Waymire's show stuff from when he was in Texas and wondered why a corps wasn't using this guy for show design. After several years of watching the state marching contests and BOA regionals, it got to a point that when I thought I was watching a Waymire show, usually turned out that I was right. Seemed to always design a show that kids, audience, and judges liked. Thought he also did good work at getting Madison through some rebuilding years and getting the hornline to be taken as a legit offering. The 03 and 04 lines were good, rebuilding, but 05 was great and 06 pretty amazing considering how bad the show was, how badly the horns were staged, and how much they had to sprint and play. Check out the multiple tonguing sections and wicked Boerma technique stuff. When I read Waymire was at Spirit, I called a friend to ask where he was after Scouts. Forgot he went to Glassmen. Listened to them from 06-08 on the way home. Though the 06 and 08 lines had more punch, the 07 line had much better sound, tuning, artic., balance, blend, etc. (stuff you should work hard to get when turning a brass program around). The 08 sound wqs like 06, but tuning and tone were REALLY rough, the technique from 07 seemed to be gone. I do wonder why the change over after having been there just one year. Seems the right things were done in 07 to make a really big impact in 08. Seems his past has lots of success throughout it. Hope it goes well and that they keep him for more than a year. My friends from Scouts say he and the brass staff is what kept them going back through those rebuilding years (Sal years). I would love to see Spirit back in the hunt.

Brass scoring (number and placement) sometimes seems very accurate, and at other times, not so much. As audience members, our own personal bias, seat placement, video/audio vs. live, mood, etc. can affect our perceptions of how a brass line performs. The brass judges are of course on the field, in the members' faces so to speak. Our perception and the judge's may not be the same simply due to our proximity to the performers. With that understood, who do you feel may have been over or under credited for their performances, based on your audience vantage point? Does brass staff credibility with the judging community based on any number of factors: familiarity/past history with staff members, off-season interaction, years in the activity, staff's ages, past results,etc. give any given corps any advantage or disadvantage? A few of my own perceptions: PR 2008- Weighing the physical difficulty with the achievement of the written book, I would have placed Regiment's line in first. Despite a few un-perfect sounds, it is all worth the pay off in GE and power for me. The what and how both were box 5. Their staff should have no credibility issues or things to prove; that should not be an issue in their scoring. Crossmen 2008- While the sound quality was good and fundamentally seemed well-honed, I wish they would have picked four or so places "to let it go" some. I felt they played fundamentally better than several units above them (should be awarded in their field score), but did not create the energy or GE. Their young staff probably does not get the nod if a tenth or two separates them from a close competitor who's staff has been around a while and has had some success. Not that anyone is underhanded, it is human nature. We tend to credit the reputation initially in many performance venues, at first.

So "tic" equals someone who "leaks"?

Dawg, Some good advice. Bravo! Very calmly put...are you a family counselor? Maybe such rants could somehow automatically be tagged and rather than being posted, would go to a person hired as a counselor. You know, the talk them off the wall before anyone gets hurt whole thing. Though I got past my frustration with all the Scout's- Sal vs Stewart vs Whomever thing a while ago, I too understand the desire to want to sometimes yell "shut up already" where some of drum corps' ugliest, lingering issues are concerned. With Sal Salas I have been curious about the whole slander issue however. Seems one thing to call GH crazy or confused, or to question any director's show or leadership choices in general, but to openly accuse someone of something specific like running a corps into the ground financially seems to be a whole 'nother kind of issue. Not that that is what by-line was doing. I assume that when you are talking about a 503C not for profit youth organization, there are more "legal"/prosecute-able issues to tread about lightly where money use is concerned.? So it seems any form of accusations could be dangerous. Again, not accusing by-line of that. Let sleeping dogs lie. Maybe the medical profession's creed is applicable with rants, "First, do no harm." Right, isn't that from the doctors oath or something? Other advice for cadetzoid, try to ignore anything negative here on DCP if you can. Notice how much fun, cooperative stuff is on here. Focus primarily on that.

I am glad they still play it. I would be upset if they did not. My point is that I do not want to hear them try to "top" their past performances of "Georgia" in their field show. In my opinion, it can not be topped. Any new performance or version of it won't live up to my memory association of how good it was, how it made me feel then, etc. Some really clever chopped up version ala Crossmen planet X 2008, or Blue Devils past seven or eight years will only disappoint me. A new jazzier version with obscure chords and 4 modulations will only pale in comparison to my sense memory of those years you listed. Is it possible some amazing arranging genius is out there that can top any of those versions (or past versions of Sweet Georgia Brown)? Possible, but but probable. It would initially please alumni and some older fans, but just wouldn't be competitive, new enough, or the direction I think they should go. The uniform thing is easy. I simply do not think it is attractive or classy looking (the uniform of the past two years is slightly better, but not good). The past variations of it (delta uniform) have been very cheap looking. I know some people love the old uniform for nostalgia's sake, but like me, I would guess many would not say it was a great, sharp, or commanding look for all ages. Iconic, yes, one that fits 2008 or gives an image of look out, we are serious about kicking some butt, here we come, no. Something the corps desperately needs now.

I would tend to agree with the previous assessments of Madison. Though I also like them, almost desperate to be their old selves again seems to be a pretty accurate perception. This one is going to be tough and fun to watch. I would say that Colts have a niche, but they need some how to make the overtly familiar more interesting, competitive. I feel that Blue Devils and Cavaliers need to find a new version of themselves where creativity of something new is the aim. Some say that BD was over the top in creativity. I did not see it. Quirky and unexpected doesn't necessarily translate into entertaining. They have the talent to do anything and the permission to be almost any version of modern day drum corps and be rewarded for it. It will be most interesting to see where Crossmen take last year's approach. I was not sold on the BD version of treating melody. I don't necessarily want Methany again. It will be interesting to see if Spirit shows up again with a delta on their chest playing "Georgia" (seems what they have always done when in their current situation) or if they will be more innovative and take a risk. I hope for a new uniform that is not so frumpy or H.S. (current one will be associated with the last two year's wind ensemble obscure approach), and a music theme that gets us on our feet...they used to do that well. It has been fun watching PC over past years. I am interested to see how they continue to approach the whole world class thing and their show choices. The Academy may actually be the most interesting corps to watch after last year's show. I think they can choose almost anything, as long as it is done well and shows off their talent.

I'm in: 1st: Cadets -Collin, Ian, Gino, with George finally realizing he has to get out of the way some. 2nd: Crown -The climb has been too steady, and entertaining is in, oh, and Jennifer & Lee rock!!! 3rd: BD -Never too far out, trying on new brand of wide audience appeal (biggest potential spoiler) 4th: PR -Haven't figured out that when a formula works, stick to it a few seasons -Please, please, please...by the power of Grey Skull, prove me wrong 5th: Cavies -Also trying to rediscover themselves and find different music approach 6th: SCV -Better on some fronts, but not as in-the-know/up to date with design as office thinks they are 7th: Bluecoats -Holding their own with great corps and solid shows 8th: Blue Stars -Up their show design and talent level, rethink uniform 9th: B. Knights -More audience friendly, but doesn't get the nod 10th: Crossmen -Smart, patient people with an agenda...code word.....stealth (watch out 2009) 11th: Madison -More talent shows up, not quite enough diversity on staff 12th: Boston -Some rough winter transitions and identity issues, sorry guys (2009 better!) 13th: Spirit -Close. Get new program coordinator, people love the show (watch out 2009) 14th: Colts -Still not with learning curve, but really close to Spirit 15th: Troopers -Get butts in gear with guard program and have great audition turn-outs, barely over G-men 16th: G-men -Keep relying on guard and balloons. Too many captions ignored. 17th: Crest -Good again, just dirty again.

kusankusho, You are funny. I will also now visit my inner Dionysus. Strong Arms shiraz. A great value wine that unfortunately will go up in price next season due to its high value level and current under-the-radar marketing. (11.99, worth 18.99 or more, needs about 20 minutes to start to open up) Tigger

Wow, one of the most interesting threads in a long time. I may actually not be asked to write a shorter and less philosophical post. Ummm... we'll see. Be a little patient as I get to what I find as very related to this topic. Thanks. I met a young man who had marched Glassmen in the mid to late 1990s. He emphatically claimed that there was not one ounce of him that cared what anyone else got from his performance efforts. To him, the entertainment value of performing was shallow and should be a non-motivating factor for anyone's efforts in the arts. Nice guy and a great conversationalist, agree with his views or not. His argument of entertainment's futile place in drum corps (and all arts) frustrated me at first, but I soon let it go. I was however motivated to explore several questions spurred by his dogmatic stance: 1. Was his view created/formulated while at Glassmen? Was it an outcome of the corps self acclaimed right to be "boring their way into our hearts?" Did the administration speak of such things enough that it aided his opinion's growth to where it is now? Did all of the negative views from the drum corps community, posted on RAMD, etc. cause a need to be so staunch? 2. In our efforts to please an audience (efforts to win are another topic), is it the failure to do so that most effects members, staffs, etc.? 3. Is the "formula" for effecting the audience actually not based on what we initially see as the "formula", or trends, or current awarded styles, etc., but rather what has already be mentioned on this thread?: an identification, conscience or sub-conscience, with life/life experience entities of sorts? Ayn Rand, famous author of World War era America, wrote several controversial books based largely on objectivism. She often referred to creating/finding/describing the ideal man. Many attribute the "success" of her writings on the timely-ness of her books based on current social and political trends, regardless of popular literary trends. Despite one's religion, up-bringing, personal convictions, there was always a character in her most famous novels that you not only related to, but you atleast saw them as the "ideal man" at some point in the novel. Each of these characters almost always showed an very vaunerable side, or often let you down when their actions didn't seem to match their philosophies (or had we as a society formnulated each other and allowed for no variations). Outside of the clear influence of being clean, or a high talent level, etc., did Bluecoats, Blue Stars, Regiment, etc. actually find a key button to push, consciously or sub-consciously? Are the character parallels extremely topical right now? Is it simply a current trend that was entered into by chance from so many groups? Will other corps follow because of outside factors or a view that it is currently being rewarded in the activity? Did my friend from Glassmen not find enough of a connection with anything other than simply his own hard work to get through the summer with his own definition of success/reward? Was he in the stands at finals digging anyone because they were entertaining? Do our own perceptions of ourselves and the current world dictate what movies, books, poems, TV shows, or drum corps shows that we will initially be most attracted to, and does that change over time? I have never believed the answer to these questions to stop with a simple "yes"; the "why" is so interesting...isn't it? Tigger

Wow, if I brought a corps overseas, I would be thrilled to have my group play "Les Marseilles", "Marcha Real", or "Lied der Deutschen." What a cool way to build camaraderie and show respect for the country you are visiting. My only issue is that we force ANYBODY to play that arrangement.

Responding to several posters, including the quote here from "brassboy." There was not only one corps taking liberties with the music. Some corps and most musicians did not take liberties. If horn lines are allowed to do this at other shows, for years, why not finals? To my knowledge, many groups spend little to no time rehearsing the tune. It is a less than average arrangement. Most lines/staffs I know despise playing it. If you think it by and large sounds OK until the end, go back and listen. It is bad throughout. The term "KIDS" means different things to different people. In many educational circles, it is a taboo word because of the negative connotations, though often not intended, that it infers: immature, not responsible, naive, credulous, silly, etc. At its worst inference, some associate the word with worst perceptions: punk, oblivious, selfish, child-like, non-accountable, etc. Often used to take someone down a notch, I found I did not like being referred to as a "kid" at least by the age of 14 or 15. So to my point, rather than "KIDS", I always thought of the members as adults/young adults. Marching a summer of drum corps is a mature thing. It is daring, brave, hard, and challenging beyond what many people do as "older" adults. The videos and speeches of crying members at the age-out ceremony, or the many letters left on the field, or the flurry of emails where so many claim to have a life altering experience seem to me as examples of maturity, understanding, ownership. Whatever term one uses to label these corps members, I do agree that they can be extremely emotional, especially at this time. They sill need guidance, as we all do through our entire lives. However, to make an excuse for what some will agree was an embarrassing display for many reasons, by saying they are just "kids" blowing of steam in order to have "joy" in their hearts is simply uninsightful. This sounds like the false self-esteem agenda that is rapidly hurting our public schools. Rather than guiding and directing, lets make excuses after the behavior has happened. That is just my point, this abuse of the opportunity to entertain, or even thrill everyone in our audience with something special, classy, well-done, and unique at a paid-for event (not cheap I might add), has gone on long enough that what happened last night was eventual. Without intervention of some kind it will get worse. At what point to brassboy and others does it become too offensive, too over the top, too unbecoming of a youth activity that is constantly, if not desperately looking for legitimacy, respectability and a larger audience outside its small circle? How about this, plain and simple, what was the RIGHT thing to do last night? Unlike selected American idol auditionees or individual, self-representing Pop stars, DCI is the governing entity of over 40 non-for-profit youth organizations that seeks sponsorship, approval, guidance, and positive accolades from the secondary education world, higher education world, professional musicians, music companies, community leaders, professional youth organizations, etc. When one brass line at a "small" early show in Nebraska decides to take liberties with the encore tune, while not being the right thing to do, it affects a smaller group of people than when it happens at DCI's most important event. Such early season issues years ago should have marked when groups were asked to no longer take liberties with the tune in that such performances could promote a negative reaction from audience members. We now have a large, recorded, forever in our memories and the perceptions of all those associated with the activity problem. An individual pop star does not speak/sing as a representative of the entire industry. If their stuff isn't what people want, they go out of business. If they do not do what their label wants or buck the system too hard, they are fired or forgotten. DCI touts itself as Marching Music's Major League. Every corps on the field last night is an iconic symbol that largely defines DCI. High school bands, music vendors, music educators, etc. look to DCI to live up to its self proclaimed title as epitome of all things marching. That is where we are supposed to look for how its done. If the finalist bands at BOA were to play a mass encore, should be expect them to ask DCI how its done? If that were to happen and many of the students took liberties with the music, shouldn't it be OK since the "big leaguers" do it? All the hard work and "toiling" for eight months should not be an excuse for self-expression or joyous heart displays by individuals in a non-individual setting. My self discipline and choice to be professional should not be subject to someone's else's self-gratification whim. I would hope DCI does not include that performance on the DVDs and has it removed from youtube. If so, how will the thousands of high school and college band directors explain it to their students when they are initially told that they watch the DCI videos to be inspired, motivated, learned, and guided. Sorry if I am being too harsh with brassboy's post, but it demanded an opposing response, or two or three. Though his post started out fairly benign, it took a severe turn for the worse soon after. I also have issues with being told that anyone who found last night's performance of "America" as a slap in the face, is spineless.

Many great posts here comparing old school drill techniques and new school. I actually watched some late 90s early 2000 stuff today and think that compared to ten years or so ago, corps are now cleaner, and yes, with much harder stuff. Tigger

WOW! I assumed the actors were wearing wireless mics. OK, decision made, you have to keep the narration for those four member's experience. Thanks for the insight. Tigger

Great, concise review. Very much in line with my own thoughts. Tigger

My first lengthy post. Contributed a short post on the "credit-tick" thread. It was thrilling to say the least. I have read DCP for a while now. I occasionally wanted to post something, but never got around to joining. I have always wanted to post reviews of shows I attended, knowing what it like to sit at home, missing a show you wanted to attend badly but could not for what ever reason. The Fan Network is a stroke of genius, however, while tying many of us over between live viewings, as with sports, it isn't the same as being there. I have also been apprehensive of wanting to post my reviews/opinions due to the fact that it seems one should only state the positives, or often be subject to ridicule for having an opinion that differs from someone else's. I can have thick skin, so my feelings were not the issue. I hesitated due to the fact that I did not want to contribute to any backbiting, etc. that could deter from the positives of DCI and this great service provided by DCP. Obviously I have decided to post my opinions and hopefully give some personal impressions that can not be perceived on video. Here goes. Pioneer: What a good drum corps from the land of cheese and cows (and the place where I want to know what the hell Bret Favre is smoking. A legend yes, amazing ...yes, but geese! (rhymes with cheese)). This is the best I have seen this group. Speaking of cheese, they are often described as being too cheesy or too old school with the Irish themes. Well me Lasses and Laddies, this wasn't your typical production from this Wisconsin corps. The arrangements, drill, etc. are all a move toward a more "today", up-to-date offering. As they entered the field, I was already thinking that 20th place/last place isn't what it was five years ago, of course, neither is seventh place. They had a good air of confidence about them and they entertained the crowd well (the toughest crowd in DCI in my opinion). Yes, they are dirty and have issues, but they are better than the past several years and are great examples of the raised level of quality in the activity. Mandarins: After reading positive stuff about these guys and gals from the surfer state, I was eager to catch the show. They did not disappoint. This group is one of those that probably do not come across as well on video. Like Pioneer, they are dirty, but they pack several versions of zing throughout their performance that keep you paying attention. Several brass impacts were healthy as an olympic wrestler and the drum line carried an ora of confidence that almost scared me when they charged the front of the field on several occasions ( I think several grandmothers on the front row actually required oxygen and assurance that it was just part of the show). The guard also offers some great stuff. Also an improving corps over past seasons. Academy: OK. This one is hard because I find their circumstances as slightly heartbreaking. I am sure they do not want any one to throw them a pity party, but we have seen this scenario before, and it is as tough as admitting you live in the greatest country in the world, but are lead by a President that actually greeted the Italian Prime Minister with "Buenos Dies!" and shouted out to him, "Amigo! Amigo!". What is the scenario we have seen before? A new corps comes onto the scene blazing a trail toward star status (Not Star, well OK....maybe Star, but not quite, hmmm....you know what I mean) and find themselves regrouping to decide exactly what happened when the first "slip" occurs. Got the talent for sure. The show, put simply...awkward. Biggest impacts compared to six or seven other groups, most difficult brass book maybe of the evening, some real coordinated moments, and lots of ????????? It as if the show was designed by someone who does not have a lot of experience in the marching arts. A lot to be proud of in their short time. I am looking forward to next year's showing. Make sure we are providing some water in the Arizona desert for this young sapling that has simply wilted a little bit. Won't take much to do the trick. Pacific Crest: Besides providing waves for the surfers, what is there in the water in California that is producing all these quality units? Ahh Ha! Since dropping from the competitive body building circuit and becoming Governor, I bet Schwarzenegger has been slowly putting all of his unused steroids in the water system, hoping to create a state of super beings. As far as drum corps is concerned, it is working. Crest put on a great show and if Mandarins provided zing, PC provided zing with some zang and a little zoom. Though also dirty in all areas, this performance was the most confident of the evening thus far. Several brass hits rattled my teeth and vibrated the seats, a little unexpected personal offering I guess, more please. The group is large and very good. I could not help but wonder if their early season schedule keeps them from cleaning more? If doing a full tour would deter members from joining because they like the current format, then of course the corps should keep on keppin' on. It is a quality product with lots of students doing themselves and California proud. This group to me is a great example that winning is not everything: an attitude that I sometimes think has lead to the dramatic drop in the number of units. Keep drinking the tap water! Troopers: I agree with other posters, they were impressive and are the first corps that has that aura of competitive prowess that gives a special energy to the evening. With this group and the rest of the corps, I will be a little more detailed about specific show elements. I must first point out the whole drum major thing. What a great drum corps icon that I am thankful the corps is keeping alive, and I am sure that our friends that came in from Fire Island and Providence have a few more recreation ideas as they head back for their remaining weeks of summer vacation... love those guys. (No offense meant at all. My friends from P Town thought it was funny). The train theme is well done though I found the "Ghost Train" music a little too dark for me. A few body and drill moves seem too similar at times. The horn line made some really great sounds with some super attention to fundamentals of brass playing. More depth of player in future years could bring some real attention to this faction of the Troopers. The guard confident and put their energy well into the audience during this performance. 16th place seems a lock for them. Thanks Troop. Everybody bring a friend that spins to auditions next year! Spirit: Though I have no control over scoring, I do have some philosophies of scoring that I feel strongly about and will enjoys sharing all eighty-seven ideas with you now. Just kidding. As the season comes to a close each year, the ordinals start to level out in all captions for a single corps: these numbers usually represent the corps final placement and rarely vary more than one number away from the corps final placement. After seeing/hearing Spirit, I was confident with my perception that though the show has similar problems to that of Academy's (direction, flow, ?????), there were several aspects of the performance that are really good and I tough held up well compared to the next six or even seven corps. Music ensemble, brass, and PERCUSSION were quite good. When looking at the recaps, it seems evident to me that the ordinal leveling things has started in full force with this group. A single judge is apprehensive of popping a number at this point because he or she can cause a corps to fall in or out of finals based on their number alone, so better to keep the number near the current placement. I could be wrong, but I have watched this happen for years. It is assuredly discouraging for those certain aspects/sections of a corps that deserve the recognition. I do agree on the overall placement due to design issues. I also want to point out the color guard. They seem to have a lot of skill and I really liked the writing, but you have to work too hard to notice them. Good arrangements and some good volume tonight. Colts: Interesting name for a corps huh. I have not done any research to find out why the corps is named after a small horse, but I am sure someone will respond with an answer, certainly if they are not named after a small horse but something else like an actor from the 50s that appeared in a few spaghetti westerns and then eventually became Liberachi's gardner. Anyway, I thought they performed extremely well and were cleaner than a few corps above them. A throw back to the mid 80s, the performance levels of this show offers more than the design. When I say mid 80s, I mean a really solid, six or seventh place show from the mid 80s. I sometimes agree with other posters and long for some "old-time" drum corps offerings, but Colt's show reminds me that my emotional memory enjoys some older shows more than does my 2008 eyes, ears, and brain. I think cleaning is still in order, but unfortunately, a really clean show in Bloomington may still not offer enough to make finals. Thanks for the hum-able tunes and long phrases. Still dig the new look. If the reports are true that this is a young corps due to a large % of age-outs, a great return rate and more creative show design could mean a solid finals corps. I think some quality things are stronger than last year: ensemble music, brass arrangements, percussion writing. Scouts: OK, if the two remaining all-male drum corps were gangs, the scrappy Scouts would win a fight between the two. If the two corps were this year's Democratic candidates, Scouts would be hellian Hilary and Cavies would be jedi Obama. If the two corps were alternative rock bands, Scout's following would have criminal records and Cavies fans would tuck their shirts in and sometimes attend a cover band concert. If the two corps had equal numbers, talent, and the same show, I would probably prefer Scouts. While some say they completely lost their swagger and are slowly getting it back, I do not agree. I always got the swagger from the members, but not always the shows. 2003, a rebuilding year, very entertaining, with swagger. 2004, some swagger (second half), but otherwise a misguided show. 2005, defininate swagger with a great show (ending was a shame). 2006, too exhausted from sprinting to show much swagger in the show, though I got it when they marched in the stadium. 2006 too esoteric though VERY talented...when I listen to the 06 show the talent of the drums and especially the horn line seems crazy good, they just didn't have a chance with that show. I digress, great first half of the 2008 show, good second half, pretty equal music talent, guard with some good moments, but more are needed for finals. A definite shot at finals. 13th place would be no reason for shame though missing finals by one spot. Things seem to be well on their way for the corps to get back to top twelve. Sorry, I must add something...I am tired of the Scouts alumni I always seem to have sitting around me. Please, no matter what year, what director, what show, as long as they are called the Scouts, the current members are THE SCOUTS. Supporting young performers is the right thing to do no matter what your personal taste. (Sorry, had to go there. I am sure there are MANY AWESOME alumni that get the whole "its about the kids that are in the corps right now" thing, they just never seem to sit by me at shows.) Our current top twelve...though things can change. 12, Crossmen: I am a big fan of this show. After this performance, it seems the staff did their homework and created really good depth with most all aspects of the show. My only complaint with show design is that the music is too convoluted from the original source material and seems to beg for more delivery of what the music teases to deliver, but never does. Performance wise, some obvious drill cleaning is needed, but not as much as we sometimes expect from a corps in this position. There are also some balance issues between drums and horns at the softer dynamic levels. Every section of the corps contributes equally and all are stepping up to the plate on a very solid level. The guard seems to be the most advanced section at this point. The crowd was very receptive (Angry/negative Scouts alumni take notice). The crowd obviously was full of East Coast Crossmen alumni and fans. Though the corps has changed their style from what many associate with their most recent success, and they moved to the Republic of Texas (great state, by the way), and they have altered the uniform considerably, and they have a new director, etc., the audience seemed not only pleased with the strong performance, but also by their strong shot at finals, their commitment to modern show design, and their rate of improvement. I understand the somewhat reserved brass sound; they seem to be balancing quality with volume. It would be great if they could add some more punch for championships. I wish several hits were longer and resolved to major chords or unisons a cliche as that may seem (more often than not, it just seems to work for GE). I would have actually had them a few places higher due to how well most aspects of the show are put together, with other aspects being what I considered equal. Since I am thinking about it, if Texas ever did succeed from the union and form their own country (as Texans often state they should), Crossmen would aid the "International" in DCI. Yee Haww! 11, Blue Knights: Some one has asked of they are insane for this year's show. Maybe so, but crazy can be fun, entertaining, intriguing, creative, or at least different. Could be the thin Colorado air affecting brain waves during show planning meetings????? (kidding, I like the show...oooohhh...does that mean I might be insane...I'll ask my friends Vincent Van Gogh and Napoleon Bonaparte, see what they think. ) At various points throughout the performance I got all of these variations of "insanity". I must admit, before writing this review, I watched the video of Allentown to help me get a grasp on how to sum up this show. The brass played extremely well, with some moments of tuning issues, specifically on some pretty complex chords. I also wish some hits were longer and a little more well-paced. Tonguing, balance, blend, musicality, dynamic contrast, and tone were well handled. The percussion were solid, but need more show-casing and closer staging at times. The guard is good, but I am ready for a different color palate from them, uniform and silks. The guard communicates very well and provided several great visual ensemble statements with and without equipment. The drill is unlike any other corps and I think it works very well most of the show. The moments where the drill seemed to stall were also the places where I thought the music also dragged. The "Amazing Grace" stuff does seem like a stretch and I think unnecessary. This show does take several viewings to completely appreciate for what it is. The body contributions from the brass , though needs quite a bit of cleaning before Bloomington, impressive and difficult. Is the show easy to access? No, but I did not find it as hard to like as some have inferred. For 2009, maybe some show designing in Denver, but one or two show design meetings thrown in at lower altitudes may up the accessibility factor. I thought they would place a spot or two higher. 10, Crusaders: Also with a large contention of alumni and fans in the audience, the corps had a crowd eager to respond. I felt that the second half did so much better than the first half. The intro just seemed to not click visually or musically. The running horn line pass-through in the intro was pretty rough in Allentown. The show theme did not seem as obvious through out the performance as it could be to keep us interested. Though the color guard adds the head dresses toward the end, I assume they are meant to be some interpretation of the show theme, but it does not work for me. The visual design is really solid, but I wish the guard writing was more musical. I also am not a fan of what I think of cheap tricks that come across almost as desperation for attention; the chunk the rifle across big distances thing seems, pardon the expression, dumbed down. The guard lift through the front also seems forced and random. The drum line was good, but had a few timing issues toward the end of the show that came across more as freak accidents instead of phrases that have not been cleaned yet. Loved the audience reaction to the "Conquest" tag, but it did seem a bit forced. The show overall seems more solid than others in the same scoring range, but with some moments that do not seem to really fit. Good horn line, though they drop almost all phrases and ends of notes need a lot of attention. 9, Glassmen: Thanks for aiming to design an accessible/entertaining show. This is the loudest their horn line has been in a long while and the color guard is the opitome of showmen/show-women. Great colors and flag designs. The front line was really great and added a lot to the music GE. I was angered by a young man behind me that yelled "Go Lastmen". Many of us turned around to see this villian. I thought, "Wow, just gonna slam them right out in the open." I contemplated say something to him but I am glad I didn't. After later hearing him yell "Go Zanta Clara" and "Go Cladets", I realized he suffers from lazy tongue syndrome mixed with a severe lateral lisp (true story). This corps had really strong showmanship in Allentown, selling their production through sheer energy and a really effective guard that never quits. With that, I find it interesting that BK and them seem to be jockeying for the higher placement right now. Why interesting? I find one show full of interest and intrigue, depth of visual design and some real quality on multiple levels of risk for all sections of the corps (Blue Knights). The other show (Glassmen), I find to be instantly accessible and designed based on the concept of what you see the first time is what you get. Someone else in an earlier review stated that Glassmen was their little boy's favorite (NOT a bad thing at all). This seems to be indicative of a few things however. This show is probably one that I feel appeals to the largest majority of the many different preferences of a large drum corps audience. With the faction of the audience that wants complete high-level intrigue and construction, the show may fade pretty quickly. While I really enjoyed it for what it is meant to be ( I am assuming, sorry), I do not think a second viewing would produce a higher level of appreciation on my part. They certainly have some cleaning to do that will elevate the performance scores. Regarding the horn line, while their loudest in my memory, they seem to be sacrificing quality, especially pitch and tone. Tuning, balance, blend, and tone did not seem on the brass line's agenda in Allentown. It is a difficult stadium to fill up with sound or energy, so if that was the main charge of the horn line for the evening, they stepped up to the challenge quite well. With the concept of the "what and how" and also find this horn book and drill demand while playing may be a point of possible weakness if it comes down to them and brass lines that are within a few tenths of them. I am very interested to see how the show holds up this coming week. A lot of that depends on the cleaning that takes place with BK, Boston, and Crossmen. When all shakes out, I do not think this group will be "Lastmen" on finals night. 8, Blue Stars: Really good job of selling the show theme almost non stop, from the on-field warm up to the victor's platform and the end of the show. They look huge on the field. All that white and a very large guard. I think this team will join the "Blue" corps on finals night. Hmmm, is blue the secret of the summer? Didn't everyone get the memo? Let me see, that is four corps with "blue" in their name, SCV using the blue guard dresses at the end of the show, Glassmen have been rising quickly and use blue in their show, Bloomington starts with "bl", quick...Cadets put the blue flags back at the start of the show, and Regiment, add something blue...maybe underwear, a flag, blue socks, anything. please! Back to the Lacrosse team. The corps, not that game I played in college on an intermurral team. Got our a#### kicked by those that actually had skills and didn't not get a team together simply to have an excuse to drink with our buddies. OK, Blue Stars are really good. This corps is one of a few where all sections of the group seem on the same level of talent and performance demonstration. Really good volume at all the right times, without always relying in impacts for music GE. I was very impressed with the ballad playing and loved the music and visual pacing throughout the show. Like Glassmen, the show has a lot of immediate appeal, but also have a lot of intricacy and depth that when cleaner will offer a higher level of scoring possibility in my view. The white is dangerous as PR certainly knows. This is hurting them at this point. I watched several videos and notice the drill mistakes are consistently in the same places. Certainly the staff will use these as a method to clean this weak. This corps is for real and not all hype. I think 8th is a solid place for them. 7, Bluecoats: I found Ed Boxer's comment on the two dudes that play the role of the boxers in the show as extremely funny. I did not think they were as feminine as he suggested, except when the one boxer tacks onto the guard form and dances along. That has to go. Ed and I agree 100% on that one. If I type in all caps and use the bold tab, maybe the Bluecoats staff will hear me: "HEY, BLUECOATS STAFF, TAKE OUT THE DANCING BOXER LA DE DAH MOMENT !!! PRETTY PLEASE !!!" Bluecoats performed really well. The show demand in all areas is very high, representing a jump in design from the corps that are currently 8-20. The unison brass moment on side 2 is the most memorable moment of the show. That is somewhat odd considering there is no drill, percussion , or guard support, but it really works. The energy and confidence is amazing with that statement. There are many other great moments, but nothing that match that moment for me. I thought the guard was good and I am not sure why they placed where they did. I think the voice over works very well and should serve as a lesson for those considering a voice over in the future. The drum line was extremely good and really make you take notice of them. Some great staging for them aids their contribution. I like the second half much better than the first half. I would like to have had the show be a little lighter or commercial so to speak, using more music that was Rocky-esque. Is anyone else wondering why we do not get the Rock fanfare straight up somewhere in the show? I do not think it would be trite at all. I could see them or SCV in 6th. I found the Bluecoats show to be better through composed than SCV's show. 6, SCV: I have always thought than demand sometimes gets in the way of performance confidence. Though I did think there were some solidly confident moment from Vanguard in Allentown, there were also moments that I thought were pretty tentative. With some healthy cleaning and these tentative moments gone, SCV may keep their current placement however, as I stated before, Bluecoats have a better show for me. Pete Weber's drill is amazing and very musical and varied. I do find some of it almost un-cleanable: backwards diagonal follow the leaders, straight lines folding in four counts into halted exposed diagonals, etc. The horn line had some fundamental issues and quite a few individual breaks. The drum line, and specifically the tenors is very good and quite a bit better than last year's line. The guard is great and doing some really unique and interesting stuff. Though I do not think a show theme or story line is necessary for a great show (Cadets have recently proven this), the show selections do not seem to go all that well together, but I can not exactly explain why. The closer only kind of resembles "Cloudburst" for me. I think that tune has a lot more to offer than what SCV has chosen to portray. A great corps. The thread titled "SCV, downward spiral" (or something like that) made me snicker. Again, an example of this win or nothing, or top three or nothing mentality. 5, Cadets: I do not know if I can be too original with my comments here, so I will be brief. I tried to watch these talented, great performer's show and see if the production could work without the current narration. As of now, I would say no. It is close, but a few times the narration space is over music that would have to be beefed up some. Having said that, is it conceivable that Cadets could do that, beef up those spots and get rid of the stage and voice over? Based on the number of changes between Atlanta and Allentown and how well they handled those changes in one week. Is it worth the risk? What about the two performers that only have a place as the speaking characters? Those two performers would cause me to stick with the narration unless another equal opportunity can exist for those two members. Could this change move them up to forth or higher? I do not see it. 4, Carolina Crown: Slow and steady wins the race. What race is that? A slow and steady rise in quality and creativity over several years. With as strong as the top seven has gotten the past few seasons, to be in the top four with a fan favorite show, I would say they have won the race. The differences between the top four seems to be a matter of opinion and truly a best performance of the night scenario. Can the judges react and write down the exact numbers deserved on that night based only on that performance? That is their job. They were overwhelmingly good, but lacked some magic that I was expecting. With a corps that has had all of the positive press they have, I think it normal to expect not only a great performance, but some real over the top magic. All factions of the corps were great. There were a few unfortunate guard drops, but they are amazing none the less. The horn line was loud, full, deep , and technically well trained. The drum line was actually my favorite of the weekend. The timing between the pit and battery was unbelievable. Clean a few moves (also consistently happening in the same places on recent videos), add as much confidence as possible, and they could be anywhere from fourth to first in my opinion. 3, Blue Devils: They performed their a#### off and are what you expect when you see the Blue Devils. Amazing horns, drums, guard, marching, etc. I liked last year's show better. I think this is a show I need to see again, and I will next week. In this performance, there were several individual mistakes in all sections that stuck out, keeping in mind that when a group is this good, all mistakes stick out. As I this date, I am not buying the show concept. I agree with someone who stated that rather than "Absurdity" the word "Randomness" would be more appropriate. That is not a dig on a great corps, I am just not buying it. I do not like the members getting out of the forms and marching around on their own, and then getting back in at some point. Some see it as innovative. I see it as kind of provocative, and it may lead to some similar ideas, but I do not see this as something others will emulate exactly. I also think there are several awkward guard transitions where the moves are functional at best, but "absurdity" seems to be an "excuse"? (most are moves with the poles). I am not a Blue Devils hater. I love them, just not this year. Like with Cavies, I am ready for something different from them. As of today, I would see them in third come next Saturday. 2, Phantom Regiment: For me, the 2009 world champions unless something goes drastically wrong. Wonderful on all accounts. I wish the guard did not have to be so drab, though I get the authenticity thing. Some changes or adjustments I was hoping for/expecting have taken place. Man were they loud. The opener, after the introduction was relentless. A few minor issues for me: The herald trumpets are cool, but hard as s### to play with clarity or accurate pitch. Not worth it to me. The fanfare was exceptional before, OK now. Could take or leave the helmets being off. Probably prefer leaving them on. The rectangle they are placed in looks awkward and seems they would cause too many to have to divide too much of their concentration between tripping on a helmet, laying it perfectly in the file, etc. Though the running at the end is over the top, I am not a fan of the final form. Though it probably is supposed to be an additional coliseum formation, this one is not as obvious as it could be. I understand the split middle so we can see the draped body, but connecting it up front and then V-ing off in a slightly enlarged coliseum would be more effective. Yeah, I know...everyone becomes in-the-stands designer. OK, that is it. They are great, they should win, start the engraving now. 1, Cavaliers: Cavies were more convincing than Blue Devils. The run and jump and turn and run and jump and turn and breathe and pick up your horn and catch your breath some more and the play and move with absolute control is amazing and finally something a corps has done that I dare any high school band to try. NO. Don't try it. I am being dramatic to make a point. No really, please don't, some one will get hurt then they'll take your band's funding away and make your band director teach beginning banjo and oversee three hours of INS. A well done typical Cavaliers show. No real surprises. I am sorry to agree with others, more music please and less motive/sound effect music. Could they win. Yes. I how ever do not want this show to win in one respect because the show that wins becomes the unstated poster child of what it takes to win. Though I think corps are greatly varied from each other, for which I am grateful, as I stated with Devils and now Cavaliers, too much of the same stuff form, I am ready for change. There it is. A large chunk of my Sunday afternoon gone, but this was fun as was the show. Next week will be great. Safe travels to all, certainly the corps. Tigger

17 - Blue Devils 24 - Blue Stars 21 - Bluecoats 03 - Boston Crusaders 26 - Carolina Crown 23 - Crossmen 30 - Madison Scouts 03 - Mandarins 35 - Phantom Regiment 28 - Santa Clara Vanguard 26 - Troopers I'll play. Thought it would be fun as my first post. Credit PR Tick BD Tigger