PacMaN

1988 BD Opener - Sheer brass brilliance. 1992 Cavaliers - Gavorkna! 1993 Star - The part where the brass is playing discordant tones, and slowly accelerating faster and faster, then coming to an impressive halt. Blows my mind every time. Also, that closer! 1999 BD Opener - Again, sheer brass brilliance. 1999 SCV - The rockout in Blue Shades. For a moment, I thought BD had stolen Vanguards uniforms. 2003 BD Opener - Man, BD knows how to make a good first impression 2004 BD Drum Break - Spida tosses, Mello train horns, and the Devs marching CRAZY fast. Wow. 2004 SCV Drum Break - The funkiest drum break known to man. 2005 Cadets Ballad - A gripping, beautiful moment. 2007 Phantom Regiment Closer - Jazz running and Firebird = AWESOME 2008 Crown Closer - So much energy, great finish to a great show.

Invitation to a River - Bill Chase Ennea - Bill Chase I'd love to hear more Bill Chase :P

Vanguard's swerving company front in 2004's Scheherazade certainly comes to mind.

I'm torn between BD and SCV 1999. Talk about two corps bringing out the best in each other, and the surprise here is that the Devs had to keep up with Vanguard that year, rather than the other way around. Granted, I love good entertainment and strong emotion, but I've come to appreciate strong execution and precision as qualities in a great Drum Corps show, and these two had a mix of everything, emotion, precision, execution, and entertainment to boot. I don't know if I'm required to pick one or the other, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with Blue Devils 1999, but only by a TINY margin. Among the memorable moments, the drums, the squeaky clean soprano licks in the beginning, and jazz running contras at the end, simply a hardcore show. But a HUGE honorable mention to Santa Clara Vanguard. The rock out in Blue Shades and the great drill made for one very fantastic package. Also, HMs to BD 2003, Vanguard 1989, Cavaliers 1992 (Gavorkna!), "Green Machine" 2002/2006, Cadets 1987, and Phantom...96. Go Giants!

Apocalypse? No, but I'll start worrying about the end times when Pioneer breaks into Finals, which could be possible in the near future Definitely looking forward to BLOO and Devs this year.

BD '04 Aside from '03, which I saw in person, and '99, my pick for one of BD's best ever, and my pick for best no. 2 show. HM to Star '93 and '98 Vanguard, both very fresh, very challenging shows.

I'm sold on the bottle dance, so Vanguard '92. Hats off to '07 Bloo/The first two movements of SCV '08 (One closer short of a phenomenal show)

It's...beautiful. Mingus, Lennon...magnificent. I daresay this season's dark horse for top honors.

A little known fact I'm now aware of Run Back to Mama is a great song.

Bill Chase's Ennea 1. Cronus 2. Zeus 3. Poseidon 4. Aphrodite 5. Hades I keep envisioning either Blue Devils or the Renegades putting this on the field. Mostly because Chase is an ungodly screamer, and BD always fields ungodly screamers.

I guess I wish I could've marched drum corps earlier, but the time I'm spending with BDB in my age-out year looks to be just as rewarding as last year, and I'm glad to march for such a great organization, even if I won't be able to "bask in the World Class limelight". Besides, I see my time in DCI as prep for the next level...Renegade for life!

And, in spite of all that, they will still finish in the top 5 and perhaps usher in a new era of drum corps excellence :P All funny business aside, I do look forward to great things from the Blue Devils.

http://www.bluedevils.org/programs/b/2009/repertoire.php B CORPS 2009 REPERTOIRE PURSUIT Music by Imogen Heap, John Meehan and John Mapes Pursuit... of an adversary... of a common goal... of true love... of perfection... In 2009, the Blue Devils 'B' Corps will explore the many facets and dimensions of "Pursuit"! Including Imogen Heap's famous "Hide & Seek", "Pursuit" will also showcase many different styles and moods, and will put on display the clear desire and drive for which the Blue Devils B Corps is renowned. From compelling melodies to intense impacts, "Pursuit" has it all, and will keep you fascinated from beginning to end!

The only prediction I hope comes true is that the Open Class Corps are greeted by a slew of excited fans packed in their seats come Finals.

I call for a public execution to be carried out by Phantom's Drum Major.

Performing their 2009 program, "Blue Ah Um"... A man can dream. Cavaliers - "The Hot Gates", featuring music from the movie "300" and selections form Cernota's "Sparta". Holy Names Cadets - "...Shall Always Be", a show commemorating the illustrious history of the Cadets. Expect plenty of Bernstein/Copland. Carolina Crown - "The Step Off", featuring "drum-corp"-icized snippets of famous marches (Grand March from Aida, Captain of Castile - Conquest, Radeztky March to name a few) I'll think of more later.