Dmlkmen

-This one should be submitted as it is both a win for fans and corps: Staff section/ seating set aside at every show. Mandatory that all TEP's block areas in the stadium to accommodate 3-5 staff persons. This to eliminate fan complaints and allow staff the opportunity to view their corps without audience disruption. This one might not got over so well, but is worth mentioning. Due to where we are heading in the activity, as well as to encourage new corps to form, I think it's necessary to equal and reduce expenses associated to compete: -A spending cap on the amount of equipment allowed for artificial sound / electronics to be used. In other words, equipment used to either manipulate sound, or project sound, or other electronic visual representation (i.e.: video screens), is capped/budgeted to be a percentage of a corps operating budget or is a "flat rate" spending cap. In other words,established corps who have the budget for state of the art sound systems, are capped. This so electronic innovation cannot only be achieved by a select group of corps trying to outdo one another with th best equipmeant money can buy. This gives corps an equal playing field where ability of the member, drill design, color guard etc, still remains the bedrock in judging content. Either cap electronic budget or: -For corps incorporating electronic sample or manipulated sound in their shows, a 5 point judge caption in electronic usage called, "creative excecution" (or something to that extent), is established. Corps using electronic samples, speakers to enhance brass or front ensemble sound, or to manipulate sound on the field (i.e.: Bluecoats 2015), now have a 5 point caption. This caption is not used for corps who wish to use a traditional approach to their shows. I may be a bit off on the last one in terms of the way sound is used, So to simply define it, a caption to judge how a corps uses electronics in their shows. 5 points for this caption.

Totally agree. They are playing a piece I recommended in Lance's "Music corps should play" thread- "Life" from the movie Prometheus. Really like the way the soloist and main theme is moved in out in the show, A few years ago they did music from the film Atonement, that I was hoping to hear as well. Really have liked their concepts the past few years, as well as music.

Bluecoats changes were mainly in the opener. Noticeable was the Comtra feature in Shaker Loops. Most video I have heard of this seemed to be slower, less clear that what I heard tonight. It seemed like they sped it up a bit and added a lot more groove to it. Second noticeable change was at the end of the opener. The 360 sound effect had an extra whole note -sounded like a high A from Euphonium line and a high C from the trumpets. Then, like after last years opener, a loud scream of Bloooo from the hornline after horns down. Nice change in the opener. Makes this show more Boss than it already is, in my opinion. Have to say, really impressed with SCV tonight. One of my favorite shows got better. That opening sequence of picking up the horns and then into signature Weber drill is just really cool to watch. Madison- great sound and entertaining. Stood up in my living room for a standing ovation during the Happy Days company front. 71.7 seems to low a score for me for this show. Colts- l really like the brass sound, particularly the closer. Just open up that Naffier book and let it rip. Sans narration, the music is great. Phantom- Great music. Although I never thought I would say this, it might be good to see a Parisian prop or two to reflect the city. I like the Eifel tower drill formation. I do t think they need a 2013 SCV Parisian backdrop, but something to show us we are In the city. Onto DATR next week-live for me. Can't wait.

Top 5 ..so far. I'll see more shows like Oregon,,Academy, Cascades, and Spirit at DATR in a few weeks. Academy may crack this list from what I am hearing. So...in this order: 1. Bluecoats- I was amazed in the movie theater when I first saw them. Found some video on YouTube post theater showing. I, like others,thought the theater sound didn't represent the corps as it actually is in a live or well recorded show. After listening through other channels, I have to say, the opener to this show-(the John Adams piece)- is just absolutely incredible. Might go down as one of my favorites of all time. Anything John Adams I like on the field... Particualary if you "let it breathe" as the Bluecoats do with this 5 minute opener. I really like how this piece is arranged, Particualary great effect with the 360 sound thing they do at the end of the piece. I can listen to it forever and a day. Bon Iver is not a band I am fond of. But "Woods", is something amazing. To hear the "voice"of the band in that Euphonium/Baritone arrangement, is something beautiful. The drum feature and closer fit together extremely well with the rest of the show. The white noise ending is unique, and cooI right now. But I have a feeling this will change soon. I have probably listened to or watched this show more than any other so far this Summer. I don't think I will ever get tired of it. It will be in my rotation of shows. Similar to Star 90 and BD 88, that get played nearly everyday while I am in the car. 2. Blue Knights- All of the West Corps touring corps other than BK, BD, and SCV- I need to catch up on. I came home late the night of Stanford, and caught BK just as they were going on the FN. Admittedly, BK is my hometown corps. But it hasn't been every year that I've liked them. This year though, like Bluecoats, the music is arranged wonderfully. I like it as well that they are not taking a traditional drum corps approach. The opener just seems to quietly flow. It forces you to follow it into resolution. We get an incredible array of sound as an eventual reward as the show progresses. Although I see right now it is an incomplete show, I understand why. I lived through Denver's weather in May and early June. The weather sucked complete ### around here. It rained everyday, and did not get above the 60's for the entire month. We were "Seattle South" in May. Rehearsal time may have been cut short for the corps in spring training because of it. I figure by DATR, this will blossom to one beautiful show, just like last years surprise fan favorite. 3. Santa Clara Vanguard- I have been waiting to hear a Shaw arranged piece that explored new and innovative ground in brass arrangement for awhile. Much like the 06 and 10 years he had at Phantom. I thought this was going to be Leonardo and his Flying Machines a few years back- but that never seemed to develop as the opener I hoped it would be. His arrangements have been fantastic over the last few years with the theatrical shows -don't get me wrong. But with Virus Attacks this year, I feel it IS that arrangment I was hoping for. I would prefer to see the percussion breaks shortened a bit here to let brass shine...(.just a little bit). But overall the opener is a monster. Signature Pete Weber drill, and the theme of the show, as of now, is very present...which I can't say for a lot of shows I have seen so far.. Pure Imagination's arrangment and subsequent visual accompanying it, is something great. I think this part of the show is going to develop into something wonderful by DCI Minnesota (as Scherazade did last year during its ballad sequence). I think this show models the agressive and innovative music of the 97-00 era of SCV, with the theater/storyteller SCV years of 85-92. That is like a Reese's Cup- two great flavors in one. It will likely move to my number 1 by seasons end. 4. Madison Scouts- When I saw their show on the FN preview, then one night later at the theater, I was very impressed. Though the suitcases did strike me as rather VK- ish, ( think 90 and 92 with the tourist running around in the show) it is still great entertainment for me. And that is always what it's been about when I see Madison. While rather old school, I still enjoy the feeling of this show as it is jazzy, energetic and fun. If you bring a piece onto the field from one of my favorite shows of all time, (the 88 BD Happy Days piece) -and do a company front with it- I am sold. Boerma's arrangements are done very well with an agressive drill to match. This does bring back the Entertaining and jazz Scouts to me that I love. While I don't think we will see "louder, faster, higher", with 90's Boerma writing- I do appreciate Boerma writing the show with that signature high soprano sound and the jazz flavor he's known for. I commented last year that my friend wanted the soloist from the Ellis piece on a G horn. Since then, I have raised him by showing him video of Scott Dean's work with a B flat in 04 BD, and will bring him back in the fold with this years brass brass book for the Scouts. Nice sound overall. And I really like that they are scoring in the 70's going into July 4. I believe what Boo once said, "When Madison is good, it's good for all of drum corps". 5 Crown- The movie theater I saw this performance in had the volume turned up to 11. That was a great thing. Particularly when these guys came on. What a sound! This years show is the show I have always wanted Crown to do- a Belshazzar's Feast remake, or similar type of music. While not as chock full of notes as other years, the horn book is still stunning. While I would like a greater presence of Hell and emergence visually represented more in the theme- I find myself listening to the music more and more this early season. Crown is doing an excellent job of intensity in their horn playing-Particualary on the opening hit. I am likely going to vote for the ballad of this show as one of the best ever, when DCP has that "best ever" thread. I am not as thrilled yet with the closer as I want to be- but it will come. This is one of the shows I will say come August, I am anticipating in final product. Honorable Mention: BAC and Cadets Jury is still out: Blue Devils and Cavaliers Have not seen, but looking forward with anticipation: Oregon Crusaders, Crossmen, Academy, and Phantom Regiment.

Quality of video or file counts a ton. Check out this video from YouTube. It is as if the guy who made this went back to 1991 and shot Finals in HD. I understand we have the Blu Ray collections now. But I would be happy to own a copy of 91 with the quality of sound of picture in this video. Special mention goes out to the SCV snare line shot in the opener of Miss Saigon. It always my favorite, and really cool to see it with this quality, http://youtu.be/ura1gzmWKF4

There is something about this corps at DATR that I think a drum corps fan needs to experience. The corps and atmosphere are electric. Seeing them perform their Firebird show at DATR a few years ago (in the rain) was one of the most inspired and intense performances I have ever seen live. Sports Authority Field being one of the best stadiums for drum corps, plus the home crowd = greatness. I am thinking about going to their annual picnic and dress rehearsal coming in a few weeks. Looking forward to seeing them this year. Looks like another great show.

70's and 80's corps played a lot of pop music from their day. Personal favorites- The Bridgemen, "In the Stone". 84 VK, Lionel Ritchie's "All Night Long". Many corps of that era to numerous to list, played what you'd hear on the radio. But if looking for recent examples, 2011 Madison- New York State of Mind. 2013 Surf - Black Eyed Peas for their closer. Spirit used Lady Gaga's , Poker Face in their 2013 show (Although you have to listen closely for it, as the Poker Face arrangement has its own nuance). I think there is a possibility of soul /R&B with hip hop influemce to be arranged to fit the field. If we are talking Soul: Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, or The Roots - I think could work and be very entertaining. I also think this song could be interesting if arranged in such a way where the lyrics could be used, maybe as a sample. Front ensemble parts write themselves into the way the song works: Come Close - Common and Mary J Blige http://youtu.be/dbbRrNHJ4Lg I saw a HS indoor percussion show In Califonia a few years ago that had Late 80's George Michael, Madonna, and Depeche Mode music. It was very entertaining. I believe Pacific Crest is playing some Depeche Mode this year- which should be interesting.

Reflection from the Tool Album, Lateralus, interests me a lot in terms of how a ballad could have both yin and yang .Electronics could enhance this to being a great piece on the field, as well as some innovative percussion: Reflection http://youtu.be/ja3LGFY1i0o

Since the Overture from Dancer in the Dark is one of my favorite ballads, I think we need to see some more from Bjork. All is Full of Love would be a great ballad.Hidden Place would take some clever arranging, but the visual possibilities with the piece could be very cool. I see other songs like Hyperballad and Human Behavior working as well. In the "pick your corps to play it" category, naturally its Bluecoats. But Oregon, Blue Knights,and SCV could make it interesting too. Hidden Place http://youtu.be/OnjWKA0JsJo All is Full of Love http://youtu.be/yDYMfm0JQOE

1992, 1991, 1988, 1984, 2001, and 2011, are my favorite top 12's of all time (and in that order). However, 2014's .top 12 shows from top to bottom were fantastic, in terms of entertainment. Wnen you can talk about the 12th, 11th, and 10th place corps being played in the Car CD player continuously, just as much as the Top 5, then that's a good year of corps. Heck throwin 12-17 as well. Oregon, Academy , Troppers, and BDB had some great shows too. Particularly Academy, as I really enjoyed their version of the Shostakovich, Jazz Suite for Orchestra piece. I want to focus on talking about Madison from last year. Seeing them live in Denver at DATR was a highlight, I sat low at Sports Authority field, really close to the sideline ro see that show. This was at the request of my friend., who hadn't seen Madison live since 99. He wanted his face blown off that night. More on him in a minute....Anyhow, was one of my favorite shows I have seen from them in the last few years, Preseason, I was thinking this show would be something like 84-86 Madison. Maybe a hint of of the 89-90 Scouts too. Great charts for the brass. and great groove. However, the one drawback, which I think is the opinion of many,- The small samples of each tune, while entertaining, would have benefitted much more by playing 3 or 4 tunes tops. Majority of those tunes in Madison balls out style, but still being nuanced where they needed to be. With that said, I wish they would have given more time to Final Analysis. It was is a great ending, but maybe an even better one had they just made that a full 3-4 minute closer. And of course, keeping the soloist at the end which made me happy. I am in the DCI needs to bring back more screamers and soloists demographic. When I saw them In Denver, a friend of mine at the show commented that the soloist at the end should be given a G Soprano. My friend is a 90's corps alum, and hadn't seen the show prior to Denver. I think he was expecting that 90's style of arranging for the show, as it was a Madison jazz show. He is a fan of the "Give 1st Sopranos a ton of freedom and high notes to rip it". This a guy that would give a left arm to have played in 93 BD. Anyhow, after seeing the show, it left him with an impression of a less than balls out Show, that could have been......His expectations of a 90's version we saw from BD and even the 93 Madison arrangement of Strawberry Soup- that excitement and electricity with material that was thought to generate it- he wasn't feeling it. I suppose that feeling was with some people, as maybe we were expecting something else. For me, it's been the most listened to show of the CD in my car. I look forward to the MGM show they are doing this year.

I was in 2 of the 3 you listed, including Kingsmen Senior in our lone season in 2009. Good times in all the years I marched. The alumni and mini corps groups are ways for us DCI age out folks to stay active in California. Freelancers Mini Corps and Alumni get some DCI gigs during the So Cal tour. You should contact them if interested. Jim Ott Brass Ensemble is also another group. They had a gig at DCI Stanford the past few years. Other notables are The Anaheim Halloween Parade (many guys and gals I marched with in 2007 Kingsmen Alumni do that one). San Francisco Renegades did the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade this year. That's a great gig that will be recurring with them, from my understanding. I have done that parade a few times, and its been a great time. There are a few other parades that will have small ensembles, mostly with ex California corps members that will put something together. What I appreciate is that California has a strong DCI Open Class circuit. So much so, that a championship in recent years for California Open Class has been held in the middle of tour in July. Usually the Bellflower or Laguna show, from what I recall. BDB, SCV Cadets, Gold, Incognito, Watchmen, Impulse, and City Sound, along with the big boys, Mandarins and PacificCrest-This regional touring model, in my opinion, has allowed for some great shows post BD and SCV leaving for National Tour. If you think about all the opportunities those corps give local kids, it's marvelous, I am pro regional touring model, and California's example is healthy- Just as DCA gives the DCI aged kids on the east coast this opportunity to march locally. But because the Open Class opportunity exists so strongly and regionally in California, I think its caused the Senior Corps scene to dwindle in recent years. Much harder to recruit. But as noted above, there are still opportunities if you want to remain active. Hope my descriptions have helped.

First, thanks DCI for making this experience available via mobile. I was running late on getting home to view it on my PC. Had my IPad with me, and ran it through Google Chrome. Worked very well with the LTE in my area. So, big thanks. My first impression is that visually this will look a lot better on a field that is green, and with a higher camera view. Marching in that sandlot of a field, I felt like I could t see everything that was going on clearly. Brown tends to lessen the look of things when viewed from above. Seeing it in the theater next Monday or the Ben Davis HS premier show this week I think will really give it clearer form to see everything they are doing. Brass,(as usual), just Wow. Really enjoyed the closer, which reminds me so much of the great Star of Indiana lines from back in the day. This line and the Klesch arrangements remind me of Star 86 and Star 90 rolled into one.. I particularly liked the echo section after the "tin" playing percussion feature. I don't doubt that part will evolve over the season the include more effects, and really stand out. The beginning of the closer makes me stand up and cheer. Brass triple tounging is simply incredible and really stands out. I can listen to that all day and with a standing ovation. That ballad seems to have a lot of room to grow. The emotional impact I got was a bit different than what I felt after seeing the show for the first time last year. I certainly like that they are letting the brass carry the emotion this year, (sans narration, but with the "countdown narration" which definitely adds to the feel of the piece). But, I am sure they will evoke it over the next few months to the point of being ballad of the year. Overall, Kudos Crown and congrats on your 25th. The history of the corps that Kevin Smith gave tonight was inspiring to hear. Reminded me of the cliche from American Hustle, "Doing it from the feet up". I remember seeing them live for the first time in Jackson, during 1993 Div II finals, and have been a fan since. If any of the members are reading this on the bus tonight on the way to Indiana- Best of luck for a repeat championship this year!.

I am liking what I see so far..Given time and the cleaning/changes along the way, I am sure it will be memorable by August. I particularly like how the closer brings back shades of 87. As they were playing the last 30 seconds, I began thinking how cool it would be to see the "dissolving company front" making a comeback. It would be incredible to see that on the field once more to end their show.

1991 had some good ones. Of mention: Cadets-- Copland piece-Love it. (Just can't remember what it's called) Blue Devils - 2nd movement of Bela and Bartok in Bflat? I know Boo mentioned this ballad by name in his article about the 1991 show. There is a recording of it on YouTube sans percussion which is phenomenol. Wish it could make a comeback in a near future Blue Devils show. Others: SCV 2011- The Eternal Knot. Bookmarked the YouTube video of them warming up with this piece in some guys yard in West Chester. Blue Devils- Anything they have done from Hank Levy over the years. 1984's ballad with the backfield soprano solo at the end...owns. Pegasus from any year, and 1993's second movement of that show are standouts. Bluecoats 2002 and Cadets 2005- "Dancer in the Dark"- Just a great piece- fit the two shows they were a part of perfectly. 1993 Cadets - Hymnsong for Phillip Bliss- The shot of the mellophones during this piece that was captured at Finals is classic. These days, I go to the lot to see if The Cadets will play it in warm ups. Phantom Regiment 2006- "Ave Maria" - (San Francisco Renegades as well) - The ending of this piece, into the final chord is so simple- but exquisite. Phantom Regiment 1993-" Fire of Eternal Glory"

My favorites: Star 1991 : Fountains of Rome/Pines of Rome - Rotating box moment into company front with Pines of Rome. I am still amazed at that to this day. Star 1990: Belshazzars Feast- My favorite show, so naturally one of my favorite openers. Phantom Regiment 1991 - Nessum Dorma- The soloist, (who I think is JD Shaw?) and the arrangement combines power and beauty at the same time. I'll throw in Phantom 2010's Band of Brothers Michael Kamen piece as well, as that set the the tone for the entire show. Cadets of Bergen 1991: Short Ride in a Fast Machine- This one has more punch to it in my opinion than the Vanguard version in 2001. I love this piece, and the way CBC played it that year, really brought out the impact moments. Side Note: After listening to Uffes Workshop- I am getting some vibe, similar to when I hear Short Ride. Can't wait to see the Bluecoats play it. Cavaliers 1990- Gloria- the build, and then the turnaround- this was one of the first shows I listened to with my new hoe theater /sound system- the turnaround moment of that opener nearly blew my speaker out. Santa Clara 1997 - On the Town- Really love the 84 (or was it 85? ) version of this too. Moving it into the opener for Fog City Sketches really set the tone for the show IMO. Also a great introduction for the aggressiveness of On the Waterfront. Santa Clara 2000- Tears of Kierkegrad into the Barber piece- Santa Clara's shows between 97 and 00 -I would say all great openers. This one along with 97 's slow build up....emotional, moving, and fitting like 97 for the aggressiveness of the Barber piece. 1988 Blue Devils- Happy Days/ Get Happy - 2011 's opener, (and somewhat of the Happy Days redo in2009,) brought back memories of this show for me. I love it when BD opens their show with a jazzy ballad type of piece like this. BD's 1992' SomeonesThere also gets honorable mention. 1995 Madison Scouts -El Toro Caliente- IMO one of the most "crowd engaging" shows in DCi history deserves a best opener. I am glad I was around to see this show live. Forever a memory for me that year in Allentown.

I haven't been to this site since last summer, and just saw the announcement. Like a lot of people, excited to see you all doing a jazz show this year. Good luck Scouts and thank you for coming to Denver this year as I'll get to see you live.

Drums Along the Rockies in 2011 and 2012. 2011 was mid show, right around the time the Cascades took the field. I remember a very loud boom of thunder and then a lightning bolt right outside the stadium. Shortly after, the skies opened up. Caught the crowd by surprise and soaked everyone as they scurried into the halls at Mile High. 2012 was a slow to steady rain, which had nearly all corps doing a standstill. Really liked hearing Boston's show up close as well as SCV that year. Most memorable, BK came out and marched their show in front of the home crowd. Crowd was electric for them that evening.

Right On. And not only a Tony, but I believe there was a new award category created from their outstanding performance. I don't understand how any outlet that is mainstream such as AGT is, could be seen as detrimental. I am thrilled The Edge is going out to LA to do this next week. I wasn't in Rochester to see them last year, but many of my friends were. I heard stories that their jaws dropped in the awesomeness of this performance. I absolutely agree on what David Bruni is saying, "Drum Corps has one shot here". Absolutely. One big ,mighty, shot.nTrue, this is not a stadium/ field show performance reaching 11.8 million people- But with an audience of that size watching this show weekly- I can't argue with the fact that this can't be anything but great for Drum Corps. If "The Edge" advances, I am sure there will be some mention of what Drum Corps is along the way. I plan on letting everyone I know, know about this group as they progress on the show. It's a great way for me to get people to understand what it is that I love. True, its not a field show. But still a fantastic " gateway " to introduce the uninitiated to the field. My best to these great performers next week. Good Luck.

This is beyond words how great this will be, for not only drum corps, but for you as performers, So cool to see this. Best to you Guys and Gals. No doubt you will show them what throw your babies means..... Will share with as many people I know, when you guys are on.

The Entertainer of the Year Award. Annually given to the corps voted on by Fans as the most entertaining corps of the year. The trophy would look a bit like the Stanley Cup- or about the size of a Contra. It is presented on Finals night with all the other trophies, A Trophy is given in World, and in Open. Voting is done through DCI.org, Drum Corps World and by DCI event balloting ( strategically placed at stadiums) at all DCI Regionals and select shows on Tour. Voting ends after DCI Quarterfinals. No text votes. Old school paper balloting at stadiums or Internet voting only. This way of voting should bridge the generations. The Winner is announced on Finals night. If we have an Ott, a Sanfrod, and a Zingali- my vote would be to call this award "The Hoffmann" - for Open , and "The Jones", for World, For Bobby Hoffmann and Jim Jones respectively. One Rule- corps cannot endorse, solicit, or encourage via the Internet or other advertising sources to get fans to vote for them. Corps members and staff can talk about it casually, but there cannot be campaigns on the lines of Chase Giving- that encourages fans and alumni of specific corps into thinking "Vote for Us". It must be organic or in other words-" Show us how you entertain us on the Field". In this manner, the encouragement or the responsibility of the individual is emphasized to vote, Not the corps fan base, Alumni, or bias thereof to vote. The Entertainer of the Year Award is not the Spirit of Disney award - It is meant as a reward of Thank You from the fans, and by the Fans. The prestige of winning it could be seen as the equivalent of being Top 6 or World Champion. The Champion of Entettainment can use this title in all their advertisements, particularly in recruiting. Any corps can win it.

1993. But not by a lot. 1993 gets an " ordinal" victory for being just a bit more entertaining. As a horn player, I think the soloists and small ensemble moments in 91 and 93 are just off the charts in terms of greatness and entertainment. But to me, 93 is more of " the dream show for a brass player". Whether hauntingly played parts as Intros, or straight up in your face solos- 1993 has it all. The ballads of 91 and 93 are in my top 5 of all time of any corps. I will take those two being brought back, in their entirety. The rest of the show whether Bird and Bella in B flat, Adeventures in Time or Open Wide or Niner Two- I feel good in knowing those can stand alone as great early 90s drum corps. Those tunes were fitting for their time. Although, I would love for BD to bring back Strawberry Soup or new/ unheard as of yet, Don Ellis....( or better, Madison to do some undiscovered Ellis).

Why I do not hate BD; The 1988 BD show was when I was first introduced to them. It was the soundtrack to hype my trumpet section as a High School freshman. In my sophomore, junior, and senior years, it became BD 93. those shows were the "hype" on our bus before shows...Of course none of us could play like those guys. We were all a bunch of posers compared to that sound. But not bad in terms of getting focused and hyped to play our show that evening. From that point on, I think I have always been entertained and impressed by BD. From their 1975 show on, I have never been underwhelmed. Consistent outstanding brass and brass books. It is is practically automatic, BD will " kick brass " -every -single -year. Moving to California, was another understanding of the corps and the organization. Marching with ex BD in Kingsmen 07 and Renegades- or seeing the alums at Walniut, Riverside, Stockton, etc...and seeing how they support the corps (SCV included) This gave me another appreciation of the organization. Before moving there, I never viewed California with a rich alumni tradition.. In 2007, that changed everything I thought before. Lastly, Blue Devils C. If you have seen them perform in California- you know what I mean. Tne crowds love seeing them as much as the A corps, or really any corps. .

Thats what I meant. Thanks.

Thanks for the link. That is a great piece Can absolutely see how this can translate to the field. Many moments of build, some percussive moments at the end...I think it will be a classic for SCV, The build to the chord at 6:10 - 6:15 in the video...As well as the opening statement...Wow. Imagine what that will sound like in the brass arrangement...

Shostakovich's 2nd Jazz Suite would be an interesting choice not just for Mafison, but any corps. Particularly these movements: - The Dance Movement sounds as if you took Festive Overture and mixed it with a Gershwin style. - The Waltz. It has become a popular piece recently in film and TV shows. I recall it being in the film Eyes Wide Shut, and then hearing it in a few films after that. Check it out on the Tube. I heard this piece for the first time at a concert I attended in Moscow in 2003, It has been a favorite of mine since.