littlebirdy

The vast majority of Academy's drum staff all work at Ruben S. Ayala high school. Ayala took home the gold at WBA Championships this year, breaking an 11 year streak of James Logan high school. Expecting good things from Academy's line. I believe The Mandarins' drum staff is mostly Pulse Indoor staff. I know its not a high school, but its still a fairly reputable organization.

It's easier for a corps to have a low ensemble score with high brass and drums. That would come from the individuals on the field playing in all te same manner, but the horns and drums books not lining up, or not agreeing on the inherent musical phrases. If a group that does not sound as good person to person, but succeeds in lining all the parts up to the box, were to compete against the first group, the second group would likely win music ensemble but lose brass or drums.

I'm impressed you can judge every caption fairly and evenly from your seat in the stands. Although, around here it seems to be a common talent.

Thank you for always doing these outstanding rankings!

The Mesa, Arizona show was sold out on the front side. They even started selling tickets to the back side for $5. Tons of takers.

Or everyone got better?

Is it a full judging panel or the small 5 judge panel?

I did count rests as long as the horns stayed up and it seemed musical. For instance, 4/6/8 count silences were considered rests in the music. Anything longer than what seemed musical was considered a percussion break or brass break for a solo. In the Bluecoats show, they often trade playing with the pit. Something like Play for 4 measures, rest for 4 measures. To the audience, it was extremely musical, but it was long enough for me to not count it.

http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/index.php/topic/145590-music-in-drum-corps/

The following is a data set representing the amount of music being played by the brass in 2010 drum corps shows. This thread is meant for insight on the design of shows in 2010. This thread is also an extension of the discussion brought about by the "Drum Corps is So Hardcore" Thread and article. In the article, it was brought up that the Blue Devils played "only 5 minutes of a 10 minute show". This "fact" became a debate, and this analysis is meant to continue discussion. How was the music measured? If at least one full section in the brass was playing, the timer was on. If there was silence, but it was in the context of the brass' playing (Stabs with rests or one measure off) then it was counted as playing. Many shows suffered in playing time because of extended solos (BD for example) or because long sections in which the pit had the melody (Bluecoats, etc). Keep in mind, this data does not take into account personal definitions of what music is, nor does it take into account simultaneous demands. For example, Crown played more than any other corps, but the Cadets seemed to have far harder drill while playing and less frequent halts. Enjoy It is Top 6 only. I'm a band nerd, but not to the point of craziness. The Blue Devils Total - 11:29 (689 Seconds) Ensemble Music - 6:25 (385 Seconds) Percentage – 55.8% Notes – Long Solo passages without ensemble support The Cavaliers Total – 14:00 (840 Seconds) Ensemble Music – 8:38 (518 Seconds) Percentage – 61.7% Notes – Extended Standing Intro; Multiple passages in which only one section plays to aid visual element (i.e. Rifle sequence) Bluecoats Total – 11:45 (705 Seconds) Ensemble Music – 6:59 (419 Seconds) Percentage – 59.4% Notes - Pit took the melody often, especially in the middle of long brass sequences. Carolina Crown Total – 13:26 (806 Seconds) Ensemble Music – 9:59 (599 Seconds) Percentage – 74.3% Notes – Most Park N’ Bark in the Top 6. Most On-Ground Playing in Top 6. Most Music Played by Brass in Top 6 The Cadets Total – 13:04 (784 Seconds) Ensemble Music – 8:42 (522 Seconds) Percentage – 66.6% Phantom Regiment Total – 13:22 (802 Seconds) Ensemble Music – 6:45 (405 Seconds) Percentage – 50.3% Notes - Play time may have been a little more. It was hard to tell at times, especially when the camera was off the hornline. So what do you think about how much music is played in today's corps? I personally believe that there isn't nearly enough brass playing by most groups. However, The Bluecoats show really opened my eyes to the pit taking center stage and the brass acting as accompaniment.

Phantom's Ensemble time is right around 6:45. Phantom was beautiful in 2010. But realistically, they didn't play much more music than the Blue Devils. I'm sure you can take a timer to nearly every show and get varying times and try to prove this and that. There's no point to it. The judges decided that the Blue Devils won. Next year, let's hope they decide on someone else, unless the Devils earn it. Edit: I'm not doing much today. I'll post again in a few hours with the break down of the Top 6. Someone did this for the '09 season last year and I found it pretty informative.

I remember reading somewhere that the TOC shows will have a new judging system including txt voting. I can definitely see BD losing to that system.

Well the graphic is an optical illusion. I'm guessing this has something to do with their visual (ex: the mirrors last year). In the center, you can see the illusion is flipped and shows two beams with a triangle on top. My guess is that is a house, since the first song on the list is "House is Not a Home". The graphic does have me concerned about the music, though. If the visual is trippy and illusions, it probably means chop and bop.

It has been announced! The Beat My Heart Skipped http://bluedevils.org/programs/a/2011/repertoire.php

Both. Stress the importance of timing and practice it with standing still exercises like "Up in 4, Down in 4" and Tondues. While moving focus on technique, but never let them forget timing. Cut an exercise if the timing is too poor, cut for bad step offs, etc. If you set the vibe that messing up timing is a big no-no, it'll happen far less often.

They'll announce it as they go on the field Finals night. The crowd will collectively "Ohhh" in finally understanding the theme. I'll go put on flame retardant gear now.

So about that 2011 show...

Don't tell anyone, but their staff decided to change their marching shoes this year: Pictures here

Definitely respect the right to hold off. It seems like those who have info are excited. Glad to hear it! Please don't be a 2010 or an 2002 >.<

After 2 years of undefeated, but controversial, shows, I have to wonder what will the Blue Devils come out with this year. Does anyone have an insights or clues? Has anyone gone to camp and can at least offer a nod of approval or disapproval? Note: Peaceful discussion only, please. It's ok to have differing opinions, but at least agree to disagree.

DVD/BD cuts are decided by directors, not DCI. That's why they are called director's cuts on the packaging. I still agree totally with how you would have cut it, because frankly it is a moment in history, and as such should be preserved, not altered. However, directors wouldn't want their group looking bad, so I see why it came out the way it did. As for BD (the abbreviation for Bluray Disc not Blue Devils) review: Fantastic. Some weird camera focus choices, but with today's shows, you'll never be able to get it all. Great job, DCI.

Good story, bro.

Scores are inconsistent because groups perform differently from night to night. Yes, they also change in the "number" of the score because different judges use different numbers management techniques. However, the ranks of the scores are determined by each corps performance for THAT night. As soon as judges keep things consistent and score about the same from night to night, "fans" (there's a reason its in quotes) scream slotting. You can't have it both ways. Either they judge based on what they see and ignore the numbers from the night before, or they do and scores don't change at all.

I hope they play Star Wars again some day. Look it up on a popular video streaming website. It's pretty awesome!

You brought up the show that not be named