OKTrpt

I agree, but after viewing the Top 6 in San Antonio, I didn't feel PR had the visual "legs" of the other corps on their level -- I'm anxious to see the effects of one month of cleaning. Musically, however, is a COMPLETELY different game! They're playing the absolute #### out of this show and have the scores to prove it. I don't see them taking the immortal "ring," but brass has a definite shot at the Jim Ott Trophy. B)

There's a lack of demand in Phantom's visual package, IMHO - they're clean, but I don't see them any higher than 3rd.

I did! :) Didn't see anything on the broadcast - they may have bumped it due to the Peter Jennings coverage. :(

I wouldn't quite classify it as a disappointment - it's harsh reality. For the last two years, this corps has been victimized by extreme early season "hype." The 10th-20th scoring corps are QUITE improved this season!

Is it just me, or does judging seem a bit "wacky" this season? I've seen 17 years of marching arts competitions and never been as perplexed at the placements as I have this season. I REFUSE to mention names -- EVERY organization practices hard!

Tough - brass and percussion can flat-out PLAY, but the visual package isn't that exciting (to me :) ). They've got a wonderful musical book, but it probably won't be enough.

Southwind has GREATLY improved this season, but Capital's show has greater difficulty. If they can clean it by finals, Capital will prevail.

Well, they ARE from Columbus -- I guess they wanted to reflect it during an encore. :)

I counted 70 in BK, and they sound terrific. It's the best brass blend they've had in years.

If you're looking for a program that offers both, you need to seriously consider the University of North Texas. Granted, they've got over 2,000 majors and it's quite competitive, but it's THE place to go for jazz.

Control, clarity, and intonation. They don't have a traditional field brass sound, and it's kind of a love/hate thing with most fans. I love their sound, but I can see why others wouldn't. It's amazing to me how good the top hornlines are this year -- and just how different they all sound. However, I heard that the Cavs had an off night in horns in the dome and the scores reflect that.

As I recall while sitting in the stands at Finals, that show blew the house down -- best crowd response of the night.

This show is going to be a crowd favorite over the entire summer -- I envy those lucky kids. The only downside is that I won't get to see them until San Antonio!

I know -- my sister was there and she says the same things everyone else has. I think I'm finding it hard to reconcile that they could have turned around the program. If someone had told me six months ago that Cavies would go undefeated in BRASS, I would have politely laughed in their face. I need to hear a real recording, as that broadcast didn't showcase much. Either way, a lot of you have short-term memory judging by the vote totals so far in this thread. After hearing nothing but adoring praise all summer long for the Cavies brass, I have to admit that the broadcast was a bit of a let-down.

I didn't get a chance to see Cavies live this year :(, but even though they have improved tremendously I'm still trying to figure out how they won high brass after watching the broadcast. I know, it's not fair to judge a show based on such a crummy format, but they must have had the easiest book in the top 5 and I could swear I heard "trumpet" cracks in the opener. They also came off as extraordinarily top heavy with very little coming from the low brass. I'm sure I'll have a better assessment once the CD/DVD recordings arrive, but on PBS it seems like they got smoked by BD, Cadets and PR. Either way, I wouldn't add them to this list until I can hear a better recording.