general_tsos_chicken2

I really liked bluecoats show this year, but I worry that they may have changed the game in a way in which 'drill' becomes less important, and it becomes more about staging. I feel that it has been becoming less important in recent years anyhow, with more corps choosing to represent many musical moments with body movement rather than marching. This was a great season in dci, but when it comes to drill design, there weren't those 'wow' moments that we got in 90's/00's. I really miss that! It is asinine that the HANDS DOWN best in the business, Michael Gaines, is not designing for an ensemble in 'marching musics major league'. DCI needs him back! He can show us that cool drill is still relevant, and bring back those 'wow' visual moments! I would be ecstatic if he went back to the cavaliers, but I will take him with any corps now. Seriously Michael Gaines, we deserve to see the best. Come back to DCI! Sign (comment) if you agree... or just to discuss

it was a little funny haha

that stadium worker got what he deserved. Kudos to the troop guy for sticking up for himself.

whoa, what's the story behind that??

will scores tonight be released with recaps? will we ever get to see recaps from previous shows?

what's the new ending like?

2006 was just as good. With the same 3 corps at the top.

cadets 05

The shostakovich is really cool, and is starting to scream 'we are phantom regiment'. I do wish there was some finality for it however. it's very sweet and I just want to have a moment to stand up and clap for the opening rather than a sudden transition to the Adams. Maybe a big loud chord will be added, i just think it can be made into a real moment. Another thing I really like about the show is the range of motion in the visual design. Although the sets themselves and guard staging aren't the most aesthetically pleasing, the motion being used at any given point seems to be really smart. I especially love the 'whirlwind' into the wedge at the very beginning, part of the 2nd ballad before the big hit with contrary motion in the horns while they are facing the end zone, another section in one of the ballads where the horns off to the left are moving double time, and when the hornline moves backwards into the wedge in YPG. Maybe this is Tony Halls doing? If so, I hope he sticks around (maybe somebody else comes in to make the drill pretty), because I feel like the last few years had many many missed opportunities for motion in favor of lame body movement.

And a great arrangement by Will Pitts!

everyone #####ed about the fan network when it was around. Now that it's gone, people are sad.

But that sound is pretty amazing this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_KkSd3OJJw It's just a video, but they sound a lot better than they have in the past few years. Hopefully it's the same thing live.

Their visual score last night was 1.6 lower than the cadets (2.5 points from bluecoats), but the music score was 1.1 points down from cadets (1.5 down from bluecoats), so I'm confused on what you're saying. Their music score is lower than visual, but everyone's is with the current judging panels. Like, by a lot.

I think the only issue is that those in charge can't hire the right people for the jobs, as evidenced by their revolving door of staff personnel. They seem to think that they will give someone already affiliated with the corps a chance and everything will turn out great! That may work with Will Pitts, but it's not going to to work elsewhere--at least any time soon. I think this years show would be really something if Jamey Thompson were still around. Any of the 05-08 shows would still place very well today -- I don't buy that they need to modernize by having props, electronics etc. They simply need to have a well designed program, and spin, play and drum better than others. Look at SCV this year for example. Because of the music, I will still take this years show over the giant puppets, annoyingly cheesy shopping girl, and awful arrangements of the last four years. I can not believe those ideas made it through a single design meeting, let alone make it to the field.

Is SCVs show online anywhwere?

What happens if they have to do a show in the rain?

Bring back Jessica Allen :)

lol.

I still like the music a lot. I hope Pitts sticks around.

Oh yeah, that's right.

Wait... they announced it was downside up last week, didn't they? I saw it somewhere I know before just now.

after listening to a lot clip from their concert, I decided I love the YPG arrangement! It's technical, but not overly in your face. Very true to the original, and the voicings are great! The Adams is pretty great too, I just wish there was more of it. kind of reminds me of split commentaries from blast.

what does that mean? elaborate?

That show would probably do a lot better than what they've actually put on the last few years. I'd put money on it.

This show has me up until the tango sounding section. First half is awesome. 2nd half, we will see how it develops