do.it.up.

Nothing ever has to be wonderful. But it would be great if they were kept respectful. Grow up.

Maybe just for show. BD guard guys are hot.

Agreed.

Come on LOGAN!!! Bring it home!

Blue Devils 2009- "1930" Brilliant blend of creative flair, world-class technicality, and cleanliness. Absolutely amazing guard and percussion.

I love the new ending, too! The subtlety and nuance is just amazing. The audience gets so captured by the acrobatics that we don't even notice the lone black hat getting placed. But what I REALLY love about the ending is the flag ripple during the moment you mentioned above. The eye flag makes one more appearance from behind the poles....it's a really chilling, creepy moment that definitely adds to the "undercover detective" theme. I really hope Logan takes gold this year.

I personally really enjoy Fantasia this year. It's a very outlandish, unique show. They don't get much credit because execution and design are clearly not up to par as previous years. Really, it's a decent show, and even though I don't think they deserve to medal, I'm surprised at how they have been scoring. In all honesty, I'd watch Fantasia's show over Onyx's and Pride's. New kids, new staff (sort of), I'm surprised that they even managed to pull out a product that good. Maybe it will be like 2005, and we can expect to see Fantasia back on top next year?

-Independent World- 1) Santa Clara Vanguard 2) NEi 3) Pride of Cincinnati 4) Onyx Don't care for many of the shows in IW this season. Vanguard's design concept doesn't sit well with me. Pride is bringing something very new and refreshing. Onyx is full of fun tricks, but it's getting really monotonous to watch. Love NEi's show, but not the costumes. The last time I really liked what Independent World had to offer was in 2008. Scholastic World 1) James Logan 2) Carmel 3) Avon 4) Flanagan I just love James Logan's show this year. I think it is miles above the rest of Scholastic World. You can see some videos from CCGC Championships and the changes they've made- it is a PHENOMENAL production!

I personally really enjoy their show. Though, I am slightly disappointed with the design and slow improvement. The show is a real crowd pleaser. I really believe that the biggest flaw is that the show is very heavy on movement. They do have a very unique movement book (especially since one of their choreographers was a dance major at Cornish) but they spend nearly 2 minutes in the middle of their show doing really weird body tricks and dance. Accompany this with low quality equipment work and poor execution, and you just have a low scoring show. I do agree that their show has some really spectacular moments. The trio rifle tricks in the closer are really breathtaking when executed well (and even though they blew it at both WGI regionals, I've seen it done correctly several times!) Even though I miss seeing Fantasia way up top, I'm kind of glad to see them take a new direction in their program. It's not always about the 9s, cartwheels, somersaults, and ridiculous exchanges. Believe me, the cast this year is definitely capable to doing them. Watch them play around when they're not in rehearsal and they do amazing things. I don't know why the design team didn't design a show to their full potential. But I'm excited that they're back. I'll always support them and can't wait to see their future programs! On a side note, I really wish Scott Chandler would adopt Fantasia.

So far... James Logan HS Mission Viejo HS Pride of Cincinnati Fantasia Onyx Flanagan HS Carmel HS Northeast Independent Black Watch Ayala HS

Sure.

Phantom 2008 and 2006 Blue Devils 2009 Story telling in different ways. Phantom was very explicit in their story telling, which isn't necessarily a bad thing (clearly, people enjoyed it). It was obvious and required very little critical thinking to grasp. Blue Devils, on the other hand, wove their story into '1930' with incredible nuance and depth, which also isn't necessarily a bad thing. It may have required viewers to look beyond the superficial aspect of the chairs, and start thinking WHY and HOW they are used instead, but they're certainly part of the story. The story may have had to be explained to some people and they may not appreciate that. However, I definitely loved the complexity behind their show, even if it had to be explained to me (which it didn't, by the way). The intellect of '1930' is why it is my favorite show of all time. Different ways of story telling. Different tastes for different people.

Fantasia had their preview today! If you missed it, you can catch them on the 27th at the WGI San Diego Regional! The best word to describe Fantasia this year: MAGICAL. They previewed their show today with no costumes, a black floor, and white flags. But it was vibrant, colorful, and just intriguing in all aspects. The movement book is unique and the weapon tricks are....different. Execution certainly needs work. However, this show is definitely gold medal quality!

Well, everybody speeds like insane on the 10E Frwy. Palm Springs is like right next door!

YES! I completely agree. Several shows instantly come to mind when I read this. James Logan 2007 was probably one of the best received shows I've seen to date and they won that year! Flanagan and Fantasia in 2008. Raiders in 03. Pride in 05.

Certainly creative. They will be previewing "Twilight in the Garden of the Blue Muse" tomorrow at 4pm in the Huntley Gym for all those interested!

The relationship between the Blue Devils and Riverside Community College is so strong that many people often consider them to sister organizations. They share staff members (Jim Wunderlich, Sean Vega, etc.), performers, and occasionally, instruments themselves. Speaking of RCC, I encourage people to check out their indoor percussion show this year entitled "My Steampunk Heart." It's quite groundbreaking. Probably one of the most creative, outlandish themes I've seen in the activity.

I loved the Blue Devils and Bluecoats this year. BD had an amazing book this year, especially the pit. Loved the "Ragtime" pit feature and warm, rich accompaniment to the opening solos. Crown was cleaner than usual this year, but I couldn't stand their book. I'll definitely agree on the comments about their ramming. And their pit book! Those awfully repetitive chromatic patterns gave me a headache. One of the worst books I've heard in 2009, in my opinion. Huge change for me because I actually thought they had the best one in 2008, especially the "Candid" segment.

Hiding in the RCC Huntley gym tossing weapons into space and catching them between their legs like always. I don't believe they come out of hiding till February 27th. Apparently, they started the season out rough but are just as 'Fantasia' as ever now. Also, it's rumored that Karl Lowe will actually be designing the 2nd half of their show this year. I can't speak of the show theme or music, but I can just say to look out for them!

Also, I absolutely LOVE Logan's show. It's chic, with a very minimalist essence to it. Weapon execution is great as always. I've seen it live twice, and it just captures me. The tasteful, simple music paired with the sophisticated movement makes me think of a style similar to a Giorgio Armani fashion show or Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada." They have a very surprising flag feature that just hypnotizes you from the moment they pull their flags out from the huge 10 foot poles and present an unexpected, flawless flash of color. I predict gold. I certainly hope so, at least.

It's going to be another great year for WGI. I enjoyed seeing Santa Clara Vanguard's show. I think it is easily a medal contender. However, I haven't seen Pride, Sac, NEi, or Onyx yet. FANTASIA. They're truly amazing this year. They're still in hiding, but once they make that all anticipated comeback at WGI San Diego (?), it's going to turn things upside down. Diamante World has a great show this year as well. Decked out with the same ol' tricks and exchanges from last year that make you jump out of your seat. However, they seemed to turn things up movement wise. I think their show follows a "Lost at Sea/Bermuda Triangle" concept. It's very mysterious with a few great moments such as a unison 10 (?) on rifle that will surely elicit some applause.

My Top 5 Gold: Blue Devils Consistent, cutting-edge shows, near flawless execution. Silver: Cavaliers Make a comeback, new fresh show design and brass sound Bronze: The Cadets Are the Cadets. 4th: Santa Clara Vanguard Another hit like "Ballet for Martha". Huge, monstrous sound and emotion. 5th: Carolina Crown Eh. Can't deny talent.

The year of Blue Devils' dominance. Missing gold in 2008 by 0.025, and coming back in 2009 rightfully earning gold with an accurate spread. Undefeated percussion, undefeated season for the BD organization! H1N1!

I completely agree.

Tricks? Are you kidding? Fantasia. Fantasia. Fantasia. Fantasia. Fantasia. Fantasia. Circa....um...Fantasia. Fantasia has always been about tricks. Even to the point where it is distasteful. (Don't get me wrong, they are my favorite winterguard by far and forever. Sort of like the BD of WGI) Everything from the "Kama Sutra" to the failed "Funk" to the gorgeous " White Table of Youth" is chock full of death defying stunts and exchanges!