grahamorbust

I was about to comment on the same rule proposal. Definitely peaked my interest. I thought the changing of box scores to more reflect our school's grading system was also very interesting. But it leaves Box 3 twice as wide open than the others, which doesn't really make sense to me.

I only mention the difference because (IN MY OPINION) I didn't see many groups that set new standards for the activity this year. I saw plenty of groups that set new standards for themselves, though. But I wanted to try and set a tone for the topic BEFORE it turns into "omg, these were my favorites!" I'm simply trying to do you a favor so there can be some decent discussion out of this thread, and probably the kind you're looking for.

This topic seems like it's less about guards who set new standards and more like 'post your faves!!!' There is a difference between shows that set new standards and ones that create audience impact. The former being a show that actually advances the activity towards change. I'm not saying that it's impossible to achieve both simultaneously, though. Carmel this year was a perfect example. An emotional show that the audience loved, along with some quality spinning that set a very high bar for future scholastic ensembles. But the two don't automatically go hand-in-hand.

Scott, Well, I'm aware you said "off topic," but if it was, then really, why say it? thedova, While the delivery was rude, I highly doubt that I didn't add something constructive to the conversation. I'll also point out that I only said that nobody cares that he doesn't like Onyx's show. I didn't say that nobody cares about how it was judged. I didn't say anything to say his comments were invalid to the discussion. All discussion is good discussion, except when it's already been said way too many times, as is the case with "boo hoo, mike lentz" and "i don't like onyx."

Hey, buddy. That horse you've been beating looks like it's been dead for a WHIIIIIIIIILE. Nobody cares anymore. Your beef with the Mike Lentz? Nobody cares. You didn't like Onyx's show? Nobody cares. The season's done, and you can't change the results. Additionally, that comment doesn't sound at all productive or relevant. As for your comments on technical issues, sure they are there. And as such, they pointedly did not win equipment or movement. But I'd like to see you do that drill and try to have a completely perfect run. It looks exhausting. Also, there's so much to their show that I'm sure there's a lot to clean. Give it another year, and you may have more perfection, but there's only so much time in a season. Also, I think some of the tosses where they just chuck a rifle into the air, let it spin somewhat randomly and catch it however they can are weird as hell, and it would never be a design choice in my equipment book. But it's a different approach to the weapon, and I can respect that. We think of color guard equipment as only being able to be spun and tossed in certain ways, which in many ways is related to the history of the activity, and I think that they are trying to look for alternative options previously unexplored. The same can be said to their movement. I think last year's groupings with more ensemble movement, even if it was groups of 3 or 4 dancers, benefitted them better than this years, where many more individualized movement segments are found, that stuck out more. But I appreciate the different, unique approach they had this year, and I think that is what probably enticed the judges. Their ability to take something and say, "Well, this is what the audience knows, what is familiar. How can we step outside of that box, while attempting to create our own identity?" is something that I personally feel should be rewarded. Onyx's show? I have absolutely no idea what it was specifically about. But I do think the one thing they wanted to do was get the audience out of its mental confines for the activity, and nobody can deny that they achieved that goal. I do wish they had spun more flag.

Um, what? Did you even watch the show?

I'm pretty sure I saw a bunch of very happy Onyx kids after 'Firework' started playing. They probably were told how to act in retreat by their staff. Don't blame the members.

I think what everyone needs to keep in mind that EVERY unit attending Finals has put a lot of hard work into the craft. Even Convalescence has been practicing their chain smoking technique in the parking lots. Forums are always tricky because one person makes a comment and it's usually associated as a reflection of the entire ensemble, even if thats not the true case. I think what everyone needs to do right now is take a breath and focus on building their programs up rather than coming here to tear others down. There is plenty of time after WGI for reflection. In the meantime, don't you all have more important things to do?

A question for those out there in the guard world. Does WGI or any circuit have rules about swearing in song lyrics? I think generally 'hell' or 'd*mn' are ok, but that's usually where the line is drawn. I ask because I was watching Pacificaires' video from the Austin regional, and couldn't help but notice the word 's**t' left twice in the song 'Hometown Glory' by Adele. It's not the most noticeable word, about 4 minutes into the song, but for those who know the lyrics, it raises the question as to whether it's appropriate or not for audiences. So... what are your thoughts on the issue? Anyone recall anything like this from the past? Regardless, I love their program this year and can't wait to see it live.

True there may not be many still around. But I feel a lot of criticism is being directed at recent guards, when the shift has been happening for a WHILE now. Regardless, I see what it's become, and I'm still loving the IW DVDs from the past 5 years. If you want to see a change, then be an active part in it. But whining that you don't like what you're seeing isn't helping anyone. It's always fun to watch old guard videos. But this isn't the 80s or 90s anymore. It's 2011, and things are different. I repeat in saying, if you don't like it, you don't have to watch it. Go to the concession stand, but you may be there a while.

Always a love/hate relationship with Fan Network. Love getting to see all the guards around the country and what theyre doing. Hate how the trolls on here try to judge and nit-pick them based off of it. I urge you all to keep open minds when watching videos. What you see on the screen can never compare to seeing it live. Good example is Corona this year. Interesting concept, but I'm not falling head over heels for it yet. And then I remember that it's still mid-February... in some crappy high school gym... on a pretty crappy resolution video. Once I see the performers faces and the passion they put into it with all the elements, I'm sure I'll fall in love with the show. After all, it's Corona. As far as FUN shows go, who wants to see super hyped up shows all the time? This isn't a cheerleading competition. I appreciate a fun show every once in a while, but the true beauty in our activity is how we continue to push ourselves to think outside the box and explore the boundaries and limitations. It transcends throughout the community, and we (as a whole) continue to evolve. If you don't like it, you don't have to watch it. But even last years Fan Favorite, a FUN show, was trying to push the activity.

All the ones I'd like to see back have already been said except one: Shaktai Performance Company

Anonymous sources have told me that Sebastienne's lungs are fully aware of the chain-smoking induced outrage of last season, and as a result, he may or may not be incorporating deceased animals this year. Apparently, Sebastienne has been in quite a few meetings with a world-renowned taxidermist, but sources report that he may nix that due to the shock factor that real dead animals would have upon the judges. Whether this proves to coincide with his newly enlightened artistic vision remains a mystery...

HELLO? I'm hoping Sebastienne will post his audition information sometime soon. I heard the show concept has something to do with lifting off a real hot air balloon in the Dayton Arena and dropping equipment from it. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Only Pat Metheny should be allowed to play Pat Metheny. Everyone else should be thrown in music jail. Don't get me wrong, it's fun music to play. In my university percussion ensemble, I played First Circle, Have You Heard, It's Just Talk, and Minuano. All fantastic pieces, decent arrangements. But the lack of artistry by a guitar legend was missing, and it just wasn't the same. The general music in his songs are good, but the guitar solos are what make it phenomenal, and that can't easily be replicated on any other instrument. Oh, and as for John Mackey. I'm not a fan. But not everyone has to be. A world class color guard used Asphalt Cocktail this past winter season. Personally, I didn't think it worked at all. But good luck to the color guards of the corps who have it this summer.