Jast45

I just recently heard the Bluecoats may be using some kind of props--anyone else hear this?

Interesting Title--I hope they will be able to convey this idea on the field, and it will be clear what they are shooting for concept-wise. I also heard they will be making changes to their marching style--not sure if this relates specifically to the show or a change from toe first which they have been doing lately. I hope they have a video of this announcement to help explain. Very excited as always when it comes to the Bluecoats!

This just posted: "In addition to Vienna Teng's "The Hymn of Acxiom" and Tyondai Braxton's "Uffe's Woodshop," the Bluecoats' 2014 program will include Braxton's "Platinum Rows." Check it out here: warp.net/records/tyondai-braxton/central-market-listen-to-pivotal-piece-platinum-rows-plus-new-details-of-strictly-limited-180g-audiophile-vinyl-version

Both Pieces sound perfect for the Bluecoats. I wonder what the show title or theme could pssibly be with these pieces? After a long cold winter, this little information helps bring the summer a little closer. ANd it doesn't sound like there are any trombones in this piece. hahaha just joking.

The Blue Devils in the last couple of years, The Cavaliers, and Phantom Regiment all used non traditional instuments for a solo spot (I believe a flugle horn, A soprano and heralding horns--am not sure of the names) and there did not seem to be a big reaction to it (mostly positive if i remember). ANd though it is difficult to imagine doing the drills corps do today with a line of trombones, would having one as a soloist really be that different from some of the other soli we have heard with different instruments? I am just trying to see the difference.

The summer schedule is up on dci--makes me want to start planning my summer http://www.dci.org/schedule/

I got my DVD's on Friday and have spent the weekend (re)enjoying this past summer. I really love how they all look! Glad I ordered early. I do wish the sound could be louder, but it must be the limitations of my TV. Anyone else get their's this weekend?

As for the "In Progress" under the status line, I ordered other DVD's when they had their sale. All have been delivered over a month ago, and on myaccount it still says "In Progress" so it doesn't mean much I guess. Looking forward to watching this past summers shows--so many great ones-- P.S. i got my CD's a couple of weeks ago and appreciated that as well

Crown announced their percussion staff on Monday. ANy major changes or additions anyone might comment on. I know their drum scores were lower most of last year--any insights? http://www.carolinacrown.org/web/index.php/crowncorps/2014-staff/percussion-bios

Any insights into the new Guard people heading the caption. Looks like a whole new group mostly. Just curious if anyone has insight into the new peope and what they may bring. In the past couple of years Guard scores were lower for the corps than their overall placement. Thanks

Thank you for the insights--I thought they were new to the Bluecoats but wasn't sure--just up on Bluecoats Facebook http://bluecoats.com/dci_staff.asp

Can anyone tell me if there has been a big change in Bluecoats guard staff? I am not sure of names but it looks like a lot of new people are on the guard staff this coming season. Is this a good change for them? Thanks for any insight someone may have.

Is the above announcement for Bluecoats a big change? I know they have had some issues with lower guard scores--will thiss change any of the leadership in that area?

Bluecoats announce design team. http://www.bluecoats.com/news_detail.asp?news_id=361 ANy insights?

I have heard nothing about the Bluecoats change of visual staff. From what I heard I thought everyone was really happy this year (with Michael Grey not as involved) Any information on what the changes may be or why?

Very Very Clever--VAN and the "guard" is the guard--made my day

I was at all three nights of finals, and on semis, I noticed that near the end of Boston Crusaders show, as the tenor drums were near the fifty, each one put up their right hand and in sign language signed B A C. For some reason it was a great moment for me, some other level of communication that I caught. I am not sure how it worked into their theme "Rise" but it was a little moment of surprise for me. I tried to watch it happen again on Finals but missed it and was looking at something else, so now I am not sure I actually saw it. ANyone else catch that?

Very Interesting posts--thanks--this gives me a lot more insight onto some of the questions I have been wondering about. I do think it may be right that the members were bored by it. However, my question is where was the kick stop step they usually do. I was at all the finals and think i might have missed it. I remember one of the Drum Majors once saying in an interview that the kick stop was something special they were given if the "earned" it--or something like that. Anyway just a thought. I agree the guard did mostly dancing with little weapon work, and wonder how that plays out with the judges who seemed not to take anything away from that.

Also add into the mix that some will be drawn to trying out for Crown now that they won. Each corps indeed has its own identity and style, but each year people will choose where to audition on many criteria, and being a part of a first place corps is one of them. These statistics are never published, but I am sure many age out potentials will be debating Devils or Crown hoping they choose the corps who will win in 2014. this is just my speculation and based on a few discussions with members of corps when they tell me where they marched before joining another corps. Cavaliers had a young corps this year, so when they took a dip in placement last year no doubt some of the previous members didn't stay and went elsewhere. Just a hunch.

I was there tonight and the first thing after the announcement of the winner was both Crown And Blue Devils merging into each other's ranks and they all embraced--for a long time--guard included. As always the members are way above so many others in understanding what this is all about.

A little shout out to the Bluecoats--Way to go this season. A great end for a great show!! They don't always get a lot of comments here, but there are tons of fans who love them for what they do year after year--great sound, great drums, great ideas. Keep it going Was there all three nights and have to say it was one of the most exciting finals in a while--the crowd tonight was so into it. Haven't seen that much emotion since Phantom won with Spartacus in Bloomington. Way to go Crown and all the corps. I thought it was a great season with such a variety of approaches to drum corps.

Great insights for sure. i would have loved to here what he thinks of the Bluecoats, now especially with a tie with Phantom going into finals. Was there last night and enjoyed all the energy areound the corps and the audience.