phan771

Regretfully, I feel the same way.

It drives me crazy, this tarp thing. It seems bando to me. If it did something really cool once the wave effect was done, then I would be all about it. Could it pull apart into 8 or so pieces and then be carried off to the back, using them as flags of sort with out a pole? There is a lot of other stuff going on, but this is a huge piece of fabric being piled up and it takes too long. I can't help stare at it the entire exit time. Please change this and the ending.

Bentonville Show My second time to attend this show in three years. People are so amazingly friendly here- everywhere you go: the gas station, grocery store, restaurant, etc. If this is southern hospitality, I like it. Whether we will all see each other again one day or not, it just makes you feel good. Genesis was a fantastic opening act. I remember when anyone below 15th or so was painful to watch. They sounded and looked great! Show theme is solid, could use a bit more clarity. Beautiful guard costumes and great props. They often have a very polished and mature look and sound that I often do not see in BDB or SCVC. This might be a year Genesis makes a really solid run for the OC title. Thanks for all of the detail and nuance. Created good travel talk back to the hotel. We all thought the show was much better designed than Spirit and close to Pacific Crest, though that is a compliment to them. PC is really fine. Crest was also quite good. Each section a step up from Genesis, but not hugely. Easy to follow and some real clever designing. Each section looks and sounds solid. Some feet and drill cleaning yet to do. I think they can play up the show theme to a larger degree to let the audience in more. Maybe their best corps ever. I think they will be a great example in the end of how strong the activity is becoming at all levels and at all placements. The SUV travelers all agree this is possibly their best effort. Spirit was the only let down in the show tonight. After reading all the previous posts, I was expecting more, a lot more. Brass sound pretty good standing still. Talent in the drums for sure. Show design is really questionable. I found it to be super amateurish. Visual design? The corps moves very little and is really cramped most of the show. Though in general I get the “guy gets girl thing”, I am not sure they make me care. The props seem a distraction. This will not hold up without major re-writes. All that said, maybe the show is super safe and conservative for a reason. I do think they came across as if the members like performing, which is always a plus. SUV talk was dominated by the show the designers have provided and what a slip since 2013, though we are all pulling for the organization and current members. We thought their's the weakest show of the night. Mandarins were the strongest corps pre INT. Each section really delivering on an equal level. Great use of electronics and percussion overall. Love the theme. Some developing yet to do, and cleaning of course. Probably their best effort ever. There is some great pacing of events happening and you get a sense there is more development yet to do, though without that slowing the cleaning process. Power and finesses. Drama and calm. Well designed and potential to continue to turn heads along the way to championships. Talk on the way afterwards was pretty excited by their recent efforts. Troopers are yet again providing a high quality product with a American-centric vibe. Horn line sounds really lush and deep and loud. Softer moments need work. Theme is good for them and sells most of the time. Visual overall is a small concern. The preshow is as good as anything in the show. Guard seems a bit too redundant in what they bring. I like the uni in person. The waist needs editing, but it works well otherwise. We will see it this holds up for a finalist spot. I think Academy and Colts also have a shot. We will see what BAC brings. SUV talk was about their finals chances with the likes of Academy, Boston, and Colts in the mix. Academy was sooooo good. I did not see this coming. That opening and the closer, yawzaaa! Fun with high quality. This is definitely a finals possible corps. Loved it. The manipulation of props, the story line, the skeleton moment, and the role playing is just so well done. The thinner, more exposed areas need the most work and come across as their current area of greatest vulnerability. Crowd ate it up! SUV ride to the hotel consensus was that is we could pick based on sheer entertainment value, they are in finals. BD is just so good it is crazy to watch. They are just really good at everything they do. The performance and design. The Tempest is my favorite Bill S. play, so that helps me connect to all the isms. Ready to see it again. The use of trombones is killer. The musical threads throughout that keep coming back are super innovative. There are still dead spots of the corps and guard not doing anything but restaging, though all the other moments are already super detailed. Loud. The most melodic they have been in five years. Length of phrase in the ballad is crazy impressive. Not sure they can be beat if fill the dead spots and perform with heart and passion (something I am often critical of them not being). SUV talk focused on their ability to explore any topic, well. Crown and BD are really like comparing apples to stethoscopes. So very different in each approach. I like the theme risk and the story is fairly easy to follow though like last year's show early on, it gets too allusive at times. Think they outperformed BD, but BD out designed them. Too many predictable Crown devices. Regardless, amazing corps. Possible DCI winner if they look at the things BD does better design wise and makes some changes. They have the talent for it. Crazy clean for July 19. Brass ouy bested BD tonight. Both guards are amazing. Crown perc getting better but no where near comparable to BD’s. SUV talk was about how judges are faced with some really hard comparisons these days.

Brief impressions after INT: Troopers are yet again providing a high quality product with a American-centric vibe. Horn line sounds really lush and deep and loud. Softer moments need work. Theme is good for them and sells most of the time Visual overall a small concern. Academy was sooooo good. I did not see this coming. That opening and the closer, yawzaaa! Fun with high quality. This is definitely a finals possible corps. Loved it. BD is just so good it is crazy to watch. They are just really good at everything they do. The performance and design. The Tempest is my favorite Bill S. play, so that helps me connect to all the isms. Ready to see it again. Crown and BD are really like comparing apples to stethoscopes. So very different in eachapproach. I like the theme risk and the story is pretty easy to follow though like last year's show early on, it gets too allusive at times. Think they outperformed BD, but BD out designed them. Too many predictable Crown devices. Regardless, amazing corps. Possible DCI winner if they look at the things BD does better design wise and makes some changes. They have the talent for it. Crazy clean for July 19.

I am really blown away by the level of these groups. Drum corps just keeps getting better. Genesis was a fantastic opening act. I remember when anyone below 15th or so was painful to watch. They sounded and looked great. Show theme is solid, could use a bit more clarity, Crest was also quite good. Each section a step up from Genesis, but not hugely. Easy to follow and some real clever designing. Spirit was the only let down thus far. After reading all the previous posts, I was expecting more, a lot more. Brass sound pretty good standing still. Talent in the drums for sure. Show design is really questionable. I found it to be super amateurish. Nothing against the performers. Definitely the weakest so far. Mandarins were the strongest so far. Each section really delivering on an equal level. Great use of electronics and percussion overall. Love the theme. Some developing yet to do, and cleaning of course. Probably their best effort ever. INT- good soda. Back to my seat.

There is a lot to be said in reaction to the concert. But to start, to earlier comments that allude to the view that last year's concept was "juvenile", I disagree. While it may have been on the lighter side of show themes, such is something the corps has a history of doing well. In my opinion, while it had its moments, it lacked sophistication and innovation, issues my team has struggled with for too long IMO. The positive: The music sounds like it relies on visual to complete/fully realize effect. A uncommon take for Regiment. Shows visual/GE promise. The top of each section sound strong as usual. There is a good variety of colors in the brass writing, due largely to ranges. The variety in styles/periods offers good variety. Nothing sounds weak; no sections sound weak. Most of the musical pacing is good. The small brass ensemble sounds amazing. The perhaps not so positive: The corps sounds good, not great. There seems to be a lack of depth in a few sections, particularly low brass, pit, tenors. The drumline writing is often uninteresting and a bit hacky. The front ensemble utilization and use of electronics seems underwhelming (an ongoing PR competitive issue). The ballad seems really old school, like 1977–79. It just starts and then offers little interest or intrigue. The closer just doesn't seem fully realized. Compared to the other 10 or so corps that I have heard, this seems behind in quality and creativity. Comes across as bottom 12 instead of top 7 or so. All that said, I appreciate that they sound like no one else. I wish them all the best. I have an ongoing fear that Dan just cannnot move forward from an creative and innovation stand point in order to remain top 7, this summer, or ever.

With all due respect and I REALLY mean that, if Jimmy Elvord approved a modern day show design and brass book, I might would be concerned. That said, all in context- I am happy he is still coming around. A legend.

1st: BD 2nd: Bluecoats 3rd: Crown 4th: Cadets 5th: Blue Knights 6th: Santa Clara Vanguard 7th: Madison 8th: Boston 9th: Cavies 10th: Phantom 11th: Blue Stars 12th: Troop 13th: Crossmen 14th: Acdemy 15th: OC 16th: Mandarins 17th: Crest 18th: Colts 19th: Cades 20th: Vanguard Cadets 21st: SOA 22nd: BDB 23rd: Genesis 24th: Spartans 25th: Legends

Yes, but the BIG difference here is that SOA is not currently, nor have they been for a long time, the caliber of corps as SCV, BD, Cadets, or PR. They don't have the staff nor member talent yet to rehash. And, we are talking about a rehash that far outnumbers the examples you gave: BD, Sweeney Todd, 2 Times: 2008, 2015 7 years apart SCV, Scheherazade, 2 Times: 2004, 2014 a decade between PR, American in Paris, 4 Times: 1975, 1976, 2005, 2015 two years in a row when such was common, then nearly 30 years later, then a decade Cadets, Appalachian Spring, 2 Times: 1987, 2008 21 years apart SOA, Sweet Georgia Brown, 6 Times: 1979, 1980, 1986, 1998, 2013, 2016 Just three years ago, and it was short, cool, and fit the show SOA, Georgia on my Mind, 6 Times: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1995, 1997, 2016 The largest delayed repeat The show isn't a good choice. Not now. Maybe not ever.

NO! Nothing to discuss. NO, Simply NO!

I see your point, but consider some scenarios: If you think BD is two or three tenths above Crown on both/either side of the sheet, you do have room for Cadets in between. No problems. But if you do that just to have room on both subcaptions (not a "true" rating), that is 4-5 tenths total, enough for one judge to call the show. And, remembering that though trying to avoid reading recaps or to have per-show bias, every judge going into this show knew it would be a tight race. Or, you right down exactly what you think the differece is between Crown and BD. You know that leaves little room for Cadets in there, but it does leave room and allows for a one tenth total spread if he felt that was appropriate: Was- Crown 81, 80 = 16.1 BD 82, 81 = 16.3 Cadets 83, 82 = 16.5 Could have fit Cadets in with: 81, 81 = 16.2 82, 80 = 16.2 80, 82 = 16.2 or other combination, though a subcaption spread given just for the total spread gives the wrong message and falsely represents the judge's exact take on what he heard. Write down true score for BD, being fair and true to where things were in relation to Crown. Place Cadets where they belong in ranking using appropriate rating as close as possible. Avoid false spreads. I get the argument about leaving room in both subcaptions, but think there is a lot to consider, and especially when the groups are this strong. This early in the season, I would want to know to the tenth exactly how a judge thinks I compare to my competitive peers, knowing that winning it all or coming in second is often decided by those same tenths.

Thanks. It was a truly amazing summer. I don't really think about the placement any more. That crowd reaction at finals however stays with me every day. Waymire taught mellos and french horns, as well as headed up things when Dan Farrell wasn't around. Our section easily had our best performance at finals. If you even blinked, those marching french horns would crack a note. The end of the opener still makes me smile every time I hear it. Unison high G. No cracks and loud as hell. I think it was the only time no one cracked it. Thanks again.

He taught me at Phantom, in some amazing brass years, including our 1989 Jim Ott Award year. He also taught visual. We were amazed that he was with us every block for a couple of years. He was also a very successful Texas band director and college band director. I think his background and intelligence are more than efficient enough to judge DCI accurately and fairly.

The numbers are interesting, but not surprising. How exciting for Colts. We will see how these shake out in Whitewater. Panel was certainly a mix of old and new names.

I thought that the 2011-13 shows were really smart in regards to getting back to their roots as much as you can these days, but also writing shows that fit their talent level, and shows that would get them back into finals. Look at Crossmen, same issue. Tons of Texas talent goes out of state, but slowly Crossmen are getting some to consider marching with them. It makes sense with the cost of winter travel, keeping local ties, etc. Yep, Spirit seemed to have completed stage one of a lasting rebuild and probably would have entered stage two as you suggested. Really want to know why the board let that staff go.

This is funny and worth the click.

While I do not think design is quite as cut and dry as this may suggest, your thoughts and explanations are pretty accurate IMV. It is puzzling that in 2015, with so many great examples of show design, whether it be in drum corps, marching band, indoor, etc. that a corps would design two shows in a row that have extremely similar design flaws. And these are not the typical flaws that can be fixed over time, e.g., the end of a section stops too abruptly, a feature needs more visual support, a flag design isn't working, then ending is too lackluster, etc. While they seem to have added some things that may help, the fundamental show idea seems misguided and as you suggest, too difficult to pull off period. And, corps in their position shouldspend the vast majority of their time cleaning, not changing. I also thought the comment from JW on the podcast about their more successful designs of the past was a bit of a dig.

Got to hear them tonight. Brass are certainly loud.

Quick review. Work in the a.m., unfortunately. Bluecoats: Though still extremely early to tell, this could be our number 8 corps currently active in DCI to be a world champion. They drum great. Brass great. Color guard great. The use of electronics is so inventive (though lots of tweaks need to be made) that this fact alone may be the deciding factor come finals night. I think I held my breath the entire performance, not wanting to miss any thing. An experience unparralled. Cannot wait to see it again. Carolina Crown: These guys could be champions as well. They play so well it takes your breath away. Literally. Color guard = OMG. Drumming maybe the best in ten years. The theme is so intoxicating, until the last two minutes. I do not know if you can have a more solid show base at this point. The overall structure is soooooo strong. More layers, member visual diversities, inventive effects, and emotional triggers need to be added to win. Regardless, I would pay the same ticket pric eto see them by themselves. Gripping. Will be a new fan favorite show for the ages. Madison Scouts: This never grabbed me tonight. Better drums than past years. Better guard. Nothing stuck out as bad, but everything stuck out as ordinary. A little too happy go lucky for me. Show seems not well tied together in a way that the audienece is drawn in. Some rough brass moments tonight and major feet issues. It seems like they need to do a lot of changing in order to make the show more compeitive and entertaining. I was unfortunately bored most of the time- an off night? Blue Stars: I was realy surprised Madison beat them. The show is clever and really explores the late 20s depression era and the traveling carnivals of that time period. I was constantly engaged and looking/listening for what they would offer next. They seem to be holding back some emotionally, but that is expected early season. I think they show theme can be explored a lot more. Great drum line. They were on fire at times. I think this will be a very strong production come August. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by really strong groups. Troopers: This is their best showing in the past ten years. The brass were wonderful and the percussion really solid tonight. Though there are aspects that are similar to Crown's Triple Crown production, Troopers seem to be trying to make it their own. This is the direction they need to be headed in-Trooper inspired, 2015 conscientious. They need to clean visually and add layers of visuall interest to match their fantastic musical offering. Love the aggressive sections. Guard wil get there soon enough. I thought them extremely over Spirit and even more over BAC than the scores indicated. Boston Crusaders : Like Madison, it never grabbed me tonight. Knowing the score to Conquest quite well, I was able to follow the musical line somewhat. Visually, it seemed somewhat disjunct from the audio. I was told the rolling props would eventually have Cusaders-centric things on them for the anniversary theme. I am not sure that that edition will help a lot. This show seems to need considerable changes in order to maintain last year's position. Spirit of Atlanta: I really wanted them to be good tnight. They seem to have three volumes. brass with drums, brass only, drums only. Even more than Boston or Scouts, I worked really hard to get the out of the ashes/resurrection connection from the show, but missed it. They do seem louder than last year. Good ballad soloist. Guard is behind and seem to be on the ground a lot. After one live viewing, I do not think this a finalist design. Though not a lot, I personally thought last year's show had more opportunity for member, section, corps emotional range. This year's theme seems less evident. Cincinnati Tradition: They have a few solid musicians and were workimg hard to sell their product. The drums seem to have some talent, but their book overwritten. The show theme was vague most times. More rehearsal time over then next few weeks will help the overall performance.

Quick review. Work in the a.m., unfortunately. Bluecoats: Though still extremely early to tell, this could be our number 8 corps currently active in DCI to be a world champion. They drum great. Brass great. Color guard great. The use of electronics is so inventive (though lots of tweaks need to be made) that this fact alone may be the deciding factor come finals night. I think I held my breath the entire performance, not wanting to miss any thing. An experience unparralled. Cannot wait to see it again. Carolina Crown: These guys could be champions as well. They play so well it takes your breath away. Literally. Color guard = OMG. Drumming maybe the best in ten years. The theme is so intoxicating, until the last two minutes. I do not know if you can have a more solid show base at this point. The overall structure is soooooo strong. More layers, member visual diversities, inventive effects, and emotional triggers need to be added to win. Regardless, I would pay the same ticket pric eto see them by themselves. Gripping. Will be a new fan favorite show for the ages. Madison Scouts: This never grabbed me tonight. Better drums than past years. Better guard. Nothing stuck out as bad, but everything stuck out as ordinary. A little too happy go lucky for me. Show seems not well tied together in a way that the audienece is drawn in. Some rough brass moments tonight and major feet issues. It seems like they need to do a lot of changing in order to make the show more compeitive and entertaining. I was unfortunately bored most of the time- an off night? Blue Stars: I was realy surprised Madison beat them. The show is clever and really explores the late 20s depression era and the traveling carnivals of that time period. I was constantly engaged and looking/listening for what they would offer next. They seem to be holding back some emotionally, but that is expected early season. I think they show theme can be explored a lot more. Great drum line. They were on fire at times. I think this will be a very strong production come August. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by really strong groups. Troopers: This is their best showing in the past ten years. The brass were wonderful and the percussion really solid tonight. Though there are aspects that are similar to Crown's Triple Crown production, Troopers seem to be trying to make it their own. This is the direction they need to be headed in-Trooper inspired, 2015 conscientious. They need to clean visually and add layers of visuall interest to match their fantastic musical offering. Love the aggressive sections. Guard wil get there soon enough. I thought them extremely over Spirit and even more over BAC than the scores indicated. Boston Crusaders : Like Madison, it never grabbed me tonight. Knowing the score to Conquest quite well, I was able to follow the musical line somewhat. Visually, it seemed somewhat disjunct from the audio. I was told the rolling props would eventually have Cusaders-centric things on them for the anniversary theme. I am not sure that that edition will help a lot. This show seems to need considerable changes in order to maintain last year's position. Spirit of Atlanta: I really wanted them to be good tnight. They seem to have three volumes. brass with drums, brass only, drums only. I worked really hard to get the out of the ashes/resurrection connection from the show, but missed it. They do seem louder than last year. Good ballad soloist. Guard is behind and seem to be on the ground a lot. After one live viewing, I do not think this a finalist design. Though not a lot, I personally thought last year's show had more opportunity for member, section, corps emotional range. This year's theme seems less evident. Cincinnati Tradition: They have a few solid musicians and were workimg hard to sell their product. The drums seem to have some talent, but their book overwritten. The show theme was vague most times. More rehearsal time over then next few weeks will help the overall performance.

Whoa, champ, take it easy. He did not literaly mean win. He meant "catch a break", be "on the right side of Lady Luck", not "pull the short stick every time", Yeah? . . .

Your impressions match mine exactly. Spot on.

Do not take it personally. His posts are aways a bit, shall we say, pointed.

Westcoastblue, Though I find your posts to often be a bit aggressive, I agree with all said here. I do wish both groups a wonderful and rewarding summer.

ouch.