Tim K

I agree but there is one factor that makes things different this year--the fight for the number 12 spot. We assumed that it eould be a Crossmen v. Blue Stars contest, then Troopers began to add fuel to the fire, now Colts are becoming a threat. Pacific Crest and Oregon Crusaders will be back in San Antonio and we can't forget The Academy. One of these corps having a surge in a caption in one show is not that impossible to believe. I also agree with one of your later postings. While I would love to see BAC in a better position, they are improving, people who see them perform are impressed, and the show is engaging. My guess is they are working on what matters most--the final stretch which for the Crusaders begins with their final home show in Lawrence followed by Allentown, Pittsburgh, and Indy. By that time their scores and placements will be better. Who knows, we may even see a surprise or surge in San Antonio!

I might also add Garfield Cadets, 1980. For one thing, they did not have a strong beginning that year, but they not only made finals but finished 10th, a jump from 16th the previous year, and returned after being out of finals for two years (78 and 79). If I'm not mistaken I think you can hear someone in the audience yelling "Welcome back Garfield." Of course they returned 1980 and haven't been away since.

Speaking from the point of view of someone who was at Beanpot and once lived in Lynn, wind was a factor at Beanpot, especially from Cadets on. Since we were in the middle of a heat wave, it was a welcome enhancement, but it caused some havoc for the corps and the recording. Another factor that wasn't as evident in the recordings but is always a factor in Lynn is the close proximity to Logan Airport. Planes are descending at that point, so much so that when I returned from a trip to Ireland, I could see where I lived from the plane, a bit too close for comfort. I can't recall if it was during Bluecoats show or Cadets that one plane was particularly loud.

Kilties received a "Wow they're back" in 1977, of course they also received a "huh, they're here" in 1978...but since I loved the old Kilties and miss them, we won't go there. I remember in 1980, Crossmen received a huge "wow they're back" from many fans, but I'm not sure if that should count since their 13th place in 1979 was rather controversial and they should have been fianlists. Most of the season they were close to 27th, Bridgemen, Guardsmen, North Star, and Madison and I'd have to go back to Corpsreps to verify, but I believe topped each of these corps at least once that year.However, last year they certainly deserved the "wow they're back" they received. I found last year's semi's performance really powerful. I had been hoping they'd do it and they did. Regarding Troopers, they still recall the "1979 Miracle" with fondness and I do like that show, but the reception they received in 2009 was amazing. I would have loved to have been in the stands when they returned to finals after 23 years.

I have only seen Spirit in the theater and via Fan Network and won't see them live until Allentown. Overall my thoughts regarding Spirit have been positive. I think they had the basics of their show ready for the season, and I expected it would be tweaked and some additions would be included, similar to "Lady Luck" last year and the "femme fetale" of 2011. That's what I do not see happening yet with this year's show. I do not see Spirit falling from finals, but I don't think we'll see upward movement either. I think Spirit made a good choice in using "Sweet Georgia Brown" but I think would have helped Spirit if it was a bit more retro, namely what the corps did in 1979 or 1980, using "Sweet Georgia Brown" in the manner that Madison uses their favorites from the past. However, this seems to be a season that will have a lot of surges, so "the South may rise again." Actually, since so many of the kids in drum corps today hail from Texas, Florida, and other southern states, just about any corps that improves could say the south has risen again!

I'm surprised to see Cavies and Bluecoats so close this evening. Actually, the surprise is more Bluecoats' score. While I won't say I find their show is my favorite this year, I do find it to be one of the most engaging shows this year. I've seen it live three times and each time I have a different feeling and opinion about the show's meaning. Each end of the season someone usually posts a "most underrated" thread and Bluecoats always seem to be the corps that is most underrated. I thought this year would be different but I think we'll see the same thing again. Now the Cadets/Crown tie is adding some spice to the season. While I thought this could be Crown's year and fully expect it will be, I thought we'd end up seeing a few challenges from Cadets and since I've been wrong so many times this year (don't judge--I'm not alone :tongue:/> ), which will include some excitement from BD and perhaps SCV.

You're correct, I didn't read the whole thing!!!!

I used AAA which gives the closest available. There were some places available at the low end and the very high end, but not reasonable good rooms at a mid-price. ]

Booked my Allentown hotel rooms last night. The closest good hotel room I could find for both Friday and Saturday was in Easton, PA. Everything in Allentown and Quakertown are already booked. There seem to be rooms for Saturday to Sunday, but not Friday to Saturday.

According to the DCI website, the results at Minneapolis determine performance order. For those that did not compete, and average of scores was used to determine order. So, if performance at Minneapolis determines the order for San Antonio, why are Spirit and BAC competing before Blue Stars and why are Cavies after Madison? Phantom should be after Bluecoats and Crown should be after Blue Devils. It also doesn't make sense if you look at average scores. In DCP's rankings, Crown is ahead of BD so they should appear last, Phantom is ahead of Bluecoats, Madison is ahead of Cavies, BAC and Spirit are both ahead of Blue Stars.

Interesting results. I'd love to be able to better comment but internet issues made seeing the show impossible.Thoughts 1. Crown should be pleased with their victory but nervous that BD was so close. Percussion may be their Achilles' Heel again. 2. Cadets should be nervous that SCV is edging closer. 3. I expected Cavies and BAC to be closer to Madison, though Madison placing 7th was not a surprise. I was surprised with BK. I would have thought they would have been closer to Spirit and behind BAC. I think the fact Cavies, BAC, and BK were all within a point could make things interesting this summer. 4. Troopers and Crossmen will keep things lively.

My predictions for Minneapolis 1. Crown, Cadets, and BD in first -third in that order. I do think during the season we'll see Cadets top both Crown and BD, and I think BD still has something to say, but I think it will be Crown's night with Cadets close behind. 2. 4-6 in order SCV, Phantom, Bluecoats 3. 7-9 Madison, BAC, Cavies I think that Madison still has momentum on its side, BAC will have fine tuned their changes and we'll see a bit more confidence. Cavies will show improvement. Note to naysayers: while I'm a BAC fan, I recognize that Cavies and BAC have something in common this year: only their most ardent fans seem to believe they will do anything this year. We've still got a month until Indy. Lots can happen and these will be the three battling for at least seventh in Indy. 10-11 Blue Knights and Spirit. Didn't have BK on my list of finalists when the season started, but I have to eat my words and say what a difference a year makes regarding BK. Perhaps Spirit belongs closer to the corps I have in 7-9 but I think their show will need more for that to happen. 12. Blue Stars. 13. Crossmen: note to Blue Stars--Don't take comfort if this happens. It's still early. 14. Troopers: based only on scores thus far, not a prediction for the end of the season. 15. The Academy 16. Colts 17. Cascades

Yes, that is true. Now I've yet to hear "Elsa" at a wedding though the more famous "Bridal Chorus" also from Lohengrin is a standard. A minister friend of mine believes it as appropriate for a wedding as "Poor Jud is Dead" from Oklahoma is for a funeral, but try telling that to a bride to be, or in many cases her mother!

I'll be interested to see how Bluecoats score this evening. Prior to last night I never would have thought Bluecoats and Cavies would have been so close. On another thread people stated that Cavies had a very good night, and Bluecoats had a rough night. I'm going to predict 1. Bluecoats 2. Boston Crusaders--if they don't place second, they'll still be the most talked about corps this evening, just look at their Facebook page for more hints 3. Cavaliers--will be neck and neck with BAC 4. Blue Stars--home field advantage 5. Troopers--just a smidge behind Blue Stars 6. Crossmen--just a smidge behind Troopers, all three within a point Now most of my predictions this year have been wrong, but at least I can say with confidence is Music City will win Open Class!

If you ask Star, they wanted a new venture and the opportunity to perform with ensembles like Canadian Brass. Common theory is they were upset about being second in 1993. Interestingly, many believe that is one of the most innovative shows of all time.

You may want to take a peak at BAC's Facebook page for a few clues about what will happen tonight or tomorrow! If you're wondering, they are practicing in shorts with the gray jackets, but you can see a hint of red.

Defenders and North Star stopped competing after 1982. Both had good local representation and I think the interest dried up. There were financial issues as well. 27th stopped competing after 1986. Promised funding was never received and recruitment became more challenging after Garfield won three titles. More and more recruits fro northeast corps came from the south, and in winter months the trip up 95 is much shorter in lousy weather if the final destination is New Jersey. Nationally, 27th was possibly the most popular corps from Massachusetts, though the current BAC is loved too, however when 27th, BAC, and North Star competed against each other, local fans could be pretty tough on them, just as they can be with the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. Defenders seemed to get a free ride as far as that was concerned. However, while BAC has always boasted about how tough they are, and tough can be an understatement, I think they learned that if they wanted to succeed, nothing could be taken for granted, because in the mid to late 80's, we began to see the infancy of the BAC we see today. East Coast Jazz has not competed since 2006, but I heard some people talking about East Coast Jazz at Beanpot last week, and there was some talk about attempts at reviving it. Now Tom Chopelas was in the vicinity and heard the same conversation, who knows?

I'm not sure I'd put Crown in the same category as Star, with no disrespect to either corps. For one thing, Crown started from humbler beginnings, worked its way up, and spent years developing its brand. Star came on the scene with the goal of winning. Once it won, there was nothing left. Star did bring a fresh approach and breathed some life into the activity when one corps was disappearing after another, and they had some great shows, but as I look back now it seems as if they had a plan for success, but not one for longevity. Crown is far more of a long term corps. Regarding 27th and I suppose Bridgemen: if they could have held on financially, they probably would have been competitive today. While we see them as an iconic example of their day, both were innovative and 27th was beginning to change its style. As a matter of fact, in 27th's last competitive year, they probably should have made finals and when you consider how close they were to Troopers in prelims, the late season bus troubles they had that kept them from rehearsing may have been the culprit. We probably would not have seen the wheel or would not have been serenaded with "Crown Imperial" and "Danny Boy," even though I'd consider it to be Heaven. They'd probably be similar in style and popularity to Madison, BAC, and Troopers. I don't think too many, if any corps stopped competing because their style was no longer popular with judges, most folded due to economics and recruitment difficulties.

My guess is tat you are asking this question is to find out if most people who critique shows have actually seen them!

If you want to go retro, perhaps "Through the Eyes of Love" but I'd choose Garfield's version over Madison's. I know, choosing Garfield in 1980 over Madison is blasphemous, but I love Garfield's show that year. Madison's 1977 "How Deep Is Your Love" would be a great first dance. In 1972 CapitolAires played "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" Never saw them perform so I don't know how it worked for them, but it worked for The Sound of Music. Schubert's "Ave Maria" is often a standard at weddings, especially Catholic weddings, though I'm assuming that since you are getting married the day before Easter, it's probably not a Catholic wedding (weddings aren't generally performed between Palm Sunday and Easter in Catholic churches), but it's a guaranteed tear jerker if played when mother's are escorted to their seats. Corpsreps lists quite a few corps who performed this piece.

In 1977, Bridgemen were the corps I loved to hate, which means I secretly loved them but would never admit it. You see, I was a diehard fan of 27th, BAC, and North Star, and in 1977 Bridgemen gave them a run for their money. I'm sure I was also rather pleased about the disqualification. Of course time changes everything. I miss the Bridgemen. Each time I see the alumni corps I get excited. I appreciate the Bridgemen's contribution, but most of all when I see the 1977 Legacy DVD and see the Bridgemen perform, knowing how impressive they were that year whether I admit it or not, I see a group of disappointed young people who look crushed, and I feel sorry about a situation that for the kids, was not their fault. Now as far as winning the title, Bridgemen did beat Phantom early in the season at CYO and DCI East, but closer to finals they placed second to Phantom. They had not faced Blue Devils or SCV until finals. Blue Devils were undefeated that year, so I think it's safe to say they may have placed third if the controversy had not arisen, perhaps second, but I'm not sure they would have won.

I'm glad to see some people listed the Defenders. I almost joined that corps but transportation became an issue. It was said that 27th, BAC, and North Star did not train beginners on horns, something I later learned was not necessarily the case, but Defenders were willing to train anyone, included us forsaken woodwind players, as long as they had some musical training. They could pack a punch and at a time that "How loud can you get?" was rewarded, they could give anyone a run for their money. Greatest non-finalist corps may be a matter of debate, but for those lucky enough to have seen them live, certainly one of the most enjoyable. Another corps that I enjoyed and did well but never made finals was Offensive Lions. I did not see Watkins Glen Squires in 1975, but they are always listed as one that should have been a finalist but never made it. Now I could include Pacific Crest and Academy on the list, but since they are still competing and still aspiring, their greatness may be yet to come.

I first heard about future "wows" at CYO, and they would be unveiled at Bristol. At Bristol, I heard Beanpot. At Beanpot I heard Minneapolis. Now I saw major revisions at Bristol, and at Beanpot I saw a more confident performance. So I suppose the rumors could be correct that we did see "wows" and will continue to see "wows" as the show improves, that will have nothing to do with the "wows" people are expecting, namely a uniform switch like SCV used to do. However, a cleaner show will have more effective "wows" than something that can appear to be a stunt, so I'd rather be patient and be wowed in Lawrence, Allentown, or Indy, but just in case the "wows" are unveiled this weekend, I'll be watching the webcast of Minneapolis, and if all of the sudden I see red jackets replace gray, I won't complain. FYI to Ghost: I was sitting in the stands at CYO, Bristol, and Beanpot, so you know my sources would be a friend of a friend of a fiend's cousin said...

There is one key factor for this year that in my opinion makes it different than last year. Carolina Crown was the corps most people believed had a chance of beating Blue Devils, but they did not meet until Minneapolis. This year BD had met Carolina Crown is each of their competitions, so we may have a better gauge of where BD stands. You are correct about the improvements to the show. Last year there were all kinds of comments about how "dirty" BD's show was, but they usually compete in fewer early season shows and take the time to make the necessary changes and clean-up. We'll have to wait and see if the same thing happens this year. Of course there will be some who may question what Blue Devils clean means. While I will say they are cleaner than many people give them credit for, clean is not the first word that comes to mind regarding Blue Devils. Innovative, powerful, fierce competitors yes, clean yes, but extremely clean, I'm not so sure. Now should Blue Devils fans be panicking, depends on Cadets. If they place a solid third or even behind SCV tomorrow, no. If Cadets turn out to be the front runners, which I think is a definite possibility (to be fair, I have not seen Crown or BD live, only recorded shows, but I have seen Cadets live three times), there may be room for some concern.