DCI-86

When I spoke to him a few months back - this was the case

Yes but on the other hand it stops one judge solely making the big call

I believe he wrote the entire show (as he did last year too).

And a thoroughly nice guy with his heart in the right place and always putting the kids first

For such bold colors their guard sure disappears into the background!

I still think SCV had something up their sleeves (like a huge oval tarp?!?!)

I agree. But they are not being judged off how improved they are! I like them a lot they just seem to have plateaued in terms of getting clean.

I hope they can clean up the guard. Saw a run from yesterday and the guard is still very sloppy. Had a good start but don’t seem to be cleaning. That could be the big difference between them and Blue Stars

This isn’t how Michael works. Complex book from day 1 - dirty as hell. Clean during the season and rarely waters the book down (hence rarely getting super clean). This is the reason they attract so many kids - they want to spin Shapiro twirls!

I wonder if SCV is planning on adding a huge oval tarp into their show (something dark) to make the guard stand out more - they do a lot of oval shapes around the edge of the field! Something must be coming to make it all make more sense! They know what they are doing

Loving Cadets this year but they also have to overcome a surging Blue Stars

I think this is the best guard they have had since 2017. It isn't going to win but will probably place around the same place as the corps (6th? 7th?). It isn't breaking any new ground but they are well staged and just need to get clean.

I wonder if Cadets will beat Cavies? If Cadets can get really clean. - who knows!

You can’t move up in the rankings without equally strong captions across the board so I think, to add to your excellent write-up, you need to add in that their guard is much improved. Hopefully they can clean it up.

I think it’s one step at a time and after the past few year’s misfires (not including 2021) this feels like a massive step in the right direction. Much improve drill and guard, and a more coherent theme. As I said one step at a time. A better show (and probably 1-2 steps up the competitor rankings) will do wonders for retention and talent attraction.

I kind of agree. Why not have a costume that better matched the theme of the show. Those printed t-shorts look cheap. I love the show and am so happy that they are on their way back but the corps uniforms seem a cop out (maybe to appease the alumni?

I hope their guard has improved. Been one of their key weaknesses over the past few years and it doesn’t matter how strong every other section is if you’re guard doesn’t match it!

Sounds like they need you on their design team - oh knowledgeable one. BS have 2 shows under their belts and I’m pretty sure they know what their issues are and how they are going to evolve their show!

I thought they only had 26 in guard? Looks like they might be having the same challenges as Madison had in recruitment? Their guard last year was super small so maybe a knock on from that? Will be interesting to see how their show develops but right now their guard is not their usual strength

I don't agree with your assertion. As we get familiar with shows and as the season progresses and they clean, add layers and make the theme clearer, I feel this will be as entertaining a year as any other. It's too early to say corps are writing for the sheets

Just caught up. Bloo is in a league of their own and I can see why they won guard - better staging and more variety than Boston (their key effects seem to be based on tosses). Bravo to them for doing some entirely new and fresh. I think Blue Stars have a very mature interesting show that will ultimately beat Phantom (unless BS percussion is really weak!). Everyone seems to have taken a step up this year!

yeah. Nothing new. Very disjointed right now but I am sure by August it will be great!

Anyone know who SCV has hired to replace the visual staff?

Love the video and look forward to the show. It's interesting that all caption managers speak bar anyone from the colorguard. Let's hope they are not the weak link.....

I hope they can improve their guard writing / talent for next year.