DCI-86

I have been reading on here a lot of negative reviews of The Cadets. I was hoping it was bias opinion or just over reaction but then I watched the video....... Sadly l I agree with all the comments and I feel like they have been getting the benefit of doubt, score wise, right now. There is almost no drill. Guard is shockingly bad and at times the whole production looks like a bad school play. I guess it’s only the quality of brass and drum line that might get them to hang on in there. Unless there are major rewrites I can see them in the 10-12th range come finals. I really hope Denise B is working hard in the background right now to put together a staff for 2020 that can reverse the decline.

Blue Stars just released a video of their costumes. They fit their theme very well

Yep. they want to win again. They are spinning more than I have ever seen them do, including a few tricks!

One thing that many people have overlooked is that this was Tarpon's first performance of the year - wouldn't we be better to wait til BOA finals to judge them and their use of the screens?

What happened to Kevin’s play by play?

I think we will see most costumes for 1 season- just as have with guard costuming for a number of years.

I am kind of hoping Pete Weber re emerges with a certain east coast Corps!

I’m pretty certain Michael Gaines will be Vaguard’s drill write for the foreseeable future.

THIS!!!! It's not about the win, it's about what they have been building towards over the past few years. Putting Michael Gaines in place was the final piece of the jigsaw and I believe we are going to see them dominate for the next few years and force others to review how they construct shows. I am sure SCV will be exploring new ideas and concepts following this year's success. They know what works: They know how to get the audience on their side and the same with the judges

As others have said, next year Cadets needs to find/establish/assert their modern identity. Without all the distractions they should be able to do this. I also believe they will need to attract some new design talent, if they want to compete with the groups in the top 6 (definitely need a guard with more personality and interesting writing and the same with their drill/staging). I am confident they are in good hands to make all this happen and to make the best decisions for the future of the Cadets. The 'taste they have left in everyone's mouths' is a positive one (as opposed to the opposite last year even before all the GH issues came to the surface) so they should be in a good place to compete for talented members.

I meant, are we moving into a new era where SCV becomes the dominate force for a number of years, experimenting more with staging and props, leaving other corps forced to reinvent themselves to keep pace? i know everyone says BD always wins the season after coming 2nd but will that be the case next year or will they start having to look at how they design their shows to keep pace with SCV?

Ah that explains why their visual program was not up to par compared to previous few seasons. He had such an impact on BK.

Are we moving into a new era where SCV dominates and forces other groups to change the way they design to be competitive with Vanguard (just as BD has done)?

I really hope SCV hangs on to all their staff and makes some more magic next year. I hope Cadets make some upgrades to strengthen their design.

Give it a rest. Time to move on. BAC worthy winners so congratulations to them. It’s clear that unless your group wins (BD) then you are going to complain and moan. Seasons over. Be gracious. Move on.

SCV amazing. Give them all ththe awards. What a run!!

Wowoow Bloo. That was awesome. I am see why the guard scored so well. Most flawless guard so far and amazing performers all round!

Amazing run by Boston. Guard was terrific but a few noticeable drops so let’s see what the rest can bring.

Amazing run. Cadets. Full of power and emotion. It it feels to me like everyone so far has had a better run tonight. Quite amazing that this is 12 though 7

Blue stars guard was phenomenal. Such a hard crazy book and squeaky clean. Their guard alone should keep them over BK

I feel BD guard needs some new innovation in their written book- that’s what the groups above them (last night) have. Just watch some of the Flo videos of Boston’s guard to see the creative book they spin/dance. Now no one is usually as clean or well trained and as consistent from member to member as BD is, so tonight will be interesting (esp since last time Michael turner judged guard he put Cadets over Boston!)

I think it they want to be competitive next year they need to go down the ‘themed costume to show route’. The old uniform makes body movement restictive and looks forced and silly. Imagine this year’s SCV (regardless if you like this year’s costume or not) in their traditional uniform with Aussies - it wouldn’t work.

Think about th huge modernisation that took place after 86 (very traditional show that didn’t score well) to 87 (all white uniforms etc.) Can they make the same dramatic change again or will they continue their directionless decline?

I guess it doesn’t really matter since doubtful there will be much movement tonight in terms of placement