Phan_of_Drumming

I got back late last night from seeing the show live. I had decent but not great seats, but having the normal curtains plus the 600-area seats roped off made a big sound difference, in my opinion. A lot less boomy. My thoughts about individual corps: Madison - I really hope I'm wrong, but this looks like another ho-hum decent Scouts themed show that will peak by San Antonio. I just don't understand why this design team refuses to truly break out of the mold and challenge its members. Their drum break sounded like a warm up exercise and their overall design just doesn't seem like it's aiming to do anything besides sneak into Finals. Maybe it was because Blue Stars came right after - with their ambitious but really dirty show - but Madison's show bored me. Blue Stars - So much to say about this show. Positive and negative. To start with, it was dirty. Really dirty. But the concepts that were there could propel this corps to their best placement in decades. It's an incredibly ambitious show. That pit ragtime accel? It will be one of the best moments of Finals if it is clean. It could also crash and burn. Blue Stars are no longer a corps that should be in the annual "Who will make finals?" discussion. They're there. But will they squeak in, or will they crack the Top 6? Either one seems possible to me. As usual the percussion and guard were the strong suits here. The guard seemed like they had a rough run, but there's a reason they came in 4th at Finals last year and they look like they'll be better this year. The drum line is solid and this is one of the best front ensembles in DCI. But the brass is subpar and visual is KILLING this group. The new caption head seems to be establishing something good in the brass, but they will have to push hard this year to keep up. The visual side of things, though...so rough. And it's across the board. It's not like one section of the corps had their feet in order. It points to an instructional problem, not a member talent issue. If the entire corps could perform all aspects of the show at the level of the guard or front ensemble, this would be one of the best corps in DCI. As it stands they have some glaring weaknesses (to go along with their big strengths) that, if they address, makes this corps a dark horse. If they let their weaknesses sink them, they'll be happy to make finals. Cavaliers - They have the talent to compete at the highest level. But I didn't see the show design to complement that. Unlike the situation I think the Scouts are in - where they will max out their design before August - the Cavies' design just seems muddled to me. Obviously it was the first show of the season so everything comes with a grain of salt, but while I kind of enjoyed the music, the visual program was disjointed and the two didn't mesh at all. Maybe I need to see the show a few more times to get it? I plan to. We'll see. Crown - Amazing brass, as usual. And it's good to see them move in a darker direction. It lets them show off a side of their chops and musicality that they haven't explored the last few years. It's a more mature show, musically, and that should pay dividends in the long run. That said, the percussion is still weak. I wouldn't have put them in last, but fifth seemed right to me. It's a mixture of things not being clean and the show itself just not giving the percussion a chance to really shine. Like I said earlier, the features sounded like exercises. Not good. The visual package - aside from that one snafu with the fabric - is VERY cohesive and while I don't think Crown will be in contention for the gold this year, they'll challenge in Visual GE for sure. Bluecoats - I thought Bloo had a better show than Crown last night, and will stay ahead of them for the first few weeks. But the show is Tilt 2. Which isn't a bad thing! But the show doesn't seem to have as much depth, in my opinion, as Crown's show. Just from my first read. Percussion is the strong point (drums, not pit), and the really positive thing I see from Bloo is that they don't seem to have an obvious weakness. They are pretty solid across the board. The question for me is how far can this show take them? Cadets - They're contending for the gold, that's for sure. Incredible drums, good brass...guard could be a weak spot but I doubt that they will fail to clean. They should be up there for the championship this year. In my opinion, this is what I would have called for captions: Percussion - Cadets, Bloo, Blue Stars, Cavies, Crown, Scouts Brass - Crown, Cadets, Bloo, Cavies, Scouts, Blue Stars Guard - Crown, Cavies, Blue Stars, Cadets, Bloo, Scouts. GE - Cadets, Bloo, Crown, Scouts, Blue Stars, Cavies Overall - Cadets, Crown, Bloo, Cavies, Blue Stars, Scouts. Again this is all my opinion from just one read of each show.

The judges do not assess penalties until after the Minnesota regional. This is standard practice, and has been for over a decade.

Send in the Clowns seems pretty obvious given their show this year. Not a major surprise. Excited to hear the rest of the rep, though. Also, the Blue Stars pit has created a FB page that they'll be using to post tid-bits from spring training and pre-tour. They look like a bunch of great kids. And I really thought they carried last year's show, which was one of my favorites. I think it's an upward trend for Blue Stars percussion as a whole. I'm looking forward to big things this year! Here's the link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarsPit

Definitely agreed. Perhaps 2018, with the centenary of the end of the war, will see a WWI show?

To me, the triple-tonguing feature from 2013 just screams bright to me. If I had to show a drum corps newbie one clip to get them accustomed to Carolina Crown's brass, that's what I would show. But, then, I'm a drummer, and not a drum corps drummer at that - just a fan. So I probably don't have the ear to say. I'm just going by what it sounds like to me.

I really hope that sometime soon a corps does Peter Gabriel's take on Arcade Fire's "My Body is a Cage." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeFezGJF7mA The original song by Arcade Fire is great, but I really, really like what Peter Gabriel does with it. Specifically the stuff around 2:30 - 4:10. Tell me that wouldn't be a kick*** ballad.

Maybe not soprano heavy. Bright. Definitely not akin to BD.

I would most certainly add Carolina Crown to that list, at least in recent years. Even if they didn't quite achieve what they were hoping competitively this year, they've definitely established their own "signature" and have the infrastructure, staff, and talent to compete for a championship every year.

I think what I was going for with Crown was basically a description of their brass sound. Their shows always feel soprano-heavy (not in a bad way) to me, which gives it that bright, shiny, chrome-esque feel. Like the outside of a spaceship, or something... I very much appreciate "kaleidescopic macho presence."

If you had to summarize each corps' individual style - whether musical or visual - in a single phrase, what would you pick for each corps? We all know that certain corps conjure certain moods with each year's show; the Madison Scouts might regularly be referred to as "ballsy" or "in your face," and Phantom Regiment certainly has a claim to the orchestral or grandiose, operatic mood. Every corps' has its own identifiable sound and visual flair. But for some corps the description might not be so easy to articulate in words, even if the feeling is pretty clear. So how about it? Describe each corps' stylistic identity as succinctly as you can. I'll give it a go with some of this year's top corps. In parenthesis I've included an example from a recent show of that respective corps which I think best demonstrates my description. Blue Devils - High-brow, modernized jazz. Cerebral and innovative. (All of 2012) Bluecoats - Darkly tender and emotional, with a tendency to groove. (Ballad 2014 or Closer 2013) The Cadets - Rooted in tradition, but unafraid to be bold. (Closer 2011) Santa Clara Vanguard - The perfect blend of elegance and passion. (All of 2014) Carolina Crown - Bright, shiny, new - a modern combo of speed and constant motion. (All of 2013) The Cavaliers - Aloof and brooding; intimidatingly dark. Coolly self-confident and unafraid to just execute. (Closer 2011 or Intro 2014) Phantom Regiment - Like the majestic soundtrack to some grand adventure. (All of 2013) Blue Knights - Ethereal and free; without solid grounding (in a good way!). Like flying. (Intro 2013 or Closer 2014) Blue Stars - A pioneer in explosive emotion and raw sentiment. (Ballad 2014) Boston Crusaders - Defiant and unafraid, with a deeply rooted pride. (All of 2013) Madison Scouts - Balls-to-the-wall, in-your-face jazz with passion. (Intro 2012 or Closer 2014) Crossmen - Intimidating and powerful, with a wild streak. (Intro to 2012) Colts - Bright and brimming with positive excitement. (Ballad of 2010, or Intro 2013) Troopers - Traditional, red-blooded American patriotism. (Closer 2014, or Closer 2013) Personally, I thought corps like Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, and Blue Devils were easy, but some of my harder decisions came with Blue Knights, Blue Stars, and Boston Crusaders. Do you agree or disagree with my descriptions? Try it yourself! Are there any corps that are easier than others for you? Which recent show or part from a show do you think best aligns with that corps' identity? I think this is a fun off-season exercise that challenges you to think about how you listen and watch drum corps shows (or music in general). I hope this provokes some fun discussion. P.S. - Keep it positive, yeah?

What did he shout at the end? It sounded like "Vanguard"? Edit - Ah, "six words" makes a lot more sense.

Personally, I would put everyone from the Top 6 this past year ahead of Scouts as far as the book went, but that's just my opinion. I do worry, though, that an 11th place finish will hurt the Scouts as far as bringing in new talent. More of the reason why I think this year, for them, will be about halting the downward trend of the last few seasons. Again, I love the Scouts. I just don't think a few fresh faces on the design staff will be enough to jump them from the edge of Finals to beating out the incredibly talented pack in the Top 8 or Top 6 after one season. It's not that I'm not a fan; I'm just skeptical. There's still a lot to do.

Well...most of the other 11 finalists. There were other soft endings - the Blue Stars quiet tag comes to mind. I actually thought the ending was one of the highlights of their show. Perhaps it's because of the Madison identity, where you expect a loud and in-your-face ending, but the anticipation of the quiet ending and the emotional payoff were, for me, some of my favorites moments from them this year. I loved it.

I suppose I'm merely more skeptical than you are about the new bunch. A championship 25-ish years ago is nice, obviously, but I don't see who they can knock out of the Top 8, let alone the Top 6. The Scouts don't have the talent to compete with someone like Crown or Cavaliers, let alone the questions about whether the design staff will mesh. Every off-season, when the Scouts make a major move or announcement, some fans get incredibly excited about their prospects; and, at least for the last few years, it always seems to end in disappointment. I look back to this year as a perfect example. Don't get me wrong, I love the Scouts, and it's good for the activity when they are placing well. I'm certainly hoping they do well, but I'm not holding my breath.

My way too early predictions. 1. The Cadets - Say what you will about last year or what happened at Finals or what not . . . a pi$$ed off George Hopkins can do some pretty terrifying things. And by terrifying, I mean awesome. This is a corps that is hungry and has the talent and staff to pull off a championship calibre show. Combine that with a returning class that has a chip on their collective shoulders, and I think you have a VERY dangerous corps. 2. Blue Devils - Nine years out of ten, I give the Blue Devils the nod to win the championship. They have a ridiculous amount of talent, combined with a design staff that consistently knows how to best feature that talent and put out some truly mind-blowing shows. That said, how do you follow an undefeated, championship year where you just received the highest score in DCI history? The fact that I have to justify putting BD in second - and not in first - is a testament to how incredible their last few years have been. That said, I think after a year like this one there has to be something of a let down. Because what more do they have to prove? This is the best corps in DCI right now. Period. And everyone knows it. I don't think BD will ever become complacent; but I also don't see them having the same fire in the belly that they had after the 2013 season. They don't have anything more to prove to anyone. 3. Santa Clara Vanguard - After a few years of very consistent placement and show design, I'm hoping SCV comes out with something a little more ballsy and dramatic this time around. Between the killer battery and front ensemble, and a steadily improving visual program, I think they nab the bronze medal after a lot of back-and-forth with the Bluecoats. 4. Bluecoats - What more can be said after their 2014 season? This past summer was a lightning-in-a-bottle type season for the Bluecoats, which would probably have won in any year without an angry BD, but which will be almost impossible to repeat. They'll still be fan favorites and I think they'll go back and forth with SCV, but I think they lose the percussion score by just enough to drop to fourth place. 5. The Cavaliers - They're ready to break into the true upper echelon, but who do you knock out? The talent in the upper level groups is just too high right now for the men in green to make a move. But I think they continue their forward momentum and build on another great program, maybe setting up a medal contender for 2016? 6. Carolina Crown - Incredible brass, but lackluster percussion and a repetitive visual program isn't enough to keep up with the big boys anymore. The Blue Devils showed this summer that Crown's brass isn't invincible, and unless Crown comes out with something truly unique, I don't see their design being able to overtake any of the above corps. I want to be wrong with this prediction more than any other - but I don't see Crown deviating too far from the formula they've been using since 2012, and I think it will cost them. 7. Blue Stars - This corps has all the right pieces in place to make a move to the next level. They have the design staff and they have the talent, the only question is whether the design staff lets the talent shine by writing a show that truly challenges the corps to reach its fullest potential. Between a killer guard (remember - 4th at finals despite going on 9th to last!), one of the best front ensembles in DCI, and the musical writing of Saucedo/Mapes/Grom, I think this corps is poised to make a leap into the next "tier." The only thing that might hold them back is their brass, which hopefully they'll address with a new caption head. 8. Blue Knights - Like the Bluecoats, I thought this year was a phenomenal, lightning-in-a-bottle type year for the corps, which I think will be tough to repeat. I don't see Blue Knights dropping much at all, and I think they'll be right in the fight for Top 7 with Blue Stars, but I don't see another magical, emotional power-house like they produced this year. They certainly have the talent to push even higher, though, so I hope that I'm mistaken. 9. Phantom Regiment - Phantom just seems like a corps stuck in a rut right now. Absurdly high levels of talent, but without any real vision in the design department to let that talent shine through. There's a reason that everyone says their shows have been the same since 2011; it has felt like a copy-and-paste show for the last few years from them, and without something to shake up the formula I don't think Phantom sees any significant reward from the judges. 10. Madison Scouts - Major staff overhauls have set them up well to move back into the Top 8-ish range. But that many new staff will take some time to mesh and find their rhythm. I think Madison avoids what has been their tendency of the last few years to start strong and fade in late July; but I don't think they knock off Phantom or Blue Knights. This year is largely about reversing downward momentum for Madison, and I think they accomplish that goal admirably, setting themselves up well for a stronger 2016. 11. Boston Crusaders - Angering the powers-that-be and then losing some crucial staff is a really great way to risk falling out of Finals. Boston has too much talent and pride to let that happen in its 75th anniversary season, but I think it will be a harder test than they realize. 12. Crossmen - Another dogfight year for the 12-14 corps. Troopers and Colts both have the talent to take this spot away from the Crossmen, but right now it belongs to them and someone is going to have to take it from them. The battle for the last Finals spot is my favorite competitive action every season. The quality of shows from this range of placements is incredible, and I sincerely hope for a three-way tie for 12th place on Friday night.

A brand new staff doesn't just pull a Top 6 show out of their back pocket after a single year. I see Madison moving up, but five spots? I think they'll be glad to break Top 8. Getting back to sitting at a comfortable 8th or 9th would be a pretty significant accomplishment this year for them, given the movement of the last few years. After the staff has had a chance to work together for a summer or two, then Madison can talk about breaking into the upper echelon. I just don't see them anywhere close to there yet.

Anyone else think that the red plumes were a huge step in the right direction for Blue Stars this year? A relatively small change in the grand scheme of things, but I thought they were so sexy. I wouldn't mind seeing them update the jackets a little bit, though, and/or add a stripe down the pants.

I thought a group which folds and comes back has to start in Open Class, per some sort of agreement with DCI? Could be wrong, though.

I know this piece is on the "Never ever allowed to be arranged EVER" list, but I would kill for someone to do a faithful, as complete as possible drum corps version of David Maslanka's Symphony No. 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2xcMoQ6ML4 Just listen to the eerie woodwind parts around 22:00, and then the explosion of brass from 25:50 - 27:00. Tell me that wouldn't get people off their feet. I could see Crown's brass doing a masterful job with this - it would be an instant drum corps classic.

I know people tend to underestimate BAC, but really? 75th place? I think that's a little low.

The Academy posted a spot open for bass drum a week or two ago. Does anyone know if there are any other percussion spots (battery or front ensemble) still available?

My son's high school band director marched '83 Cadets and says they made significant changes to the closer of their show prior to Finals Night. True? Maybe?

On the Madison Scouts' FB Page: It is unfortunate to hear that the Glassmen will be going inactive for the 2013 season and we hope to see them back better than ever in 2014. Even though our own audition process has been underway for three months, we do have some select positions available throughout the corps. If you are a member of the Glassmen or were in their audition process, we will waive any audition fees in trying out for the Scouts. The first step is to check out the link below and fill out our INTEREST FORM. Note that you were auditioning for the Glassmen and we'll get back in touch with you about available positions. We want to help you find a drum corps home for the summer whether it's with the Scouts or another great corps! Very cool.

He's actually a dual-degree student, majoring in music performance and astrophysics (weird combo, I know, but he loves it). So he would miss a number of academic opportunities. Some classes, for example, are only taught in the Spring Trimester. I know how much he loves music, especially drum corps, but I'm hesitant to sign off on letting him take a trimester off. Especially when that might affect his financial aid, which our family needs in order for him to keep attending the school he is attending. He has contacted a few more World Class corps, so we'll see what they say. Thank you again, everyone, for your help and advice.

He has definitely thought about that! The problem is that, as a music major, he's obligated to play in concerts that happen toward the end of the trimester, and to be at those rehearsals. So we'll see if that is a possibility. He will continue to contact corps and see what sort of flexibility they have. Thanks, everyone, for your advice.