Shempy

As far as I know they've never really included post-scores stuff. I've never really understood why. Perhaps individual licensing through the corps since they already use a roughly "equal" amount of material from each corps?

They did part of it in 2009.

I don't think it's as black and white as you make it seem. I think there are some really great examples of shows that can both fully entertain a crowded stadium and also give something a little deeper to notice on repeated viewings/listenings. For example, 2010 Cavaliers - it brought the house down at Finals and throughout the whole year. But to those who give it repeated viewings, a whole new "world" opens up that isn't accessible with just one stadium viewing. I think a more recent example of this is The Cadets' Side By Side. I'm really looking forward to the DVD/CD release so I can give it the diligence the program deserves, but it was also a pretty big crowd pleaser. I'm not sure why BD this year (and to a lesser extent in a few past years) has chosen to go so far to one side as to basically abandon a good chunk of people. Maybe they're trying to make statements, maybe they're trying to push barriers in the activity, maybe they're just bored and wanted to do something different - I doubt even BD's staff can pinpoint an exact reason. But I think we'll see BD return to its roots within the next 2-3 years.

I think what's important to understand is that this is very new ground for most of the show designers/instructors/etc. Each corps is going to feel their way around these new technologies, effects and DCI's regulations regarding them. Come 5-10 years from now (provided DCI doesn't go bankrupt or the G7 doesn't split off to tour Bollywood or something), I think we'll see these things used in such a way where you won't even notice them, and if you do, you won't care because the effect is so good. Not to say that the "acoustic" shows will die, but rather that show designers will mature in regard to their use of their new toys, and will use the tech to amplify a show - not the other way around.

I basically agree with you on BD. And I really liked Cabaret Voltaire. I thought it was smart, subtly emotional, and well executed. But re:Rite of Spring is absolutely forgettable. And Crown's IMO isn't much better. While they may be the best executed and cleanest, the top 2 are some of my least favorites this year.

Really? The only example of "sequelitis" I can think of recently is BD playing Bird and Bela in 2007 and 2010, and even then I don't believe they reused melodies or sequences.. Otherwise, that's a pretty silly rule, it would have disallowed SCV 2013, Cadets 2009, SCV 1989, etc.

This season reminds me a lot of 2009. Except back then I actually liked the BD and CC shows. This year's are kind of meh.

This year only: Madison, Cadets, Colts.

Translation: everything in DCI should cater to what I remember from 30 years ago.

Could you give me an example of what you mean by this? Because I think some of the arrangements we're seeing now are absolutely fantastic.

I'm glad someone mentioned Cavs 2007. I feel like their work that year keeps being overlooked.

Has a WC corps ever done a Cole Porter show? My memory is failing me right now.

It's not all of a sudden at all. Percussion has been CC's one weakness for a while.

BD Phantom: giant angel statues that are pushed all around the field during the show; tries to explore the meanings of loneliness and love. CC Phantom: Plays the overture 8 different times throughout the show; last visual is the phantom mask with a giant crown on its head. Cavies Phantom: Tries to do a modern-day Phantom story, all guard members wear cybernetic-looking phantom masks. PR Phantom: Doesn't even play Webber's musical, instead plays music from the 1880s because that's when Gaston Leroux was alive. Troopers Phantom: relocates the story to America; closer is Music of the Night mixed with John Dunbar's theme. Spirit Phantom: instead does PotO's sequel, Love Never Dies because of their obsession with the early 1900's. Feel free to add more.

1. BD 2. Crown 3. Cadets 4. SCV 5. Bluecoats 6. Phantom 7. Cavaliers 8. Madison 9. Blue Knights 10. Boston Crusaders 11. Spirit of Atlanta 12. Blue Stars 1/2, 5/6 and 11/12 easily interchangeable.

BD keeps winning because a spurned ex-lover of George Hopkins - a southern belle at that - has manipulated the judging community to seek revenge on the man who broke her heart. It all fits. Call the president.

I hope that boo was directed towards the people who +1'd her comment rather than her comment itself. Wouldn't Granny's feelings hurt. :tongue:/>

Someone getting mad about corps being called "marching bands" brings to mind a 7 year old who gets mad because his toy is an "action figure," not a doll.

Remember, Bluecoats 08 didn't really come together until finals week.

I don't think the prevelance of that type of attitude is an excuse for its existence.

I'd like to think that the designers want to entertain in a way that isn't too one-dimensional. Perhaps they'd like to stimulate the audience in a way that isn't just "Oh, those were some sweet brass licks," etc. Not to say there's anything wrong with classic BD "cool" programming, but rather that the new breed of show designer is a designer first, and an educator second. Then again, your cynicism could be completely right.

Which corps are "selling out and doing weird shows to 'score' higher?" I'm guessing who you're referring to are corps like BD and certain things by Crown and The Cadets, but those corps were already in the top echelon before any trends of "weird shows" started. EDIT: Although I do want to say that I completely agree that the Troopers are phenomenal this year.

The excuse of "it's booing the judges, not the performers," is a crock. Whether you want to believe it or not, what you are saying when you boo is "You don't deserve the accolades you received." The age of the performers is irrelevant; it's just disrespectful as a whole. You wouldn't boo at an awards banquet for anything else, why is it ok just because these events are held on football fields? Also, I got a hearty laugh out of Granny calling someone else sanctimonious and then proceeding to elevate their generation over all young people today.

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For some reason, SCV's show is kind of forgettable to me this year *braces for stoning* I think the reason is because I was completely in love with BAC's "Revolution" a few years back, and it's still just present in my mind every time I see Vanguard. Hopefully SCV can change my mind come Finals week.