palmettomello

Anyone else think that the title "The power of ten" is a nod to the fact the corps has won ten championships? Kind of like a little jab at the judges, "yeah we know what we're doin, we know it's a monster of a show, this winning thing has been done before." Sorry if this has been mentioned before, didn't feel liked digging 500+ pages.

Jeopardy clue tonight, "This mythological creature is featured on Atlanta's seal, created in 1865 signifying it 'rising from the ashes' [paraphrased]" answer: the Phoenix. Thought it was a cool reference to SOA's production this year.

Are the platforms the same shade of green as the turf in Lucas Oil?

This year's guard uniform and color scheme is very reminiscent of the SideXSide show they did a few years back, very simplistic and classic cadets.

I think over the next few weeks we will get a more defined storyline with the addition of some characters, a la 2009.

Anyone Periscoping the show tonight?

Think crown will debut any changes in the show tonight?

It will be interesting to see if/how they integrate a narrative in the show with character(s), like they did in 2009. I believe Cesario mentioned something about that in his interview podcast.

Quite tasty, brass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Y1rB6V5mo

Guard uniform is very reminiscent of Jude Boughton's Broadway-style work in the recent years with SOA 2011-2013 and Texas HS bands.

Despite not scoring especially high, this has to be one of my favorite BAC shows in a while. This is probably the best on field cam video I've ever seen because it has the entire show from from all the different perspectives, thanks Crusaders! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC09s_E3QmQ

http://spiritdrumcorps.org/home/2014-design-team-and-caption-heads/ Not a very detailed bio, but you get the idea. Don't see the quote "former caption head" mentioned that often in there for the teaching staff, leading me to think that they staff is a bit young. Not satisfied with my superficial and overgeneralized analysis of the design? Now you know how I feel after watching the show.

The majority of the staff that left in 2013 started their first year together in 2010. I believe that year was a good production (that was underscored by the judges) and a strong showing for the staff compared to the previous year's corps. This lead to them securing a finals spot the following three years with strong, fan favorite shows that were well designed for the corps' talent, strengths, and weaknesses. IMO, I think they kind of dished out three very similar shows from 2011-2013. I saw the staff change this year as necessary in order for the corps to innovate and push forward in terms of design. The staff they assembled this year was sub-par at best and looked like they just promoted people underneath previous caption heads up. They just tried to sneak by with a bland program with zero direction. Really hoping SoA can recover and become a perennial finalist. Can they bring in some bigger name staff to try to lure talent and generate stronger programs? Didn't see that much staff that were very well established in the DCI community or experienced with some of the other top groups.

Not sure if this is the right topic but I've been pondering this in my head all summer, what is the point at which design turns from a corps' signature to stagnant design? I believe a corps can retain certain style based upon their history, previous productions, and overall image presented. However, this can be done without the mentality of 'if it has worked before, it'll work again' and generating shows that are almost cut and paste of years past. Point in case, Crown has started every year's production with a slowly growing pre-show featuring rippling weapon tosses and a long linear impact hit since 2009. I find this a little annoying and would like to see some new programming ideas for the design's pacing and development. Additionally, it is known that crown will end the show in a crown formation. We come to expect it and get tickled when it is done in a manner that surprises or enthralls the audience due to sheer entertainment, this is something I enjoy and find as a signature. I read on here earlier where they said this years show seems like all the stuff they couldn't fit in 2013. Another example is Spirit of Atlanta's current show. This is the first production from them since 2010 (a show that I really liked and was highly underrated) that didn't have the black and white, broadway, vintage feel. Their shows from 2011-2013, while enjoyable, bleed together in my mind that I had to reference corpsreps. I understand that this year was a major staff turnover and really hope they don't get stuck in a rut with program design in the future. Maybe outsourcing would allow for an increase in novelty and bring a breath of fresh air to some corps?

Anyone know if/when they are going to add a space-y image to the white tarps on the field and if they are going to get anymore show flags? I just noticed that the flags in the ballad and closer are the same and Crown usually adds a bunch of new silks toward the later half of the season.

Interesting Look into the Program: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-TKk2_5znY

I have never been a fan of the recent uniform fad of the airbrush color fade, even though I have worn one in a unit I marched with myself. I do, however, LOVE Boston's uniform and how they mixed the traditional uniform with a new effect. Really digging the shift when they turn backfield, It gives that pop of color that you don't see when the horns are to the face. Major props to the design staff and FJM, I believe.

Really enjoying their snapchat account. It's reminding me how much fun tour is with people you spend every hour with and the true meaning of the activity beyond the scores. Kudos to you for making great use of a simple app!

Very tasty guard writing for Boston. I noticed that some of the weapon work reminded me of crown, any staff relation? Agreed about Bluecoat's lack of silks in the ballad, some sweeping color could add so much to that hit.

Anyone have the some insight as to if/when/how they will overhaul this show to disprove the nay-sayers that don't think they can squeeze into finals?

Can anyone that was there/saw videos give some insight on the close margin between Spirit and BAC? How do they compare?

I agree the whole production seems so well designed, but the guard uniform seems so blah and almost as an after thought. Wish they could upgrade. Right now what they are wearing seems very conservative and covers up a lot, is there another uniform underneath that they are going to reveal as the season progresses? Best output from that design staff since 2010 by far.

After watching the preview show on that infamous site, I agree that the show is bare bones right now and pretty rough. The hornline book is there but just needs the snot cleaned out of it, and same goes for the visual program. In comparison to the past few seasons and the recent staff turnover, I think the drill design has taken a significant step forward and is solid writing that will challenge them for the duration of the season. However, I think the percussion and guard will hold them back. Hopefully tons of GE will be added and the guard has a major overhaul. Really hoping that this production will 'blossom' over the season to secure a spot on Saturday night.

I think the real battle is going to be between SCV and Bluecoats fighting it out for a medal. IMO, Crown and BD have a medal position on the table while Cadets fall to 5th. Nothing against them, but I believe that SCV and Coats have higher caliber products that will surge the last 2/3 weeks of the season. Nonetheless, a solid top 5 that will score within a smaller margin compared to the last handful of years!

SCV has a BEAST of a visual program and a book that will take them places. I think I just found my favorite show of the summer.