arabica

BK have consistently produced some of my favorite shows since 2014. I realize a sizable chunk of the creative team left after 2019, but Jay Bocook and Jay Murphy were both design consultants this season: I’m a bit baffled how the program hit the field as it did with such seasoned eyes and ears in the wings. I believe in BK and in their new director; Daniel will right the ship now that he has a season-ish under his belt.

I slowed the video to half speed to watch a drill move I’ve always loved…then proceeded to watch the rest of the show like that. Not recommended. Sounded like a horror movie soundtrack and looked trippier than Bloo’22.

Holy disclaimer! In a discussion board, you [nor anyone] should have to apologize for sharing your opinion - let them flow! What programs do you consider space-aged/modernist from 2022 or another year? You can blame Bloo '16 for this trend, even this season there were more than a few corps with more traditional-cut uniforms [Genesis, Madison Scouts, BK, Troopers] and headwear [Genesis, BK, Troopers] Every show is about something: whether it's presented in a straightforward way is another question altogether, but I appreciate the diversity that comes with depth and layered meaning. The least compelling theme for me this year was Right Here, Right Now. This is how I interpreted the shows: BD: ...blue? BAC: the fall of mankind Bloo: a dream [and a self-help message!] Crown: being present in the moment SCV: finding inner-peace Cadets: a poet's road trip Blue Stars: a war Phantom: a journey Cavies: time Mandarins: a soldier's journey Colts: interpretation of the Silk Road Troopers: grit of the old west I'll happily trade [minimal] guitars and trombones and electric cellos and on and on to keep woodwinds out. I've been disappointed with the evolution of visual design since I marched, but actually feel 2022 had the best balance yet of traditional drill, body movement, scatter/run, and park n'blow. As far as execution of visual [or music], I'm willing to give a pass this year as groups dusted the cobwebs off and dealt with Covid. While some props are cool and create interesting effects, I hate the fact that they are de facto compulsory in order to increase content scores. And the nastiest side effect is they often force drill into clumps. I long for the visual clarity of a decade ago.

Since 2017, corps are not permitted to announce staffing changes (coming or going) until after Labor Day. Every announcement so far has been personally shared by individuals on social media.

I actually really appreciate Pacific Crests approach to sourcing and hiring staff. I won’t speak to how it has benefitted or disadvantaged them but it certainly casts a wide net and feels inclusive rather than the typical behind the scenes “good ‘ol boys” approach.

In.trance.it is one of my favorite overall shows from any corps! I feel 2004 and especially 2005 is what established in my mind they were achieving a new level, but 07 is for sure where it felt they’d started to arrive and would soon be contenders. 2006 was the perfect link. Such great shows!

I literally think 2003 was the last Finals without any props!

Spot on! I’d throw in 05 and 06, too, but 06 feels more like an acquired taste compared to the rest.

Sheldon was the the guard instructor who had the member complaint from 2021 made against him.

I understand - perhaps the show was sent to The Void!

Care to share more?

YES to everything you said! I'm probably reading into things but I actually thought there were a few references to the prop scattered throughout the drill: the hold at the end of opening hit [left form], the hold and move into the closer pit feature [right form], and in a way, the figure eight move in the opener then repeated in the shape of the laid fabric from second movement. The fact that I'm not sure is indicative of the overall design opportunity, isn't it? 🙃

As a designer, my only intention is to move people in some way - it doesn't matter if they understand how or why, only that they are. If they can see a few layers deeper, then that's great too. That Crown '22 or any show makes a connection with you is the entire point and greatest reward...in that aspect you're already an expert of the activity! 😀

Here are some videos Crown put out with a lot more detail:

Was it the segment critiquing BK's diagonal coverdowns? If so, I remember [and took to heart] the exact same part! 😄

Not surprisingly, I think Bluecoats and BAC are best prepared to challenge BD in 2023. They are consistently 2nd and 3rd across every caption and seem to have design and instructional teams that are firing on all cylinders. Every other corps from Crown down will need to make an adjustment in either staffing or approach to design before they have a chance to unseat not only BD, but contend for a medal.

Thanks for your thoughtful post! Here is a slightly different perspective [also from a visual designer]: Although I, too, think visual design was the primary issue, I don't place blame on Jeff Sacktig as much as I do program coordinator Rick Subel. At this level, drill is designed in close coordination with program coordinator as well as the designers/caption heads of guard, brass and percussion to ensure every section and element is staged right where it is needed and when it is needed. As much as I hope Jeff's opinion matters, his job is ultimately to be a conduit for executing on the needs and wishes of the rest of the staff. That said, I don't think Jeff has transitioned as gracefully into the modern era as other designers have through integrating staged moments/movement with pure drill. This is an opportunity. I envision an early design meeting going something like this: "Our concept is 'Right Here, Right Now' and it's about being present in the moment. So we're going to present things that will WOW our audience, draw them in and invite participation no matter where they're looking! We're gonna do this by: audience app breaking the fourth wall a big prop sashes streamers and lots of fabric" And this is where it derails for me, because at some point, someone made a decision to have multiple, equally competing points of focus and visual symbolism on the field. Adding and layering elements should work to clarify intent, not muddy it. This is most obvious to me in the ballad, with the high brass under the tarp, the low brass connected with sashes, and the prop rotating through the low brass breaking apart the form member-by-member. While each element was individually interesting, the competing focus was distracting and the intent/symbolism behind each element - tarp, prop, sashes - was blurred. Aesthetically, the high-brass tarp not only made the right side of the field visually heavy, but felt mismatched to the musical effect: I would have put low brass - the musical foundation and therefore "heavy" - under the tarp and have high brass - musically lighter/brighter - connected with sashes/moving through prop. Finally, the decision to keep the various visual elements on the field after used was a poor choice that not only created increasing clutter as the show progressed, but actually pulled me out of the "right here, right now" and back into the past movements and even past shows [2013]: the four tarps from 2nd movement laid out in an infinity symbol the red sashes laid out perpendicular to the infinity symbol the ballad tarp laid out as "~" the streamer "lime slice" pinwheels laid out backfield Ultimately, as @MikeRapp accurately said: "this is a show about everything, which means it's a show about nothing". That doesn't mean it did not succeed overall in it's aim...it was performed incredibly well and with a ton of pride, was a clear crowd favorite, produced the reaction/interaction it sought, and was musically and visually very interesting. But I echo many others who wish for a more thematically and visually focused Crown in 2023.

Overall: this was my first season subscribed to Flo, and it beat my expectations and feel it was a worthwhile investment. I'm grateful to have seen so many shows and watch every corps evolve throughout the season. Production/Editing: I can't speak to this as I stuck to high cam every show this season except Semis and Finals. My only feedback is pick a shot [between the 10 yardlines] and keep it there, no need to zoom in/out. Streaming Performance: thankfully I didn't experience even a fraction of the usual suspects talked about here. This past week I caught the bulk of Prelims, Semifinals, and all of Finals, and had no sound issues [except Bloo's Semis' performance], and almost no visual issues either. Last night there were a few hiccups where picture on my TV would freeze 3-4 seconds, but on my iPad from where I was streaming there was no disruption: that points to a network issue in my home, not a Flo issue. I will be keeping my subscription.

Agreed! His long, developing visual phrases are kind of the antithesis of current design trend of creating a series of disjointed "moments". I am traditionally a Gaines fan, but once he took over primary drill duties in '18, SCV has been less interesting visually to me - even with the amazing '18 props.

Pete Weber's genius is desperately needed back in DCI.

For sale: a fully-stocked Joann Fabrics. Contact Carolina Crown.

I don't think a clean sweep is necessary but I do have questions about artistic director/program coordinator Rick Subel. Michael Klesch and Jeff Sacktig both have track records of tremendous success, and they didn't create their designs in a vacuum. I don't know how long Rick has been at the helm of programming at Crown, but the 2022 program certainly felt like a "beat them over the head with everything and the kitchen sink" approach. Hoping for significantly more focus and elegance from Crown in 2023.

The Troopers Troopers debut! Can’t think of a more apt title to their show, vorAcious: this corps is dark, aggressive and brooding the whole way through. Oil drums and a giant oil derrick dot the field; the derrick is home to a celloist who is highlighted several times throughout the show. This was a really entertaining show that balanced old and new. Special shout out to brass caption Mary Duerkop - great to see a woman at the helm of a hornline. Troopers brass performed an instant encore of Glory Glory Hallelujah.

The Columbians: Great to see Washington state still represented even with Seattle Cascades taking the season off. This was The Columbians season debut and they performed a pleasant river-themed show with a whole forest of pine trees and blue-painted props to set the scene. This is the first live corps I’ve seen since 2019, and the first time I’ve seen this corps since 2017 Denver regional. Impressed that this corps continues to thrive despite a rough couple of years for the activity. Counted 47 brass, 23 battery, 16 guard and 14 pit. Excited to see what this organization does as they continue to grow! They played an instant encore of a portion of their closer.

Enthusiastic crowd tonight, eager and grateful for the return of drum corps after two years!