brichtimp

Ha ha....and that 2015 crew evolved from the 2014 Cadets...the last year they actually made the podium.

And as preachy and cheesy as 2014 was, that was the most recent Cadets show to make the podium (and arguably could have been Silver).

I believe that is Col. Jason Fettig....an awesome conductor, educator and communicator.

Great ensembles, whether they are orchestras, bands or drum corps, display top notch control of ensemble blend, balance, intonation and precision (basic variables). Personally, I don't mind synth sound in DCI provided that the inclusion does not obscure, overwhelm or corrupt the ensemble musical elements I listed. That Keytar with BC is a very cool addition to that show, without, IMHO, detracting from the Coats' awesome ensemble sound.

Vandegrift is fabulous. Their concert band is mind blowing.

My 2 cents: The top DCI brass lines are among the best on the planet. I do not want to hear the quality of their sound, the blend, balance, stellar intonation and controlled power...abused by unneeded amplification, and that includes the insufferable bass goo that sometimes obliterates the base of the pyramid of sound. Just like I don't want to hear the Chicago Symphony or Berlin Phil brass sound corrupted via amplification. I don't think a DCI fan needs to be an audiophile to discern the negative impact of amplification done poorly. I've been a DCI fan since the mid-70s, and I don't plan to give it up; but a lot less artificial sound and a lot less MM rolling around on the field would do wonders for my enjoyment of the activity.....just sayin'

Stan Kenton would have really dug that! I'd love to see BD or even Crown do a modern re-take on that iconic LA Neophonic chart.

I found Prosperie's Cadets finals percussion tape to be very consistent with the 19.2 score.....they outplayed the book in his eval.. Would love to hear his BD tape for comparison.

Flo was reliable for me until last night when it continually failed with what looked like a server error of some kind.....certainly not acceptable for the money they are charging subscribers. For me, the most obvious comparison is the streaming quality I get from the Berlin Philharmonic's Digital Concert Hall: https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/devices Although the latter is not completely analogous to Flo's product, Berlin broadcasts a high def video/audio stream around the world; and their consistency and reliability are outstanding. I think DCI and Flo should go to school on how Berlin achieves their product, and see what they can learn and apply to the Flo/DCI situation. Drum Corp lovers deserve no less, IMHO!

For me, Flow app via Apple TV on a Sony Bravia connected to Audioengine speakers is a reliable solution for DCI.

And, if you can't get to Berlin, a subscription to their Digital Concert Hall is a slice of musical heaven.

The only night that awarded a podium placement. Of course, as a parent of a 2014 Cadets MM, it was cool that every other show that summer found Cadets placing either first or second.

The 2014 Tarps and the droopy Capitol banner in backfield were a gift-wrapped invitation to hand Silver to the Coats on the only night that counted....cringe-worthy.

That was an awesome podcast, and the suggestions about achieving quality sound apply equally to percussion....getting the best sounds in your mind, etc.

I just listened to the Marching Roundtable podcast featuring Freddie Martin and his sons, Chris and Michael. That was a half hour well spent. Chris Martin was Principal trumpet in Chicago after Bus Herseth retired, and now leads the NY Phil trumpets; and Michael plays in the Boston Symphony along with his work with the Cavaliers. Their discussion of the DCI activity in relation to their experiences and the demands of both disciplines was illuminating. Check it out!

PC looked and sounded excellent...nice foot phasing, too.

Bookends of the 2014 Copland snare line were both C2 alum.

The BluRay was the ticket to enjoy the excellence.

And despite that fubar, their execution and quality of the Copland arrangements were arguably Silver, even on Saturday night.

My son teaches snare line for C2, and they were on fire in the lot....let’s see if they can bring it now.

Basically multi cam with the announcers between shows. Video clarity is fine and sound too.

Gotta say that the Box5 feed tonight is excellent....viewing Directors Cut option.

Lots of creativity in arrangements and design. The top 3 are apples and kumquats....all good with some weak points. Overall, very enjoyable.

Who are the two feed announcers?

That was some primo old school drum corp at its best.