sadtrombonesound

Nice simple design with nothing too flashy or show-specific. Looks good.

I've been saying this since I first saw the 2013 uniforms on the field.

Lots of potential here. I agree, it would be easy to at first say "Tilt 3.0" but listening to the music again I really see this as stepping in a very different direction. Really looking forward to them playing with the layers in "The Heat of the Day"

The color scheme here makes me curious and forces me to ask the age old question: Will they work cream back into the uniforms this year? While I know the answer is probably no, it would be neat to see them blend the uniform of the "cream years" into their uniform from the past couple years and find the best of both worlds.

I think it all comes down to how they are used. Personally, I think some of the features and solos have been nice and the trombone made it pop in a way a baritone wouldn't quite be able to replicate. Using trombones simply because you can, however, is where things get a bit sticky.

I feel like you would need something with treads to ensure movement on all surfaces. That being said, some venues would probably not like the idea. Remember when Bluecoats couldn't use their field liner in 2014 at PPL in Chester because it could burn the grass in the field? If that was a no-go, having a brigade of props with tank-esque treads could really create a whole new realm of problems with planning for individual stadiums. If a stadium did not allow the use of the motorized units on the field, would that detract from GE scores at that location?

I think as long as you start them from the right position on the field (and that wouldn't be hard, just position them on the field like any other prop), you can pre-program the vectors for each one from a single computer, then you don't have to worry about keeping signals or using GPS or referencing points on the field or anything. Each device would just go through the motions (and hit its drill dots, to use a surprisingly accurate analogy) as it was programmed to do for 11 minutes. I'm pretty sure that's what they did here with the quadcopters, but if it were just wheeled stuff on the field you would only need to worry about 2 dimensions, so it would be easier (maybe): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShGl5rQK3ew

You see "shirseys" (t-shirts printed to look like team jerseys with the logo on the front and name/number on the back, etc.) in the NHL and now more and more in MLB. Is it possible this could ever be a DCI thing? Corps could print the front of shirts with basic designs meant to imitate their uniforms for the year, and with each successive year could make a new version to represent that year's uniform. Madison already kind of did this with their "70s Dude" shirt. For example, all Crown would have to do is print the stripe from that year (be it 2013 orange, 2014 blue, or 2015 red stripes) on a black shirt, Cadets could print a simple version of the west-point style front of their jackets on a maroon (or black, I guess) shirt, Cavaliers just need the black and white sash across a green shirt, Bluecoats could use simple lines to make it look like the opening of their long jackets, then have the sash for the year printed between to look like it was going under the jacket front, Madison could (ok, I think you get the idea...) I assume each corp would need to get the rights to print the design from FJM or DeMoulin or whoever their provider is, but would that be feasible? Also, if these were available, would you buy one?

I really would like if that "prolific composer" was Hans Zimmer, but I know you are probably sworn to secrecy. Loved Cavaliers take on Macrotus. Would be cool to see BK do more with Zimmer's music.

The thing that stands out to me the most is that the pants have a bit of a jeans look in the sketch, but since its only a sketch I imagine it won't look that way in person. I do have a soft spot in my heart for cream jackets (thanks to crown) but it will be interesting to see these on the field. As has been said before, it has a touch of Madison in it. The only major objections I have at this point are ones that probably only appear objectionable because of the sketch, and will probably not be objectionable at all in person. Also, the blue pants are a nice way too keep the troopers blue as part of the uni, but use it differently.

Crown 2010, 2011, 2012. The color(s) were unique, and they were modern without being too strange: a nice blend between traditional and "contemporary" uniform design.

It appears that the Omni Severin is not an option this year. Does this mean DCI staff are relocating to another hotel?

I could really see BD doing great playing PR 1996

I would argue that modern uniforms have been a big innovation driven by DCI. Now, one could say that now WGI drives uniforms and they end up appearing in DCI, but I think that DCI truly influences marching bands of all levels much more than WGI. Uniforms like Crown would be unheard of a little while ago and now their hat style alone is slowly becoming more common (in DCI alone, I point to Cascades and OC), as is uniform design like they use.

Looking at 2014, and also purely from an audience perspective, Tilt, while having a theme, didn't really hinge (no pun intended) on it too heavily and focused more on the music and performance. Felliniesque, however, focused much more on the theme and telling a story. That being said, both shows wowed crowds and ended up scoring 1st and 2nd. Looking at this, I think it's hard to say that either heavy theme and storytelling is better or less theme and more focus on music is better. It's all about how each individual corps approaches their design. Whether a show is story/theme heavy or not usually does not in itself indicate placement, score, or crowd appeal.

Though not sure about a name, there are no World Class corps wearing yellow or gold as a main color. That would be an interesting addition.

For Sale: Bulk order of half circle mirrors. Perfect for hiding corps members or over sized flags. Worked great and in mint condition, but just selling them Because...

Promise: An American Portrait?

They seem to be in to long fringe over the right shoulder. I notice, however, that the sash and the lower part of the uniform are two visibly different pieces. My assumption is that this is so they could reuse the uniform parts from last year, but I also wonder if they might try the uniform change again, but this time revealing mostly yellow. Hmm...

I agree. After only hearing Dense and Woods, it left me feeling like this year was just going to be them trying to do Tilt again, but now I don't think so. The music for 2014 was very high in energy and sort of in your face, whereas this music seems more laid back. Overall, the concept still seems somewhat nebulous (like last year), so it will be interesting to see how they approach it on the field.

Personally, I think the uniform is pretty nice, though that's from looking at the picture. In person it could be very different. I like the white and blue, particularly with the crisp edges, as opposed to the fading from one color to the next that's becoming increasingly common (Blue Knights). Wish it didn't have the the Crown-esque shako/hat thing, though.

I think the Academy has figured it out. They have classy, distinctive, traditional-yet-unique uniforms that create an unchanging image for the corps, yet they can make a subtle color change with the ties and gloves that makes each year unique without as big of a change as, for example, Crown. Not sure what I think of the ribbons on the hats, but I like how they use them. Anyone agree?

What particularly stood out this year was crown. I liked the color choice and the purple guard uniforms, but the stripe in the pants was hardly visible this year. I also though their hats were a major step down. I'm not sure why they eliminated the feather (I think bright blue feather would have really looked good) and I think the flexible material in the hats made them look sloppy. The gaps in the hats where the feather had been in 2013 was different in every hat because the material bent and folded together or apart. I think if you had the hat style from 2013 with the 2014 colors it would have looked great.

Anyone notice this on the Finals night live stream during the pitch bend? This guy's having fun. (Can't get the picture uploaded, so if anyone could tell me how that would be great. Until then, here is the link

For Sale: One extra-large Abraham Lincoln Face Printout. Ships in 27 individual pieces. Some reassembly required.