mj3004

They had an issue at the first show. You're right. They should eliminate electronics. There was some dirt in the colorguard. They wouldn't have that problem if they only had one flag.

I also did hear that they experienced some electronic issues tonight causing the mix to be very loud especially in the first half of the show. I'm sure they'll resolve it quickly.

I couldn't sleep last night just laying there thinking about what I just witnessed in the theater tonight. I cannot wait to experience this live. Bravo to the Bluecoats for taking this risk and pushing the limits of technology. The speakers around the field must be a difficult feat to setup, coordinate, and work within the sound delays that have to be accounted for. In over 25 years of watching drum corps, I've never had an opening night show affect me like this. I can not wait to see how they build on this and get this beast of show clean.

What's wrong with some element of surprise? Although, I appreciate the Cadets approach to showing rehearsals. I've now seen the show that they have so far 3-4 times. I'm okay with skipping seeing it live at the first show that I attend this summer where they are in the line-up. I'm not as interested in it now.

I would assume: Uniform = "I like what they are wearing" Costume = "I do not like what they are wearing"

Follow the facebook page. They have been posting articles, videos and other interviews frequently for the past year or so. https://www.facebook.com/contemporarycolor?fref=nf

Wow, I loved how they used it all throughout their show. It was tasteful and I thought masterfully done. I would absolutely disagree 100% with calling their usage lazy, gross, worn-out, crammed, inappropriate, out of place and overused. Have you emailed their design team and shared their thoughts and how you could have done it better? I believe Blue Devils also used it a very high level as well. I can't wait to hear how they utilize it with "Ink" I absolutely love the use of electronics as a new layer within these shows and can't wait for more corps to push the envelope with it.

Here's great information. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHW82ZbHtMk6r_wvyVgh1Ps-gMBdBH2ru

Yes, Greg is on staff at both Cadets and Bluecoats.

It's always interesting that most of SCV's Winterguard design staff and one of their tech staff is actually Bluecoats staff. They definitely put out an incredible product this past winter.

Do Blue Stars still hold their Spring Training in Indianapolis? Do you think they'll move now that the Indiana bill is being passed?

What are they saying?

I've heard of Vet's being cut in many corps. It doesn't happen often and it's a tough situation, but no one should be given a free pass. A Vet has such a considerable advantage. I think in most cases, it's either a personality issue or it's second-year syndrome where a Vet assumes he/she is in and doesn't have to work as hard during auditions. If a Vet comes to auditions the next season and does not show improvement or is playing/marching/spinning considerably worse than the others auditioning, then it's a problem. A Vet should know the quality expected and put the time into the audition material to make sure that it's not an issue. To automatically give that person a contract would be unfair to the rest of the drum corps.

Bluecoats also had a new visual caption head in 2014.

He did. Hopefully he doesn't next season.

I like these moves! I am surprised that Jamey is gone. He'll be picked up quickly if he didn't leave on his own.

Is there a way to filter out Brasso on threads? I'm not that familiar with the settings, but can you block or hide individual posters?

I don't agree with the pushing and the incident, but why was the band on the field that long after their scheduled time anyway? For anyone writing emails and posting on the pages, please try to write well written and mature emails/posts! It will go a much longer way to getting a reply or any action.

I'm not sure where anyone has said that a uniform change is affecting a corps placement by multiple spots. Crown wearing a different uniform than last year doesn't put them in 1st or 8th. Maybe it could have pushed them up one spot over the course of the summer or helped a few tenths though if they were extremely effective? Who knows? I'm disagreeing with your opinion that the uniform a corps wears has absolutely no bearing on how they are perceived and scored. I guess the Cadets just changed their cumberbund colors just for something fun to do this season. I'm basing my view off of speaking to visual judges in critiques directly over the past 9 summers. Have you discussed this topic in critique recently? What have the DCI judges told you when you told them that the uniform and color choices do not matter?

I disagree. The uniform can affect how clean movement is read on the field or perceived from a higher vantage point. I loved Crown's uniform last year, because the stripe on the leg made their movement vocabulary more effective. It didn't have the same effect this year in my opinion. Uniforms, color choices, head gear, flags, equipment choices are discussed in critique. Yes, fans will have their own preferences as will the judging community, but to say that the uniform has no effect on how a corps is viewed and or judged would be false.

This is way too modern for me. Bring back the 40's when drum corps was drum corps!!! In the 40's, no one would turn their back to the audience! How dare they ruin the activity!

Thanks for pointing that out. I always assumed that was Al that was posting with that username. I was surprised to see him posting so much lately.

Sorry, I couldn't stand Boston's show this year. I do like edgy designs, but I saw that show live 4 times this season and it was 4 times too many. Mike is used to having success so I'm not surprised to see this when it didn't go his way. I'm looking forward to what Boston does next!

I do not consider anything that has been done to be over the line for drum corps. Design and Instructional staff's make safety the highest priority. Just FYI, WGI put a new policy in place effective for this coming season. Over the course of the past few seasons, WGI has been aware of an increased use of props that could potentially endanger performers in competition. With the activity reaching new heights in terms of creativity props have gotten taller, more elaborate, and occasionally the risk has exceeded what we consider safe for our events. While WGI certainly does not want to stifle innovation and creativity in the planning of any program, it is necessary that we insure that an unfortunate situation does not occur. At the annual meeting of the WGI Board of Directors, the following policy was passed and will be inserted into the rules for all color guard, percussion and winds competitions beginning in 2015: WGI Sport of the Arts strongly recommends that performing groups and their directors/staff use the utmost caution and forethought in planning and use of props that might place participants (and others) in potential danger during assembly or use. Props built and/or used by groups at WGI events, including drum major podiums, that measure over six (6) feet high and are used in such a way that result in a participant whose feet are more than six (6) feet above the competition area must have appropriate safety railings in place. Participants are prohibited from jumping or leaping off any prop that exceeds six (6) feet in height unless protective padding is in place or other adequate safety precautions are taken. PENALTY: At the discretion of the Contest Director, including (but not limited to) prohibition of the use of the overheight/unsafe prop(s) or disqualification. Such penalty can be assessed based on a number of factors, including the height, number, and/or type of equipment subject to penalty and the possibility of a safety or property damage issue arising from the use of such equipment. If you have any question about any prop you are currently considering for your program, please contact: Dale Powers, Director of Color Guard Mark Thurston, Director of Percussion Wayne Markworth, Director of Winds We look forward to another season of amazing and safe performances in 2015. Sincerely, Ron Nankervis WGI Executive Director