[Communication, whats it all about?]

9 judges were given the difficult task to rank and rate 4 Class A corps and 10 Open Class corps, not taking anything into consideration other than the performance of the moment and the criteria on their specific sheet.

DCA (= the 10 voting members) revise the rules every two years and then all agree to abide by them.

The judges are picked by the Chief Judge for Prelims & Finals. Then, we trust these experienced men & women will do their absolute best to get their caption right.

Fans, on the other hand, watch "the shows", and are able to decide, for themselves, which corps they felt was the best, and which was 2nd, 3rd, etc. Some are more informed than others, but all have some bias.

For anyone to think their OPINION is more valid than the 9 judge system, with all of the weighting and averaging that the member corps have agreed upon, would be ludicrous. It funny that some say things like "undoubtedly" or "everyone could see" or other absolute statements of fact, when it's really just their opinion.

DCA did their best. The Buccaneers are the 2014 DCA World Champion. Case closed.

The judging caption heads (visual, percussion and brass) - along with the judging coordinator - select the panel for prelims and finals based on the work of the judges over the course of the season.

[Communication, whats it all about?]

Effect is dependent on the communication with and engagement of the audience.

The judge is to understand that it is the sum of all elements of effect that create the most successful and entertaining performance. The are to evaluate each sub-caption independently while recognizing the significant interrelationship.

They are to reward the entertainment value of the design, performers, and the combination of all factors visually and musically that communicate with and move the audience at any given moment and throughout the program.

As we all know, there are three sub-captions:

1. Communication and engagement

2. Composition effect

3. Performer affect

As far as the communication and engagement sub-caption goes:

COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT

Establish the Connection (Who, When, Where, and How)

Develop, Explore, and Sustain the Connection (Throughout the Performance) Resolve and Fulfill the Connection (Conceptually and Emotionally)

Consider all elements of design and performer effect within all elements of the corps and performance. It is the sum and blend of elements that communicate clearly, and connect with the audience.

To what degree did the corps:

Engage the audience

Demonstrate effective level of communication with the audience

Display and emotional intensity