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Or the 95 masterpiece. What a hose job because DCI did not want to use "dark" as their champion when presenting to Disney.

As I said after the uniform reveal for BC, "Greg Lagola, put down the color wheel. Or...please pick one up".

I think Scott Chandler still suffers from PTSD after that color guard...😆

Can we just enjoy the fact that we get to witness Finals, and that we have had the opportunity to enjoy what has been an amazing season from so many corps? It was not long ago that the world was on lockdown. Here we are, basking in the brilliance that is the corps, designers, and most importantly, the members. We all have our favorites. That's ok. Let's just enjoy tonight, scores and placements be ######...

Those are two entirely different questions, with two entirely different answers. How would you suggest that DCI make the competitive balance any "fairer" than it is right now?

Yeah, if you liked the costuming from "Newsies" decades ago...

Like Mandarins!!! 🙃

I have been around/adjacent to Mandarins since they were the little Div. III "corps that could". They have always been interesting and fun to root for/pull for. Their evolution over the years has been fun to watch. And, then... "Sinnerman". Well conceived, well plotted, well designed, and INCREDIBLY well performed. In what can be a cookie cutter activity, Mandarins have brought something fresh and invigorating to the field. For that, they deserve their "just rewards". Here's looking towards tonight with the hope that they dig a little deeper, push a little stronger, and leave no doubt as to their imprint on the 2023 season. Thank you, Mandarins, and I look forward to watching one more performance of your show. I know in BD land, we say "do it up, Devils!!!" I offer this for tonight: "Make it Magical, Mandarins!!!"

I remember asking my director that I designed for (in a show that was crushing it score-wise), "How come no one is applauding?" He replied, "They don't want to interrupt."

And, dang if they didn't do it once again tonight. Bravo.

Same thing with Chumley. Do you have "the package" and perform the crap out of it? You get points. Down year, not so much in the way of performance? You will be scored accordingly. Here's the kicker, though: Blue Devils do NOT have down years. Therefore, they are rewarded accordingly.

I don't disagree. There is ALWAYS room for improvement, and I have to believe that DCI strives to achieve that, year in and year out. As far as "too Socratic", I don't perceive you in that way. "Socratic Seminars" have been used by me all the time in over thirty years of education. There's nothing wrong with asking the questions. I appreciate you, ContraFart. 🙂

Honest question (no snark): What is the "broader conversation"?

Long time BD honk here, dropping into this thread to express some gratitude... While I am thoroughly enjoying the artistry, genius, and execution that BD is putting on display this year, I have to say that Colts literally have upended me this year. F### scores, (although "bravo" for breaking 90!), f### placement...what the designers and performers are giving to the audience is magical. For years, the Mars practice facility in Concord was "home". For years, Raider Hall in San Jose was "home". For. years, there were multiple high school that I designed for and taught at that were "home". What Colts are putting on the field reminds me of those places and times, and I am grateful for that (plus, I am a sucker for their musical book selections). When I watch their show, I am fully aware that the designers have something in mind, and the performers have something in mind, and the audience will engage with the show with something in mind. All I know is this: I believe that this show transcends the activity of "drum and bugle corps", and puts itself squarely in the position of "artistic excellence". They possibly will never know the impact that they have had on their audience, but I wish they did. Whenever something artistic is created and put out for public consumption, the designers/performers have no idea what the reception will be. The Colts this year have achieved something that moves beyond the "nuts and bolts" of pageantry and takes us to whatever place "home" may be. I honestly feel honored to watch them and their excellence. "Dome Sweet Dome". Get 'em, Colts.

Go ahead...move the goalposts further again.