truman

With the exception of the two corps noted in the announcement as being in exhibition, this is a judged competition.

I normally just skip past these kind of posts, but this one is just horse****. In the first 3.5 minutes of Crowns show, they scatter into their opening set, with about 20 brass stopping and playing little clips, then they prance and dance while playing their brass impact, (is this playing on the move to you?). Then they scatter again and sit as the enter banner is unfurled, then they finally do some "marching" during the drum break when they don't play a note. So, if you equate moving and playing with GE and difficulty, a corps who doesn't do that for the first 4th of their show probably should not be Championship worthy in your mind. As far as DCI re evaluating scoring systems, perhaps when a corps doesn't have the highest visual scores, or the highest brass score, or the highest guard score, and barely a top 5 drum line, and they still come in 1st, maybe that is worth re evaluating?

A show in itself!

Great job, spot on as always! Now that the kids are grown, we have been thinking about doing Pineville, (been through there for a couple quick visits in the past). We love Pondburg, but perhaps next year...

Quick note from "back at the world" In between some drill writing I researched some of Coats original material and got the answer for some of the voice samples. Some wild stuff! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67R-Y6258qo That lead me to watch the True Bloo videos on their facebook page. If you haven't watched them, they are well done and well worth it! My thoughts today about our trips and the passing of seasons and years seem really well represented by the ballad. If we could just slow down time for the good parts! https://www.facebook.com/Bluecoats/videos/vb.180000990709/10155824078165710/?type=2&theater https://www.facebook.com/Bluecoats/videos/vb.180000990709/10155883595585710/?type=2&theater

Yes brother, I know... NOW! LOL thanks! I want all the American people to understand that it is perfectly understandable that the American people cannot possibly understand...hehe

Sorry to be so lazy that I won't search this long thread for the answer, but I am curious about the source material for the voice samples used in the show. Can someone help me with that? The opening seems to me to be news media clips? I swear I can make out the words Bill O"Reilly, and the recorded corps introduction sounds like classic a Walter Cronkite voice. And what is the "seems to wear his hair long" segment in the drum feature? It's like an APB thing? Absolutely love the mood/vibe this show establishes using electronics, and live it's so much more effective than on any webcast. Had a great time watching them Saturday before East!

Thank you!

Then there is our solution, we either need to go door to door across Hamilton and recruit a few more yards, or else raise enough to like time share some homes. hmmmm...we could rent a few houses for the week to host pre show warmups and post show parties. Somebody get on that please!

You can count on it, can't wait to see the corps again!

I felt the same way This makes sense. I wonder if this affected SCV battery? They have a local across Hamilton that hosts them every year with lights and refreshments and a roped off area in his back yard.

Thank you, I appreciate that... I am looking forward to yours!

The late ride up the turnpike was quiet. There was some sleeping in the back seat, and almost some from the driver's seat! Luckily, Lynn stayed awake and kept an eye on me even though I wouldn't let her drive when she wanted to. Just like many other times, we found ourselves traveling in the same direction as the tour, and we rode along with corps vehicles on their way to Buffalo. There would be no trip to Buffalo or Indy. Work and band camp means it's web casts and the theater for us. We do have 2 DCA shows and a trip to Rachacha to look forward to. It has been a great experience, and I hope you have enjoyed the story as much as we have. I know that my diet is glad for the trip to be over, but it's fun to splurge if you can. I am so thankful for those who got to come along, especially my wonderfully awesome beautiful wife. I am not the easiest to travel with, and she is great about it. Our friends are safely home in South Carolina, and I miss them all very much already. For those of you who still have shows to see, I hope you can make some great memories of your own. The competition is as close as ever, and in my opinion any of 4 have a legitimate shot at the title, and there are close races up and down the line up. It is going to be a lot of fun to see how things unfold.

For dinner we stopped at a plaza near the entrance to the park on Cedar Crest Blvd. We have been doing this one of the two nights for the last couple years becasue they have a couple different food choices in one place. We all opted for take out from Mi Chongs. The Duck Pond Park parking was jammed to the limit. Saturday usually is more crowded, but the Crossmen and BAC alumni have big parties there every year on the night those corps perform, just adding to the crowd. We parked across the street and set up to eat under some shade near some warm ups. We actually had the show up on our phones and watched some from the park, a technological miracle that we never could have imagined just a few short years ago. We made our way through the park, watching some warm ups along the way. The highlight had to be watching Roger Carter playing the little kit set up as a kind of "human met" for the cool Bloo battery warm ups. This is like a show in itself, and I strongly recommend seeing it if you are in the Indy lot, or even by watching the tube clips that are out there. The picture below is one that was a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. My oldest daughter is on the "spectator" side of this warm up. She came really close to being on the performer side of this picture this year. We thought about how different our summer would have been had that been the case. She has her age out year left, and although we will be proud of whatever she chooses, I imagine that we might be watching a warm up in this park next year through watering eyes. We made our way in at INT again so the ticket holders around our seats could adjust their stuff from the extra room they had been enjoying. PR was first, and they performed the snot out of the show tonight. Power and beauty on display, we, and the crowd gave them an appreciative S/O when they finished. The goo mixer, on the other hand, gets no love from me. I would say most of time, and ALL of the impacts, the synth was way too loud. Sound board mechanical crescendos that started too loud and finished way too loud. It was a constant annoyance and a distraction. I really was left wondering who was responsible for thinking this was musical or appealing in any way. At first I thought it might be speaker/seat location, but that was not the case with any other corps we saw from these seats over these 2 nights. Hopefully they make the right adjustments in Indy, and continue some of the momentum they established tonight. 6th would be quite an accomplishment for this group. Somehow we thought this was kinda cool. Here's the multi cam live webcast on the phone with the real time show in the back round Scouts also had a great run. This crowd appreciated the recognizable music and the retro feel Madison style. The bone solo in the ballad was really well performed. As a little side note, I have noticed that EVERYTIME any "alternative brass instrument" is used by any corps, that there is an almost obligatory applause given. It seems to be more forced than when a solo on conventional instruments is performed, amped or not. Pay attention if you see things live and you will see what I mean. Out rolled The Coats. A great run for them as well. Our second favorite ballad of the year. Awesome mix for the electronics dynamics. The crowd loved them and loves to Blooo! Not really surprised by their GE caption strength, as they create a new and unique canvas of mood and effect. As close as they are, I wonder if they have enough meat on the bone to make up the difference needed to medal or even win their first. One thing for sure, that really doesn't matter when it comes to the fun and enjoyment this show provides it's members and audience. Crown continues to develop on the dark side. The brass just seems to get more angry and powerful every show. The same can be said for the guard, they are just phenominal. The enter banner still sends chills down my spine. One change I didn't like was put in in Atlanta. One front mello starts to crawl out under the red in the ballad, and is pulled back under by his leg right before it is pulled off. All around me there was laughing and giggling at this part, not in a make fun way, but because it is "amusing". I am told that the same reaction was given in Atlanta my people around those that were there. I feel that it detracts from the creepy dynamic that this visual prop establishes, and that they need to take it out. Cadets finished things off with a powerful display of marching and playing. They were definitely making the statement that they were not going away. The same feel from Chester for me on the black. Not helping the visual like they wanted I think. The battery seemed to take Colin's request to heart. and despite a couple little problems, they put on quite a display of power. We had talked about the chances of Hop and Company deciding that the black was a bad move, and if they would switch back. Had the gap widened tonight, I really think that it could have been a possibility. Not so sure about that now. After some more pictures we made the long walk back through the trucks and busses. Crown's guard was still in full uniform spinning and tossing and catching under the flood lights in the practice area. I took this as a sign that they are going to push really hard for the title. It probably is just coincidence, but ever since Hop kinda relegated them to third in his comments before Foxboro, this corps has put the pedal down competitively. We added 2 more to our group for breakfast after the show, another drummer friend and his girl friend. We decided to try something new, and went to the Golden Gate Diner by the airport off 22. Great service and good food, and excellent prices, it was a nice change! Even though the group was exhausted, the drum corps conversation and fun was energetic as we looked at recaps and talked about the shows. I found myself wishing the whole posse could travel to Indy for another week of fun, but instead we had to say our good byes until next year. Next up: some final thoughts

After getting a little sleep, (I do mean a little), in our home beds, we were excited for the day. The original plan was to watch Coats in NJ, then to try and see Crown's run through in Allentown before the show. Once we had the daily schedules, it was clear that the timing would not work by about 15 minutes. Because Cadets were about 15 minutes closer to Bloo, and because they had EPL 15 minutes after Crown, we altered the plans a little. The group had grown to 8. Our oldest and a friend who marches Cabs joined us, and we met our friends and their 2 girls who were up from Carolina. It was 2004 when I was circling the outside of the Meadowlands pre show and passed a familiar face going in the other direction. After marching together and sharing an apartment in the early 80's, we had not seen each other, or even kept in touch, for almost 20 years. A friendship born in drum corps was rekindled by it again, and we have spent most summers together around East ever since, watching our kids grow up together. I am so thankful for that day. We found Bloo setting up for ensemble block at Delaware Valley High School in NW Jersey. They had the use of multiple fields but were now assembling on the stadium field, a grass surface that seemed a little slow, with sneakers disappearing into the thick grass. The box location and height does not seem to be a concern for them as they travel with their own. They chunked thorough the show working hard and responding to some great comments from the staff. Small corrections were handled well by the members. We noticed several of them wearing a "7" on their chests, including Willie on the podium. Apparently it is tradition for age outs to wear the number of days left as they count down. A cool idea that reminds everyone everyday of how precious every moment is. Also there is something that traditionally goes on during Sat blocks call Caturday when field staff patrol in a cat suit. Unlike others we had been watching, they run some reps with the brass playing at a level one dynamic rather than air and valve or bop. It was a lot of fun watching them. Every time we have had any inter action with members this year they mention how much fun they are having with this show. Make no mistake, they work as seriously and hard as anyone, but seem to have a vibe that was different than what we had seen from others. I was excited to see Roger Carter was with them. We remember some great times watching him in his early days with BD in what seems like just yesterday. We really tried hard to determine the source and what is being said for the voice samples they use. This show has grown on me with every viewing, and live, you really appreciate how well mixed, clever, and effective the electronics are. Beyond that, they are performing their responsibilities really well. The run through was solid, thanks Bloo! We took off for the 40 minute ride to Liberty High School in Bethlehem to find the Cadets, and got to see them do the the last 40 minutes of their ensemble block. As expected, they were working hard. My buddy, being a drum guy, has become a huge Cadets percussion fan. Loved the comments from Colin M. in the box, constantly asking the battery to play louder in spots. I read the a great description on DCP of their drum book saying it's like a run on sentence. I would add the words are in CAPS and there are a ton of exclamation points throughout it. Most of the box comments were related to energy and emotion. We marveled at the guard girl who got a shoulder injury and was in a sling as she fought one armed through the section of the show she is still performing. They do not do a run through, but the brass line played a nice little rendition of Happy Birthday for Gino C at the end of the block. Next up: Saturday @ East

I may have misspoken the other night when I said I couldn't think of a better place to work on these posts than the ocean front balcony. The scenery at this place is close to that, but the soundtrack and drum corps history give it the edge. For like 40 years I have come to this spot for drum corps. A cocktail picnic next to the stream by the duck pond park has been the tradition for us for the last 16 years or so. Many have similar stories, often their history pre dating DCI. We got decked out in our good luck BD regalia of shirts hats pins necklaces and wrist bands and bracelets. Even some ink, (temporary and not) As usual we spent all of the first half in the lot watching some warm ups, and went in at INT, except for my oldest, who spent most of the night seeing friends in the lot. As we passed some members in cream bibs and white shoes, with maroon shakos I suddenly stopped and did a double take. For a few seconds I considered that the black out had been abandoned, then remembered it was Cadets2 night to perform. You always see some cool stuff walking through bus and truck alley from the lot to the gate. Perfect heat and humidity for sound. We were in the customary section J, low side one 40. Really enjoyed Stars, the show moves along at a great pace, engaging the audience throughout. Wish there was a little bit more of a dramatic ending. Cavs are coming along nicely. Guard especially improved! This show is like PR this year for me, some very nice moments with solid performers in all sections, but a design that never gets to the level of the moments that the top 5 can achieve. Glad to see the whole corps back on the field. BK is uniquely interesting. The curly S guard prop thing has great effect. Love the mirror concept. Solid drum corps stuff in all sections. Ironic that SCV's show is about electricity. Things just seem to not be going in their favor. I didn't really catch the first couple minutes of what was being performed as i could not help but watch the struggle at the sound board. Only noticed premature lighting a couple times. Glad they finally got the power issues handled before the ballad and end. The coil light up got an oooooh, then the reveal got an ahhhhhh. Flag poles add another layer. The guard "powering down" seems to go a little un noticed from where they are staged. I think they could re time that possible with a better turning off of lights for greater effect? BD owned this night. They say JBirney, she don't lie. To produce GE in this venue requires having all the pieces in place. A rock solid run, the new ending is growing on me. When they started forward in the impact circle of the closer, the blue moon overhead, memories of the last few weeks flashed through my mind. Over the years this demanding crowd has not always given love to this corps, but tonight was not one of those times. As we stood cheering my mind was trying to devise a plan to drive to Buffalo Sunday. Being near the track as the Free Players came out to perform, seeing the excitement and determination on their faces, and looking up at the huge crowd giving them some love was really cool. The sights and sounds in the park post show are different, but just as cool a part of our experience. The post show celebration was at The City View Diner in Whitehall, about 10 minutes from the stadium. Just about everybody went for the Breakfast Feast, pancakes, eggs, meat, homefries and coffee. This table was far from cholesterol free. We always have so much fun at these post show gatherings! Next up: Saturday at East and a different Bloo!

We arrived at the Hamburg School facility just as The Champs were finishing lunch. This has been their East week housing for several years and is a great site with multiple fields including an artificial surface stadium with a nice high box. We met the recently appointed District Superintendent, who had stopped by to make sure the corps had everything they needed. He is a huge drum corps fan, and was thrilled to have a top caliber entertainment group in his community. He discussed future promotion and committing resources to make sure it stayed that way. Awesome stuff, the activity can use as many guys like this as possible! They spent about an hour in sectionals then chunked through the show in ensemble. As always, awesome instruction on the field and on the box. John Meehan split his time between the field and box. Todd Ryan, my favorite visual guy of all time was up top, along with TJ Doucette doing guard. Mr. Ryan made some small visual correction comments, but also asked for emotional and energy commitments. After a rep of the beginning of the opener..."That was a technically safe rep Blue Devils, really well executed, but you didn't draw me into your story. You will do that not with your feet, but with your hearts". TJ was working the guard very hard, and despite their high guard score the night before, didn't let up the whole block. "(name), you have got to be kidding me! How do you drop when you are not even doing any work in that section?" She also demanded that the rifles give more commitment to their exchange section on the chairs feature, which she felt they had become somewhat complacent with. That kind of instruction is why they probably will win guard this year. Also up in the box was Rudy Garcia. Although he is on the percussion staff, I have noticed this year that he also makes a lot of comments concerning tempo and timing to the brass line as well. Spot on stuff from him! The run matched, maybe even exceeded, their energy and performance level of last night. Every year, especially when BD comes east early in the season giving us more views, it's always the same for me on East day rehearsal. As we usually don't plan on going to Finals, Allentown is normally our last live view every year. As they started the ballad, I came to the realization that we would only see this show run live 2 more times, ever. I got choked up in the emotion of the musical beauty, and by the time they blasted the last note I was trembling a little.Thanks again BD! We grabbed some subs to go for our pre show park picnic at a local Hamburg shop, Hecky's. A great selection of fresh soups, salads and subs...2 thumbs up for this place! Next up...Friday at East

We got together outside the gate to talk about things we saw, liked, and thought. One subject was the distant memory of the initial G7 TOC "proposal". The crowds at the events and the prices being paid for tickets, , food, parking etc seem to validate the whole concept in some ways. I wonder about the corps who are not "the draw" and how they felt about being on the outside looking in. Regardless, the competitive battles being so tight is really exciting. Another thing we agreed on was that we didn't like the announcer, it's not vanGUARD or BLOOOdevils We were very happy when the scores were announced. That meant it has been a long time since BD has not won a show that we went to, including 3 out of 3 this year. I could be bribed to attend finals Mr. Gibbs! We congratulated some members as they came by. and got a nice pic with the DM. We decided on the obligatory post victory stop at the Springfield diner just up the turnpike. It was late, but even so, the difference in the service attitude from what we experienced in the South was noticeable. The food was good though! We passed the BD souvie truck in Allentown. Super excited to spend the day with them tomorrow in Hamburg!

Some random show thoughts: Crown's brass was the loudest of the night. Their guard has many OMG moments. The solo in the ballad is just gorgeous, what chops! Amazing how far this show has come since Clifton. SCV had multiple (like 10?) premature illumination issues. Many of the brass players body movements caused them to randomly light up, one during the opening choreography. The changes in the ballad worked pretty well, still feel something woogity timing wise between the front ensemble and the brass as they move into the back right corner. Thankfully we saw no holes caused by last nights pile up. You really can't fully appreciate the drill design unless you are up higher. Tough draw for the brass following Crown, a noticeable drop in dramatic power. I have always loved PR...but...this show is not a fave. We had hoped that our first live view would allow for some goosebumps.There are some nice moments but overall the program seems immature in design. The voice is annoying and unnecessary. Claire is too long, and doesn't hold audience engagement. Organ synth was WAY too loud!!! Confusion about the in and out policy at the smoking gate caused us to have to go through the mob scene that was INT twice. The souvie stands were all jammed into the concession stand area and near restrooms, so the crowd was dense. Standard overpriced stadium food...$5 for a bottle of water or soda? By the time we finally got out, Cavs were coming on, so we only caught their run from the tunnel. We did see Coats being lead in by the swagger that is White Night Willie. The pass for corps members at this gate was their ability to show their drum corps tan feet! Coats had a malfunction with electronics in the right end zone. There was a delay as they fussed around with something over there. Then when they got set and were ready to go, the brass kneeling in their pods and Willie ready to start, there was still an issue that would not allow the opening samples to play, and they had to sit there for what seemed like an eternity. We have been looking forward to seeing the show live for quite a while, eager to hear the electronics in a live setting. We were not disappointed...really cool effects and solid performance in all sections tonight. Is there a story or reason I am not aware of behind the all male pit? The champs were next. A very solid run they deserved the win tonight. We both still like the old closer better. Awesome talent and performance level in the front ensemble, and they are having a blast. Love, love, love the ballad! The new bass drum heads matching the snare and tenor covers are fantastic. All eyes quickly shifted to the corps entrance as the Cadets came in. The guard uniforms are a great improvement, making them much more visible. The black looks cool and still has Cadet style. The effect visually on the field is not good, imo. The black shako and plume makes them look shorter. Many sets seem muddy. Body movements that had great effect with the old unis now do not. Horns and black are all you see, so horn angles are super exposed, and dirty in many places that I never detected before. We were all in agreement that the uniform change hurt more than helped their cause. The colors on the battery drums help that section greatly, they look as Bad ### as this mornings coffee! My friend is a drum guy, and he has become a huge Cadet fan because of their percussion style and attitude. He pointed out some things and spots that are crucial to them winning the Sanford. One thing he made me aware of is that they have not hosed some very tough parts in the book like some others have. There is a chance that they will not medal, but of course it won't be because they are out worked by anybody. Next up: After show

Well, which is it? Dinner to go was steak and cheese from Claymont Steaks, holders of multiple best cheesesteaks in Delaware awards. We ate in the lot as Crown Brass warmed up nearby. Friends we had met up with had tickets to the VIP reception in the stadium and they reported a nice spread at the party. The security checks of the big crowd were taking longer than expected, so the show was delayed 15 minutes. The skies had cleared up and it was a warm humid night by the bay, perfect for brass sound. This is a great venue for drum corps, excellent sound and sight lines. We said hello at the BD souvie stand, and 3 shirts, 2 hats, and some temporary ink tats later we got to our seats on the 40, side 2. Next up: Some random show thoughts.

Just as we arrived at Rustin High School in West Chester it started to rain pretty hard. The brass was trying to work music sectionals on the field, the battery was working in dugouts on a nearby baseball field, the guard was in the lot, and the pit was under cover. Some thunder sent the brass under cover. We watched the battery for a while. The acustics provided very clear feedback. This group is really strong! The thunder cleared and the corps took the field for ensemle. With the rain continuing, we had a chance to hear things live for the first time without the pit. WOW, some really great things, phenominal things going on. They chunked through the show, making small corrections and adjustments. A marked difference from the major changes SCV was working on. Because the French Horn soloist is using a mic in the shako, we were able to get a glimpse of the new look. The skies cleared by the end of the block. There was no run through. They are being pushed to be great. After the last rep Gino pronounced them ready. It will be interesting to see if the new look is what they need to jump out in front again.

We were up early again to watch the sunrise, and to take one more swim before starting out on the 5 hour trip back up the coast. Early morning is a great time to be in the ocean, and the waves were big and relentless. We stopped on our way out of town for some 100% Kona coffee. Hi test and a taste like no other, the Bad ### Coffee Company does it right! We ate some of the last of our pastries for breakfast as we made our way up the scenic coast and RT 13 through VA and across MD into Delaware. We are planning on seeing Cadets afternoon block in West Chester, but it looks like a storm front will be arriving there at the same time. Weather has been a non factor, and hope it doesn't start today!

After a few hours of sleep we were up to watch the sunrise. One of the more beautiful things in the world, this morning did not disappoint. It was coffee on the balcony watching the surfers and the dolphins before the best way to wake up ever, a morning swim in a strong surf! For breakfast we decided on Doc Taylors just off Atlantic Ave. A former doctors office that only serves breakfast and lunch, (and famous $2.50 bloody marys and mimosas),you would never know from the outside what southern delights are inside! Some of the best coffee anywhere! Lynn had the special watermelon mimosa and the Ray Ray, a fried egg over bacon with parmesan tomatoes on an onion roll with grilled potatoes, and I opted for the Old Bay bloody mary with pancakes, eggs and bacon. This place is a gem among tourist trap restaurants, and a favorite of the locals. Staying oceanfront really removes any negatives that the beach can bring. No need for dragging coolers, tents, umbrellas and such. Our room was a 2 minute walk from the water, so we did the "swim, rinse, relax, repeat" thing a few times. The water was a perfect temperature. We arrived at Colon Hall Stadium at the Great Bridge school just as evening ensemble block was underway. A warm sunny night, another large (and kinda loud) bando crowd was on hand again.They spent about an hour working on the changes and additions to the ballad. Felt bad for the battery as they pretty much just pose backfield the whole time. Big improvement on the selling of the bird effect. Next they worked the closer and more changes. When we were talking after last nights run, we both had noticed a couple near collisions in the brass at the end of the show. The combination of tight intervals in the compact design, coupled with velocity leave very little room for error. One half step off a dot could spell disaster. I don't know if it was the distraction of all the talking and moving around in the crowd after every rep, but I sensed a little lack luster performance energy level. Certainly a tough spot being the 3rd night of no shows and some hard work. My senses were confirmed when the crowd was asked to please keep it down while instructions were given. Then the corps was challenged. "You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain Vanguard, so let's get the energy and performance up to the level that you are capable of. This is the spot where you grab the audience and will them to their feet" The crowd yelled it's approval as they reset the end of the show. The energy level went up several notches, for the first few sets. Then it happened. A mello on side one tripped and went down on a direction change out of a tight set, and 4-5 more brass players tumbled over him in a heap. Most of side one did not finish the rep as they were forced to stop there drill. Luckily only a couple minor twists and bruises, but I believe one trumpet was kinda mangled. The young lady carrying that one was noticeably shaken up, but she returned after sitting out for a couple reps. They spent time working through the sections that caused the issue set by set. Understandably confidence was shaken and even after a few reps went smoothly,you could feel the vibe had changed dramatically. After a lengthy pre run glug, a 5 minute or so meeting was held on the field, and a good pre run pep talk was given from the box. It was time to make sure the changes and hard work done over the last few days was finished off with strength and confidence, so there was no room for self doubt or negative thinking. The corps responded with a fine performance. Really fine battery and front ensemble work of course, some really nice guard moments, and a brass section that is getting stronger and more expressive every day. The mellos live have a piercing classic Shaw sound. The layers of things they have added to sell the theme, coupled with some good old fashioned cleaning has them poised to make some noise over the next 10 days! Because of night construction on major roads, we have been taking the back roads to and from Chesapeake. For the second straight night one of the strangest things occurred. Because of the huge military base presence in the area, jets are constantly flying in the area. Loud jets that fill the air with a roar. When you are driving in a car in the dark and one passes right over you, it is really unsettling because at first you forget what it is. We spent our last night in Virginia Beach watching a decent cover band, then some fireworks as we walked along the moonlight ocean. Knowing we would see three great drum corps shows over the next 3 days helped with how hard it is to leave such a beautiful place. Next up: Black out at the Chester TOC.

We got to the beach mid morning. It was warm and partly cloudy at first, but the clouds cleared and made for perfect conditions. The water was clear and refreshing,the waves were decent, and we spent the day before checking into our hotel. A nice view from our jacuzzi and deck! We headed out to find SCV about 20 minutes away in Chesapeake. Along the way was our dinner stop, a place we had seen on Diners, Drive Ins,and Dives, The Rigoletto Italian Bakery and Cafe. We got the signature dishes to go, Caprese salad, Florentina Steak Panini, stuffed meatballs, and a couple baked goods. We found the corps and ate on a bench under a pine tree as the brass worked in sectionals. They worked the 2nd movement alot, mentioning several changes and tweaks. Then they spent time developing some stamina during Piano Concerto. In between reps, they had to run off the field, around the pine tree right next to us, then back to their dots, where they ran in place until the rep started. 3 sets like that definitely will build up stamina! As we took their picture the second time around, as one kid rounded the tree, he blurted out "oh jeez, they're everywhere!" No danger of having a dead cell phone around this corps! After a quick drive around to check out the area, we came back just as ensemble was starting. The sound echoing down the tunnel as we approached was really cool! The corps was working movement 2, the parts that the brass had just worked, and they sounded and looked fantastic. The big appreciative crowd on hand applauded after every chunk that they played, As they chunked through some rewrites to the ballad and the ending, a couple of brass players appeared to be just learning their dots. Apparently some late season additions to fill a couple holes? It would seem some more lights have been added, but not positive as the webcasts have not shown the light ups as dynamically as in person. A strong run through-and as expected we love the show and the live view was pretty powerful! Can't think of a much better place to be posting this from than on our balcony overlooking the boardwalk with the sound of the waves crashing as a soundtrack. Next up tomorrow: Another day of sun, fun, and SCV!

After 3 weeks of build up and planning, we were excited to get our week long 2nd tour started. It was great that my wife Lynn could get vacation time! The plan is to spend sat/sun/mon night in Williamsburg, see some sights, play some golf, and watch Atlanta on the laptop, then to head to Virginia Beach to watch SCV for two days of rehearsal before going back North for the TOC in Chester, and East. If things work out we will see all of the top 5 rehearsing at some point. If I believed in omens, we would probably would have stayed home! It was a beautiful morning Saturday at 6:30 when we left to drop off our Caballero on her way to Bayonne. We live on a one way street, and by taking an almost straight path across to a connecting side street you can avoid having to go around a decent size block to get to main highways. We always cut across there. Unfortunately on this morning a local PD happened to turn up the one way just as we were crossing. I was pulled over one block from my house less than 60 seconds into the trip! After the standard checks of papers and license, we were let off with just a warning. Breakfast at Wolfe's (I like you Little Red) Diner in Dillsburg on Rt 15 between Harrisburg and Gettysburg, put things back on the right track. Great SOS, perfectly cooked eggs, excellent coffee, at a great price with good service. All the things that make a perfect diner! We played The Commandant's Own and Battle Hymn as we passed through Civil War history into Maryland. Despite some construction traffic we made good time through Virginia and into Williamsburg. Having been a few times before, we know our way around the area pretty well. The wifi connection worked nicely as we watched some Atlanta. Dinner break was a stop by one of our favorite BBQ places, Pierces, a place we discovered on our first trip here with our girls. Pulled Pork sandwiches, with slaw, hush puppies, mac and cheese, and some excellent southern style green beans. Then it was a quick 18 holes at Pirates Cove. Despite a strong back 9 rally by Lynn, I held on for a slim 2 stroke victory! Back at the hotel we watched the last block of corps, and I was not surprised by the results. I had predicted last week that a strong new ending would put Crown into the conversation, and they certainly stayed consistent with their show design theme by using another banner. Sunday we visited Yorktown during the afternoon, then Virginia Beach at night. One of our favorite beaches, Virginia Beach has a great oceanfront resort area. The ocean boardwalk side of the hotels is clean and not cluttered with any food or retail shops along the boardwalk. The Atlantic ave side has all the typical shops/restaurants/bars and nightlife. Every night all summer there are street performers up and down an 8 block strip, live bands and stage acts, and fireworks and special events that are part of Beach Street USA. Very family friendly, and something for all ages, I would highly recommend as we always have fun here! Monday was 18 holes at the Golden Horseshoe Green Course. This resort in the downtown Colonial Williamsburg area has 36 holes of championship golf and a 9 hole course as well. The green course is a nice layout, kept in excellent shape, a nice practice range and a super friendly staff. I did not start the front 9 very well and had to make a back 9 comeback to eek out a narrow victory. No shame in that as Lynn played and putted very well! Dinner was another of our favorites, Captain Georges Seafood Buffet. From the She Crab soup to the Oysters Rockefeller, every item is fresh and excellent. The service was 5 Star and the only thing we could have asked for was some pepto after! We took a nighttime stroll down the main cobblestone street of the historic downtown area before heading back to the hotel. We fondly remembered our first family vacation here when our girls were young. Next up: Ocean Front and SCV!