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Mac13

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Posts posted by Mac13

  1. On 8/11/2019 at 11:39 AM, StrikerEZ said:

    If the design team can make a show as good as they did this year, they’ll probably get fourth (or maybe worse) again. I loved this show to pieces, don’t get me wrong. But at the rate that corps have been improving over the past few years (I loved all but 2 of the shows in finals this year, and there were tons of corps that didn’t make finals that had awesome shows), Crown will need to step up their game if they want to medal (or hopefully win). 

    While I’d love to see another show like Inferno or Relentless, I don’t think this design team would be able to pull it off. They need to go all in on what works for them: slightly abstract shows with insane marching and playing. If they picked a theme that was still abstract, but more relatable, I think they would have a very good shot at medaling. 

    Here’s a theme idea I think would work:

    Change: something about what it’s like to grow up and become something new. Everyone goes through that in their life, so pretty relatable. They could possibly relate it to the seasons as well. This would also be a kind of meta show, since Crown has been changing a lot lately. Also, maybe they could play Firebird? It’s been awhile since we’ve seen that on the field, and CrownBRASS could easily pull it off. It would kinda fit, since the Phoenix rises from the ashes and all that. 

    I was at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina last week and had an epiphany (which are far and few for me...so maybe I'm overly-confident about this idea). 

    How about a show centered around the concept, both concretely and abstractly, of flight.

    Surface: The story of the Wright Brothers would be a great fit for Crown in my opinion, given their Carolina roots. I see flags and front sideline walls with drawings of various plane prototypes and equations (https://bit.ly/2ZlBHnU). Maybe a replica of their original plane that can be transported and moved around the field easily (https://s.si.edu/1w6Kdja).

    Firebird could work as a closer. The "plane" stays backfield until the closer when it's moved forward as part of a dramatic company front, then the Crown set (symbolizing the first flight). 

    Abstract: As StrikerEZ said, this design team is great with abstract...but often at the risk of being accessible. While the concrete concept of the show is the birth of aviation (accessible), the show can also carry a deeper meaning (perhaps during the ballad) of : taking risks, achievements, personal growth, etc. Some quotes come to mind:

    "Fly without wings; Dream with open eyes; See in darkness.” -Dejan Stojanovic 

    “If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.” -Coco Chanel 

    “Man must rise above the Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” -Socrates 

    “Until you spread your wings you have no idea how far you’ll fly.” -anonymous 

    I have no professional experience with show design, but I've been intrigued by this concept since it hit me last week and thought it would be fun to play around with on here.

     

     

    • Like 1
  2. On 6/21/2019 at 7:25 AM, rancidrolla said:

    Go to Walmart and rip some lady's dress off of her & see what list you end up on. 

    I'm with you. I normally don't get hung up on "PC" things like this. But...I couldn't ignore the look of disgust and confusion in my theater last night during that part of the show. It was very uncomfortable. The high school students made comments of disapproval, too.  

    Hate on me if you want, but I think they should revise that part. There are better ways to show what they are attempting to portray. 

    • Like 4
    • Sad 1
  3. 10 hours ago, Newseditor44 said:

    Oh my God! Saw the corps do their first run tonight... and it was fantastic! A couple of observations from someone that has gone to a lot of spring training rehearsals over the years:

     

    1. This corps is talented. All three sections. Anyone that thought this group was going to fall behind this season is dreaming.

     

    2. This is probably the best designed show Crown has had in 5 years.

     

    3. The full show is on the field... kind of. They have a temp ending in place, but when they get the final ending set up, you’re going to goosebumps. Think old school Madison. 

     

    4. The show design is contemporary mixed in with old school drum corps. “We don’t give a f—k, we’re gonna ram some good old fashioned drum corps down your throat”. This will get the fans on their feet multiple times.

     

    5. No singers (yay).

     

    6. If you’re not prepared for the first note, you’ll probably need medical attention. (You’ve been warmed).

     

    7. The ballad will move you to tears. I had goosebumps and there wasn’t even a front ensemble tonight. Thank you Michael Klesch.

     

    That’s all for now.

    Wow, all promising points! I was just thinking this morning how I haven't heard this much buzz about a Crown show since E=mc2. But even then nobody knew what the heck it all meant. 

    It looks like we have a strong concept, exceptional book and a clear direction concept-wise. I'm sold. 

    Looking forward to the theater premiere next Thursday. 

    • Like 1
  4. 1 hour ago, derbydawg said:

    Not trying to start a controversy, but I have a legit question. I understand that "wrong side of the tracks" may have different connotations for different people, generations, cultures, etc. I also understand that for some there is a connection to Grand Theft Auto. Does the phrase not come from making a distinction between classes of people? Poor versus not-poor? Lesser people versus elevated people? Specifically, I know the phrase to indicate a racial divide. Not for one second do I think Cavaliers is trying to provoke negative social  or class distinction feelings or behaviors, but I am curious is there was ever mention that the show title may be difficult for some to get past. Yes, they can show us through the production components what they think the production title means. Am I the only one having this reaction to the show title? 

    My thoughts exactly when I first saw the title. I can list places in America where this still exists in 2019. 

    I know they weren't going for this, but nowadays you can never be too safe. 

    It may pass over the heads of most people, but some may take it the wrong way. 

  5. 28 minutes ago, xandandl said:

    Seems like GH, the corps, the front ensemble especially, and all Cadets' nation owes Master Peter Bates, (horn sgt.. and soloist for Phantom Regiment 2017) a bit of a BIG thank you.

    A tip of the shako to you, sir. Enjoy  your retirement, I mean age-out.

    https://twitter.com/how_do_i_music/status/894350376228540420

     

    I can definitely see how a flag, rifle or small prop could get left on the field...

    But how in the heck do you forget something that big!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! :4_joy:

  6. 1 minute ago, Ghost said:

    If the use of singing by Boston is the gold standard according to many posters this season, is the corps getting the highest points for this one element of their show?

    Hard to tell in my opinion.  Especially since the corps is already strong in music and GE singing aside.  

  7. I finally got to see Crown live last night in Salem, VA.  As always, phenonemal brass.  I would also say this drumline is tied with '09 as their best ever.  I don't know much about colorguard but I didn't see any drops and they seemed in time.  

    The show is great musically and visually.  I just sense a lack of connection with the audience as mentioned before.  When the show was over, there was hesitation before the initial applause.  In comparison, Boston had people standing on the cut off.  I'm almost certain that is not the final closer.  Also, I miss the old Crown already.  Lastly, the vocals really add to "For Good".  "No One" gets a little tiresome.  I'm very familiar with the source material and enjoy it.  I just don't think it translates well to the field.  That's on the piece, not the corps.    

    Overall very impressive show, I do like it.  However, they still have some work to do in the short period of time left if they want to make a connection with the audience at the last minute.  I'm just thankful in a way the judges are liking it so they don't have an off year in the rankings.     

    • Like 5
  8. After last night's show, one moment of a particular show is resonating with me.  It played in my head as I drove the 2 hours home from the venue and even today at work...

    First, I have never been a huge fan of vocalists so lets get that out of the way.  Before last night I would be the one to say the less vocals, the better.  I also realize that no matter what, some people will not like them and this post won't make a difference. That's completely fine...I'm just sharing my personal experience here...

    Boston Crusaders' vocalist is really changing my mind about vocals in drum corps.  Not only is she a phenomenal singer, but her mix with the brass is completely seamless.  It feels so cohesive and is integrated so effectively.  I've never been overly impressed by vocals in the marching arts, but Lord I had chills.  The woman next to me was a first timer to DCI...cried.  All she could say when Boston finished was how beautiful and well executed "the singing part" of the show was.  

    I've watched YouTube videos of it now that I've seen it live, not even remotely close.  Boston is definitely onto something, and they've changed my mind about singing.  Do I think every show should have a vocalist?  Absolutely not.  However if you are going to have them, Boston '17 needs to be the standard from now on.   

    Not to mention the show itself was excellent in all captions.  It's probably going to end up being my favorite from 2017!

    P.S. Salem Stadium is an excellent venue for drum corps.  Great acoustics and plenty of space between seats.  

    • Like 9
  9. I'm really starting to understand, appreciate and love this show now that more layers have been added.  The "deconstruction" of the field really needs to be viewed from up high to actually see it.  

    One question...what's the significance of the football helmet?  The obvious answer would be because drum corps is on a football field...but is there another reason or symbolism behind it? Am I missing something?  I just found it very randomly placed in the show (which perhaps is the point). 

    I never thought I'd ever say this other than during indoor season, but MORE tarps.  The one tarp they have looks great and blends well with the field, but if you really want to deconstruct the field get several more of them.  Each one could have a different yard line design.  I think it would be REALLY cool to cover the yard numbers with tarps that show distorted/upside down/crooked numbers instead.  Just my ideas.  

    • Like 1
  10. 1 hour ago, ashevillemurphy said:

    When did they add that "lapel" to the uniform it has the triangles like the top of the guard costumes - and I guess the triangles of the kick drum platforms in the closer... ?

    I just noticed it on a video from July 4 of the closer - I hadn't noticed them before...

    I think the flap has always been a part of the uniform jacket, but they just recently integrated it into the show.  It appears to be a Velcro flap similar to 2012's that is opened at some point in the show.  If you look closely you can see the seam for the flap even in the pictures from the preview show.  

    • Like 1
  11. I'd also like to add as a sincere compliment that is probably the scariest uniform/costume I have ever seen.  If I looked out my window at night and saw a couple guys outside wearing those...I'd #### my pants and hide.  :tic::peek:

    Which makes me think of another point...how will small children react to these?  I know young children who are afraid of Ronald McDonald or frankly anything at all with facepaint.  Imagine you're 3 or 4 years old and you see 160 people like this coming your way.  

    • Like 3
  12. I didn't think I would say this based on what everyone has said about them.  At first glance on my phone, I thought oh Lord you have to be joking.  I rushed home, got on my desktop to see them full screen and...

    I love them...I think they're absolutely beautiful and this is coming from a traditionalist who adored their old look.  Do I understand why people are upset?   Absolutely, because normally that is me as well.  Do I like it better than their traditional uniform?  Absolutely not, I already miss them.  BUT, this is the most attention to detail I have ever seen in the entire marching arts activity...ever.  Even if you hate them, you have to admit you've never seen anything so meticulous on the field before.  

    As I was always taught growing up, "If you're going to make a huge change in something, you better do it right".  I applaud all involved with creating this uniform/costume.   

    • Like 3
  13. 12 minutes ago, jjeffeory said:

    Yup!  I completely agree.  This is almost like the shift huge shift in show design that happened between 1983 to 1984

    The is a big shift, imho.

    Exactly, and just like '83-'84, '16-'17 will definitely be one for the history books.

    On another note, I'm curious how comfortable these new uniforms/costumes are compared to the traditional ones most of us are used to marching in.  I imagine they'd feel something like the morph suit below I once attempted to wear (note: NOT me in this pic...you don't want to see that :wacko:). Comfortable and flexible...but I felt exposed the entire time if you know what I mean...:ph34r:  ANYWAY....back to the database so we don't get merged.

      black_1.1490127744.jpg

    • Like 1
  14. Just now, jjeffeory said:

    This was obviously going to happen; despite the many nay sayers, other corps follow the leader.  Happens with BD, happened with Bluecoats.

    True, this has been evident for decades.  It seems this year though corps are following the leader more blindly than ever before.  We're seeing an unprecedented change top to bottom of uniforms and visual design.  Even when BD does something "revolutionary", a couple world class corps follow but not 80% of them like this year.

    • Like 3
  15. 1 hour ago, Double.D said:

    Santa Clara

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    It's safe to assume that almost everyone is hoping on the 'Coats '16 trend now.  I don't mind if a couple of corps do it but now almost everyone is already there.  I imagine next season the ones who have yet to crossover (Crown, Blue Stars, presumably BD) will probably do so.  I did not expect this from SCV.    

    I'm not complaining, at the end of the night as long as the performers are learning and having the experience of a lifetime that is all that matters.  This is just so much change to absorb in one season.  I can't recall a season that saw as much change out of the gate as this one so far.  We still have yet to see Madison....... 

  16. 1 hour ago, derek005 said:

    My thoughts from last night:

    Theatre 3/4 full and not to bad since I had a choice of going to at least 20 theatres within a 30 mile radius. Dropped the wife off at the MGM National Harbor casino so that she could donate to the local economy!!!!!

    Crossmen: Loved the music, but the drill was not challenging at all. They will need to make some major changes in order to stay top 12.

    Blue Stars: Actually pretty good. Once they clean the show, it should be one of their best ever.

    Cadets: I thought it was the worst show of the night. The staging (except the last two minutes) was horrible throughout the show and the electronics were to loud. Drum score should have been higher. There was WAY to much signing! Those uniforms just did not do it for me and most of the audience at the theatre.

    Cavaliers: Fast-paced, fun and should get better during the season.

    Crown: "Refreshed" and a very nice stab at GH (and well deserved by Jeff). This show can be great once they get rid of the singing. Horn line and guard great as usual.

    Blue Coats: Nice show and visual package! This show has a lot of great moments and should compete again. Will they be wearing the helmets this year??? 

    This was a very exciting show and I can't wait until I see them all live. One of my biggest complaints is that the electronics are ruining nice horn and drum parts as well as a lot of the singing, but it is early and hopefully, we will see the changes as the season progresses.

    DCI is in for another fantastic season as well.

    What happened with this "GH stab" before Crown took the field?  What did Jeff actually say?  Everyone keeps talking about talking about it on here but nobody will answer.  Some of us couldn't attend the premiere.  

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