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Watching that adorable kid play bass drum was worth the price of admission. posted from the DrumScorps app

Aaaand we're off! posted from the DrumScorps app

Just got back to our home after a great show! Weather was about as good as it can get around here in the summer, and the line-up was spectacular. I didn't bother to take any photos since we were sitting very low in the stands, but some quick comments about what we really enjoyed: - Huge crowd on hand, and lots of love for all the corps. I think the regional last year had an effect on attendance this year. - The Colts' program was a ton of fun and made pleasantly surprising choices that kept the audience engaged throughout. - Mandarins still making unique/memorable choices in show design, and they continue to dial up the difficulty year-to-year. - Phantom looks great in the black, even up close, and has a solid vehicle this year. I got chills from the Shostakovich, like you'd expect. - Wonderful bari solo from the Blue Stars, and the section-to-section differences in the climbing gear was a nice touch. - Boston is moving extremely well, and their guard work was really impressive throughout the show. - Coats were insanely good. Remarkably engaging show, powerful and precise hornline, had the feel of a championship program. - First time seeing the Cavies, so didn't get much from them from the lower vantage point, but loved seeing another stellar marimba feature up close. There's probably more, and sorry for leaving out some groups and really great moments, but what an enjoyable evening! See y'all in Indy.

posted from the DrumScorps app

sweet ending, Boston (in the right thread this time) posted from the DrumScorps app

sweet ending, Boston posted from the DrumScorps app

Aaaaand we're off in Indy! Heat Wave finished strong. posted from the DrumScorps app

We're heading downtown momentarily. Excited to see some corps back in the hometown! posted from the DrumScorps app

Having seen every corps at yesterday's regional, my wife and I both thought that the Mandarins' show was the most pleasantly surprising. We really enjoyed last year's program, and this year they exceeded our already high expectations! The level of demand is up another notch from '17, and the show was consistent and engaging (even if there were times where I wasn't quite sure what, exactly, the show was trying to get across). I thought they'd be on the bubble for finals, but after yesterday I'd be surprised if they *don't* make finals. We got very similar vibes to seeing Academy this time of year in '16. I think the vehicle is there, so clean it up like maniacs the rest of the way!

That's the truth. I'm hoping that with an older facility (and no more NFL team), the event costs should be manageable, but I don't know any of the specific numbers. It's nice to be able to take public transit to a major show instead of driving for hours!

I fell out of this thread last night when friends showed up, but I wanted to say that yesterday was a fantastically entertaining show top to bottom. We brought four friends who hadn't seen drum corps before and had no idea of what they were in for, and every one of them asked me to grab tickets for the show next year before the final few corps had even taken the field. There were lots of folks in the stands, and I have to imagine there are now a bunch of new casual fans in the STL area. I hope we get to host another regional again soon, and this show really has us excited for finals week!

Genesis had some sharp uniforms and marched a strong show! posted from the DrumScorps app

Only one more corps to go until first intermission, but here are some photos I forgot to upload posted from the DrumScorps app

Powerful playing from Legends, and a program that's easy to connect with for the crowd. posted from the DrumScorps app

Shadow with some really effective mirror props. Fun show! posted from the DrumScorps app

Colt Cadets had a nice strong finish. posted from the DrumScorps app

We're minutes away from getting the party started in downtown STL. Good luck to all competing corps! posted from the DrumScorps app

That sounds spicy. It's a little hot, but that's their best sauce IMO. St. Louis bbq is more sweet than spicy as a general rule. posted from the DrumScorps app

Nice weather to start the day here in STL! I'll post some photo updates throughout the show. We're bringing four friends to their first drum corps event, so hopefully no more crazy thunderstorms this weekend. posted from the DrumScorps app

Thanks so much for photos and comments. I know that's a lot to do while also trying to enjoy the shows. Any time! It helped me keep my mind off of sweating like a pig. Good night and see y'all finals week. posted from the DrumScorps app

Well done, SCV! Crowd loved it and they have the look of a title contender. posted from the DrumScorps app

Phantom had awesome music and color contrast! posted from the DrumScorps app

Madison Scouts were very hard to read from this angle, but a very Mad Max vibe from them throughout. Looking forward to seeing this from much higher up in Indy... posted from the DrumScorps app

Last before break: Pio! Can't believe I'm saying this, but wonderful vocal solo. Also, good use of the backdrops throughout. posted from the DrumScorps app

Nice show from Genesis! Welcome to WC. Hiding the corps for the plume was a memorable moment, and some really demanding marching in spots. posted from the DrumScorps app