valjean

Are BD and Andrea Giuffredi aware of each other?

That makes sense. I was starting to think it must be deliberate but they need to show us that.

Anybody know what the heck is going on with the props? They recycled props from finalist corps going back to at least 2017. That is fine but why haven't they been painted over, or changed at all? Highly distracting seeing half of an "ouroboros" on the field, inert. I'm hoping the props at least get utilized in some way because as of right now they are not being interacted with at all. I want PC to do well but it's hard to understand what the design team is attempting to create.

I hope something gives this show color. I enjoyed watching it but wasn't wowed like I was in 2018. I'm hoping there is something waiting in the wings for the unis which are extremely (and obviously) plain. The props are fine, but not particularly thought provoking. I don't love the direction they've been heading with their ballad music but it could clean up nicely. I honestly have no idea how this show will rate. I feel like all the talent is there to medal but if competition across the country is strong I could see them falling to fifth as many have predicted.

Academy shocked me the most, with their sound. SCV had some neat visual moments, and a wicked killer percussion (as to be expected) but the brass writing didn't hook me. Props = eh. I don't feel qualified to comment on guard. BD was quite killer. I don't usually like their choreo (no exceptions here) but they had some cool drill moves. I thought their musical selections were totally on point. That brass sound was MASSIVE. Dunno how much of it was bolstered by synth but it was well mixed so I didn't care. I'm convinced most fans of "Cowboy Bebop" only ever watched it while they were falling asleep as teenagers, but their rendition of the theme felt inspired, a perfect choice for the corps. And their unis were pretty spiffy too. Dunno why SCV thinks they can just dress the corps in all white with absolutely zero distinct features that can be seen from a distance. Big "mormon underwear" vibes (not to be crass). I have many more thoughts but I will save them for later in the season.

Gotta admit, I liked BDs show better than SCV. Better selections and better horn writing. Heck, maybe even better drill.

You're right but the corps was just so stinkin' good. Corps that aren't BD or Cavaliers often don't know what to do after a championship season, I was glad to see SCV did something bold, and very different from the previous year. A lot of people seem to think the group is going to majorly drop off this year, and they could be right, but I doubt the talent pool will be any worse than the last few seasons.

JD started in 2012. Agree completely btw, I thought 2019 could have had a stronger ending (though that could be more do to with the program then the brass writing itself) Whatever the reason for JD's departure, moving towards a more..."crown-y" sound makes perfectly sound sense to me. and BTW... in n out is the absolute LEADER when it comes to quality burgers fries and shakes at REASONABLE PRICES. I Saw some receipt from a dinner for two at five guys that was 44 bucks! 44!! Unreal. And NOBODY has anything on Animal Fries. Do non-californians even know about the secret menu? I swear people, I can do this all day.

There's nothing wrong with being ABBD. This isn't exactly sports where you put the ball in the net and you score points, and that's all there is to it. I'll cut to the chase--You don't have to like a corps simply because they are winning. My favorite all time performance (as listed on my bio) is Phantom Regiment 2003. Obviously I don't like that show because of its placement (4th), I like it because I think the design is fantastic. I don't doubt the presence of unnecessary hatred and bitterness in this activity, but there is nothing inherently bitter or unfair about (consistently) disliking a corps' design philosophy. And just for the record: I do like BD shows sometimes 🙂

I hear Crown brass is no joke. I hear BAC guard is no joke. I'm going to hazard a guess and say SCV percussion will have a leg up (as they always tend to given the UNT connection) BD Bluecoats and Cavies are the biggest question marks in my mind at the moment. Would love if anybody could weigh in with their thoughts and/or observations.

Well then. That's pretty hilarious.

I haven't seen any official announcement but it doesn't seem to be top secret or anything. The info showed up (randomly) on my twitter feed and those tweets have been up for weeks now 🤷‍♂️

My gut says we will see more conservative show design from the big names this year, but then I heard Bluecoats show will feature a complete "real-time" tennis set throughout the show?? 😶 can anyone confirm?

For the sake of the trumpets' third valve slides I hope not.

So.... is "Something in the Way" going to be the ballad this year? I'd put money on it.

Lol. Homer much? 😉 If cavies medaled again I'd be very happy as well.

I would love that! Personally I think Phantom is in a great place to improve, especially with JD coming back. I'm not sure who would make place for them but I'd sure love to see it.

1-3: BD, SCV, Crown (order TBD) 4-6: Cavies, Crusaders, Bluecoats (order TBD) 7-9: Cadets, Blue Knights, Blue Stars (order TBD) 10-12: Crossmen, Phantom, and........... Madison? (order TBD)

Themes and intent are totally overrated. Put together a great show and everything else will fall into place. Crown's brass in 2019 was absolutely sizzling, can't wait to hear them this summer.

Why? I'm sure in the 60s people felt the same way about the Green Bay Packers

I'm excited to hear the new SCV brass. Very curious what Evan VanDoren delivers. Personally I loved JD's book from 2019, but I'm not surprised that the higher ups wanted a fresh sound. We can bet on top notch battery and percussion, we can bet on outstanding drill and visual design (tarps and highlighters notwithstanding).. now just gotta hear those horns. As for the visual team shakeup I'm not concerned. There's still a ton of local talent on staff.

stunning musical performance from SCV so far. wow, I think they feel better without the big tarp too.

w-was that new?? 0_0'

first corps to feature a mic'd string quartet from a platform on the field gets a cookie. we have the technology

santa clara horns are cooking tonight! a little wild at the beginning but they are settling in to the dome well.