RamonR3

Actually,Rice Stadium has been renovated with new seats and new restroon facilities. So it should smell better, but the Berry Center is newer and nicer.

If you like the good ol' days, that's your right to do so - for me, I'll take the modern shows which are easier to listen to and more exciting to watch. Yes, those that marched before us paved the way - WE GET THAT - COLLECT YOUR MEDAL AT THE DOOR UPON EXITING. What I also remember is DCI was founded by those such as Jim Jones (bow your head and take off your hat) and others who were trying to get away from the rigid clutches of the VFW and American Legion. I have seen the shows from the 60's and early 70's and while they are solid from a precision standpoint, they are not easy to listen to. As far as Finals this year, get over it - how many corps exist from California that are in Div 1,2, and 3? I would guess more now than from the East Coast. Those corps deserve one in their back yard - I'm pretty sure they've earned it. TX: Thank you for pointing out my errors. After doing a double "fighting crime", sometimes my eyes get fuzzy. I am glad that everyone is enjoying the East vs West. or Mature vs Young. It is too bad that Richard Hertz from Holden will not be able to enjoy the luncheon that will be held by SM. Dick advised me he is tied up fishing. Let's all try to keep this thread on the first page. I think it is more exciting than the scores. Plus, you have no idea where the next thought or idea may come from. DCI shows are scripted just like WWE. Basically drum corps on steriods. "Just thinking of the good old days" CODI

Here is a review of the Houston show - keep in mind my perspective was from the 50 yd line, 9 rows from the bottom. Southwind - 67.40 - The show was entertaining, although somewhat dirty. Based on the previous scores the corps has been receiving, it seems they have hit a flat spot. I'm sure the corps will fix the problems and the corps will have better performances. The horn line was nice, and the drum line was somewhat dirty but had a nice balance with the horns. Troopers - 64.15 - As an alumnus, my observations might be biased. With that in mind, I liked the Troopers show and think with more cleaning they might do nice. Two things are glaring when watching the Troopers show: 1. The horn line is doing a good job, but with 38-40 horns, the weaknesses are exposed and sometimes magnified. 2. There is a lack of speed in the show - maybe it's just me, but the pace was nice, but they were getting passed up on the freeway by the other corps' drills. Overall, the show was nice - percussion had an improved show and Taps was stirring at the end. If they had a few more horns, they could make semis. Capital Regiment - 74.00 - After hearing about this corps, seeing them in person was worth the wait. This show can make finals - horn line was good, although they had a couple of rough spots. The drum line had good balance with the horn line and the show itself was entertaining. This show also had speed in the drill design and the corps performed well. Again, if they can clean the rough spots, they might squeak in at #12 or #11 on Finals night. Magic of Orlando - 69.25 - One of the most accessible shows of the night. A very recognizable theme. One problem.....dirty. Again, if Magic can clean their show, they will be in the hunt. I liked what they were trying to do - the show had great energy. The guard really made the show what it was (as they should do) from a design standpoint. The real eyecatcher was at one point two guard members were standing on a plank held up by the guard. One of them, female had what seemed to be blood on her head, adding to the realism. It turns out she was hit on the head AND WAS ACTUALLY BLEEDING. The people around me thought it looked real - turns out it was. The announcer told the crowd she would be fine. Cadets - 86.10 - WOW! This show exceeded my expectations! All aspects of the show were fantastic. The horn line was clean and loud, the drum line was freakin' smokin out there, and the guard.....what can I say....clean. The amps did not detract from the show like I thought they would. There must have been drill inconsistencies, because my from my vantage point (limited), they were on fire. Can win it all, but will be close. Cavaliers - 86.50 - Another show that was well performed. The 007 theme really fits the corps. The guard uniforms look MUCH better than last year's version. All sections performed really well although the Cadets beat them in all music subcaptions. It seems like they are not showing all of their cards right now - the ending seemed like something was missing. This show can win it all as well - it remains to be seen who will show their cards first with regards to design. Overall, each show was entertaining and finals week should be a treat to all. Ramon

Here's my take on the situation: 1. I liked the Cadets show the best. The show had recognizable music and it had a contemporary flair to it. Loved hearing Rocky Point Holiday - almost shouted "east, east , east" at the end but refrained from doing so. 2. SCV - Abstract show, but lots of passion from my vantage point. To me, SCV is one of the very few that can pull off an abstract show and have people clap loudly at the end. 3. Cavies - I do not like the show - while the show is for the most part clean, it's boring in my opinion. Drum line was not clean and the scores showed that. Overall the young men are performing the heck out of the show, but the designers made the show a little self-serving in my opinion. There does not seem to be the same entertainment value as in previous shows - once you get past the ugly guard costumes, there isn't as much to talk about. Visually, the show is stunning, but the music leaves something to be desired. One more thing, I think it's perfectly OK to trash the designers and not the young people performing the show. The performers did not play much of a factor if any into the design of the show. So if I don't like the design of the show (in this case, the musical aspect of the Cavies show), I still think the kids did a great job of performing it. No, I don't think it's backhanded as one person said. Bottom line, I paid my money to see the show, I want to be entertained.