MPutnam

These are the days, my friends.

Let me begin by saying that I am not a fan of electronics or narration in Drum Corps. That being said, I really like the way both are being incorporated into this show. The electronics are woven into the overall sound and really add a whole new layer. It's not just electronics for the sake of - "Oh we can use synths now". I think you really need to hear it live to appreciate this effect. The spoken words in the pre-show are not really narration at all. They remind me of some of Steve Reich's work with taped words like in "Different Trains". The interplay of the different words and phrases has an interesting rhythmic interplay. At last night's run the narration in the ballad was missing. I missed it! The poem is just as much a part of the music as the brass in my opinion. And I must say that the way Klesch wove EOTB & The Abyss together is just incredible! Kudos to the kids doing the vocal parts (counting)in the perc. feature. There is a lot of talk about this show being hard to grasp. Here is my take on it... E=mc2 We all recognize this equation. Most probably know that it translates as Energy = Mass x the speed of light squared. But how many of us truly understand the mechanics of the equation? It is an enigma to 95% of the population. We recognize the symbol, but don't understand the symbolism. I think this show design addresses that dichotomy. I think the show can be enjoyed by the average fan from one viewing. There is a bunch of entertainment value in what they are doing. I also think there is plenty of nuance and symbolism for the judges to still be fleshing out come August. No, it's not as obvious as Triple Crown, or Rach Starr, or Even the Common Good but it's going to be an awesome summer for the corps formerly known as the "Cream Team"!

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” ― Albert Einstein

"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception". Einstein - speaking of his theory of general relativity.

Is Crown rehearsing at GW tonight?

I am about 30 minutes west of Boiling Springs. Trying to decide if it's worth driving over...

Any word on conditions in Boiling Springs?

I am recruiting members for an all crumhorn and sackbut ensemble to compete in SoundSport.

Waffles.

Love the new ending! Very classy Vanguard.

And??????

I agree with this 100%. I am hoping this a section of drill that gets reworked.

Wonder Twin Powers... Activate!

I think INT will be somewhere in the middle...

The only prediction I can make with any certainty is that this is going to be a great summer of drum corps!

Well... Klesch wrote the horn book. Hannum wrote the drum book. But old school it ain't!

Crown needs one of these...

I don't think anyone has said Crown has anything "wrapped up". I doubt anyone has had the chance to see every viable top 12 contender in Spring training. Even if they had, making a prediction of the season's outcome based on those viewings would be foolish at best. Crown is going to be great. How great in terms of competitive success remains to be seen. I have high hopes...

I went to Gardner Webb last night to watch ensemble rehearsal. I really liked what I saw and heard. All the chatter about voice overs is unfounded. They are not using them, and the show doesn't need them. The superhuman narrative comes through loud and clear and does so without being "cheesy". Visually this is the Crown I have always wanted to see. Drill retains the open space and massive field coverage (Fanfare For The Common Man - 5 yard line to 5 yard line) but has a ton of frenetic in close drill segments as well. There are a couple of moves in this show that are going to blow audiences' minds! They have taken the whole body movement thing to a new level. Guard work is very cool! I am not a percussionist, but I can tell it's a Thom Hannum book! Drums cover every inch of the field at one time or another. The battery going out to multiple concert bass drums and timpani for "Fanfare" is neat. Really strong in all captions. This is definitely medal caliber design.

Not when he's coming at you with a flip flop in his hand and fire in his eyes! Ahh good memories...

I think this is no contest... The contra player could just play long tones and bore the cymbal player to death.

It's all for the common good I suppose...

When does Crown move into GWU for everydays?

Got my first chance to see the show tonight. This is a very fan friendly production. I think this production has a ton of potential. The guard is stronger this year, as is the drumline. Hornline is strong as usual and does not have a "top heavy" sound. After watching the corps rehearse over the past couple of weeks, I would say the preview performance was a little flat. I think there were some technical difficulties out of the gate with the pre-show. The pit amplification was a little off and the pre-recorded stuff was almost inaudible. I am sure that the production I saw tonight will evolve over the coming weeks into a crowd favorite.

I have to go with Crown. They not only play very well but are asked to do so right after some very demanding bodywork in the middle of their show.