bicsta

You, sir, are a cunning linguist.

I thought the original opening to Cadets 2006 was way more effective. Vocalist singing "History Repeating" with the corps doing the final bit of drill from 2005 in complete silence.

I still think this show is something special. Remember 1992? Go Cadets!

Congratulations to Crown!

Has there been any improvement on the clarity of story front? Seems like Hop had some nice plans a few days ago. Was there a bunch of consequent dirt last evening?

This is true. I am mad. But I have REASONS why I am mad. Yes. Completely wrong. My analysis of the percussion book is that it is not as demanding from a technical standpoint as Blue Knights, SCV, Cadets, Crown, or Bluecoats. I do not know that the Bluecoats are in fact getting dinged by the judges. Just by the DCP peanut gallery. My point is the Devils are constantly overscored and given a pass on things for which others are lambasted. Watch the shows again. See if you see the poorly conceived scatter drill transitions. The recycled drum book from 2007. The incomprehensible "story". The Bieber?

I continue to be frustrated with the judging community. Cadets are panned for a show theme that is not conveyed well while the Blue Devils are winning GE with wink and a nod towards the Tempest. BD has the top number in percussion book, which is not even in the top five in difficulty ( I watch a LOT of lot videos ). Bluecoats are dinged for running from set to set for staging, regardless that they are in step, in time, and in form, whilst the Devils do flutter step out of time transitions everywhere. Don't get me started on the guard. Whew. I needed that. /rant

Are we sure the gentleman in the press box didn't simply misspeak? I sure hope that's all it is. I agree with your assessment if not.

Would you say that this show is....... Awakening?

I see what you did there Go cadets!

Dear FR Andrew, Thanks for taking the time and energy to acquire the data. Very interesting topic of discussion.

cough cough *old* cough cough

I think he was at Madison for a few years. Came over in 07?

Crown 2010 preshow was enthralling.

To be fair, the 4th place has little to do with the corps, and more to do with the greatest travesty in judging in the history of DCI. Any of the 2-4 corps could have won, but the winners should have been below the top 5 for lack of exposure to error.

I agree. Phantom consistently puts out quality shows . I would describe them as "classy". Except for all the murder.

Bravo sir. These are my thoughts exactly. There is so much unjudgeable visual schlock in the BD show, I don't understand how the repitoire number is above an 8.0. This is a well performed, undemanding show.

Cary, NC. Rooting for Bloo, Cadets, or Crown, who move AND play at the same time...

I had the time to visit Spring Training again on Friday. The attendees were asked to refrain from documenting rehearsal, so I will not give any spoilers. However.... Last year we saw this design team take a simple concept and present the crap out of it. From the field to the horns down position to the ramps, the theme was carried through with thought and precision. This year will be similar. Kinetic Noise is certainly more esoteric, but the things they are throwing at you instantly resonate with the theme and identity of the show. That's not to say the effects are simple. I'm still not sure how some of the things I saw were done. It was very, very impressive. I think the Bluecoats design team is to be commended. I believe you will think so too next Wednesday!

Thanks for posting the vid! I must say, that portion of the horn book makes all the videos I've seen of the competition seem, well, silly. BD is on a different level, assuming they can keep it clean.

groan....

I went over to check out the drums a few weeks ago, I think it was the second day of Spring Training. Watched the tenors for a few hours in subsectional block. They've got another aggressive book on their hands. Lots of ninelets and another 3:2 feel section like last year. The 3 center tenors are awesome, and the two on the end are obviously new. Still there were flashes of brilliance, even that early. I watched the snares and basses for a few minutes too. The snares were astoundingly clean. The basses were splitting ninelets. I giggled. Alas, no horns or guard. I'm going to try to head back Monday afternoon.

Nice use of that word!

It's quarterfinals day! Go get some, Cadets!