nero14

Um. I'm at the bluecoats ensemble rehearsal. And I'm like, mouth wide open, ears ringing, eyes wide impressed. It's like stupid-awesome And almost painfully loud. Like anyone who has already counted Crown and Cadets over this show (seen them both several times) could be in For a big surprise. Wow wow wow.

Win !

BD by 0.2 or less Crown Cadets/SCV tie? that sounds cool to me Bluecoats over phantom by 0.15 Phantom Cavies- by 0.4 or less? Madison

Kevin-- what's your technology for posting-- all from smart phone? laptop? just curious how you're able to get so much info typed out for us-- like if i was sitting next to you would you be using your thumbs on a little phone to post all these updates (not that it would bother me at all) or do you have something better? bloooo

wow!! perfect thanks! wondering about coats and phantom too-- i rememer saying to someone last night-- Torchia will keep bluecoats out of 5th place on Semis and then they'll swing back up finals night and squeak out 5th :-) lets seeee I also made a few claims earlier this year that BD had it in the bag, etc. I'm happy that it looks like I might be wrong about that- :-)-- but the season's not over yet!

is there a finals thread yet?

ONE thing is for sure. there's either going to be a phantom-2008 style celebration in the stands when the silver medal is announced--- OR there's going to be some of the loudest booing we've ever heard (i'm not in support of this and do not boo myself-- i'm just saying-- the energy around Crown winning is pretty big right now and people who are present may find a way to express that energy negatively if Crown comes in 2nd...) I'm sure there will be some good documenting in the stands with the smartphones, etc. my video from 2008 of the silver medal being announced as BD is still something that brings a smile to my face-- and lots of hits to my youtoobs.

31

World Championship Finals — Saturday, Aug. 10 General Effect Visual: Richard Kemp, Marie Czapinski General Effect Music: John Bell, Wayne Dillon Visual: Michael Turner Visual Analysis: Michael Lentz Color Guard: Lee Carlson Brass: Albert Lo Music Analysis: David McGrath Percussion: Jeff Prosperie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- any of you who are more knowledgeable than myself comment on the judging panel tonight? I think of Judges like Costanza, Torchia having some predictable trends judging certain groups up or down-- ((don't get me started on Torchia... went back and looked at the 2003 CG finals scores again....grrrrr)) does anyone know how this panel rates for each of the top 6? Mainly the BD/Crown and Bluecoats/Phantom tossups-- it's sad to say but I mean... it may come down to something like this making the difference in 1st and 2nd, 5th and 6th-- look at the score differences for the corps from Prelims to Semis with the different panels and everyone doing virtually the same performance- knowing that some small things can change, etc.

http://www.dci.org/scores/recap/recap_window.cfm?event=2dcf4739-4e87-40c4-b965-59af47eaee59 screw you, debbie torcia

http://www.fromthepressbox.com/20130809wcsemifinals.htm

woo! thaks for posting broseph! lets go BRREEEEEEEW

they loved it-- my boss thought it was great she was like "I never knew something like this existed! this is awesome-- it's like an entire underground thing here in Nashville-- there are thousands of people here !" my friend from Ukraine was like: "wow! oh my goodness! that was just sensory overload-- i didn't even know where to watch on the field-- where can i go to learn more about these shows??" and the 7th grade trumpet girl was pretty shy-- i said "did you have a good time?" and she said "yes that was cool!"

oh sure- I think it's crap. I think i meant-- I like bass in other areas of life-- my car, my speaker system in my living room, at the movie theater-- I think bass is cool and I like how it adds depth to music/entertainment-- so that's what I mean by the "sounds/feels cool" but what I don't like is how in this compeditive arena, much of which involves individuals producing sound -- how ONE person can producue as much sound as an 80 member brass line-- it's crap.

Just posted a review-- put it over in the show reviews part-- I was there... also just click anywhere on this post and it will take you there...

Me: 31, pharmacist, male, Bluecoat FMM-> Tuba. This is my 13th year in a row of attending this show as either a performer or spectator. Brought several new people and that was fun- including my boss, old college friend, a 7th grade trumpet player… I’m basically a DCI evangelist! . I consider $45 a good investment to get a new viewer to a show—because what if it impacts them even half as much as it did me when I saw my first show in 2000? Changed my life Just some thoughts--- and if it’s not clear- I was there, this is not a FN viewing recap. Order of appearance: Music City: very solid for open class. These kids are well instructed and march with poise and confidence. Love the musical selections… part of me, as a Nashville native, would LOVE to see this group eventually go World Class. We have a ton of talent down here in the south— got MCM for our WGI stuff… I mean- we can do this guys! Give it a few more years. Proud to claim Music City- Cavies: I guess for me it’s sad to see that they have slipped this much. All my live-DCI-watching-life they have been a dominant force—I’m not sure if there’s any one glaring deficiency—brass ensemble was noticeably weak- and volume wise they really were only a small bit louder than Music City- I know Cavies are known for their controlled, balanced, brass—((was super ###### a few years ago when they did a mf version of Mars…but don’t get me started on that))—but I mean, they were noticeably softer than every other world class group out there. I’m all for quality—but give it some more power, boys! Overall design is smart and drives home the theme- but I’m not sure I see much chance of them breaking 8th place come finals. Not sure if BAC or BK will give them a run for the money—probably not—but I’d say that would be more likely than them beating Madison at this point. Crown: **this show is a must see LIVE show—I had only see video of this up to this point and it’s just an entirely different animal when you see it in person—the Trumpet solo that gets carried around the field—the left and right timpani, the 16th note run on the right side that snakes down the line -- this is a show that is made to be experienced, not just watched on FN. Going from Music City to Cavies to Crown it really felt like we had just seen three different divisions of marching music- they are in a league of their own- up there with BD and Cadets. I think the overall demand of this show from a big picture perspective is right up there with BD—I’ll talk later about the one thing I think BD does that gives them the edge… but the unison moves are so crisp—the members so skilled and confident that you can really just sit back and enjoy—new ending is cool with the ending in the big crown with the big bass drums as the jewels in the crown--- but I liked 2011, 2012, and 2009’s closers better—I bet they’ll kick it up another notch by finals but it’s not going to be enough for them to take the gold, IMO. Lock down Silver? Probably—I said it in 2011 and I’ll say it again- Crown is the future of drum corps—I love their design and visual themes and hope a few years for now more of the top corps have shows that resemble crown’s style… this is the kind of show that I feel proud to show to friends/family and say- THIS is DCI, this is what I love—what do you think now? – you’d think the abstract parts that come from Einstein on the Beach would have thrown some of the new people—but they all liked it- reprising 2001 at the end is genius- that’s what people remembered—also I’ll say the ballad had me almost in tears- they’ve managed to get a good bit of emotion in there- well done crown- thank you Cadets: I still love this show--- I think crown is a bit more accessible in a way (which feels funny to say with some of the abstract parts of EOTB)—I think recalling back to Star 93, SCV 99, SCV 2000—it’s great to finally be able to hear some of that source music again—I think the opening big hold on the right with the triangle, etc is solid musically and is very effective- could add a bit more visual demand there… but I mean from movement to movement, color to color- this show grabs you and pulls you in. it’s powerful and demands respect. This show is not at risk of falling below 3rd… not sure how they are going to pass crown but it’s possible? Not much more to say- loved it. It's a true joy-- a drum corps fan's dream /--- cadets style. Bluecoats: I knew they were 6th before they announced the scores- was pleasantly surprised how close they were to phantom—I guess it’s clear now just as in some of the past few years that the percussion and brass are musically performing several steps ahead of the visual program (looks like both were in 4th overall- pretty impressive). I think the ending needs a few more sets to really drive it home—I think the theme is light enough to where each person can interpret a bit differently and I think that’s ok—((sssseeeecret sssssociiiiety, lol)) I guess I wish I knew a bit more about what the theme was—parades, contrasting military with civilian life? – I find it hard to put in words. I don’t see this as being as BD-like as some have suggested—there’s a few running sets. Color Guard is something we’re going to have to invest in more- I know nothing about guards, how to make them better, recruit better members, but if this tuba player can sit here and see that the guard needs work, that’s not good. All of the other G7 have guards that are good in the traditional sense—big unison tosses, integrated flags, etc. I think the demand for Blue’s guard is just lacking and we’re not even nailing the demand that we’ve got… (I’m very surprised that we beat cavies’ guard) I mean- fix some of the visual issues and Bluecoats are a solid 5th… but until then I don’t know. We don’t have the drill design to compete with the top 3 either—need to risk more. – and someone had mentioned the toe first marching but I didn’t really notice until tonight—what’s the deal with that? Is there something advantageous to doing that? Looks like we are always jazz running? It’s not bad- just seems polar opposite from cadets’ style… this show won’t go lower than 6th or higher than 5th… depends on how hard phantom and blue push— maybe we could move the bleachers up during the ballad to hear/see what’s going on better? – I’d say this was louder than Cavies but softer than the other 5 corps. But clearly the music judges rewarded the quality so hey, that’s cool. Smart. Phantom: It does seem a little bit like too much of a good thing—it’s classic phantom. Not quite as emotion-inducing as some past years (2010, 11, or 12, IMO) but it’s still there. Brass is huge sounding—told my new friends “ok their brass sounds huge… and I love that” and boom! Sure enough there it was there. People did laugh at the big monster thing in the back of the field—I got some good pics. Hehe. I think before it was a perceived threat/ scary woods and they personified it but it made it a touch more cheesy. I liked it— I love how the sops can march around with the trees- that’s impressive to me. Guard is well integrated and adds a lot of impact to the music. Percussion seemed pretty weak to me tonight- even drill wise not keeping it tight at times- Brass plays loud but does overplay and gets a bit bright at times—probably explains the 6th there— I think there’s going to be more to that ending- can’t see it just ending on the book like that. I don’t think this program will challenge the top 3— SCV: I think what this thing needs is just a little more focal points for the story—like some dedicated characters – just at least give me a Jean Valjean, right? I feel like we need something to focus the emotions of the moment on – this is something that Phantom often nails—give us a guy/girl to root for. I guess they do that a little-- You are telling a story. Guard integration is awesome—really benefiting from the guy/girl costumes-- I love the music and I love how musically they perform- how the arrangements flow as complete songs, not just snippets—I don’t like the musical re-write of final company front! Wish we could change that back… when 2013 is over—no matter where they finish—I will ABSOLUTELY listen to this show the most—it’s not going to be close. This is one to put on the headphones and mow the grass, blast down the road in your car… this is a show you can listen to and enjoy—just like last year’s SCV was… I’m very thankful to have that… I do not see this show breaking into the top 3. It did, however, get the strongest/fastest standing ovation… I’d love them to pull a phantom 08, but with crown and BD between them and the gold I don’t see it happening. BD: Got so much flac when I called them winning last night… this show is deep. What do I mean by that? For guard members, brass, etc. it’s not simply move from point A to point B in x counts and while spinning or playing this… it’s… you 5 people move over here like this--- you 5 people take this route--- eh, I’m not making sense… but it’s like how Star 1991’s cross to cross only worked out because each person, group got custom routes and paths to make it work… it feels like that… the guard does SO much with SO many different pieces of equipment—and they’ve got the big tosses, but it’s subtle stuff… I remember watching them rehearse ensemble last night and seeing this group of 5 guard girls do this spinning and over-the-head toss of the semi-circle things… and I kept thinking one or two of them was just way late- but I’ve figured out that they just start at different times—each person starts a count or two after the other- but it’s not like down the line- it’s somewhat random… and the choreography of the guard, and the poles, gosh… it kinda blows my mind what they are doing—the girl that tosses the ball up and does a flip and is lifted up by some of the guy guard members and catches the ball… I think one of the biggest things it helped me to keep in mind when watching this is the sacrificial nature of the piece as it is portrayed in the Ballet… it’s about a young girl being sacrificed by dancing herself to death…. Just think ritual sacrifice when you watch this and I think more of it will make sense. This is my favorite BD show since 2007, for real. Other general observations: - Biggest crowd in years here… guess the $45 seats aren’t as painful as many seem to think they are.. - I really believe the top 3 are untouchable at this point. I don’t see SCV or Phantom getting a medal (or Bluecoats). The demand of these shows is just noticeably higher than everyone else… - Got some hate for this yesterday too- but I am having a very hard time seeing BD NOT winning at this point… it just feels like all they have to do is cruise to the gold. The talent level they have is out of this world… if ANYone beats them it could be crown… but I mean… I’d gladly slap down a good chunk of my own money if anyone wanted to put a straight up 1:1 bet of BD wins or they don’t win. I really would. I mean no disrespect to you Cadets/Crown people—I love your shows too- - The GOO is getting louder… I think SCV was the only group not to over-do it IMO. Everyone else there’s just an ever present BLUHHHHHHHHHHH all the time. It sounds cool and feels cool… but what I freakin’ hate is how you can’t tell when you hear bass anymore how much of that bass is coming from the low brass and how much from the speakers… I’m thinking it may not be wise to put any more than 12 contras on the field anymore… put more guard members out there for the visual… the subs can easily make up the difference… for better or, as I feel, worse. -

Nom nom nom

Called it

I don't - it's a joke- i was just very impressed with what i saw in context with what I've seen the past 9 years. I'm a Bluecoats FMM, I have 0% fandom in BD, as I've said i honestly love Cadets show and Crown as well... I'm saying I know what a winning BD show looks like and I'd put money on this being one. I've seen every show on FN 10+ times and most live so i have some idea what they are up against. ' You guys are giving me a lot of "I told you so" material for later- and that's cool with me :-)

I don't like it anymore than you guys do --- ABBBD all the way This was my 9th year in a row to watch their pre-MTSU rehearsal and I'm just saying this was on par with or superior to their other championship years. It's just a prediction so take it for what it's worth- my opinion. If you think they won't win (not hope, but predict) say it. We can dig this thread back up after finals and see who got it right :-)

Just watched 2 hours of BD ensemble at MTSU... I'm just gonna say- they already have 2013 in the bag- I'm not at all a BD homer- I don't even love their show. But it's so deep and they are fine tuning the crap out of a great production-- And actually- after I really had a change to watch multiple runs - this is my favorite BD show since 2007. I love Crown and Cadets and I HOPE they beat BD, but it's not gonna happen. Game over - its a race for second place now

going tonight to watch BD rehearse around 8pm- they are at the stadium-- who's comin' with me?! :-)

blooooooooooo

also it feels like many of the past 9 years i've been in big arguments with madison fans, BBMM for example ;-)-- and we've often come to a good mutual understanding- but when I really think about it- I do have to applaud the passion of the Madison Scounts alumni, parents, and fans.. they are some of the the most passionate and loyal in the activity and I think I can honestly say that if every corps had alumni and supporters that were as passionate, DCI would be a better place and I really mean that. doesn't mean I agree with you guys all that often, however, don't get me wrong :-) :-)

I think all the fuss over performance order--- I totally get the frustration-- BUT I think it's empty to blame the order for as much as some on this thread are attempting. ---2013 Judges, when you look at the captions, are clearly fine awarding the corps that come on last and second to last lower captions than the groups before (last night in houston was a great example)- when they deserve it for a corps to legitimately be competitively superior to another they should be able to out-score them if they come on before, after, or at the same time (hehe) as the others- many past champions (BD is a great example) have had no problems in the past few years coming in 1st even when at region shows they may go on 2nd or 3rd from last... etc. Think Phantom 2009 or SCV 2005... did they automatically get big scores all year because they placed at or near the top the year before and got good show draws that year because of their previous year's placement? No-- the judges saw their shows those year for what they were and rewarded them accordingly. give the judges more credit-- I think it's kinda silly to think that the judges are so poor as to so easily reward a corps for how late in the show they perform-- also-- while there has been some flip-flopping. to speak of the current competitive point in this season and say that Madison is any better or worse than 7th- you'd have a hard time judtifying that with facts... just like someone would have a hard time placing bluecoats anyhwere other than 6th or Phantom anywhere other than 5th... I'd also say Cavies are a pretty solid 8 right now based on their performance at recent shows--- that does NOT mean that this is where these corps will end up by any means... but for July 20th, based on every show up till now... how could you say any of the corps mentioned above had a legitimate and evidence-based claim to being any other rank than what I've spelled out?