Guardguy89

I think the problem I have is that guard score is always determined by one person's read. And I do think that personal preferences come into play more than any other section - because of the nature of it being a visual art. I do like the fact that 3 different judges judge at DCI (one every night) and that best guard is the combination of all 3 - but there does tend to be big changes in placements that would cause an uproar were it for other captions - but when it comes to guard everyone thinks that it's fine. The kids today don't "blow up" like we sometimes used to at DCI - the level of professionalism and consistency shown over the 3 nights by every guard was amazing - so I find it odd too that scores can change so drastically over a 3 day period - but that's the nature of judging guard. Overall, I do think that placements were mostly right -although I still think Crown should have been over BD in demand with BD over Crown (or on par) in performance. Top 4 guards IMO Crown / BD Bluecoats Vanguard Later, Mike

Agreed - if this Crown guard can't win - there's a problem. Later, Mike

I don't get how BD's guard is outscoring Crown's at this point. Content alone should have Crown in front. BD is being rewarded for a less intricate program and less individual demand. Later, Mike

I sincerely hope that Crown Guard pulls off the win this year - that guard is the epitome of what a guard should be !!!!! Those performers are simply outstanding. Later, Mike

Hey all, I was at a BBQ yesterday so only got to see the top 5 last night. My impressions (guard focused as usual). Once again, these are my opinions, etc....etc...etc...and I try to give a reasonable explanation to back up my thoughts Vanguard Love how the nuances are really starting to come through. Still think the opener flag is too dark and they need to fix those timing issues as the flags come out 2 by 2 after the big opener hit. Not sure why the solo dancer uses a piece of material while the guy dances with a chair in the ballad (not sure how it connects with the rest of the theme). The ending will be awesome once they can clean it a bit more. A couple of baubles last night (like drops on that one handed sabre catch) probably didn't help, but I would have had them in 4th place guard wise. Bluecoats So much better than last week. Definitely a more confident run this week. The flag work is super intricate I don't think there's a plane they don't hit ans they are becoming super clean - so a real clarity in performance. Weapon book needs to clean up to the same level as the flag line at this point though. Love how the equipment work really reflects the music (not an easy task). Are the yellow headbands new ? I just really noticed them last night for some reason. Overall, I would have had them 3rd last night. Cadets They have really cleaned up - so that's a big plus. But as I watch everyone more and more, I feel that Cadets guard is the one that adds the least to the overall production. If I take the guard out of the other top 5 shows - the overall production will be lacking. I don't find that happening with Cadets. Still find the opening of the show strange with the rifles just doing drill up front with no equipment work and I hate repeating myself - but the hoops and sticks do not work - at all - on any level. I did really like the flag work from the French Horn section to the end of the show. Still not sure what the little boxes add to the overall effect when guard people climb on them. Would have had them 5th or 6th in guard. Blue Devils I think I figured out last night why they aren't doing it for me this year. Most of the "heavy lifting" equipment wise is being done by the guys on the rifle line. Notice that they are almost always front and center and they are the ones doing the intricate work while the girls (sabre and flag) are relegated to secondary performers. Sabre line was not tight last night - seemed really nervous from the opening toss on. I still really enjoy how the writing for this group is so different from everything else out there and their unique musical interpretation, but the overuse of the male weapon line as the focus and the fact that the guard can reset a form and spin in place with no connection or transitional work - makes me not like the overall design aspect. Love the member performance though. Would have had them 2nd last night Crown What more can I say. Such an intricate show performed at such a high quality - it's insane. From the opening flag toss caught behind the leg, to the rifle tosses coming out from under the banner, to the exquisite weapon technique to the awesome staging and toss effects of fire blankets and rifles to the closing gold flag work - this show has it all. I think the advantage should go to Crown over Devils as the members are challenged from the opening note of the show until the very end. A lot of effects are built around tosses and exchanges that need to be perfect in order to create the desired effect and the demand in terms of body / drill / equipment is relentless. Great job - once again - last night. And that girl who does the rifles solo is my new standard - she is simply awesome !!!!! Obviously I had them 1st - and I don't think it should be any other way. Later, Mike

No - it's a show about Gene Kelly - an all male corps is probably better suited for this - the dolls have to go - they don't add anything except for cheese !!!! Later, Mike

Man - what an awesome review -thank you!!! Later, Mike

I kinda agree with that. Their first set of flags is really dark. Would need to see the first uniform from closer to see if it hinders any movement.

Well, it's kind of like writing and teaching dance. You have to physically create it (some people have a written note system to remember the moves - I just find that too time consuming) and then you teach the movement visually. It's almost like teaching someone something musically who doesn't read music - you show it to them visually and then you keep on repeating it until it becomes muscle memory. Hope this makes sense. Later, Mike

I think Madison going on earlier didn't help. Vanguard should be topping Cadets hands down - not sure what happened there.

Hi all, thought I'd start a topic to discuss some of the guards from last night. Overall, I'm more than impressed by what these kids are doing these days and the level of achievement. I mean I know the show was indoors - but I'm still impressed by how little drops there are now - the consistency is incredible ! From the guards that stood out for me (good or bad) SOA Much better program this year. From the costume to the work they have - I feel that the design is a step up. Not sure I would start the show with a white flag (even though it is meant to represent surrender - I think) - it just doesn't fit with the guard who seems to be portraying fire. Another hard theme to pull off for the corps - but much better job from the guard program this year. Mandarins Always seem to have great performers - but who just can't spin together. I don't know if it's a lack of basics, or a great tech, but year after year, I find that they just stay super dirty throughout the year - but if I look at individual performers - they really know how to perform. It's a tough conundrum ! Madison Scouts Whoever is in charge of coloration for this show -is a genius. From the guard uniform (down to the design on the shoes) to the flags to how color works in general to give Madison that "1950's saturated movie musical" feel - is awesome. Definitely a stronger guard for Madison this year (although I was one of the few who really liked them last year). The difficulty with this show is that it can easily be over performed to the point of being cheesy. Gene Kelly was never cheesy - and I'm not sure that the guard understands that - some of those facial expressions bring it over the edge. The mannequins with the pink dresses wouldn't have been my choice - but that aside, a very fun show to watch. Boston Crusaders I love watching this guard. They are mature performers who have great technique and know how to sell a theme. Great costuming and flag choices throughout really help sell it. Do not like that guard member signing (same thing with Troopers). It just takes away from the show. Blue Stars Love this guard design. The old time carnival costuming is incredibly rich and detailed, and they have one of the hardest equipment books out there - which is why they always end up being a bit dirtier - but I'll take their tricks anytime. Standout moment was that siamese twin flag spinning - such a great idea. Never a dull moment in this show and wonderful performers ! The Academy I was pleasantly surprised by them. Guard has traditionally been one of their achilles heels. I feel that they started to really address it last year with Vanity Fair and have continued growing this year. Just a fun guard to watch. They understand their role and know how to sell a Mary Poppins theme without being obnoxious about it. Phantom Regiment I have mixed feeling about them. I think they are a great guard with great technique and the book is very musical. I feel that that the theme is keeping me from enjoying them more as it seems 'lite". A whole song about shopping - I don't know. The black hats look dorky from close up but are effective from far away. Great moment with dancers, flags and rifles in An American in Paris - not sure I would do a kick line though (again - a bit lite on thematic programming). They also need to look at equipment transitions (a pet peeve of mine). Right now they go to the front, pick up their equipment and get back in the drill before they start spinning - should be more organic. The Cavaliers I loved last years show - I think this year is a step back. Not sure the theme is coming across as it's basically seen by having them run or do a strongman muscle pose (which can look a little funny on the skinnier guys). The guys (especially weapons) obviously know how to spin and have great technique - but as with Phantom, I think they are being held back by the theme they need to interpret. Troopers Not a great show from them last night. Not sure I read the horse imagery from the guard other than their costumes. Would love to see them spin in and around the fences. Not a fan of the girl signing either. Overall, they need to really clean up this show guard wise as visually it isn't gelling yet. Not sure the black horse costuming works either - they tend to get lost among the rest of the guard - it's a strange look visually. Vanguard What a great concept. Love the costume design. The work is extremely musical and serves to highlight the music so much. Love the one handed sabre catch and the chain flag / real flag work in the ballad. Not sure about the dancer dancing with a piece of material though. The body movement used in the skeleton section is super cool and the copper flags look great. They need to work on consistency and timing. Everything seems amplified in this show and the smallest timing error really seems to stand out (like the flags doing duo work in the opener as they cross the field. Crown Without a doubt the best guard on the field this year. They were on fire last night. The costuming, writing, performance and demand are incredible. 30 rifles tossing a 5 -yes please !!!! I had to really strain to find anything wrong last night (a dance line was out of sync for 3 or 4 counts - that was about it). The ending with the gold flags is a let down - but everyone keeps saying it will change. No one should be beating Crown guard at this point - IMO ! Cadets I won't lie. I've been critical of this guard. Overall the corps has such a great program - the guard should be contributing more to it. The flag line is basically arcing it in the back for the opener, and I'm not sure I always see the music reflected in the work - it's like sometimes they spin for spins sake. Still don't think the hoops and sticks add anything and still think their movement design is awkward. They are getting better - but that will only help max out performance - not design Bluecoats They didn't have the greatest run last night. Seemed super nervous and were making little mistakes left and right. I wasn't sure at the beginning of the season how they would be able to interpret this theme - but they have found some incredibly effective and orignal ways to make the music come to life visually - really great to watch. Awesome design team guard wise (lord knows I would have had a super hard time writing to that music !!!!) Blue Devils Another guard that didn't perform up to potential last night. I think judges might be rewarding their reputation more than the actual show on the field last night. Some messy moments and uncharacteristically cheesy things too (the oversize princess dress ???). The Blue Devils have a ton of little intricacies in their work that can't really be seen from far away - and I always appreciate that, but I do feel that they also get away with more as they can restage in free form with no equipment work and never seem to get called out on it. Individual responsibilities are not to the level of Crown - but the members commit to their performance 100% - which can hide some flaws. My top 5 guards last night in order Carolina Crown Vanguard Bluecoats Blue Devils Blue Stars Later, Mike

Ouch - Cadets guard will hurt them - especially when you compare to Crown and Vanguard before them,

Holy weapon line Batman - Crown has - hands down the best guard this year !!!!!!

Cavies used to be masters at maxing out themes - this just isn't the case anymore, They were super close last year - but I feel like they went back this year - "Game On" is not much of a theme from what I see on the field

I love the guard - hardest book out there !!! and love how it's an interpretation of old time carnival and what it would have been like back in the day - instead of a modern day take. So much richer !!!

Agreed. I loved last years show - because they were trying something so different (human windmill anyone). This year is very good - but it's back to what they were and not an extension of last year.

I think the guard could improve their score by simply taking out the hoops and sticks section. The work they do in this section doesn't add to the musical presentation and is pretty basic. It's a big chunk of the show too. I also would love to see the beginning of the show be more like the ballad. I think the ballad really nails the theme (through the flags that come out to their specific number) and the guard integration to the corps proper that - to me - is super coordinated and a really smart part of the show for the guard. Guard is getting better though - but I still see them ending up 4th or 5th (which could still allow them to win - as they were 4th in guard the Demons & Angels year). Please relook at your movement sections - so awkward! Later, Mike

Yeah - it's not like we have real jobs and don't spend all our time on these message boards - dude no need to be so snarky. Here's what they should do in my opinion: 1) Change the beginning until the sequential rifle toss - not effective at all and doesn't really do anything to introduce the "10" concept 2) Look at body / movement in relation to the equipment work - right now it looks like the body was added after the equipment - or is not organic to what the upper body is doing equipment wise 3) Rewrite the movement part for the dancers - they look awkward - the work doesn't look good on them 4) Look at other ways of expressing the "10" idea than finishing every phrase or song by having the guard stand in an "X" position 5) Get rid of the hoops and poles - I know they represent a "10" - but the idea isn't working 6) Look at maximizing the big moments - the guard needs a "wow" moment 7) Clean, clean, clean Happy now ? And I did it for free ! Later, Mike

I strongly believe that Crown should be winning the guard caption. The demand on the members is incredible - and they're performance level is one of the strongest I've seen from them. The opening flag work and just the overall weapon line is ridiculous ! Really hope they can pull off best guard at DCI this year - to me - this is the complete package this year guard wise. Later, Mike

Sure - A forward thinking approach to guard means expressing musical dynamics in different ways than what has been established (Like tossing a 6 on a major chord etc...). BD is a master at this as they continually surprise with their "forward thinking" approach to musicality - it's unexpected and brings the writing and performance to another level. Cadets guard hasen't done this since 2005 when they did that absolutely awesome left side / right side mirror equipment work in the ballad to simulate a chess game - that was forward thinking. Later, Mike

I don't agree with this though. Blue Devils have some extremely intricate, musical, organic work that is much harder than it looks due to performance excellence. Then we have Crown doing some simply amazing equipment and movement work with added drill responsibilities (which I agree BD doesn't have as much of). The issue I have with Cadets guard is that their book is not forward thinking. The approach and writing is very conventional. The movement isn't organic (the dancers look awkward in their movement section) and the hoops and pole section just doesn't add anything. It's not a question of cleaning - but major rewrites IMO. Later, Mike

And let's be honest. I think that judges mostly get it spot on when it comes to guard. The top 5 might not be the exact order I'd have them in - but they're always definitely close. It's not a perfect system - but I think overall it works (and is way better than when I marched and guard wasn't even counted in total score !) On a side note - I find it funny that only in the guard topic do people rip on guards and admit having "absolutely no knowledge" of anything guard related - kinda like me saying Blue Devils have a horrible horn line - when I know nothing about horn playing - it's just funny I guess Later, Mike

From what I've sen so far this year Crown - could take best guard this year. They are so strong, the work is extremely complex, the theme is evident and the demand placed on each member is high. Weapon work is spectacular as always, and I wasn't sure about the red capes at the beginning, but they're growing on me. Strong, strong guard all around. Blue Devils - they can spin and move like no one else. My one criticism is always the same. They tend to have more free form and restaging than anyone else out there. They basically run from one spot to the next without spinning and then set up a new form and spin in place. They do seem to have more transition work this year - but I still feel that they don't have the overall demand that Crown does due to drill responsibilities and spinning on the move Vanguard - they have become a powerhouse in the last couple of years (both winter and summer). They are trying some very interesting things out there this year and are definitely one of the guards to watch. The flag line is a joy to watch - even early season !!! Some great, modern, fresh writing and some stellar performance from them this year. Boston Crusaders - their strength this year is in guard - a very strong weapon line is showcased throughout and they sell the production very well. Cadets - It's hard to accurately describe them again this year. They spin well, they're well trained and all - but I feel that the show is a throwback - and this has more to do with the writing They look like a guard from the '90's - they don't look fresh or modern (like they did back in the day oddly enough). The hoops and poiles just don't add anything (and if you're going to bring out hoops after what Blue Devils did with them - you need to do something more spectacular with them) Later, Mike

OK - so I'm really liking the show again this year - but unlike last year - I can't follow the theme at all. I'm guessing that the props aren't finished and the guard members running around with fabric will eventually add more to the production. Love the K Pop section. It's cool and super current - just like BD tend to be, Can't wait to see how the show develops and hope to understand the "Ink" theme a bit more - Felliniesque (to me) was super easy to understand) Later, Mike