This is more a reflection than a review. I am new to Drum Corps and I enjoyed the show on the arm of a twelve year old future marcher. The show was literally in my backyard. The excitement was building as I could hear the sounds of the drums beating like a war cry.
The weather was a bit warm, but the crowd was enthusiastic. It has been over ten years since Winchester (Lexington) has hosted a drum corps show and the fans were hungry for a good show. I have to add that there were two small planes that buzzed the field twice to get a better view. I found it both distracting and rude.
Marion Glory Cadets - These guys gave it their best. From what I hear the color guard is still developing. My date pointed out that the guard seemed to be watching one girl intently who apparently knew the drill. The drumline looked to be the strong suit, but the hornline worked hard. One note, please help them with the uniforms. While they may not be the most stylish they could fit a lot better. 61.8
Glassmen - I spent the better part of 5 minutes explaining the difference between Division II, III and Division I corps to my handsome date. Once the Glassmen started I heard the explative WOW - he could appreciate the difference. Look they are TOSSING the guns! The guard had a humorous trick with the red dresses/flags. They were good and added to the program. The pit was impressive. I had a good seat to watch their intensity. The hornline was LOUD but needed cleaning. Without pointing, there was a high note fragged in an otherwise pleasant solo. The drumline looked good but I heard my friend giggle when a snare ran into another snare. 81.10
Madison - Madison looked striking in their uniforms tonight. The girl in me was won over. And when the horn let loose it literally shook the stands. I looked at my dates face as his jaw hung open, he turned and looked at me, is this Division I PLUS? I didn't care for the guards uniforms but their performance was excellent. I do have to comment that there is one part where the guard is ummm... provocative. From next to me I hear "Are they...." I interupt, "Oh look how nice the mirrors look in the nights lights!" And yes, the pit was amped, but tastefully so. The drumline appeared to be chasing the judge and by the attitudes displayed they were having fun. The hornline was impressive. In the closer they played louder and LOUDER and LOUDER! The drum major had turned to face the crowd and was beaming as he asked for more and delivered. It was awesome. 84.2 (I thought it was better than that)
SCV - When we saw this drum major there was no grin on his face. He was all business. He didn't even take off his hat until after the corps began to play. The hornline was definitely the cleanest - to me anyway. The did have a little move that was nice the first time but old the second. They played well and with precision. The drumline was rockin'. It was fun to see their heads bob, full of attitude as they played. The guard was really good. The added alot to the performance. My date pointed out how the guard worked within the drill instead of outside the drill. The pit was crystal clean. The amps were there but not obnoxious. The worst part of this performance was it ENDED. 89.45
Southwind - Now I saw these guys play before Tour started and I have to point out that they have grown exponentially. I like the uniforms, even if they arent yellow. The hornline is getting there. The need to still clean it up, but they are are playing louder. The guard did some nice work with only maybe one drop. The drumline had a cute trick where the bassline set their drums down and played on the tenors. It needed to flow a little smoother but it was fun to watch. For a home show these guys played their hearts out and the crowd gave them a standing ovation. 69.7
Overview
Thanks for the full retreat. The SCV played Bring in the Clowns and it was very soulfull. Followed by th Scouts singing May You Never Walk Alone. The guys can sing too! I am sad to admit I didnt stay for Southwinds encore - it was past my dates bedtime...
The fans came hungry for a good show and left full.
SCV - Best of the Night
Scouts - Hottest in Unis
Southwind - Hometown favorites
Thats just one girls opinion.