killmen

Hello, I am new to the Board. I attended the Utica show, which is normally held in Rome...but stadium repairs required a change in location. The setting-hot and crowded. Very appreciative audience. The corps: Beatrix-should have competed in Div 2. Nice program, about 36 horns and full percussion. St. John's-small in size, but big in heart. I was very impressed with this corps, clearly well instructed and the kids care. Nice arrangements of Pirates of Carribean. Next was Kiwanis Kavs. they have made some nice changes in their West Side Story show. Good solo work and show coordination. A slightly larger horn line would have helped (about 41 horns). Cap. Reg. followed, and this was only my second time seeing this corps. Again, nice arrangements, powerful presentation...very intersting show. Following a 20 minute intermission (stretch time) came the Cascades. My third favoriate show of the night....great impact points. Creative percussion (wind drums?) and very well designed drill. Next was Orlando....entertaining show, but poor musical execution all over the place. This took away from what could have been a really enjoyable show...one positive is that it would appear that the performers really enjoy being in character. Follwing Majic was the Cavaliers....unbelieveable. The show was performed well ....to be expected. It was actually very crowd friendly (e.g. foot stamping by fans in the stand). I would never have believed a corps could pull-off whistling on the field---but they did and in such a way as to enrich the show....too many compliments for this corps. Let it be said that they were phenomenal! Last was Boston...following the Cavs. Actually a great show...a lot going on, great musicianship, improved percussion, and the best guard they have ever had (IMHO). Minimal voice -over, about 12 seconds at most, and not distracting at all. The show was not on the same level as the Cavs, but definitely well done (great ballad). That's it....it will be interesting what fine-tuning occurs between now and Denver...but the Cavs have got to be close to the gold!

Hello, I am new to the Board. I attended the Utica show, which is normally held in Rome...but stadium repairs required a change in location. The setting-hot and crowded. Very appreciative audience. The corps: Beatrix-should have competed in Div 2. Nice program, about 36 horns and full percussion. St. John's-small in size, but big in heart. I was very impressed with this corps, clearly well instructed and the kids care. Nice arrangements of Pirates of Carribean. Next was Kiwanis Kavs. they have made some nice changes in their West Side Story show. Good solo work and show coordination. A slightly larger horn line would have helped (about 41 horns). Cap. Reg. followed, and this was only my second time seeing this corps. Again, nice arrangements, powerful presentation...very intersting show. Following a 20 minute intermission (stretch time) came the Cascades. My third favoriate show of the night....great impact points. Creative percussion (wind drums?) and very well designed drill. Next was Orlando....entertaining show, but poor musical execution all over the place. This took away from what could have been a really enjoyable show...one positive is that it would appear that the performers really enjoy being in character. Follwing Majic was the Cavaliers....unbelieveable. The show was performed well ....to be expected. It was actually very crowd friendly (e.g. foot stamping by fans in the stand). I would never have believed a corps could pull-off whistling on the field---but they did and in such a way as to enrich the show....too many compliments for this corps. Let it be said that they were phenomenal! Last was Boston...following the Cavs. Actually a great show...a lot going on, great musicianship, improved percussion, and the best guard they have ever had (IMHO). Minimal voice -over, about 12 seconds at most, and not distracting at all. The show was not on the same level as the Cavs, but definitely well done (great ballad). That's it....it will be interesting what fine-tuning occurs between now and Denver...but the Cavs have got to be close to the gold!