The OFFICIAL 2010 Blue Devils Thread

[parkbench]

This is exactly what I remember of Star. Though, again, I think we're talking about two different things here: competitive vitriol and aesthetic appreciation. In '92, audiences were, if not overwhelmingly enthusiastic, at least receptive to the show, itself. But -- fairly or not -- Star was saddled throughout their relatively brief competitive reign with a perception that they had not sufficiently "paid their dues" to get to the top of the heap. I think this was coming to a head in '92, perhaps as a direct result of winning it all in '91. So yes, when Cadets won in '92, there was a fair bit of gloating that was outwardly expressed. But I don't think that meant the audience didn't like Star's show that year. I think most people liked the show, but were irrationally annoyed -- again, I'm not saying this is fair or even accurate -- by what they perceived as Star's "silver platter" success.

In '93, the show seemed deliberately designed to elicit an angry response (perhaps as retribution for having a fan-friendly show the previous year that, for whatever reason, didn't win over the fans). But that was a process of choosing music not accessible to the general audience, and then designing the show in such a way that didn't allow the usual opportunities for audience reaction. And that's when the anger really bubbled to the surface. It was like Star was giving the audience an excuse to vent . . . and vent they did. (I was the odd one out at the time, thinking this was the first Star show that I'd actually liked.) But it was that same design process that enables people now to see how brilliant it was.

I think the difference between Star '93 and BD in the last several years -- which seems to be a correlation folks are trying to make between the two corps -- is that BD is taking accessible music and arranging it in such a way that it sounds somewhat inaccessible to the general audience. Star took inaccessible music and arranged it accordingly, so that the visual design perfectly mirrored the music being played. In BD's case, I feel like the visual design is driving the musical editing (or, as another poster so aptly put it, creating a soundtrack for the visual program). And, of course, that's always been a function of drum corps. Music has to be edited to fit the constraints of drill. But, as much as I admire the overall package, BD takes it to an extreme that I'm not entirely comfortable with.

Just to stay totally accurate ... When Cadets CAVALIERS won in '92 ...

[Calif-Jake]

How terrible for the industry if they let "someone" else win even if they arent the best.....The best corps should win, whoever it is, as long as they are the best, like them or not.

G

I couldn't agree more but I think it's a fine line between the top Corps with regards to scores and can't help but wonder if the judges are influenced a little by "who they are" or past performances. I just think it would be good to have someone else win, as long as they are deserving of course.

[Plan9]

OK I'm jumping in. BD has an incredible show as they often do but, for the untrained ear, I just can't get into it. It's all over the place and hurts my ears. Now don't misunderstand, I love Jazz but not the way they are playing it. I recognize talent when I see it and they have plenty but for myself, I see talent each time a Corp takes the field. Yes some have more then others but ultimately it's how a show entertains me more than the actual technique. Again untrained but I know what I like. I think this years winner should be a combination of talent and appeal and I don't think BD has the mass appeal with this show. Maybe the trained eyes and ears will feel differently, maybe? As for me I'm first rooting for Phantom, and yes I'm biased, as my daughter is marching her first season with PR. Second I',m rooting for anyone other than BD as I believe it will be good for the industry, DCI, to have someone else win. I mean how boring to always have the same Corp win and, I would think a little disheartening for all the thousands of kids who pour their hearts and souls into their respective Corps and the show they perform.

OK I'm done ranting!!!

First of all, very honest post. No hidden agenda and you make your motive clear. But like G says, the best should be whoever the best is, no matter their history.

I might have commented on your thoughts about the music, but like you said "you can't get into it" and no manner of words can compete with your opinion. The only thing I will say is that this is a show that you will look at over and over and find new things each time...visually and musically. It doesn't need explanation by the design team either. It's pure, guttural and instills reaction. Even though I'm a BD homer I would like to think that I would be honest enough to admit if they had a non-championship show.....and this ain't it!

This is meant with greatest respect....but no one knows more than PR, how hard it is to put back to back championship shows on the field. It's #### near impossible. And those of us in the BD family (and just about everyone else) are continually flabbergasted by this BD design team.

There are several championship caliber shows this year and I expect it to be exciting until the end. But the best will prevail and the color of their uniform will not be the deciding factor.

Edited July 2, 2010 by Plan9

[Calif-Jake]

First of all, very honest post. No hidden agenda and you make your motive clear. But like G says, the best should be whoever the best is, no matter their history.

I might have commented on your thoughts about the music, but like you said "you can't get into it" and no manner of words can compete with your opinion. The only thing I will say is that this is a show that you will look at over and over and find new things each time...visually and musically. It doesn't need explanation by the design team either. It's pure, guttural and instills reaction. Even though I'm a BD homer I would like to think that I would be honest enough to admit if they had a non-championship show.....and this ain't it!

This is meant with greatest respect....but no one knows more than PR, how hard it is to put back to back championship shows on the field. It's #### near impossible. And those of us in the BD family (and just about everyone else) are continually flabbergasted by this BD design team.

There are several championship caliber shows this year and I expect it to be exciting until the end. But the best will prevail and the color of their uniform will not be the deciding factor.

Well said!

[dbc03]

How terrible for the industry if they let "someone" else win even if they arent the best.....The best corps should win, whoever it is, as long as they are the best, like them or not.

G

I agree. I don't like BD's show so far this year but if they perform it at a higher level than anyone else they should win.

[jwscv87]

I couldn't agree more but I think it's a fine line between the top Corps with regards to scores and can't help but wonder if the judges are influenced a little by "who they are" or past performances. I just think it would be good to have someone else win, as long as they are deserving of course.

The judges are influenced by great performances. I have heard the "fine line" comment so many times and I just don't believe it to be true at all. I've seen folks go as far as to say "any of those top 6 could win". IMO the line is not that fine and that is never the case. At this point in the season, sure, I'm willing to say 6 corps may contend, but in a normal year either the winner will be crystal clear or it will come down to two corps with a shot. Once in a while 3 corps may be legitimate contenders for the win on Saturday night, but that is not the norm. On a subcaption, but subcaption basis the line is very fine indeed, but in terms of crowning a champion it is not so fine.

The Cavaliers have won more championships than BD from 2000 forward. I think continued excellence from BD is GREAT for drum corps. If we need anything it is for the judges to continue to reward the best corps.

[tja273]

OK I'm jumping in. BD has an incredible show as they often do but, for the untrained ear, I just can't get into it.

I wish there were more opportunities for everyone to see these shows live. Honestly, the first time I saw BD's show in Pleasant Hill, I agreed with you (at least for parts of it). Some parts were amazing, some left me dazed and confused (granted, I was watching from the side). I then watched the show on the BD MediaBox, and became a little more familiar with it, though watching online is nothing like seeing shows live (not even close). I saw the show again at Stanford and was amazed. It really works for me now.

For better or worse, some may not "get" this show in one viewing. Luckily, much of the crowd in Indianapolis will be seeing it three days in a row.

As for me I'm first rooting for Phantom, and yes I'm biased, as my daughter is marching her first season with PR.

Congratulations! We toured a lot with Phantom in '89. They were great fun to hang out with. I also know Rick Valenzuela from his time at SCV. Your daughter should have a great year.

Second I',m rooting for anyone other than BD

Ouch...that hurts...Does EVERYONE with Phantom have one of those spears...mind removing it please?

OK I'm done ranting!!!

You must not be from around here...That was hardly a rant...especially in a thread about BD.

Hope you get to go to Indianapolis this year!

Edited July 2, 2010 by tja273

[Calif-Jake]

I wish there were more opportunities for everyone to see these shows live. Honestly, the first time I saw BD's show in Pleasant Hill, I agreed with you (at least for parts of it). Some parts were amazing, some left me dazed and confused (granted, I was watching from the side). I then watched the show on the BD MediaBox, and became a little more familiar with it, though watching online is nothing like seeing shows live (not even close). I saw the show again at Stanford and was amazed. It really works for me now.

For better or worse, some may not "get" this show in one viewing. Luckily, much of the crowd in Indianapolis will be seeing it three days in a row.

Congratulations! We toured a lot with Phantom in '89. They were great fun to hang out with. I also know Rick Valenzuela from his time at SCV. Your daughter should have a great year.

Ouch...that hurts...Does EVERYONE with Phantom have one of those spears...mind removing it please?

You must not be from around here...That was hardly a rant...especially in a thread about BD.

Hope you get to go to Indianapolis this year!

Ok so the first view of BD was on a live web cast and one camera from above. I will have a few more opportunities to see them on web casts before finals and YES, I will be at finals so I will get to see all of the Corps all three days. Lucky for us our daughter joined a corp that did not tour in calif so we decided if we were going to see her live, well we might as well go to finals. This will be our first year at finals and hopefully all of the corps will be at the peak of their performances.

Yes our daughter is having a blast and she says it's everything that she had hoped for. This is her third year with two previous with Mandarins. She was told by several people that before she aged out she should get to finals so thus off to PR.

OK I am carefully removing the spear now, and for me that was an amazing show. On a positive BD note, I REALLY enjoyed 1939 and they definitely deserved to win last year. As far as the anti BD to win, I refer back to earlier comments about ALL of the great performances from all of the corps. Now yes the best should win and if thats BD, then it should be so. But I get a sense from some of the BD faithfuls that if your NOT BD then you are somehow lesser in abilities and worth. Now I'm sure thats not ALL BD faithfuls but I've overheard enough at competitions to make me feel that way.

OK yes I am new to all of this so I guess in relation to other posts that was not a rant. I guess I'll have to work a little harder at it.

[bccadet09]

Ok so the first view of BD was on a live web cast and one camera from above. I will have a few more opportunities to see them on web casts before finals and YES, I will be at finals so I will get to see all of the Corps all three days. Lucky for us our daughter joined a corp that did not tour in calif so we decided if we were going to see her live, well we might as well go to finals. This will be our first year at finals and hopefully all of the corps will be at the peak of their performances.

Yes our daughter is having a blast and she says it's everything that she had hoped for. This is her third year with two previous with Mandarins. She was told by several people that before she aged out she should get to finals so thus off to PR.

OK I am carefully removing the spear now, and for me that was an amazing show. On a positive BD note, I REALLY enjoyed 1939 and they definitely deserved to win last year. As far as the anti BD to win, I refer back to earlier comments about ALL of the great performances from all of the corps. Now yes the best should win and if thats BD, then it should be so. But I get a sense from some of the BD faithfuls that if your NOT BD then you are somehow lesser in abilities and worth. Now I'm sure thats not ALL BD faithfuls but I've overheard enough at competitions to make me feel that way.

OK yes I am new to all of this so I guess in relation to other posts that was not a rant. I guess I'll have to work a little harder at it.

1939?

That was the beginning of WWII.

[taters]

Here are three undeniable truths about this year's BD show.

1) It is a different experience every time and depending on where you see it. I have seen it down low to the field and form the 4th level from the Stanford GE box and it was a completely different experience each time. I also noticed different effects with the mirrors each time, for example I noticed at the last show when a horn player marches toward a mirror it looks like two people completely intersecting then disappearing.

2) The drum line is good...very very good and you will be entertained by them

3) The horn line sound is much clearer, and louder this year. The Kings really really do make a difference.

4) The talent level is very high again ( shocker)

5) Anyone who say BD does not march would be correct, because mostly what I saw was flat out running and playing especially at the end of the show.

Whether it will appeal to everyone ...wellthat is very subjective, same to the idea of whether or not you can relate to the show. Whether it is good enough or not to win is ultimately not up to any of us.