dapreacher Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 Okay, first, I just want to ask if there is any review from anyone who attended the Appleton, WI, show on June 14th? I was performing in the show with the Kilties, so I really can't give an honest review of that one. Now on to my review of Beauty and the Brass held in Portage, MI, last night. When I arrived, there was a very long line of people waiting to get tix and get seated. This alone gave me an impression that Michigan fans are hungry from drum corps, but perhaps are unable to make the long travels for other shows out of state. There was certainly a jam packed stadium with overflow. This could be a good thing...only time will tell. I don't have the scores with me, but you can easily find them in the scores section of this site. Just one disclaimer, I am in no way any expert on guard so I won't be commenting on that. First up was Dimensions from Grand Rapids, MI. I felt some slight sense of loyalty to this corps as it's a rebirth of my alma mater the Coachmen/Rapid City Express. Indeed, Dimensions are a new corps with a new look and style. Unfortunately, I didn't get a program book so I have no idea what music they played...my bad. :P Anyway, they seem to have a solid drumline w/ pit that is shaping up nicely. I'm guessing this was their first show of the season and with this being said, they did a nice job. Their hornline sounded pretty well balanced from the start and is also shaping up nicely. One thing they had going for them was that they had all their drill learned and marched a complete show. There were some rough spots, but nothing that can't be cleaned up. Dimensions ought to shape up nice by DeKalb. Second on the field was Scenic City from Chattanooga, TN. I believe these guys played music of Phil Collins, so their program was filled with some nifty rhythmns. Horns are a bit rough, but I'm sure it's nothing they can't clean up before too long. The thing that sticks most in my mind is that they did not have all their drill learned which cost them some points I believe. The other thing that I remember was their contra section really played out during a portion of the show which makes me ask myself if that was supposed to be like that or not...hard to tell right now. Give these guys some more time to clean and learn the rest of the show and they should do just fine. Next up was Marion-Glory Cadets. As expected, they came out with a decent showing. Their hornline has a balanced sound that is developing well. Drums sounded good too and has some good potential there. I can see these guys making finals a DeKalb without too much trouble. They have before and they can do it again. Of course, I don't really know how DeKalb is going to go this year so we'll see. After a 15 minute intermission the Capital Regiment from Columbus, OH, took the field. Oh boy, this group is shaping up very nicely. They played some music I recognized from the New World Symphony. Hornline sounds very nice with a good balance. Drumline is also doing very well. I think Cap Reg is going to develop very nicely. Next up was the Green Machine...you got it, the Cavaliers. All I gotta say is YIKES! For this early in the season, they are performing very well. I've come to appreciate and love the programs of the past 3 years for Cavies, and this year is no exception. The Cavaliers demonstrated a level of control over their performance that astounds me. It's no wonder they are scoring a 73!!!...and this early in the season. I really believe the Cavaliers have been setting new benchmarks over the past three years and this year continues to do so. Their program is new, it's refreshing, it contains elements and movements never been done before which really makes the rest of the top corps play "catch up". My only disappointments were that the drumline wasn't showcased as they have been. I've always enjoyed the Cavies' battery and this year they seem to be held back. Also, the horns seemed to be held back. Don't get me wrong, the sound from the horns was pure and in control and really made my jaw drop when they played. However, the big chords seemed to lack that certain extra little "punch". It was like getting hit with a pile of feathers rather than a brick wall. Perhaps the staff is holding them back this early so when they get to DeKalb their chops are more developed so they can open it up a little more...we'll see. Overall, the Cavaliers impressed the heck out of me. Following the Cavaliers was Southwind. For following the Green Machine, Southwind held their own and performed the best that they could. The drumline is sounding solid as well as the rest of the percussion. The hornline is sounding good and have some room to grow. Surprise surprise, Cap Reg topped the Southwind last night. Last up were the Phantom Regiment. The Regiment are back in the white uniforms as we've seen them in the early 90's before they went to all black. The new King horns looked nice and polished as they entered the field. As far as the sound, wow, it's Phantom alright. They certainly produced that dark and symphonic sound that is the signature of Phantom Regiment. Their battery was a nice surprise as they were showcased a bit more than Cavies. The Regiment scored a 71 even!...not too far behind the Cavies, hmmmmmmmmmmm. Overall, the show that sticks out most in my mind is the Cavaliers and this simply due to their program being new and different. Having done things never been done before, at least as far as I know, is refreshing. Phantom Regiment is on their heels, so it'll sure be interested to see how things pan out over the course of the season. I hope you enjoyed this review. 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I-just-know-what-I-like. Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 I'm interested in seeing the detailed scoring from this show. I am having a hard time understanding Cap Reg beating Southwind. I think their close, but everyone in the stands (at least) is seeing it differently. Both corps have come a long way from last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincinnatiGloryMello Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 Wow, a review that mentions the Div 3 corps (other than, I missed this Div 3 corps) THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! b**bs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1136 Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 Great review. It was all very positive. No one got trashed. I wish more reviews were like this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCIFanOfAllDivisions Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 thanks for the review.. dci's got recaps up scenic city got 0's in colorguard??? what happened? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tummygoat Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 yeah its surprising to hear peopel say that the Cavies show's the last 3 years have al been the same. Almost absurd if you ask me cause I think the last 2 at least have been the most unique shows I've seen but I'll reserve judgment for Louisville in hopes of seeing them. and I cant wait to see PHANTOM!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dapreacher Posted June 17, 2003 Author Share Posted June 17, 2003 thanks for the review.. dci's got recaps up scenic city got 0's in colorguard??? what happened? don't know about Scenic's guard...I'm not guard expert and I honestly wasn't paying that much attention, I was looking at the horns and drums :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincinnatiGloryMello Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 thanks for the review.. dci's got recaps up scenic city got 0's in colorguard??? what happened? don't know about Scenic's guard...I'm not guard expert and I honestly wasn't paying that much attention, I was looking at the horns and drums :) I figure they either just didnt have one, or they did not do any work, just marched to their spots. It seems the Color Guard is the hardest section for a smaller div 3 corps to fill. Did you even notice if they had a guard?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerriDitt57 Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 and I cant wait to see PHANTOM!!! Me too. I am at the same show with them Sunday but we're going on last so I'll miss them. I'm gonna go to Rockford Monday to get a look (and listen) of them. I want to hear those King horns SO BAD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chambo Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 (edited) Scenic City's guard stood at attention on the sidelines the whole time. They looked professional, but its hard to gain points not doing anything. There were only three of them, so hopefully they will be able to be worked in before too long. The rest of the corps also had a lot still to learn. I believe it was the closer that had no drill, and the pit sat out a whole tune. Dimensions was a nice surprise. Small, but doing a good job. I think they have some potential for future years if for no other reason than their geographic monopoly. Marion had some nice power moments for their size. I watched the drumline in the lot and they are not only bigger than last year, but i feel doing pretty well for this early in the season. It appeared that some of the players had been thrown into the show quite recently. I liked what the members were doing, but I didn't care much for the design. Drumline took off their drums and did movement (didn't like it when Bluecoats did it last year either), and the horns all had flags during a drum solo, but not much work to do with them...if that changes it may be pleasantly surprising. After the intermission came Capital Regiment, and I should note that I am slightly biased towards them. The new black pants look great, especially with this year's drum finish which I also liked. Some one from Toledo said that Capital is trying to play music that is too hard for them. I don't think that is the case seeing as they only moved in on June 6. Many other Division I corps have 2 or 3 weeks more rehearsal time under their belts. Which is why I think come early July Capital is going to be absolutely smoking. Things were still dirty, especially in the guard and horns, and I noticed the drum staff didn't look too pleased after their performance, but the visual looked decent and I'm sure the rest will fall into place soon. Kudos to a pit without a single vet that put on a pretty solid show. Definitely looking forward to seeing this show a little later in the summer. Next up were Cavies. To be honest, the show left me saying wow but I didn't care for it that much. The fact that I was only in row E didnt help I'm sure, as you have to see Cavies from above to appreciate the drill. However, I stuck around for the victory concert and moved to the front row on the 50. I was about 5 feet away from the pit and pretty close to the horns arc as well. I enjoyed the music much more this time around. Theres a screamer who did a nice job on the field but didnt quite have enough left in him and took the low octave at the standstill, but nice job to him anyways. I felt the power that was lacking from the horns here. Back to the field... The movement looked cool. I would like to see the guard do less frollicking and more equipment work. The rifle stuff was cool, but they spend half the show jumping around. As with last summer, I think a few more viewings will help me appreciate this show more. Southwind did a solid job for following the green team. I should say that my bias towards Capital makes me unbiased towards Southwind after last summer's "rivalry," but I'll try to be fair. Southwind had a really nice loud chord in their opener that was one of the true rushes of the night. I liked seeing the only cymbal line of the evening, as I feel it brings not only a great sound pallette, but good visuals to a show. Guard was pretty small...Don't remember a whole lot else about the show. Phantom was definitely the pleasant surprise of the night for me, and I think this might end up being one of my favorite shows of the year. Wow, what a hornline. And the percussion section wasn't exactly slouching either. Powerful and rich, with what I felt was much better drill than last year. I felt they were the cleanest corps of the evening visually and ensemble wise. Some dirt in the snare line, but tenors played well. I would have liked the pit to be louder. Perhaps the best part of Phantom was their guard. I know nothing about guard, but know that these ladies were not only beautiful, but put on a heck of a show as well. Solid and clean. Plus the music had some "passion" that I feel lacks in Cavies shows. Ticket line was long, but the problem was you had to buy your tickets in one line, and then walk all the way back to the end to get in the line to get in instead of just purchasing your ticket and entering. But it was nice to see such a large crowd at the show...many of whom stuck around for retreat. All in all, a great evening of drum corps. Edited June 18, 2003 by chambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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