Firstbeat Review-Charlotte, N.C. 6/24/03

[Animal13]

So here is the deal you guys. As you can see, there were no scores for the show in Charlotte, N.C. posted. Apparently it was an exhibiton after all. This has to be the biggest exhibition I have ever seen. There were seven corps here last night: Carolina Gold (senior corps), Scenic City, Teal Sound, Revolution, Bluecoats, Crossmen, and Carolina Crown. It was a really hot, humid day here in the Carolinas, but the skies were clear, so you can't complain with that. You can tell, though, that the heat has played an affect on some of the corps' performances, though. I know that the Crossmen did not even do a full run-through of the show during ensemble practice to try to save their energy for the show. So enough rambling; on to the review.

Carolina Gold-Raliegh, N.C.

Their show this year is called L.A. Confidential. Their show includes music from City of Angels andThe Life. It looks like the corps has grown a bit. You can definitely tell just by the sound they are putting out on the field. Compared to last year, this corps has improved a whole lot. Hornline wise, these guys and gals can definitely put some air through the horns. They came out of the gate with a force, which I definitely did not expect. The corps also has a few soprano players that can wail and they provided some nice solos, trios, etc. There are some tuning issues and articulation issues, but they can fix these easily. The drumline is pretty solid. They had some nice stuff going on in that section (the new drums look great). Visually, it is still pretty dirty. A lot of the forms did not hit quite right and there were quite a few spacing issues, but it is still early. The corps was not done with learning the drill for the closer, so they did a standstill performance of it. This part of the show needs some work, but that will get there. Overall, a very entertaining show. Watchout DCA, here comes Carolina Gold.

Scenic City-Chattanooga, TN.

This was the first junior corps to take the field tonight. Their show this year is entitled Rhythms, which includes music by the rock group, Genesis. This corps is very small, only having two colorguard members. The colorguard members performed like champs, though. This corps right now is still very weak. I am sure that the members of the hornline can play better than what was presented on the field tonight. The big problem with their sound right now does not really even deal with the way they play, but rather with the corps marching technique. Individual technique is very weak right now, as evident from the constant "feet through the horn" sound that was present during the whole show. Their sound was just very bouncy. There is also way too many exposed parts for indivdual sections and these sections are having problems executing them. Visually, you can see the forms, but their is a lot of spacing issues that are hurting them. Another thing to note is the end of the closer. During this section of the show, the brass grab pieces of wood and play syncopated rhythms along with the percussion section. This was pretty cool, however, the hornline has to put these pieces of wood down along the sideline to come in to play, and the hornline members are having to march over and on these pieces of wood. I see an injury to someone in the future if this is continued.

Teal Sound-Jacksonville, Fl.

Their show this year is Ab Aeterno, which includes music from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and Holsinger's Litugical Dances. As one can see, these two pieces are no cakewalk to play. This was very evident, hearing this young corps play this show. This corps has a ton of work ahead of them to do. The high brass section, especially the sopranos, are very weak. The low brass section were pretty decent. There is some good things going on in the low brass section. The guard was decent, but nothing eye catching. Visually, the corps is really moving at some fast tempos, but the forms are not really hitting very well. The fast tempo also had a major affect on the corps toward the end of the show. The corps almost seemed to fall apart a few times and by the end of the show, the members were performing like they were out of gas.

Revolution-San Antonio, Tx.

This corps seems to be starting where they left off last year with their championship. Their show entitled Exploration I includes music from Gregson's Connotations. This corps is really doing well right now with this show. Musically, they are playing with a sound that is very mature. The hornline have moments in this show where they sound absolutely beautiful. There were times when they were playing loudly and were out of tune just a hair, but that will fix with time. The percussion section was playing some nice stuff as well. Visually, these guys are doing pretty well. There are a few problems, but they will fix over time and practice. There are some movements where they are really jettin'. The guard was also pretty solid. Overall, their show was very entertaining.

Bluecoats-North Canton, Oh.

This was the first Div. I corps to perform. Their show this year is entitled Capture and Escape, which includes Time to Take Back the Knights (Melillo), Prelude: Adagio for Theresa (DiMeola), Mediterraneo (Piazolla), and Code Name: Eternity (Bhatia, Morris). Let me tell you, this show is going to be hot. The hornline is just awesome. They have a very "round" sound. The hornline is playing pretty in tune with each other right now. There are a few moments of being out of tune, but it doesn't occur very often. They are smokin'. The drumline is good and they had some nice moments. Visually, the corps provides the spectator with much "eye candy." Like last year, the visual program is well written. There are some nice dance moves by the hornline and some cool stances. The forms need a little work, though. The guard provides a good array of color to this show and seem to be very good this year. Overall, a fantastic show.

Crossmen-Bergenfield, N.J. and Philadelphia, Pa.

This corps always seems to provide entertaining shows that the crowd goes nuts for. This year is no exception. Their show this year is entitled Color, which includes Somewhere over the Rainbow (Harbug, Arlen), Welcome to the St. James Club (Freeman), Blue Rondo ala Turk (Brubeck), and Count Bubba (Goodwin). The hornline is very good this year. Each section of the hornline plays well. However, as a whole, their sound wasn't as "together" as the Bluecoats' hornline. Their were some "musical assassins" that just overblew ( I know.......you all are saying how can you overblow in jazz) a little. This will be fixed, though. The percussion are very solid this year. The music is very crowd accessible. The Crossmen really allow the fans to get into this music. The music is well written. Visually, they are continuing with where they left off last year. They are really moving in this show. The guard was very good as always.

Carolina Crown-Fort Mill, S.C.

O.K...........as an alum of this corps, I am glad see that the corps has had a decent start to their season. Their show this year is entitled as Bell-issimo, which includes "Mass" from La Fiesta Mexicana (Reed), "Earth" from Symphony No. 1 (Sparke), The Engulfed Cathedral (Debussy), and Carol of the Bells (Marsh). The hornline is pretty good this year. Each section is really giving something to this show. The low brass is really kickin'. The mellos are really going for it, too. The trumpets are pretty good but they need to beef up there sound a little. This is weakest section so far. They will pick it up, though. As a whole, the hornline has some real musical moments, especially in Engulfed Cathedral. The percussion is really good as well. The pit has some really nice things going on and they are the highlight of the percussion section. They are featured a couple times in the show. The battery is pretty good, but has some musical issues they have to solve. There is some "mud" that is present right now, but that will be fixed. The guard is great this year. They are performing at a very high level right now. The guard uniforms go well with the show concept and the flag designs are great. Visually, the corps is a lot better than last year. The forms are more present and individual technique is much better. There is some spacing issues but that wiil be fixed. The show was well performed, but the corps has some endurance issues, which could be heard at the end of Carol of the Bells. That will be fixed with constant repetition of the show. The concept of this show is really coming through. The program coordination of this show is very well thought out. The staff has done a great job. Overall, a very good show.

P.S. The second pit feature also includes the colorguard in a big way. I won't ruin this surprise for anyone. You need to see this. VERY COOL!!!!

Edited June 27, 2003 by Animal13

[Bluefan]

Thanks, great review!!