A Travesty Called Lawrence

[fifer]

Just got in from Lawrence and still can’t believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

I’ll start with the local corps – the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start – very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasn’t as bad as in early summer – and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note – and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

Now I absolutely loved SCV’s show last year and tend to be a consistent fan, but this year is just not doing it for me. First is that the concept is not coming through – if I hadn’t watched them on every Fan Network stream and not heard the announcer say the name of the show, I would have no idea what the story was supposed to be. I read others say the same thing but the black outfits on the guard confused me – where does black come in with the devil? Isn’t his favorite color red? And why do they keep holding hands and then trapping or chasing or dancing with horn players? There just feels like no reason for much of what happens in the show, it’s just a hodge-podge of ideas. And (again, IMHO) I wasn’t prepared for the quality of most of their horn line’s job tonight. There are just too many places where the main note in a chord is overshadowed by some other voice, or the melody gets lost while some harmony sticks out. The sound was somewhat weak while marching but settled in and gave a few powerful and well balanced loud chords when stationary. Guard was very good but hard to see a lot with the black outfits and some of their flags aren’t that inspiring. Sorry, but I don’t hold this up to the creativity and execution of the Bartok or Ballet for Martha .

The other travesty was DB beating The Cadets. I’m sorry, but there is a noticeable difference in the entire character, design, flow, spectacle and throw babies feeling of The Cadets' versus BD’s shows this year. The Cadets are back to doing what they do so well, and that’s portray a simple concept through a number of different characterizations that connects together as a story that is a roller coaster ride through this battle. The guard is doing a wonderful job at making you feel they are the characters they portray. There is one section to look out for that is about the most beautiful flag feature I have ever seen – it’s when the angels come down from the back left corner when they start Amazing Grace. They are dancing wonderfully while doing single hand tosses and catching it with the other single hand followed by a beautiful move where the flag is draped downward close to the body in such a way as it becomes a dance partner for a few turns. The flags are gorgeous and appropriate throughout. And the horn book and drill throughout are just so wonderfully written and expertly executed. Demand, schlamand! I’ve found that the corps that gets the most respect from me for their titles have been those that challenged themselves to do what others would think impossible. This show (and Cavies and Crowns from what I’ve seen) all have shows that seem more at the same grade level, for lack of a better way to describe it. It’s like when I did vocal individual and ensemble way back, and I did one of the bass aria’s from Handle’s Messiah because it had the highest possible grade value (because it was considerably more difficult/demanding than the art song of one grade lower that I sang the year before). So to close off with The Cadets, they received three spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovations from the crowd that was up on its feet applauding so loud that you could not hear the final chord of the show! They won the crowd several times over. Oh, sorry but one more thing – the fight scene with the metal poles is unbelievable in person, under the lights. Was it Phantom that did a bare pole thing years back that had a great strobe-like effect? This takes that idea and magnifies it tenfold. The guard expertly handled their poles while transforming them from single length poles, then into double length poles (I assume it telescopes out somehow), and then they break the poles in half and dance and spin (while flying across the field) and spinning one pole while doing single hand tosses with the pole in the other hand – why aren’t they winning guard again?

Sorry, but I have felt that ever since Pasadena and the return of the butterflies that BD has been allowed to get away with doing shows that are not a challenge for their talents. I hate it when you see that young group that is struggling to perform some complex concept that is way above their heads – it’s not fair to the kids. But I’m equally dismayed when a corps that has had some of the best talent these past few years decides to put out shows that are below their abilities. Again, I say that the corps that pushes themselves beyond the limit of what a human can do will win my respect. Put some octane in this drill, get rid of the crutches called props, play something impressive while offering a visually impressive (demanding) drill move that gives me something to throw babies about. I was hoping it would be as others have said, and I would have understood and liked it more live than on Fan Network. Ended up that I understood it less and did not feel it was any more appropriate for the talent level of this corps than I did via the stream. (By the way, what does a house have to do with any of their drill or guard work or the show title – The Beat My Heart Skipped? Where does that come in??) Way too many times the corps stops to play the difficult stuff and way too often that the guard is doing nothing but dancing (although expertly done) and then setting up in a simple formation and doing the hardest equipment work standing in one spot. The density of the horn book is fabulous as always, but the trumpets are getting away with some shrill tones (and even some intonation issues here and there) that should be affecting their horn scores but don’t seem to be. And I was stunned that the drill was not as squeaky clean as others have made it sound. Maybe it’s just that the season is almost to its end and everyone is better. But I saw a number of spacing issues and crooked lines that I did not expect. Their drill writing of the past few years has frequently used four or five different moves going on at the same time. You can only concentrate on one or two at the most. If you, or the judges, are not looking at the right rotating box or sweeping arc or follow-the-leader lines at the right time, you’ll miss the imperfections. So let me end by saying that I think, once again, BD has put out one of the most talented corps there is, unfortunately, they gave them yet another show that doesn’t challenge them.

It’s just how I saw it.

[Farmboy]

By the way, what does a house have to do with any of their drill or guard work or the show title – The Beat My Heart Skipped? Where does that come in??)

It's one of the Bacharach songs they play, "A House Is Not a Home" (lyric by Hal David).

Probably a self-referential joke, in part, when you consider the first verse:

A chair is still a chair

Even when there's no one sitting there

But a chair is not a house

And a house is not a home

When there's no one there to hold you tight,

And no one there you can kiss goodnight.

[Grumpy]

IMHO, the judges got it right...Cadets were good, VERY good, but I thought BD was just a tad better.

[steeldrum]

Just got in from Lawrence and still cant believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

Ill start with the local corps the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasnt as bad as in early summer and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

Now I absolutely loved SCVs show last year and tend to be a consistent fan, but this year is just not doing it for me. First is that the concept is not coming through if I hadnt watched them on every Fan Network stream and not heard the announcer say the name of the show, I would have no idea what the story was supposed to be. I read others say the same thing but the black outfits on the guard confused me where does black come in with the devil? Isnt his favorite color red? And why do they keep holding hands and then trapping or chasing or dancing with horn players? There just feels like no reason for much of what happens in the show, its just a hodge-podge of ideas. And (again, IMHO) I wasnt prepared for the quality of most of their horn lines job tonight. There are just too many places where the main note in a chord is overshadowed by some other voice, or the melody gets lost while some harmony sticks out. The sound was somewhat weak while marching but settled in and gave a few powerful and well balanced loud chords when stationary. Guard was very good but hard to see a lot with the black outfits and some of their flags arent that inspiring. Sorry, but I dont hold this up to the creativity and execution of the Bartok or Ballet for Martha .

If you review the recaps you'll note that Boston did beat SCV in brass, ensemble and GE, but lost to SCV in percussion by 1.2 points. That was the difference in BC coming in 4th place behind SCV. I think everyone will agree that SCV's drumline is way ahead of BC. So it looks like the judges agreed with you in most areas, where's the travesty?

Edited August 5, 2011 by steeldrum

[NakedEye]

The guard expertly handled their poles while transforming them from single length poles, then into double length poles (I assume it telescopes out somehow), and then they break the poles in half and dance and spin (while flying across the field) and spinning one pole while doing single hand tosses with the pole in the other hand – why aren’t they winning guard again?

This aspect has been intriguing me for a few weeks, and after watching a video with close ups, I finally figured it out. All the poles appear to be PVC, but the guard uses ones that have a connector fitting on one end. At the end of the battle, when the horns are racing back to the end zones, a select few pass off their poles to the guard, who then connect the two pieces to make the double-length. It's really impressive because they do it VERY fast and all with a uniform motion, where they rotate the new piece up counter clockwise to make the connection. Later they pull them apart to become two again. Anything like this has inherent risk of a malfunction, with the possibility of the big ones flying apart, not being able to separate it back into two, etc., so the fact they are doing this SO well and SO fast, while madly running around is just great stuff.

[BRASSO]

Just got in from Lawrence and still can’t believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

I’ll start with the local corps – the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start – very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasn’t as bad as in early summer – and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note – and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

Now I absolutely loved SCV’s show last year and tend to be a consistent fan, but this year is just not doing it for me. First is that the concept is not coming through – if I hadn’t watched them on every Fan Network stream and not heard the announcer say the name of the show, I would have no idea what the story was supposed to be. I read others say the same thing but the black outfits on the guard confused me – where does black come in with the devil? Isn’t his favorite color red? And why do they keep holding hands and then trapping or chasing or dancing with horn players? There just feels like no reason for much of what happens in the show, it’s just a hodge-podge of ideas. And (again, IMHO) I wasn’t prepared for the quality of most of their horn line’s job tonight. There are just too many places where the main note in a chord is overshadowed by some other voice, or the melody gets lost while some harmony sticks out. The sound was somewhat weak while marching but settled in and gave a few powerful and well balanced loud chords when stationary. Guard was very good but hard to see a lot with the black outfits and some of their flags aren’t that inspiring. Sorry, but I don’t hold this up to the creativity and execution of the Bartok or Ballet for Martha .

The other travesty was DB beating The Cadets. I’m sorry, but there is a noticeable difference in the entire character, design, flow, spectacle and throw babies feeling of The Cadets' versus BD’s shows this year. The Cadets are back to doing what they do so well, and that’s portray a simple concept through a number of different characterizations that connects together as a story that is a roller coaster ride through this battle. The guard is doing a wonderful job at making you feel they are the characters they portray. There is one section to look out for that is about the most beautiful flag feature I have ever seen – it’s when the angels come down from the back left corner when they start Amazing Grace. They are dancing wonderfully while doing single hand tosses and catching it with the other single hand followed by a beautiful move where the flag is draped downward close to the body in such a way as it becomes a dance partner for a few turns. The flags are gorgeous and appropriate throughout. And the horn book and drill throughout are just so wonderfully written and expertly executed. Demand, schlamand! I’ve found that the corps that gets the most respect from me for their titles have been those that challenged themselves to do what others would think impossible. This show (and Cavies and Crowns from what I’ve seen) all have shows that seem more at the same grade level, for lack of a better way to describe it. It’s like when I did vocal individual and ensemble way back, and I did one of the bass aria’s from Handle’s Messiah because it had the highest possible grade value (because it was considerably more difficult/demanding than the art song of one grade lower that I sang the year before). So to close off with The Cadets, they received three spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovations from the crowd that was up on its feet applauding so loud that you could not hear the final chord of the show! They won the crowd several times over. Oh, sorry but one more thing – the fight scene with the metal poles is unbelievable in person, under the lights. Was it Phantom that did a bare pole thing years back that had a great strobe-like effect? This takes that idea and magnifies it tenfold. The guard expertly handled their poles while transforming them from single length poles, then into double length poles (I assume it telescopes out somehow), and then they break the poles in half and dance and spin (while flying across the field) and spinning one pole while doing single hand tosses with the pole in the other hand – why aren’t they winning guard again?

Sorry, but I have felt that ever since Pasadena and the return of the butterflies that BD has been allowed to get away with doing shows that are not a challenge for their talents. I hate it when you see that young group that is struggling to perform some complex concept that is way above their heads – it’s not fair to the kids. But I’m equally dismayed when a corps that has had some of the best talent these past few years decides to put out shows that are below their abilities. Again, I say that the corps that pushes themselves beyond the limit of what a human can do will win my respect. Put some octane in this drill, get rid of the crutches called props, play something impressive while offering a visually impressive (demanding) drill move that gives me something to throw babies about. I was hoping it would be as others have said, and I would have understood and liked it more live than on Fan Network. Ended up that I understood it less and did not feel it was any more appropriate for the talent level of this corps than I did via the stream. (By the way, what does a house have to do with any of their drill or guard work or the show title – The Beat My Heart Skipped? Where does that come in??) Way too many times the corps stops to play the difficult stuff and way too often that the guard is doing nothing but dancing (although expertly done) and then setting up in a simple formation and doing the hardest equipment work standing in one spot. The density of the horn book is fabulous as always, but the trumpets are getting away with some shrill tones (and even some intonation issues here and there) that should be affecting their horn scores but don’t seem to be. And I was stunned that the drill was not as squeaky clean as others have made it sound. Maybe it’s just that the season is almost to its end and everyone is better. But I saw a number of spacing issues and crooked lines that I did not expect. Their drill writing of the past few years has frequently used four or five different moves going on at the same time. You can only concentrate on one or two at the most. If you, or the judges, are not looking at the right rotating box or sweeping arc or follow-the-leader lines at the right time, you’ll miss the imperfections. So let me end by saying that I think, once again, BD has put out one of the most talented corps there is, unfortunately, they gave them yet another show that doesn’t challenge them.

It’s just how I saw it.

Re. Boston and SCV, I share your observations btw these 2 Corps. I thought BAC topped Santa Clara last night. They went on after BD and that could have had a slight impact. As is, SCV emerged just .025 ahead of BAC, and to SCV's credit it was principally the result of their strong percussion line that did it for them. Boston was stronger in Brass and GE, but percussion gave SCV the ever so slight edge last nite, so I didn't quite see it reaching the level of " a travesty " as you did. But it's interesting to note, as you said, Boston's improvement over the course of the season. Their first show last year was a 75, and this year a 67.... I like BD's show better this year than last year ( maybe thats damning with faint praise, but its a start anyway), and their execution was a bit better than Cadets, especially drill execution, last night, imo. I liked their show a bit better than you. I had them in first at this show. Cadets drill is amazing though. BD however has a first rate brass, guard, percussion line. Cadets simply need to clean a bit more and they have a shot at winning still. Oh well, we agreed at least on some things. Thanks for taking the time to give your review. I enjoyed reading your take on the same show that I was at to get another's fan's perspective on it !

Edited August 5, 2011 by BRASSO

[Brigadier80]

I attended the Lawrence show as well and aggree with your statements regarding Boston and SCV. I have not seen Boston for a month and I was astounded at the number of changes the have made. Then have now involved much more of the corps during the ballad. The new ending is what people have been asking for (more 1812). Brass is amazing. I love the writing for the middle voices. Boston should be and I predict will be beating SCV. I agree that this show is right up there witn 00 and 02. I did enjoy Santa Clara's show but their brass especially in the first third of the show is thin,and has little volume. I also thought I heard a cross tempo issue following their opening statement. I like the guard charactorizations especially during the ballad but they do precious little equiptment work.

Cadet's were amazing. This may be their best show since 2000. I do agree they should be beating BD. There was still some fracking in the brass line (with the visual demands it is understandable) so they still have cleaning to do. They did get several (deservedly) standing 0's. It is an incredibly well designed show. I did like BD better than you. Musically this is their best show since 06 and both brass and battery (watch the snares!) sounded great. The guard use of poles was well done (although not as good as Cadets). Visually they march with impeccable technique. Does demand match Cadet's or Cavie's? No but it is still effective. As ususal the props are pretty useless but I still really enjoyed their show.

One week to Indy!

Just got in from Lawrence and still can’t believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

I’ll start with the local corps – the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start – very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasn’t as bad as in early summer – and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note – and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

Now I absolutely loved SCV’s show last year and tend to be a consistent fan, but this year is just not doing it for me. First is that the concept is not coming through – if I hadn’t watched them on every Fan Network stream and not heard the announcer say the name of the show, I would have no idea what the story was supposed to be. I read others say the same thing but the black outfits on the guard confused me – where does black come in with the devil? Isn’t his favorite color red? And why do they keep holding hands and then trapping or chasing or dancing with horn players? There just feels like no reason for much of what happens in the show, it’s just a hodge-podge of ideas. And (again, IMHO) I wasn’t prepared for the quality of most of their horn line’s job tonight. There are just too many places where the main note in a chord is overshadowed by some other voice, or the melody gets lost while some harmony sticks out. The sound was somewhat weak while marching but settled in and gave a few powerful and well balanced loud chords when stationary. Guard was very good but hard to see a lot with the black outfits and some of their flags aren’t that inspiring. Sorry, but I don’t hold this up to the creativity and execution of the Bartok or Ballet for Martha .

The other travesty was DB beating The Cadets. I’m sorry, but there is a noticeable difference in the entire character, design, flow, spectacle and throw babies feeling of The Cadets' versus BD’s shows this year. The Cadets are back to doing what they do so well, and that’s portray a simple concept through a number of different characterizations that connects together as a story that is a roller coaster ride through this battle. The guard is doing a wonderful job at making you feel they are the characters they portray. There is one section to look out for that is about the most beautiful flag feature I have ever seen – it’s when the angels come down from the back left corner when they start Amazing Grace. They are dancing wonderfully while doing single hand tosses and catching it with the other single hand followed by a beautiful move where the flag is draped downward close to the body in such a way as it becomes a dance partner for a few turns. The flags are gorgeous and appropriate throughout. And the horn book and drill throughout are just so wonderfully written and expertly executed. Demand, schlamand! I’ve found that the corps that gets the most respect from me for their titles have been those that challenged themselves to do what others would think impossible. This show (and Cavies and Crowns from what I’ve seen) all have shows that seem more at the same grade level, for lack of a better way to describe it. It’s like when I did vocal individual and ensemble way back, and I did one of the bass aria’s from Handle’s Messiah because it had the highest possible grade value (because it was considerably more difficult/demanding than the art song of one grade lower that I sang the year before). So to close off with The Cadets, they received three spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovations from the crowd that was up on its feet applauding so loud that you could not hear the final chord of the show! They won the crowd several times over. Oh, sorry but one more thing – the fight scene with the metal poles is unbelievable in person, under the lights. Was it Phantom that did a bare pole thing years back that had a great strobe-like effect? This takes that idea and magnifies it tenfold. The guard expertly handled their poles while transforming them from single length poles, then into double length poles (I assume it telescopes out somehow), and then they break the poles in half and dance and spin (while flying across the field) and spinning one pole while doing single hand tosses with the pole in the other hand – why aren’t they winning guard again?

Sorry, but I have felt that ever since Pasadena and the return of the butterflies that BD has been allowed to get away with doing shows that are not a challenge for their talents. I hate it when you see that young group that is struggling to perform some complex concept that is way above their heads – it’s not fair to the kids. But I’m equally dismayed when a corps that has had some of the best talent these past few years decides to put out shows that are below their abilities. Again, I say that the corps that pushes themselves beyond the limit of what a human can do will win my respect. Put some octane in this drill, get rid of the crutches called props, play something impressive while offering a visually impressive (demanding) drill move that gives me something to throw babies about. I was hoping it would be as others have said, and I would have understood and liked it more live than on Fan Network. Ended up that I understood it less and did not feel it was any more appropriate for the talent level of this corps than I did via the stream. (By the way, what does a house have to do with any of their drill or guard work or the show title – The Beat My Heart Skipped? Where does that come in??) Way too many times the corps stops to play the difficult stuff and way too often that the guard is doing nothing but dancing (although expertly done) and then setting up in a simple formation and doing the hardest equipment work standing in one spot. The density of the horn book is fabulous as always, but the trumpets are getting away with some shrill tones (and even some intonation issues here and there) that should be affecting their horn scores but don’t seem to be. And I was stunned that the drill was not as squeaky clean as others have made it sound. Maybe it’s just that the season is almost to its end and everyone is better. But I saw a number of spacing issues and crooked lines that I did not expect. Their drill writing of the past few years has frequently used four or five different moves going on at the same time. You can only concentrate on one or two at the most. If you, or the judges, are not looking at the right rotating box or sweeping arc or follow-the-leader lines at the right time, you’ll miss the imperfections. So let me end by saying that I think, once again, BD has put out one of the most talented corps there is, unfortunately, they gave them yet another show that doesn’t challenge them.

It’s just how I saw it.

[jmc5682]

Just got in from Lawrence and still can’t believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

I’ll start with the local corps – the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start – very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasn’t as bad as in early summer – and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note – and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

Now I absolutely loved SCV’s show last year and tend to be a consistent fan, but this year is just not doing it for me. First is that the concept is not coming through – if I hadn’t watched them on every Fan Network stream and not heard the announcer say the name of the show, I would have no idea what the story was supposed to be. I read others say the same thing but the black outfits on the guard confused me – where does black come in with the devil? Isn’t his favorite color red? And why do they keep holding hands and then trapping or chasing or dancing with horn players? There just feels like no reason for much of what happens in the show, it’s just a hodge-podge of ideas. And (again, IMHO) I wasn’t prepared for the quality of most of their horn line’s job tonight. There are just too many places where the main note in a chord is overshadowed by some other voice, or the melody gets lost while some harmony sticks out. The sound was somewhat weak while marching but settled in and gave a few powerful and well balanced loud chords when stationary. Guard was very good but hard to see a lot with the black outfits and some of their flags aren’t that inspiring. Sorry, but I don’t hold this up to the creativity and execution of the Bartok or Ballet for Martha .

The other travesty was DB beating The Cadets. I’m sorry, but there is a noticeable difference in the entire character, design, flow, spectacle and throw babies feeling of The Cadets' versus BD’s shows this year. The Cadets are back to doing what they do so well, and that’s portray a simple concept through a number of different characterizations that connects together as a story that is a roller coaster ride through this battle. The guard is doing a wonderful job at making you feel they are the characters they portray. There is one section to look out for that is about the most beautiful flag feature I have ever seen – it’s when the angels come down from the back left corner when they start Amazing Grace. They are dancing wonderfully while doing single hand tosses and catching it with the other single hand followed by a beautiful move where the flag is draped downward close to the body in such a way as it becomes a dance partner for a few turns. The flags are gorgeous and appropriate throughout. And the horn book and drill throughout are just so wonderfully written and expertly executed. Demand, schlamand! I’ve found that the corps that gets the most respect from me for their titles have been those that challenged themselves to do what others would think impossible. This show (and Cavies and Crowns from what I’ve seen) all have shows that seem more at the same grade level, for lack of a better way to describe it. It’s like when I did vocal individual and ensemble way back, and I did one of the bass aria’s from Handle’s Messiah because it had the highest possible grade value (because it was considerably more difficult/demanding than the art song of one grade lower that I sang the year before). So to close off with The Cadets, they received three spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovations from the crowd that was up on its feet applauding so loud that you could not hear the final chord of the show! They won the crowd several times over. Oh, sorry but one more thing – the fight scene with the metal poles is unbelievable in person, under the lights. Was it Phantom that did a bare pole thing years back that had a great strobe-like effect? This takes that idea and magnifies it tenfold. The guard expertly handled their poles while transforming them from single length poles, then into double length poles (I assume it telescopes out somehow), and then they break the poles in half and dance and spin (while flying across the field) and spinning one pole while doing single hand tosses with the pole in the other hand – why aren’t they winning guard again?

Sorry, but I have felt that ever since Pasadena and the return of the butterflies that BD has been allowed to get away with doing shows that are not a challenge for their talents. I hate it when you see that young group that is struggling to perform some complex concept that is way above their heads – it’s not fair to the kids. But I’m equally dismayed when a corps that has had some of the best talent these past few years decides to put out shows that are below their abilities. Again, I say that the corps that pushes themselves beyond the limit of what a human can do will win my respect. Put some octane in this drill, get rid of the crutches called props, play something impressive while offering a visually impressive (demanding) drill move that gives me something to throw babies about. I was hoping it would be as others have said, and I would have understood and liked it more live than on Fan Network. Ended up that I understood it less and did not feel it was any more appropriate for the talent level of this corps than I did via the stream. (By the way, what does a house have to do with any of their drill or guard work or the show title – The Beat My Heart Skipped? Where does that come in??) Way too many times the corps stops to play the difficult stuff and way too often that the guard is doing nothing but dancing (although expertly done) and then setting up in a simple formation and doing the hardest equipment work standing in one spot. The density of the horn book is fabulous as always, but the trumpets are getting away with some shrill tones (and even some intonation issues here and there) that should be affecting their horn scores but don’t seem to be. And I was stunned that the drill was not as squeaky clean as others have made it sound. Maybe it’s just that the season is almost to its end and everyone is better. But I saw a number of spacing issues and crooked lines that I did not expect. Their drill writing of the past few years has frequently used four or five different moves going on at the same time. You can only concentrate on one or two at the most. If you, or the judges, are not looking at the right rotating box or sweeping arc or follow-the-leader lines at the right time, you’ll miss the imperfections. So let me end by saying that I think, once again, BD has put out one of the most talented corps there is, unfortunately, they gave them yet another show that doesn’t challenge them.

It’s just how I saw it.

Perhaps you need glasses. Cadets have been doing the same type of drill for years now. Speed does not equal demand. Thanks for taking the time to write a review though. I may not agree with you, but I appreciate the effort.

[7567BC]

Perhaps you need glasses. Cadets have been doing the same type of drill for years now. Speed does not equal demand. Thanks for taking the time to write a review though. I may not agree with you, but I appreciate the effort.

Perhaps you need glasses? A bit harsh and offensive. Yeah speed doesn't equal demand (what specifically does "equal" demand?)but it certainly is a componenet of demand. Not moving isn't demanding unless your are being a mannequin. Moving slowly isn't anymore demanding than it was years ago. If you choose not to move your playing should be impeccable. BD's was without question. when you do move at the speed BD does, your drill better be perfect to provide some compensation for the lowered demand. And the talent level that BD has for marchers should be of such a high level, thet their many many block formations should be perfect.

[Liahona]

Just got in from Lawrence and still can’t believe the results tonight! IMHO, there were two travesties of justice in Lawrence tonight.

I’ll start with the local corps – the 2011 Boston Crusaders are arguably their best corps since Red, and in some ways, even better than both 2000 and 2002. This corps really performs and makes a great production out of the combination of Les Miz and 1812. I really appreciate some of the countermelodies that pop up regularly throughout. The color guard is also really selling this show. They are so brave to use those flame flags right from the start – very exposed and extremely well done. And the drill is really well conceived and executed at a higher level than SCV (tonight, at least). And horns were superb (a real fifth to seventh place corps level playing). Even the netting wasn’t as bad as in early summer – and the lights they added inside the mesh is starting to give it a more interesting effect. And I cannot stop praising their baritone soloist!!! Such control while playing a very exposed piece that requires a soft touch and lots of caressing the note – and he nails it every time! Good luck Boston, you were the better corps tonight.

I was also at the Lawrence show and I think perhaps travesty is a little strong about the SCV versus BAC battle. I had BAC above SCV, but obviously SCV squeaked by them mostly because of their percussion score. I respect the judges decision although I don't completely agree with it.

But you know what else...the fact that you are calling this a travesty is okay with me. WHY? Because you strike me as a person who calls it like they see it... I read your review in the beginning of the season on Boston (CYO Nationals Review)...and that was not very pretty at all...

Thanks for your honest unbiased reviews..I really appreciate them.