Michigan City Match Up

[phan771]

Edited for typos. Hate those. Probably still missed some.

This is such a great stadium. It holds sound well, is large enough to be packed with fans, and small enough to give one the true intimate drum corps viewing experience that domes can never give. On to my review of the evening.

Sorry, I missed Pioneer. Some catching up with old friends I did not expect to see.

Troopers:

The corps' show about steam punk is certainly unique for them and the activity. Though pretty familiar with the steam punk movement, upon reading about their show choice, I though it would be difficult to pull off the theme. Tonight, I did feel that was the case. What I enjoyed most were some cleverly designed silks, and some pretty good music ensemble playing. Though I did not like the drum tuning, they projected clearly and the parts did a good job of creating pulse and phrase connectivity when appropriate. The use of trumpet mutes seemed in line with the quirkiness of the theme and the music choices. The individual marching was pretty good, though challenge was quite low most of, though not all of the time. Besides the usual cleaning that needs to take place, the pacing of the music and GE events requires some attention. The production seems really long, which in not a good thing. The guard has each phrase full, but perhaps that has recently happened in that much was not clean. The show's beginning is very hard to grasp right now; after marching during percussion music for over a minute, the brass stop and play a long major chord. That's it. I found it hard to shake loose the awkward opening impression it gave. There is obvious talent in the corps. The Trooper's class shines through from the moment they enter the field. Kudos to you!

I did feel they should have been behind Glassmen overall, and agree that they should have been ahead of Glassmen in visual and musical analysis. Had there been a brass judge, i felt Troopers clearly played better than Glassmen.

Glassmen:

I have always been a fan of "Mishima" by Philip Glass. This piece starts their show. I feel the original work could be better realized resulting in a better effect, though it sounded that the brass are having a hard time with the required technique the opening requires. The introduction builds pretty well, and the first hit is quite successful.

This opening is by far the best coordinated and performed part of their 2012 show. I am sure other areas will develop. It is quite obvious the show is designed to highlight the percussion section, which is good, though tonight they went from playing quite well to then having a hard time getting many phrases to lock in. The drumline's skill set is pretty good, but does not match that of the corps that finished ahead of them. The use of percussion gets old after a while and the musical connectivity from drum event to brass event was extremely disjunct. I did like several of the electronic sound effects and the layering of mallet writing. The sound of the Jupiter brass (think that is right) is a huge welcomed change over Dynasty brass. Not trying to put salt in any possible wound, but if I was in the drumline and had to do all of the dancing and running around with what I guess will eventually be mirrors or glass-like props, I would have a hard time putting on a happy face everyday. Though playing a few phrases well, it was clear that the brass program is still developing after four or five years of try to rebuild that caption. The guard has their moments, and others that are still under development. Other than some ding type sounds throughout much of the program, I did not find the show theme to be evidently portrayed, including the front drop design and silk design. The drop is pretty and colorful, and I think it is the early stages of melting sand, but I am not sure. I think the program theme does have a lot of interesting potential. I am eager to see this develop.

I felt the captions where they were ahead of Troopers was accurate. Glassmen ahead in drums by a bit, Troopers much ahead in brass. Glassmen ahead in guard, but behind in field movement. Both show designs difficult to follow.

Blue Stars:

Blue Stars was clearly stronger that the previous groups. The opening fish net gag with the guard is clever. Myron Rosander did a great job with the first half of the visual program, while though the drum and brass drill remains fairly strong, the guard integration all but goes away, except a few sets. The guard gets lost in that they are in browns, though the silks are pretty and at times cute and whimsical, though the music did not seem to call for such. They are pretty to look at regardless. The brass pack a pretty good punch and at times sound great. The more difficult drill of course still gets the best of some brass players. This will get better. The guard has some very interesting and musical moments. I appreciate the prop use of several large rocks, a pier, and some blue panels that are scattered around the field. The drum line plays A LOT. They are talented and probably the best part of the corps right now. The parts are very tasty at times, and very overwritten at times for my musical taste. The ocean/sea theme is well supported. I am not a fan of the brass arrangements however. My career is based on theory and composition, so hearing what all the talented arrangers do each season is a big thrill for me. This book, much like Madison's, is based on some great classicall music. Though not a purest to the degree that I mind arrangers playing with, twisting, being creative with music, sometimes it is done well and sometimes it is simply awkward and forced. The big hits are well crafted for volume and some phrases are well crafted from a voicing stand point, but I found myself bothered a lot by the melodic use, development, non-related chord usage, and unsettling harmonic language. If that is the intent, I apologize for my lack of insight. A very good corps with a good show. I am not sure it brings enough to the activity to have them move up.

I agree with judge's placement over Troopers and Glasmen in all captions. I would not have them above Spirit in any caption except maybe percussion achievement at this time, though Spirit's drum book is much more musical, diverse, and engaging. The pit's use of color and their performance presence is worth noting.

Spirit of Atlanta:

I was excited to see Spirit based on what I have heard and seen. I was NOT disappointed at all. First, congratulations on getting to perform under the lights and after intermission. I know what it is like to not do that, and then experience these kinds of rewards that develop after sticking with a corps that rebuilds and catches fire.

Seems you have done that in spades (pun intended). I guess I will talk about a few things I feel need attention. There are a few transitions that don't quite keep up the energy level of the rest of the show. They seem right on the verge of being easily developed. I am sure you will get to it. The voice overs work well, but I would get rid of the speaking in an echo chamber effect. Yes, cleaning to do in all areas, but other than that, I was really blown away and so was the crowd. I had a feeling last year's design team would make a Vegas show in 2012 something unique, highly sophisticated, and still extremely engaging and competitive. Bravo. Seems many corps are still too afraid to be this entertaining, especially with using music in at least half of your show that most people easily recognize. The opening hit is so spot on for a Vegas production: big, loud, colorful, confident, and cool. The use of "Lady Luck" in the intro, opening, and closing is so well done. I cannot say enough about the great brass and percussion arranging. These people ( I really should look this up and call them by name) have done a great job writing a 2012 music book that has a clear identity to this corps and this show theme and should be super competitive in all music captions. I felt like I was on the strip or in a club or gambling throughout the production. The subtle and big moments are so well crafted and the amount of variety of sounds, textures, colors, electronics, is almost stupid good. Variety of coordinated effects is also very well done. Strong in all captions with a most improved guard award. I not only loved the show but found myself so proud of how far this group has come in three years.

I felt they were above Blue Stars in all captions. Guards comprable, though Spirit offered more GE and show theme efforts. After Cavies finished, I assumed Spirit had beaten them, certainly in both GE captions and visual and musical analysis. The Spirt guard score was simply one of those huhhhh? times of the summer. No, I am not an expert, but my wife and her friends certainly are. They gave insight that is better left unsaid. And yes, everyone has their opinion.

Cavaliers:

I wanted the rumors to all be over stated and too dramatic. I will keep this short to not beat the horse. I was extremely disappointed and at times shocked. There is talent in each section. The drum line kicks ###. The will again vie for the drum trophy. The guard silks are cool. I assume they have a few yet to go into the show. The brass are OK, but clearly weaker than Spirit and Blue Stars to my ears. They had a lot of fundamental problems tonight and produced thin and out of tune sounds throughout. The show does not flow well nor make sense at this point.

Other than percussion, there was nothing that was offered that was stronger than Spirit. I understand how judges are uncomfortable making that statement. Cavies are a great organization having a rough start. They will make their show better, I am sure of it. I hope them the best and their members many positive experiences.

Bluecoats:

This is a better corps than last year. The horn line is perhaps their best ever. No fears of their staff leaving behind a weak horn line. The brass display strength, subtly, effectiveness, and stamina. Though Crown's horn line is great, Bluecoats are close behind. The show theme does not seem that clear as of yet, but it seems the talent level will allow for changes and alterations that will better support the theme as the summer progresses. The drum line is strong but maybe not as good as the past few strong years. The guard has some catching up to do to get to the level of the rest of the corps. Look for a moment in their show where the brass play a technical passage in a ripple around a curved drill set. Though this type of thing has been done before, this is now the new standard and will be hard to top. The guard costume and silks are well tied into the overall look and attitude of the corps. The first half of the show is much more engaging than the second half which seems to go from effect to effect without connective material that allows for a musical through line (what some would refer to as cut and paste drum corps). The brass moments are arranged well, but I wish their was more opportunity for

musical, melodic development, attention to compositional detail. The production seems to have five or six endings right now, which I found odd. A very good corps that I am excited to see again. It is one of those shows where you felt you may have just missed some connections that would have helped keep you more engaged throughout.

Crown:

I will keep this short, but for opposite reasons from Cavie's short review. WOW! The brass, combined with their physical demand, are truly super human. If the guard keeps developing and the drum line ups their game markedly, this could be a contender. CANNOT wait to see it again. BRAVO!

Edited July 2, 2012 by phan771

[oldsoprano]

Great review! Thanks for taking the time and effort!

[Cavie74]

I was on the side 1 sideline at about the 15 yard line after intermission and I would like to add a few observations.

Spirit

I was really impressed with the energy of their show. They really sell it. I also thought their guard uniforms worked well for both males and females.

Bluecoats

That snare line was tuned to perfection. They projected well and the sound was rich and true to the instrument. WOW!

[TexasPRfan]

Outstanding review. Thanks for all lthe time & thought you put into this.

Harvey

[cowtown]

A quick take

Colt cadets – clever show, using the cymbals as a visual section, not taking member from the guard, nice idea, fun !!!

Pioneer – good design, good drum line, better guard than last year…will you horns please stick around a few years, maybe a half off fees deal if you come back, all that’s needed really

Troopers, very troopers, good drums…horns seemed stronger last year but good, guard needs to bump it up a bit…I liked this years’ show, better design then the last few, my fav since their 2008 show…its very Troopers….that big guard rack on the back 50…stole my attention when you brought it forward and it didn’t do anything, make it do something or leave it back there – show needs some tweeks but I liked it

Glassmen – better now then they were at this show last year, nice show, good drumline, needs more meat in the horn book especially during the organ sympathy – you got my most improved corps over the course of the season last year, if you do it again, you’ll jump Blue Stars, finals would be in reach…a lot of work but hey, go for it

Blue Stars – hmmm, felt you had a drop off in talent, drill is good and challenging but not that challenging, you should be able to clean it up…not a fan of the musical arranging, may sink this show….no cohesive sea theme, everything sea thrown in , needs focus…cool flags, love the fish…guard was chasing equipment all over, many key drops but exciting work…don’t water it down yet

Spirit – cool show, I got it big time, a few things were a bit overkill but wow, great job and when put it in the context of that rock-show show a few years back….thank you

And I see no issues with this show being too complete or too as some claim, it only has upside

Bluecoats – very blooo…heard some of the bloooo chords I love and some of the blooo resolves….too much synth makes the horn line sound weak…no sense of theme conveyed, masks ineffective….show seems to meander and get’s lost then just ends…pink flags were pretty…have no sense of where this show is going…it reminded me of 2009 but written in the style of 2010/11...we'll see

Crown – I’m going with Borg cubes, borg theme…middle and the back half of the show great…front half lost me….sure looks like you’re running around a lot, not sure why, not much visual effect other than just motion…when your hornline is that good, it’s that obvious when you’re not…a few rough spots…I get what people are saying about the color thing, only color for a long while were the woodblocks on the snare – color catches the eye, so…just saying…think I missed something, big crowd response and I was…what, what???....visual did not focus my attention or show me where to look most of the time…the exception, the 2009 running circle thing…your guard still gets lost at points

Cavies – wow, I love yeah but, yeah… these things build character…it was kind of shocking really….guard got lost which considering, wasn’t a bad thing…maybe the arc of fame should be explored more or maybe just…I don’t know, so many issues across the board other, my friend thought the show was about 80s porn stars, ekks... drums smoking still, much respect to the marchers...hang in there

Cow Scores based upon actual scores

Crown – 76

Bluecoats -72

Spirit -70

Cavies -69

Blue Stars -67

Glassmen -66

Trooper -64

Pioneer =56