Popular Post nero14 Posted July 27, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted July 27, 2013 Me: 31, pharmacist, male, Bluecoat FMM-> Tuba. This is my 13th year in a row of attending this show as either a performer or spectator. Brought several new people and that was fun- including my boss, old college friend, a 7th grade trumpet player… I’m basically a DCI evangelist! . I consider $45 a good investment to get a new viewer to a show—because what if it impacts them even half as much as it did me when I saw my first show in 2000? Changed my life Just some thoughts--- and if it’s not clear- I was there, this is not a FN viewing recap. Order of appearance: Music City: very solid for open class. These kids are well instructed and march with poise and confidence. Love the musical selections… part of me, as a Nashville native, would LOVE to see this group eventually go World Class. We have a ton of talent down here in the south— got MCM for our WGI stuff… I mean- we can do this guys! Give it a few more years. Proud to claim Music City- Cavies: I guess for me it’s sad to see that they have slipped this much. All my live-DCI-watching-life they have been a dominant force—I’m not sure if there’s any one glaring deficiency—brass ensemble was noticeably weak- and volume wise they really were only a small bit louder than Music City- I know Cavies are known for their controlled, balanced, brass—((was super ###### a few years ago when they did a mf version of Mars…but don’t get me started on that))—but I mean, they were noticeably softer than every other world class group out there. I’m all for quality—but give it some more power, boys! Overall design is smart and drives home the theme- but I’m not sure I see much chance of them breaking 8th place come finals. Not sure if BAC or BK will give them a run for the money—probably not—but I’d say that would be more likely than them beating Madison at this point. Crown: **this show is a must see LIVE show—I had only see video of this up to this point and it’s just an entirely different animal when you see it in person—the Trumpet solo that gets carried around the field—the left and right timpani, the 16th note run on the right side that snakes down the line -- this is a show that is made to be experienced, not just watched on FN. Going from Music City to Cavies to Crown it really felt like we had just seen three different divisions of marching music- they are in a league of their own- up there with BD and Cadets. I think the overall demand of this show from a big picture perspective is right up there with BD—I’ll talk later about the one thing I think BD does that gives them the edge… but the unison moves are so crisp—the members so skilled and confident that you can really just sit back and enjoy—new ending is cool with the ending in the big crown with the big bass drums as the jewels in the crown--- but I liked 2011, 2012, and 2009’s closers better—I bet they’ll kick it up another notch by finals but it’s not going to be enough for them to take the gold, IMO. Lock down Silver? Probably—I said it in 2011 and I’ll say it again- Crown is the future of drum corps—I love their design and visual themes and hope a few years for now more of the top corps have shows that resemble crown’s style… this is the kind of show that I feel proud to show to friends/family and say- THIS is DCI, this is what I love—what do you think now? – you’d think the abstract parts that come from Einstein on the Beach would have thrown some of the new people—but they all liked it- reprising 2001 at the end is genius- that’s what people remembered—also I’ll say the ballad had me almost in tears- they’ve managed to get a good bit of emotion in there- well done crown- thank you Cadets: I still love this show--- I think crown is a bit more accessible in a way (which feels funny to say with some of the abstract parts of EOTB)—I think recalling back to Star 93, SCV 99, SCV 2000—it’s great to finally be able to hear some of that source music again—I think the opening big hold on the right with the triangle, etc is solid musically and is very effective- could add a bit more visual demand there… but I mean from movement to movement, color to color- this show grabs you and pulls you in. it’s powerful and demands respect. This show is not at risk of falling below 3rd… not sure how they are going to pass crown but it’s possible? Not much more to say- loved it. It's a true joy-- a drum corps fan's dream /--- cadets style. Bluecoats: I knew they were 6th before they announced the scores- was pleasantly surprised how close they were to phantom—I guess it’s clear now just as in some of the past few years that the percussion and brass are musically performing several steps ahead of the visual program (looks like both were in 4th overall- pretty impressive). I think the ending needs a few more sets to really drive it home—I think the theme is light enough to where each person can interpret a bit differently and I think that’s ok—((sssseeeecret sssssociiiiety, lol)) I guess I wish I knew a bit more about what the theme was—parades, contrasting military with civilian life? – I find it hard to put in words. I don’t see this as being as BD-like as some have suggested—there’s a few running sets. Color Guard is something we’re going to have to invest in more- I know nothing about guards, how to make them better, recruit better members, but if this tuba player can sit here and see that the guard needs work, that’s not good. All of the other G7 have guards that are good in the traditional sense—big unison tosses, integrated flags, etc. I think the demand for Blue’s guard is just lacking and we’re not even nailing the demand that we’ve got… (I’m very surprised that we beat cavies’ guard) I mean- fix some of the visual issues and Bluecoats are a solid 5th… but until then I don’t know. We don’t have the drill design to compete with the top 3 either—need to risk more. – and someone had mentioned the toe first marching but I didn’t really notice until tonight—what’s the deal with that? Is there something advantageous to doing that? Looks like we are always jazz running? It’s not bad- just seems polar opposite from cadets’ style… this show won’t go lower than 6th or higher than 5th… depends on how hard phantom and blue push— maybe we could move the bleachers up during the ballad to hear/see what’s going on better? – I’d say this was louder than Cavies but softer than the other 5 corps. But clearly the music judges rewarded the quality so hey, that’s cool. Smart. Phantom: It does seem a little bit like too much of a good thing—it’s classic phantom. Not quite as emotion-inducing as some past years (2010, 11, or 12, IMO) but it’s still there. Brass is huge sounding—told my new friends “ok their brass sounds huge… and I love that” and boom! Sure enough there it was there. People did laugh at the big monster thing in the back of the field—I got some good pics. Hehe. I think before it was a perceived threat/ scary woods and they personified it but it made it a touch more cheesy. I liked it— I love how the sops can march around with the trees- that’s impressive to me. Guard is well integrated and adds a lot of impact to the music. Percussion seemed pretty weak to me tonight- even drill wise not keeping it tight at times- Brass plays loud but does overplay and gets a bit bright at times—probably explains the 6th there— I think there’s going to be more to that ending- can’t see it just ending on the book like that. I don’t think this program will challenge the top 3— SCV: I think what this thing needs is just a little more focal points for the story—like some dedicated characters – just at least give me a Jean Valjean, right? I feel like we need something to focus the emotions of the moment on – this is something that Phantom often nails—give us a guy/girl to root for. I guess they do that a little-- You are telling a story. Guard integration is awesome—really benefiting from the guy/girl costumes-- I love the music and I love how musically they perform- how the arrangements flow as complete songs, not just snippets—I don’t like the musical re-write of final company front! Wish we could change that back… when 2013 is over—no matter where they finish—I will ABSOLUTELY listen to this show the most—it’s not going to be close. This is one to put on the headphones and mow the grass, blast down the road in your car… this is a show you can listen to and enjoy—just like last year’s SCV was… I’m very thankful to have that… I do not see this show breaking into the top 3. It did, however, get the strongest/fastest standing ovation… I’d love them to pull a phantom 08, but with crown and BD between them and the gold I don’t see it happening. BD: Got so much flac when I called them winning last night… this show is deep. What do I mean by that? For guard members, brass, etc. it’s not simply move from point A to point B in x counts and while spinning or playing this… it’s… you 5 people move over here like this--- you 5 people take this route--- eh, I’m not making sense… but it’s like how Star 1991’s cross to cross only worked out because each person, group got custom routes and paths to make it work… it feels like that… the guard does SO much with SO many different pieces of equipment—and they’ve got the big tosses, but it’s subtle stuff… I remember watching them rehearse ensemble last night and seeing this group of 5 guard girls do this spinning and over-the-head toss of the semi-circle things… and I kept thinking one or two of them was just way late- but I’ve figured out that they just start at different times—each person starts a count or two after the other- but it’s not like down the line- it’s somewhat random… and the choreography of the guard, and the poles, gosh… it kinda blows my mind what they are doing—the girl that tosses the ball up and does a flip and is lifted up by some of the guy guard members and catches the ball… I think one of the biggest things it helped me to keep in mind when watching this is the sacrificial nature of the piece as it is portrayed in the Ballet… it’s about a young girl being sacrificed by dancing herself to death…. Just think ritual sacrifice when you watch this and I think more of it will make sense. This is my favorite BD show since 2007, for real. Other general observations: - Biggest crowd in years here… guess the $45 seats aren’t as painful as many seem to think they are.. - I really believe the top 3 are untouchable at this point. I don’t see SCV or Phantom getting a medal (or Bluecoats). The demand of these shows is just noticeably higher than everyone else… - Got some hate for this yesterday too- but I am having a very hard time seeing BD NOT winning at this point… it just feels like all they have to do is cruise to the gold. The talent level they have is out of this world… if ANYone beats them it could be crown… but I mean… I’d gladly slap down a good chunk of my own money if anyone wanted to put a straight up 1:1 bet of BD wins or they don’t win. I really would. I mean no disrespect to you Cadets/Crown people—I love your shows too- - The GOO is getting louder… I think SCV was the only group not to over-do it IMO. Everyone else there’s just an ever present BLUHHHHHHHHHHH all the time. It sounds cool and feels cool… but what I freakin’ hate is how you can’t tell when you hear bass anymore how much of that bass is coming from the low brass and how much from the speakers… I’m thinking it may not be wise to put any more than 12 contras on the field anymore… put more guard members out there for the visual… the subs can easily make up the difference… for better or, as I feel, worse. - 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasgroh Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 - Got some hate for this yesterday too- but I am having a very hard time seeing BD NOT winning at this point… it just feels like all they have to do is cruise to the gold. The talent level they have is out of this world… if ANYone beats them it could be crown… but I mean… I’d gladly slap down a good chunk of my own money if anyone wanted to put a straight up 1:1 bet of BD wins or they don’t win. I really would. I mean no disrespect to you Cadets/Crown people—I love your shows too- (snip) - The GOO is getting louder… I think SCV was the only group not to over-do it IMO. Everyone else there’s just an ever present BLUHHHHHHHHHHH all the time. It sounds cool and feels cool… but what I freakin’ hate is how you can’t tell when you hear bass anymore how much of that bass is coming from the low brass and how much from the speakers… I’m thinking it may not be wise to put any more than 12 contras on the field anymore… put more guard members out there for the visual… the subs can easily make up the difference… for better or, as I feel, worse. - I'm in agreement with you on almost all levels, ain't that somethin'? Hahaha, I've been there since shooting photos of BD and Crown and SCV early season on the west coast, it's BD's to lose and, oddly enough, I think the only group to get 'em would be Cadets. That said, great on-the-spot reporting...the GOOOO is a bad thing for low brass and you're totally right 'bout SCV being the only corps not to overdo it. It's a dam shame, when you have 16 big horns out there with capable players behind 'em, that whomever is evaluating the total sound of the ensemble would make such poor decisions. Again, nice read, man...why not sign your name? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-Rott Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Thanks for the review...from a Fan Network perspective...an I only watche til the intermission...I think Cadets did not have a good performance (probably due to their harried schedule)...the boxes were crooked (out of line) several times (the worst being the starting position)..and the guard had some timing issues especially near the end...I just didn't feel the electricity they usually have....I was pulling for them, but pretty much figured it would end up as it did... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwillis35 Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Great review! Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideways Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I love Crown's new ending, it keeps the essence of what they wanted originally but also gives us all just a little bit more!! Cadet's have the talent to win it all this year but even with all the changes the Adagio/Medea mash up is still a mess, especially compared to the rest of the show. Unless something drastic is done I can't see them winning with it currently. Blue Devils are really starting to come together and top to bottom it is such a coherent musical presentation, a very refreshing change for everyone that has complained about the chop-n-bop arrangements of recent years. You can tell SCV is really starting to feel it and can easily catch fire. That show is missing like one big effect near the end to give it that extra push. They're a dark horse but could still make things very interesting!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flammaster Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I love Crown's new ending, it keeps the essence of what they wanted originally but also gives us all just a little bit more!! Cadet's have the talent to win it all this year but even with all the changes the Adagio/Medea mash up is still a mess, especially compared to the rest of the show. Unless something drastic is done I can't see them winning with it currently. Blue Devils are really starting to come together and top to bottom it is such a coherent musical presentation, a very refreshing change for everyone that has complained about the chop-n-bop arrangements of recent years. You can tell SCV is really starting to feel it and can easily catch fire. That show is missing like one big effect near the end to give it that extra push. They're a dark horse but could still make things very interesting!! yea i agree about SCV! they literally brought me to tears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theCHEZman Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 As per GH FB, not a very good outing last night. Tempo issues with some of the new changes which just eats into the execution. Looking for improvement tonight/Atlanta. No excuses, just great expectations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Anello Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Thanks for the review. Question: so what did your friends think after their introduction to drum corps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rochester New York Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 "...what I freakin’ hate is how you can’t tell when you hear bass anymore how much of that bass is coming from the low brass and how much from the speakers… I’m thinking it may not be wise to put any more than 12 contras on the field anymore… put more guard members out there for the visual… the subs can easily make up the difference…" And this is why, in my opinion, this activity has completely lost any legitimacy as a music competition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.E. Brigand Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 The GOO is getting louder… It sounds cool and feels cool… I agree with the rest of your explanation about the goo, which explains why it doesn't sound or feel cool (and why when I first heard it in 2009--to my surprise, since I hadn't been following the rule changes--I thought: "what a cheat!"). It takes no talent or effort to boost the volume by moving a slider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.