Popular Post Guardguy89 Posted July 19, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted July 19, 2015 Hi all, thought I'd start a topic to discuss some of the guards from last night. Overall, I'm more than impressed by what these kids are doing these days and the level of achievement. I mean I know the show was indoors - but I'm still impressed by how little drops there are now - the consistency is incredible ! From the guards that stood out for me (good or bad) SOA Much better program this year. From the costume to the work they have - I feel that the design is a step up. Not sure I would start the show with a white flag (even though it is meant to represent surrender - I think) - it just doesn't fit with the guard who seems to be portraying fire. Another hard theme to pull off for the corps - but much better job from the guard program this year. Mandarins Always seem to have great performers - but who just can't spin together. I don't know if it's a lack of basics, or a great tech, but year after year, I find that they just stay super dirty throughout the year - but if I look at individual performers - they really know how to perform. It's a tough conundrum ! Madison Scouts Whoever is in charge of coloration for this show -is a genius. From the guard uniform (down to the design on the shoes) to the flags to how color works in general to give Madison that "1950's saturated movie musical" feel - is awesome. Definitely a stronger guard for Madison this year (although I was one of the few who really liked them last year). The difficulty with this show is that it can easily be over performed to the point of being cheesy. Gene Kelly was never cheesy - and I'm not sure that the guard understands that - some of those facial expressions bring it over the edge. The mannequins with the pink dresses wouldn't have been my choice - but that aside, a very fun show to watch. Boston Crusaders I love watching this guard. They are mature performers who have great technique and know how to sell a theme. Great costuming and flag choices throughout really help sell it. Do not like that guard member signing (same thing with Troopers). It just takes away from the show. Blue Stars Love this guard design. The old time carnival costuming is incredibly rich and detailed, and they have one of the hardest equipment books out there - which is why they always end up being a bit dirtier - but I'll take their tricks anytime. Standout moment was that siamese twin flag spinning - such a great idea. Never a dull moment in this show and wonderful performers ! The Academy I was pleasantly surprised by them. Guard has traditionally been one of their achilles heels. I feel that they started to really address it last year with Vanity Fair and have continued growing this year. Just a fun guard to watch. They understand their role and know how to sell a Mary Poppins theme without being obnoxious about it. Phantom Regiment I have mixed feeling about them. I think they are a great guard with great technique and the book is very musical. I feel that that the theme is keeping me from enjoying them more as it seems 'lite". A whole song about shopping - I don't know. The black hats look dorky from close up but are effective from far away. Great moment with dancers, flags and rifles in An American in Paris - not sure I would do a kick line though (again - a bit lite on thematic programming). They also need to look at equipment transitions (a pet peeve of mine). Right now they go to the front, pick up their equipment and get back in the drill before they start spinning - should be more organic. The Cavaliers I loved last years show - I think this year is a step back. Not sure the theme is coming across as it's basically seen by having them run or do a strongman muscle pose (which can look a little funny on the skinnier guys). The guys (especially weapons) obviously know how to spin and have great technique - but as with Phantom, I think they are being held back by the theme they need to interpret. Troopers Not a great show from them last night. Not sure I read the horse imagery from the guard other than their costumes. Would love to see them spin in and around the fences. Not a fan of the girl signing either. Overall, they need to really clean up this show guard wise as visually it isn't gelling yet. Not sure the black horse costuming works either - they tend to get lost among the rest of the guard - it's a strange look visually. Vanguard What a great concept. Love the costume design. The work is extremely musical and serves to highlight the music so much. Love the one handed sabre catch and the chain flag / real flag work in the ballad. Not sure about the dancer dancing with a piece of material though. The body movement used in the skeleton section is super cool and the copper flags look great. They need to work on consistency and timing. Everything seems amplified in this show and the smallest timing error really seems to stand out (like the flags doing duo work in the opener as they cross the field. Crown Without a doubt the best guard on the field this year. They were on fire last night. The costuming, writing, performance and demand are incredible. 30 rifles tossing a 5 -yes please !!!! I had to really strain to find anything wrong last night (a dance line was out of sync for 3 or 4 counts - that was about it). The ending with the gold flags is a let down - but everyone keeps saying it will change. No one should be beating Crown guard at this point - IMO ! Cadets I won't lie. I've been critical of this guard. Overall the corps has such a great program - the guard should be contributing more to it. The flag line is basically arcing it in the back for the opener, and I'm not sure I always see the music reflected in the work - it's like sometimes they spin for spins sake. Still don't think the hoops and sticks add anything and still think their movement design is awkward. They are getting better - but that will only help max out performance - not design Bluecoats They didn't have the greatest run last night. Seemed super nervous and were making little mistakes left and right. I wasn't sure at the beginning of the season how they would be able to interpret this theme - but they have found some incredibly effective and orignal ways to make the music come to life visually - really great to watch. Awesome design team guard wise (lord knows I would have had a super hard time writing to that music !!!!) Blue Devils Another guard that didn't perform up to potential last night. I think judges might be rewarding their reputation more than the actual show on the field last night. Some messy moments and uncharacteristically cheesy things too (the oversize princess dress ???). The Blue Devils have a ton of little intricacies in their work that can't really be seen from far away - and I always appreciate that, but I do feel that they also get away with more as they can restage in free form with no equipment work and never seem to get called out on it. Individual responsibilities are not to the level of Crown - but the members commit to their performance 100% - which can hide some flaws. My top 5 guards last night in order Carolina Crown Vanguard Bluecoats Blue Devils Blue Stars Later, Mike 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cappybara Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 As someone who knows nothing about guard, this was incredibly insightful. Thanks! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonwoody Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 (edited) IMO Cadets guard seems to be always in motion doing something. Some things I love.Some things (if I see them rolling on the ground one more time lol). There just seems there is a lot for them to do and not always at the right moment. Almost seems the timing is off by a second or two. I also do not like the fact that Blue Devils guard does seem to get credit for reputation and not performance sometimes. Been like that's for years. I assume that is where some judges get the reputation of being BD homers. Hoping Cadets guard has new uniforms waiting in the wings. Back field they seem to disappear a lot of the time. Congrats to the Cadets for another win last night in SA. Well deserved. ( this dancer is sooooo lame lmao) Edited July 19, 2015 by jonwoody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCI-86 Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Great review - agree with all you said. I was surprised to see Madison's guard so low last night (I would have had them over Boston and maybe Cavies but below Blue Stars) and also surprised that Cadets beat Vanguard but otherwise the rest seemed fair 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guardguy89 Posted July 19, 2015 Author Share Posted July 19, 2015 Great review - agree with all you said. I was surprised to see Madison's guard so low last night (I would have had them over Boston and maybe Cavies but below Blue Stars) and also surprised that Cadets beat Vanguard but otherwise the rest seemed fair I think Madison going on earlier didn't help. Vanguard should be topping Cadets hands down - not sure what happened there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMcomguy Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Blue Devils Another guard that didn't perform up to potential last night. I think judges might be rewarding their reputation more than the actual show on the field last night. Some messy moments and uncharacteristically cheesy things too (the oversize princess dress ???). The Blue Devils have a ton of little intricacies in their work that can't really be seen from far away - and I always appreciate that, but I do feel that they also get away with more as they can restage in free form with no equipment work and never seem to get called out on it. Individual responsibilities are not to the level of Crown - but the members commit to their performance 100% - which can hide some flaws. Winner winner chicken dinner. This takes me back to a few years ago with clothes racks on the field and the changing of costuming in plain sight from both the corps members and the guard. Imagine if Crown or Bluecoats or (insert corps here) attempted the same thing, it would be pounced on and called out in a heartbeat. Yet when BD does it, it's deemed revolutionary. The same could be said for a lot more than just this example, but I'll rest my case here as obviously someone else gets it like I do. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMcomguy Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 And Crown's color guard was the T's McGee last night. Just a stunning and spectacular group they've got this year. This coming from a brass guy..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the lone ranger Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Hi all, thought I'd start a topic to discuss some of the guards from last night. Overall, I'm more than impressed by what these kids are doing these days and the level of achievement. I mean I know the show was indoors - but I'm still impressed by how little drops there are now - the consistency is incredible ! From the guards that stood out for me (good or bad) SOA Much better program this year. From the costume to the work they have - I feel that the design is a step up. Not sure I would start the show with a white flag (even though it is meant to represent surrender - I think) - it just doesn't fit with the guard who seems to be portraying fire. Another hard theme to pull off for the corps - but much better job from the guard program this year. Mandarins Always seem to have great performers - but who just can't spin together. I don't know if it's a lack of basics, or a great tech, but year after year, I find that they just stay super dirty throughout the year - but if I look at individual performers - they really know how to perform. It's a tough conundrum ! Madison Scouts Whoever is in charge of coloration for this show -is a genius. From the guard uniform (down to the design on the shoes) to the flags to how color works in general to give Madison that "1950's saturated movie musical" feel - is awesome. Definitely a stronger guard for Madison this year (although I was one of the few who really liked them last year). The difficulty with this show is that it can easily be over performed to the point of being cheesy. Gene Kelly was never cheesy - and I'm not sure that the guard understands that - some of those facial expressions bring it over the edge. The mannequins with the pink dresses wouldn't have been my choice - but that aside, a very fun show to watch. Boston Crusaders I love watching this guard. They are mature performers who have great technique and know how to sell a theme. Great costuming and flag choices throughout really help sell it. Do not like that guard member signing (same thing with Troopers). It just takes away from the show. Blue Stars Love this guard design. The old time carnival costuming is incredibly rich and detailed, and they have one of the hardest equipment books out there - which is why they always end up being a bit dirtier - but I'll take their tricks anytime. Standout moment was that siamese twin flag spinning - such a great idea. Never a dull moment in this show and wonderful performers ! The Academy I was pleasantly surprised by them. Guard has traditionally been one of their achilles heels. I feel that they started to really address it last year with Vanity Fair and have continued growing this year. Just a fun guard to watch. They understand their role and know how to sell a Mary Poppins theme without being obnoxious about it. Phantom Regiment I have mixed feeling about them. I think they are a great guard with great technique and the book is very musical. I feel that that the theme is keeping me from enjoying them more as it seems 'lite". A whole song about shopping - I don't know. The black hats look dorky from close up but are effective from far away. Great moment with dancers, flags and rifles in An American in Paris - not sure I would do a kick line though (again - a bit lite on thematic programming). They also need to look at equipment transitions (a pet peeve of mine). Right now they go to the front, pick up their equipment and get back in the drill before they start spinning - should be more organic. The Cavaliers I loved last years show - I think this year is a step back. Not sure the theme is coming across as it's basically seen by having them run or do a strongman muscle pose (which can look a little funny on the skinnier guys). The guys (especially weapons) obviously know how to spin and have great technique - but as with Phantom, I think they are being held back by the theme they need to interpret. Troopers Not a great show from them last night. Not sure I read the horse imagery from the guard other than their costumes. Would love to see them spin in and around the fences. Not a fan of the girl signing either. Overall, they need to really clean up this show guard wise as visually it isn't gelling yet. Not sure the black horse costuming works either - they tend to get lost among the rest of the guard - it's a strange look visually. Vanguard What a great concept. Love the costume design. The work is extremely musical and serves to highlight the music so much. Love the one handed sabre catch and the chain flag / real flag work in the ballad. Not sure about the dancer dancing with a piece of material though. The body movement used in the skeleton section is super cool and the copper flags look great. They need to work on consistency and timing. Everything seems amplified in this show and the smallest timing error really seems to stand out (like the flags doing duo work in the opener as they cross the field. Crown Without a doubt the best guard on the field this year. They were on fire last night. The costuming, writing, performance and demand are incredible. 30 rifles tossing a 5 -yes please !!!! I had to really strain to find anything wrong last night (a dance line was out of sync for 3 or 4 counts - that was about it). The ending with the gold flags is a let down - but everyone keeps saying it will change. No one should be beating Crown guard at this point - IMO ! Cadets I won't lie. I've been critical of this guard. Overall the corps has such a great program - the guard should be contributing more to it. The flag line is basically arcing it in the back for the opener, and I'm not sure I always see the music reflected in the work - it's like sometimes they spin for spins sake. Still don't think the hoops and sticks add anything and still think their movement design is awkward. They are getting better - but that will only help max out performance - not design Bluecoats They didn't have the greatest run last night. Seemed super nervous and were making little mistakes left and right. I wasn't sure at the beginning of the season how they would be able to interpret this theme - but they have found some incredibly effective and orignal ways to make the music come to life visually - really great to watch. Awesome design team guard wise (lord knows I would have had a super hard time writing to that music !!!!) Blue Devils Another guard that didn't perform up to potential last night. I think judges might be rewarding their reputation more than the actual show on the field last night. Some messy moments and uncharacteristically cheesy things too (the oversize princess dress ???). The Blue Devils have a ton of little intricacies in their work that can't really be seen from far away - and I always appreciate that, but I do feel that they also get away with more as they can restage in free form with no equipment work and never seem to get called out on it. Individual responsibilities are not to the level of Crown - but the members commit to their performance 100% - which can hide some flaws. My top 5 guards last night in order Carolina Crown Vanguard Bluecoats Blue Devils Blue Stars Later, Mike Im pretty positive that's a 6 the CrownGuard throws on rifle with all 30 on the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRASSO Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 My top 5 guards last night in order Carolina Crown Vanguard Bluecoats Blue Devils Blue Stars Later, Mike Blue Stars medaled in Guard at Finals last year ( 3rd ). But last night they were 10th in Guard. Its not their strong section this season... Percussion is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMcomguy Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 (edited) Blue Stars medaled in Guard at Finals last year ( 3rd ). But last night they were 10th in Guard. Its not their strong section this season... Percussion is. Actually, they were 4th. From 8th in prelims to 6th in semis as well. Still great though. BD, Cadets, and Crown were your Top 3. http://www.fromthepressbox.com/20140809wcfinals.htm/ Edited July 19, 2015 by IMcomguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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