Popular Post DrumManTx Posted August 18, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted August 18, 2016 (edited) If you don't have a long time, stop reading now. I know this is really long winded, but I really wanted to give each corps some love, because they all deserve it. This was such an amazing season top to bottom, full of firsts, fun, and amazing moments on and off the field. Open Class corps reviews, and World Class through Troopers were done as I was watching in prelims and finals, the rest were done at some point this week. From my Denton Review in July, some Non Performance Thoughts I'll Echo Again: So top to bottom, incredibly entertaining shows that seemed to have the crowds in mind, top to bottom. Such incredible performance levels too! What these kids do is just amazing, really. I didn't even look at a recap until I got home today. I didn't even care about the scores because of how these kids and their shows made me feel. It was amazing. I think some of us get way too caught up in scores. I think I had gotten way too hung up in trends, what a corps weaknesses are, what they needed to do to fix their shows, who was getting closer and who they were beating, and all that kind of stuff. I'm not saying that stuff needs to take a back seat, but I think from now on my primary focus watching drum corps will be finding something in every show that I can enjoy and love, and just enjoying the performances. Over the last two days I could have also included certain performers that had a bad night and messed up, a guard that had an off night with a lot of drops, an early entrance, but I don't feel like doing that. It's not my place I feel, and that's the judges job. I've had my share of embarrassing screw ups in the past, and all I'd want those times is for someone to go online the one night I screwed up and point it out and say how terrible it was. I think we forget sometimes these kids are all the same. They're sacrificing thousands of dollars, their summers, and relationships to commit to something that is incredibly taxing, hard, tiring, and just downright ridiculous. But the payoff of that for us, the fans, is so worth their sacrifices to do that. They all have families there to cheer them on, getting to finally see their sons/daughters/friends/family members perform. I think on here some people really lose touch of that in the way they talk about certain shows or corps they might not have the highest admiration for. That criticism can be done without being nasty, and I think that's part of the bad rap this site gets sometimes. So my work of advice is just watch your criticisms and be nice in them. It's been cool to see what seems like an influx of parents on here lately, and I don't want them scared away because they are such a valuable part of this activity. Any of you parents should be really proud of your kids, I never did this and will forever regret that, so the fact yours are out there doing it is such an amazing thing. Bravo to them. Others Not At Championships and Those I Missed: My appologies to Les Stentors, Impulse, and Colt Cadets, I was still in central time when the prelims cast started. I'm sure you guys did great, was really impressed with Colt Cadets in some other videos I had seen, and it was really neat to see Impulse head back to championships for the first time in awhile. I hope that is a sign of more corps being able to venture out. It's great to see another corps in Florida with Heat Wave, really fun show this year. Loved the Metheny. I was really impressed with the size and complexity of Golden Empire, particularly their visual program and color guard. Congrats to the Battalion on an awesome first year! Saw a video online and was incredibly impressed with this corps in a video I saw from Odgen. Congrats to the Columbians on a fantastic week long tour culminating in their first place finish in Denver, what an entertaining and fun show on the war vs. peace culture. Coolest prop of the year with that VW Van. It is so cool to see Southwind's name back on the scene, they continued to grow this year with a really well put together show with an outstanding visual program. Shadow – This Mortal Coil The prelims webcast was my first time seeing this new corps from Wisconsin. Man, that’s all high schoolers? Very very very cool. Very impressive sounds for a new group, and all high school aged at that. Brass had a great low end to their sound courtesy of some very strong tubas, drumline was very energetic with some really great writing, and the guard made their really strong visual package come alive. Really cool show, loved all the double helix references throughout the drill, one really cool moment coming right after the ballad where streamers come off of four of the props between the brass, and the brass marches into them stretching them into different shapes including what looked like a double helix. Very impressed with this young group, and I am very excited to see them again next year! River City Rhythm – Shimmer I really enjoyed this corps last year, and they did not disappoint this year. They were lower in placement, but that is only because the quality of the corps around them also improved pretty drastically this year. Really solid brass, another corps with a great low end to their sound, and really strong performances from the color guard and especially their fantastic percussion section. You can definitely tell this groups has its roots indoors during the winter. Really fun and quirky music selections, love anything by Ryan George, and Firefily is definitely a great piece of music. Really fun show, title was evident through their very metallic percussion writing, bright and sparkly music, and some really cool skirts in their ballad the guard had on. Loved the closing moments of the show where they pull streamers out of the giant silver ball. Very energetic and entertaining show! Guardians – Radioactive I got the chance to see this corps for the first time live in Denton, and was really impressed. Was really impressed again on the prelims webcast. Brass has a very full and lush sound on their new System Blue horns, yet another really impressive tuba section from an Open Class corps. Very impressive percussion section with some great moments from the snares. And a very colorful guard to really bring those radioactive colors to life. This show is a really fun mash up of pop tunes, classical music, and other things. Really cool mashup Radiohead ballad. I never thought I’d say I enjoyed Britney Spears on a drum corps field, but what they did with it in their drum break was actually very fun and entertaining. One complaint I had back in Denton was they didn’t use their radioactive barrels adorning the front sideline. Happy to report they brought them out in force for the back half of their show, doing some pseudo drumming on them, and weaving in and out of them for the end of the show. Really fun effects and hints at the idea of getting infested with radioactivity as the show progressed, finally succumbing to it in an incredibly fun (nuclear) blast of a closer. This corps has come a long way, and will go much farther. Doing Texas proud! Raiders – Industrial Revolution Probably the second smallest corps of the day, but you cannot tell. Very exposed brass line at this size, and they don’t cower away. Really confident and big sounds from such a small group, impressive. Was really impressed with the color guard and percussion especially, very energetic, aggressive, and tight playing from them throughout the show. Shoutout to the cymbal line at the beginning of Ballet Sacra, cool stuff! They draw you in and command your attention. Very fun show with great musical selections. The John Adams opener fit the industrial feel of the opener very well, Hymn of Acxiom fit the urgent tone of the ballad, and Ballet Sacra was a fantastic selection for the renewal of going green. Some great drill throughout, guard staging was great. All in all, a fun, impressive, and entertaining show! What more can you ask for? Looking forward to seeing this group again in the future. Louisiana Stars – In Suspense This has probably been my favorite of the new corps that have exploded across the country in the last few years, and they didn’t disappoint. I really like the old school Hitchcock feel of this show with the old school thriller musical mood in the show. I’ve always been impressed with their brass since I got my first view of them online in 2014, and it’s definitely still very impressive. VERY full and BIG sounds coming from that line. Man, they got a chops workout in the closer. Crazy to hear that kind of fantastic virtuosity in an Open Class show! And if you like a great contra feature, look no further than the beginning of their closer. Percussion and guard have really stepped up their game this year too. REALLY fun show, lots of really clever plays on suspense in building tension, letting it hang there for a while musically, certain rifle tosses, musical suspensions, and other really fun things. Really fun show that I got a kick out of. Congrats on your big finish at your first championships! I really enjoy this corps, and can’t wait to see what they have in store for the future. Because it is very bright. Gold – Dia De Los Muertos I was definitely not a huge fan of last years “Pop Star” show, so this year was a very pleasant surprise. Think my favorite aspect of this show was a very well designed visual program. Some great symbolisms and cool sequences in it like the skull in the opener and the FTL cross after the drum feature. Think they portrayed the theme a little bit better visually than musically, could have used a little bit more Spanish flair and energy musically for such a colorful and exciting holiday! Very clean performance compared to who came before, think that’s definitely what kept them above those corps. They’ve fleshed out some things since I last saw the show on the Drums Along the Rockies webcast, some great audio effects added throughout. Very solid performances from all captions. 7th Regiment – Waveforms 7th Regiment is always a corps I enjoy quite a bit. Loved their 24601-7R show a few years ago, and last year’s Labyrinth show quite a bit, and this years didn’t disappoint either. Lots of really clever wave symbolisms everywhere in their show, even as they march on doing the wave with their horns and after the last chord waving to the crowd, really good attention to detail! This corps was a definite step up into a semifinals competitor. Great brass ensemble sounds, great guard, and a killer percussion section that was cleaner than the corps behind them and easily cleaner than a few above them including a world class unit or two. Great visual package that was thematically relevant, and really fun and energetic music. All around, a great total package. Nice job! Music City – Coronation If the line between Open Class and World Class was there before, it was really blurred after Music City. First corps to my ears, and online, that had that HUGE World Class drum corps brass sound that probably filled that stadium up. Their brass was seriously impressive. Drumline and Color Guard were solid too, loved the guard color palette especially. Show is a fantastic compilation of regal, majestic, and huge ear candy, filled with recognizable melodies and huge chords that are about as straight up drum corps as it gets. Lots of great symbolism in the drill and characters too, from Crowns to Jesters, they definitely made it obvious what their intention was. Lots of great soloists as well. All in all, a fantastic entertaining show that I’m certain anyone could come away from humming something. Spartans – Totem Spartans are a corps I’ve had a hard time getting into the past few years. I loved their pre 2009 shows. Happy to say they’ve returned to being someone I really enjoy. Very fun and energetic show taking us through different moods and colors musically and visually. This show really came alive during their Crazy in Love ballad, courtesy of some fantastic arranging and an incredibly talented trombone soloist. Speaking of incredibly talented, their color guard continues to show how they’re an Open Class caption powerhouse, truly world class in their performance. Brass and percussion are incredibly solid too, front ensemble has some serious chops. Overall, just really entertaining drum corps. Nothing more or less to say than that, thanks Spartans! Enjoyed it. Genesis – Hell Hath no Fury Have to give credit for this corps for attempting a VERY high demand show for a corps of their caliber. I think it may have cost them a little bit in terms of performance captions maxing out, but it was really impressive to say the least. Incredibly mature show that definitely looked and sounded World Class. Thought the mixing of all the tunes from Medea to Uninvited was really well done, didn’t come off as choppy at all which it could have. Was really impressed with the visual package, some really intricate stuff in there. Brass, drums, and guard were all very good as well. If this corps can really max out its shows in the end of the season they’ll be a dangerous group. But overall, well done! Legends – The Grid I’ve always really liked Legends. Really enjoyed their Edmund Fitzgerald and Cathedral shows from a few years back. Then they grew a bunch in numbers and quality in 2015 with a fantastic show that placed them in semifinals. And then they did it again this year. It’s hard to believe that this is the same corps, whatever they are doing as an organization is pretty amazing. This was truly World Class performance and design. Definitely not as much depth and complexity as groups like Blue Devils B or Genesis, but instead it was relatively very clean, and INCREDIBLY straight forward and effective. Wow, what an exciting program. It’s really cool to see these Open Class groups taking the electronics stuff and using it so well. Their Tron-esque show was a perfect fit for these. Some probably thought it was overbearing, but I really enjoyed what they brought to this show. Some really neat effects and mic’d stuff. I think the best GE moment from an Open Class corps where they got into a block, turned around, and then rippled back front field with the lights on their shakos on, as well as on the front ensemble and drum major podium and then turned the volume up to 11 on the impact when they came back in. Really neat moment. Brass line took another HUGE step forward this year in performance and complexity, guard also improved drastically, and the percussion section, particularly a VERY entertaining cymbal line that was the epitome of why corps should have a cymbal line, were all very good. This was probably my favorite show from an Open Class corps this year, really hit the points I look for in a show. I’m REALLY looking forward to seeing what this corps has to offer next year! Vanguard Cadets – The One Once again, the Vanguard Cadets had one of my favorite musical productions of the non finalists. Loved the variations on Pines of Rome, and the ballad and closer were so beautiful and lush. I also really enjoyed the visual program, very Vanguard-esque. Great drill. I feel like they are the Open Class equivalent of their older sibling, just really beautiful, simple, and well performed. Great performances from all sections this year, and I think the theme was really well presented. Not much else to say than that. Great job once again this year! Gonna listen to this show a lot when the CDs come out. Blue Devils B - To the Moon Wow. Probably the best Open Class performance I have personally seen. Amazing brass, a HUGELY improved color guard, and that percussion section is unreal, I'd say top 12 quality like they scored in the field in prelims. They took a really cliché theme that every high school has done, and did it better and fresher than just about anyone has. So many clever little things in there, I thought the use of Russian composers during the space race section was really funny. Loved the use of Apollo 13 throughout as a unifying factor, when they come in full blast with that at the end, it was so enjoyable. I particularly found the drum feature just so well designed and performed. They are a mini version of their all time great sibling. Well deserved 15th place and highest score ever, I really enjoyed this show. Pioneer – St. Joan of Arc Despite their placement and scores not showing it for the second consecutive year, Pioneer put another enjoyable, relatively progressive, and improved program this year. It's the first time in a while I can say they had a really fantastic moment with their burning at the stake moment in the ballad which was tasteful, well-staged, and exciting. I think overall the program was really nice, great recognizable music and a nice visual package brought together by a great color guard. Saw them live in July and they were really exciting and put out some great volume for their size. Also, the singer was top notch and balanced really well when I heard them in person. She was stunning! Keep it up Pioneer, we are noticing what you are doing. Jersey Surf – Ebb and Flow Hmm. I think Surf was improved this year. Last year there was not a ton of noticeable improvement from Atlanta on, which resulted in Open Class after Open Class corps passing them up at prelims. This year it seemed like from Allentown on that happened. I feel like they really need to find a way to elevate their shows. I'm not saying Bridgemania or last year, but when you do a water themed show with La Mer, you really need to find a way to make that tired combination work and stand out, not sure they did. Nice ballad and the closing moments were great, but when Open Class brings the excitement and polish before you, you really have to bring your game to not get buried. That said they were noticeably improved this year, and the hornline had some really great moments throughout, just want them to find their voice! Cascades - O I knew back in 2014 with Turn that the new Cascades movement they started was something to watch. In 2015 they gave us an INCREDIBLY entertaining and exciting space themed show. 4 Seasons and Space. Like Surfs water theme use of things like The Planets, those two shows were in serious danger of being really forgettable. But they did them in ways that REALLY elevated them and made them exciting. This years show continued that trend. A show called O? Wtf. But they went all in, and elevated it again. Props were really cool and well integrated and used, drill was exciting and well staged, and the music package was laced with really clever bits and pieces through some electronic effects. I thought this show was really nice and understated. Lots of smart technical moments that were within their ability. Overall, just a really smart and exciting program. Brass was really lush live in July, and I thought the percussion was really exciting and aggressive. After a guard that was 4 or so members in 2013, they continue to grow and improve. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this corps has to offer next year after another season of improvement and success. Spirit of Atlanta - Georgia I'll keep it brief for Spirit. You can look at scores, placement, and design issues, or you can look at them having a great summer performing with a show that screamed Spirit after what seemed like a VERY dramatic off season and lots of restructuring going on in the organization. After the 2010 - 2014 series of folds from corps like Teal Sound and Glassmen, I'm just really glad they are here. Fun show this year that I enjoyed live. Pacific Crest – The Union Pacific Crest had me really worried after last year. The way that show progressed really concerned me and it seemed like they were in a free fall after their fantastic 2012 and 2013 seasons. Happy to say they reversed that trend in my eyes, and in the scores. I felt like this show did exactly what they needed. After an unclear and unfocused show last year they went literal and easy to get this year, with some clever depth there if you sit back and look at the theme. I felt like the ballad and the Metheny tune to close out the show were really well done and exciting, and the rest of the show was really nice too. Some great symbolism of the connecting the country idea they mentioned way back in their show announcement, particularly in the ballad when the two sides of the field started off split and joined at the climax. Some really fun train stuff in this show, particularly the Doppler effect brass stuff. Saw them live and found a lot to enjoy. Brass was really balanced and full, percussion laid down a fantastic book, and the guard was really fun to watch. Really great turn around this year, and I'm excited to see what they have in store next year! Oregon Crusaders - Hunted I love this corps. They haven't done a show I haven't liked since I followed the activity. From their amazing Open Class championship Dreaming in Color show to this years. The musical construction this year was really fresh and clever for a corps placing where they did, particularly some really fantastic percussion writing again. I thought the use of Death Hunt throughout was perfect for this show, the Muse selection was awesome, and the medley of all the tunes at the end was great. In all those respects, and backed up by some scores, they were a top 16 corps. Visual. Gotta find a way to get this to work. I feel like they are trying new things and really trying to improve the guard but it just hits a wall every year, sans maybe last year. I give them props for the uniforms and being risky but I feel like they never reached a level of cleanliness to make those work and the drill came off really hard to read up until the end. I'm not sure what they can do to get an earlier start, but if they can't they really need to design a smart, achievable, and effective program they can get polished. Until that happens, and it hurts to say this because I LOVE this corps, I'm not sure how much higher they can get. Fix that and you are easily in contention for the 15th spot in World Class. I really want them to, because I think they are a really fresh voice in hoe they approach things. Still really enjoyed the show! Mandarins – Forbidden Forrest Surprise of the latter part of the season for me. This corps knows how to design a show within their member’s ability that is a complete thought from music to visual and theme. Seamless. Musically I hope they become a little more adventurous in the coming years, but it works so well with what was one of the stronger visual packages outside of the top 12 this year. Some really nice moments in the show, particularly the guard toss into the company front from out of nowhere in the ballad as well as a great new and powerful ending put in for finals we. Brass and percussion were really solid as always, and the color guard continues to improve leaps and bounds after being a serious detriment a few years ago. Saw them live and was really impressed at how balanced they are as a corps. Keep putting together shows this well with some added difficulty and excitement and they could really go places. Colts – Nacthmusik Hmm. Nice show this year. I do feel like, even though there were a lot of people vocally against it, their niche they carved out for themselves in 2014 and 2015 was incredibly unique, entertaining, and really well designed. Especially 2015, I remember the crowd reaction online for semis and in my theater for Thursday was one of the more energetic ones. I feel like this year they lost what really made them unique. This year’s show was really lovely to listen to and had some great visual moments, but I can’t help but feel like they played it really safe after some big risks in recent years. Visual program that was a strength big time with Marc Sylvester was not as strong, but I think that was because of their props. Those things worked decently when I saw them in Broken Arrow, and seemed mixed in their effectiveness in Indianapolis. That aside, they took up a BUNCH of space, were never really cleanly staged, and were pretty distracting when they were on the move, ESPECIALLY with their final glitter/broken CDs looking final coating. I think they have a really solid staff, and their show this year definitely wasn’t bad, I just hope they can find a way to stick out again. But this will definitely be a show I listen to a lot. Troopers – Hero Like Genesis, have to give them credit for a highly ambitious show in terms of difficulty and demand this year. Some really challenging licks musically, HUGE field coverage, and some really high demand sections drill wise. That said, they never really reached that finals level of polish, especially visually. Feel like that’s what kept them about a point and a half or so below Madison/Boston in the final week. Again, feel like they need some fresh names on the design side visually, think that’d propel them forward. Musically, outstanding performance from the percussion and especially the brass this year. Thematically, I though they did a beautiful job of paying tribute to all the different heroes they mentioned. Incredibly new ground for them in the Aids/HIV section, which by seasons end was really well fleshed out. And that closer, one of the best on the field this year. That 0 – 0 company front at the climax of Fix You had pretty much everyone on their feet in semis. I’m not sure why this show never seemed to connect like I thought it would emotionally with the crowd on DCP, I didn’t see them live so I don’t know if it was the same in person. But in the end, really well done once again. They’re a corps that is the right show away from being on the cusp of finals. *Just a note on the next two corps, this was hard to watch. Either way this happened, there were going to be tears, anger, and frustration. I was really happy for Boston Crusaders, but I was equally saddened and disappointed for Madison that they had to go through that. I hope both really turn it around next year*. Madison Scouts – Judas I’m a big Blue Stars fan, so I can understand the anger/frustration/sadness of what happened during semis this year after going through that in 2012. Hope they only change what they feel is necessary next year and don’t clean house, because the same staff that came up with 2016 also came up with 2015s magical show. There is a lot of talent in that staff. I’m not gonna rehash and kick them when they are down, there are other people doing that. In the end, Madison once again had a very entertaining, crowd pleasing, and energetic show that was obviously well enjoyed by large masses. There were some really fantastic moments in this year’s show in the ballad section and the 39 lashes section that captivated a lot of people. They will always have that. Boston Crusaders – Quixotic Those performers did this. When I saw this on the Atlanta webcast I was pretty sure they were finished. I’m GLADLY eating crow for that. When I saw the Allentown webcast, this was not the same corps. And then in prelims and especially semis, they maxed this thing out as well as they could and gave an INCREDIBLY inspired, energetic, and despite the shows shortcomings, an incredibly entertaining performance. You can just hear in the opening and closing moments of this show that the members did not give up and gave it every last thing they had. The energy in those moments was so infectious. That hornline REALLY came alive in those last two weeks. I thought the guard also made huge progress in the final days of the season. Yes, the show had some issues and minutes where I had some big question marks, but come finals they really sold the overall feeling and theme this show was going for, and really quite well in some parts. I thought they got the whimsical, sometimes crazy mood of Don Quixote so right. There was some really cool drill stuff going on at times, lots of great and clever symbolism throughout. I thought the mimicking of the windmills was really cool during the opening and closing. I think visually through the props, uniforms, and costuming they had one of the best visual looks on the field this year. In the end, they sold this thing so well and performed the crap out of it, which is what got them in finals. With Gino and Collin and supposedly others coming on board next year, I hope they give these kids something really special, because I think with the right show this corps can go as high as they can imagine. The Academy – Drum Corpse Bride Oh my God. This corps journey, from seeing a leaked video of them in Spring training with the closer in standstill up to leaving the field after retreat, this has got to be one of the most special things I have followed since my introduction to this activity. I knew early on this show was really special, by Minneapolis I thought they really had a shot, and then in Allentown I knew this corps would make finals 10 years after winning Division 2. I have been a HUGE supporter of this corps since 2008 when I saw my first shows online. Their 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2015 productions are all some of my absolute favorite non finalist shows. I could tell in 2014 when Klesch and Townsend came on board, this corps was headed for finals at some point down the road. In 2015, they were one of my favorites, and I thought for sure within a few years, it’d be their time. I didn’t expect it so soon, or at least pre-season. 2016 was not a flash in a bottle suddenly occurring anomaly. They had put in place a new philosophy in 2014, and over the course of 2015 and 2016, adapted it and changed it gradually for the corps and where they are and what they can do. Some of the best designing with the corps in mind is going on in Tempe. This show was a perfect display of entertainment, accessibility, staging, storytelling, and doing so in ways that are still competitive. This show is probably going to be an all-time favorite for me. Really fun and clever visual program with the drill and how they utilized those brilliant chairs/headstones, beautiful and non-chopped up melodic arrangements, and a theme was fun, easy to get, and presented so well. It was a perfect storm. From the amazing drum major, to the opening impact, to the Xylobones, to all the death march/Here Comes the Bride hints, to the really athletic Profokiev, all the way to the PERFECT Unchained Melody closer, this show was never dull, never unclear, and just a home run. I do not cry at drum corps, ever. But this corps really did bring me to tears on finals night. And it wasn’t just the show. This was true when I saw them live in Denton too, and through finals. Those members were the happiest, most invested, and most fun to watch I have seen in a long time. The joy on their faces in finals was just so cool to see. When Crocker said “Drum Corpse International” and their faces lit up on the webcast, it was just so fun to watch. I was so happy for this corps. This corps gave me two of my favorite nonperformance moments of the season. First the bouquet throw at finals that was just perfect. And then after getting their score announced in finals, the crowd giving them a huge ovation which included some of their peers from other corps, it was just such a pleasure to watch. I really think this show opens up a new avenue of programming that most people probably thought was not doable in tandem with competitive success. In the end, thank you Academy. Thank you for showing you can be cheeky, entertaining, silly, play full lush melodies, and just have fun and still be competitive. Thanks for being you. I really hope you keep doing this, I’ve heard the design team is all staying, so I don’t think there is a corps I am more excited to see next year. It was a joy, honor, and a pleasure this year. Crossmen – Contiuum Congratulations on the highest finish in over a decade, well deserved. Much like the Bluecoats, this was such a seamles and organic production top to bottom. Really fit the theme. Pre season I didn't think that an all original show would work, but I was so glad to be proven wrong. The section right before the ballad, and the ballad itself were so melodic, hummable, and enjoyable. The morphing Maltese cross and the big climax in the ballad with the amazing music and the really cool double sided flags was one of my favorite moments this year. When I saw them live they were so energetic and on fire. The brass was so good this year, you can tell they got staff members from the Carolina Crown lineage. The color guard was AMAZING this year, the color scheme was so cool and the work was fantastic. Percussion really delivered that iconic Crossmen groove, something that had my head bobbing the whole time in Broken Arrow. Really fun show this year, I can't wait to see what they're up to next year! Blue Stars – La Reve I've been a big Blue Stars fan since my introduction to the activity, so I might be a bit of homer even though I don't have any actual ties to the organization. Just a corps I identified with really well. Of the 7th - 9th corps that were until finals week really close, this is the one I'm most excited for next year. After 2015s falter, I was really excited in the winter months of 2015/2016 at the changes they made visually, primarily the picking up of Kevin Ford again from their fantastic pre 2012 programs. And boy did they turn it around this year. Even if they didn't end up quite where I expected/wanted them to, there are some great indicators for next year if they keep the staff in tact. First of all, and I saw them live, the brass took a HUGE step forward this year. They probably had one of my favorite ensemble sounds live this year, incredibly lush, balanced, pure, and well supported at the low end. Just like I like it. GREAT contras/trumpets especially. Percussion was off the charts good, I know Blue Knights got a lot of attention in this caption this year, but Blue Stars really brought the goods. Front ensemble has been ridiculous for a few years, and I feel like the drums definitely got up to their level this year. The front ensembles virtuosity and musicality was so impressive, especially in the ballad. Color guard was great again this year, didn't quite get to 2014 levels but they were definitely an asset. Thought the visual package was a great rebound, incredibly high demand and fantastically staged stuff. Highlight of the show was DEFINITELY the Wagner ballad, so musical, beautiful, and well performed. They really took a big step forward this year, and I cannot wait to see where they go next year. I thought the story was really well staged and told, and the show was just really fun. My first favorite corps continues to be one I REALLY enjoy. Phantom Regiment – Voice of Promise I overall came to really enjoy this program after despising it for the front half of the season. I still came away from it thinking the pacing was really weird and the visual design was pretty dated to my eye, but overall it turned into a great Phantom show. Really great Shostakovitch opening, interesting take on Chairmen Dances, two great ballads, and their insanely demanding closer were all very nice in their own respects. Just felt a little weird in how they were tied together. But overall, some really great moments. Really solid across all performance captions, thought the percussion their strongest line post Rennick and the guard was great. I'm just wondering where Phantom will go next year. After an INCREDIBLY literal program in 2015, 2016 came off as the opposite, very interpretation based and in my eyes a little bit unfocused. I'm feeling a little like I did with The Cadets in that they feel like they need some fresh blood in the coordination department. Think Pitts was a great addition with some really nice arranging for most of the show, and I think Kuhn was a great fit. Guard seemed strong. They just need some direction in a concept that they can REALLY succeed with. We shall see. Overall this was a very nice program from Phantom that was well recieved. I really want them to take a risk next year and do something unexpected but so Phantom like 2005. Interested in what they do next year. Blue Knights – The Great Event Disclaimer, the following is personal opinion, not trying to convince others or state this as fact. If I'm being honest, this is the only show that I couldn't really get behind in the top twelve this year. I get the show, I get what they were doing, and I don't have any questions. What bugs me is every time I heard someone describe it, whether it be directly from the corps or not, is it was so different every time. I get that it was probably up to our interpretation blah blah like 2015, but I feel like it a little unfocused and unclear in that respect. I guess it just felt like a rework of their past two shows but not as solid and not quite as well performed as 2015 which I had fallen in love with by seasons end and 2014 which is one of the most emotionally gripping shows I have personally witnessed. This year just kinda felt like yeah, it's like the last two. I'm really wondering where they will go next after three shows that were obviously incredibly formulaic, I mean, look at the closer. I get that the development of that is really emotional and pretty and exciting but after three seasons of that same development I'm ready for something new. I didn't hate it though, I promise. I thought “Saturn” was REALLY nice and the percussion writing was phenomenal, those are two things that I came away liking. I'll give you another try next year Blue Knights, I promise. After 2014 and 2015 I was left a little disappointed if I'm honest, but an amazing corps that has really found who they are none the less, and that is awesome. The Cadets – Awakening So. I don't think this show was the absolute train wreck some people are making out to be, but it definitely had issues that I'm not used to seeing from The Cadets. Regardless, this is a show I think in a few years people will look back on and find some really amazing drum corps. I could spend this talking about what was wrong and didn't work and staff changes and blah blah that everyone else has beat to death, but I won't do that. I think there are moments of downright amazing drum corps in this show. The Pines of Rome opening was so majestic and powerful, thought their use of trombones was fantastic. I thought thematically, they absolutely nailed the tone of what they were going for in the ballad, Turning. It was really haunting, emotionally gripping, and just so powerful. I don't think it ever really came together cohesively story wise and they were just plagued with rewrites, but all that considering I think what they ended with was pretty great considering all of that. I thought the performances from the brass and percussion were fantastic again, I saw them live twice and they were definitely top tier as a music ensemble. With what is going on now, I'm really interested to see what happens next year. I wish them the best, like I always say, I have my favorites but I want everyone at their absolute best. The Cavaliers – Propaganda Wow. This was just so much fun. What a rebound after last year, their restructure staff wise this year is the best thing that has happened to them since 2011, and it showed in the show. This was such a strong, well put together, and well performed show this year. Fantastic drill from Hinshaw who I am very glad they gave a second chance after having to impossibly follow up Michael Gaines in 2012, I hope they keep him around. I thought the musical package was well tailored to them VERY well. So many moments I loved in this show. The fantastic opening hit, the rifles in the Gould selection which I thought would not work pre-season, the really intriguing dichotomy during the ballad and that fantastic hit in there, and the whole closer building and overloading until that explosive climax. This show theme could have gone really two ways. They could have played it safe and tip toed around the more potentially controversial stuff (the Regan vs. Trump), or they could have went all which was a huge risk. I'm really glad they went the second route. The final moments of this show live are some of the most entertaining I have ever seen in drum corps, so many layers and things going on. I'm still finding stuff in there. Performance wise I think their brass program is well on its way to really becoming top tier, they started to really progress in the latter half of the season. The percussion and color guard had that swagger and bad assness that was missing for a few years, the entertainment value of those two sections in the closer especially was just off the charts. This was easily one of my top 3 or 4 favorite programs this year, and I cannot wait to see what the (kinda) Green Machine has up their sleeves for next year. Santa Clara Vangaurd – Force of Nature Just one word for this show. Beautiful. They gave us probably the most straight up marching and playing drum corps show this year, maybe along with Madison and The Academy. Top to bottom this was just a stunning show. The front ensemble at the beginning (and throughout for that matter) into that opening hit is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard on the field. I loved the summer section, from the really cool rain drop drill, to the AMAZING mellos, this part of the show was so exciting. The ballad, was so beautiful. That soloist was amazing, continuing a trend of amazing soloists in Vanguards shows. Usually not a Ticheli fan on the field, but this was fantastic. I thought the Winter part of the show wasn't QUITE as strong as the rest, but it tied the seasons idea of this show up really well, all the way back to where we began with that iconic Vanguard Cymbal V. They took the typical four seasons show and elevated it about as high as it could go, I hope it gets retired after this year because SCV did it about as well as you can. I thought the brass really took a huge step forward this year, mellos and contras were sublime. Color guard was really beautiful and exciting. And congrats to that amazing percussion section, the Rennicks, both of them, really wrote a stunning program that they executed at such a high level. I can't wait to see what this corps has planned for their 50th anniversary next year, that is going to be stunning. Carolina Crown - Relentless Carolina Crown continues to be one of the more emotionally and musically engaging corps of all time in my eyes. I thought by finals their story of murder, personal reflection, and whether or not to exact revenge was so well done. There were times I felt this went a little thin, but overall they told a great story. The Medea opening from Carolina Crown is probably just about every drum corps fans dream to hear. The Journey section of the show was so technical and exciting, the color guard REALLY shined here, but even more so in what was by far my favorite part of the show in the tango. Everything, from the choreography in the guard AND hornline, to the sublime trombone soloist, to the amazing musical nuances they added over the season, to the absolutely thrilling guard duet work with the stools was just to die for. I also REALLY enjoyed the Hallelujah/Trio mashup ballad. The replaying of the murder with the son interacting with the father was probably the most emotionally gripping part of this show, and that sublime color guard is to credit for that, they are true actors and performers. The closing moments of the show were an amazing display of technicality across all sections, the brass run in there is ridiculous. The ending. Big point of conversation. I thought thematically they did what they wanted to do, I definitely don't have any issue with that. It did feel a tad rushed to me, but that's splitting hairs for such a strong production. Overall though, another well produced, amazingly performed, fan favorite of a show that continues to make Carolina Crown one of the favorites. Huge congratulations on their wins in brass, visual performance, and color guard. The latter of which was LONG overdue for such an amazing group. Shoutout to the percussion who had an outstanding year, placing top 3 throughout the season and placing above a VERY good Cadets section in finals week. They are no longer a week link. Overall, this is going to be a show that I listen to a TON. Another outstanding year for Carolina Crown this year. They were part of one of the best top 3s ever in my eyes. A more than worthy contender and winner if they had won. They aren't going anywhere. Blue Devils - As Dreams are Mad On I really came to enjoy the Blue Devils this year after being very cautious and closing myself off to enjoying the show early on. I'm not one of the people that was anti Blue Devils, 2014 is quickly rising in my ranks of all time favorite shows and 2015 I came to enjoy and defended when they won last year. Come finals this year, I think that As Dreams are Made On is definitely as professional and masterfully performed as their other stunning shows. The opening moments of this show through to the drum feature were probably some of the best designed moments on the field this year. Their ballad was flawless perfection design wise, absolute perfect union of visual and musical composition. The guard swirling into the eye of the storm.........just stunning. And the beginning of the closer with the swirling storm drill with the drums in the middle, rifles perfectly flying into the air, were also so incredible. It's hard to find fault in this show. I think that the dance break and the closer right before the final push was just a LITTLE bit less than the rest of this stunning show. That's of course using incredibly high standards. But other than those two small things, I thought this show turned out to be so beautiful, so well performed, and so enjoyable once I opened my eyes to it. Just overall, it's hard to talk about individual things, it was stunning. A worthy champion if they had won, as were the whole top three. 60th anniversary next year, I wonder where they will take us next. I love the direction they have taken since 2014. Bluecoats - Down Side Up My first corps I saw live was the Bluecoats in 2009 at a rehearsal pre-season in the middle of nowhere before a show in New Mexico. I fell in love with their first medaling show in 2010, enjoyed two amazing musical programs in 2011 and 2012, still think 2013 is a real hidden gem, and followed them through their two best seasons ever in 2014 and 2015. When I saw this show in June, I knew they were going to be a contender. When I saw them live in Denton, I had a huge feeling they were going to win. This show is one of the most detailed, well put together front to back top to bottom side to side shows I have ever seen. The production value is insane. Every motion, step, note had a purpose. This show was so seamless and organic. But that didn't take away from it being so accessible, exciting, and engaging. This show really to me was the best of the old days of drum corps musically, presented in a new way with a hell of a visual program. How they packaged all the elements this year was so fresh. Nothing they did was really new in itself, but how they put it together was in my eyes. They went out on a limb, it paid off, and really came into their own. From them running out from behind those props at the beginning, to the screamers going to town as the corps criss crossed between those props, to the AMAZING ballad with some of the best soloist work this year, to the trombone octet (ESPECIALLY DEM BASSES) which was my favorite use of those instruments this year, to the guard sliding down the props at the end to the guitar strum, it was just one continuously amazing experience. This show took the best of what I loved, combined it with the unkown and new, and was sold by 150 downright amazing performers. Their best brass line ever that almost won, another fantastic percussion section that almost won, and a color guard that was up there with the best this year brought it to life. Getting to see their faces as they performed showed how invested and into this show they were was really cool. I know some think they're using too much electronics to mask their hornline, it's too WGI, their uniforms are ugly, blah blah blah, but when a corps makes me feel like I'm watching for the first time again, I really don't care. Third year in a row they have done that. Thank you Thrower, Rarick, Vanderkloff, and whoever elses name I might not know for creating this new direction for this corps. It has been a blast to watch develop, and I cannot wait to see what they have up their sleeves for next year. It was a BLAST. Congratulations on the win, and that's probably the least of what I will remember from such a legendary show. As a long time fan, it has been so cool to see them rise the ranks, finally to champion this year. Thanks for doing what you do, it's the kind of stuff that keeps my love for the activity fresh and obsessive. My favorite corps for a reason. ;) Thanks to all the members, staffs, volunteers, fans, DCI, and other entities that make this thing work. I cannot wait to see what 2017 has to offer! Edited August 18, 2016 by DrumManTx 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Probably the best end of season report I've ever read. Seems like you covered all the bases. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snare_guy_83 Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Well done, man. As per usual, we are in the same page with just about everything. Haha. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrownBariDad Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 (edited) Thank you much!!! I'm with you -- every corps needs love! Edited August 18, 2016 by CrownBariDad 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Lancer Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 (edited) Great job as always! I love that you stay positive and refrain from bashing. Thanks for taking the time to put this together! Edited August 19, 2016 by Jurassic Lancer 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasPRfan Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Very well done, with great detail. I've been slow to do my usual end of season/Finals review, and I'm not sure I will now! Outstanding read. Harvey 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgg80 Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Wow! Awesome summary of the year! Thank you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumManTx Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Thanks everyone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorpsRelic Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Thanks everyone. NO THANK YOU. DrumManTx, I have had the pleasure of following and responding to your comments all season here on DCP. You have ALWAYS been a breath of fresh air on a site, that I have learned over a good number of years, that can quickly become critical if not downright toxic at times, thus lossing its focus, which would be better put on what the Corps, Staffs and Membership brings to the field. However, as a Drum Corps Relic watching the activity for some 51 years, I can honestly say that no other contributor to DCP, has supported the activity more effectively and brilliantly then you. Your fine eye and fine tuned ear for detail and most importantly a tender heart, are gifts that when shared with me and I am curtain many others on here, including the new "parents" who have discovered DCP and the activity for the first time, have been further enriched thanks to your ability to educate,and further enlightening even an old Drum "Corps Relic' as myself. More significantly, DrumManTx, and more importantly you have gotten me to more fully understand and expand my knowledge and appreciation of the breadth and depth of the Drum Corps Activity and its very Heart, it's membership. Drum Corps has played has played a critical and life affirming role in my life! I first joined the SIMPLEX MINUTEMEN of Gardner, Mass. back in 1965 and marched through 1972. As a kid my "mentors" were the Corpsmen from 27th Lancers, The Anaheim Kingsmen, and, God Bless America's Corps, The Casper Wyoming Troopers, whose Mountain Top LP Cover from back around 1970 or so, solely influenced me to take up the "artistry" of playing 24" Concert Cymbals). Your marvelous review, which I have printed out in its entirety will provide me with a "hard copy synopsis/memory of the 2016 season that sadly, due to short term memory loss, I would otherwise be unable to "recall". I also want you to know that I find your words and review so worthy, inclusive and brilliantly written that I will personally bring your review to the attention of STEVE VICKERS Publisher of "Drum Corps World." I want to see your "gift",talent, compassion expression, and full understanding or our activity to reach the widest possible audience. For you my friend, carry within you, the very "Heart" of Drum Corps International. With Every good Wish. Sincerely, Dennis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwillis35 Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 (edited) Just a fabulous review! Good to see some young "blood" taking reviews seriously. I agreed with most of what you detailed. In a few cases I didn't, but who cares? DCPers are not going to agree on everything, but it's so important that we have younger fans falling in love with this activity and taking their interest beyond just attending a show. Keep it up. There are many of use who love to read how this activity affects other fans, and the insight on each corps' performances is wonderful. Bravo! Edited August 22, 2016 by jwillis35 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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