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What makes a good Blue Devils show?


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I agree with OP that there is almost something formulaic to Devil's shows - a certain amount of incredibly loud and in tune brass, a certain visual effect/trick, a certain amount of dance, incredible guard work. 

88 Devs were undefeated going into finals, I do agree, there was a bit of a sag in the early 90s performance-wise -- that was tightened up and it seems as if the modern era of Devils began around 94 and they have been dominant since.

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Hair-flips...lots of hair-flips.*

 

* Disclaimer: The above is intended to be a light-hearted jest, not a scathing commentary.

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White wooden poles, pink, black and/or white stripes in colorguard, brass playing unison in ocatves, funny side-to-side head movement, and jazz. That's a Blue Devil's show. 

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1 hour ago, Chief Guns said:

BDs 98 horn line is one of the most under rated lines of all time imo.  

I thoroughly enjoyed that '98 show. I agree, great horn line!!!

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58 minutes ago, BoyWonder1911 said:

White wooden poles, pink, black and/or white stripes in colorguard, brass playing unison in ocatves, funny side-to-side head movement, and jazz. That's a Blue Devil's show. 

But what makes a GREAT Blue Devils show?

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9 minutes ago, Cappybara said:

But what makes a GREAT Blue Devils show?

QUALITY. Simply performing a show to a high level technically, and executing the notes, steps, movement and equipment requirements of the show isn't quite enough to bust into the "great" category. More times than not, and with few exceptions, BD meets those minimum (for them) standards. Elevating the program via intrinsic performance qualities is what really makes a great BD show "pop". That's what many miss...and to the detriment of their enjoyment of a great BD program. It's hard to appreciate from afar, and that's why I enjoy attending their rehearsals at Indy. When all that QUALITY comes oozing to the surface, and the group is functioning as an organic, emotive unit, that is when you really appreciate what it's all about.

2015 and Ink was a perfect example. Walking into Colts' facility before prelims while they were working on the final push from the corner, and having tears just spontaneously jump out of me was one of the most surprising things I've ever experienced. The corps was truly peaking. I was up on the stairs and watching the run through an hour or so later and standing next to TJ Doucette. At the end of the run through, we looked at each other and noticed that we were both wiping tears from our faces. We both had to chuckle. If you know TJ, she's not the type to have a reaction like that, unless her astronomical standards are met. I told her "they're going to win". Forget the fourth place (with penalty) at quarters...they were a group of destiny, peaking at the right time and elevating a program to that mystical point that makes a great BD program great.

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On thing since 1994 and probably ever....be great in every single scoring caption. Not necessarily win it but be near the top. That's why they've won 18 rings and top 4 ALL but once since 1975. That lone 5th place in 1991.

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3 hours ago, tedrick said:

I agree with OP that there is almost something formulaic to Devil's shows - a certain amount of incredibly loud and in tune brass, a certain visual effect/trick, a certain amount of dance, incredible guard work. 

88 Devs were undefeated going into finals, I do agree, there was a bit of a sag in the early 90s performance-wise -- that was tightened up and it seems as if the modern era of Devils began around 94 and they have been dominant since.

Staff turn around happened in 1994. And 2003 when Scott Chandler became program coordinator. 2005 is still a mystery why that show was not successful in BD standards. Maybe the Euro Tour has a bit to do with that. And in 1991 great brass but the percussion went thru major changes with Tom Float leaving in 1991.

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2012 was maybe the greatest show ever because they had the balls to go there. 2013 was much more conventional but my favorite and should have won. 2008 should have won. 2014 is jaw-dropping. 1999 is all-time great.

What makes a great BD show? I would say it is the constant, varied and creative effect moments, performed at the highest possible level of excellence.

Edited by FTNK
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