PerryD Posted February 18, 2022 Share Posted February 18, 2022 I truly hope it happens this year. I just bought 3 non-refundable tickets for the show in Atlanta!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49rfan Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 My analysis of the top 12 corps grouped in three's, the order of corps in each group is alphabetical listed. To note: My analysis is based primarily on brass/visual staff, as well as where they've been in previous years. In addition, I keep in contact with friends and family who have marched in most of these corps within the past 5 years who graciously give me insight on current and past corps cultures/developments that may not be well known and I feel is relevant to this thread. I will remain impartial to the best of my ability when it comes to that I feel it's important to note how far removed we are from 2019, and that 2022 is 3 years from then. Scores from 2019 will NOT reflect placements as well as they would if this were 2020, so to place corps based solely on 2019 would ignore all of the instructional, cultural, and other factors that play into placement. That being said, I spent way too much time on this and will never do this ever again. Also there might be typos or something, idk I really need a nap but lemme know if there was something you wanted me to elaborate on 1-3: BD, Cavaliers, Crown BD is historically consistent, and Crown's staff has changed very little as well. I can see either Crown or Cavaliers falling out of medaling, but Crown is consistent in their execution and thus has a better chance of staying in 1-3. Cavaliers have shown great improvement particularly in their brass, but still show weaknesses in their visual program that may negatively effect their GE; most notably inconsistencies in their marching technique that hurt their 2019 scores and was still present in 2021. Likely a side effect of having Crown vis staff making changes to their marching style, of which was particularly Crown-esque in 2019 and 2021 with lots of rigid movement and (I hate to say it) "bando" choreography; of which can still be just as effective in it's execution as dance-choreo; I suppose I'm just not a fan of that kind of choreography. Anyhow, if their design staff can really create a fresh, Cavaliers-type show, I think they can finally break back into medal territory. 4-6: BAC, Bloo, SCV BAC's brass is undoubtedly phenomenal with Gino and their visual program as a whole is already an established powerhouse. However, their weakness I find lies in their show design; while they've executed their programs on an incredibly high level for the past 4 years, the shows designed for them don't do them enough justice, imo. It leaves something to be desired, if you will. Bloo has an edgier brass and no shortage of talent either, and could likely medal again if they can innovate beyond their already established electronic superiority (a topic some might argue is "gimmicky" at this point) and create a fresher show concept compared to year's past. SCV had their brass staff nearly overhauled, otherwise they are largely the same staff-wise. The VanDorens are all proven exceptional leaders and instructors, with their beefy resumes bolstering incredible results from Crown. However, from what I've heard along the "drum corps grapevine" (take it with a grain salt, these are the opinions from several veterans of SCV I have spoken to. Everyone's experiences are obviously different, but I feel it's important to note) is that the change in instructional styles from JD's more laid back but professional attitude to the VanDoren's stricter, austere style has rubbed many vets the wrong way, in addition to SCV not "fielding" a corps for 2021 which may in turn lead to a younger hornline. Regardless, they'll likely field a show that sounds akin to a Crown show but still looks like SCV. 7-9: BK, Cadets, Phantom BK lost Bocook and Mike Jackson, but still has an incredible sound that rivals similarly placed corps. However, it's been clear that their show design has not been effective nor fresh enough to boost them to top 6, imo. BK has shown a pattern of incredibly abstract programs; some of which work incredibly well, but many being hard to follow for the average viewer, and potentially judges. If BK can pull off a more ambitious, well developed show executed at the same/improved level of previous years, than they have a chance at top 6. Otherwise, I can see Phantom and Cadets potentially surpassing them. Cadets got Bocook back and based on last season, are almost sounding like hornlines of old. Their drumline is top 6 tier and everything about their musical and visual programs in addition to the new culture they've fostered (new as in post-2019) is one that screams improvement. However, they're main weakness that keeps them back would have to be general execution and GE. If the designers can develop a fresh show concept in the more traditional spirit they seem to have committed to, and the members execute it as well as they did in 2021, then I think they have a shot at jump 2-4 spots, if not more. Phantom just got JD back, and from the previously mentioned "drum corps grapevine," I've heard their vet retention has skyrocketed compared to the past 5 years (can't say how much specifically, but all sections have seen a majourity of qualified members returning, apparently). Much of JD's brass-entourage has also followed, many of which were present during Phantom's "glory years" between 2001-2011, and assisted JD at SCV, most notably between 2016-2019. In addition, their visual program will likely see great improvement with instructors such as Adam Sage, Bob Smith, and Tony Hall all also returning staff from Phantom's "glory days." Despite such promising staff returning, it's yet to be seen if Phantom will go back to their roots and field a show akin to those between 2003-2011, or if we'll see a new, modern identity unlike the past 8 years. Regardless, I highly doubt they'll place below 9th, and I doubt they'll place above 6, so here we are. 10-12: Blue Stars, Madison, Mandarins oh boy I had some trouble researching Blue Stars' staff for this, so my opinion on this may not be as detailed. Blue Stars staff seem to have a majority of returning staff and pretty fair vet retention. Their 2021 program saw an incredible colorguard and improved hornline from previous years, which will bode well for them in 2022 given that they can retain returning members. Madison Scouts made an long-awaited comeback after some years of weaker shows, of which I believe will surge them back into the top 6 within the next couple of years as their relatively young staff establishes themselves. I've heard their auditions have seen a lot of talent coming in due to their fan-favorite show in addition to the returning members from 2021, which will surely give them an upper hand against other bubble corps that weren't as popular. However, they will need to heighten the both the execution and the difficulty of their visual program if they want to get back into finals, both of which were aspects that can be improved upon from 2021. Mandarins have some Bloo staff now which will hopefully improve their brass sound as compared to Patrick Keeley and Tim Snyder, as well as incredible visual staff like Peter Beckhart who's known to choreograph for BD. Mandarins struggled musically last summer from both an execution and design standpoint; however, I can see them improving on those aspects over the next few months and better defining their sound as a corps. Visually, they're stunning. I hope to see them place higher than 10th this season, but it's the most uncertain in my opinion. Just out: Colts, Crossmen, Pacific Crest, Troopers I'll elaborate on Crossmen, but it should be noted I believe they ALL have potential to break into finals. But after a whole year of no competition and a whole sleuth of other factors, I believe these corps are the most likely to be right on the bubble. Crossmen staff are all relatively young, especially in the brass and visual captions. But this does not take away from achievements they've accomplished thus far. However, I do find that their lackluster numbers during the 2021 season may be telling of either promotional or organizational failure. Whatever the case, they have no shortage of Texas talent coming in to audition and consistently put out enjoyable shows executed at a high enough level that are deserving of finals tier placement. How the staff manages the corps this season will make or break their streak of finals appearances. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllianaLancerContra Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) I am going to make an unpopular prediction: At least one top-12 or contender Corps will not tour due to fuel costs. Many Corps are operating on very thin cash flow post 2020/21; fuel prices may force some harsh realities. PS - I am OK being wrong with this, but I really don't want to see a Corps stranded mid-tour for financial reasons (like we saw around 1999/00-ish) Edited March 7, 2022 by IllianaLancerContra clarity 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxingfred Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) It seems like folks are so afraid of Trolls and Armchair Experts that they just don't post. These prediction threads used to be filled with opinion and prognostication. Maybe 2 years without judges scores hurt? I hope this drum corps season brings a change in judges thinking. I hope the shows that get crowds on their feet are judged more favorably. My predictions for San Antonio, I don't care what you think. (write your own predictions) Bluecoats Crown Boston Blue Devils Santa Clara Cavaliers Cadets Blue Knights Mandarin Blue Stars Phantom Crossmen Opinion fueled by: Black Coffee, Push-Ups, a moderna booster shot, That kid I rolled with in Jiujitsu last Thursday And my love for Drum Corps. Edited March 7, 2022 by boxingfred separated with and in 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49rfan Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 DCI Celebration part 2: covid strikes back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Guns Posted March 8, 2022 Share Posted March 8, 2022 On 3/7/2022 at 8:40 AM, boxingfred said: It seems like folks are so afraid of Trolls and Armchair Experts that they just don't post. These prediction threads used to be filled with opinion and prognostication. Maybe 2 years without judges scores hurt? I hope this drum corps season brings a change in judges thinking. I hope the shows that get crowds on their feet are judged more favorably. My predictions for San Antonio, I don't care what you think. (write your own predictions) Bluecoats Crown Boston Blue Devils Santa Clara Cavaliers Cadets Blue Knights Mandarin Blue Stars Phantom Crossmen Opinion fueled by: Black Coffee, Push-Ups, a moderna booster shot, That kid I rolled with in Jiujitsu last Thursday And my love for Drum Corps. Surprised to see you have BD that high. They must be growing on you. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corps8294 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 What the hades; here goes... 1. Bluecoats 2. Blue Devils 3. Boston Crusaders 4. Carolina Crown 5. Santa Clara Vanguard 6. Cavaliers 7. Cadets 8. Blue Stars 9. Blue Knights 10. Phantom Regiment 11. Mandarins 12. Pacific Crest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjeffeory Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) Whelp, I'll base things off of the fact that some corps didn't really field much in Indy last year, so some corps will be down compared to if they had gone... 1. Bluecoats -They came out last year, didn't miss a beat. Worthy to be placed here 2. Cavaliers -They came out last year, performed well. Also, based on what they were going to do the year before, this year's show could be a good one if they use that material! They'll have the talent come back to be even better than a couple of years ago, I believe. 3. Boston Crusaders - They came out last year, performed well. I'd say they upped their game. A fun show, so I'm sure they'll have that talent back. Could be pushing higher. 4. Blue Devils - Hard to ignore them, but they took a year out of the spotlight, and the DCI aged members are fickle... Will they have a recovery year after being off? 5. Carolina Crown - They fielded last year and had a beautiful production with some experimental aspects with that large guard... These guys could be 5th or 1st. 6. Santa Clara Vanguard - Took a year away from field shows, and has a new brass staff. What a wild card. I've gotta go with the corps who traveled to Indy last year in my predictions, but these guys can design a show like no other, so.... 7. Phantom Regiment -They came out last year with a classic show that saw their signature sound return. Visually not my favorite product, but I have no doubt that their current staff is going to have these guys humming. 8. Cadets - Same as with Regiment, and with all the same explanations. Could be a break out year! Could place much higher. 9. Blue Stars - They came out last year with a pretty great hornline and those tubas were great! Can't wait to see what they do. Whatever it is, they'll be one of the best ensembles in the world. 10. Blue Knights - Last year was a little flat for me, but I love the corps. I'm interested, but please give us something awesome. 11. Mandarins - Great ideas from this corps. I'm not sure where they'll land, so here is where I predict them. 12. Pacific Crest - Interesting corps. Should probably watch out for Troopers. 13. Troopers - They came out last year with an extremely fresh performances. I hope ( and have heard) that they recruited well this winter. I'd love to see more of last year with everything kicked up a notch! Edited March 10, 2022 by jjeffeory 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxingfred Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 23 hours ago, Chief Guns said: Surprised to see you have BD that high. They must be growing on you. They were my late uncle George Thomas favorite corps. Great Staff, Awesome talented kids. I haven't liked some of their shows but, every year brings new hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted March 10, 2022 Share Posted March 10, 2022 On 12/29/2021 at 3:42 PM, Jeff Ream said: whoever has the highest score of whatever scoring system used after everything is added, multiplied/divided and penalties accounted for wins. (insert corps here) will be viewed as being screwed (insert corps here)'s fans will be considered smug (insert corps here)'s fans will be considered honks (insert judge here) will be clueless/biased i am sure i am missing some, but it's been 2 years i am out of practice Just a reminder 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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