Two Perspectives In Madison

[rerun]

There were so many things happening on my Madison excursion, that if I were to include all of the non-show stuff that happened, this post would have been 25,000 words long.

Anyway....here's my take.

*********************Quarters**************************

I sat in section D about halfway up for quarters, and had a great spot for viewing drill.

I missed the Mandarins (78.05), but sat next to a fairly large contingent of them during the show. They didn't seem to cheer or even show mild applause for anyone else. I don't understand people like that.

Capital Regiment were next (79.3) and I was impressed by the power of their brass and cleanly marched show. Their "Climbing Everest" show represents a climbing in status for these guys, who will be in semis next year if they keep it going, and might make the logjam for 12th even more exciting in 2003. One suggestion: new uniforms that give them more of an identity.

Magic Of Orlando (87.15) suffered from being on so early, you know the judges had to keep their score down to compensate for other corps that would follow. They didn't have to worry much, because MOO tore the roof off in Quarters. They did this while basing their show on C-G-C combinations. Their opener was the musical equipment of playing out of the phone book, but done so nicely that one didn't mind its simplicity. People were on their feet 20 seconds before they ended their show, due to a rousing closing set. Nice job.

Pioneer (73.25) is lacking a hornline this year, with 25 or so brass. They still are a little dynamo, however. Their use of benches was unique, but they sat on them too much during the show. I would have been nice to see better uses of those cool props. The guard helped to sell the show, a theme of which I never liked anyway. I hate the musical Oliver. There is nothing whimsical and lighthearted about an orphan kid joining a gang of thugs and being forced to steal. I thought they made a good effort though and had a solid hornline.

Troopers (75.55) had an unconventional show for their standards this year, playing Javelin as their opener. Their brass held up surprisingly well, and I am hoping they can get the new horns they are wishing for. I'm glad I was able to donate. Troop, I suggest setting up a donation booth at DCA's as well, I know the cash will flow in, especially with your efforts to buy new "G" bugles. The show was solid and I had them closer to 80, just behind Capital Regiment.

Kiwanis Kavaliers (75.9) played a refreshing show revolving around a superhero theme. But guys, if you are going to do the superhero thing, you need to play like superheroes too. With all of the horns in the hornline, they really lacked in volume and intensity, I expected so much more from them. They handled their props well, had pretty good drill, but those weird uniforms I know were a major drag for the group to wear, UGH. Be glad you didn't have Dallas '91 conditions to deal with.

Southwind (79.25) had a show best described by the "E" word. It was inaccessible, but performed competantly. "Marche Slav" just sort of laid there for the most part. With them being in the Madison Scouts family, you'd wish for more of a crowd-pleasing show next year.

Madison Scouts (85.5) really got the blood going with a fantastic warm-up. It was downhill from there. To answer your question, yes, "they" were atrocious. Had "they" had the proficency of their other captions, this show would have easily been top 8. It will be the best sounding non-finalist performance ever burned to a CD.

Carolina Crown (83.8) made good use of props to sell the show. The love ends there. They should have marched all guard. Where was the horn volume? When they are spoon-fed what could have been the best ballad of the year, how could it be so underplayed? And what was with the guy acting like a wounded turkey running through the standstill? It was so flat, it should have been written better and performed with more passion. That applies through the whole show. Kick it up from mf to fff and Crown could have been finalists. The guard was great though.

Colts (85.25) had their best show in 3 years, and had a legitimate shot at finals, and would have been closer if they would have avoided a penalty.

Good brass intensity and great drill execution were bonuses for them. It was a very complete program and I thought it was good enough to beat...

Blue Knights (86.15) had a fantastic bell and auxilliary line, but "Fear and Trembling" was nothing of the sort. This was the "E" word times 100. Golf clapping broke out a couple of times, but there wasn't much more there.

I couldn't get into the show. I had them 15th behind Madison and Colts.

The other groups will be covered in my semifinals review......