Re-submitted for your consideration...

[Guest Aderagon]

2002 DCI MIDWESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS - INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Afternoon and Evening Show Reviews by Cody Jones (Aderagon)

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AFTERNOON SHOW

1 - Crossmen 85.65

2 - Seattle Cascades 84.55

3 - Spirit 83.85

4 - Colts 82.70

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5 - Carolina Crown 81.95

6 - Blue Knights 81.60

7 - Madison Scouts 81.35

8 - Kiwanis Kavaliers 71.65

9 - Southwind 71.55

10 - Troopers 69.65

11 - Pioneer 67.45

(Top 4 will be reviewed as part of the Evening Show)

Jubal (Exhibition)

Jubal started off the afternoon show in a judged exhibition. What a pleasant surprise! Performing their show, “Variations in Jazz” Jubal warmed up the crowd very nicely. They are a corps from The Netherlands, and are about the size of a Division II/III corps. However, this corps features some great solo and small ensemble work, and flows very nicely. These guys can really jam, too!

There was some feet in the sound and some dirty licks, and also a small baritone/contra collision towards the end, but otherwise, fine performance.

High point: Soloists.

Low point: Sound clarity at times.

Madison Scouts (7th Place, 81.35)

I watched the Scouts’ rehearsal before the show, and they seemed confident and ready to go. Their 2002 show, “Conquest!” is a good, entertaining one, slightly better than last year’s offering, but still down from some of their great shows of the 90’s. The warmup is excellent, but I must agree with others – the armor and helmets need to go. They look fine, but there is too much lag time between the warmup and show because of the guard changing. Many say the weak point for the Scouts this year is their color guard, and I agree – to a point. They aren’t bad, but they are down a level from years past and from the other corps. I think some of the strong competition all around hurts the Scouts too, as they just haven’t been able to improve and raise their scores as fast as their opponents. Brass and drums are excellent, with some powerful moments from both sections. No conspiracy - Madison just has too much to clean in too short of time – I don’t see them in Finals this year, sadly.

High point: Horns and drums.

Low point: Color Guard.

Kiwanis Kavaliers (8th Place, 71.65)

The Kiwanis Kavaliers’ merger with Tampa Bay Thunder seems to be a good one – quite a larger corps now than in the past. Performing their show, “Hall of Justice”, this corps simply has fun – and you can tell. The color guard is a highlight of the corps, with some great moments. The huge drumline is just that, but plays in balance with the rest of the corps. The hornline plays some favorites like Danny Elfman’s “Batman” and “Spider-Man”, but the things in between are pretty flat. The energy level seems to drag in between the “big” numbers. However, the ending is very strong and this show has potential to grown even more before the end of the season.

High point: Energy of the corps.

Low point: Show drags in places.

Southwind (9th Place, 71.55, .4 penalty)

I’m not sure why there was a penalty, but Southwind was passed up by the Kiwanis Kavaliers this afternoon. Southwind performs their show, “Evolution”, well – but it is much too flat most of the time. They start off strong with “Tocatta and Fugue”, and they have some nice moments sprinkled around in “Marche Slav”, but overall – bland arrangements and drill hurt a very talented corps.

High point: Some truly great musical moments in the show…

Low point: ..but not enough to liven up the music.

Pioneer (11th Place, 67.45, 1.0 penalty)

When Pioneer set up for their show, everything seemed ready for their “Oliver – With a Twist” program. However, Pioneer was missing their two Drum Majors! dcp journalist Kendra Osterhout was doing a great job playing Oliver (What a cutie!) during warmup, and for an extended period of time afterwards while the corps waited for the DM’s. Many minutes later, once the show got underway, it went fairly well. It seems the corps has added in more performance/GE things, and the corps is still getting used to them. Many of the “bells and whistles” looked forced and unpolished, and that will change after more cleaning. The benches are a good idea and used effectively, but need to be repainted soon. Musically, the pit is very hard to hear on the backfield, and mallets are completely drowned out by the battery, who overpowers the small hornline as well. The horn book is written well for the size of the corps, as is the visual book. Color guard does well for it’s size. An enjoyable show, but Pioneer needs to recruit more or seriously consider returning to Division II.

High point: Show is written for their size, enthusiasm in the corps.

Low point: Drumline too large, performance issues.

Troopers (10th Place, 69.65)

“America’s Corps” looked much stronger than in years past, and showed in passing up Pioneer for the 10th spot. Their program, “Red, White, and Blue”, was performed well, but it was odd hearing the Troopers play more modern and esoteric pieces. The highlight of the show is the ballad, “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli. The rest of the show doesn’t come put as much, but is still performed well. The Troop really turns it on for this one, and it is a beautiful moment. Much improved playing and marching from last year – things are looking up for the Troopers. Guard is the best I’ve seen them. Also, congrats to a seven-year veteran of the Troopers that was interviewed afterwards!

High point: Overall a stronger corps than the past few years, the ballad.

Low point: Show design seems a little off for the Troop.

Carolina Crown (5th Place, 81.95)

Carolina Crown’s performance of “Greek Mythology: Stories of Gods and Heroes” was a mixed bag for me. The opening was strong, with strains of “Medea”. However, this soon gets covered up with lots of dissonant punch chords and phrases, for the rest of the opener. Their second song, “Eros” is the highlight for me. Beautiful melodies and interesting uses of sabers (re” bow and arrows) make this an enjoyable and well, cute part of the show. “One Day I’ll Fly Away” is done rather well for the field, I was surprised. However, I just did not like the closer. Their version of Medea seemed too cluttered, and the show ends before you know it. Guard is the highlight, but the hornline is much stronger than last year, as is the drumline. One note – do more with the pillars. The look great, but one was just sitting on the 10 yard line the whole show, far away from everything. Crown will need to turn it on if they want a chance at finals.

High Point: Color Guard.

Low Point: Clarity of music at times.

Blue Knights (6th Place, 81.60)

Blue Knights show, “Fear and Trembling” is another odd one to review. I have always loved Blue Knights for their visual aspect. Yes, I like the dancing sopranos. I loved their 2000 show, but this year’s show is much too esoteric and “modern”, I think. There are some great musical moments, especially In the ballad. All sections of the corps are excellent – I think the show is just not right for them. There are good things about this show, such as the use of the mallets and the trademark hand-painted flags (done in a darker style, of course). I see BK making semifinals, but nothing higher.

High point: Body movement.

Low point: Show is very hard to get into.

Overall comments:

This is my first and only show (counting the Evening show) of the season. Some good things happening everywhere. Many drumlines are 'dutting' pretty loud for July, and it dampens some otherwise great moments. Echo was not too bad, but noticeable. Very nice show!

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EVENING SHOW

1 - The Cavaliers 95.20

2 - The Cadets 93.10

3 - Blue Devils 93.00

4 - Santa Clara Vanguard 92.10

5 - Phantom Regiment 88.95

6 - Glassmen 88.20

7 - Bluecoats 87.85

8 - Boston Crusaders 87.15

9 - Crossmen 84.60

10 - Spirit 83.15

11 - Seattle Cascades 83.10

12 - Colts 81.55

Earlier in the day, I met Joe (EuphoniBone), as he was sitting only one row up from me. Nice guy, and it was good to meet you!

Boston Crusaders (8th Place, 87.15)

I had been looking forward to seeing the Boston Crusaders’ production of “You Are My Star”. I enjoyed it, for the most part. When I first heard about the banners, (Different banners saying things such as “Land of the Free” and “’Tis the Gift to Be Simple”) I thought it was a hokey idea – but they are used extensively in the show and add to the effect, most of the time. Appalachian Spring is the central focus of the show, and it is used rather well. I’m not sure on the ballet moves and dissolving/reappearing company front – almost too ’87 Cadets. However, Boston puts their own spin on it. The ballad is very well done, and the singing of “You Are My Star” is gorgeous, especially with portraits of American icons such as Jackie Robinson and Aaron Copland (composer of Appalachian Spring). It’s also loud enough to be heard without strain. The jazz section is done well, and overall – a very good, not overly cheesy show. Great “flag” drill at the end. I thought they would be higher.

High Point: All around solid, moving show.

Low Point: Many ideas from 1987 Cadets.

Spirit (10th Place, 83.15)

“Darkness Into Light” is a good vehicle for Spirit this year. They have a very abrupt opener like Glassmen 2001, but it soon takes it’s own form with some neat body moves that bends the sound from the horns. The ballad is simply gorgeous, and the closer is very uplifting. Great ensemble sound from these guys, and good guard concept with the costumes growing lighter as the show progresses. Strong corps, edging out Cascades for 10th. They will be in Finals for sure this year – Welcome back, Spirit.

High Point: Ensemble music.

Low Point: Parts of the opener seem to drag.

Crossmen (9th Place, 84.60)

“The Signature Series” is Crossmen’s show for 2002, and it is stunning –visually. With visual alone, this is a Top 5 show. However, some of the brass arrangements just didn’t excite me enough. They’re “jazzy” enough, but not enough to make you get out of your seat, with the exception of the end of Strawberry Soup. However, there is one part of the ending which is odd – three sopranos solo and trio while the corps play, and they overlap very oddly, making one side seem wrong. Brass has some dirt still, but if they can match the musicality with the visual execution – watch out. Color Guard is a plus as always. Two good shows today, Crossmen.

High Point: Visual difficulty and execution.

Low Point: Music seems uninspired at times.

Colts (12th Place, 81.55)

The Colts have a good program with “Revelations”. They have such a good field presence, even warming up all around the field. Color guard is excellent, as are the horns. Drums seem good but aren’t featured all that much. Really great music and drill, at times it does drag a bit. Solid show, Finals quality. Ending drill really flies! If they can keep the intensity up, Colts have a good chance for 12th at Finals.

High Point: Field presence, color guard.

Low Point: Show drags at places.

Seattle Cascades (11th Place, 83.10)

Wow, what a great show. “City Riffs” is a great show for the Cascades, and the arrangements they use are very much different from the Cadets of the ‘80’s. They were the first goosebumps I had in the afternoon show with their opening impact. All sections of the corps are very solid. Simple Song’s arrangement is odd, kinda jazzy, but good. Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs really rocks, and Make Our Garden Grow was an awesome closer. Soloists have a bit of trouble at times. Cascades have the package, they just need to clean. They will be in Finals.

High Point: Overall package, very nice.

Low Point: Soloists at times.

Bluecoats (7th Place, 87.85)

Great opener, one of the best out there. Lots of color! Luckily, the rest of “Urban Dances” doesn’t disappoint. The drill seems much more difficult than last year – these guys are flying! Great music for the ‘Coats this year, an all-around strong show. Nice “traffic jams” in the show, though I would lose the yellow/checkered flags. Dancer in the Dark was very well done, as was the closer. High energy, great corps! Bluuuu!

High Point: Energy and intensity!

Low Point: Brass clarity at times.

Glassmen (6th Place, 88.20)

I was really waiting for “Odyssey” to grab me, but it doesn’t. Drumline is excellent, as is the guard. It sounds like the horns are still having some dirt in their book, but otherwise good. The show grows on you as it moves along, highlight is the ballad. The flugelhorn soloist does an amazing job, even though he is not as featured as last year. The performers are very good, but the show just leaves me flat. Dan Potter said in an interview with the flugal soloist, “There’s nothing boring about your show.” Sorry, but while the members are VERY talented, there are boring parts.

High Point: Soloist and the ballad.

Low Point: Show is very flat.

Santa Clara Vanguard (4th Place, 92.10)

I like the uniforms. Very classy. Their show, “Sound, Shape, and Colors” is an odd one. Awesome opener, musically and visually. They need to be this intense the whole time, if they did – wow. Afterwards, the show just…goes. Visually they are strong, and they play well – just flat. Maybe many viewings will help. The boxes the guard uses in closer is hit and miss, they have moments but for the most part, it doesn’t work. Strong ending. Good corps, but it seems to be “missing” something overall.

High Point: Opener and the ending, new uniforms.

Low Point: Middle of the show doesn’t live up to the opener.

Phantom Regiment (5th Place, 88.95)

I’ve always been a huge Phantom Phan, and this year’s offering, “Heroic Sketches”, is pretty good. I enjoy how uniform they are in entering the field, very nice. Drums, sorry – they’re very ugly. Guard looks spectacular, and performs just as well. Visually, not as strong as others - this could be what holds them back. Brass sounds rich and full, but somewhat crass at times. Great music, especially the Piano Concerto after the ballad (You may remember it from Fantasia 2000). Ballad itself, not typical Phantom. I miss the “power ballads” from the past. Great ending…wow. Nice kick at the end. They will make Top 5 if they can keep ahead of Glassmen and just keep cleaning. Go Phantom!

High Point: Color Guard, Ending.

Low Point: Brass is not blending well at times, Visual program.

The Cavaliers (1st Place, 95.20)

I’ve never been a huge Cavies fan, but I did enjoy this year’s show, “Frameworks”. All sections of the corps is amazing, and visually – untouchable. The opener is not up to par with the rest of the show, but the sonorities in the ballad, and the “box” dancing to the end…there’s not much I can say. All around strong corps, and they will win in Madison this year. Attention to detail is amazing, corps is very confident in performing. Great job.

High Point: Dancing in the “Box”.

Low Point: Opener not at the same level as the rest of the show.

The Cadets (2nd Place, 93.10)

“An American Revival”. I had heard so much going into the show; I didn’t know what to think. This was the show I had been waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint, mostly. They have made cuts in the opener, and it sounds very choppy. Ballad is great, and the flag raising/Pledge is not that bad. Boxes with old advertisements are really cool, very fitting for the show. Then came Boogie. Very cool, but not as loud and big as I expected. Same for the closer. The brass seemed to have some ensemble issues in the closer, but finished strong. Guard did an awesome job telling the story of the show. I really did enjoy this show, but I think Cavaliers are too far ahead for Cadets to catch them, and Blue Devils are nipping at their heels. However, this was my favorite show of the night out of everyone.

High Point: Great GE, show tells a “story”.

Low Point: Opener is very “cut and paste”.

Blue Devils (3rd Place, 93.00)

“Jazz: Music Made in America” is a great show, full of much more energy than the past few years. Every section is solid, and the guard is spectacular. The music book is just way too choppy, and they don’t stay with one melody long enough to expand on it. House of the Rising Sun is the exception, great ballad. Nice use of hair by the guard, really set the mood. Channel One Suite is much too short, and lacks a strong punch. Drums have some nice moments, especially at the end. Again, a great corps, but the show is much too choppy. It is solid, however – and they may catch Cadets if the keep improving.

High Point: Color Guard, Soloists, whole corps very solid.

Low Point: Show is too choppy.

Overall Thoughts

Nice evening show, most shows were pretty accessible. Cavies will win, and Cadets and BD will fight for 2nd. I’m not sure if I like the direction Cavies are going with show design, though. I hope not every corps tries to jump on board. Great energy from everyone, a very good show.

Thanks for reading!

~Cody Jones