Kalamazoo shows

[jay72877]

Here are some comments about the corps I saw from both nights in Kalamazoo. I usually don’t make reviews on this site but I hadn’t seen any on here yet about the Kazoo show, so I thought I would give my thoughts on all the shows.

Racine Scouts—Even though this corps is small, they did a great job! The have some great marching technique and some nice drill moments. The guard was clean, and overall I was entertained by their show! Thanks Racine Scouts!

Memphis Sound-- I think this corps has stepped up a level since last year. Last year they seemed a little lost on the field. This year, I think they have a much more professional and polished look and sound. The color guard is much better this season too.

Blue Stars-- I saw them a couple of weeks ago and their show weirded me out. I still think their show is very different, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it. I don’t think I have seen Blue Stars do a show quite like this. Then again, I haven’t seen Blue Stars in a long time. Anyway, the guard costumes are unique and colorful. Their weapons are a little dirty and need to be cleaned. The horn line sounds good to me and so do the percussion. The percussion section is exciting as each section is featured. The end of the show is exciting with the kaleidoscopic drill. It reminded me of the Cadets. I mostly enjoyed all of the movement with the corps. It looks like the corps really gets into the characterization of their show. The show is called Pixilation: the Music of Final Fantasy.

Pioneer-- Way to go Pioneer. I really enjoyed their show this season compared to past years where their music and design seemed to be a little flat. This show has some great performance qualities. The guard has some cool Irish style dancing that I enjoyed and their guard work is very clean.

Magic-- Okay, so I think the kids do a good job with what they have. But overall, it wasn’t my favorite show of the night. I think they need something more exciting. I loved Magic in 2003! I wish they could be back to that level. The color guard work isn’t very good either. I didn’t understand why they had bamboo poles, and then they had this stretchy fabric stuff in the ballad. Oh well, maybe next year.

Southwind-- This is the first corps that gave me goose bumps. What an awesome show by Southwind. They have reached a new level of professionalism with this show—Distorted Imagination. I heard their shakos are similar to a marching band in Oklahoma. I really they think the shakos are cool and was surprised when I saw a picture of Southwind. It just seemed to me Southwind wasn’t the type of corps to really push the envelope or to turn from their roots of traditional wholesome music that I have come used to them playing. Their guard costumes are really cute, and the guard is excellent. Some solid weapon work too. I enjoyed all of the movement from the horn line. I think this show is a must see.

Spirit-- Cool Broadway show. I enjoyed the props. Guard was good, solid. Cool horns and percussion. I think they have a great chance to make it back into top 12.

BlueCoats-- They are so good this year. They are also a must see. The guard is one of the best guards in DCI. The talent level is awesome, and the equipment work is very cool. I enjoy their costumes and the flag designs. The corps music is so much fun to listen to. Their show is very entertaining with all the samba influence.

Blue Devils-- okay, so this show is copy of James Logan 1999 show with the Dance Marathon. Hmmm, perhaps having Scott Chandler involved in both organizations would answer that. The narration is cool, and the guy who does it does a good job. Competitively, I think Europe did hurt them, not having any judge’s comments for the past month. There were some transition moments where I thought it was very uncharacteristic of the Devils. There is this one part where the corps ends in the front corner of the field. And then there was this large silence. I didn’t get that at all. But not to worry, it will be better by August I am sure. I enjoy Prelude, Fugue and Riffs. That was fun to listen to. I don’t think they will take Cavaliers. And Madison Scouts are right on their heels.

Okay—

So it rained both nights. And they pack the people into Waldo Stadium like Sardine sandwiches. And the staff at Waldo didn’t hold people back during the show as people were walking down the steps getting to their seats. So that is annoying.

Anyway…

Capital Sound—I missed them. :( I wanted to see them too, especially since they are no longer part of the Madison organization. Right?

Lake Erie Regiment-- Their show was stopped in the middle due to lightning. But about 15 minutes later they did their show. They have lots and lots of props. I don’t understand why they have all these props that the guard uses, but it was interesting watching them. I enjoy this show. The horns and percussion sound good, and the guard was clean. Way to go L.E.R.!

Colt Cadets-- Sort of like a mini toned down version of Velvet Knights. Their arcade show was so much fun to watch. Who cares about their score, I had a great time watching the kids put on a show. I enjoyed the “Continue” and then the count down to put the coin back in the slot to continue the show. Very creative!

Chops Inc-- Chops did a great job entertaining the crowd. Generally not a fan of Senior Corps. IMO

Capital Regiment-- So much better from 3 weeks ago. I enjoyed the opening statement. They also have some great percussion moments. I enjoy when the corps makes the same shape as the sundial. Very cool. As a side note, I’d hate to be the two girls who just move the sun dial around all summer.

Colts-- I love this show. I am a Crossmen alumni, so although I want Crossmen to make it in to the top 12, I also want Colts to make it in. I enjoy the opener when the horns play to the back and resonate the sound and then the loud push to the front gives me goose bumps. I don’t think their percussion is scoring as well and perhaps may be holding them back? The guard has some beautiful silks, and great movement too.

Glassmen-- Awesome. Okay, so I am not the biggest Glassmen fan, but this show is great! Another must see. I love what they did to New World Symphony. The guard costumes and flags are so unique, it’s very refreshing. And the guard is very nicely trained. Go Glassmen!

Boston—hmmm, cool show. Don’t remember a lot about it. They sound good. Okay, so I am a guard person, and their guard is awesome! There weapons are terrific. I was interested to see how they rate against Crown.

Crown-- I enjoyed how the guard costumes are so simple with the angel wings on the back. I also enjoy Sarah McLaughlin’s “Angel”. Their guard is unreal! Way to go! I put Crown ahead of Boston too.

Scouts-- Another must see show. I love watching the girl as she is perfect for the role. The horn line is excellent and the guard’s characterization qualities are a joy to watch. The whistles got my rate up too! I don’t think they will catch BD, because I think Blue Devils will clean up and once they do they will spread the score from Madison and be right on the heels of Cadets.

Cavaliers-- Okay, so I didn’t care for the Bond show last season. It was cool, just not my favorite. When I saw pictures of this year’s color guard and I saw the ladders, I thought “oh no.” But, whoa, I thought this show was excellent! I love the fire stuff. I thought I’d hate the hats, but in the end I thought they were appropriate. The guard is so athletic, and at first I didn’t care for their uniforms, but, in the end they made sense, sort of. The baseball section is so cool, I love the part when he hits the ball, and well….you just have to see the show. The ladder section is interesting. I’m not typically a fan of ladders but once again it was appropriate. Oh yes, and I saw one of the snare players didn’t have his sticks! He was air drumming. Oh no! I hope he didn’t get in too much trouble.

Okay, so without seeing the Cadets yet, but hearing lots about their show, I think Cavaliers have 1st place again. Rightfully so, their show is designed and performed beautifully.

Thanks,

Jason

Coachmen 92-4

Madison Scouts 95-6

Crossmen 97-9

[vhsmbdm]

I agree on everything... I think Bluedevils show this year is too much like '02... good music but not so good design... and the whole "James Logan on a Football Field." is not that apealing.

[glory]

Thanks for the review.

Can you tell me more about the whistles in Madison? And how did the crowd respond in general?

HH

[AlbionNY Drum Line]

Chops Inc--  Chops did a great job entertaining the crowd.  Generally not a fan of Senior Corps.  IMO

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[MsCorps]

Thanks for the review.

Can you tell me more about the whistles in Madison? And how did the crowd respond in general?

HH

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The whistles were loud with the amplification help. It did make an impact, but I think the audience was still getting the water out of their ears from two nights of rain. However, the crowd was on their feet after MS, it was the best I have seen them this year. My daughter, who is a former MS fan and now a BD fan, said that this show was awesome and the best she has seen them in quite some time and thinks they have a chance for top 5 if not top 3.

[MsCorps]

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Oh come on for the "old guys"...except there were a lot of young ones. The soprano screamed!!! They were very entertaining and crowd pleasing.

[AlbionNY Drum Line]

the thumbs down are for the second comment posted in that particular review, not thumbs downing chops, no way.

[USNA90_Mello]

Oh come on for the "old guys"...except there were a lot of young ones.  The soprano screamed!!!  They were very entertaining and crowd pleasing.

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Thank you. We had a great time performing in Kalamazoo. It was a great crowd. And yes we do have quite a few young ones. Great corps to be a part of when you age-out.

As for my own impressions from K-zoo, what I was able to see of it.

Friday

Loved the Blue Devils. Was a little wary of them after listening to their June APD from DCI, but thought the voice-over matched up nicely with the show design. Had a great presence on the field and though they have stuff to clean up, I like this show a lot and think it will do great things.

Madison Scouts - only got to see it from the side, but liked it as well. The whole Carmen-performer thing is growing on me (seen them twice before this year) and after listening to Cesario talk about it, think it really does add something nice to the show.

Cavaliers - I love their visuals and their drill and the things they are doing on the field are great. I could do without the ladders per se, but the mello line playing from them was cool. And that insane drill inside them was just that, insane.

As for where everything settles out now that BD is back. I think the Cavaliers will end up ahead of them come finals time, assuming they clean up their shows at the same rate about. Can't wait until San Antonio to see BD/Cavies/Cadets. I think they are the top three for the year.

[CallipygianKing]

Oh come on for the "old guys"...except there were a lot of young ones.  The soprano screamed!!!  They were very entertaining and crowd pleasing.

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I guess we're about 50-50 on the young and old mix...

And a big roud of applause for Bob, who stepped up to fill a mello hole after seeing us in Coon Rapids and marched his first field show in fifteen years!

[CSVisual]

Capital Sound—I missed them.    :(  I wanted to see them too, especially since they are no longer part of the Madison organization.  Right? 

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Did anyone see Cap Sound and have thoughts. Just curious to see what people think of the corps this year! :)