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The Sound Machine Archive Presents Listed are the dates and the show site, the reviews will be filled in, if and when
they are available or submitted. The following reviews are solely the opinion
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scores@soundmachine.org Go to Page 11 of Reviews! Winston-Salem, NC (DCI) I just got home from the Winston-Salem show tonight in North Carolina. It
was my first show of the season so my first impressions come a little
late... never mind that basically the Charlotte show this coming Thursday is
just a repeat of tonight adding Glassmen and Spirit of Atlanta... so I'll be
going to finals this year not having seen the majority of the current top
12-13 corps. At any rate... in playing order: 1. Micro Magic put on an exhibition. All I can really say is cute....
reminds me of something I might see at Disney World so maybe that makes
sense... They have a decent Soprano and one really decent Contra... Despite
all that, great luck in fielding a corp next season! 2. There was an actual band putting on an Exhibition named "Spirit of
America". It felt a little out of place hearing piccolo's (and other
woodwinds) at a Corps show but otherwise it was pretty decent. Other than
doing some freakish arrangement of Simple Gifts that never came out and gave
us the big push that song deserves, it was ok. 3. Kiwanis Kavaliers - 67.2. Well, what can I say? I've always had a
difficult time judging corps from other countries... er, Canada. Kiwanis and
Les Etoiles were always pretty much grouped together in my mind. Regardless
(and missing the perpetual spinning drums Les Etoiles used to always use),
Kiwanis played up to my expectations. Nothing really wowed me but they
certainly had moments. Possibly the best I've heard from them ever... but
hard to even compare to all the corps that followed. 4. Carolina Crown - 84.5. I made the 2 hour drive from Winston-Salem to Mint
Hill, SC at the beginning of the season for Crown's exhibition. I was
meeting friends for the weekend anyway, so I wasn't QUITE as crushed when I
pulled up in rain so hard you could barely see an inch in front of your face
to a closed gate with a Canceled sign on it. Everything I know of Crown this
season therefore is what I've read on here and elsewhere, seen as far as
scores, and pulled down from some MP3's I've seen on Audiogalaxy that all
really, really sucked. I therefore was ENORMOUSLY surprised at how truly
great the show was. I enjoyed it more than anything Crown has done since
1995 with StormWorks... maybe more in places. It's an extremely well written
show with some really impressive drill. Crown has always excelled with the
drumline and guard, but what killed me was the hornline! It was fantastic
(in comparison with the past). They came right out punching and played the
best I've ever heard them sound. I really was impressed. In fact, as far as
the visual effect, drumline, and overall show impression, I'd have given
Crown the edge over Madison... if I hadn't HEARD Madison... but I'm ahead of
myself. The drill is clean and fast and the music, though getting a little
muddy towards the end (as well as a bit weird) was great. There's a great
Baritone/Euph section that must be heard. As usual, I think Crown leans too
much on props. This year was certainly no different. It's the most props
they've used since maybe, Chess, The Art of Movement show they did in 1996.
I really didn't like those big sheets of metal carried around by the guard.
Also the tires were a bit much. 5. Madison Scouts - 85.7. Well, it was definately the Scouts. Despite what
some people say, I think the Scouts earn their placings the past few
years... sigh. I love loud and I got it (more on that in a sec) but there's
more to a great show than blowing out my eardrums regardless of how excited
it might make me. I'll also say that AFTER this show I cannot be truly
trusted to give any other corp an accurate assessment on volume as my ears
are still ringing now. That said, OH MY GOD. They came out and punched out
my eardrums, ribcage, and a few organs. Last year SCV did it when they did
the "Adagio for Strings" part of their show all bunched up on the sideline
together (most awesome experience so far for me, IMHO). This year Madison
did it with their intro, then proceeded to do it for the next several
minutes. I thought the show well performed but mostly I wasn't impressed
with it. Don't get me wrong, I loved the music, but the drill and guard just
didn't do it for me. The drill itself didn't really seem to introduce
anything new... the coolest moment was when they formed a diamond and
starting spinning the inside from the middle out... awesome move. It was a
lot more awesome when I saw it for the first time last year, though (can't
remember who did it). Other than that the show just wasn't very inspiring.
BUT, if you want to be flattened against your seat, you'll love this show. 6. Blue Knights - 82.6. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings or
anything... but this show just doesn't do it for me at all. I'm not sure
what I dislike the most... well, maybe those spotted guard uniforms... yeah
that's probably the worst part. Nothing really stands out so it's hard to
comment much. I was a little disappointed as I've always like the Blue
Knights... and whoever maintains their website (www.bknights.org) does a
fabulous job showing the scores for the season and all... but I didn't like
the show. I wish I could give better information, but maybe that's the
problem... nothing worth remembering. Well executed, good guard (bleh
uniforms), uninteresting. I haven't seen the Bluecoats yet, nor have I seen
the Colts. But I think the Blue Knights are currently the closest to falling
out of the top12. I'd say unless something changes, they'll be at 13 come
finals. 7. Santa Clara Vanguard - 92.3. Awesome from start to finish. Dazzling
clean. Fast and furious. I love this show. I can't wait till Finals (I'll be
there in Buffalo for Quarters, Semis, and Finals). If the Blue Devils and
Cavaliers (as well as Cadets) continue to pull ahead of SCV, their shows
must be unbelievable. I loved the drill and loved the sound. Since they won,
as part of their encore they played "Send in the Clowns". God, I wish I had
some kind of recorder with me. It sent chills up my spine. Well, it was a great show. Take my comments as, well, my comments. Hope to
see you all at finals. WHAT A LONG DAY!!!!!!!!!! I got to Winston Salem at noon! Stopped by East Forsyth High to check out SCV
and what did I see??? About 10 Tubas fall down on top of each other! Yes that's
right, SCV bit the dust in visual rehearsal. It was quite honestly the scariest
thing I've ever seen on a drumcorps field. All was well though and only minor
bruises to the horn! I headed over to Mt Tabor High School a bit later to see my old buddies at Crown!
I didn't stay long, but I did notice that they've done some nice things with the
show. Hopped back in the car and headed to West Forsyth High for Madison's clinic!
We arrived and were met by hundreds of high schoolers. Madison had just ended
their runthrough and broke up into sectionals to let the kids take part. It was
really cool of them, but I wasn't really interested in watching the kiddies play
drumcorps, so we headed to get our tickets and back over to SCV's rehearsal. We
got there in time for Vanguard's final runthrough before the show. WOW!!!!!!
WHAT A SHOW!!!!!! and FREE TOO! This time no tubas bit the dust, but a snare
player did. I was worried about their footing! ONTO THE SHOW!!!!!!!!
MicroMagic - Hey, they are small, mildly entertaining, but not as good as when
I saw them in Columbia! What happend? This is probably not a good way to entice
kids to come march with a potential corps next season, however I do applaud them
for what they are doing. Spirit of America - Not a bad marching band show. Feet were dirty, but the
music was good. Unlike the other reviewer, I enjoyed the closing piece which
contained the melodies of Simple Gifts and Waltzing Matilda. I guess everyone
expects a big Cadets push everytime they hear it, but I don't think that's what
this group was aiming for. The arrangement of the two songs overlapping was quite
neat if I must say so myself. Kiwanis Kavaliers - It didn't do much for me. Not at all. I think Tampa Bay
Thunder would take this corps! They are so small, I think they should reconsider
which Division they compete in. I wasn't expecting to hear An American in Paris
during the show, so that was a pleasant surprise. Other than that, blah! Carolina Crown - WOW! They've worked their asses off since Columbia. This is
really a Top 12 show with flare. I've been wanting to say this all year, now I
can..... THIS IS THE BEST CORPS CROWN HAS EVER HAD!!!!! Even better than my 99
group! This show has awesome music and visually this corps does great things to
help sell the program. The guard has a new "opener" uniform since the last I saw
them. I'm really pleased with how they are performing. This show might contend
for 10th or higher after it's all said and done! Madison Scouts - What a sound! They are loud and MUCH better than last year.
The small guard is still troublesome though. Overall, I think Crown has a better
show, but Scouts have a better corps. The scores are right, but that's about all
that is keeping them above the lower grouping. The drum major, Joel Carter is
awesome. He really gets into the show, and adds excitement. That last chord in
the show is really fun for the whole family! :) Entertainmentwise..this show is a
big plus! Blue Knights - Well, This is my favorite BK show. However, it's not really that
good. They are trying to do too much visually and not enough marching. I think
it's great that they are confident enough to try so much "experimental" stuff, but
it's not working for them. I love the redheaded guard girl. She is a babe. The
hornline is pretty powerful, but I think that is b/c they were one of the few that
actually were playing on the old G Bugles. The drums are pretty sweet too. Lots
of good individual things happening, but the total package isn't there. Santa Clara - Holy ape crap. This is my favorite show this year. I've seen all
Top 4 corps and I must say this is the best of the 4. SCV gets better and better
every year. (yes i like 2000 better than 99) This show is no exception. Jug Pickin
and Fat Blues is pretty tight! Lots of trademark SCV moves highlight this show.
It kinda reminds me of a hybrid cross between Cadets 99 and SCV 98 with a subtle
clock motif ala Cadets 00. I really hope this show wins the title. Encore - Geez I love Send in the Clowns. I'd never heard it live before, so it
was really great. I just wish I had a recording as clean as they played it
tonight! Overall, Great night for drumcorps.. I'll report more from Charlotte in 3
days! Greetings ALL! This is my first review on the
soundmachine! These observations and opinions are
purely my own. Now to the good stuff! 1. Micro Magic - EXHIBITION. All I can really say is
that as a recruiting tool...I am not sure how well
this worked. Compared to the later groups of the
evening...just not the flavor I think a potential
Drum Corp marcher would want to see. 2. BAND - "Spirit of America" - EXHIBITION. I am
EXTREMELY involved in a HS band program...and I felt
that including a band...even an all-star band in the
actual show lineup was a mistake. An exhibition
performed "pre-show"...maybe. They did sound pretty
good...but they better...they march members from the
ages of 10-60. They should not have been included in
the FINALE...and the biggest mistake of the evening
was to let the only BAND'S drumline play the CORPS on
for retreat. AAAAHHHHHHH! Overall...good music...but
in my opinion many of their members should be marching
drum corps. 3. Kiwanis Kavaliers - 67.2 - 5th Place. For what
they have, they do very well. However, I feel that
they might do better in a lower division. Either get
over the hump and get full blown into Div I, or be a
powerhouse in Div II. 4. Carolina Crown - 84.5 - 3rd Place. Crown is not my
favorite corps. Never will be. BUT...I think this is
the best show that they have ever put out. The
concepts are outstanding and clear. The hornline is
pulling off the book. The drumline is outstanding (as
usual). The Crown Guard...pretty solid as well.
Drill is challenging. The overall show has a very
artsy Cadets feel. BUT...and that is a big key...they
are pulling it off. KUDOS. I heard all of the
comments about them not being in the top
twelve...forget that...they are in. 5. Madison Scouts - 85.7 - 2nd Place. Well, it is nice
to see that the Scouts have come out fighting after
the off-season drama. I was very disappointed in last
years effort. It was obvious from the second they
stepped on the field...toes sky high in the true
Madison marching style...that the 2001 Scouts are
serious. The hornline pulled off more difficult runs
(while moving) than any other hornline tonight.
During the drum feature...did everybody see the Cymbal
toss? Very entertaining show. Placement was right on
tonight. One negative might be a little too much
backfield performing during the middle of the show.
Without politics...might place above 7th or 8th. LOL!
But...as usual...when you don't go to critique or DCI
meetings...you get what you pay for at finals. 6. Blue Knights - 82.6 - 4th. The highlight of the BK
show was the colorguard. However, the uniforms are
HIDEOUS. Drumline had good accents...but little lower
dynamics. The hornline seemed to stay between the 30s
either parked or in a variation of a horn arc. At one
point, it seemed like they parked for
minutes...YES...plural...minutes. Drill was not very
exciting (see horn arc comment). Without immediate
attention...BK is dropping several places at finals
(if they make that). 7. Santa Clara Vanguard - 92.3 - 1st. A spectacular
intellectual drum corps creation. The hornline is the
key to this show. WOW...what a hornline. They
probably outscore the Scouts with a lower difficulty
book. Two words...sound quality. I don't see them
getting the crown. Mainly due to the guard. When the
guard changed to neon flags/poles...they were hugely
exposed. Wonderful show...truly. The standstill was
better than the show. That shows that the stress of
the music and drill are still taking a toll on the
corps. Who is to say how much they can tweak it
before finals? Hmm... Tonight was the first time I
have heard them play "Send in the Clowns" (SCV Corps
Song). Very few musical moments bring me to
tears...but this was one of them. Once again...what a
hornline. Like other reviewers...it was a special
moment. I wish I had a recording of it. It was like
you could feel the love the members had for what they
were doing and their corps. Truly moving. Go SCV! A couple thoughts from the show last night.... First off, what an absolutely beautiful evening for a show!!!! Weather was
nothing short of perfect!!!!! We left Knoxville a little late so we got to the
stadium about 30 mins before show time...therefore we got some pretty bad
tickets (in my opinion)--around the 40, front row, side 2. The bandos were out
in full force tonight and they were the worst I've seen this year.
Talked...errr...shouted during every performance. All in all, a very well run
show though. On to the show: Micro Magic-- I enjoyed them for the most part. They've got a kickin' mello
line and guard does good for what they've been given. Program says "this 40
plus member ensemble", yet there was maybe 20??? Hope to see Magic back in
full force next year!!! Spirit of America--From the other two reviews, it looks like I'm alone in the
fact that this "show" scared me. The opening had these cubes with elastic type
material over them with people inside the cubes trying to get out. Scariest
stuff since "Psycho". The "Simple Gifts" tune should have been called
"Variations on a Theme of Simple Gifts"...I really did not enjoy that
arrangement at all. They had a "lost baritone" bit in the middle of the show
that lasted for way too long. Also, I'm not clarinet virtuoso, but playing
with a clarinet parallel to the field can't be considered "good playing".
Again, I'm no guard virtuoso but....if you're gonna give your guard rifles,
teach them how to properly toss and catch. Kiwanis Kavaliers-- Third time seeing these guys in 5 days....they've got a
really nice show. First time I saw them in Sevierville I could barely hear the
hornline over the percussion, they've since eliminated that problem. Nice
soloist moments. Only complaint is about the guard....if you're gonna have a
slit that high and have your girls rolling around on the ground, please give
them some form of bloomer. I saw things I did not neccesarilly need to see
last night. [insert unneeded intermission here] Carolina Crown-- I've got to say I absolutely love this show since the first
time I saw it on Saturday morning!!! Great stuff coming from these guys!
Phenomal guard! Beautiful ballad! Madison should feel some nibbling on their
heels.... Blue Knights-- Like many others...I almost like this show, but it's missing
that certain something. "American in Paris" is very nice to hear. Don't like
the guard uni's either. Madison Scouts-- Fourth time seeing these guys in 5 days! Best I've seen yet
(but then again, can I really count Indy???)! Great stuff going on here. I
keep hearing people say that they don't think the guard is adding much...I'd
have to disagree. The guard is integrated fairly well into the show. They've
got some nice moments (nothign like '99 though). SCV-- Saw these guys in the dome for the first time so I actually got to hear
the show this time. I like the show...can't say I love it, but it's got some
great stuff in it. I like how they keep the time theme constant throughout but
don't overkill us with it. Great guard stuff. Really like New Era on the
field. Not sure they can catch Cavies or BD. SCV Encore--Great to hear the show IN YOUR FACE style. Clowns was great as
always! Anyway....it was a very nice show! Enjoyed everything except getting home at 4
am. =( Can't wait for Philly this weekend! Pittsburgh, PA (DCI) Just got back to Ohio from PA land.... A big crowd with LONG ticket lines didn't get the evening off to a great start,
and the 45 minute wait didn't allow me to see Bandettes, but here are a few
things: Americanos- I really enjoyed this show tonight. The horns were very solid and
the guard was quite good also. I really thought they were up on Blue Stars
tonight, but guess not... Blue Stars- The guard seemed to be the strongest point of this show tonight,
with some great work going on. The lack of a clear horn sound bothered me
tonight, with melody lines hidden much of the time. Bluecoats were on FIRE tonight! Wow! This is the best I've seen them! The
show was definitely clicking tonight in all areas, with the horns having a
great show! I really thought they'd be closer to PR and Crossmen tonight, but
again, what do I know? The guard was very good this evening, and this show was
a non-stop thrill! They may continue to surprise people all the way through
Finals next weekend! Phantom didn't seem to have the "wow" factor like the last time I saw them,
though the show is still pretty amazing. The horn sound was very good, but
there seemed to be lots of "iffy" moments in ensemble. The drums seemed good
as well, though I still have trouble when a line does nothing for a couple
minutes during a show. Just a personal gripe..... Crossmen were just as entertaining as they were at last viewing. There were
lots of goosebumps in this one, thanks to amazing horns! The places without
much drill bothered me again, but I guess it's not enough to bother the judges.
The guard was up to their usual standards, thought the red flag sequence
seemed really dirty. There were lots of nice pit moments as well! Cadets- This was the first time I've seen Cadets this summer, so I was caught
up in all the stuff going on! Even though I've read some negative reviews, I
like what they're doing, helped by the fact that I like the tunes alot!
There's way too much to soak in with only one shot, but the horns were
INCREDIBLE! Yikes! I like the different moods thanks to the varied style of
music, and I can easily see them pushing up for next week! I also loved the
Rocky Point warm-up, as have most reviewers here! P.S. to Baldwin-- Open more ticket windows!!!! (-: Pittsburgh, PA and Baldwin High School always seem to put on a wonderful DCI
show and last night was no different. The weather was excellent, the stadium
was just about packed, and the entertainment was good. Ticket lines were a bit
too long (which is good for the show sponsor and DCI) so maybe they can add a
few more next year. Division II/III Not sure who originally composed this music but it is very enjoyable and adapts
to the field quite well. The arranger this year for the Bandettes is Larry
Kershner, a name many long-time drum corps enthusiasts will remember. The idea
with their show is to take you on a journey by car in which all the sensation
and emotions of driving are musically presented. Their horn line is very small
but plays well with only minor balance problems, and much of that has to do
with the fact that these young ladies are nothing more than a chamber ensemble
in which every player has a greater responsibility. There is some excellent
guard work in this show and their percussion was solid. Good work, Bandettes!
It would be nice to see and hear what these young ladies could do with about 30
or 40 more in the corps. Americanos - Menesha, WI This year's music was originally composed for the Salvatore Dali painting "The
Persistence of Memory." Much more complex than past shows I have seen from the
Americanos, this show still has that basic Latin groove setting the feel for
each new mood, but things are much more unpredictable. Overall balance levels
seem to be pretty good, although I felt they had some rough spots in the closer
with musicians sticking out of the texture, and the percussion line was a bit
too loud for the horns at the end of the show. The guard work was very good and
pretty clean, and I really enjoyed their body work. Blue Stars - Lacrosse, WI As Blue Stars were taking the field, I was telling my friend some of the
history of this corps. Some people may have forgotten, but they were the
favorites to win the very 1st DCI Championship in Whitewater, WI in 1972 before
being upended by the Anaheim Kingsmen. Of course, they are no longer large enough to compete on that level, but they
still perform well. This year's strength seems to be percussion. I was very
impressed with their line. Large but very musical and very clean at this point.
Brass seemed solid to me as well, although they really needed about 10 more of
them in order to have better balance with that percussion section. Guard work
really enhances this show. The closer left me a bit flat, but I highly
recommend that those going to Buffalo catch this show. Division I As with all corps, I am particularly fond of certain shows. With the Bluecoats,
1987-90, 94, 97, 2000 stand out as some of my favorites. My all-time favorite
Bluecoats show is 1995, and probably still is, but after last night I will have
to rehash those thoughts. The 2001 edititon of the Bluecoats is easily their
best show since 1995. Entertaining from the onset to the closing strains, this
show is a musical and visual treat. The opening fanfare sets the tone for what
is to come. The brass is excellent, their best horn line ever--maybe.
Percussion is also strong and do an effective job of laying down some wonderful
grooves that will have you tapping your feet. Their ballad is beautiful and
takes up a good portion of the show, but it is so well done that you simply
enjoy the moment, not question its length. By the way, Kudos to Paul Kish, the talented Baritone soloist from my Alma
Mater, Youngstown State University, for the wonderful solo in the ballad. This
is one of the best solos on the field this year--period! One of the Baritone
soloists for the Cadets show this year is also a Youngstown State University
guy (Carl Newyear) who also plays a wonderful solo in the opener and closer of
the Cadets show. Kudos to you as well, Carl. It was good to see you guys out
there doing well. During the closer the horn line, in addition to laying down the Tango feel,
uses leg kicks along with some Tango dance positions that enhance the total
effect for the audience so much so that you feel like dancing yourself. WOW! I
was having so much fun that I didn't want the show to end. Great stuff. You
need to see this show if you haven't. The Bluecoats will no doubt impress many
at finals! Should finish strong at finals. Phantom Regiment - Rockford/Loves Park, IL I was excited to see Phantom for a number of reasons. 1) I love this music, and
2) I always enjoy and appreciate the very musical way in which Michael Klesch
arranges. Boy was I NOT dissapointed! This show is awesome from a musical
perspective. So demanding, so exposed, ultra musical, but very satisfying. The opening statement by the horns is wonderful and daring, but they nailed it.
The overall horn line has a bit brighter sound that normal, but it is well
balanced and very refined, especially in the chorale setting in the middle of
the show. Intonation is not much of a problem for Phantom as well, but where
they seem to be lacking at the moment is phrasing. They play with beautiful
shaping and dynamic control, so it is not that, but there are problems with a
number of the members in each section dropping phrases too early. They will be
sustaining a passage and you can hear people drop out early, and sometimes the
control starts to lack at the ends of phrases. Now, there are some reasons for
this: the primary reason is that Phantom is not hiding anything from a musical
perspective and the responsibility on the individual member is very demanding.
In fact, I would say their musical book is every bit as demanding as the Cadets
this year. From an exposure perspective it is more demanding. There is just no
place to hide and therefore the book itself is exposing some weaknesses. The
opening strains of Festive Overture was a classic example where the sopranos
are exposed but the release points are not quite together. This helped to
create some phasing problems and also feet problems. These are the things that
Phantom has to clean, but if they do--LOOK OUT!! In my opinion, they have a solid percussion section, great pit, their visual
program is outstanding (contrary to what I have been reading), the guad is
excellent, and the horn line is wonderful but not quite clean yet. My only
concern for this show is the overall GE. I would need to see Glassmen and the
other top 5 corps to get a read on how Phantom compares. If this corps cleans
the music and the visual (some interval problems still, but their drill is very
difficult), they should challenge for top 5--Easily! Crossmen - Newark, DE Yep, no doubt about it, the Crossmen have a wonderful, very entertaining, and
well designed show--and boy do they know how to perform. I really enjoyed their
soloists last night. They have about 4 or 5 soprano soloists who are simply
outstanding. This horn line has a lot of power, WOW! I was impressed with their
quality of sound and the arrangments are outstanding. Kudos, Chuck Naffier!!
There is a neat section during the percussion feature in which the Crossmen
utilize a little "Anything you can do I can do better" similar to the cadets,
but very different as well. Their interpretation is wonderful and clever and
very exciting. Their percussion section is very strong, and I appreciate the
musical pit writing and the fact that the snares were not too loud so as to
overpower the overall musical lines. The closer is classic drum corps--In Your
Face! From a competitive stand point, the Crossmen are a bit cleaner than Phantom and
are showing more command of their show, but Phantom has more room to grow at
this point. This can be a plus and a negative. What Phantom has to master
musically is really difficult to pull off, and at this stage of the season most
corps would rather be in the Crossmen's position in terms of being pretty clean
with some room to grow. However, Phantom pulled to within a tenth last night
and they still have much to clean. That much does bode well for them. Finals
will be exciting--I can't wait!!! The Cadets - Bergen County, NJ Wow, Wow, WOW!!! No doubt about it, the Cadets have a brass line and percussion
line that can play with anybody. From the beginning of their warm up to your
face, in which they play an excerpt from Ron Nelson's "Rocky Point Holiday,"
the Cadets serve notice that they are great performers. The opening of the show is a flurring of runs, starting with the mellos and
working through the rest of the voices, which culminates in the sudden impact
of the fanfare mainly derived from Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the
Orchestra." They don't really allow Young Person's Guide to become a
long-winded musical centerpiece of the show, rather they do what was inteneded
by Britten when he composed the music, they highlight the various instruments
of the corps. This is effectively done by solos, small ensembles, and large
tutti sections emphasizing the main theme. The closing drill to this section of
the show is unreal and when clean is sure to have the audience wanting more. The transition into "Moondance" was neat and well executed. All of a suddent
the mood is one of having fun. Although there is not a ton of drill movement at
this point, the staging is excellent and the overall idea is presented well.
The push to the front side line at the end is awesome and they just need to
kick the music a bit more to get the audience on their feet at the end of this
production. Maybe a longer shout chorus. The Ballad from the movie "Hanabal" is very moving and beautiful. The Cadets
horn line has so much control in all the exposed sections that they make this
sound easy, but, in fact, it is not easy. The intonation is impeccable, and the
phrase shaping is wonderful. What a sound out of this corps. All the solos were
gorgeous, including those in the opener and closer. Way to go Carl!!! The closer is the real treat in this production. Farandole is the classic
Cadets type of music with all the amazing horn runs and the intricate and
complex overlapping of thematic line. When this one cleans the Cadets will have
jaws dropping in buffalo for sure. Overall, their horn line is amazing, and percussion is also amazing! Their
guard is a top 3 unit and they had some moments last night that were very eye
catching. I actually love those new spinning devices that remind you of
rifles--although I will state for the record that I am not apposed to spinning
rifles on the field. As for the overall show, their weakness is GE visual.
There are some visual performance problems but those will clean. However, I am
not sure they have the GE to take another title this year, but you never know
with these guys. I haven't seen the Cavaliers or BD, but from what I am reading
it sounds like the Cavies have the goods. What the Cadets do have is a shot at
winning high brass, percussion, a top 3 spot in guard, and a top 2 spot in
visual execution once they clean. That may very well be enough to put them in
first. If they can get their overall GE scores up, this show will be dangerous,
but the clock is ticking. I will be in Erie, PA tonight and should have a review up by early morning
tomorrow. Thanks for reading. Centerville, OH (DCI) A good night for a contest and Centerville is always a good show. I agreed with
all of the placements, but I really do not know if the first three were judged on
the same sheets. I think they weren't because they should not have been scored so
high, but maybe I'm just crazy. I had Glory at around 54 and yet they received a
68.8. So when you see the scores, you should be as confused as I was. One final
note, to the people going up to the Madison Scouts table after the show telling them
that everyone in the audience thought the Scouts should have won, please speak only
for yourselves. Noone in my group agreed with that statement. Also, there is no
discount if you flatter the corps. First up, GLORY CADETS: I saw them a few nights earlier in Cincinnati where I
thought they were better. I think the uniforms look cheap and really take away from
the total package. The horns really seemed to struggle tonight. But I must admit
that the stadium was probably the most quiet stadium Ihave ever experienced, so the
13 horns had no problem being heard. The opener is nice as is Buckaroo Holiday.
Onething I must mention, isn't that tallest ladder a little dangerous with NO
spotters beneath to break the fall of the guard? I'm just thinking about your
potential liablity if she falls. That being said, it is a nice touch. It just
seems to be lacking the same kind of confidence and quality that they had last year.
Solid, but not spectacular. It's a shame that Cincinnati has lost its corps. YAMATO: A little harsh sounding at times, but all in all a good performance from
all captions. The horns had some problems, but I thought the balance with the
percussion was nice. I also really liked the use of the Japanese drums on the
sideline -- I'm glad that you used them throughout and not just for one moment.
Everyone in my group was duly impressed, especially considering that it was only
their 4th or 5th show. Much to do to clean the visual program, but the corps has a
really solid core and could contend for D2 Finals. COLTS: Well, this was the source of little dispute in my group as my two friends
complained of being bored to tears, while my sister and I really enjoyed the total
visual package. I saw them in Cincinnati on Thursday and I thought they had a much
better show tonight. The impact of the music was much stronger and really was
performed much better than in Cincy. The guard performed much better tonight as well,
and for that, I found the visual impact of the program much improved as well.
General reaction to the guard uniforms were negative, but they neither offended nor
impressed me. I did notice that at the end of the ballad they used white flags just
to frame the corner where they are standing. I think that they were new, but I am
not sure. After seeing them twice now, I have to agree with my sister that they need
to bring those flags out during the ballad itself because as the music builds to a
big moment, the visual does not reach the same sort of climax. The Guard simply
continue the dance they had been doing during the entire ballad. The flags were
single hand flags and they looked very nice on the field. They could have a major
impact if they were revealed at the impact moment in the ballad. So Colts staff, if
you are out there (and I'm sure you are), consider it. I liked their show so much
that I decided to buy a t-shirt, my first Colts shirt -- well done Colts. MADISON SCOUTS: What canI possibly say about the Scouts? They are the type of in
your face drum corps that the fans in Centerville eat up. However, after seeing them
in Cincy, I think they had an off night. I actually thought the horns had an off
night, but they managed to beat the Bluecoats hornline? The visual performance was
way off compared to Cincy. They hadmajor form, interval and technique issues tonight.
However, the field looked overgrown, so maybe it was just a difficult field on which
to march. I must echo my friend's sentiments here by saying that I could care that
a soprano can play a really high note, if that not is going to be played so out of
tune that it sounds like little more than a random squeal -- you may as well be a
Bluedevil if you are going to do that. The show just lacked the same punch that it
had on Thursday. I just think they had an off night. They deserved 4th, but I think
Colts should have only been a point behind. BLUECOATS: WOW!!! I loved the tango section on Thursday, but tonight, they were
on fire from beginning to end. According to my friend, this was the most entertaining
show of the night. And I completely concur. I thought the hornline was simply
gorgeous last night. They had the warmest sound of the night and more importantly,
they created wonderful moments with simply playing as loud as possible. This year,
the Bluecoats brass and percussion create moments not only by what they play, but
with what they don't play. They create drama and really sell this program. I for
one am sold and can not wait to see how it all plays out. I am so glad I chose to
wear the Bluecoats t-shirt to the contest, they certainly made my choice teh right
one. In typical Centerville fashion, the crowd booed when the Scouts lost to the
Coats, but I am always at odds with the Centerville crowd because they are hard core
Scouts and Devils fans. Glassmen: My first viewing of GMen this year and I am quite impressed. The
hornline doesn't have the same quality of sound as the Coats (IMHO), but the style
really fits the style of music they have chosen to perform. And the percussion . . .
WOW!!! I can not believe they lost to Devils. They play was well as the Devils, but
the distinction is that the GMen line actually knows a little something about playing
musically. Yes, they can be as powerful and savage as the Devils, but they also know
how to compliment the musical offerings by the corps. And teh pit was outstanding.
I didn't even mind the guard's uniforms, and I can not remember EVER saying that about
the Glassmen. Now, that being said, they really need to work on how they program
their shows. This show is outstanding, but it really draws a line between the
audience and the show and pretty much says, don't cross it. The crowd simply does
not know when or what to applaud. When the crowd wanted to applaud, the corps
starting something else and put an end to that. And going on after Madison simply
exacerbates the problem as Madison pretty much drained the energy from the crowd and
GMen's show simply can not overcome this problem. Second place is where they
belonged. BLUEDEVILS: Dah, 2, 3, 4, DAh DAh, 3, 4, DAHHHHHHHH. Next, proceed to the
"technically proficient mambo". And Voila! There you have the Bluedevils opener
this year and just about every year since 1994. Although it is not always the
opener, that is the structure that seems to occur. That being said, I don't dislike
this show nearly as much as I should. I can't explain it. While they are doing
everything that they always seem to do, and do in the typical Bluedevils fashion --
savage robots -- I still end up liking this show. I think it is because the show has
enough new elements where they don't necessarily sound like the Devils. They were
easily the best there tonight, but I just don't feel like this is a championship show.
I've not seen any of the contenders except the Cadets, but the Cadets should not beat
the Devils this year (although I haven't seen the Cadets since July 4th), but this
show doesn't feel like a championship program. I could be way off, but who cares, I
still enjoyed it. Maybe that's it. I aonly enjoy the Devils shows in years when I
feel that they won't win the title. Hmmmm. . . it all makes since now. Final Note: I can not believe the difference between a Bluedevils victory concert
and the Crossmen victory concert. Maybe it's because the Devils have done soooo many
victory concerts while the Crossmen haven't, but the kids lacked any kind of emotion
during the concert. It looked liek it was the world's biggest chore to get them to
stick around and play: wheras, the Crossmen seemed to genuinely enjoy performing
their show. The Devils looked like little robots. It was a little scary that they
could have such little connection for their show and their fans. Sorryto have
inconvienced you Bluedevils! Why don't they let the audience pick, by applause who they want to see? I
guarantee that the Scouts would have done the show last night, and maybe they would
have actually enjoyed doing it. Oh well, next stop Buffalo! Centerville High has a beautiful facility, ample parking, excellent
grandstand and competition field, easily accessed from the expressway and a
great choice of dining facilities just down the street. Weather was warm
and humid. Rained hard early in the day. After the Colts performed you
could see the haze settle on the field. Marion Glory Cadets (12H, 11D, 7G, 6Pit) - Marion, Ohio Score - 68.80 Aaron Copeland's music is Americana, dissonant and difficult to say the
least. It is harder to sell with the limited size of this corps horn line,
who gave an inspired performance. Enjoyed the new guard uniforms and 6 or 7
silk changes. Nice body routines with the split rail fence and the audience
certainly appreciated the leaning ladder segment. The corps never seems to
venture past the 40's and the drill is not as demanding as the music. The
contra bass player is outstanding and hammed it up by putting his arm
around a judge.....I loved it. Hang in there, you have demonstrated that
drum corps come in all sizes and shapes. Keep challenging yourselves. Let
see how far you can go. Yamato (24H, 13D, 16G, 10Pit) - Osaka Japan & Riverside, CA Score - 71.20 If I am not mistaken this was only their second show of the season. The
corps consists of members from Japan and Southern California holding
separate practice sessions simultaneously in two different countries.
Unique corps structure concept. Weakest link the horn line. Scythian Suite
is a tough piece for the sopranos that needs more rehearsal time. Pit was
the strength and carried the corp through weak moments. Guard work was not
always coordinated. Not bad for a second show. Great drill exposure for
Class II/III corps. Sorry, too much of the "tom-tom" drums but a nice
snare/tom-tom feature up front. Drums sometimes overpowering the brass. Capital Glory (34H, 17D, 22G, 10 Pit) - Madison, Wi Score - 78.20 Colts (64H, 21D, 32G, 10 Pit) - Dubuque, Iowa Score 83.55 Large Division I corps with IMHO the best uniform of the night. You kept
the crowd entertained with music selections. The show has imagination and
nice brass arrangements well suited for drill and abilities. If anything is
lacking it seems to be energy. You are not selling your show and you do
have a show. Nothing new or imaginative about drill (sorry I call Cadets
drill... diamond box with interior lines revolving) but doing it well. Horn
power is lackluster from such a big group. Multi colored shields are
interesting and fight scene is captivating. Watching the wounded limp off
stage reminded me of Des Plaines Vanguards rendition of West Side Story
fight scene from 1970's. Ham it up a bit and get into the music more. Poor
out your emotions and sell this piece. Nice field coverage from 15 to the
15 in the ballad. Horn runs are a nice touch. If you are going to do a sort
of musical with props then you have to show us that you feel comfortable
with it. Music needs a large injection of emotion. Looking forward to
seeing you guys again. Madison Scouts I will not coat my comments with sugar. The crowd loved them but I am
sorry to say that this corps is just not as good as they used to be. If you
are going back to the file cabinets for old favorites great..... just have
the intestinal fortitude to play this music as well or better than your
predecessors. I think my criticism falls with the staff not the marching
members for a lack of imagination and innovation. Please get a seamstress
or tailor to refit the white slacks. I get turned off by the cockiness
displayed by the soloist a.k.a. screamers/squealers. Sorry but I don't see
that as talent, double triple and quadruple tonguing and good intonation
impress me. Loved the moving bass in the second piece and the horn wall of
sound. Play to the crowd but do it well and you'll see the Boston Crusader
phenomena happen all over again. Bluecoats (63H, 22D, 32G, Pit 9) Canton, OH Score - 86.65 Some parts of the horn book and drill are not very challenging but are well
executed. This corps sells there production as they should. Love the
original music and congrats to the music designer. A nice tempo change and
a kneeling horn line in second number. The leg step out thing with your back
turned is nice but gets a little too much later on. I want more drum
intensity from this corps. Is it me or are they soft on percussion. Love
the tympanist in Red Cape Tango, strangely although he continues to play the
same four notes I just can't get past him. Love the integration of pit and
horn line. Please play this haunting melody by the soloist perfectly with
no cracks and maybe to the end zone or to the front. A strong solid
performance tonight. Glassmen (58H, 22, 36G, 14 Pit) Toledo, OH Score - 89.40 Tonight's performance was described as flat. You guys tend to understate
things a little. Squished is a "more better" description. An off night for
the G-men guys and girls at least IMO. Let's stack up the excuses one by
one. High humidity a fog rolled in after the 30 minute break. G-mens
horns sounded muffled with not much power or sound until the end of the
first piece. Maybe you should have warmed up a little like BD. G-men did
do a clinic right before the show plus coming off two high energy shows the
last two nights. The opener is for me music that says anger and anarchy.
Leg stomps and guard body movements seem too little here so I wish they
could use equipment! The horn music begs for visual support in this piece
and is just not getting it. I like the body and flag positions at the end
of the opener. Guard has come a long way since Jackson. Ballad soloist
sounds a bit tired. Just a suggestion, split solo with a second soloist with
a slightly different style on the piece to give a little perspective. The
restrained symbol crashes and snare line sound are favorites. Love the
intensity of the tympanist and the whole body movements especially from the
keyboard players. Got to be the best pit out there this year. Music is maybe
more challenging than BD's and drill just doesn't stop. Integration is much
better this year. Drum line is your strength. Come on horns! Blue Devils (68H, 19D, 40G, 8 Pit) Score 93.60 A well designed show including music and drill. Nothing real outstanding
but just well put together. Horn line was solid and confident and well
balanced. Did I hear this or am I crazy. Is the pit playing the same exact
melody as horns slightly out of pitch almost mimicking them??? As simple as
it is I love the guard escorting the soloist to the front. Overall guard
drill and routines are well choreographed. I like how you sell your show and
show us that you enjoy doing it. You drew us into the show and I never got
loose. Drum line does not carry field symbals having replaced them with
pit symbals and adding 40 guard and 68 horns. Again a southern california
sound that is very pleasing to my midwestern ears. I need to see the show
three of four more times sorry just my first viewing. Sorry it's a little late, but after getting home at 3:30 am Monday
morning, and then having to go to work that day ... well, you know. At any rate, it was a great day for drum corps: not too hot, not too
humid. It had been raining off and on for a while, but cleared up
early on Sunday and was only partly cloudy by showtime. For some
reason, the show kicked off with the launching of three hot air
balloons from the field. I'll never understand why some of these
local shows feel the need to add various weird bells and whistles to
the opening ceremonies. Also, something was up with the show's
announcer. Not only did he refer to the Glassmen as "the Crossmen" at
least three times, but he called Cap Sound "the Troopers" once! Where
the heck did that come from? Finally, for those who've never been,
there's a farm just behind the stadium at Centerville High. Watching
the llamas provided a nice diversion between corps. Blue Devils are incredible this season. I didn't believe the hype
surrounding them this year until I saw them live. They are kicking
some major butt in every caption. The horn line is simply
spectacular. If the Cavaliers (or anyone else) do hope to beat them
again come Finals night, they're gonna have to be pretty darn
exeptional. This was perhaps my favorite color guard ever except
maybe for the '99 Devils ... and by the way, this is one color guard
that really does know how to dance and do it effectively. 1st, 93.60 I'm sorry, Glassmen, I'm sorry, but I just did not like this show. It
was performed extremely well, of course, but it bored me silly and
left me feeling absolutely nothing. Everybody I spoke with after the
show felt pretty much the same way, too. Like one of my friends said,
"There's not much show in their show." It's like going to a movie
that has incredible special effects but a bland story inhabited by
bland characters. And what's wrong with Glassmen's hornline? They never play louder
than mezzo-forte. I know the kids must be good, so the staff needs to
let them open up at least once in a while. Most of the hornline's
body movement (or whatever they call it) totally did not do it for me,
either. A lot of the drill seemed very cluttered and hard to read. I
will say that the ballad was very nice and the flugelhorn soloist was
quite talented. Speaking of the ballad, though, even if the battery's
not playing, surely there's something they can do, isn't there?
Having them stand completely still on the back sideline is pointless.
How would it look if the hornline just stood still and faced backfield
during every corps' percussion feature? 2nd, 89.40 Wow! IMHO, Bluecoats have their best - and most entertaining -
program in years. Great, great stuff. It's a good, old fashioned,
straight-ahead jazzy drum corps show with a slight Latin flair. I
really, really dug this show. The horns sound very nice, maybe better
than any 'Coats hornline I've ever heard (although a friend of mine in
the soprano line admitted that it was a weak performance for them).
The soloists are great. I love their music this season. I really
enjoyed their guard, too. The male/female pairing in the tango
section is a nice touch. 3rd, 86.65 Madison is just incredible this year. You all know that I've never
been part of the "Scouts got screwed" crowd, but for the life of me, I
really can't understand why they're scoring so low. I kept trying to
detect weaknesses, and there just aren't that many. To my relatively
inexperienced eyes and ears, their visual and brass would seem to be
about on par with the Glassmen's. Plus, it's a simply awesome show
... and real friggin loud, too! And there's nothing to say about
those soloists other than "Wow!" The guard does look like they're
wearing copies of a rejected Brian Boitano figure skating costume, but
I can forgive them that. 4th, 85.85 Colts were the Colts. What can I say? It's a nice show, well put
together, and well done. Except for the ballad ("Non nobis domine"
from Henry V - a piece which I've always loved) nothing sticks in my
mind as having been particularly spectacular, but on the other hand,
nothing sticks in my mind as having been the opposite. The hornline
has a nice, solid sound. The battle sequence was pretty cool. I
definately do like their new unis - which I'd never seen in person
before. The only complaint I have (and it's minor) is that the
handbells in the ballad are totally inaudible. 5th, 83.55 Capital Sound has a quality show. The "Prince of Egypt" repertoire
was a great choice for this corps, although in a few places the
arranger got a bit carried away and the music slid into obscurity. I
know they're doing very well in Div 2 this season, and they deserve to
be. These kids are great performers. A poor decision by the drill
writer - guard too close to the horns - led to a collision and fall.
I'm sure this will be ironed out soon. 1st in Div 2/3, 78.20 It's great to see Yamato doing so well. I enjoyed this corps a lot.
The music might have been just a little on the challenging side, but
they did a solid, respectable job nonetheless. The floor toms (Is
that right? I'm not a drummer, as you've probably noticed ...) were
very effective. I honestly expected them to be more than 2.9 over
Glory Cadets. 2nd in Div 2/3, 71.70 Glory Cadets presented a nice, solid show. They would have done well
to field about a half-dozen more horns, but other than that, it was a
good program. They present a very accessible program of recognizable
Copland music that's very well arranged and suited to the level of the
performers. I will admit that before the season began I was expecting
a lot more from this corps. After Glory's successes over the past few
seasons, I'd hoped the merger would lead to a breakout year in 2001.
3rd in Div 2/3, 68.80 Dan O'Neal Huntington, WV (DCI) Group: Spirit of America Group: Micro-Magic Corps: Tampa Bay Thunder Corps: Kiwanis Kavaliers Corps: Spirit of Atlanta Corps: Carolina Crown Corps: Santa Clara Vanguard Encore: Vanguard... Indianapolis, IN (DCI Midwestern) Pre-Lims Carolina Crown - [84.0, 3rd] Some people say that they just can’t get into Carolina Crown’s “Industry” program,
but I enjoyed it very much. Throughout the entire show, there is always a sense of
movement – even in the ballad. The opener starts with a percussive drive, and picks
up the hornline as they push through the aggressive opener. The guard is an integral
part of the opener and ballad. It’s after the ballad, however, that my attention
started to waver. The same drive in the earlier part of the show just wasn’t there,
and carries throughout the show, until about the last minute, where it picks up again
and finishes nicely. Overall, an interesting show- can’t wait to see the end product.
Crown will be making Finals this year, and it will be nice to see them in the night
show. Southwind - [75.9, 7th] Southwind has always reminded me of “semi-classic” drum corps style since their
return to competition. Their “A New Era” program continues this tradition. Some good
sounds, nice rhythms compliment the show. However, the guard just seems out of the
ensemble picture – they aren’t really featured often and are stuck to one side mostly.
Your guard is good, Southwind – put them in the spotlight a little more! Overall, a
good show, but with all the other fierce competitors, it’ll be a hard run to make
Finals. Nice salute from Madison when they receive their scores. Pioneer - [70.7, 8th] First of all, the new uniforms are a plus. Both corps and guard look great, IMHO.
Pioneer seemed much smaller compared to the first two corps, but still sold their
“Irish in the Civil War: A Quest for Freedom” (whew!) program well. Arrangements
throughout are nice, especially the opener. Strains of “America the Beautiful” really
accentuate the closer well, without coming out too cheesy. Some occasional marching
problems and brass clarity issues still linger. Pioneer is still very much in the
fight for Semis. Spirit - [79.45, 6th] Didn’t think I’d like Spirit too much from what I’ve heard, but I was very
pleasantly surprised. Spirit’s “Ghost Train” show is pure classic, from the new/old
uniforms (Very nice!) to the crowd appeal (“All aboard for Indianapolis!”) make a
good, solid show. Spirit does a decent job of keeping the audience’s attention, but
falters at times. In the end, I had them in 5th at least- don’t know why they were
lower. Still, a strong showing from the South and possibilities of an outside chance
at Finals. Kiwanis Kavaliers - [67.75, 10th] Kiwanis Kavaliers seem a bit smaller this year, but still have the intensity of
larger corps when performing their 2001 show called “Manhattan”. Lots of familiar
Bernstein music, and performed very well. Very nice soloists! Don’t know about the
subway prop- doesn’t add much other than a platform…hmmm…anyway, KK’s on the right
track for a shot at Semis. If they clean the marching, count them in. Troopers - [69.8, 9th] Good to see corps like the Troopers in competition. I was excited about their
show, “Tribute to an Uncommon Man” featuring the music of Copland. However, some of
the arrangements just don’t do it for me. “El Salon Mexico” was good, as was the
soloist, but the rest of the show seemed to drag. Also, was there a sunburst? I
didn’t see it. Keep working Troopers, corps like you remind us of what drum corps is
all about. Blue Knights - [82.05, 5th] Why did the Blue Knights not make the night show? I actually found their “Blue
Toons” show very fun and entertaining. From the loud “duts” at the beginning (Funny,
Troopers were rather loud…) to the Trittico lick, and all of the other crazy stuff
(watch the contras) makes for a good show. It’s a solid technical show, and has some
really great moments. I will be very upset if these guys aren’t in Finals this year.
Great show! Bluecoats - [85.55, 1st] Bluecoats really turned it on with their show, “Latin Sketches”. If one word
could describe it, ATTITUDE would be it. From the drum major, to the direction
changes, everything screams attitude, and it is well placed. An all-around strong
show, with no glaring weak points. Should they have won? Maybe. A surprise for me
was that they didn’t win any captions, not a bad thing (Star 1991), but intriguing.
Will they make finals again? Yes, and they will surprise a lot of people on the way.
Go Bluuuu! Colts - [82.70, 4th] Although their placement seemed rather low, “Chivalry” works with the Colts really
well. Medieval themes are used throughout, and the shields in the battle scene are
used tastefully and benefit the show. Great color guard, but the uniforms are pretty
bad and don’t really reflect the show’s theme. All in all, Colts are back! They will
be in Finals, and they seem on their way up. Madison Scouts - [85.1, 2nd] “BLOW MY FACE OFF!” is what one fellow fan yelled as the Madison Scouts took the
field. “Hot Jazz, Madison Style” does just that with it’s opening chord (The loudest
of the night, by far). However, for the middle section, the Scouts lose you somewhat.
It doesn’t seem like the power of the opener carried over. But from the drum break
to the end- WOW! The drum break is excellent, and the cymbal toss is great. The drum
break needs to be moved from the Right 35/30, so more people watch it instead of the
wild marching (still a treat, however) of the hornline. I almost missed the cymbal
toss! But, in the end, the Scouts do what they do best: entertain. ***Souvie Review***
Oh, if I had more money. I’d buy every corps out. Every single corps has great
souvies, so go support your favorite corps and others and buy what you can. Also, please buy something from Phantom, for me. :) See you tonight! ~Cody Finals Madison Scouts - [84.3, 9th] Since I’ve reviewed this corps earlier, there isn’t much to say. However, the
Scouts did turn it up a notch and woke up the crowd, who appreciated it very much,
as always. Phantom Regiment - [87.45, 7th] (First of all, Phantom Regiment is my favorite corps, so there may be some
bias.) Go Phantom! ***Interlude: Cody and PR members*** I’m planning to try out for Phantom next year, and as I walked back to the Phantom
booth, there they were- Regiment members. I was in awe. I said “Good Job” in a meek
little voice, and they responded, and one member noticed my new PR shirt…”Nice shirt,
man!” Gulp. “…Thanks…” I stammer. I hope I’m more confident for my audition! Bluecoats - [85.35, 8th] Bluecoats seemed right on as earlier today, maybe even better. Crowd enjoyed them,
as did I. Go Bluuuu! Carolina Crown - [82.8, T –11th] Crown’s opener and ballad are really starting to grow on me. However, like I said
earlier- the rest of the show doesn’t really stack up. I’m not sure why. All in all,
a good show, and they are Finals bound. Boston Crusaders - [84.05, 10th] Yes, some of the drill is from last year, but who cares? Many corps do this
(Z-pull, anyone?) so why aren’t the Boston Crusaders allowed to? Anyway, after
watching BAC’s show, “Harmonium”, something seemed missing. It was all around good
show, Finals quality, but it just didn’t have the power and intensity of the 2000
show. There’s not much more I can say, a good show, just not my type. Keep up the
good work, though, BAC – make me eat my words. :) The Colts - [82.8, T- 11th] Since I had seen them earlier, I went on break a little early. Congrats on moving
up! Break I hate crowds. I really, really do. Grrr. Hate hate hate. Crossmen - [87.75, 6th] Nothing really stands out as amazing in the Crossmen’s show, “Late Night Jazz”,
but then again- nothing stands out as bad. It’s a well balanced show of music,
marching - everything. It’s also really good to see the members really enjoying their
performance. However, the drum major needs to lighten up a little, conduct with some
swing! Anyway, great job Crossmen! Top 6 may be in your reach this year. ***Interlude: George Hopkins*** I had an aisle seat on the 50, and guess who sat on the steps next to me to view
The Cavaliers? George Hopkins! Stunned as I was, I shook hands and introduced my self
to him. No matter what you think of his ideas, he’s a nice guy. Nice to meet you,
Hoppy! :) The Cavaliers - [93.55, 1st] You could feel a change in the performance level as The Cavaliers started their
show, “Four Corners”. It’s as if the level went from “Awesome” to “[wild scream]
Awesome!” (yeah, stupid scale, so sue me. :) Anyway, everything about the Cavies’
performance seemed to “click”. It was an entertaining show, and championship quality.
Loved the quartet, loved the corner soloists. To me, they seem the favorite to take
it all. Santa Clara Vanguard - [91.1, 4th] I love the Santa Clara Vanguard, and their 2001 show “New Era Metropolis” just as
much. This show tells a story, but not one so literal that you have to know everything
before the show. Full of “life in the big city”, SCV pulls out if with style! A little
unsure out of the gate, with a few horn fracks, didn’t upset SCV as they did the rest
of the show beautifully. The “New Era” chant/rap is awesome, and really draws your
attention. The broken clock motif in the flags is a plus as well, as is the “closing
box” drill from 1999. Blue Devils - [93.3, 2nd] I have never been a huge Blue Devils fan, but I do like what they do from time to
time. “Awayday Blue” fits this…at times. The best way I can put it is that the show
just…goes. There is nothing bad at all about this, great playing, marching- it just
doesn’t draw me in like others do. I think BD should’ve been 3rd or 4th, actually, and
I was surprised that they had undefeated as long as they were. Outside shot at the
championship, I think. (D’oh, I have them winning on Nikk Pilato’s predicition site!)
Best of luck, BD. Keep the attitude and intensity into Finals. ***Interlude: Hoppy’s back*** Hoppy returned to the steps next to me to watch his corps perform. He seemed very
please, clapping a lot! The Cadets - [91.75, 3rd] First off, thanks for the “crowd facing Rocky Point hoo-hah! Warmup”! Very much
appreciated. Anyway, the show. I actually like it, folks. It may be without a theme (or is”No
theme” a theme? Hmmm….) but it is still great. The Cadets are great at what they do,
no matter what. The changing styles of the four movements of “Juxtaperformance” show
what these guys can do. I especially like the groves in Moondance, and they smooth
flow into the “Hannibal” theme. (Vide Cor…sorry, I’m tired) Farandole is great, and
ends the show in a Cadets style. I liked it. Great job, Cadets! They are still in
the hunt, but only if they stop changing things – the drum majors said they were
changing things all week. Take what you have and run with it, Cadets! Glassmen - [88.8, 5th]
Sorry about your performance slot, Glassmen. However, I didn’t seem you guys
cared, because you came out strong! Glassmen’s 2001 show, “Imago” (Imago, Imago…say
it a few times, makes you feel modern…Imago…yes, I’m still tired…Imago…) Glassmen
weren’t “boring” as some would call it, but were upbeat during the opener and closer,
and surreal through the lush ballad. Awesome soloist. Great job- Glassmen will be on
the DVD this year, love it or hate it. ***Final Thoughts*** Overall, a great show. Nice venue, great lineup. Echo wasn’t too bad, but
noticeable. Point of note: There was a severe thunderstorm going on, and because of
the dome, the show went on. Maybe Finals shouldn’t be in a dome, but keep the
Regionals here, please! IMHO, Madison Scouts- 9th, 84.3 Phantom Regiment- 7th, 87.45 Bluecoats- 8th, 85.35 Carolina Crown- 11th, 82.8 Boston Crusaders- 10th, 84.05 Colts- 11th, 82.8 BREAK Crossmen- 6th, 87.75 Cavaliers- 1st, 93.55 Santa Clara Vanguard- 4th, 91.1 The Cadets- 3rd, 91.75 Blue Devils- 2nd, 93.3 Glassmen- 5th, 88.8 Well, thats all- next show I will be in Buffalo for Div.1 Semis and Finals!!! To let everyone know before I start my reveiw, I was sitting in the 25th row
of the upper concourse of the RCA Dome. The top row of the stadium is the 26th.
So my judgement of the show may have been affected by oxygen deprivation. Please
bear with me. I also want to give kudos to the designers of the RCA Dome. Even
though I was at the top of the stadium, the players did not look like ants. I
could see everything that was going on on the field without needing high-powered
binoculars (sp?). The sound quality also seemed better, though delayed a bit. I
watched one of the pit players for SCV paying the hi-hat and the sound was getting
to me a half second later. I should also mention that this was my first and only
show of the season and first time seeing any of these shows. Anyway, I will reveiw the corps in order of finish. 11. (tie) Colts/Carolina Crown: I had a hard time accessing either show. Nothing
about their shows really grabbed me. Granted, Crown's concept was interesting, but
it just seemed like more of the same esoteric stuff that corps have been doing for
the past 8 years (starting in '93 with Star). Same for the Colts, I really couldn't
put a finger on what their show was about. 10. Boston Crusaders: i was really disappointed with their show. Once again,
nothing grabbed me about this show. I actually asked somebody if their starting
position was the same one they used last year. I realze now that it was completely
different. 9. Madison Scouts: Great show. Best of the bottom 6 IMO. I really enjoyed the
drum feature, with the cymbal toss over the drumline. Excellent stuff. And the
hornline was no less amazing. Great work. I think they should have placed higher
than 8th. Maybe 6th, but not 8th. However, I'm starting to see a split between the
Scouts and the other top corps. It's not about their performance of the show, but
the content of the show. In their pursuit of entertaining the crowd (which is a
noble pursuit), I think they have lost something. The top corps' shows seem to have
a different quality to them. Maybe it's complexity, maybe it's difficulty of music,
I don't know. All I know is I noticed a difference. And that's also goes for the
rest of the corps in the bottom 6. 8. Bluecoats: Interesting show. Not as good as Scouts, but it did have it's
moments. I especially liked the ballad. The horn line was making sounds that almost
didn't sound like they came from a bugle. Almost electronic in nature. I felt like
this corps, along with some of the others, were consciously (sp?) using the excessive
reverb in the stadium to their advantage. It added something to the show that I don't
think you could get in an outdoor stadium. I feel this is the best show the 'Coats
have put out in a long while. I also feel that if they keep improving on their show
concepts along these lines, they will be back in the top 12 in no time. 7. Phantom Regiment: I have been a PR fan since way back and I've read the hype
that people have given this show. I didn't get it. Once again, nothing grabbed me
about this show. The marching was clean and the performance was good, but nothing
seemed to set this show apart from the others. 6. Crossmen: I liked this show. Very clean and very entertaining. This also is
where I noticed the separation I spoke of earlier. They seemed to have something
more than the others did. This show does not touch their '97 show, but comes close.
If they keep working on the show, they should place relatively high. 5. Glassmen: Against my better judgement, I stayed to watch this show. I was
going to cruise the concession tables during their show, but I thought to be fair,
I should watch their show to try and see if there was something here to enjoy. I was
wrong. In their defense, I tried desperately to find some way to access their show.
I couldn't find anything. It just seemed like more of same. I haven't liked any of
their shows since they changed to the unis with the gold triangles. 4. Santa Clara Vanguard: Extremely interesting show. It's not one of my favorites,
but I found alot of interesting elements about their show. I especially liked the
beginning of the show. The music box effect with the alarm bell ringing shortly
after. Then the corps turns and blasts the audience. Way to get your attention! I
also liked the building tension with the siren in the middle of the show. This is
definiely a show I want on audio, if nothing else. 3. Cadets of Bergen County: I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but Cadets
got robbed. I thought their musical program was astonishing. I was amazed by the
amount of talent these kids had. I actually said in the middle of their program
"What are these guys doing here?" I felt they have way too much talent to even be
in the same plane of exsistance with the rest of these corps. I really liked their
treatment of "Moondance". It had the same kind of swing that the original had with
a little bit more. The visual portion of this show could use some work, but the
music is priceless. Say what you will about George Hopkins, but he knows how to pick
his players. This group could conceivably stand on it's own and if thet do leave,
they would leave a hole that I don't know could be filled. 2. Blue Devils: I expected alot from this show, but didn't get much in return.
It seemed that the guard was performing a different show from what the corps was
playing. It seemed to pull itselt together at the end of the show, but it wasn't
much to speak of. I expected this show to be lighter with maybe a hint of comedy
here and there. Maybe a bit bounceier too. But it seemed to move along at the same
pace and almost be depressing. I thought this show was supposed to be about the
compossers of musical comedies? 1. Cavaliers: All I can say about this show is "WOW!!!" The music, the visuals,
all of it was right on target. Every 5 seconds during the show I kept saying the
same thing: "WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!" There was something at every turn and the members
made the most simpliest of moves look miraculous. This show shines from beginning
to end. I especially liked their use of the hi-hats in the second movement. It moved,
it grooved, it took you on a ride that you will never forget. If they keep this up,
they will be champions this year. If you can only see one show this year, see this
show! I arrived in Indianapolis at about 4:30pm, and was able to catch the
last 45 minutes of Santa Clara's BOA clinic. Everyone seemed to be
having a good time. The only thing is that I heard the host of the
clinic talking over the stadiums' speakers and it sounded AWFUL. They
did a run-through of their show and it seemed like they were saving
the best for that evening's finals, as well they should have. The
reverb was set to nuke, and with me being on the upper deck for
finals, I had a bad feeling about acoustics that evening. The kids
really seemed to enjoy themselves at the clinic, though. There was a
break in the action and they threw everyone out of the dome to prepare
for finals. I ventured out to get some food, expecting to have to go to some
hi-priced place just to get a bite, but thank God there was a White
Castle down the street. I had never eaten there before (go ahead and
laugh, jerks) and was surprised by the miniscule nature of their
burgers. They make up for that by selling them 6, 10 and 20 at a time.
Pretty good, but I'd prefer a Wendy's triple any day. On my way back to the stadium....I noticed a brass line heading
towards an open lot, not completely in uniform. I didn't know who they
were at first, but I did know they looked ready to beat the Hell out
of something. As they halted, they immediately called to
attention...and let out a strong "bloooo". I quickly got the answer.
That really got me going. The gates opened at 6:30 pm. After getting my program and hopping on
my metallic bleacher seat, I took time out to notice the promotional
advertisements (DCI and others) flashing on the stadium screens. DCI
is making an aggressive effort to attract first-time viewers to the
activity. Is that because attendance estimates in past years have been
off?? Makes you wonder. In noticing the filling seats around me, there were, of course, plenty
of kids as expected, but I do say that seniors were there as well.
There was a gentleman in front of me, about 80-something I guess, who
reacted to people sitting down on some steps nearby during the
Crusader's show. He sounded like Abe Simpson when he spoke up about
it, "Do you have seats.....? Where are your tickets?" Mind you, he was
yelling DURING the Boston's show...which I had been eager to see. The
couple turned and said " Are you an usher?? HUH???" Funny stuff, but NOT
while the kids are on the field!!! The opening ceremony was spectacular. Simple, easy...and quite
affecting. A flautist from Ball State U. played the national anthem.
Two words...TONE QUALITY...wow. I had no idea one of the highlights of
a corps show would come out of a flute. Ironic. The seedings of the corps really sucked, as many people in San Antonio
had said last week. It did show in the final scores, I think. The actual review starts here in order of final placement...thanks for
hanging with me so far..... Carolina Crown - 11th place (my score -
81.6/ actual score -82.8) The kids are great. Let's get this straight.
They take what they do very seriously and leave it all out there on
the field. We know this. What we don't know is why there are things
from cousin Jimmy's backyard strung out everywhere before they even
get started??? What a bother!!!
Who came up with this idea??? If you're going to sell the theme of
"industry," why choose the most archaic-looking props this side of
"Grapes of Wrath" to do so?? Despite this set back, Crown showed tight
execution and great guard work to earn their finalist placing. What
they do with beat-up Michelins is pretty amazing. I loved the
roll-over thingy. Colts - 11th place (my score - 84.5/ actual score - 82.8) I had these
guys solidly in 11th. They will definitely make finals with this
wonderful program...no question. A recurring characteristic in a Colts
show is that they try so hard to sell their program, and this year is
no exception. The interaction between the guard and corps (especially
during the percussion feature) was just great. The brass was stronger
and cleaner than last years'
show. They seemed to have more focus this time around. Drums really
showed their kahones during their feature...good stuff. Boston Crusaders - 10th place (my score 87.3/ actual score 84.05) A
surprise seeing them placed this low, and the crowd shared this
sentiment. Their show had more difficulty than the Scouts' (although
not quite as entertaining) and the Bluecoats had a dirty show, I had
these guys placing 8th. Their drill (and execution) was just awesome.
Harmonium, musically, will grow on me after spinning it on the CD
player later this fall. Drums were solid throughout, and their slow
section was as good as it was last year, although there was no singing
this time. See this show from a high vantage point if you can, you'll
be in for a treat. Madison Scouts - 9th place (my score 86.5/ actual score 84.3) Going on
first really hurt their score and placement. So judges, let me get
this straight...you want me to believe that Madison outscored Crown by
just .25?? What are you people smoking? Although I'm not as bothered
with their placement because of the high level of everyone else's
performance (for the most part), the scoring was way off. The visual
caption is hurting bad. Cool formations are there, but the visual
sophistication was not. I only saw 12 guard members on the field,
what's up with that? OK...those were the negatives...here are the
positives: BRASS!!! OH MY GOD!! Blow my face off!! Even from the upper
deck, in a dome no less, the Scouts just ripped ass through their
book, which was well-written. Their brass deserved at least 6th
tonight, I think. Great percussion bells and whistles, the cymbal toss
was great and the drum feature was entertaining. I got a kick out of
it. When those hard-working guys hit their knees at the end of their
show, to belt out the final ear-shattering chord, it just makes you
wonder.....doesn't their visual staff feel a bit guilty?
Next year...give these guys the choreography and drill they deserve,
OK? You'll be back in the top 5 before you know it. Bluecoats - 8th place (my score 85.2/ actual score 85.35) I really
enjoyed the latin jazz theme this year and the kids sold the program
real well. The brass line is exceptional this year, and kudos to Doug
Thrower (former instructor of mine...ok so I'm biased) for really
capturing the mood and flavor in his arranging. The guard surprised me
this year.....great equipment work and dancing really solidified this
caption. We all have heard about the bari player who busted his butt
towards the end...but hey, that happens. Kudos to the judges for
overlooking that and especially to the guard member who finally got
the bucket off the field. The show could have been cleaner, and that
really was the only thing holding them back. Phantom Regiment - 7th place (my score 89.6/ actual score 87.45) Thank
you Phantom for going old-school on us!!! Festive Overture was such a
throwback to their 80s days, and I just wiggled in my seat hearing it.
As good as Madison was tonight, Phantom completely outclassed and
outmarched them. I'm a huge fan of wedges. (LOL)The brass was vintage
Regiment, with such a dark presence and pure, pure tone quality. The
guard was soooo graceful, everything they did just flowed. They were
one of the first corps of the evening that seemed to cut through the
acoustics of the dome. It was good to see classic drum corps return to
the field...thank you Regiment..it's been so long. I had PR easily in
5th. Their stupid, bogus show placement made the difference, and
slotting with the judges...so there you have it. Crossmen - 6th place (my score 89.0/ actual score 87.75) The Crossmen
really scored some points tonight for lowering the pitch on their
snares and backing off on the basses....you could really hear them
well in comparison to groups on before them. I loved the interaction
between the guard and the corps in this show...that stuck with me for
some reason. They really loaded this show with GE. The
soloists....awesome, of course. The horn line is brutal and their
percussion really helped to tie this show together. Good stuff going
on in the pit, too. I cheered throughout the show....the elderly gentleman in front of
me walked out and never came back. Like I said earlier, he was
about 80 I think and wore a hearing aid. Sorry for driving you out,
grandpa, but this is a drum corps show. People are bound to show their
appreciation sooner or later. During the intermission, I noticed that
none of the urinals were flushed after use....what are we, apes?
Come on, dammit, FLUSH!!! Back to the review..... Glassmen - 5th place (my score 88.1/ actual score 88.8) IMAGO is
sophisticated. I see the Glassmen trying to fill the shoes of Star of
Indiana. Ever since they went "Blasting", there has been a creative
hole in the top 12. What the Glassmen need to close the void here is
to innovate. They succeeded to do this in their flugel horn feature.
Wow...what an amazingly GORGEOUS solo. The crowd ate it up. If they
could have that kind of refreshing distinction throughout their show
as they did in that one movement, this would be a top 3 show. The rest
of IMAGO contained some good phrasing, nice Cadet-ish runs and decent
impacts, but it seemed short on substance to me. This corps has their
best show ahead of them....they could even pull off a title in 5 years
or so, but they need to go in the direction of innovation. Load that
show with moments like the second movement, and you've got it,
Glassmen. Santa Clara Vanguard - 4th place (my score 92.0/ actual 91.1)
New...Era......new. new era..new new na new ERA..NEW NEW NEW ...ERA!!!
Come on, people, how could you not love this!!!!?? Hip-hop has finally
invaded the Drum Corps world. Now next year Vanguard, put "Back That
Azz Up" on the field and you'll have it in the BAG!!!Seriously, some
wicked, weird, wild stuff going on in this show. One of my favorite
visual moments..aside from the collapsing "T" at the end, came in
"Short Ride" where a single snare broke away from the line and just
marched like nuts through the rest of the corps. That just looked so
cool. I love this show. There was a bad spill towards the end that
took out 2 or three people, and this may have hurt their visual perf
score. Cadets - 3rd place (my score 93.2/ actual score 91.75) How can the
Cadets win brass and drums and score this far behind the 2 leaders? I
just don't get it. What I do get is the cool brass run that started
the show (this was just added). Nice addition. They really made it
happen in Brass performance...with their book being the hardest,
definitely. Moondance was a toe-tapping joy (God, I sound like a DCI
writer, yuck) what they needed here though, was more movement. When
you have to compete at this level, you need to keep moving!!! This is
what is keeping them out of the top spot right now. They won Brass,
won drums...and suffered in visual. They have got the potential to run
away with the title, but need to push their drill over the top in
Moondance I think. Great ballad (from Hannibal) and awesome closer.
The next 2 weeks could be huge for the Cadets. Blue Devils - 2nd place (my score 93.0/ actual score 93.4) The Devils
have an awesome color guard, what they do with (straw?) hats is just
mind-blowing. Their dance demand was just overwhelming and gave this
show a much-needed GE boost. I can't help but to long for the Devils
to do a reprise of their 1988 show. Go retro..I beg you!!!! It seems
BD shows of late have been obscure and stylistically flat. Don't get
me wrong...they perform the crap out of what they're given, but I
wouldn't mind more fan-friendly material. Imagine what it would be
like if they performed Moondance....they would tear it apart.
The Devils are so clean...and their performance level is what has
earned them a mostly undefeated season so far. With the proficiency of
other corps catching up to the Devils' dominance, it is now time to
compare show concepts. This is the one small weakness BD has this
year...especially when compared to...... Cavaliers - 1st place (my score 94.2/ actual score 93.55) People
have been wondering about the current state of drum
corps....whether people think it's losing steam...or becoming
bland, or whatever. The Cavies take this perspective and wipe their
butts with it. This show was made for the upper deck, and has to be
some of the best drill I've seen in years. The slow section was
jaw-droppingly gorgeous....especially the block shift in the
backfield at the end of the number. And, then there's the drum
feature. My God. I can't believe what these guys do with toy cymbals.
The percussion section was so tight and together...like bad ass
robots programmed to just drum. I loved the spinning block with the
four corners rotating in the opposite direction. That was a "wow"
moment. The ending was the most original I've seen in years...I
thought they were going to march right out of the stadium. I love
their short park-n-blow they had in their jazzy feature. That's how
it's done, people.It made my night watching these guys and they are a
lock for the gold medal in Buffalo. Dan Potter did an awesome job of filling in the breaks with some good
interviews and fan perspectives. He's a straight-up professional. The
retreat was great and the Cadets' drumline did an awesome job of
bringing them in. The scores were announced and caption awards were
given out...I still think Cavies should have taken percussion, but
that's just me. The dome acoustics bothered me to no end. Please Mr. Acheson...DO
NOT plan Worlds in this venue anytime this century. On my way out of town, I snapped a couple of pictures, having promised
my 4-year-old I'd show him a skyscraper. Since there was only one in
Indy, I wasn't able to get much. Everything was closed by the time I
left...I was lucky to even get a midnight snack. I thought this was a big
city or something! If you slept in a hotel, as Regis puts it, "Hey...good
for you. Alright, fine." I slept in my car at a truck stop and saved 36
bucks. Next year: Going to Camp Randall with the wife, who's not a drum
corps fan. I'll bring plenty of aspirin. Patrick Laxson Show was well run, went smoothly, parking flowed nicely. Corps: Madison Scouts Corps: Phantom Regiment Corps: Bluecoats Corps: Carolina Crown Corps: Crossmen Corps: Colts Corps: Santa Clara Vanguard Corps: Cavaliers Corps: Blue Devils Corps: Cadets Corps: Glassmen Post-Show: Cavies' encore was great. They played Jupiter (which was SO beautiful!), then
their show, and then Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which was also beautiful. Way to go,
Cavies! This is the 4th show I have been to with the other three being DCM so it was my
first chance to hear the eastern and western corps. Dome - EEEECCCHHH! Very boomy in there - when the percussion were all playing
it at times sounded like a freight train going thru or maybe it was a train seeing
the tracks outside the Dome were about 20 yards away! Any way the only good thing
was it kept us dry! Concessions were expensive, poor and slow! A kielbasa cost you
5 bucks and 2 corps (it took that long to get one). Way too crowded in the hallways
with concessions and corps sales directly across from each other. Made it very
difficult to get to your seats which were also hard to find! Missed Madison at the
night show because of a combination of the above - was not happy! At least the
Colts (the football colts not the drum corps colts) didn't try to comandeer the
field! Having said all of that and risking the definate possibility of being flamed for
being too sugary - I loved all of the corps! I am continually amazed at the constant
improvement not only from show to show but from year to year. I can honestly say
there was not a single show that didn't get me in one way or another and I enjoyed
them all if not for their technicality then for their high level of performance or
entertainment value. In no particular order: Cadets- loved the show, great warm-up (and I was begining to believe what I was
reading!) Moondance was very cool! CLINIC: What a great job by SCV! Every thing they do exudes CLASS! You could
see the pride on their faces. They always have been my favorite and I am always
impressed with the way this organization carries itself! Cesario was a little over
the top but it was a great experience to get right down there with the corps and get
a feel for how they do what they do. For all of you G vs. Bb people Cesario always
refered to the brass as brasswinds not as bugles, trpts., etc. I spent several
minutes in a discussion with SCV's Brass Caption Head and I asked him how he felt
about the change from G to Bb. He was very willing to spend time with me and talk
which I thought was very cool. He really likes the change because they (SCV's staff)
feel the Bb's are more suitable to the type of literature SCV plays. They have
sopranos (Bb trumpets), Mellophones, french horns, 22 Euphoniums, and Marching Tubas.
They are using Dynasty brass. They march no baritones and feel the Mellophones do
well in the upper alto range and the french horns bridge the gap between the Mello's
and the Euphoniums which gives the corps an overall dark, sonorous qaulity. After
sitting 20 feet away from the hornline and listening to them play Variants I would
have to agree - it was breathtaking. Sorry this was so long. The great shows performed last saturday more than made
up for the dome's shortcomings and I can't wait until Buffalo!
All Day Carolina Crown Southwind Pioneer Spirit from JSU Kiwanis Kavaliers Troopers Blue Knights Bluecoats Colts Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment Boston Crusaders Crossmen The Cavaliers Santa Clara Vanguard Blue Devils The Cadets Glassmen Overall I know it's late, but it's a long drive from Indianapolis to Atlanta,
especially with rain and road construction. Here are some thoughts on how the
Indy show went down. First of all, the stadium was a blessing in that it was
pouring and lightning during the evening and maybe even during the afternoon
show. We had the "large" seats on about the 40-yard line, 24 rows up, so we
could hear really well despite the echo, which was better with more people in
the evening. It was hard to give standing ovations with such tight seats, but I
managed every now and then. Kiwanis Kavaliers - nice improvement over last year. They're still rather small
for a Division I corps. The music, "On the Town," was recognizable and easily
accessible. A lady a few seats down from me was "rockin' out throughout the
opener. They could make a run for Semis if they clean up. Troopers - only saw them from the TV screens in the long concession line, but
they looked pretty good. What I heard through the portals left a bit to be
desired. Pioneer - what happened to their drum line? That's usually their strong point,
but they were small and unenergetic this year. The opener was good, but I don't
remember much else. Southwind - seemed to be tired. There were quite a few blown attacks and a
family in front of me who had a kid in the corps winced noticeably when that
happened a few times. I liked the show otherwise. I still can't get used to the
yellow uniforms without thinking of my high school, Sprayberry. Spirit - OK, I'm a little biased since I marched with them in 1995, but I was
very pleased with their performance. I saw them at the standstill in Kennesaw
on Wednesday and it seemed a bit flat, but they were on top of their game
musically on Saturday. There were lots of great impacts and the whole show fit
together very well. The brass line is much, much improved and the drum line got
the best crowd response for their solo. All they need to do is clean
(especially the visual program) and they could catch back up to Crown. Blue Knights - not as entertaining as I was expecting, but a nice change of
mood for the show. They're no Velvet Knights, but who is? The drum line was
once again the strong point. Carolina Crown - very nice visual show. I wasn't sure what to expect with
tires, wood, metal, but it was pretty cool. I've found myself actually liking
Crown's shows the past couple of years. The drum line was great, especially in
the evening. The slow piece dragged a little, but the guard made up for that
with neat work. Colts - how the heck did they win drums in the afternoon? I guess I missed
something, but I didn't think buzz rolls were that demanding. The battle
sequence during their solo was very cool and must have taken a while to
choreograph. I've never been a big fan of them, but this show is a step in the
right direction as far as I'm concerned. Boston Crusaders - Being a Spirit alum, I guess I'm not supposed to like these
guys, but I'm starting to come around. The drums and brass performance is still
lacking, but the GE and visual program makes up for it. Madison Scouts - the boos when their score is announced is really getting old.
Face it people, they're getting what they deserve. They won GE and Brass in the
afternoon, which they deserved. The drum solo was a bag in the afternoon but
sounded better at night. There were lots of blown attacks and releases and
people sticking out of the ensemble. The guard was disappointing - too much
dancing which was distracting more often than beneficial to the show. Don't get
me wrong, I loved the show, but I do wish they would take some judges' advice
and give a better product to both the fans and judges. Bluecoats - how 'bout that contra pile up? Yikes, I hope they're all OK.
Despite that, they had a great show, especially musically. The brass and drum
lines are improved and the visual design works well. All that's needed is to
clean some of the drill and they're set to place as high as 7th. Phantom Regiment - Even though I know the music, I found it hard to get into.
The soloists were fantastic though and the guard is 10 times better than they
have been in the past few years. The big brass sound is back. I still like
SCV's version of "Festive Overture" best. Crossmen - started off kind of slow but got things rolling very quickly and
kept up the energy throughout the show. The drum line is way better than the
past two years, attributable to dumping the UGA staff (can you tell I go to
Tech?). The guard was great as usual. Glassmen - snooze alert. Why can't they ever play anything anyone knows? Sure,
they play it very well, but it's hard to follow a show when the music is that
boring. Santa Clara Vanguard - great show design. Their "Short Ride..." is much better
than Cadets 1991, IMHO. The second piece is very entertaining with lots of
subtle SCV-like things going on everywhere. The New Era chant is really cool
and is much more effective than it was during the standstill in Kennesaw with
the guard doing their thing. I think they should get back ahead of the Cadets
and possibly BD by Finals. The Cadets - wonderful brass and percussion. They clearly deserved to win those
captions tonight. All the fast runs were very clean with two weeks to spare.
The drill wasn't as exciting as in year's past, which may hold them back. I
still can't believe there's no tenor solo! Blue Devils - great showmanship as usual. They were a little dirtier musically
than Wednesday and didn't seem to have as much power. The soprano soloist did a
good job throughout the show. The drum line was a little dirty tonight, but
when you're playing as many notes as they are, the judges probably take that
into account. The tenor line was exceptionally smokin'. Glad they brought back
"Ditty." Cavaliers - awesome. Is there any more I need to say? If they don't win this
year, something is screwed up with DCI. This show has everything. Great music,
drill, guard (multiple person to person flag tosses). They were obviously the
crowd favorite and have been mine since I was introduced to DCI ten years ago. Bridgeport, CT (DCA) Well, let me start by thanking my gracious host and friend Frank Ponzo for
coming to Queens NY to pick me up. He and Bob and Debbie from HC alumni were
very nice to do that. Once we fought off the traffic from the Mets game, we
arrived at Bridgeport around 6pm. Frank broke open the back of his truck and
pulled out 2 BBQ grills. Bob started cooking Filet Mignons and Chicken wings
on the grill while we knocked back a few Diet beers. What a way to see a show
(tailgate party). I was able to have a few laughs witk K. Eltman too. A few
hugs to the Cab girls and into the stadium we went. What a great stadium with
high seats great lights and astro Turf. It was a cool night which was perfect
for all the corps there. Ok now for the review. Keep in mind this is my own opinion. I'm not a judge,
I know little about CG or Drummers. Please keep that in mind. I also wont put
up scores as they are elsewhere. The Top 2 or 3 scores changed 3 times between
retreat anmd the drive home with placement changes resulting between the top 3. Skyliners. Wow what a change from the last time I saw them at DCA 2 years ago.
I still like the old Uniforms though ( showing my age). I thought overall they
were very good, The Horn line put out a nice sound overall as well. I was
going to add that I thought they didn't have much volume on the hits, but after
watching all the corps and seeing the same problem, I think it may have been
the design of the stadium that allowed the sound to escape quickly. The
soloists are Excellent. There were some ensemble problems mainly in the
baritone section. One or 2 stuck out now and then. The CG and Drum line were
good as well, but as I said I can't be too sure. It seems like they had many
marching styles in the line as well. Good Job Sky. Grenadiers. They were head and shoulders above the KG Corps of 99. That was
the last time I saw them. Horn line was strong CG was excellent. Drum line
seemmed OK as well. Some Form and Interval problems that I'm sure they will
have repaired come Syracuse. Rochester Crusaders. Horn line was very good however, the staging of the drill
kept this listener from hearring much of the low brass. The soloist ensembles
were excellent. Huge CG and they were very good. Drill was good but they had
some interval problems as well. Great Job RC. Conn. Hurricanes. This corps was smaller then the last time I saw them. Horn
line was small. They had some problems with ensemble balance and intonation
at the beginning but quickly cured that. The gaurd was good, but there was a
part of the show I felt they were distracting from the show or detracting from
it, but that could have been by design. In the 2nd to last tune, the staging of
the Contras and the volume they put out were to loud for their position on the
field. They had a great Flag presentation ala 1960s style at the end which was
wonderful. Great GE here. Empire Statesmen. Great Hornline and drum line. I loved the Frank Sinatra
routine with Mr B sitting at the bar sipping Scotch on the rocks (it was really
water) during the entire show and at the end he disappears into a mist of CO2.
GE GE GE oozed from this corps at times and at other times they grabbed you by
the throat and said "What about it" I saw our old Kiltie soloist Bill Semyn
playing in the horn line. Hey Bill you clean up real nice in that white Tux.
You still march funny though.. Just Kidding.. The drill covered the Field from
20 to 20 and it was done well. These guys march well. Great Book WOW. Hawthorne Cabs. I love this corps. what class by opening with a warmup tune
of Don't Cry for Me Argentina as a tribute to Mr. Costello. Tear Jerker right
off the bat. Very Moving. What a fantastic hornline. So what's new with tha,
I've been saying that since the first time I saw them in 1965 at the Civic
Opera house in Chicago. Drum line puts some moves out on the field that I won't
try to describe but they are awesome. Best sounding Mellophones I've heard in a
long time.Staging and drill wqs excellent with some interval problems or they
could have had a few holes in the line .The field ensemble was very good except
for a few places the Contras stood out a little too much. The CG is huge and
if not PERFECT, the are more Perfect than the rest. They did walk away with
the High CG score. No offense meant to the Guys in the CG, But the Girls are
definitely " BABES". Great JOB HC. you are still the Gold Standard of Drum
Corps. Well that's it. There were some irregularities in the judging that came to the
Attention of Mr. Petrone, and I heard he dealt with them like a surgeon with a
scapel. Way to Go Mick. You guys put on a nice show at B.Conn. Thanks Terry
Doran. I bet I spelled something wrong. So for all you English Majors out there,
DEAL WITH IT. I have included links to images which are just a little better than
nothing. I blew it. I slept through my pager alarm going off right in my ear. I
called the Rochester Crusaders members I had told I would drive down
with and apologized and went back to bed. It was fifteen minutes past
when I was supposed to be there (4:30AM!), not too bad. Plus, hey, I'm
not marching. Stopped in at the Hurricanes rehearsal in West Haven after lunch. They
were doing some brass cleaning and getting ready to ensemble the
corps. It was very nice to see so many folks I do miss. The field
looks great and should be a fantastic site for their home show. The
Hurcs always work hard and they were cleaning the middle of the show
when I left to go down to Bridgeport. The Cabs, Grenadiers and Skyliners I think were all down at Seaside
Park. What a perfect day for drum corps. There were family picnics,
softball games and soccer matches all around with the ambient sound of
three drum corps doing it up. P.T. would've loved it. Cabs practice was focused and calm, they know what they have to do and
are getting on with it. Their drum line, especially the battery, have
improved much over last year and, as they get their drill clarified,
their execution score should respond also. The horns had limited
ensemble time through the afternoon as visual concerns ruled. Once
this stuff is hammered out and the brass people get to do their work,
the horn line will sparkle. There are lots of exposed and challenging
parts of their show, walking a tight wire for sure. I believe the
players can handle it, but the demand is considerable. "Excuse me, how do you get to Carnegie Hall?" Kennedy Stadium has been redone with the concert side opposite from
where it was. No more sun burned eyes! The weather was perfect. The
turf looked great and I didn't see anyone go down but I heard it was a
little tricky. It was neat seeing the King and Queen, a couple of
outstanding local students, do a vocal duet of the Nat'l Anthem. The
opening proceedings were not too long and the city seems proud to host
this show. Skyliners: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/skyliners.html ) I
can tell you, it is clear that there are drum corps people running
this corps. They have that feeling. Featured soloists Dave Negri and
John Arientano are having a great time. The arrangements of Blood,
Sweat and Tears sound like fun to play. The crowd enjoyed the show and
there were very few down spots. Not allot of challenging drill or
visual stuff. Good old crowd pleasing drum corps, giving the crowd
what they want. The drum line and guard were doing it well. They seem
like they are getting stronger and will be around for a while. Looks
like a fun group. Nice to have them back! Grenadiers: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/grenadiers.html
)They come on to the field in a company front from the left side, I
think a nice touch but I love even the slightest nods to tradition.
The corps is improving from what I saw last year, though the low brass
was noticeably weak. Lots of intonation issues with individual
players. Some of the guard stuff really caught my eye, beautiful silks
and guard work. A fun drum feature with fan friendly visuals going on
made for a nice crowd reaction. The Grenadiers come a long way to
compete and they do a nice job of entertaining the crowd. A nice show
but lots of work to do with the horn line on an individual basis. The
contra line doing their little swing step trooping the stands I found
ironic in that it seemed they should've left that energy on the field
in their playing. Nothing more breathing exercises and crunches can't
help. Good job, Grenadiers. Crusaders: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/crusaders.html )
They start their show spread across the entire field. Even though I
knew the contras start it off, I couldn't really hear them. They are
way over on the left side, facing backfield. The show seemed much more
marchable and cleanable than last year. The wind picked up and seemed
to affect their sound early on. The low brass here was warm and round,
well supported though sometimes the staging seemed tough. They nailed
the exposed attack after the silent guard feature, heard lots of
"Oooo's" in the crowd. The backfield section with the double flag
guard work was very effective and solid. The duet feature at the end
of that was nice also. Hurricanes: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/hurcs.html ) The
Hurcs seem to be having a rough year and there were some noticeable
missing folks. But the corps continues and the people who took the
field deserve the credit. Not my favorite show from a programming
standpoint but the corps is doing their level best to execute it all.
The middle section I found really confusing, lots of weird space
chords and "what's that?" drill. The theme being a day in the life of
an Atlantic hurricane, I kept waiting to see a spinning spiral but,
hey, that's just me. A lot of volume on the big hits from a smallish
horn line. The Hurcs are survivors and will work hard 'til the end.
When they reenter with the horse walk and Mag 7, the partisan crowd
was on its feet. Bridgeport loves the Hurricanes! Empire: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/empire.html ) Empire,
since I first saw them in '98, exemplify what a crowd-oriented corps
show could be. They keep the brass line up close to the crowd at
impact points, utilizing the pit area. They march and play with a high
level of confidence that really telegraphs to the crowd. The small
showmanship features, the little things that the hotdog chompers
notice, this corps excels at that stuff. Their drill is comprised of
very teachable, cleanable moves that seem evocative of years past,
different context, same skill sets. I think this is smart drum corps.
They don't do allot of overly technically demanding stuff but they
execute what they do. And they are loud. A wonderful low brass sound
with what looked like a few euphs in there. And they sure look like
they are having fun. I find some of the stuff they do trooping the
stands, the little chant thing and the skip steps and waving to be
personally annoying but the crowd like it. It seems they tune the
snare line to a dark timbre making it harder to discern what they're
doing. The brass soloists seemed a little rough. Didn't notice allot
of guard stuff as I was watching how the corps marched. This is an
organization that knows how to win, critics be damned. I liked the
swing arrangement of My Way even though I didn't want to (still
partial to the Stockton Commodores version). Biggest crowd reaction
of the night and a standing O in the late middle of the show. Caballeros: ( http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/cabs.html )
Having watched the corps rehearse I was watching for the things they
had worked on and was distracted from taking in some of the whole show
elements. This program is meant to be a tribute to Cos and sometimes
tributes can get a little bloated. It seems like there is so much
going on all the time it's hard to find the focal points and hit
points. The added demand of the full volume moving warm-up is noted.
The drum line has really improved and they play well even though they
are jamming around most of the time. There are some difficult staging
issues where not watching the major can be not good. Individual brass
performance was very good but the challenging nature of the book makes
any weaknesses more apparent. Like I said in the pre-ramble, they
didn't get to work ensemble horns much while I was there so, when they
do, I think they will be well pleased. An entertaining show if a
little busy at times. The guard uni changes and stuff may have been
lost on me, sorry. I noticed them changing but didn't really get the
impact. Great solo work all around with the best soprano pyrotechnics
of the night. This show could win it all but cleaning it is going to
be challenging. A full Olympic retreat was nice to see. I don't think anyone played
the corps on, though, thought that was kinda weird. (
http://www.the-aborigine.com/brdgprt01/rtrt.html ) Souvie tables, etc.: I caught up with Frank Ponzo at Moe Knox's table.
He was picking up a great shot of Cos with the corps in the
background. I got choked up, no lie. Cabs table was cheery and packed
with goodies as usual. No, I didn't say hi or buy anything but by then
the rumors were flying and I was trying to get the lowdown. I did pick
up a long sleeve Hurcs shirt. I was wearing my "Drum Corps Is Evil"
shirt all night and put my SCV jacket on when it got colder. I had a
burger and a dog to hold me for the ride home, not too expensive and
tasty. The crowd in general was buoyant and happy to be there. I
caught the Statesmen's victory concert and they sure gave it up. I
especially liked the rendition of Grand Old Flag, very drum corps, the
crowd just loved it. I think everyone got their money's worth and the
drum corps community at large can be proud of the 2001 Barnum Fest
Champions on Parade presentation. As far as the unpleasantness is concerned, I was in the Cabs camp when
it came down. I didn't hear any gloating or whining or
unprofessionalism. My heart goes out to the judge in question, I'm
sure she is sick about it all. I have always felt, though there
certainly are politics in drum corps, the people doing the judging are
not meanspirited or "out to get" anyone. They love this activity, too.
I would never want to judge a show. But if our activity was not
judged, it would certainly not be what it is today, if in existence at
all. Like a black spot on a clean whiteboard, sometimes d&bc fans only
focus on the errors/problems/politics of our activity. There may be
tons of positives but they talk about the negatives. That is the
nature of a judged activity where even the slightest error can be seen
by the hotdog chomping one-time fan.
I appreciate Tom Peashey's damage control efforts and I think DCA has
opened up more than they really have to on this issue.
I always tell folks who express disappointments during a season, "Make
sure you know why you're here. If it's to win and score well, you will
not have as much fun or success as you will focused on playing your
instrument, being with friends and sharing a summer with a united
group." Long live drum corps! Go to Page 11 of Reviews!
2001 Drum Corps International
Show Reviews - As Posted on RAMD!
Page Ten of Reviews
If you visit often, hit "Reload" to refresh the reviews on this page!
Go to Page 9 of Reviews!
Monday July 30
Bandettes - Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada
Score - 67.85
Show Title: The Drive
Repertoire: On the Road, Traffic, Road Rage, In The Clear, and Arrival
Score - 78.50
Show Title: Twisted in Time
Repertoire: Opus I, Opus II, and Opus III
Composer: Taras Nahirininiak
Score: 79.95
Show Title: The Legend of Alcabaca
Bluecoats - Canton, OH
Score: 86.15
Show Title: Latin Sketches
Repertoire: Candelabra Rumba, Red Cape Tango
Score: 88.30
Show Title: Virtuoso
Repertoire: Concerto for Orchestra (Bela Bartok) and Festive Overture (Dmitri
Shostakovich).
Score: 88.40
Show Title: Late Night Jazz
Repertoire: Wee Small Hours, Harlem Nocturne, Flyin' home, Guaguanco, Fire
Dance ( a drum corps classic)
Score: 93.50
Show Title: Juxtaperformance
Repertoire: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Benjamin Britten), Moondance
(Van Morrison), Hanabal Ballad (Hans Zimmer), Farandole (Georges Bizet)
Sunday July 29
euphonium
My Ranking: *exhibition*
Actual Ranking: *exhibition*
I saw the very end, wasn't impressed... bad visual, poor blend in the brass.
My Ranking: *exhibition*
Actual Ranking: *exhibition*
Fun little thing, small group. Used some electronics and amplification, they did
a good job of getting the crowd into the show. Speaking of which, a guard member
got into the crowd and actually pulled a few local guys out onto the field and
danced with them. Good show from a small group. It'll be cool to see Magic make
their return next year.
My Ranking: 1st in Div 2
Actual Ranking: 1st in Div 2
Cool. Much improved over last year, I enjoyed hearing their show. They have a
pretty good wailing sop soloist, but their sop line doesn't play within the
ensemble... sticks out like anything I'll get out. The alto, tenor, and contrabass
voicings fit together just great, and they're pretty solid, but the sops don't cut
it for me yet. They'll do well in their class, though. I hope to see Tampa Bay
starting a tradition of coming to the Huntington show so we can see how they get
better each year. Tampa Bay, we appreciate you coming here, really. Keep working
and everything, you guys do a good job.
My Placement: 4th
Actual Placement: 4th
Small corps, but they do what they can. The soprano soloist gets exposed a lot in
this show, and he's a pretty good player, not a thing missed in the solos, or at
least nothing stands out in my mind. There was some cool work simulating traffic
and all that. Pretty cool show from Kiwanis, could be a lot better if they could
add in a few more members, especially in the horns.
My Placement: 3rd
Actual Placement: 3rd
God, their hornline has POWER. Certainly a step up from some of the previous years
I've seen them, pretty cool show, too. Really liked it... this corps will certainly
be one of the powerhouse hornlines in the next couple of years, they show a lot of
potential. The visual was absolutely terrible, though. Sloppy as all... well, you
get the point. If they could clean that up, they'd have something going. This sounds,
and looks like, some of the Spirit of old.
My Placement: 2nd
Actual Placement: 2nd
Well, I think the show was about the same as last night. Maybe a little more impact
because some of the corps' members knew their family members were in the crowd...
still some neat things percussionwise with the industrial props. Once again, could
be a lot cooler if the alto voices would step up. This could be an immensely
entertaining show, potentially, the mellos just need to put some 'cheeseburger'
behind their parts.
My Placement: 1st
Actual Placement: 1st
Wow. They were a little more relaxed tonight, and it showed. They let loose and the
crowd went wild... the stadium went insane on the first impact. I know by finals
night that this show is going to have a standing ovation at that impact. I was
wanting to start a chant for "S-C-V!" Once again, I'm impressed by the show.
Wonderful impacts... and it sounds like an orchestra or wind ensemble on the field.
The show flows well, and has great effect, and the rap section was great again
tonight. Also... that's a euph line.
Great. Simply great. It was even better than the clinic at Indy on the 28th. Send in the Clowns was beautiful, and I kept wanting them to play Adagio for Strings, haha. Oh well.. anyway, Vanguard totally goes nuts on the volume at standstill, and I got as close as I could. I swear, drum corps is gonna make me go deaf.
Saturday July 28
Another thing- love the old style drum major uniforms at retreat, and the guard
captain doing a “Bottle Dance” kick for the salute, Should not have been 4th by any
means, top 3 at least. Bring it home, SCV!
~Cody
WOW! I have seen them 4 times now, counting the Open House and this corp gets better
every time. I really think these guys should be beating Bluecoats, but their Color
Guard and low brass (mostly Contras) is keeping them back. Once that gets fixed...
watch out..
Phantom was REALLY CLEAN tonight. I think they should've been 6th, but oh well.
Drumline doesnt do much, althought the bassline is pretty solid. Lots of posing, and
pleas,(ballet stuff)and lots of other things like that. I wasn't really feeling that,
but their guard and Visual package is strong. Nice job Phantom!
Bluecoats didn't really surprise me too much, although they have gotten better as
tour has gone by. Drumline is weak at times, and I don't think they should be
beating Scouts. Color Guard uniforms aren't very appealing, but are very crisp with
their work.
This was my 1st time seeing Crown. and I normally don't care for their show, but I
like Crown's show this year. In their opener there are lots of things going on,
including the snareline playing on blocks of wood from the guard, souds cool. The
brass line is pretty weak, and the drumline was very solid.
This was my 1st time seeing Boston too, and I really wasn't feeling this show. I
liked 99 and 2000 shows, and they are just trying to do what they have the past two
years. The drill move with the two lines coming together was done at least 3 times
during the show. The brass I thought was ok, drumline wasn't too great, but not too
bad. Their arrangment of Marimba Spirtual I did not like, maybe it was just the dome.
Hopefully these guys will at least stay where they are so we can see them again at
finals.
This was my 3rd time seeing them, and they get better every time. I've been a Colts
fan for awhile, and I like this show. I thought they shouldve beaten Crown, and could
give Boston a run for 10th with some cleaning. Drumline is rock solid, brass is ok.
Go Colts!
I was impressed with Crossmen, and I love the opener. What a soprano solist! wow! One
of the best all night! They deserve to be top 6-7, although I have a strange feeling
they have gone as far as they can go, and will end up 6th or 7th at Finals.
Two Words- ROCK SOLID. Cavaliers have it all this year, and a great guard. I really
thought the snareline isnt cutting it as good as last year, and coming off the
high-hats was pretty dirty, and some 9,18 stroke rolls need to be cleaned. Brass is
awesome, should be 1st or 2nd come finals.
This was my favorite show of the night. I thought they shouldve been above Cadets,
but only my opinion. I love this whole show, and I don't get tired of it. (Similar
feelings to Scouts show) I hope these guys maybe can sneak in Semis and Finals and
maybe take it!
I wasn't as impressed as last year, but I still like this show. They are cruising
the whole opener, and Moondance was awesome! I like these guys, but I don't think
they should be beating SCV.
Woo! BD was smokin tonight. Really thouhgt they were gonna win. Snareline needs to
be cleaned up a little, and once they do that, Cavies will have to crench their teeth.
Go BD!
Tough to go on after the top 4, but they made a statement tonight, proving they are
5th place. Drumline is very clean, and brass needs some work, but it will come.
Hopefully they can maintain 5th place for two weeks.
Dutch Boy '90
My Ranking: 9th
Actual Ranking: 9th
Awesome show from Madison! Soloists are great as always, and the hornline has a
fuller sound than last year, IMO. They did some pretty cool drill moves in the
show... cool visuals with the cymbal tosses, etc. They had some small ensembles
on the sideline playing which were spectacular. Fun, fun show... I hope they can
keep the 9th placement at finals and begin the trek into becoming a top 6
powerhouse again.
My Ranking: 6th
Actual Ranking: 7th
This is a cool show. Big, nice sound from the horns. The style is still different
than the Phantom lines of years ago, but it's getting darker every time I see them.
The show has some cool writing, but I don't feel that much of a flow between numbers.
There's some cool "toy soldiers" type drill in the show during the percussion feature,
I think, that I really liked. This show, if played right, could get Phantom the 5th
spot at finals if they get everything down, but I'm not sure that will happen. Anyway,
I wish them good luck, they're one of my favorites.
My Ranking: 7th
Actual Ranking: 8th
GREAT program from the Bluecoats. Huge departure from the general jazz/swing type
music, but some of that is still kept in more of a subtle type of way. I really have
to hand it to Doug Thrower with the horn book and the musical designing here, it's
superb, really. The show flows really well, and it all makes sense together. I get a
really dark feel from the hornline, they have a very balanced, full sound. They're
awesome to listen to. Bluecoats are another one of the corps I'd like to see vying
for that 5th spot, but once again, I'm not sure just because of the level that
everyone is at. It's an amazing program, the colorguard really does some cool stuff,
the pit does some cool stuff, and I really like the drumline's musicality. A lot of
drumlines have a tendency to not fit into the ensemble at all, but this battery
blended really well, and I figure a lot of this has to do with the writing. Anyway,
you can tell I like them really well and their show, and I'll move on now... ;)
My Ranking: 12th
Actual Ranking: Tied for 11th
This show is decent, but I think it would have a lot more potential if the midrange
part, especially in the opener, would get heard. The show has great writing, and
Crown has a nice low brass section, I think. Lots of impact points, but a lot less
effect than impacts. I'm not sure exactly what to with the rest of the things about
the show to spice it up, because it seems that it's written well, I just think the
performance needs to be stepped up. I did get some chills at the end of the opener
with the power chords, that was great.
My Ranking: 5th
Actual Ranking: 6th
I've not liked that many Crossmen shows up until last year's when they started
settling into their niche. They really play the HECK out of this year's show, it's
fun to listen to. Pretty clean, really cool. Outstanding soprano soloists, hot guard
(this is literal. I don't know much about guards, but I'm a teenage male, and I know
what looks good, so... yeah.)
My Ranking: 11th
Actual Ranking: Tied for 11th
I really thought these guys had a neat show. It's played really well, and it was
thought out well from a design perspective. I really loved the "fight" with the brass
sections, and the choreography with the shields. Really neat idea. I also enjoyed the
tenor "freeze frame" shot. Colts, I believe, have fought their way into finals for
sure this year with this show. I enjoyed it a lot.
My Ranking: 2nd
Actual Ranking: 4th
WOW. Opening impact is soooo good, and sooooo LOUD. The show picks up right where
last year's left off, almost like you can merge the two together and they'll make
perfect sense. This show has a great effect on any crowd, and it's got some nice
visual moments. This show, right now, is my pick to win on finals night. Sure,
they're 4th now, but this show has the potential to win... and I'm not really sure
what's holding them back so far right now. Those 22 Bb Euphs really make their sound
orchestral and dark... and angry. The entire hornline blends well. If you get a
chance, check out how much the pit will get into this show. They're fun to watch.
The rap section is NOT corny, cheesy, whatever. Actually... it has REALLY BIG BALLS.
The corps sells the rap section ungodly well, it's a cool addition to the show.
Anyway, you know my thoughts. Short Ride in a Fast Machine, the opener, was sooo
nice. My pick to win on finals night.
My Ranking: 1st
Actual Ranking: 1st
Hornline is not your standard Cavies line... they sound fundamentally different...
they have a really interesting sound with a lot of depth and power. I'd like a
little more power out of the alto voices, but the others are right where they should
be, I think. The show has some really insane visuals, like every other cavies show,
and the show is basically a lot like last year's. I get the same feel as the 2000
program, I even hear some of the same rhythms and such in about the same places. I'm
not complaining, though, I mean... whatever works for them, and it certainly isn't
tiring or boring. The crowd went nuts for Cavies tonight, I was afraid I wasn't
going to hear the show because of all the cheering. Anyway, cool show, I think they
and BD will duke it out for the 2nd spot.
My Ranking: 3rd
Actual Ranking: 2nd
I never thought I'd rank Blue Devils 3rd, since they're my favorite corps, but
Vanguard and Cavies were the ones that really sold it to me on Saturday. Devils were
just as exhilarating as usual, very loud, very full. They had my favorite drumline
of the night (even though I'm a horn person, yes, I do like listening to some drum
solos.) This show has a cool, jazzy feel to it that feels similar to a lot of their
mid-80s programs. Wayne Downey wrote an impeccable program this year. When I heard
these songs in the spring, I was thinking, "Uh, how the heck do these go together?"
but they surprised me, the entire show is just like telling a story. It all fits
together. I love the entire thing, there were some lead sop problems, though, but
based on the sound, they were probably just tired... I make some of the same noises
when trying to scream and being tired, probably just a one time thing, my guess.
Devils have a great show, but I don't have it on the same level as Santa Clara this
year. I think they and Cavies will have a hard fight for the 2nd spot.
My Ranking: 4th
Actual Ranking: 3rd
Stupid show. I got tired of it after the first 30 seconds and went to go get some
ice cream.
My Ranking: 8th
Actual Ranking: 5th
Didn't like the show that much. It was really percussive, I mean, not centered
around the drums, but everything for about the first half seemed like it was bopped,
if you're familiar with the term. They had a great soprano/flugelhorn soloist,
however. Amazing solos. The show, I think, is designed to give a Star of Indiana
1993 type effect, it made me confused and angry at the same time just listening to
it. If this is what they're going for, then they've got it. The show doesn't get much
crowd response... the show is nothing but impacts for about 5 minutes. Just kinda
weird. I didn't get how they're up so high, maybe it's something to do with the stuff
I don't know about (drums and colorguard). Anyway, I thought Crossmen were clearly
above them, Bluecoats had them, and Phantom definitely had them. Strange.
America/O Canada was cool... I was standing directly in front of Bluecoats, with
Madison near them and Phantom near them. So I've got that Bluecoats rich hornline
sound, and it's real loud... and their sops, coupled with Madison's, could shove down
a brick wall... that, coupled with Phantom's low brass... could I really ask for
more? It's like... Super-Corps. I dug how Phantom's contras decided to make people
take notice and threw some dissonance into the end of the song. :)
SCV - WONDERFUL! Loved the show! New Era - very cool! Very classy even at the
awards when the DM's wore traditonal 70's Vanguard Unis
BD - Flashy, CLEAN, jazzy
Cavies - WOW - DRILL!
Crossmen - great show, great soloist, really fun
Boston - well, they were Boston - I liked the show and am looking forward to seeing
them at finals
Glassmen - great soloist, neat show - like them much more than in the past
Phantom - Dark, orchestral sound, great show - one of my fav's but I love Festive!
Coats - Smooth, sophisticated, really in a neat latin groove! Love the tango!
Madison - LOUD! Vintage Madison jazzy show, flashy soloists and a great closer!
Blue Knights - Fun show, quite a departure for them, was hoping for a tie so I would
get to see them again in the night show along with the...
Colts - I really like this corps - have seen them 4 times and the show just gets
better and better
Crown - With some of the bad press this corps has been getting I was more than
pleasantly surprised. Neat show concept and they are marching it quite well.
Not to worry Crown fans - they will be in finals!
Spirit - WOW - they have really improved - too bad there isn't 15 spots in finals
because make it or not they deserve to be there
The others I have reviewed previously and are improving, and putting on great shows.
I will cheer for all but GO
SCV!!! CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Great concept, good drumline, hard guard work (maybe most difficult of
the night). The only negative is an average hornline. They do not seem to be
able to make the impact points. Maybe in a couple of weeks.
Good show, great hornline sound. The members seemed very detached from the
show, almost like they had not "bought" into it. A corps on the threshold of
becoming great.
Interesting show. These members have the most heart of anyone. It would
not be impossible to change their style. They seem to be locked into something
they can't seem to make work as well as they want. If you could put these guys
in Southwind's show, well....
Were havin' fun now! Great idea for this guys! Wonderful hornline! Great
drumline. Just clean, clean, clean. They could make finals, but they will
probably just run out of season.
Sorry, did not see them.
Change the concept. These guys are trying so hard to make this work. It
must be hard to have that Troopers shadow hanging over your head. Let the staff
be creative and let the members stretch. Think of the possibilities. This
could be a great corps. Let the past go. Both Cadets and cavies have come to
terms with their past. No is your time.
Loved the show, Great guard uniforms. Do not know why they didn't make
finals. I got no answers for that one.
Lots of fun, great hornline and drumline. Three contras went down in the
afternoon and a baritone in the evening show. The drill does not look THAT
hard. Glad to see them getting some credit and scoring well.
Nice clean show, good ideas. Drum break seems to be the hilite of the
show. I though BK beat them.
What can I say. I am not a big madison fan, but you can't help but respect
these guys. Just blow your face off fun. Nevermind the weak guard, drumline.
Easily the crowd favorite, sorta like Bridgmen and VK of past. Hopefully, they
won't end up like them. Keep going Madison, you made a believer out of me.
Great music. Some visual idea were not complete. There was a major rip n
Festive. Keep working, it will get there.
Loved the djembe drum and the polyrhthyms. Seemed to be a lot of
repitition in the drill book.
Another bright spot during the evening. Keep on screamin', we are with
you.Please don't change your style. We need you on this end of the fun
spectrum.
My alma mater. They just beat you over the head with brute force. Drill,
drums, guard work. Their motto should be "harder, faster, louder. Not much of
a question that they would win. It's gonna be scary what they look like in two
weeks. I don't think anyone can catch them.
Cool ideas. Strong visual book. Drumline seems to be weak. I liked these
guys alot.
Very, very clean. Almost too clean. Where do you go from here? Great
drumline, hornline. Someone mentioned a few weeks ago, doesn't it seem ironic
that the visual team from Star went to BD. They do not seem to take advantage
it.
Unlike like others, I liked the show. Opener was great, Monndance was
rockin'. Outstanding drumline and hornline. Probably the best brass sound all
night. I really don't know what their weakness is, why they are not scoring
higher. Their may seem to be an idea that their show is somewhat musically
immature. I don't buy it. It's a great show, keep cleanin'.
Good show, but they seemed to be somewhat detached. Not really invested in
the show. Great drumline. They need more memorable moments. They should be
able to stay ahead of Crossmen, but I wouldn't bet the house.
Great place to have a show. Although they should hand out aspirin with the
tickets. It's sorta like lighting a firecracker inside a trash can. After a
few corps, it didn't seem to matter until you got in your car to drive home.
My ears are still ringing. Oh well, it's for a good cause.
Made my way down leisurely from New Hampshire, no real traffic issues
other than getting on the Pike, cruise control most of the way. I like
that about New England.
"Practice, practice."
To all the different corps members; practice is what you do at home.
That is what you bring to rehearsal.
I think this is so important, especially at the senior level. The
players that woodshed will perform and have more fun.
Go to Page 9 of Reviews!
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