August 5, 2016 - Allentown -Eastern Regionals

I have been attending this show for oh so many years.  Since my disability, the hike up the hill and bleacher sitting is just not all that great for me, so for the second year in a row, I will be watching the Live Stream.  I watched last year because Angie was marching Spirit - I am watching this year because last year I discovered my undying love for this activity.  It helps too, that my friend Kim, her son Tanner, is a Blue Devil.  Kim was also a Blue Devil and a Crossmen when she marched.  She has a daughter in Surf's color guard, so she has been busy this season.  This was as close as I could get to finals for many years.  I attended finals in 1974, 1976, 2000, 2001, and 2003.  I'd like to point out that there is a lot of "Blue" at the end of the show tonight

Pioneer  -  St. Joan of Arc -  I will say that the show story itself makes much more sense now than it did - but so many errors in things that should not be by this time in the season - unless drill was re-written again - simple body positions are being missed - I read that this group works really hard to all give the students an education - they take them to sites when they travel - that's awesome - but truthfully at what point does that idea not work and they lose people and Pioneer is no more.  And next year - please get shakos to make you look more visual - The very end was really good and sensible - I actually had goose bumps -  As someone who loves this activity - and hates to see groups disappear - I would be a little concerned about all of that - I hope not - Pioneer has been around a long time :-)

Score:  66.425     Place :  10th

Pioneer exited stage right - I wonder how they got out - since there is normally only one way in and out - they may or must have gone through the main gate - maybe they have more than one gate open for ticket sales and taking so the crowd is not as big - I hope they give an attendance record.  

Seattle Cascades - "O"   -  opening horn line drill before first hit is nice!  it is watching a corps like this that you really want to see a full recap to see what is holding them back really like the swing flags on the bent poles - nice effect - The soloist at the end in the circle needs something in her hand - even if it is just fabric - She gets really lost from the height - and the fabric would really be helpful -  They have steadily gotten better and better - I can answer my own question - their proficiency in movement does not appear to be all that wonderful - that's the entire corps - 

Score:  72.55        Place:  9th

Now the Cascades went out the entrance - very strange indeed 

Spirit of Atlanta - Georgia -   I think the color palette in this show is wonderful - I feel like they really captured that "Georgia" feeling.  Liked the cymbal thing with Georgia in the beginning - cute - Nice pink flag toss in the square!  Can't Help Falling dance looks wonderful!  This is such a pretty moment in their show for sure Scream section was good tonight too - I get the move into the circle but really that is quite a mess - This has really grown into a fun show to watch - Everyone on the field is really starting to demonstrate the appropriate character necessary for the show.  Kudos - I hope they have a strong finish - which gets them ahead of the game for next year - it would be nice to see Spirit back in the hunt - challenging others for higher placement

Score:  75.25    Place:  8th

Colts - NachtMusik   - still some problems with individuals sticking out of forms - some messy color guard moments - and some really really nice moments - Silent Night and Nights in White Satin were both really nice tonight.  The boxes and fabric really looked like a snow flake tonight - I suspect those boxes were going to do something else and it didn't really work - but it was quite nice the way the snowflake came together -  A nice show by the Colts!

Score:  79.9       Place:  7th

Bummed that the Colts did not break an 80 tonight - soooooooooooo close! 

Troopers - Heroes -   Man that was one helluva show tonight - I goose bumps all the way through Fix You -  They played with such energy and enthusiasm tonight - I have never seen them perform like this - it wasn't perfect - but it was really really impressive tonight - I hope that they are rewarded for what they did tonight and how much they have accomplished!!

Score:  81.25      Place:  6th

By the way I am tickled that the Troopers broke and 80 tonight - well deserved for sure 

Intermission

  

Madison Scouts   Judas -  Just getting dark now so things that sparkle will - Nice big rifle toss - my problem with this show is that it looks like what they did years ago except they added scaffolding and jazzed up the arrangements - and no doubt had they done this show years ago - it would have been a winner - but it does not have what many of the others have.  It is a shame because it is not a bad show by any means- The build into the 40 lashes was really good very slick using the corps to move Judas across the field - Again - some nice changes - Must have been good and loud because they are on their feet - LOL when you know it was loud - the boys can play!!!  

Score :  84.15      Place:  5th

The Academy - A Drum Corpse Bride -nice visual with he vocal - Circle at beginning of Unchained Melody looks really good The tombstone tilt was great - Man this show is even better than it was a week ago - in fact it was amazing tonight - Love the changes and the couple giggles - This is a very clever staff - and they really know how to create moments -  Go get em' Academy!!!!

Score:  85.55         Place:  4th

Blue Knights The Great Event - Two horn players did aerial walk overs in unison after they played - The key was - I will play the Moonlight Sonata backwards - first time I heard that all season long!  Damn that was quite a show tonight - by far the best ever - It was an amazing show in fact - It looks like they really found their stride.  

Score:  88.653        Place:  3rd

Blue Devils   As Dreams Are Made On - The blue fabric is back in the center after a brief hiatus - I just heard the "Get it Tanner!"  LOL - LOL I just hear Kim yell!!!  Tanner has a big fan club tonight - love the trombones that sound is amazing - Rifle feature was amazing!!  There were some problems with the flag/prop thing at the end tonight - this ballad is so pretty - that horn sound is awesome - What can you say after a show like that?  Man!!!  A class act for sure!  Personally not convinced the "ocean" in the beginning is worth it - but I'm not a judge - Hopefully it is really working for them. 

Score:  94.275       Place:  2nd

Bluecoats  Down Side Up - You know - I am just not sure - I don't think it was quite like I've seen it but  of course it was anything but horrible - I think it is clearly the most creative show of the season and they certainly have pushed the envelope of drum corps.  Some years I don't like a lot of the music and other years I like a lot of it - this would be one of those - I like a lot of it years - 

Score:  94.625          Place :  1st

Cadets 2 are the exhibition - For those who may not know - Cadets 2 is a Senior Drum and Bugle Corps - I've never seen them - but I have heard they are good - Sounds like old Crossmen music - not a fan of the opening flag - maybe live it is a better color - They are now playing the Bluecoats main song The Heat of the Day - Wow to have to play this after the Bluecoats did - I also don't get the blue plumes on the hats - Both Sides Now?  Not sure how this all fits with circle music - Ending with - what else - First Circle - Why couldn't they get a Metheny ballad instead of Judy Collins?  Well that explains a lot of things - Rich Templin and George Hopkins are the directors and Kristy Templin is the Cadets Color Guard Caption Head.   Judging from the number of holes in the show - I am guessing that there were a number of members who could not make the show because of working.  All in all - it was a nice show and hey - any buddy that plays Pat Metheny is alright with me!!!

Once again - this activity takes a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen.  I just found myself tonight realizing that it will be over all too soon - which also means so is the summer -  Oh summer where did you go?  Best wishes to all the groups that competed tonight as they travel into Indy!