One of the most surprising turn of events this season is that all the corps are fairly good - you can see this in the number of Open Class Corps who have made it into Semi- Finals today - even beating some well established World Class programs.
Spartans - Native American themed - Man they have come such a long way - I guess even Native Americans like a little down and dirty trombone - jazz ;-) - Wow really nice show - impressive # 25 - and I remember when they were really just fledgling - and look at them now - they just need some more numbers - great show! Score: 71.475
Genesis - I keep getting them and Legends confused - even though I know they are quite different - I have to remember that Genesis has short sleeved uniforms! I think this show is called Hell Hath No Furry - - coming in at #24 - really like the vocals that go with the show - really pushes the narrative - I see it now - kind of World Class design - but not quite World Class performance yet - Soloist is very good - and she has to control focus the whole show and does a great job! Color costume and use is wonderful - ant eh tableaus created are really nice - i really like there ballad song - Nice neck slice by snares - Not likely to go further - or much further - but what a great run they have had this season - I have enjoyed them every time I have watched and loved watching the growth! Best wishes for next season Genesis - you have found a new fan! Score 73.75
Legends - Another corps that has grown significantly this season - I think this show is about or called The Grid - I don't care for this show as much as I do Genesis - but I think this is just personal tasted rather than a good/bad thing - Legends has also had an amazing year coming in at #23 - must be electronic delays - LOL - has to be so unnerving for the students - The mixture of electronic to live music is nice - I missed the opening yesterday - I understand why they are where they are - nice opening statement - This is a World Class show too - but I think this group performs at a slightly higher level - Nice soloist at end of ballad - Really nice drum solo - I like the last silk too - great colors - and the cool green lights !!!! No shit legends that was a really good show - I think may have been better than yesterday! Best of luck next season - I hope the corps continues to grow - nothing slouchy about this group!!! Score: 73.150
Seattle Cascades come into today at # 22 - They had a great show yesterday - let's see what they can do today - The show is called "O" - Love the purple and orange costumes - Nice sound too - Love these blue swing flags - so pretty - What an amazing season you have had - I saw this very early on - and the changes - improvement and confidence is amazing - ended up being one of my favorite shows - I really hope the Cascades continue to grow and mature as a corps - they for sure - should not be over looked for the future! Great job!!!! Score: 75.15
Coming in at #21 - Spirit of Atlanta - now it may seem like less of a season - but I think in the long run the decisions that were made were smart ones for the corps in the long run ... This show is all about Georgia :-)Noting to be ashamed of this season - a great show - lot's of fun - and it just kept getting better - One of my long time favorite corps - I wish this corps so much luck for the coming seasons - having had a student march in this corps makes it extra special for me. I know she missed everyone terribly this season. She will be happy to know that your last show was the best!
Score: 76.675
Vanguard Cadets entering in the #20 spot - This group finished 2nd in Open Class this year after winning last year. The One is the title of the show - They all have as a part of their costume a tattoo sleeve - pretty cool - Visual Proficiency does not seem to be a trademark of this corps - but what they lack there - they make use for in many other places. The piano section and build in the ballad were wonderful and the blow section of the ballad is Santa Clara - that magical - goose bumps sound! Drum Solo was really good - I do think this show today was better than yesterday - but well done Vanguard Cadets - great show!!! Score: 78.00
Pacific Crest in at #19 - The Union - and of course technical difficulties causing a delay - good grief - I love the technical stuff - but these delays have to be brutal on everyone - No one is moving - and no salute yet - this is bad - here we go - Ok so I want one of those hammers for me to play with! I do like the sound this corps has - it seems to be their own and I love when you can identify a corps from its' sound! Goose bumps - Fix You - What a great season you have had - really amazing - great train noise by the horn line leading into Last Train home finale - the build to this moment - Awesome!! Goose Bump worthy!!! Wow - just so proud of your accomplishments this season - I wish the Crest continued success and just hope the corps continues to grow and mature - but outstanding show -Score: 78.875
Intermission
Oregon Crusaders - Time for a hunt - entering at #18 - I have to say that I appreciate the show more than I have all season - those really cool uniforms - really hurt them with visual proficiency - They do really well in music and even GE - If I don't watch the show but just listen it really is amazing - I think this was by far your best performance and cleanest - so congrats to all of you for ending the season so well - I know it had to be a bit frustrating at times - Best wishes for a good year next year next year and that the corps continues to grow as it seems to be doing already!! Score: 79.725
Mandarins coming in at # 17 - another show that has experienced phenomenal growth over the season!!! I still feel bad for the girl in white running all ver the field - I know she tells the story - but yikes - Her costume is really cool for sure - This color guard has really matured too! Poor thing got her pants tangled in her legs - but her friends came to her rescue - This corps once was mostly if not all Asian Americans - what is so great to see is in the close-ups at the end to see the variety cultures in the corps - Did not know they scored a really high Congrats to the corps - that goes so far beyond any achievement - I know - what it feels like your scores to achieve places they had never ever been - breaking that 80 barrier is just thrilling! Good for the Mandarins - so hopefully only more good things to come your way!!!! Score: 81.2
The Colts and their Nachtmusik - any other year would be in finals - such a great show! Gosh I am getting joked up just at the pre show - Silent Night - so beautiful - like the show Looks like the rifles were actually sickles - very cool - Can't imagine how that is performing that show and knowing that it is the last time - Colts just a beautiful show - one of my very favorites of the season. A friend said in the theater last night that the audience burst into applause when you were finished - I think that says something - because she also told me that this did not happen with every corps. You must have been a crowd favorite last night - just sorry I missed it! Best of Luck with next season!!! Oh and they entered in #16 Score: 81.513
Blue Devils B enter in #15 - pretty gosh darn good for the Open Class Champion - To the Moon - Cool moon drum heads - Well - it was clear that I did not have a chance to look at that show - I understand now why they are the Open Champions and why they are also in 15th - It was like watching a slightly easier version of the World Class corps. These guys are no slouches. Will they be able to jump even higher? Nice show!! Score: 82.325
Troopers - Heroes? - They are mine - what a great show concept - just a really meaningful show - and no matter the outcome - an amazing ride for those who performed and those who had the pleasure of watching this corps - Fix You - legendary - You knocked it out of the park again - I am sitting here just sobbing because this maybe the last time I see this show life again - It was more than a show - it was affirming in life and we need that in this day and age - Troopers you are to be commended on the work you've done with this show all season - truly - no matter where you finish - you clearly left a mark on your audiences this season - if this is the last - I only hope that you come back with some equally as moving and well done - BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!!! They entered the day at #14
Score: 83.275
Boston Crusaders coming in at #13 with Quixotic - The amount of out-of -step on the push at the end was crazy!!!! They put out a nice sound - but hello - OOS at Semis? Whew - Tough year for the Crusaders - I hate when kids have a tough year like this - But the Bean Town Crew will not give up and will be back bigger and better - Let's hope the design team has a better idea next year than they have the past 2 - they need a jolt of RED. Congrats - you shook the curse of #13 to make finals!
Score: 85.525
Madison Scouts entering in that coveted #12 spot - Judas is their show - Man do they get Judas out of his red pants quick !!! less than 8 cts. i would guess - The ending flag work with the red and white flags - is really pretty and really well done - I'm not a judge - but I would guess they will stay in 12th with that show - not sure how it was compared to last night - but I don't think Boston beat them. I guess I was wrong - Boston made it - but the difference was .262 Score: 85.263
The Academy - coming in at the #11 spot - Here is hoping that the Drumcorpse Bride rises from the dead - Off to a good start - Now that was classy - he blew a bit of a kiss to the camera - They said they were on their feet before the last chord - this show has blossomed in a really big way - It is nice to know that they are quite likely to make finals for the first time in the corps history - and who knows where they could place by the very end of the season - it ain't over until the last corps performs and the last score is placed - .425 separates the Academy from the Crossmen
Score: 87.225
Crossmen - Continuum - Just another really great show - I hope that they have little difficulty with their technology as they seem to do quite often. Some of these corps are just so close and so good - there opening was amazing tonight - near flawless and this color guard is second to none - really - I can hardly wait to see full recaps to see how they really did - Crossmen entered in the #10th spot Score: 87.65
Intermission
The Blue Stars - Le Reve" - coming in at #9 - I believe that what they play and what they do is quite good - I think the show probably plays better live than on live stream because of the sound effects - I think we are missing on Live Stream - That is a really hard working color guard for sure !!! Score: 89.47
Entering the show in the #8 spot is Phantom Regiment - a really beautiful show musically with lots of electronics this year - but this show just doesn't have quite what some of the others have - not a bad show by any stretch - in fact some very beautiful moments - but just not enough this year. I'm going Home has to be one of the most beautiful ballads and trumpet soloists I've heard this season.
Score: 89.76
The #7 spot goes to that Rocky Mountain High group from Denver - the Blue Knights - a friend suggested that this show looks like someone is taking advantage of the Weed laws in that state. I laughed because I thought that more about last year than this year. This show just reminds me of an older space show they did - only this one is way better - The Great Event - This show has really grown since the first time I saw it - and it took a long time to understand it - but now - it is really amazing - though for those that need an easily grasped concept - this probably isn't the show for them. They play and move amazingly - If the opening represents the Big Bang - it makes a lot of sense - I have to say that I enjoyed last year's show more - but I really think this years' corps is better and stronger - but hard to appreciate that when you are watching something so unusual.
Score: 91.625
The #6 Spot goes to the No Propaganda Corps - The Cavaliers - This show has just been going and going and going - here is to hoping for a good run tonight - I don't know where those boys get the from - but I do know that it probably helps that they really believe in what they are performing and doing - They are completely into this show and communicate that so well to the audience - Here is to hoping a jump to 5th - an jumping to 5th they did! Now they have to maintain it. The show is nothing but not stop general effect and message. I think they play pretty well too, but that is not my area of expertise. Congrats for finally jumping to the top 5 Score: 93.775
Entering in #5 spot - The Cadets - If you have followed me this season I have not been a fan as I often am a fan. In fact I have the T-shirts to back that up. I know they have made unbelievable changes and it has - pretty much helped. They play there butts off and their feet aren't too shabby either - I guess it comes down to personal preference - and this one just really isn't mine - but that takes nothing away from the kids who have really come along way this season. Much has been required of them and they have returned it. The opening is really amazing as was the opening from last year's show - Well - we just won't know - I am glad I am a dummy and not a judge - because from 6th up it is going to be difficult to pick - Score: 92.225
Santa Clara Vanguard coming in at the #4 Spot - My soul is in this show - I love the music and the whole Zen of the earth - it is just one of the classiest shows this season - not a lot of wild stuff - pretty simple and straight forward - And it never stops - their designer is truly amazing - there is like never a transition - it just keeps moving from picture to picture to moment to moment - It was beautiful
This corps has kind of their on island. The show is stunning visually and they play the "be-jesus" out of it. The show is a feast for the eyes - no question. Will become a trademark show for SCV - I think they deserve a special award - when I come up with the name for it - I'll let you know. Best wishes tonight SCV Score: 94.888
Now things really get intense - in the #3 spot - what I would have called the dark horse of the year - Crown and their Relentless/ Redemption which they had actually been planning since the Spring - glad they finally unveiled it - Still don't like that a stage coach moves backwards - but I know why they need to do it. These guys have it all though - and they are right in it to win it. Love Roxanne! Whew - I loved last year's show so much - but I gotta tell you that this music this year is every bit as good - I could just listen to them play - the visual is great - but their playing is so brilliant that you/I don't need to see a thing - just sit and listen. Score: 96.925
#2 Spot goes to the Blue Devils - As Dreams are Made On - GO TANNER!!!!!!! Again - how do you make these determinations? There is not one shabby corps in the top 3 - well really not in DCI - but this top tier is amazing to say the least - ballad is so beautiful - Finale amazing and the trombones in the opening - good lord! And color guard? Geez !!!!!!! Score: 96.988
#1 spot The Blue Coats - Down Side Up and could this finally be their year? Man they have a raft of extras on the side line just for the color guard!!!! Holy Shit they just keep getting better and better - and not sure I thought that was possible - Tonight was the most on and cleanest I've seen it to date - It just takes this activity to a place it has never gone - and it is done with skill and style - Unbelievable for sure Score: 97.263
I have to be honest and say that there is really a battle at the top tonight - It - to me is not a given the order of the top 3 - and there better not be a tie. I believe the real battle could be 2nd and 3rd, which would be ironic after last year. I also think the battle for 5th and 6th will be interesting. As I stated - it would not surprise me if The Academy gives a "pulled out of your butt" show that they could not leap the Crossmen. That middle group could get a bit hairy but I believe that the Blue Knights have finally distanced themselves far enough away to keep that battle at bay- but could they challenge for the 6th spot. Cadets need a show of a life time to prevent that. It is going to be a monumentally exciting finish -
Bridgemen - final performance - so sad to see them finally go as a corps - but they will still be around as small ensembles - They have a larger number tonight than at Allentown- They are going out with a bang! I'll tell you those guard girls were more limber in the 70's LOL - LOL - They have been practicing this week that is for sure! I don't recall the Bridgemen using sabers in the 70's :-) Nice groove going in the drum line - Lots of classic Bridgemen moves - and they all fell down - and out comes a Crossmen member - wonder if his dad marches with Bridgemen? In the Stone - is like their theme song - The place is rocking! Look at them crying - heck I have tears - I remember when they knocked the drum corps world on its' stuffy ear - and turned drum corps into entertainment !!!
So funny that so many of the Showcase winners came from the Madison Scouts - who did not make finals?? Irony? I think so - Probably close to a 3rd of the Scouts were on the field for individual awards.
Seriously - Best Wishes to ALL the corps to have the show of their lives tonight - there is no tomorrow so leave it out there so you have no regrets Sunday morning.
Spartans - Native American themed - Man they have come such a long way - I guess even Native Americans like a little down and dirty trombone - jazz ;-) - Wow really nice show - impressive # 25 - and I remember when they were really just fledgling - and look at them now - they just need some more numbers - great show! Score: 71.475
Genesis - I keep getting them and Legends confused - even though I know they are quite different - I have to remember that Genesis has short sleeved uniforms! I think this show is called Hell Hath No Furry - - coming in at #24 - really like the vocals that go with the show - really pushes the narrative - I see it now - kind of World Class design - but not quite World Class performance yet - Soloist is very good - and she has to control focus the whole show and does a great job! Color costume and use is wonderful - ant eh tableaus created are really nice - i really like there ballad song - Nice neck slice by snares - Not likely to go further - or much further - but what a great run they have had this season - I have enjoyed them every time I have watched and loved watching the growth! Best wishes for next season Genesis - you have found a new fan! Score 73.75
Legends - Another corps that has grown significantly this season - I think this show is about or called The Grid - I don't care for this show as much as I do Genesis - but I think this is just personal tasted rather than a good/bad thing - Legends has also had an amazing year coming in at #23 - must be electronic delays - LOL - has to be so unnerving for the students - The mixture of electronic to live music is nice - I missed the opening yesterday - I understand why they are where they are - nice opening statement - This is a World Class show too - but I think this group performs at a slightly higher level - Nice soloist at end of ballad - Really nice drum solo - I like the last silk too - great colors - and the cool green lights !!!! No shit legends that was a really good show - I think may have been better than yesterday! Best of luck next season - I hope the corps continues to grow - nothing slouchy about this group!!! Score: 73.150
Seattle Cascades come into today at # 22 - They had a great show yesterday - let's see what they can do today - The show is called "O" - Love the purple and orange costumes - Nice sound too - Love these blue swing flags - so pretty - What an amazing season you have had - I saw this very early on - and the changes - improvement and confidence is amazing - ended up being one of my favorite shows - I really hope the Cascades continue to grow and mature as a corps - they for sure - should not be over looked for the future! Great job!!!! Score: 75.15
Coming in at #21 - Spirit of Atlanta - now it may seem like less of a season - but I think in the long run the decisions that were made were smart ones for the corps in the long run ... This show is all about Georgia :-)Noting to be ashamed of this season - a great show - lot's of fun - and it just kept getting better - One of my long time favorite corps - I wish this corps so much luck for the coming seasons - having had a student march in this corps makes it extra special for me. I know she missed everyone terribly this season. She will be happy to know that your last show was the best!
Score: 76.675
Vanguard Cadets entering in the #20 spot - This group finished 2nd in Open Class this year after winning last year. The One is the title of the show - They all have as a part of their costume a tattoo sleeve - pretty cool - Visual Proficiency does not seem to be a trademark of this corps - but what they lack there - they make use for in many other places. The piano section and build in the ballad were wonderful and the blow section of the ballad is Santa Clara - that magical - goose bumps sound! Drum Solo was really good - I do think this show today was better than yesterday - but well done Vanguard Cadets - great show!!! Score: 78.00
Pacific Crest in at #19 - The Union - and of course technical difficulties causing a delay - good grief - I love the technical stuff - but these delays have to be brutal on everyone - No one is moving - and no salute yet - this is bad - here we go - Ok so I want one of those hammers for me to play with! I do like the sound this corps has - it seems to be their own and I love when you can identify a corps from its' sound! Goose bumps - Fix You - What a great season you have had - really amazing - great train noise by the horn line leading into Last Train home finale - the build to this moment - Awesome!! Goose Bump worthy!!! Wow - just so proud of your accomplishments this season - I wish the Crest continued success and just hope the corps continues to grow and mature - but outstanding show -Score: 78.875
Intermission
Oregon Crusaders - Time for a hunt - entering at #18 - I have to say that I appreciate the show more than I have all season - those really cool uniforms - really hurt them with visual proficiency - They do really well in music and even GE - If I don't watch the show but just listen it really is amazing - I think this was by far your best performance and cleanest - so congrats to all of you for ending the season so well - I know it had to be a bit frustrating at times - Best wishes for a good year next year next year and that the corps continues to grow as it seems to be doing already!! Score: 79.725
Mandarins coming in at # 17 - another show that has experienced phenomenal growth over the season!!! I still feel bad for the girl in white running all ver the field - I know she tells the story - but yikes - Her costume is really cool for sure - This color guard has really matured too! Poor thing got her pants tangled in her legs - but her friends came to her rescue - This corps once was mostly if not all Asian Americans - what is so great to see is in the close-ups at the end to see the variety cultures in the corps - Did not know they scored a really high Congrats to the corps - that goes so far beyond any achievement - I know - what it feels like your scores to achieve places they had never ever been - breaking that 80 barrier is just thrilling! Good for the Mandarins - so hopefully only more good things to come your way!!!! Score: 81.2
The Colts and their Nachtmusik - any other year would be in finals - such a great show! Gosh I am getting joked up just at the pre show - Silent Night - so beautiful - like the show Looks like the rifles were actually sickles - very cool - Can't imagine how that is performing that show and knowing that it is the last time - Colts just a beautiful show - one of my very favorites of the season. A friend said in the theater last night that the audience burst into applause when you were finished - I think that says something - because she also told me that this did not happen with every corps. You must have been a crowd favorite last night - just sorry I missed it! Best of Luck with next season!!! Oh and they entered in #16 Score: 81.513
Blue Devils B enter in #15 - pretty gosh darn good for the Open Class Champion - To the Moon - Cool moon drum heads - Well - it was clear that I did not have a chance to look at that show - I understand now why they are the Open Champions and why they are also in 15th - It was like watching a slightly easier version of the World Class corps. These guys are no slouches. Will they be able to jump even higher? Nice show!! Score: 82.325
Troopers - Heroes? - They are mine - what a great show concept - just a really meaningful show - and no matter the outcome - an amazing ride for those who performed and those who had the pleasure of watching this corps - Fix You - legendary - You knocked it out of the park again - I am sitting here just sobbing because this maybe the last time I see this show life again - It was more than a show - it was affirming in life and we need that in this day and age - Troopers you are to be commended on the work you've done with this show all season - truly - no matter where you finish - you clearly left a mark on your audiences this season - if this is the last - I only hope that you come back with some equally as moving and well done - BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!!! They entered the day at #14
Score: 83.275
Boston Crusaders coming in at #13 with Quixotic - The amount of out-of -step on the push at the end was crazy!!!! They put out a nice sound - but hello - OOS at Semis? Whew - Tough year for the Crusaders - I hate when kids have a tough year like this - But the Bean Town Crew will not give up and will be back bigger and better - Let's hope the design team has a better idea next year than they have the past 2 - they need a jolt of RED. Congrats - you shook the curse of #13 to make finals!
Score: 85.525
Madison Scouts entering in that coveted #12 spot - Judas is their show - Man do they get Judas out of his red pants quick !!! less than 8 cts. i would guess - The ending flag work with the red and white flags - is really pretty and really well done - I'm not a judge - but I would guess they will stay in 12th with that show - not sure how it was compared to last night - but I don't think Boston beat them. I guess I was wrong - Boston made it - but the difference was .262 Score: 85.263
The Academy - coming in at the #11 spot - Here is hoping that the Drumcorpse Bride rises from the dead - Off to a good start - Now that was classy - he blew a bit of a kiss to the camera - They said they were on their feet before the last chord - this show has blossomed in a really big way - It is nice to know that they are quite likely to make finals for the first time in the corps history - and who knows where they could place by the very end of the season - it ain't over until the last corps performs and the last score is placed - .425 separates the Academy from the Crossmen
Score: 87.225
Crossmen - Continuum - Just another really great show - I hope that they have little difficulty with their technology as they seem to do quite often. Some of these corps are just so close and so good - there opening was amazing tonight - near flawless and this color guard is second to none - really - I can hardly wait to see full recaps to see how they really did - Crossmen entered in the #10th spot Score: 87.65
Intermission
The Blue Stars - Le Reve" - coming in at #9 - I believe that what they play and what they do is quite good - I think the show probably plays better live than on live stream because of the sound effects - I think we are missing on Live Stream - That is a really hard working color guard for sure !!! Score: 89.47
Entering the show in the #8 spot is Phantom Regiment - a really beautiful show musically with lots of electronics this year - but this show just doesn't have quite what some of the others have - not a bad show by any stretch - in fact some very beautiful moments - but just not enough this year. I'm going Home has to be one of the most beautiful ballads and trumpet soloists I've heard this season.
Score: 89.76
The #7 spot goes to that Rocky Mountain High group from Denver - the Blue Knights - a friend suggested that this show looks like someone is taking advantage of the Weed laws in that state. I laughed because I thought that more about last year than this year. This show just reminds me of an older space show they did - only this one is way better - The Great Event - This show has really grown since the first time I saw it - and it took a long time to understand it - but now - it is really amazing - though for those that need an easily grasped concept - this probably isn't the show for them. They play and move amazingly - If the opening represents the Big Bang - it makes a lot of sense - I have to say that I enjoyed last year's show more - but I really think this years' corps is better and stronger - but hard to appreciate that when you are watching something so unusual.
Score: 91.625
The #6 Spot goes to the No Propaganda Corps - The Cavaliers - This show has just been going and going and going - here is to hoping for a good run tonight - I don't know where those boys get the from - but I do know that it probably helps that they really believe in what they are performing and doing - They are completely into this show and communicate that so well to the audience - Here is to hoping a jump to 5th - an jumping to 5th they did! Now they have to maintain it. The show is nothing but not stop general effect and message. I think they play pretty well too, but that is not my area of expertise. Congrats for finally jumping to the top 5 Score: 93.775
Entering in #5 spot - The Cadets - If you have followed me this season I have not been a fan as I often am a fan. In fact I have the T-shirts to back that up. I know they have made unbelievable changes and it has - pretty much helped. They play there butts off and their feet aren't too shabby either - I guess it comes down to personal preference - and this one just really isn't mine - but that takes nothing away from the kids who have really come along way this season. Much has been required of them and they have returned it. The opening is really amazing as was the opening from last year's show - Well - we just won't know - I am glad I am a dummy and not a judge - because from 6th up it is going to be difficult to pick - Score: 92.225
Santa Clara Vanguard coming in at the #4 Spot - My soul is in this show - I love the music and the whole Zen of the earth - it is just one of the classiest shows this season - not a lot of wild stuff - pretty simple and straight forward - And it never stops - their designer is truly amazing - there is like never a transition - it just keeps moving from picture to picture to moment to moment - It was beautiful
This corps has kind of their on island. The show is stunning visually and they play the "be-jesus" out of it. The show is a feast for the eyes - no question. Will become a trademark show for SCV - I think they deserve a special award - when I come up with the name for it - I'll let you know. Best wishes tonight SCV Score: 94.888
Now things really get intense - in the #3 spot - what I would have called the dark horse of the year - Crown and their Relentless/ Redemption which they had actually been planning since the Spring - glad they finally unveiled it - Still don't like that a stage coach moves backwards - but I know why they need to do it. These guys have it all though - and they are right in it to win it. Love Roxanne! Whew - I loved last year's show so much - but I gotta tell you that this music this year is every bit as good - I could just listen to them play - the visual is great - but their playing is so brilliant that you/I don't need to see a thing - just sit and listen. Score: 96.925
#2 Spot goes to the Blue Devils - As Dreams are Made On - GO TANNER!!!!!!! Again - how do you make these determinations? There is not one shabby corps in the top 3 - well really not in DCI - but this top tier is amazing to say the least - ballad is so beautiful - Finale amazing and the trombones in the opening - good lord! And color guard? Geez !!!!!!! Score: 96.988
#1 spot The Blue Coats - Down Side Up and could this finally be their year? Man they have a raft of extras on the side line just for the color guard!!!! Holy Shit they just keep getting better and better - and not sure I thought that was possible - Tonight was the most on and cleanest I've seen it to date - It just takes this activity to a place it has never gone - and it is done with skill and style - Unbelievable for sure Score: 97.263
I have to be honest and say that there is really a battle at the top tonight - It - to me is not a given the order of the top 3 - and there better not be a tie. I believe the real battle could be 2nd and 3rd, which would be ironic after last year. I also think the battle for 5th and 6th will be interesting. As I stated - it would not surprise me if The Academy gives a "pulled out of your butt" show that they could not leap the Crossmen. That middle group could get a bit hairy but I believe that the Blue Knights have finally distanced themselves far enough away to keep that battle at bay- but could they challenge for the 6th spot. Cadets need a show of a life time to prevent that. It is going to be a monumentally exciting finish -
Bridgemen - final performance - so sad to see them finally go as a corps - but they will still be around as small ensembles - They have a larger number tonight than at Allentown- They are going out with a bang! I'll tell you those guard girls were more limber in the 70's LOL - LOL - They have been practicing this week that is for sure! I don't recall the Bridgemen using sabers in the 70's :-) Nice groove going in the drum line - Lots of classic Bridgemen moves - and they all fell down - and out comes a Crossmen member - wonder if his dad marches with Bridgemen? In the Stone - is like their theme song - The place is rocking! Look at them crying - heck I have tears - I remember when they knocked the drum corps world on its' stuffy ear - and turned drum corps into entertainment !!!
So funny that so many of the Showcase winners came from the Madison Scouts - who did not make finals?? Irony? I think so - Probably close to a 3rd of the Scouts were on the field for individual awards.
Seriously - Best Wishes to ALL the corps to have the show of their lives tonight - there is no tomorrow so leave it out there so you have no regrets Sunday morning.
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