Daytona Beach, FL 7/12/2016

First Corps tonight is from Inverness, FL - Heat Wave - Sahara is the title of their show - and off we go!  Good opener - seems to be a fairly young and perhaps new as well.  A little Pat Metheny for their drum solo - one of my favorite songs and it fits their theme really well.  I noticed that the corps is wearing rainbow colored bows -no doubt because of Orlando - that is really nice.  A nice little corps that is off to a good start.    2nd place in Open class - 43.6

Second corps tonight is from Kalamazoo, MI - Legends - I feel like I have seen them before.  The Grid is their show and yes I have seen this before :=)
Wow - much improved!  Wow - loved the computer generated sounds - the use of the fabric to create grids and blocks and for staging - really some nice stuff so pleased to see the improvement - the show though - musically still lacks actual highs and lows - you can hear they are trying but there is not enough of a contrast yet to really go - WOW - but it's coming!!! Winning open class tonight with a score of 57.0

Third on tonight is Jersey Surf from Camden County, NJ - I really like these uni's - really pretty - Ebb & Flow - here we go - Pretty flags in the opening - don't remember them - I saw improvement - but there was still something that is missing - The show just seems to get long - it's a bummer because I really want to like them a lot and I just don't - at least not yet - I hope they keep plugging away and their staff can figure out that spark that is missing.   6th place tonight and a score of 60.2

Fourth on the field - from Atlanta, GA Spirit of Atlanta - I will miss not seeing Angie on the field this year, but I am excited to see their show as this is the first time for me to see them.  I like the props and the colors - very nice - The show is entitled - Georgia - cute show - good concept - great colors - I thought they would be further along than they are - a lot of individual errors and the color guard - at times did not look comfortable with the work - probably because they had just learned it or this was option B -  I will be anxious to see how they progress as this is only like their maybe 3rd or 4th show of the season.  5th Place tonight and a score of 66.4 (To me this seemed like a decent score for when they came out and the number of shows they have done).

There appear to be many empty seats - what a shame 

Fifth on the field tonight - from San Antonio, TX - The Crossmen - Continuum is the name of their show - They left me a little cold tonight - seemed to be missing the spark the Crossmen often have.  In other words, the show was ok - just not exceptional or the Crossmen I've grown to love.  I guess I did not see what the judges saw because they 3rd with a score of 74.1

Sixth on the field, from Boston, MA - The Boston Crusaders.  Quixotic  is their show - let's see what this looks like now.    I like the windmills - very cool - So I actually liked it better tonight - though the ending was really kind of flat - I liked them more tonight than I liked the Crossmen - But not one of Boston's better shows.  Like last year they have these big props that seem to get in the way of the corps movement and then the corps movement seems segmented - many corps the movement unfolds as the show progresses - their movement feels very forced and not very flowing or unfolding. 4th tonight and again behind the Crossmen with a score of 71.25 ( Note - I have been a Boston fan for many years - this is very sad for me to see happening to them.  I am not sure what the answer is, but it seems still a bit early to throw your hands up - I don't know but I feel like their score is going down and not up - or maybe it is not moving and everyone else is going up.  Come on Boston!!)

Seventh on the field from Allentown, PA and goodness knows where else they have been (starting, I guess, in Garfield, NJ) - The Cadets - I know their show is not called Stoned - but it could be really LOL - Statues Awakening is the title of the show.  Interesting that the guard is barefoot - I wish somebody would explain to me the significance of the more nude-ish unitards - I'd really like to understand what is going on.   It took me until Annapolis last year to realize that things were happening in 10's or groups of - Guard is way better tonight - Yay!! - Still not loving the ending - I think the corps is way better - first half of the show was really really good - from the nude unitard thing to the end - not so much - You know - like when you are watching something and you can't stop watching - but then suddenly you find yourself thinking of other things and feeling the show is never going to end.   But man - light years better than the last time I saw them - You Go Cadets!!! 2nd place tonight and breaking an 80 with a score of 80.50

Eighth on the field from Canton, OH - The Blue Coats - Show is is entitled Down Side Up - The Pat Metheny song they use is called "The Heat of the Day" from his Imaginary Day CD.  I really like this show a lot a lot - but after seeing the Blue Devils, I am just not sure that Coats are going to catch them.  Love the snare line and wow the way the corps moves wow ... Wow - awesome opening - Man this just looks like so much fun to perform - WOW!  It is just really fun to watch - it is exciting and different - and the choreography by the horn line - crazy! What I really like about the Coats is how comfortable everyone looks with their performance - They perform like they have been doing this for a along time - what gives you the chance to see that is the lack of hats - it is really nice to see the faces of the corps proper and not just the guard.  Winning tonight show with a score of 81.95 and turning the heat up on the crew from Concord.  


 As I have said - this activity is no longer for the faint of heart.  This is truly sport and art.  I am so impressed with the students and what they accomplish, it is truly mind blowing.  Kudos again to the students who give up their lives for this activity!  I know it is cliche' but there are no losers out there - because if you have made it out there - you are already a winner.

Oh nice Rocky Point diddy!  Nice little encore by the Cadets :-)

Man I love Drum Corps!

Drums Along the Rockies (Denver) July 9th 2016

Columbians, Golden Empire, Gold, Cascades, Oregon Crusaders, Troopers, Cavaliers, Vanguard, Devils, and BK

The show is starting late as it is supposed to be nearly a sell out and security is apparently very tight.
I have never seen the first 3 ever - first view of Crusaders and maybe Cascades.  Everyone else I have seen at least once.

Columbians -Pasco, WA - Open Class- Clash is  the title of the show - I think most of the Open Corps are a lot better than they used to be - Sure they are not like the World - but the shows are entertaining and pretty well done.  I am really excited to watch the Open Class Corps.  There music featured Hey Jude, Fire and Rain, and Let the Sunshine In.  It also featured a lot of brightly colored flags that appeared to be tie-dye like - and of course lots of peace signs.  Oh and they had a VW Bus. Can't get much more 60's than that!!!  A nice show from a very old corps that has been re-birthded.  I guess I was right about this corps - they won with a score of 57.10

Golden Empire - Bakersfield, CA - Open Class - Title of the show is - Music Matters - Sadly - I had major computer issues with buffering and blurry picture -  I guess that it was good my computer trouble happened during this show because they were 3rd with a 54.00

Gold - San Diego, CA (Oceanside) - Open Class - Title of the show is - Day of the Dead - Cool color guard uni's - Corps uni's pretty cool too - Nice opening - small group - but good sound - Color guard looks like many could be from the same place - their technique is very similar - they really are pretty good with release and catch technique - and some have catch faces :-).  Not a bad show - they have platforms on the field but didn't really use them - Finalist every year since 2012 - not too shabby as they are only a few years old.    in 2nd place 54.30

Cascades- Seattle, WA - World Class - Show is entitled O - Corps sounds half way good - color guard is really struggling - timing of things seems way off - Maybe lots of new work?  It is a shame because it is really mucking up the show.  I like the orange circles - also like the guard uni's as they are nice contrast - big blue flags on curved poles really nice - playing Orawa now?  An SCV favorite of mine! - The poor girl stuck in the circle through the end of the show - man she had to just keep doing the same things over and over - I like the show - gotta a little long in the middle - drum solo into finale picked up - Let's go guard - clean that up!!!  Cascades were 7th with a 63.45

Summit Wealth Group - I think they will help you prepare your will so you can leave the Blue Knights your money :-) Never heard that advertised at a competition before!!!!!

Oregon Crusaders - Portland, OR - World Class - Show is entitled - Hunted - The corps looks like trees - Nice voices in the beginning - They were very innovative last year - I thought - I liked the multi- colored flags - but they were zebra striped and the corps is wearing birch bark?  The color guard costumes are cool - but I don't get the connection - The corps was doing some cool and kind of funny hunting movement earlier - are we hunting people?  the girl with the whip?  The guy it looked like they killed and now he is alive - wait - The corps is playing that hunted song that Phantom Regiment played years ago - Yep still don't get it - the guy that was killed and then had a net thrown over him.  There percussion drum heads have forests on them.  And the whole girl and guy fight thing reminded me of a high school band show I saw on YouTube - but that was called Caged. I hope they work out their difficulties -   Crusaders were 6th with a 63.45

The intermission music was ... what?????? ....... Glad I walked the dog!  I listened to Blue Coats show - Mood Swings - from 2003 I think.   The field used to be Invesco Field - Now it is Sports Authority - they are bankrupt so will the name change yet again?  

Casper Troopers - Casper, WY - World Class - Heroes - Let's see what it looks like tonight!  Goose bump opening! Love - Fix You - just one big goose bump - ending form needs work! I get most of the show - not a fan of the Yellow Ribbon (the fabric not the concept) It does not look that great and it is a mess to get off the field.  I also don't get the entire Aids thing.  It feels like they don't know what they are trying to say in that number - The firemen part is really good and really clever with the ladders -  I hope they get their issues worked out :-)  I like them - I like the look and I like the concept.    Troopers were 5th with a 67.45

Cavalier - Rosemont, IL - World Class - Propaganda - LOVE this show -  Whew - I like the changes from the last time I saw it - but the ending did not seem quite as chaotic as I remember it.  Still the show has a lot to offer for our time - from the singing part to the end it is pretty intense.   Cavaliers were 3rd with a 76.00

Vanguard - Santa Clara, CA - World Class - What a cool opening - love the bird chirping too :-) Force of Nature is the show title - Oh man just love that opening - Guessing that was a weather - rain - storm - cool lightening bolt rifles - The tree and leaf thing so cool - Loved winter - What a beautiful show - I love the color guard equipment and how it works with the show.    Vanguard 2nd with a 77.25

Blue Devils - Concord, CA - World Class - Looking for Tanner  - As Dreams are Made On - That trombone thing is crazy good - how cool was the saber toss behind the back drops - WOW!!!!  WOW!!!!!!  Now I understand the score - I had tears in my eyes by the end of the ballad - They have more work to do - there were clear errors - but ..... they are a forced to be reckoned with this year!!!
The Devils won with an 80.80

Blue Knights - Denver, CO - World Class - The Main Event - So now there are more colors and more costumes and lots of color - I really thing not being able to clearly hear the audio makes understanding the show from home difficult - I have to say - they sure do sparkle - Loved watching the drum line during the encore - The audio didn't play at the end f their show - it did during the encore and the end of the show made sense :-)  Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - was fun, even the color guard had a choreographed dance.    BK finished 4th with a 71.55

Again - I can't say enough about the students that are in these groups.  Honestly they are all really entertaining and when you look at what they are doing - quite amazing - Kudos to all who competed tonight.  Onward and upward!

A quick post

There is another live stream this weekend - I believe it is Drums Along the Rockies - from Denver.  As I have a better understanding of BK's show after watching one of their run-through videos - I am excited to see if I appreciate it more in costume.  The big show is the 18th of July - it appears to be the first time all the "big guns" compete against each other.  I have to thank Angie for getting me back and excited about DCI again after so many years away.

So stay tuned for the wrap up from Saturday night's live stream!

The Drum Corps Change

While looking for pictures to post with the last article, I cam across the "before and after" pictures of students who marched drum corps. This sort of change does not happen to everyone or if it does it happens at varying degrees.  I think this post gives credence to the idea that Drum Corps is a sport!

The Summer

If you are reading this it is likely you have at the very least been in a marching band.  Competitive marching band is a lot of hard work and discipline to be truly competitive.  There is a debate on whether there is a value to competing vs more of a show band type organization. I grew up being competitive and will always be competitive.  That doesn't mean that the whole show band thing does not have its merits.  I think you have to do what is best for your program.  

I say all this because when you march drum corps it is very competitive, but the philosophy over the years has really changed from winning at any cost, to what kind of score can we get at this show.  There is much more education involved in competing in drum corps these days.  Blue Coats corps proper movement is incredible.  They all look like dancers, and to get a group of students from all over the country to move as one, is no easy task.  I remember I conversation I had with one of Phantom Regiment instructors on the way home from Denver (Jude).  He expressed his frustrations then with their inability to get the guard to move as one because of all the different backgrounds from which the students came.  Clearly this has been improved upon since the last time DCI was in Denver.  

Students make a decision to really give up there summer to gain something so much more, I believe.  I worked this past winter season with someone who marched Spirit of Atlanta last summer (Angie) and I can tell you that she was changed over the summer.  It is a difficult experience, it is anything but glamorous, despite the pictures and what you see.  It is true that some corps face financial difficulties while on tour, get thrown out of their housing, sleep on busses, practice all day long and perform at night, have 3 variations of a show they have to keep straight in their heads because they have 3 shows coming up and at each show a different variation will be used.  If you have never watched a drum corps - you should - because these are the students who are learning the valuable lessons we used to teach in school.  They learn responsibility, getting along with others, not getting their own way, and how to survive in a world that, at times, does not seem fair.  They learn how to create a family and a good working dynamic.  When I marched, none of these issues were important, you just marched.  

If you live near a drum corps consider donating time and or money to them.  They are a non-profit and so you can get a tax write off.  Most corps can always use money, or even donations of food.  Give them gift cards to purchase supplies.  

All drum corps work hard and no matter whether they are World Class. Open Class, or even the Senior Corps, they all work hard and deserve to be appreciated with you applause when you see them live or as I stated earlier, with special funding.  

East Coast Classic Chestnut Hill, MA

Tonight is my first night to see these corps as last night was my first night to see those corps - I am excited to see the shows tonight!

Show is Muchachos, Boston Crusaders Sr., 7th Regiment, Spartans, Jersey Surf, Crossmen, Boston Crusaders, Phantom Regiment, Cadets,  and the Blue Coats.

The Muchachos from Manchester, New Hampshire - Very small group of varying ages - 27 total members 

- It's just great to see them out there - Show titled Turning Up The Heat.  I think there first song was Tiger of San Pedro - Birdland was next.  The picture is an older one, but gives you the idea.  The next song was a Latin song.  The color guard did a great job dancing to Carlos Santana's Smooth.

Boston Crusaders Sr. Corps - 25 and Still Alive!  Promised to play some Crusader Classics!  Looks "Old School" as there seems to be no pit!  Conquest off the line and goose bumps followed

I was not familiar with with many of the titles of the songs, but by listening and watching old drum corps videos and albums, I recognized many of the songs.  Hava Nahghila was played much to everyone's delight.  The show ended with a nice rendition of Unchained Melody, still one of my very favorite finale songs!  It is really great to see history live on!

Time for the first Open Corps of the night 7th Regiment from New London, CT.   Wave Forms is the theme of their show - Nice opening statement!  Great color palette.  Some noticeable holes and hopefully they will get filled. I really liked the "bubble gum" looking flags - nice pop of color.  The students in the group look very young, but this did not diminish the effort at all.  They have a lot of cleaning to do in all departments, but seem to have a good concept in the making.  Transition into finale was rough, but it will be better and looking forward to seeing them again. Score tonight was 53.35 for 2nd place

Next corps on the field is the Spartans from Nashua, New Hampshire.  At this point the sound on the Live Stream is off. To be honest this broadcast cannot compare to last night's.  I think the theme is Totem - which explains the costumes and props.  I get the helmets - but they really hurt the over all look of the show.  Again a few holes in the corps.  This group has been around for a long time.  Each year they clearly get better and better.  The guard head gear is ... well ... awful - I don't think they need it.  Trombone feature was good (the player that is).  Not sure how this bluesy piece with the very sexual dancing fits into Totem?  The head gear mostly came off and it looks way better - like the way the girls have their hair oneway more than the feathers.   looks like we sacrificed a guard girl - yipes.  Overall I think the Spartans have a much better sound than ever.  This shows a lot of promise for the Spartans.  Score - 54.65 for 1st place 

The Jersey Surf will be performing next and are from Camden County, NJ.  I know of a lot of young people marching in this group so I hope they have a great show!  This is also the first World Class corps to perform - their show is Ebb & Flow with a lot of music from La Mer - Color guard in long cape type things in beautiful sea colors.  Very pretty opening - Yellow flags?  Guessing they will change.  Corps uniforms are very beautiful - Recognized a young man who marched at Avon Grove, WCU, and Main Line Independent.  Ballad reminds me of Lampeter Strasburg's winter guard show :-)  The corps shows a lot of maturity from last year as does their actual show.  I like it and hope they do well with it.  Of course like most everyone there is a lot of work to do, but this seems to be in their grasp!  Score 56.90 for 6th place

Intermission 

First after intermission are the Crossmen from San Antonio, TX.  The picture above is from last year. There show last year was one of my favorites of the season.  I am anxious to see this year.  My problem is when they have such a good year, often topping it the next is difficult. The show is entitled Continuum - and is all original music.  Interesting props and field cover.  The best thing this corps ever did was get out from under YEA and move to Texas.  No corps uniforms are good looking and the guard uni's are too.  I love that they still keep their sense of where they came from!  Pretty opening statement - Wow - I have to say that I think this is better than last year, but in a different way.  The show was engaging, the music was familiar at times and the colors beautiful.  The movement suggested movement along a continuum of sorts.  I am excited for them.  I seriously just sat and watched and didn't want it to end.  It was my "feel good about life show."  Score 66.35 for 4th place

Boston Crusaders are doing Quixotic - I see windmills - and of course they are from Boston, MA - though it was announced Hyde Park, but that does to have the cache' that Boston has.  I still remember in 2000 when they made the top five - so exciting!!  Well - I liked this show way better than last years, but once again I just didn't get the mixed messages - I felt like the corps was doing one show and the guard was doing another.  Was it supposed to be cartoonish?  Was there humor embedded?  It is really annoying when you are watching a show and just have no clue what they are trying to say because it has not been laid out clearly.  I hope, as the season goes on, the show will become clearer :-)  Score 65.45 for 5th place

Now from Rockford-Loves Park, Illinois - Phantom Regiment.  I have heard good things about this show and am anxious to view for the first time.  The show is entitled Voice of Promise.  The Pit is dressed differently than the corps - Hmmm different look. Wow ballad was beautiful - Phantom Horn line!!  I got everything up to Young People's Guide.  The show was beautiful and moving - but I thought the show ended before they played Young Person's Guide and from the way the audience responded - so did they,  Phantomettnes worked their buns off tonight!  Score 70.05 for 3rd place

The picture above was one of my favorite moments of last year's show for sure!!  The show this year is called the Statues Awakening.  Of course the Cadets are from Allentown, PA - but they have been from all over the place.  I believe the original title was Stoned - but that was probably not a great idea - but now watching the show - it would have worked!  I liked the violin - nice and eery touch.  Also like the trumpet soloist on top of the prop.  Color guard was better than last year too as long as they continue to improve from here.  Some really amazing musical moments and a couple of very cool visual moments.  Cadets won High Percussion!  Score 73.50 for 2nd place

And finally tonight - closing out the show - from Canton, OH - The Blue Coats.  The picture is from Tilt and one of the many cool moments in the show from that year.  This year the show is entitled Down Side Up.  I have seen bits and pieces of this show and know that the music is way cool as is some of the visuals.  Have not seen a full run in uniforms so this should be exciting.  After tonight, I will have seen almost all the corps except for Spirit of Atlanta, who I think is having a shorter tour this summer to save a little money.  Hey - Drum Corps is very very expensive!  It is similar to taking a broadway show on tour!  Wow uniform on the major is crazy looking oh on everyone in fact. I love the opening Metheny song!  Holy Shit - Amazing, Fun, Crazy, Beautiful, Sexy - This is definitely a show that is going to be in the top 3.  I seriously can't believe what I just saw.  Score 74.80 for 1st place.

Final thoughts:  I am anxious to see the recaps to see why the Cadets and Blue Coats are so close.  If you look at where everyone stands on the DCI Scores Chart you can see how things are unfolding.  Looking forward to watching these shows grow as the season continues.  No matter what - watching any drum corps is better than not watching any drum corps!!

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Drum Corps Live Stream from Muncie, IN

From Austin Texas - Genesis -  First on in Open Class - There story is interesting in that they started in California, but ended up in Austin - where they have been warmly received and serve as a music ambassador to the city.  They had the dubious honor of being first on.  For first on - I was impressed with there show.  The title of the show was Broken - They had a good sound - rich and full for this early in the season - Color Guard was dirty, but lots of potential!  Simple props used well.   It was a good show to open a contest.  Score -58.30 1st place tonight

From Kalamazoo, Michigan - Legends - The Grid was there theme.  I felt this show was a bit weaker in concept and theme.  The guard looked like the Matrix, but the field forms had little to do with a grid - The entire show seemed at one level - nothing really great - but nothing horrifically bad.
Score - 55.30 2nd place tonight

First on in World Class was Pioneer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin -  Show was Saint Joan of Arc.  I feel particularly bad for them.   I have followed this group for the past couple years because they seem like the little engine that just can't quite.  I keep hoping that each year will be better.  Sadly this one is not starting out to good for them.  They had a large number of holes in the drill and had the smallest color guard of the night.  There vocalist was very talented and I think the concept was good.  From Adagio for Strings through the end just was not pretty.  I got burning her at the stake - but it was very poorly executed - and the Firebird Finale was equally as confusing with Shamrock flags.  I suspect they have not gotten their flags yet.  I only hope that tonight spurs them on.  Score - 50.60  6th place

Next was the Colts from Dubuque, Iowa - The show is Necht Musik or Night Music.  I liked them last year - thought there show was fun and entertaining.  This year was more ethereal than just entertaining.  Music selection and arrangements were well done.  The color guard uniforms were cool, the black backs with the white plumes in the front were also a nice touch.  It seemed like the DM was top too as when he took off his hat, girls swooned!  They had an amazing opening statement!  I could see from the computer that many of the members were blowing right through forms.  Silent Night was their ballad and it had some Mannheim Steamroller in it.  Needless to say I had goose bumps throughout the piece.  They also used Knights in White Satin beautifully as well.  I liked the show.  Score - 64.30 and 5th place tonight PS - they had these huge boxes on the field that did nothing - I can't wait to see what they do!!!!

America's Corps (Is this branding or what?)  The Troopers from Casper, Wyoming were on next.  I had seen their uniform a few weeks ago and thought it was not attractive - on the field it is quite attractive.  They no longer look much like the Troopers of old and the color guard looked more like the Blue Devils than a Trooper color guard, but things have to change, it is a fact of life.  Their show was entitled Heroes.  The vocals and movement in the beginning were nice and it built to a nice opening statement.  In today's society we show our support for causes with ribbons and that was what the Troopers did.  First the Yellow Ribbon for the troops, Red for AIDS, and then Pink for Breast Cancer.   In the end they had flags with all colors of ribbons on them.  They felt like they were playing for reals.  After just missing finals last year, this corps looks like they are hungry to make it this year.  The Final push in their show had me crazy with goose bumps.  They need to clean up and tweak somethings, but this could be a sleeper show of the season.

From LaCrosse, Wisconsin - The Blue Stars.  A very popular corps in the 70's, they disappeared and then reincarnated as a small corps and over the years continued to grow until low and behold they are back at a World Class level.  Kudos to all Blue Stars everywhere as this kind of story does not usually happen.  They seem to have become the drum corps with the props.  Often props are used to cover deficiencies, but that does not seem the case for the Blue Stars.  Breaking a 70 tonight suggests that this corps is on the right track.  I did not catch the name of the show and wish I had because I could not figure out what was going on.  There was a bed, so I assumed it had something to do with dreams and the guard was dressed in pajamas.  Then it took a real turn for the crazy with all kinds of uniforms on the guard and these big ass lights over on the side of the field.  Did I mention there was a girl walking around in this yellow "dress" carrying a large light shade?  The Stars do some amazing movement within the corps and the color guard works their buns off.  Dirty right now, they won't be by the end of the season.  For me, I appreciated what they did, but just did not get it at all.  Score - 70.3 and 3rd place tonight.

Last summer I followed the Cavaliers from Rosemont, Illinois faithfully.  My tweets were retreated and I had some connection with the corps.  It was very exciting and I kept my eye on them over the winter.  Propaganda was their theme, and I truly wondered what they were going to do.  I am not sure how this show will do, but for me, this show rivals Suncoast Sounds' Children's Show.  For me that was a classic piece of drum corps and I believe Propaganda will become a show like that.  It was powerful and moving.  It really made me feel like even in our country, where there is not supposed to be propaganda like we know of from other countries, there really is, and this show made it eye opening.  It was political, it was today, and it sent a powerful message.  If we don't want to end up like the UK - we better be very careful who we elect as our next president.  Loved this show!  Score - 73.65 and 2nd place.

Finally, from Fort Mills, South Carolina - Crown.  I felt their show last year was positively amazing n matter the outcome at the end of the season.  There was drama, flair, color, amazing visuals, and a powerful horn line and book.  The horn line this year is every bit as powerful as last years.  They perform their buns off - everyone.  The show is entitled Relentless - using music from the wild west with the music of Bartok.  I had problems hearing Ecstasy of Gold next to Madea.  It just seemed odd.  I am not sure how I feel about the shootings and gun shot sounds in the show.  I am not sure this was the year to maybe do that.  I get that this has something to do with the Wild West - in a "Steampunk" sort of way, but despite my very liberal leanings especially when it comes to art and performance, I am still not sure gun shots were a great idea.  Ok so I have already said that they play amazingly and perform that way too, but despite all of that, I just didn't care for this show.  I wasn't moved by it and I know the standing ovation began well before the show ended.  Perhaps this will grow on me over the course of the season.  Tonight it just left me cold.  Score - 76.85  and 1st place.

Remember - I am not suggesting I am a judge or an expert.  My evaluations are strictly personal and it is not necessary for you to agree or dispute my thoughts.  If you can explain some of what I watched and said - I didn't get it - that would be great as I am a life long learner.  Educate me - don't just disagree with me.

For the record - I was in San Francisco for DCI West -  I know that I was surprised at The Academy after last year, because I loved that cheesy show!  I have been a Blue Knight fan for nearly ever and as much as I wanted to just love them, I didn't - again with the confusion.  I did love the Blue Devils this year and it is exciting that a friend of mine's son is in the color guard this season.  I also liked SCV.  Some really cool thoughts and ideas went into that show.

Thanks for reading - I will post after each live stream this season.  Stay tuned Corps