Sunday, August 7, 2016
Saturday, August 6, 2016
July 6, 2016 Allentown, PA DCI Eastern Regional
Round 2 tonight - after an exciting night last night where a couple corps made a significant jump in scores including The Troopers and The Academy. The fight between the Blue Devils and the Bluecoats seems to be an exciting one. Tonight could also see some interesting finishes. Boston, Phantom Regiment, and Blue Stars have not been scoring all that great. Of late we have to put the Crossmen into that group too along with a couple from last night. The real fight for position is really going to be from about 12th up to 4th. Nothing in those spots are set in stone. There could even be al little movement in the bottom up to 13th place because many of these corps that are not going to make the top 12 are moving up and getting better. After the dust settles tonight - it will be interesting to see who ends up where going into Indy.
Jersey Surf - Ebb and Flow - Really nice opening statement - impressed! Really nice show from them - probably the best this season - loads of improvement - color guard is so much better - really starting to really look like a World Class guard - Good for them!!
Score : 70.75 Place: 12th
Pacific Crest - The Union - Nice train sound before the beginning of Fix You - I think Fix you makes an awesome ballad for drum corps - glad two groups are using it. Wow - the blow section of Fix You is giving me goose bumps - so very pretty! Nice job color guard - with the flags! Here comes the crossing love this! Really nice ending drill from the corps as well - Again this is so exciting to see the students have their best tonight - shows so much growth! They had some really amazing moments tonight!!!
Score: 75.925 Place: 11th
The Mandarin - The Forbidden Forest - Nice opening with the burst of color from the guard - - still don't envy the girl in white running around the field the entire show! Love how the drum heads match the design on the flags - Rifles need some work on there feature - a lot on the ground and a lot of work not really being completed - Man just watching how hard these students work on the field is just so impressive - another really good show tonight - I have always wanted them to do better - than they normally do -
Score: 78.038 Place: 10th
Oregon Crusaders - The Hunt - There trees don't look so good LOL - I hope they get through the season - no they will but they are pretty crazy looking trees - Love the choir in the beginning - that is one of the highlights of the show - I get that the guard are the hunters - Flag section is a bit of a mess - still - like the violin - nice drama created - but I still don't know why they kill the guy - very confusing still and as I was not on high cam - can't really say much about their proficiency in movement - it has been not too good in the past. Hopefully is was better tonight. I know there is a lot of work that needs to be done still with the color guard. There is clearly a lot of work that has been done!
Score: 78.113 Place: 9th
Boston Crusaders - Quixotic I don't know if this show plays better live - but on live stream - it just looks like total chaos and I know part of that is the idea - but it isn't good chaos it is just sloppy and messy - They really are fighting for their lives to make the top 12. I felt last year was not a very strong show, but this year - I think is worse - visually - between the stacked drill moves and the windmills that suck up most of the field - there just always seems to be so much going on that it just makes for kind of a mess.
Score: 84.2 Place: 8th
Crossmen - Continuum - They announced that they were formerly from Delaware County, PA - this is to drum corps what the Colts were to football - They left Baltimore and the Crossmen left PA to go to Texas. It has been a blessing for the Crossmen - They are having electrical issues - which is not good - if they don't hurry they will be penalized and they maybe already - this is not good - Wow this is not going to help them in their performance - all this waiting - they have to be in a panic - They have no sound in the beginning - no electronics at all - they are gone - this is old style - I think they just caught fire - They have some sound back - Love the 2 - sided flags they use Wow - great show - despite the problems it ended up being really really good!!!
Score: 86.15 Place: 7th
Intermission
Blue Stars - Le Reve'I I really do like their opening Well that was a typical Blue Stars show - That is to say it was good - there were forms that were kind of messy and their was a good deal of color guard equipment (particularly weapons) hitting the ground. That happens because they are doing so much stuff- I don't think some of the students have time breathe. I love weapon - but I am glad I am not marching in that weapon line. Kudos because it could be way worse than it was - I hope they can get it cleaner before next week - I am sure they will be working their butts off!!
Score: 88.45 Place: 6th
Phantom Regiment - Voice of Promise - Nice saber toss on the bell in the beginning - first ballad is really beautiful as only Phantom can play a ballad - Nice Nice Nice solo rifle toss - nice and straight - Second ballad was absolutely beautiful - The show was good tonight - probably the best it has been for a bit - no question this is going to be an interesting out come tonight - they interviewed their conductor and he was throwing off so much heat that the interviewer's glasses got fogged up!
Score: 88.513 Place: 5th
Santa Clara Vanguard - Force of Nature - I know the guard has new uniforms so I am anxious to see how they look on the field - Guard is already playing acting - So the guard had a couple costume changes tonight - one for spring (that was new) then the one they had been wearing for the storm - they had the beautiful skirt for the land (I guess ) or fall or whatever doesn't really matter - and they added these sleeveless jackets with either something that looked like fur or was fur and also new ending flags - The guard also had some rough patches tonight - The soloist in the beginning of the snow sequence who comes out with the nifty "rifle" type thing - she has been super solid all season - whenever they have been on and their was a live stream - tonight she caught it but she was shaken - now ordinarily it would not be worth mentioning - but I have been sooooooooo impressed with this young woman all season - it just shows that we all have those moments! I like the show a lot - because I really like the music -
Score: 92.338 Place: 2nd
The Cadets - Awakening There are more statues - Easily the best performance the guard has had all season - at least when they have been on live stream. Kudos to them for putting on one heckuva show tonight. Still not a fan of the show- and I really think the black hurts more than it helps. I have no idea how they will do tonight - not a clue how they will do tonight - they interviewed - Adonis - the statue in the show - it was fun - and now I get that the tan uniforms are humans - who left the stone side - where was this guy at the first show?
Score: 91.888 Place: 4th
The Cavaliers - Propaganda Wow - that was one helluva show tonight - yep some rifle drops- but who would not drop every so often in that show??!! I'm saying it again - that show is going to be a classic in years to come because it also takes drum corps to a very different place. Kudos to the students and staff of the Cavaliers for being brave enough to throw our lives in our faces - truly a cautionary tale about life in the US today!!!
Score: 91.925 Place: 3rd
Carolina Crown - Relentless -They did not kill him tonight - they left him live! Of all the show this season - I think this is the one that has grown on me the most - Once it seemed like they figured out their story - it really started to sore - and as they made the tweaks to it along the way the show just kept getting better - Clearly - they are not satisfied with being #3 - this was an amazing show! Mercy is the answer - I think that is what changed everything for the show - not killing the guy at the end.
Score: 94.263 Place: 1st
Bridgemen Alumni - It is a fairly large group actually - They have 5 drum majors! Oh how I miss these guys - man they made drum corps fun - so far it is greatest hits! I don't recall them playing My Favorite Things before - Saw a little of the Bridgeton shuffle - They played little from the William Tell Overture and then Jersey Surf joined them and they are playing In the Stone. They even brought out old Bridgeton Rainbow flags - and they even did a little of the routine. Gosh that made me teary - This is what this activity should be about -
As I was getting ready to walk the dog I heard them say that going into next week the Coats, Devils, and Crown are 1,2, and 3. What I am anxious to see is the recap. Did the Crossmen get penalized for the delay - it happened or nearly happened last year in Indy. They literally squeaked by the Troopers to get into 12th. If they were penalized - what was the difference between them and the Blue Stars. And we can see that there is very little keeping the Blue Stars ahead of Phantom. Likewise there is very little between the Cavies and the Vanguard. Most of the real drama lies in the lower 12 - 6 group - but the top 1-6 could end up being very interesting as well. All the corps this year are actually really good. Shame on me for nit-picking things. I have not spent weeks sleeping on gym floors and practicing in the hot sun for hours each day and then having to perform flawless each evening or so. Kudos to the entire lot of Drum Corps - You provide so many such a great way to spend their summer.
I will blog as much as I can next week. I have band camp next week - so I will miss some of the competition. I should not miss Saturday night, but will only catch pieces throughout the week. Thanks for following me. I will be posting some pictures (close ups mostly) - I don't know who reads this but if anyone from a corps would see it - maybe they will see themselves and that would be cool!
Thanks again! Cheers.
Jersey Surf - Ebb and Flow - Really nice opening statement - impressed! Really nice show from them - probably the best this season - loads of improvement - color guard is so much better - really starting to really look like a World Class guard - Good for them!!
Score : 70.75 Place: 12th
Pacific Crest - The Union - Nice train sound before the beginning of Fix You - I think Fix you makes an awesome ballad for drum corps - glad two groups are using it. Wow - the blow section of Fix You is giving me goose bumps - so very pretty! Nice job color guard - with the flags! Here comes the crossing love this! Really nice ending drill from the corps as well - Again this is so exciting to see the students have their best tonight - shows so much growth! They had some really amazing moments tonight!!!
Score: 75.925 Place: 11th
The Mandarin - The Forbidden Forest - Nice opening with the burst of color from the guard - - still don't envy the girl in white running around the field the entire show! Love how the drum heads match the design on the flags - Rifles need some work on there feature - a lot on the ground and a lot of work not really being completed - Man just watching how hard these students work on the field is just so impressive - another really good show tonight - I have always wanted them to do better - than they normally do -
Score: 78.038 Place: 10th
Oregon Crusaders - The Hunt - There trees don't look so good LOL - I hope they get through the season - no they will but they are pretty crazy looking trees - Love the choir in the beginning - that is one of the highlights of the show - I get that the guard are the hunters - Flag section is a bit of a mess - still - like the violin - nice drama created - but I still don't know why they kill the guy - very confusing still and as I was not on high cam - can't really say much about their proficiency in movement - it has been not too good in the past. Hopefully is was better tonight. I know there is a lot of work that needs to be done still with the color guard. There is clearly a lot of work that has been done!
Score: 78.113 Place: 9th
Boston Crusaders - Quixotic I don't know if this show plays better live - but on live stream - it just looks like total chaos and I know part of that is the idea - but it isn't good chaos it is just sloppy and messy - They really are fighting for their lives to make the top 12. I felt last year was not a very strong show, but this year - I think is worse - visually - between the stacked drill moves and the windmills that suck up most of the field - there just always seems to be so much going on that it just makes for kind of a mess.
Score: 84.2 Place: 8th
Crossmen - Continuum - They announced that they were formerly from Delaware County, PA - this is to drum corps what the Colts were to football - They left Baltimore and the Crossmen left PA to go to Texas. It has been a blessing for the Crossmen - They are having electrical issues - which is not good - if they don't hurry they will be penalized and they maybe already - this is not good - Wow this is not going to help them in their performance - all this waiting - they have to be in a panic - They have no sound in the beginning - no electronics at all - they are gone - this is old style - I think they just caught fire - They have some sound back - Love the 2 - sided flags they use Wow - great show - despite the problems it ended up being really really good!!!
Score: 86.15 Place: 7th
Intermission
Blue Stars - Le Reve'I I really do like their opening Well that was a typical Blue Stars show - That is to say it was good - there were forms that were kind of messy and their was a good deal of color guard equipment (particularly weapons) hitting the ground. That happens because they are doing so much stuff- I don't think some of the students have time breathe. I love weapon - but I am glad I am not marching in that weapon line. Kudos because it could be way worse than it was - I hope they can get it cleaner before next week - I am sure they will be working their butts off!!
Score: 88.45 Place: 6th
Phantom Regiment - Voice of Promise - Nice saber toss on the bell in the beginning - first ballad is really beautiful as only Phantom can play a ballad - Nice Nice Nice solo rifle toss - nice and straight - Second ballad was absolutely beautiful - The show was good tonight - probably the best it has been for a bit - no question this is going to be an interesting out come tonight - they interviewed their conductor and he was throwing off so much heat that the interviewer's glasses got fogged up!
Score: 88.513 Place: 5th
Santa Clara Vanguard - Force of Nature - I know the guard has new uniforms so I am anxious to see how they look on the field - Guard is already playing acting - So the guard had a couple costume changes tonight - one for spring (that was new) then the one they had been wearing for the storm - they had the beautiful skirt for the land (I guess ) or fall or whatever doesn't really matter - and they added these sleeveless jackets with either something that looked like fur or was fur and also new ending flags - The guard also had some rough patches tonight - The soloist in the beginning of the snow sequence who comes out with the nifty "rifle" type thing - she has been super solid all season - whenever they have been on and their was a live stream - tonight she caught it but she was shaken - now ordinarily it would not be worth mentioning - but I have been sooooooooo impressed with this young woman all season - it just shows that we all have those moments! I like the show a lot - because I really like the music -
Score: 92.338 Place: 2nd
The Cadets - Awakening There are more statues - Easily the best performance the guard has had all season - at least when they have been on live stream. Kudos to them for putting on one heckuva show tonight. Still not a fan of the show- and I really think the black hurts more than it helps. I have no idea how they will do tonight - not a clue how they will do tonight - they interviewed - Adonis - the statue in the show - it was fun - and now I get that the tan uniforms are humans - who left the stone side - where was this guy at the first show?
Score: 91.888 Place: 4th
The Cavaliers - Propaganda Wow - that was one helluva show tonight - yep some rifle drops- but who would not drop every so often in that show??!! I'm saying it again - that show is going to be a classic in years to come because it also takes drum corps to a very different place. Kudos to the students and staff of the Cavaliers for being brave enough to throw our lives in our faces - truly a cautionary tale about life in the US today!!!
Score: 91.925 Place: 3rd
Carolina Crown - Relentless -They did not kill him tonight - they left him live! Of all the show this season - I think this is the one that has grown on me the most - Once it seemed like they figured out their story - it really started to sore - and as they made the tweaks to it along the way the show just kept getting better - Clearly - they are not satisfied with being #3 - this was an amazing show! Mercy is the answer - I think that is what changed everything for the show - not killing the guy at the end.
Score: 94.263 Place: 1st
Bridgemen Alumni - It is a fairly large group actually - They have 5 drum majors! Oh how I miss these guys - man they made drum corps fun - so far it is greatest hits! I don't recall them playing My Favorite Things before - Saw a little of the Bridgeton shuffle - They played little from the William Tell Overture and then Jersey Surf joined them and they are playing In the Stone. They even brought out old Bridgeton Rainbow flags - and they even did a little of the routine. Gosh that made me teary - This is what this activity should be about -
As I was getting ready to walk the dog I heard them say that going into next week the Coats, Devils, and Crown are 1,2, and 3. What I am anxious to see is the recap. Did the Crossmen get penalized for the delay - it happened or nearly happened last year in Indy. They literally squeaked by the Troopers to get into 12th. If they were penalized - what was the difference between them and the Blue Stars. And we can see that there is very little keeping the Blue Stars ahead of Phantom. Likewise there is very little between the Cavies and the Vanguard. Most of the real drama lies in the lower 12 - 6 group - but the top 1-6 could end up being very interesting as well. All the corps this year are actually really good. Shame on me for nit-picking things. I have not spent weeks sleeping on gym floors and practicing in the hot sun for hours each day and then having to perform flawless each evening or so. Kudos to the entire lot of Drum Corps - You provide so many such a great way to spend their summer.
I will blog as much as I can next week. I have band camp next week - so I will miss some of the competition. I should not miss Saturday night, but will only catch pieces throughout the week. Thanks for following me. I will be posting some pictures (close ups mostly) - I don't know who reads this but if anyone from a corps would see it - maybe they will see themselves and that would be cool!
Thanks again! Cheers.
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!
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
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!
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