(?? Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

East Coast Jazz have moved away from their jazz books of the past and moved into Broadway territory with a show based on the Bernstein musical On the Town.

Unfortunately this has resulted in considerably less solo time for their superb soprano soloist. The horn line is playing a very difficult book tentatively at this early point in the season. The Lonely Town ballad segment will be the shows highlight once it is cleaned up. The corps performed the last number of the show at a standstill. Lots of work to do if they want to contend for Div I honors.

 (30 Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

Like East Coast Jazz, Kavaliers presented a show based on a musical but this time it is Miss Saigon. Fans of Santa Clara's 1991 version will recognize the arrangements. Kiwanis Kavaliers is marching only about 30 horns with many blanks. The guard and pit are dressed in camouflage which the guard quickly sheds for bright red kimono style suits. Percussion has some nice effects. Wooden helicopter blades were fun. Overall a better designed show than 1999.

(50 Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

I heard that within the past several days Spirit's director quit or was fired. If he had a hand in designing this show he should be fired. The music is more symphonic that jazz but the energy level of the music is next to nothing. For 50 brass the hornline projected poorly. Drumline and guard are much improved. This show will keep them just barely in the top 17.

(60+ Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

What a great show! Boston Crusaders's initial formation had the hornline and drumline evenly spread across the field form yardline to yardline all reaching toward the 50 where the guard was positioned in two files. As percussion started the show softly an appreciative murmur went through the crowd. Although not listed on their program Boston's first number is Ravel's Bolero. As the percussion built the hornline began moving in a company front from the 5 yard line on each side picking up members as they went until two massive fronts meet on the 50 and unfolded into a huge box for the first horn impact. Execution was a bit lacking but design is first rate. Following Bolero, Boston presented a original composition by Marty McCartt called Intensity. This piece is very Spanish flavored with may difficult horn licks and brings up memories of Malaga and Malaguena. Next up is the gorgeous ballad Con Te Partido which is sure to be the hit of the summer. The singing at the beginning was well done but I would prefer to hear the brass. The number builds beautifully and hits all the right emotional points as the hornline builds into a huge arc while the guard fills the field with huge colorful purple silks. Boston Crusaders's last number is last year's closer although it is completely rearranged. The Conquest reference is still intact and got a big rise from the crowd. Overall a much more aggressive visual book than last year. Guard is much improved. Hornline is a solid 60+. Percussion was weakest part of production but the season is still young. Look for a solid return to finals this year for Boston.

 (?? Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

Crossmen have a much more enjoyable show than 1999. Hornline is huge and much better. Caravan is very tasty. Guard uniforms are a bit to clubby for my taste. Percussion is a bit weak. Although much played Birdland is a great closer and showed the hornline's talent and really got the crowd going. My seats were pretty low but visual design looked challenging. The red accents in their uniforms added much needed color.

 (?? Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

 (?? Brass/?? Percussion/?? Color Guard)

Opening was very effective. Time effects from percussion were humorous as were the huge clock themed silks the guard used back field. This is a show that I will need to see several times and with higher seats to full appreciate. It is great to see a corps marching 10 snares. The Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better... segment was a lot of fun although it did not present a much visual challenge for the corps. Last segment had several huge rotating moves that were very well executed. Hate the guard uniforms. The first gray ones were way to bland. The second multicolored individually styled ones were just garish. Better show than 1999.