Ok, here is my first (and probably last review):
First, the venue. ISU (biased because I went there) has a great stadium for DCI. Astroturf field and a sold out stadium (concert side) so probably around 5000 there. Great crowd, mostly because of the Bands of America Summer camp kids jumping at every note, but it was a great time. People however in Normal don't know when to exit/enter the stadium, no security keeping people out in the middle of a ballad.

On to the shows in performing order:

G-men (1st 73.5): WOW. What a show they have, and they had the honor of leading off. The brass sound great to me and drill writing was very good. Kinda seems to me trying some Cadets/Cavies swirling moves and doing it nicely.

Madison (6th 66.95): Far and away, crowd favorite, of course didn't do well. :) Came out SMOKING with the first lick of blowing my face of, which I loved. Some screamin sops again this year, though I think they overdue it a bit. Great sound, even on the ballad in the middle. Solid percussion, but I think the visual package holds em back, very dirty yet. Hopefully will move up.

Southwind (7th 59.9): Very surprised at how well this corps did!! They had a great music book (IMO) and did a nice job with the drill. It seems like a 'safe' drill, but they do it very well, especially for June.

Pioneer (8th 50.1): I am sorry, but I am was very disappointed in this show. Where is has the corps gone?? Are they in financial trouble? They were very small and had some holes. Weak musically, especially during movement. Almost had Troopers over them. (not a shot at Troopers)

Boston Crusaders (2nd 73.25): WOW I posted on here about a practice I saw and they were good, and they were even better tonight. Their horn line was smoking and probably won. They have great drill, especially during the drum solo. These guys are gonna be in the top 6, my fearless prediction.

Colts (5th 67.2) Didn't even recognize the new uni's, they look great. I knew them and Madison would be tight, wasn't sure who would get it. Lost going on around me at this point (people coming in and out) so didn't get a good look. I liked what I heard.
Troopers (9th 47.9): You know, I love this corps. They probably work their butts off at least, if not more than the other kids and they have more fun. They had a mostly Copland show, and I loved it and had a lot of fun watching it.

Phantom Regiment (3rd 73.0): Ok, I am biased, have some friends in PR, but they got ripped. Shoulda at least been 2nd, if not won it. Tommy Fegan (sp) is one of the best Conductors in a long time. Wow, this guy does it all, cues, tempo, volume. Wow. Give a wink to the BOA kids and they ate it up. He was more than pumped at the end. Brass sounds AMAZING during Festive Overture. They added (or so I am told) some very neat visuals during the drum solo, I really liked it where they go around each other and such. A lot of boos at retreat, then a standing O for Tommy and the corps.

Bluecoats (4th 69.5): These kids can play!! GREAT brass sound, might have beaten PR. They put some dark, balanced, loud sound out tonight. Their drill (again IMO) was a little below the music, both design and execution. Gonna be a great run for them to August. Loved the solo Contra that entered a half count to early to start the show. :)

Great show tonight, loved every second of it. I hope all the kids have a great season and can't wait till August.
Don't bash me too much!!

Mike Quinn
isuquinndog@hotmail.com

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