Brigadiers...............88.0 - hi visuals, brass, GE Caballeros...............86.8 - high percussion, best DM Bushwackers..............83.5 Sunrisers................82.7 Skyliners................73.2 Generations..............Exhibition Thanks to David Sherry for emailing us these scores!
Cadets of Bergen County..93.2 - all captions including Color Guard Santa Clara Vanguard.....91.5 Cavaliers................90.0 Crossmen.................87.1 Glassmen.................84.8 Magic of Orlando.........83.9 Carolina Crown...........79.9 Academie Musicale........73.7 Les Etoiles..............73.1 Spirit of Atlanta........72.1 Thanks to William Thorpe for emailing us these scores!
ALLENTOWN, (Pa.) -- While the favored Cadets of Bergen County won Saturday's DCI East Preview comfortably before yet another packed house at J. Birney Crum Stadium, the Santa Clara Vanguard may have officially served notice of being the darkhorse for the DCI crown in Orlando. The Cadets scored a season high 93.2 to best SVC's 91.5, but the Vanguard's show is equal to the Cadets in terms of excitement and precision.
Nonetheless, it was the Cadets (64B, 30P, 32CG, 2DM) which swept all captions on their way to the victory, which avenges last year's lackluster loss to the Cavaliers at the DCI East Preview prior to the Olympics. The Cadets are doing the impossible, getting cleaner each time out with the tremendously difficult program of Phillip Sparke music -- adding and accentuating it in the process. The big finish at the end of the third drum break during Year of the Dragon is new since my last viewing, featuring a frenetic mesh of two big ranks while the guard unveils new hot pink flags, setting up the corps for its patented large Z-pull. Earlier in the program, the full corps also features a new wobble sidestep which the crowd seemed to love.
The Cadet staff has been there before and seems to know what to do to get this corps in the winner's circle in two weeks. The music program still has room to grow from a cleaning standpoint, although it's getting a lot closer -- particularly that drum line. The only concern might be that, other than the music, the Vanguard might have an innovation edge on the Cadets this year. The Cadet field coverage isn't nearly as extensive as SCV's, primarily staying between the 30's in the first half of the program with very tight intervals between the players. The Vanguard program just seems to have something going on all the time and the Cadets have a little down time - not much though. Still, the demands of the music may make the Cadets a good bet in Orlando.
This was my first viewing of Santa Clara (64B, 30P, 32CG, 1DM) and I'd have to say that they ranked a 10 on the goosebump meter for their Fog City Sketches program. What a fresh, innovative take on some Leonard Bernstein music made famous previously by the Cadets. The Vanguard has it all this year -- a wonderful update of their old classic uniforms; a stunning and innovative visual program; a return to one of DCI's premier percussion sections; a mature, clean brass section; and an effective color guard which supports it all so well. I thought the return to a variation of their traditional red uniforms was very appropriate on the 25th anniversary of DCI. But when I actually witnessed them perform their best package since winning it in 1989, my friend Duane DeWire (show designer for the Reading Buccaneers and several quality high school bands) summed it up best when he said "Gail Royer would be proud."
Of special note, the fireworks in the distance from nearby Dorney Park signalled the Vanguard's arrival and may have been an omen to the fireworks to be seen on the field. The drill moves everywhere and all the time. The tight ball of horns during the ballad is a novel idea and well-performed. The colors throughout are effective. The big push at the end with the broken arc formation is reminicent of a George Zingali drill.
I'd heard about how tight this drum line is and from the opening note of the field warm-up, I won't disagree. They've always had one of DCI's premier pits, but it's been a while since the battery has caught up. They're there now! Maybe that's why Ralph Hardimon is listed as a consultant. I know the Cadets took top percussion, but I bet SCV wasn't far behind.
The Cavaliers (62B, 27P, 35CG, 2DM) should be in quite a race with Madison to lead the second-tier of the top six in Orlando, finishing third tonight with a 90.0 for their The Firebird sequel. While SCV's show is fresh and innovative, the Cavaliers push the envelope this year with their controversial opening one-minute silent drill. It's fresh and different, and after about 10 seconds of initial chuckling, the crowd seems to get it. I don't know if everyone likes it, but it's interesting and fits the program. I wonder what the judges have thought?
After the silent drill, the rest of the program is basically the same old Cavies with a 1997's update to their second run on this show. The opening statement is vintage Cavies with a tight block of horns making the big impact with full drum support and a dramatic guard toss. The show goes on to feature one of DCI's deepest horn sounds -- very rich, but low -- colorful flags and a talented guard, and a big, powerful drumline which sounded pretty good upstairs, but apparently wasn't that clean on the lower level. The show's got some nice moments, particularly when they hit Firebird Finale, but it probably doesn't have enough to take them to the top.
While the Crossmen (55B, 34P, 37CG, 1DM) don't expect to contend for the title, they are now a serious threat to crack the top six, finishing fourth tonight at 87.1. For those of you keeping track at home, that's just 1.7 behind Phantom Regiment's Friday night score with two weeks to go. Mark Thurston and "Bones" were both in the house tonight, and the Crossmen responded with a big show.
There's one big reason the Crossmen could crack the top six -- that BIG COLOR GUARD! While the Colors of Jazz show is nicely put together, the color guard literally steals the show and has stolen the spotlight from the drum line as the Crossmen's showcase section. They are near flawless throughout in all areas -- rifles, sabers, flags. Their flags are also some of the most colorful of the season, from the bluish/green and gold shimmering flags used during the big block in the opener, to the reddish/orange hot flags in the closer. They're good, they've got attitude and they just rock this show -- and I'm a drummer!
Speaking of the drumline, they've taken some positive steps since my last viewing in Hershey. The nine-man snare line has finally added some scoops and now projects a little better. Maybe that's because they are getting cleaner and it's safer to let the audience hear that now. The battery still lags behind the red hot pit, but they're coming on too.
Of special note, Birdland has picked up some tempo, but is still not as lively as last year's. You Are My Sunshine has added some kick to it, complete with a Gospel choir director in a red robe to lead the group at the end. Niner-Two has to be the most improved number on the field from the beginning of the season to the end and is now as proficient as 27th's rendition years ago. The guard's collapse as the show comes to a close drives the crowd to its feet and could be welcome relief for all the demands put on it.
The Glassmen (62B, 27P, 31CG, 2DM) slid past Magic of Orlando for fifth on this night with an 84.8. The title of most improved corps fits them well for their program The Age of Gold: The Music of George Bizet. It's almost like the corps has been reborn with new director Brian Hickman and program coordinator Sal Salas, with gorgeous new black, white and copper uniforms with black shako hats and an improvement in every section. The new copper Premier drums are also a big improvement over the gold Remo's of the past.
The big opener featuring music from Carmen makes a great opening statement. The first big impact features a Phantom Regiment-like triangular form which slide from the front to the back. The next big impact also has some great ideas with the horn line in a big box, dissected only by the guard with a rank diagonally down the middle. The opener and the SCV-like ballad are very well done and establish the corps' new style solidly. Even the much debated step ladders offer some interesting poses and ideas. My wife -- who is just a casual drum corps fan -- was drawn to the guard member in the very front who posed on top of her high ladder. She was impressed with her balance and athleticism to arch her back like she did. I'm not sure I like everything about the ladders, but they do seem to work in certain areas.
While the first half of this show seems to have a lot to offer, the second half seemed flat -- at least is was on this night. The Farandole ending featured some rough passages from the soprano line. The whole brass sound seemed to lose a little body and energy. Still, there were some good ideas and the Glassmen are squarely in the race for eighth with the Bluecoats and Magic.
Magic of Orlando (64B, 32P, 28CG, 2DM) cranked it up a notch over Hershey, but still finished just sixth with 83.9 for their Carnivale: Celebrations for Sinner and Saint program. They do more play-acting with the crowd to set the stage in the beginning before the parade comes down Bourbon Street. The antics seemed to draw a little more energy out of the crowd for the Lil Liza Jane sing-along. After that, the corps featured a big, more polished sound that was missing in Hershey. It seems as if Robert Smith's work with the hornline is paying off, making this corps more dangerous when it returns home. I agreed with Duane that there were times when you could close your eyes and think you were listening to Suncoast Sound - Smith's first big corps.
While I really couldn't see much of the drill sets in my first two viewings of this corps, it appears as if the drill has been rewritten in spots and much more intricate now. The big compression to circle impact in the opener is well-received. The ballad features one of the best mellophone soloists in DCI and the cross formation with kneeling horn players and the sheer white silks is stunning. The ending looks like it's been rewritten to feature more motion and is clearly more exciting. The corps also now marches off to Lil Liza Jane. It's still a very fun show.
While the Glassmen's show seemed to start fast and lose some steam by the end, Carolina Crown (56B, 27P, 35CG, 1DM) starts slow and gathers momentum from the middle of the program on. Still, the Postcards from Britain program seems to be missing something, which is probably why it finished seventh tonight at 79.9 and makes Crown one of the three corps fighting for that 12th spot at finals -- joining the Colts and Kiwanis Kavaliers.
The grand entrance through the big brass gates is very attractive, but the corresponding music of Crown Imperial doesn't quite compliment it as it should. Crown Imperial is a song which has been played a lot in the drum corps circles and Crown's arrangement this year isn't one of the strongest. It's not bad, but the music -- and the show in the beginning -- just lacks energy. That energy is apparent in Terpsichore, which features some fast, fun musical passages and some great role playing and equipment work from the guard. All the postcards from Britain seem to be covered in the guard costuming during that fast-paced second production, which seems to get the crowd going. Nimrod is nicely done musically and still one of the prettiest ballads out there, although the double arc drill design for the horn line lacks some innovation. It's almost like they're sacrificing creativity visually for the quality of sound. The closer features fast-paced drill and a more potent sound then my first two viewings of this corps, possibly from the fact that it looks like it has added some seven new brass players. Unfortunately, the drumline seems to have gotten smaller with only eight snares tonight. I thought it had started the season with 10.
All-and-all, I think if Crown can tighten up its opener and carry some energy throughout the whole program, it will probably grab the 12th spot. If it doesn't, who knows?
Academie Musicale (40B, 20P, 22CG, 1DM) certainly now has the maturity of an open class corps and outperformed its Quebec rival Les Etoiles for eighth tonight at 73.7. The program Metamorphosis: A Choreographic Suite in Four Acts is just that -- well choreographed. The body movements from throughout the corps are some of the best on the field this year, and the excellent color guard is one of DCI's best kept secrets. The 40-man hornline blends well together and doesn't try to overplay, and even the drumline is getting much more proficient -- adding a sixth snare drummer since I saw them in Hershey. The music, while unrecognizable, is played well and not so abstract that the crowd doesn't appreciate it. The Redemption closer is particularly pretty and features a standard company front finish. While the company front is a little sloppy, the rock back-and-forth in the middle of coming forward is a nice effect. It's a nice program and could put them in semifinals in Orlando.
Les Etoiles (36B, 22P, 20CG, 1DM) is right there too, just .6 behind in ninth at 73.1. While this corps features the show stopper and gimmick of the year with its drum break finale featuring the gravity roto-toms and garbage can thunder drums, the rest of the show just seems to move along at the same, even pace to get to the big finish. The corps performs pretty well and the show is entertaining in spots, but there's no question what the crowd -- and the drumline for that matter -- is waiting for. The corps could most definitely use a few more bodies in the brass section, and the number five bass drummer could stand to execute a little better. The guard, on the other hand, is also proficient -- just like Academie's. The shimmering maroon mini-skirt/shorts guard uniforms are also quite attractive. It's a nice show which would once again make them a contender for the D-II title, if they weren't in open class this year.
Spirit of Atlanta (43B, 31P, 17CG, 1DM) kicked off tonight's show and once again got a good ovation for its Southern Jazz: Spirit Style program, finishing 10th at 72.1. The corps still brings back the memories of those great Spirit finalist corps of the past while wearing its smart new uniforms and style of 1997. Like the Glassmen, Spirit is truly one of the more improved corps this season, but needs quite a bit of cleaning to catch some of the contenders for semis. The Southern Belle guard is beautiful and has added a few new members, but appeared a little sloppier then earlier viewings. The hornline remains the same size, but is trying to make up for that with individual effort. While it needs a big sound to portray the Spirit classics, the horns tend to overblow in certain sections -- at least they did tonight. They might score better with a more controlled sound. The drumline still appears to be the tightest section of this corps. Let It Be Me still brings goosebumps and is a great nostalgia piece for DCI's 25th anniversary. The red flags against the purple guard outfits also work quite well.
The routine for retreat was the same as Friday, with the Cavalier drumline playing the corps on, the announcement of their scores, no caption awards announced, the obligatory unison America, Oh Canada selection and the Cadet encore. On the whole, Saturday's show seem to be better than Friday's, with a better lineup from top to bottom and more crowd-appealing shows. DCI should be happy that there is good competition throughout the ranks this season as it makes its final swing towards Orlando.
We went back for a second night of intense competition at Allentown on Saturday and we were not disappointed. Tonight we sat in the upper level of seats giving me my first "high" perspective of the corps this year. I like a big, loud, blow my face off brass sound, so the high seats are never my favorite, but it does allow for an overall viewing of each performance.
Spirit of Atlanta - This is still one of my favorite shows this year. The members do a nice job with the show, although problems with ensemble were apparent from the upper level.
Academie Musicale - This visual show is quite nice and it was pretty clean as well. However, I find Academie's show to drag a bit. They need to introduce a little excitement into their show.
Glassmen - This was my first viewing of the Glassmen this year. First, I prefer the aussie style hat over their new shakoes. They play their show well. The hornline has a nice rich sound. The visual show is also fairly well done, although I did notice a few marching glitches this evening. Personally, I don't see what all of the fuss about the ladders is. Although I don't believe they significantly add to the show, they don't distract from it either.
Les Etoiles - This little corps can really get a crowd on its feet! Their interesting percussion "apparatus" adds a unique and exciting touch to their show. However, Les Etoiles' horn line is struggling a bit with the program and their presentation was often quite weak by the time it reached the top of the stadium. After an "up stairs" viewing, I think their show was better last year.
Carolina Crown - Crown receives my award for most surprising of the night. They are very much improved since I saw them at Hershey ( at that time I was literally gritting my teeth during certain parts of the ballad because the horns were struggling so much). Tonight Crown put on a nice even performance. I was beginning to think that they were the most likely corps to drop from the top twelve, but I'm not so sure now.
Crossmen - The Crossmen did it again! They put on a sizzling performance that brought the crowd to its feet with the greatest ovation of the night. The horn line continues to improve. The marching looks good, although I will say again that there is just not enough field coverage during the show. I saw a couple of drops in the guard tonight which is becoming quite unusual with this corps, but I attributed it to nerves because they were performing in front of a nearly hometown crowd. It would not surprise me at all if the Crossmen slip by Phantom or the Cavaliers at Orlando.
Magic of Orlando - I have enjoyed Magic's show every time I have seen it this year, but it appears to me to be losing its early season energy. I like how they have spread the corps across the field at the opening and I like the new way they leave the field (singing Liza Jane all the way). We happened to catch Magic practising on Friday and my opinion of that time was reaffirmed tonight - The horns just have not come that far since early season. Their visual show is nice and their drill may actually be a step above Crossmen and Glassmen, but its still not clean. I don't doubt that Magic will be in the top twelve, but I don't believe it will be above 10th place.
Santa Clara Vanguard - I love this show! The first time I saw SCV was at Hornell. At that time I was sitting low and I loved the drill. Tonight I was up top and all I can say is Wow! The drill in the opener is incredible! Although the judges disagreed with me, I thought they gave the best ensemble performance of the night - both visual and music. Their horn line certainly seemed the cleanest tonight, although their musical book is not as difficult as Cadets. I truly believe that SCV could win it all this year.
Cavaliers - The Cavaliers put on what I would call a typical Cavaliers show. The only difference this year is that I don't think they perform it as well. Although I enjoy Firebird, the show is just not selling itself. I noticed some marching problems this evening and, although I felt their horns sounded better than at Hornell, I still think the horn line is not as good as last years. Don't get me wrong, the Cavaliers deserved to be in the third spot tonight. I'm just not thrilled with their show this year.
Cadets of Bergen County - I have not seen the Cadets since Hershey. This show gets the award for the most exclamations of "Wow!" that came from my mouth. What they can accomplish on the field in seemingly only a few seconds time always amazes me. However, I don't believe they performed as cleanly as SCV did tonight (again, I'm obviously not doing the judging). The difficulty of their show certainly must be appreciated, I just don't know if they will be able to polish it by Orlando. Still, I always enjoy watching the Cadets and tonight was no exception.
All in all, I believe that the overall corps performance is a level above last years. The competition is going to be fierce in Orlando, of that there can be no doubt!
Division I Les Sinateurs de Joliette.........74,8 Division II Stentors de Fleurimont............63,9 L'Impact de Dolbeau...............59,8 Division III Milomanes de Trois-Rivihres Ouest.75,8 Arcs-en-ciel de Pointe-du-Lac.....70,0 Sentinelles de Varennes...........63,6 Concert Les Jeunes Dynamiques de Rimouski.67,2 Dicibels de St-Jerome.............59,8 Pers-Clairs de St-Hyacinthe.......51,8Thanks to Andre Theriault of Friends of Drum Corps Quebec for emailing us these scores!
Wow what a night. If you are into nostalgia, you missed a great show. The show was in Whitewater's (Warhawk) Perkin's Stadium. The stadium was about half full, so not a bad crowd for the first show of this type. There were no judges tonight, all shows were in exhibition.
The St. Peter's Governaires (Minnesota) were the first corps up. They played the same show they did at DeKalb 3 weeks ago except for the addition of a standstill concert in the middle of the show. Their show was about 13 minutes long, just like the old days. Execution was not as tight as 3 weeks ago, but the excitement level was up for the night.
The St. Paul, Minnesota Brass were next. They were tight and the soloists were screeching away to the crowds delight. Again, they were not as tight as a few weeks ago but the excitement was there to replace it. (Why not, there were no judges on the field.)
The Boston Crusaders Senior Corps next to take the field. They marched onto the field for their opener, but then did the next 20 or so minutes of their show standing still. Their show seemed like about an half hour. They were fun playing all of the traditional corps songs. They closed with, When a Man Loves a Woman and had a sound not far from the '92 Blue Devils.
Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Alumni Corps (New Jersey) were a real treat. Again, playing traditional corps songs from the past, the crowd was in heaven reliving past memories. They also did a standstill show.
The Yankee Rebels Alumni (Baltimore, Maryland) did a full field show. The flag presentation in the middle of the show brought back a lot of memories. This show was the most exciting of the night up to this point.
St. Joe's of Batavia (Mighty St. Joe's, Western New York State) was huge. They did a field show and clearly won the volume award for the night. They had a wall of sound that the junior corps last week did not produce (including Blue Devils). I didn't count, but there looked like there was more than 128 players on the field. What a sound, clearly one of the highlights of the night. They started on the Starting line and finished on the Finish line. The crowd was buzzing after this performance.
The Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni Corps (formed only last spring) was unbelievable. They did not do a field show, but simply stood on the field. They were huge also (close to a full sized jr. corps). They had the cleanest sound of any hornline there. They were incredible! Talk about nostalgia, wow. They played some of their classic tunes from the early 70s including Fiddler on the Roof, complete with the guard doing the bottle dance. The crowd went wacko. They then played Phantom of the Opera with a tone quality that put goose bumps up and down my spine. If Santa Clara did a field show, they could do damage at DCA in a few weeks.
The Kilties did their field show to end the night. They were exciting and entertaining. Execution wise they were not as tight as at DCM, but who cares, what a show. Don't be surprised to see me in a Kilt next year. I am now convinced that the Kilties will turn some heads at DCA and will be in the elite top 10 come Labor Day weekend.
The Chicago Stock Yard Kilties Bag Pipe Band played next. This was fun. The drum major of the Kilties drum corps is also a bag pipe player and was playing with the group.
In Finale, All the corps played themselves onto the field one at time. After the corps was on the field, the corps scattered across the field. After all the corps were on the field and scattered, we had all the corps mixed together. At that point they played Auld Lang Syne together with more volume that has ever been heard out of a DCI show. Wow!!!!
If you missed this show, you missed one of the best and most unique shows of the entire year. The execution was no were near a DCI show, but the hornlines had tight intonation and a wall of sound. I can't wait until next year, maybe I'll be out on the field instead of in the stands.
Tom (and Teresa) in Chicago (we move to South Carolina tomorrow)
Seattle Web Factory
CyberCorps Web Page Designers.
CyberWebMistress Caryn RobertsWeb and Page design ©1995-97 Seattle Web Factory