Cadets of Bergen County..72.2 Glassmen.................66.3 Colts....................64.1 Pioneer..................56.6 Kiwanis Kavaliers........52.8 Americanos...............43.2 Golden Lancers...........40.5 Coachmen.................30.1 Thanks to Jeremiah Peterson on r.a.m.d for these scores!
Nothing like a couple of days to digest a drum corps show, then posting it to RAMD.
Actually, considering that some people might think that this year's show boasted a less-than-stellar lineup, I thought that the show did rather well. The whole concert side sold out yet again, and the fans seemed very appreciative and excited for all of the corps, even the little tykes.
Note: This is my first show of the year, so my opinions are fresh from the start.
Coachmen... 30.1
The corps from Grand Rapids, MI, had an entertaining show, if not one
of the cleanest or most talented efforts I have ever seen. Their
western-style music fits their group well, although I DO wonder about
what those planks of wood that the guard uses signify. Just the next in
a long line of "neat" props that someone decided to use, I guess. This
corps could definatly benefit from some more members.
Golden Lancers... 40.5
Well, I'll give this corps credit, they're playing some tough stuff for
such a small group. Sure, sometimes it was a little difficult to
stomach, but I'm sure that they will improve nicely as the season
progresses. BTW, there were three brass players that just stood on the
sidelines during the show, in uniform, but just watched. I'm assuming
that they're new members that are learning the show. Hopefully this
will give them an added punch, which is needed.
Americanos... 43.2
This group is SASSY! They do a very entertaining show, the music of
Gloria Estefan, and do it well. Their guard is very strong for a group
of this size, and it's fun to see them enjoying themselves. You can't
help but tap your foot to some of these beats, as well.
Kiwanis Kavaliers... 52.8
Well well... the music of Evita. The Kavaliers have some work to do if
they hope to crack the top 12 this year... it's a shame that they have
only around 110 members, 'cause they could definatly use the added punch
of a full ensemble. Nevertheless, their show is captivating, and their
uniforms, with the plain black against the silver jewelry looks sharp.
Their horns, drums, and guard, were all at a good talent level, but they
simply lack the numbers to compete against some of the more established
corps.
Pioneer... 56.6
This was the first Division I corps that performed in the show and
immediately got the crowd roaring with their selections from
Riverdance. Their hornline and drumline seem fine for this time in the
year, but the guard will probably have to pick their game up a couple of
points in order to keep from harming their corps. I'm also resigned to
having this show be the SOUNDS of Riverdance, and not Riverdance itself,
complete with dancing. Still, the catchy music works well with Pioneer,
and the crowd enjoyed their show very much.
Colts... 64.1
This corps has three sound levels: loud, REAL loud, and Blow the Ears
off the Crowd. *whew* This corps grabs you by the gonads (or, in the
case of you women, teats) and refuses to let you go until the final
blasting chord. The guards' uniforms, complete with leather, seems to
fit perfectly with their show, so more power to them! Also, their
oversized drumline (at least 8 snares) is quite powerful, but we'll see
if they can clean themselves up well enough to excel. All in all, a
very entertaining show, even if we couldn't hear very well after.
Glassmen... 66.3
First of all: Whomever designed these new uniforms should be given a
ticker-tape parade through the streets of Toledo. They're stunning,
especially the DM.
Bizet is a good match with this corps. Their hornline is smooth, the drumline is musical, and the guard... uses ladders? Well, hey, why not? It makes their show unique and interesting to watch, so go for it!
It's lots of fun to hear the Gmen play "Carmen," as well as good classical music. I was concerned with them last year when they missed finals, but I feel confident that they will have little problems qualifying this year. A refreshing show, and one that I anticipate watching again.
Cadets of Bergen County... 72.2
HOLY COW. *Mock anger* C'mon Cadets, too weak to do 64th notes in
your show???
Evidently, either the staff for the Cadets this year are geniuses, or they're utterly insane. This poor hornline is going to be doing runs in their sleep until next January... and boy, does this corps MOVE. They all zip hither and yon from one end to the other, all the while contorting their fingers to play this brass book, and suddenly, the song is over!!! The guard is second to none, once again, and their uniforms are very cool, with the green sash... they complement the others very nicely. And they teach us all what to do with a pompous, overbearing Drum Major in their show.
But, there was a boo boo. Their patented "Z-pull" in the end claimed the balance of 3 members toward the end of the maneuver, collapsing in an inglorious heap in the center of the field. But they recovered nicely, and the crowd roared its approval and rose to its feet. Congrats, Cadets, on a show well done. This group, once it REALLY gets cooking, will be hard to beat.
Impressive show, once again. You can bet that I'll be buying my tickets for here again next year!
Jeremiah Peterson
Drum Corps Fan
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