Cadets of Bergen County..77.3 Glassmen.................70.9 Blue Knights.............67.3 Kiwanis Kavaliers........61.0 Marion Cadets............48.5 Golden Lancers...........44.3 Cincinnati Glory.........40.2 Bluegrass Brass..........33.7 Thanks to Richard Jenkins on r.a.m.d for these scores!
Just a few comments ....
Bluegrass Brass: Some intonation and balance problems early on. Nice bari solo in the second tune, closer really pulled the show together. More guard would be a big help.
Lancers: I guess I'm starting to "get" this show. After reading some other comments, I'm starting to see the visual idea and putting it with the music. Still some holes to fill, but overall much cleaner than Monday. The huge flags, waves or sails, are growing on me. Still feel the closer is weak.
Marion Cadets: Despite the score, I felt they were having an "off" night. The solo's just weren't up to their usual stuff, and the ensemble work really seemed to be going in different directions. From the way the kids presented themselves, I think they knew there were problems - these guys usually look like they're having a blast!
Cadets Of Bergen County: On the other hand, CBC was on fire tonight. This show seems to have been cleaned bunches in the ten days since Parma. Of course there is still a lot to work on, but they are going in the right direction, I think.
Kiwanis Kavaliers: The show seemed much stronger than in Columbus. Still wish the closer had a bit more punch.
Blue Knight: BK still seems to have a few holes. All in all, a pretty average-though-enjoyable brass book.
Glassmen: Big problem here: I'm starting to dig the ladders. In all seriousness, I think they've tweaked (or learned) the drill enough that this actually seems a nice effect. I'm also liking the way the use of L'Arlesienne sort of links all the other tunes together.
Glory: Great crowd response, but of course this was home turf. I thought that a heck of a lot progress had been made since Monday's Columbus show, and it looks like the scores back that up. The guard was looking pretty tight tonight, and the battle scene (I hope that's what it is) makes a bit more sense now. I still wish the drums would back off a bit in the closer.
So now Ohio goes through its dry spell until the Dayton show on the 13th.
Bill DePaepe
"Remember when the music
brought the night across the valley
as the day went down."
Harry Chapin
Corps Reviewed: Phantom, Cadets, Glassmen, Bluecoats, Blue Knights, Glory, Marion Cadets.
I got back from attending three Ohio shows over three days: Columbus (Monday), Port Clinton (Tuesday), and Cincinnati (Wednesday), thought I'd post a few comments on the corps (no scores, all have been posted elsewhere).
I enjoyed the corps very much. These were my first shows of the season, and I saw each of the corps below twice, except the Bluecoats who I only got to see once.
These are reviews, not show summaries. If you do not enjoy reading someone else's opinion on something, then don't read on. If you do, hope you enjoy. Thanks.
Phantom Regiment:
Still in black, the unis of the corps proper have been decorated with gold
to replace the red from last summer's version. On the front mid-chest is
a shiny gold sun with a flap of black material representing an eclipse.
Overall, a nice look.
Phantom marched a contra hole the nights I saw them, although I met the young man taking that spot at Tuesdays' show (he watched from the stands) and he is expected to fill it on Saturday. He commented that it's tough to join in late, but that the food is great : ) He also noted that the members were unhappy with Monday's performance, that they felt very dragged down from the mini-heat wave we had experienced the past couple days (heat index over 100).
Phantom overall impressed me very much. To add to what has already been posted about them, the brass line is, once again, very strong. I did feel, however, the drum line, drill, and most esp the guard were improved over last year's championship versions. (yikes) The guard was well featured throughout, and has unique modern (which reminded me somewhat of Cavies or Star 93) choreography to go along with the rather-strong equipment book. Brass is very talented, evident on the field and in the victory concerts I stayed for each night. I'll add now, this is my favorite Phantom version yet, I appreciate the thought evidently put into this program... esp the improved visual demand placed on each member. Phantom will challenge for the number one spot, remaining in at least the top three.
Cool Phantom shirt: "Be Afraid of the Dark"
Cool music moment: The huge build/company front at the end of the show that dissolves down musically into a great solo, before building into the big tag ending. Also: look for the quintet and trio near the opening... ahh.
Cadets:
Cadets marched several holes, and are advertising for four horns
at their souvie booth... apparently injury and the extreme demands placed
on each '97 member have taken some toll. Cadets historically have been my
favs up until 92, when they became quite mainstream and stopped reaching
(just) past their grasp each season (IMHO)... However, this year's version
returns them to their former selves: super-hard everything. Taking into
account the demand level, the fact that the show has made it as far as it
has (moments are okay, most is sloppy, esp visually) points to the fact
that this years' corps is very talented, very hard working, and very
focused.
The corps starts standing still, playing about four shows' worth of notes in the first 30 seconds while the guard does about an hours' worth of twirling... The music is British sounding, but is instantly enjoyable and fits the Cadets well. Lots of runs, a nice ballad (standstill), and a big ending. Tuesday nights' performance was marred by both a false start (a very loud metronome was beeping off to the right of the field during start, throwing the drum major and the audience off for a moment) and a big contra pile up a bit into the show (6 or so hit the very tall grass)... Wednesdays' performance was much better and the two point higher score illustrated that... although at this point, Phantom's edge in cleanliness still puts them in front. You have to wonder how long this will last, given the room for growth remaining in the Cadets' very strong show.
Wednesday nights' crowd in Cincinnati was literally in awe of the Cadets, who strangely performed early in the show immediately following the Marion Cadets. I literally saw countless people shaking their heads in disbelief, jaws dropped open, muttering "ohh my God..."
Cadets have a strong ending this season, so that should save them from another of the sometimes difficult searches they've had for the "perfect finish." I remember 89, 94 and other years when the ending of their show changed over and over. This year, as the music is racing out of control, the Cadets form several circles inside one another (horns) which then spin in opposite directions, finally pulling out into a version of a Z-pull. The effect is breathtaking.
The Cadets always strong guard has reached (unbelievably) new heights. Not only is the equipment book the freshest I've seen from them in years (although obviously early still in development) but the choreography lacks any "sameness" that might have been present the past few years. Added to this, the entire guard is featured on rifles, including group tosses and random throws (exchanges) backfield to the crowd's disbelief. Difficult saber work, and an interesting & fun dance as a "clown" band (ala Olympic performance...) make for an outstanding performance, all the time featuring wonderful silks. The use of the Blue Shakos is an original twist (red (eg: maroon), white and blue... ala British flag). The talent required to march so many members on so many different pieces of equipment rivals the demand in only the top few WGI guards. I would be very surprised if they do not win high guard again, although all the guards I saw were stronger than an already strong last season.
Percussion for the Cadets seems talented once again. I do, however, question the logic of adding an additional two in the pit. Although they do a wonderful job, I don't understand the specific musical requirement that pushed the design staff past the usual eight. I would think additional marchers on contra would give the horn line the low end which currently it's only significant weakness. Look for Cadets to finish first or fourth, depending on if they get this thing clean or not. I'd guess first.
Two neat things regarding the Cadets... I hadn't checked out a Cadet horn rehearsal for a while, but I now recommend everyone do so... Talk about all business. The marching added to the scale and warmup work is very cool, and perhaps explains the ever-improving lack of feet sound through the Cadets' horns of late. Two talented drum majors and a lot of music majors were evident.
Cool Cadet shirt: field with footprints all over it with "And that's just the opener"... How true.
Glassmen:
I saw them twice. They get my vote for most improved corps (so
far)... The new director, and staff, effect is evident. Bizet works well
for them. Every section is better. Horn sound much improved. Drums much
improved. Guard (sorry: hate the unis) improved although could use more
basics work. The show reminds me a lot of a Phantom show. The ladders
didn't even bother me. Horns spots available. One thing very improved in
them this year is the corps' marching technique. No more wobbling (thank
god). Horns have turned down the volume in favor of improved intonation
(thanks). The show is very well programed and will challenge the corps
through the summer, and should propel them back into the top 12 (watch out
Colts). Look like a 9th, 10th or 11th place corps to me.
Bluecoats:
Saw only once. Best corps from them in a while, much improved
from last summer. The hornline is well featured throughout and the corps
makes good use of two raised staging areas on the rear hashmarks to either
side of the fifty. The show has several unique drill moves, including a
great opening with the corps appearing from behind the backdrops and a
full corps/guard pull-through mid-show. All in all, a very fun
performance which the crowd ate up. One suggestion, perhaps a little less
follow the leader S-drill might be in order. Guard is improved, making
good use of unique body movement and attractive silks. Percussion is
still somewhat a weakness, although demand has been improved over last
season's somewhat empty book. Overall, a very good corps. Look for Coats
in 7th-12th spot.
Marion Cadets:
A hornline of five, a total corps in the teens. What a
great job they and the staff does proving small corps are fantastic too!
The hornline is very musical, featuring a brass quintet-like arrangement
(rather than an ensemble arrangement). Mellophone solo is excellent.
Guard (four, one more on sideline, one doubles as drum major) is very
attractive and appealing. The drumline has a nice rest from a tough
visual book acting as a pit for a tune, laying a nice groove down. I wish
100 more mighty little corps like this existed. Pound-for-pound, Marion
Cadets are one of the best corps around this summer. Do not miss them.
Look for Marion at DIV III finals.
Colts:
A full corps with a lot of sound, but perhaps a little too much
high-end horn sound which is sadly unsupported, leaving it sounding
"crass". The corps needs to find the lows in the show to go with the
over-present highs. It's obvious the staff wants an "in your face" sound
and show (ala Madison), but quality is still needed to rack up the points.
The crowd around me seemed to agree: turn the hornline down, work the
dynamics, and the points will come. I would imagine the horn staff is
pushing the corps' volume right now to build lungs (which seem young), so
I'd expect a fine corps to march into Worlds come August. I would,
though, be worrying about the G-men, making the adjustments now to close
the gap before the end of July... to avoid watching Saturday night from
the stands. More visual demand is needed to avoid this, perhaps better
matching the drill to the music at times. I did not, like others, mind
the guard look (biker chick). It gives the rock-edge look needed for a
show of this sort. In spite of the shortcomings, the show is still a very
energetic and enjoyable one, esp for novice audience members (which are
very important to the health of the activity)
Glory:
Brand new corps (yea!). Obviously, the staff has done a fine job
teaching this corps basics, giving each section an obvious understanding
of the technique they are shooting for. They are still a bit behind
(understand why), but look to have a great first season overall. I get
the impression they had a somewhat rough winter, but seem to be picking up
steam rapidly...
While the music demand may slightly be a reach, the visual program looks to be a strength. The corps is adding horns, and that should help the scores rise. One big suggestion: the pit (esp timpani) needs to pump up the volume big time to provide the low end support the horn line needs, and the addition of a concert bass drum would really help. Another suggestion: rewrite some keyboard parts which lay too closely to the mello parts, leading to some intonation problems...
The guard showed great improvement in two nights, leading me to believe a good season lies ahead for them. Drum line (battery) is ahead of the other sections and does a good job laying a groove, although bass line could play out more (again to support the horn sound).
Glory has a very attractive, bold uniforms and a professional appearance about them. They give off an organized and serious attitude. All in all, a great first season. Great job, Glory!
Blue Knights:
Another difficult program from Denver with tough drum line, nice horn
sound and ballsy drill. Horn sound has very nice clarity and balance.
Drum line is very talented and plays with great technique. Guard is large
and has strong basics. Problem: the middle 1/3 of the show loses the
audience's interest and lacks flow. Add a drum solo, anything, and
shorten the portion of the show. The end is great. The end of the opener
(corps retreats to rear right of field, then comes back at you) is nice.
The show features very nice handmade silks and other props by a Denver
artist, adding an attractive dimension to the program. Looks to be a good
season for this corps, as I am sure adjustments will be made and the corps
will show up at Disney clean and back in finals.
All in all, '97 looks great.
Get out there and enjoy! If at all possible, donate some time or money to
a corps of your choice.
George D.
Recaps - June 25, 1997, Harrison, OH
Thanks to Richard Jenkins for emailing us these recaps! CORPS GE GE ENS ENS PERF PERF PERF PEN TOT POS MUS VIS MUS VIS BRS PERC VIS Bluegrass Brass 7.3 5.6 5.4 5.1 3.4 3.4 3.5 33.7 8 Golden Lancers 9.3 8.2 6.7 6.5 4.9 4.8 4.8 -.9 44.3 6 Marion Cadets 9.8 8.7 8.0 6.9 5.2 4.6 4.3 47.5 5 Cadets - BC 15.0 15.8 11.4 12.0 7.4 7.7 8.0 77.3 1 Kiwanis Kavs 12.8 11.5 9.7 8.1 6.2 6.1 6.6 61.0 4 Glassmen 14.5 14.2 10.8 10.1 6.9 6.9 7.5 70.9 2 Blue Knights 14.4 14.4 10.7 8.3 6.4 6.4 6.7 67.3 3 Glory 7.9 7.5 6.4 5.5 4.7 4.4 3.8 40.2 7
Magic of Orlando.........69.1 Crossmen.................67.5 Carolina Crown...........65.9 Spirit of Atlanta........61.2 Southwind................52.8 Thanks to Rob Adams for emailing us these scores!
The second show of the DCI - Atlantic Division tour was held in Huntsville, AL. An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the event held on the campus of Alabama A&M University. The stadium here is an excellent facility (about one year old) with most seats providing a great vantage point.
The running theme for the evening seemed to be "incomplete". But for the second show of the year, most of the groups seem to be faring pretty well.
Southwind was on first. Holes in some sections and major passages of incomplete guard work don't quite give you the whole picture. As they fill in, the "Childhood" show should come together.
Spirit had a good run tonight. The uniform change looks great and gives them a little more distinction and tone of authority. The first chords of "Georgia" just might bring a tear to the eyes of many a Spirit alumni. They seem to be in control of the program until near the end and the last tune seems to run out of gas. Also, the guard work here with red flags needs a little more thought. Again, as the season unfolds, they should make some great progress.
Crossmen is a lot of fun this year. Right now the most complete program in this tour's lot. The "Colors of Jazz" offers some good musical variety and a lot of good integration of the visual. A fairly complete guard program provided some good impact moments. Again, basic control and tweaking of the elements over the summer will help tighten things up.
Magic is fun! The "Carnival" theme is a style change that the corps has readily adopted and the crowd had a lot of fun with it. They offered up some great musical moments from the sing-along with "Liza Jane" to the somber "Mass" and the driving rhythm of the percussion feature. Again, still some incomplete visual moments that will tie the program together. When these are filled in, look out.
Crown presented "Post Cards from Britain". When viewing this program now, be aware that set pieces and costumes are still incomplete. That would explain why some of things look cool but don't quite make sense. Once these items are in place, one should see the program concept a lot clearer. The guard is struggling a bit right now too, but once they get a hold of the book, it will really complement the show. They have a few holes in the brass line, but once these are filled, that should help round out the sound. Again, "incomplete" was the theme.
Overall, it was a good evening, the crowd appreciative. Hopefully, this will continue to increase the awareness of corps in the area.
I don't keep up with r.a.m.d any longer (since about '93 when I gave up doing the writers poll) but I'm still offering up this review of the show for you to share with others or hog to yourself :P--- Hope you're doing well and life's treating you good.
The Corps rehearsed in 90+ degree heat during the day, until a DELUGE! hit about 45 minutes before the show. Fans huddled underneath Alabama A+M stadium for approx 20 minutes while I drenched myself in the cold driving rain, "soaking" in the early season aura of buses pulling in, colorguards clicking off warm-ups under canopies, the routine...
After the brief flood, a beautiful blue sky pushed through the clouds and a full arc rainbow framed the backfield of the stadium, hovering over the first two corps to perform. Reminded me of the awesome sunset that Clara performed their finals show to in Buffalo in 1990.
Southwind -- Generated a lot of noise because of their regional affiliation, and because four or five members of the host high school are marching 'wind this year. I was very disappointed by their shrinking numbers, many holes in the hornline caused this corps to be seriously imbalanced between captions. I don't think they had more than 30 horns, but marched a seven man snare line, etc. Southwind is tackling a very technically oriented show, with sharp attacks and choppy polyrhythms and may be beyond the reach of this ensemble, but I applaud that kind of risk. A majority of the programs visual content is staged in the front and center and the drill emphasized a lot of contrary motion. The colorguard was very isolated from the rest of the corps, not a lot of integration into the overall program yet, but I'm still impressed with the kind of work their instructor teaches them; very "body" oriented. Their costumes confuse me a little bit, combining that hip, street punk look with an innocent pre-schooler playtime jumper. Overall those kids have a lot of heart to stick with the program and as the season progresses, I look forward to seeing where they take this show
Spirit -- A VERY striking new look and sound for a familiar face. Navy Jackets, Cream Pants, Blood Red Accents, Gold Lame Delta cleverly hidden in the uniform. A total departure from the sky blue look of years and years. This mature concept is going to take them places. The amount of focused air for smaller hornline blew me away. Thick Balanced Jazz Colorguard returning to that sultry, hot, "exasperated" Atlanta look that they invented. Good program, the horn line can develop their endurance to push through the end of the program, this corps will challenge. Maybe not the 12 this year but I can see a dramatic return in the future.
Crown -- My alumni corps, I was very excited to see what they were going to put out, especially since they are departing a little from the sheer "concept" show. The English music seemed to call for a little bit minimalist approach. At this time the performance level is suffering, but initially I'm thinking that this is one of the most exposed shows I've ever seen.
Crown Imperial is rarely performed in an entire ensemble format, rather, each phrase is offered by different sections, and although it limits the depth and richness of the opener, i think that once some cleanliness is established, its going to be impressive. At this point in the early going, the drum line is really the showcase. The royal and white unis return for a second year, and the guard is in cream and copper sometimes wearing royal and scarlet robes.
Crossmen -- Continuing with this "birdland" theme, Bones kicks off the line with the birdland theme traded across section to section in a long slow build and when your ears are finally crying out to be blown back, Crossmen deliver. Unfortunately this show doesn't "groove" yet like it needs to. It's more like... dum da dum da dum, da dum, daht... when it should be doo-bee doo-bee doooo wah doo bop doo be doo wop ... just a little too square right now. As a matter of fact, the middle section should not groove and some how it does! A little spoiler for you... The horn line at the end is playing build-up chords and between each chord kind of "scrambles" to a different position in the same form. Just when you think they are about to do this too many times, the fastest z-pull I've ever seen (centered by the drum line) closes the show.
Magic -- whoa... enormously different style for them, like a cross between Velvet Knights and Bluecoats (fitting, they wear velvet coats) anyway, some clever crowd interaction at the beginning (that many people in the audience confused as "one of those dancin bands" hmmm). VERY entertaining show with a lot of creole seasoning added, my only criticism is that there isn't really any exposure in the show, and the very good hornline is playing below itself. If they want to challenge say, Glassmen, they are going to have to fix some BAD visual ticks in the second half of the show. But overall their brass puts out the most sound I've ever heard out of that corps and is able to push through past the end already at this point. When you see them for yourself, listen for an alto soloist who RIPS up and down partials.
Recaps - June 25, 1997, Huntsville, AL
Thanks to Rob Adams for emailing us these recaps! GE ENS MUSIC VIS BRASS PERC VIS TOTAL Magic 14.1 13.5 14.5 13.6 13.4 69.1 Crossmen 13.4 14.0 13.5 13.3 13.3 67.5 Crown 13.6 12.9 13.3 13.4 12.7 65.9 Spirit 12.5 10.8 13.0 12.9 12.0 61.2 Southwind 11.5 9.3 10.8 10.5 10.7 52.8
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