It's not very often that I take some me time so I was able to go down and watch DATR this past Saturday. Invesco field is nice but I do miss the old Mile High Stadium. There was something very cool about it and it was a great place to perform. Below is a brief recap of some of the corps and my own commentary and opinion about the current state of some of the Corps.
I am a small fish in a big pond of people that do so much more than I. That's why it hurts to make the next comments and ask some questions. Madison Scouts, what has happened to your organization? You have always been a power house but within the past few years we have seen a rapid decline of the Corps. I was saddened by the sorry shape of your guard and the poor writing of your music book. Visual was not helped by the guard and I found myself wanting to go get a hot dog about 4 minutes into your show. I don't know what's up but I pray that your org will turn itself around. However, an aside, I do hope Troopers catch and pass you.
My first exposure to Corps was 1988 Phantom Regiment and "Romeo and Juliet." To me, still one of the coolest intros in Corps History was the ginormous snare roll after the very loud horn intro. I love Phantom. So, I must ask, what the hell is your guard staff thinking? I have to tell you, I was actually embarrassed by the lack of clothing your guard was wearing. I don't need to go to a corps show to see crotch shots all night and I am surprised your guard girls have not deserted you. This is a youth activity, not a stripper convention. Your effeminate Sparticus is unconvincing and your overall use of the guard to help the visual is a detraction. I am not convinced by your guards performance and it is one of the hokiest visual packages I have ever seen. I am surprised you didn't drag out pink elephants. (Sorry Star) Your guard staff should all be fired. It's a good thing that the horn and percussion lines and the music book make up for the lack luster visual program. I was so distracted I could not even watch drill. Your 3rd place ranking was a gift.
The true 3rd place Corps should have been Santa Clara Vanguard. This appealing show was fun to watch and had me from the opening statement. Kudos to the guard staff for their uniform design. I was enthralled by the browns and how the silk colors blended so well with your costume and then the cool uniform metamorphosis to blue was SUPER COOL AND BEAUTIFUL. Drum Line, you guys are so on the verge. I loved the writing though your snares need to learn to complete their phrases and attack together especially when we have pings and shots. Tenors, you guys were awesome. Basses, you rocked. Plates, sorry boys, I missed you but I am sure you were in traditional SCV Plates style. Front ensemble, thank you. Horn line, thank you. I am confused that your score has not budged and I challenge the judges to pull their heads out and really look at your show and it's components. You should be in the mix, but hey what do I know.
I know that this is not a typical stance I like to take, but Devils deserved first. The show is visually and musically incredible. Though I don't care for west coast guard, you guys and gals had me from the beginning. I loved the use of the yard lines as tight ropes. Drum Line, WOW. Cool and innovative use of tenor drums and the flipping basses would make even ZZ Top proud. Loved the opening percussion statement. Though I credit the show idea back to Star 93', I believe Devils have the winning show and that they did some truly innovative things. Devils will win DCI 2008.
Cavies, the opening of your show takes too long to develop and for some reason there seemed to be some ensemble tearing last night. But on the whole, I loved your music book and I always love the Green Drumming Machine. I did not believe you'd be able to pull off a show with Japanese musical leanings but you did. Visually, the guard costumes are a bit much. I could not tell that you were supposed to be Samurai but I still thought you guard was the bomb. I look forward to seeing what you all do with your show.
Blue Knights, all I can say is this, Smokin' Percussion Line. You are and continue to be about 10 steps ahead of the activity in innovation of visual and movement which is probably why I had a hard time connecting with the show. You are all so very fortunate to have Robbie Billings on staff. I do wish your guard was wearing more clothing that was especially not see through. All the hand painted silks, amazing. Drum line, holy crap. Keep pushing, I know you will all do well at Championships. I wish you God Speed.
Troopers, you made me proud. Keep cleaning and pushing. We will see you back in the top 12 someday, I know it. Keep pushing for Madison and the corps around you!!!
I will be interested to see what happens over the next few weeks and especially will like to see how the East Coast Corps will figure in this slug fest. Good luck to all Corps and nothing personal to those corps who I challenged above. I wish you all the best.
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