Drum Corps in 2010....

It's amazing how so much changes when you are not involved in an activity for a few years... yet, so much remains the same. In this case, I'm talking about drum corps, an activity that while I am still a HUGE fan of, have not actively been a part of since 2006 and have not eagerly followed (on a day-to-day) basis since 2007. Jen and I went to DCI Eastern Classic (or Regional or whatever) in Allentown last night. It is amazing how things have changed. The use of samplers and synth has not necessarily taken over like some drum corps purest might think, but has actually improved and, in some cases, has been integrated near seamlessly into the shows (ie: just check out the 2010 Bluecoats!) The fan base seems to be more diverse (I saw a TON of young kids at their first ever show) and yet old faces return for more. Jen and I sat next to an elderly couple who claimed to be attending their first drum and bugle corps show since the late 1970s! Jen and I had to fill them in on the current status of now-defunct corps such as The Yankee Rebels and The Hawthorne Muchachos. Also, a short lecture on the difference between All-Age Corps (such as DCA) and DCI was needed as a refresher for these folks, as the gentlemen was wondering why the Hawthorne Caballeros weren't at the show. He remembered the Westshoremen of old, as well, and I explained that probably at a few of those shows in the late 70's he may have seen my parents perform.

In the bottom half we saw some of the corps that are fighting for the lower rankings and just hoping to be top 17 come quarterfinals in Indy. Corps like Jersey Surf, Teal Sound (which, surprisingly did an all Dream Theater music themed show), Mandarins, and Pacific Crest are all fairly recent additions to the World Class level and are still struggling to compete with the "big boys". But also in this grouping we have a couple corps that are familiar faces in the top 12 of old that have fallen a bit, such as the Crossmen (now from San Antonio) and even the Madison Scouts who were big and loud and exciting (and in some cases bad), but still have the loyalty of the fans. When scores were announced and it was seen that Madison Scouts actually dropped a placement from where they came into the show, the crowed booed and awed as if on cue. Somethings never change.

In the top half, the Blue Knights, performing an all classical show, had a great performance and elevated them past the strikingly opposite Madison Scouts. Then came the contenders. The Bosotn Crusaders, celebrating their 70th anniversary, performed a show theme that focused on a king or kingdom or something like that...but never really reached me. They were clean and safe and not all that exciting. Santa Clara Vanguard performed music by composer Bela Bartok infused with a frenzy of modernism and complex drill that was never quite clean. The Phantom Regiment, another fan favorite of folks in Allentown (apparently...they got a loud ovation), performed great musically, but left me wanting more...they were flat and not as exciting as the two corps to come. Now the big boys, these two corps are destined for the top 5. The Cadets performed their show about toy soldiers coming to life in a young boy's imagination. This show as by far the most theatrical and made use of a constant character present in the show and some vocal sampling in the pit. The drill was exciting, but it seemed that nothing especially popped out as a big WOW moment like in most Cadets' shows. The music was great, too, pulling from classical and band music as well as classic drum corps favorites (Russian Sailor's Dance!). The Bluecoats were last on to compete and they raised the bar. This is by far the greatest Bluecoats corps to ever take the field. As an alumni I was simultaneously proud and jealous. Haha. They performed a show entitled Metropolis that definitely borrowed some of its look and theme from the classic 1920's silent film of the same name (directed by Fritz Lang....check it out!) The show is modern and complex and showcases constant movement and music. The visual, which has been a lacking factor in Bluecoats' shows of the past, is vastly improved and effective. The drumline was INSANELY good. I could see this as the year the Bluecoats finally win a caption (maybe even more than one!) at finals.