Okay, so it's here, the start of the DCI competitive season 2009. Oh poo, what am I say, it's their only season since that seems to be all they know these days.
DCI advertises that every performer strives for that DCI trophy. I say that the people who run DCI should check the pulse of the young people again. It used to be about education and the love of the activity, now DCI thinks it's all about that silly trophy and a medal. Don't they know that those are just accessories??
Well, anyway, from what I'm hearing and seeing here are my thoughts on what to look for and look out for.
Mandarins music and show title just brings vodka to mind.
Madison Scouts could be interesting, I'm just worried how their guard will look, both in costume and equipment.
Spirit of Jacksonville State University sounds fun from the selections, it's just according to what their design team does to either keep the fun or ruin it.
Pioneer can always deliver anything with an irish flare, and I don't mind it at all.
Phantom Regiment will of course have the hornline, that's always a given. The new uniforms look a little straight jacket-ish to me though. Can only hope that their guard is much more improved and do more with equipment this season.
Carolina Crown's description sounds a little less fun than the past several years, which helped them become a fan fave at every show. I'm worried that their guard will not be up to the standards they have been with the new staff additions. From their details it makes me think that the guard will be given the look of wood nymphs and fairies. Then the members have to fit into the costume as opposed to the costume fitting the performer. Which makes me think that there is a flaw in the design department, or someone promotes discrimination against body types. Whatever happened to looking for talent?
Santa Clara Vanguard must have forgotten that Glassmen did Martha a few years ago. As much as I enjoy SCV, you should really do your research when it comes to silly show title names.
The Troopers came out first with the "Westside Story" selections for this year and boy am I looking forward to seeing if they can make it their own. Put your brand on it and really bring it to the wild, wild west!
I had hopes for The Holy Name Garfield Cadets of Bergan County when they first announced "Lenny" and all the possibilities, but now they're trying to relive 84 (one of my all time favs) by changing to totally "Westside Story". Talk about big shoes to fill!!! As updated as the 94 show was, which I enjoyed, there was still no touching the Cadet classic!!
Blue Stars will try to build a top 12 DCI show with "The Factory". I immediately though of Crown in 01. All I can say is that I hope your factory doesn't need a bailout.
The Cavaliers could be a fave, it will depend on how great the divide is between design, performers, and fans. I'm sorta hoping for a "Niagara Falls" type of show, which is one of my faves.
Now the one I'm most looking forward to is finally doing what I have been requesting of them for years!!!!! Blue Devils = Judy Garland!!!!! Now tell me, who could do it better???? This is so the style of music I want to hear from them. Something the performers can sink their teeth into and the audience can enjoy. I really don't care if the guard just does a stage show the entire time, I just don't want them to distract from the entire package that could be my fave of the season! Time will tell.
With just a few of my picks and pans, all there is left to say is to the performers:
HAVE FUN!!!!
See ya in a few,
B'