DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS
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Bridgeport, CT - June 1998 From: Ron Clark (ronclark*nac.net) For those who couldn't make it, I will supply some of my reactions to the corps that competed in the Barnum Festival. This showcase contest has had a consistent gargantuan-sized audience, and this year's rendition conformed to that tradition. I would like to say 10,000, but I could be significantly off. They really know how to promote this show. The reactions will be in order of appearance. US MARINE SILENT DRILL TEAM - "Hey, get to the drum corps. We aren't interested in these guys." Well, if that is your position, you are missing an opportunity of seeing a really talented group. But what is different is that fact that nothing should be different. They, according to "tradition", still be traditional. Even the traditional change. They are doing more of a drill - although based totally on the straight line and fill - and have subordinated somewhat their equipment. And some of that equipment work is down-right dangerous for the best weapons handler. If you ever get a chance, check these guys out. They are for real...or as the younger sect say, they rock! SUNRISERS - "Gates of Kiev" as a warm-up is pretty. It is so effective to play backfield, and this is apparent in warm-ups. All corps that did on-field warm-ups played a recognizable ballad rather than scales. The horn line was 32, about the same as in the Evaluation Show of two weeks prior. There seemed to be five blanks, which means there were probably six. The guard is in a basic black minimalist "suit" that does not offend but seem incomplete. Seeing no change in two weeks leads me to think this will be it, but you never know. The drum line of 7 snares, 2 tenors and 4 bass are still waiting for the fifth bass. Also, tenors, like lead sopranos seem to be a prime commodity in DCA this year with few corps having a full line. In the opener, "Festive Overture", the guard had a relatively over-sized flag that was awkwardly manipulated. This would be just as effective as color support if it were smaller and it would be easier to handle. In most of the show the guard was supportive, although usually segregated more than the norm. Right from the first number, the corps made it apparent that this would not be a performance the corps was capable of. The movement was erratic with evident phasing, forms breathing too much and body angles inconsistent. I know they allocate time to their movement-technique program but it was not evident tonight. There is a possibility that the faulty movement impacted negatively upon the sound as the horn line seemed more insistent than previously noticed. This was noticed in "Russian Sailors' Dance" - the well-balanced ensemble sound would get thin when the movement demand increased. Why such an inconsistent performance, I don't know. But Sun will get it together and prove to be one of the most musical groups in DCA. Patience and determination. Fourth place - 67.2. HURRICANES - 33 horns, 6 snares, 3 tenors and 5 bass, a corps that did not suffer a lean winter. The John Arriantano charts was all big band, I believe. Starting facing backfield with "Baroque Samba" was pleasing played backfield and continued to be so after turning front, which is not always guaranteed. "Stellar by Starlight" had a questionable balance with the drum line overpowering the horn line. That may partially be because of the "whatever" heads the snares had. (Ask one of the "Tilted Snare" posters for a better explanation. But then again, they may feel it is fine. Go figure!) Wheeling out the 7 trap sets on dollies required a poor and possibly unnecessary transitional lapse in the show. A little better logistical thought and planning can eliminate this problem. "Swing" to the third power worked well. The corps got into it as did the guard. The use of the trap sets seem more appropriate in this year's show, as do the few stages that were brought onto the field, reminiscent of the Cadets but not becoming a Cadet clone. To cover a positive and a negative about the Hurcs: First, the negative. They really need a show coordinator who can see that the corps money is invested efficiently. The Hurcs have been more than modifying their uniform a number of times over the past two decades. Somehow, they are able to find the funds required to do that. But how was that money spent? The corps jackets of dominantly green with white and black embellishments, are new but with semblances of the previous styles. Along with it is a new hat that is black. How this goes with the total look, I cannot comprehend. Someone will say it is the traditional Hurricanes hat. That may be true, but it does not complete the harmonious ensemble look, as they say IMHO. I had an even bigger problem with the guards' "costumes". The blue pants were not coordinated with the black tops which were not coordinated of contrasted with the corps. But the biggest problem was that the young ladies did not look appealing in their varying degrees of undress. With my adult daughter accompanying me to the show and sharing an on-going dialogue with me, I know that she would never perform wearing what the guard was wearing. The Quebec guards have been known how to stretch the envelop in this area but they always did it with appeal. This was not appealing. I cannot believe that Mickey Kelly, who was so superior in developing an always magnificent product in his Skylarks, is still involved. On the positive side, the Hurcs movement package. Previously it was written by Dan McBride, which still may be the case. Last year, I considered their movement package too simplistic, lacking demand and not having the mileage necessary to allow them to be formidable. Boy, was I wrong with that evaluation. This year, I thought Hurcs might be having some problems since they pulled out of the evaluation show two weeks ago. I was wrong about that one too. And this year's movement package is a logical evolution of their accomplishments in '97. The tempos are comfortable to handle. The demand is reasonable. The step size is within the performer's comfort level. And the use of negative space gives the forms good depth and readability. The horn line is presentable and will get more musical. The drum line, I can't tell you. The guard has work to do. So that means the Hurcs are better this year than last and have the potential of surpassing the '97 final product. Fifth place - 66.0. BUCCANEERS - 40 Horns, 7 Snare, 4 Tenors, 5 Bass. This corps is such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Their "Festive Overture" is staged so clearly that each voice is very easy to locate on the field. This is because their forms are open with clearly discernible negative space between the layers. Most the the other corps have the complex pictures one expects, but the layers are are often too close - not to the point of being considered clutter but not with enough expansiveness to be considered pleasing and supportive if the sectional presentations of the brass. When one hears a soli, one wants to find the players easily. That happens with the Bucs. The guard is in white blouses and gold pants, both satin-type. This contrasts nicely with the corps proper uniforms, especially when within forms. But guard, WHAD-UP? At this point, you cannot have so much down time, even in the opener. It it obvious from their carriage and movement that they are not unseasoned performers, so why this? "Russian Christmas Music", their final number (too long to be considered a closer...in baseball, a closer pitches not much more than an inning), reflected the horn line's endurance as their sound did not falter to the end. This is a compliment to their brass program that has developed that. The use of sticks-on-cymbals instead of the typical chimes works, I guess. I am so used to seeing it the traditional way that is reminiscent of the piece. I love a corps or part of a corps with an attitude and that applies to the BUCS drum line. They don't just have it on the field. They live it! All wearing matching corps t-shirts and black bandannas while they walk around prior to being in full uniform. Yes, DCI, and they even talk to people outside their corps (like all other DCA corps). I thought their third place could have been even closer to the Cabs - 69.9. BUSHWACKERS - 19 Horns, 4 Snares, 3 Tenors (two playing), three bass. The winter in NJ was mild one unless you are from Harrison. There were rumors of a large exodus (another mandatory number from the "60s) from Bush and tonight revealed that it was fact. The returning horn line that marched could be no more than one third of last year's since three of those on the field were from Sky. You just can't do too much with only four sopranos. And you know they will kill the drum line without at least a fourth bass. That was Bush's fate in their first contest of the season. Their show is all "Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde." "A Moment in Time" was the opener, a very slow tempo limited visual development for the sake of the musical statement. A slow starter that is not guaranteed to grab the audience. It is quite obvious that the healthiest section is the mellophones who have many of those typical Bushwacker runs. The three contras did not cut through and I am not aware of the baritone contribution, outside of the BM solo. From a movement technique standpoint, they seemed in the middle of the pack, which is positive for a group coming out of a traumatic or lethargic winter. But that doesn't mean they necessarily beat anyone in marching. One can't tell how the judges penalized the 19 horns marching a show written for 30. I understand 5 horns were not ready and will go in in the near future. The positives: The guard, for one (22). In varying pastel tones, the body suits were beautiful and complementory of the corps total look. As my daughter said, "Even the guys look pretty." (Back off! She meant that as a compliment.) The guard still has its high level of talent and will do more than their required responsibility to support the whole package. The second positive is how the guard is used in adding color within the layers and by extending their forms for the anticipated smaller corps. The question, however, is whether the visual judges will give the appropriate credit to a guard that does not have significant audio support. Bush has had lean winters before and still was a contender, at least, by Labor Day. It is the harder way to do it...to play catch up...but I know they will not give up. We'll be watching to see their growth. I have the most faith in the horn line making it. Sixth - 59.8 CABALLEROS - 42 Horns, 5 Snares, 2 Tenors, 6 Bass. It seemed the Cabs had around four blanks in the horns line, with Frank Ponzo, the most classicially-trained sounding soloist who was not classically trained, marching only the second half of the show. The lead sopranos were not so evidently lacking tonight, but there isn't that piercing top end that one becomes accustomed to hearing from the Cabs. I was probably sharp-shooting the percussion line to see if their staging was changed or how dominant their presence was impacting upon the over-all sound. Surprisingly, the blend was very musical...possibly too musical. That proves those of you wrong who think ex-Blue Devil snares cannot control their hype. Robbie Robinson is a show in himself to watch. Marching has always been the Cabs trademark (They will never call it movement.) But there were evident variations of the glide step the corps has always used. Some almost using a pedal step. Also some upper body control problems were noticed, bouncing and angles. These inconsistencies are an anomoly for this corps. They do work technique but it is not there yet. Part of the problem could have been they tried to win the war at the Evaluation Show and did not do their last number. This was their first performance of that piece and the last minute of the show reminded me of the old movie when they intentionally drove a herd of horses off a cliff. That last minute impacted more upon their demise for the evening than anything else. They redefined the wheel during the "Rumps." I wouldn't be surprised if that cost them at least a point. From a design stand-point, they still have to open up the forms to add some additional negative space between the layers. At the same time the velocity is impeded by a smaller step size in different sets. If the tight forms coincided with the smaller step size, expanding these forms would naturally increase the step size requirement, thereby directly raising the velocity and the excitement of the movement and, therefore, the musical presentation. No, that is not a run-on that is the Gertrude Stein approach to Gestault show design. One change effects all succeeding possibilities. On the positive side, the horn re-established their beautiful sound playing backfield during that Spanish ballad, "El Gato de Spanish Heart - Ole' - Que Viva - or whatever it is." You Madison fans know the one. And the mellophone solo was at least as beautiful. For some reason, I get additional appreciation that the player is a female. Sometimes, prejudices can work in a person's favor. While I am on the subject of Cab females (at one time, an oxymoron): It was nice to see Mirna Lopez back with the corps as a staff person. Mirna was an original first year female guard person who performed for at least ten years and was once accorded the title of Caballero of the Year. Also Rose Catanio (Spelling is right this time), rumor has it, will not receive her female drum majors uniform until the rest of her dues are paid. Where will Cabs be on Labor Day? Right where they have to be. Why? Only one reason: they work harder than anyone. Second - 72.4. EMPIRE STATESMEN - 56 Horns, 8 Snares, 4 Tenors, 5 Bass, 6 Cymbals. Finally, a corps with a lead soprano line, and they let you know it! "The Westside Story" with charts that doesn't make you say "I heard this too many times." The drum line had a deeper sound to it - someone might say darker - that complemented the horn sound so nicely. Why anyone thinks drums that sound line one playing one floor tiles is pleasing or appropriate, I will never know. The dynamics, over all, were tastefully done. There were the triple fortes but they were spaced and their duration never exceeded what I found to be suitable. The baritone line in "Maria" was especially mello. The whole horn line's backfield playing ( a concept returning recently, along with percussion features) was effective, not only for the piano sections but also with the occasional forte section. The pit was placed on the sideline so that horns and guard could traverse in front of it to get in an even stronger impact position. Maybe it might be considered a nice finishing touch to make the pit area into a stage with a low backdrop since they are so visible. (Nothing like helping to write someone's show even though I wasn't asked). The package is such a well planned one, it is hard to determine what could improve it. One might be the "fight" scene might be given more specific coordinated choreography rather than allow everyone to do his or her thing. Musically the intro to "America" just seemed to be a series of ongoing chords whose purpose was not comprehendable. I listened to it during the victory concert performance and verified my initial reaction. This, the final section of the show involves a percussion feature in which the corps takes off their (Miss Saigon?) jackets to expose the gangs' "colors", yellow on one side and red on the other. These variations are designed into the movement ideas. First, by alternating the players (Ah, a warm memory of the Skyriders). That was effective. But then they top this by splitting apart by maybe eight steps and counter flowing, creating a shutter effect of color. As my friend Clark Williams would say, "Neat!" Why is Empire thriving while others seem to qualify for the "endangered species" list? Maybe because they do not do drum corps. They do have have bingo. That sure helps. They do have Vince Bruno. He is the Bill Gates of senior corps. He is a shorter Bill Cook. He is a younger Don Warren. But they never did drum corps. When they first came out, they looked more like a band. They were proud of the members with their bald heads and flaunted it by going sans shakos. They bounced; they swung, they smiled. They refused to be that anal retentive macho image that so many of us find alluring in drum corps. They even had the audacity to bring a tank onto the field to represent their version of "Americana." They tried to introduce satire before the drum corps public was able to imbibe anything that wasn't a one syllable word. And not only that, they actually liked doing it. For a long time, I didn't believe it. I thought it was affectation. Now I believe too. So, if you don't like them, just deal with it. Why? Because you have to when they are first with a 76.7. DISCLAIMER # 2 - Too many negative comments? Maybe so. I seem to be most critical with those I have ties with or with those I have friends in. Maybe I'll get the hang of this by the next show. RON From: NK305Diva (nk305diva*aol.com) As a long time Colorguard performer and fan, I have to say that DCA colorguards need to start stepping up the programs. Alot of what i saw saturday night sitting in the stands, was like i never left from last year. These are merely my opinions, no offense is intended. 1. Sunrisers: Alot smaller this year than last, but still looks the same. You can always count on them for a silent flag feature, this year its on the other side of the field and with a larger pole. The russian motif is not apparent through the guard at all, but maybe that is intentional. I think sun will be clean as usually, but not as exciting as last summer, but still one of my favorite guards of the night. 2. Hurricanes: Lets talk about those costumes.....i thought from far away they weren't to bad, but when they trooped the stands and i saw them up close, they were not to flattering. On the other hand, the show was amusing, but repetitive at times. Sometimes seemed like a cadets spin off, but impossible to achieve. This also reminded me of last year, but with differant music. I think when complete this will be a fun show to watch! 3. Bucs: Once it is finished i could tell you what i think. The guard had way to much down time for this point in the season. I thought the costumes were ok, but didnt fit everyone the same, nothing some minor adjustments won't fix. The book seemed a little to easy and not to demanding to the performers. Fun show to watch anyway. 4. Bushwackers: They were by far my favorite guard of the evening. Although the corps was small, the guard was amazing. The blue uniforms looked great and made them look beautiful. Im sure they are planning on using more than just the white flag, but for a first show i was very impressed. This is my pick for the trophy this year. They brought something new and fresh to the field that appealed to everyone. The ending was simply beautiful as well. This is a guard that i can't talk enough about. Hopefully, the horn line will fill out. Other than that, i hope bush will continue to put out an innovative show that usually brings DCA to the next level. 5. Cabs: Not as bad as I heard it was. Aside from the obvious Madison thing, It looked a lot differant. For one, the guard looked very plain. Just a simple vest and shirt, not very spanish. For the most part, the guard looked pretty large but the small poles made them look samller than they really were. I just want something differant already. Yeah its ok, and they will most likely do well, but there is something to be said for originality. 6. Empire: West side story? This wasn't what i expected, not that that's a bad thing. The guard seemed very large, but again looked smaller because of the size of their poles. I guess the all flag thing works for them, i personally would like to see some weapons though. The uniform was nice, also not what i expected. I like how they portrayed the story in a non-literal way, i think that works for them. They have alot of work to do though if they want to keep their best guard title. Like i said, these are just my opinions, and are not meant to cause controversy. I hope to make it to Cumberland, where i can see everyone again!! Nathan Kaufmann~DCA Fan From: James Galle (JameyRules*webtv.net) Seniors are Back in Pittsfield!!!! Generations: Say them last week in Johnstown, NY. I think they are slipping a bit. A lot of cleaning is needed musically, lots of wrong notes, overplaying, some of the sounds coming out of this Horn Line were really funky!!! Beat Chieftains by 1.4 Pts. Lost to them in Horns (Chieftains have about half the amount of Horns). A far as drill it was difficult to see due to the distance of the stands to the field (Rochester all over again!). Chieftains: They got a standing ovation from this crown before even playing a note! I understand they paraded down Pittsfield and did a concert on Saturday. I was told the Contest sold several hundred tickets after the performance. By far the Crowd favorite today (of course they warmed the crowd up Saturday to support them!). I passed their table on the way in, I think they sold out! Lot's of "BLOW THIS" shirts and hat in the crowd! As for the show - WOW! They can play! The Horn Line is out of this World (1/2 the size of Generations) BUT they play with control and emotion. A lot of talent there. The Percussion line is progressing nicely as well as the Pit (4 Excellent Mallet Players). As for the Guard.... Getting much better, they added a Male Solist Performer. He Can toss & catch any guard equipment out there, what a performer!!! Where did he come from??? The Guard added Sabre work in Far & Away this week, which included a triple toss and catch before the company front (they nailed this). They are my new favorite to win Class A again. Like I said last week, never count this corps out - August seems to be their month! The Crowd Clapped them off the field to their Cadence. To any Chieftains out there.... Is the rumor true that you purchesed 60 HORNS from DEG for next Season? Sunrisers... Much improved as well, they keep cleaning and cleaning. Nice work. I think they may catch Hawthorne this yearor may at least scare them!. The Crowd also loved their show. Guard was a bit tentive today. But like I said earlier, it is hard to judge their performance because of the distance to the stands. Hurricanes... Should have scored higher, MUCH higher. They perform with class and style. They go after crowd appeal and accomplish that every time. I think they should have won the show but... It's tough when you have two Corps who are so close in talent. Bushwackers... Getting better. After a slow start this year, this Corps has also come a long way. I guess they are determined not to get knocked out of the Top 10 by the Kilties! Solid Performance. The Guard keeps on getting better, week by week. The Visual Presentation is Awesome. 1) Sunrisers 2) Hurricanes 3) Bushwackers 4) Generations 5) Chieftains Jamey From: Drummerguy (Drum*drum.drum) I'm sure I'll get nailed for some of this, but it is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. 10th- Kilties. What a fun buncha guys. Thoroughly enjoyed it. LEAPS and BOUNDS better than Cumberland. Finals was MUCH better than prelims. Thought theyd beat Grenadiers in Finals. Prelims they were only four tenths behind. 9th- Grenadiers. Here's a corps I liked all year. Saw them four times this season and enjoyed all but one. FINALS !!! You guys blew it. Over hype! Thought Kilts would get ya. 8th- Bushwackers. WOW! what an improvement. At one point this season, I heard rumors of folding. Thank heavens THAT didn't happen. Drumline was 4th in GE drums at prelims. You guys came a long way! 7th- Hurricanes. Great prelims performance, rotten finals show. Even some of the Hurcs staff sitting near me couldn't beleive how disappointing the show was. They say the best performance of the year was left on the practice field before finals. I beleive it. 6th- Sunrisers. Rotten prelims performce, GREAT finals show. Your written brass book was one of my fav's this year. Color guard shoulda won. Steve Alves shoulda won quad individuals too! 5th- Minnesota Brass. All I can say is I wish we could see them more than once a year. They were great in the parade, better at prelims and stellar at finals. I thought you'd beat Bucs. 4th- Reading. Hornline, What the hell was that??? Your hornline at finals was HORRIBLE. The most out-of-tune baritone line of the night. Sops played almost as many wrong notes as they did right ones. Drumline was excellent, but still blew some things they didn't usually blow. 3rd- Caballeros. A great finals show. That Winona gets me going. Beautiful AND talented. I felt you guys peaked your show at the right time. I just don't think your vehicle was gonna catch the top two no matter what! ( Bye Mr. Ponzo) 2nd- Brigs. ON FIRE !!!! What a job. Hornline was intense. Drumline was average at best. I saw brigs three times this year and they NEVER blew the opening snare roll. At finals they blew it and lot more. If you had a second place drumline, ya mighta won. 1st- Empire. Brigs were SOOOO good, I thought empire might get beat. The first half of the show was good, but lacked oooomph. About 1/2 way through, someone must have turned up the intensity switch because everything just clicked. Second half of the show ROCKED !!!!!! That drumline, although not as perfect as I would have liked was better than Reading. They shoulda won. ( This from a guy who thought Reading locked in the trophy at clifton) Congrats to all and please don't flame me TOOO bad. It's just my opinion! Drummerguy |
