DCI Finals … some pre-event notes

Here we are …

First, some notable “goings-on” further down the competitive ladder.

The Crossmen — I marched in the Crossmen from 1975–1978, and … as the Crossmen faced some challenges, Youth Education in the Arts brought the Crossmen inside of YEA! for several years , from 1996 to 2006.

Placings for those years —

1996–8th

1997–6th

1998- 7th

1999–10th

2000–9th

2001–7th

2002–9th

2003–9th

2004–11th

2005–14th

We had some great staff: From the crew of Jeff Bridges, Dean Musson, Evan Rogovin, and Chuck Naffier … to Thom Hannum, Mike Klesh, and many others, of course.

Eventually, the pressure and end expense of two world-class corps began to catch up to the team at YEA! and we thankfully orchestrated a relocation to San Antonio. All did pretty well … for another 20 years, and yes indeed, the corps has been here for 50 years ( 1975–2025)

The past few years have been tough but I wanted to shout out.

So many did so much to keep this corps “up and running,” and well … it would appear there is going to have to be a grand rebirth. Robby, Jim Coates, Fred Morrison, and Mark Chambers — and many many more

All the best …

Shouts out to the Academy and Spirit …

It has to be tough to be in the Saturday night show and now … there is work to be done. Congrats to the Spirit Alumni corps by the way

And finally … great work Music City. It was a great show. You may have a few steps to take but you are on the way. I loved it. What a great improvement this year

Review of Friday

I saw a post from a friend who commented that tonight is up to the performers, a reference to the fact that the opinion captions (effect, ensemble) seem pretty split between some of the top groups.

Well … I disagree

For all time, different people see the same performance through different eyes. Kind of like the Bluecoats and the message of “the Observer Effect”.

I was impressed with myself, although things did not work out, as my perceptions held true. That is, if we believe the judges on task :-)

Briefly …

The Bluecoats were fabulous. They are, without question, leading the electronic revolution. From individual brass mics ( lots of them), to delays, to modulated sound — it is pretty extensive. Frankly, with the help of an alumnus who is well-connected inside of the “show world,” they have always been the leader.

I remember a meeting in 2016. When the Bluecoats Sound Designer spoke to the board about the state of electronics and the future possibilities. All I could think was .. “ we are ( the Cadets) so so far behind these guys. We have work to do”. Well … they are way ahead

Boston is phenomenal. Anyone reading my words knows I have concerns about the show, but that's just me, and I am not judging, am I? And yes, they are not alone with the presentation of a show that is difficult to ascertain in terms of theme.

Do not get me wrong. I can go either way with themes. But … if you say the show is about XXXXX, it should be clear, at least in the context of a drum corps show. But … Boston won quarters and depending on the judges … it can go either way.

Santa Clara — I love the show. It is just a masterpiece of design. Visual supports music and vice versa. I thought last night they were very, very, very good. I am not sure there is a pathway forward for tonight but congrats. What a job to come back from almost extinction. Great respect!!!!

Blue Devils — I felt that BD was “a little off” last night. I could have seen them dropping to 5th or 6th, based on other performances. There were some ensemble issues early, and generally, there was not the elevated enthusiasm and performance you look for from the Blue Devils. Organizationally, I would imagine it is a bit of an adjustment after years and years of almost always being in the Championship mix. Seems to me … some changes may be required as we head for 2027

Crown — A great brass line as always. A fine guard and percussion line. The issue is the show. There is not usually an effort to come together for “a moment”. The visual is great as it takes over the field, the brass line is just masterful, but it is rare, except for the end of pieces, where the construction entices the spectator to stand in appreciation.

Crown is not alone here. It is not easy.

I expected Phantom to move by Crown … maybe tonight?

Phantom Regiment — A great corps, a great ballad, and I WISH … a better ending. People love this corps. People want to scream for this corps, but … the moment to let loose is never quite provided.

Is the performance at the same level as the top 3 ? No.

But, emotionally, this show and this corps can bring tears to your eyes. No one else is close. But … as you can see from the results. For PR to rise, there is going to have to be a stadium that almost shakes to the ground in appreciation

I love the ballad … the opening, the through line … all of it. I wish they drummed a little less, but … it's just such a grand drum corps.

Quick on the bottom 6:

Mandarins … this may be the best produced corps of 2025. Something is happening all of the time. The coordinator and design staff should be commended. And … all of the kids. The corps came a long way from that first show in California. #6 is NOT impossible. Improbable but not impossible. Congrats!!!!

The Mandarins

The Cavaliers — Much progress from 2024; Pete Weber is a grand addition. It is clear they are working towards the future and I look forward to seeing what is on the horizon. Not sure they are moving up tonight … but bravo for the clear progress.

Blue Stars — This is a great show and last night was terrific. I thought they could move up a slot, and they almost did :-) And a shout-out to the young man who catches that rifle in the last production. Nothing like having the eyes of the world on ya :-)

Troopers — The info from the designer on Thursday night was helpful. Many people love this corps and many love this show. I am not perhaps the greatest fan but I admire the corps for the work they have done over the most recent years. As for this one … it just seems a little over the top sentimental. The ending may take 2 minutes :-)

By the way, I loved Jim Jones and Fred Morris was the best !!!!!

troopers

Colts — This is another very well-produced show. The detail is exquisite. Some of this could be a matter of the year. There is so much evil and death this year that Colts getting on that “train” does not sit that well with me. I looked forward to the Colts being FUN. Not this year huh … :-) But I get it … you can’t move up playing happy music or so it appears … so … the pressure is excessive. Hopefully, there is another pathway ahead.

Blue Knights — The best soloist of the summer. I love it. And I liked the corps this year. I am a little befuddled why they slipped to 12th as the summer progressed but … ?? the corps did look young on some of the close ups. Very clean look … very easy to understand. Most enjoyable

SO that’s it

As for tonight …

It will be a matter of the judges calling the shots. Who uses 1/2 tenth to set a placement. Who uses 3 tenths? These kinds of differences will make a difference for sure. As will … placement. Boston placed 3 and 4th in a few captions last night. That cannot happen if they plan to win. The same goes down the line a bit. Phantom needs to get up to 4th in effect — on all four sheets — and play and march well.

I have not had the time to review the judges but here is how I see it …

1–2 — — Bluecoats and Boston (edge … BC)

3 — SCV

4–5–6 — Blue Devils, Phantom and Crown. I think the crowd for Phantom will carry some influence.

7- Mandarins — they will be close to Crown … not close enough but close

8–9 — Blue Stars and the Cavaliers — The BS have a great brass section, a solid ensemble sound, and the visual is very well done. The show is easy to understand. Again, they almost pulled it off last night

10 — Troopers

11- Colts

12- Blue Knights

I will be posting as we go on by FB Drum Corps page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCadets

I will be reviewing the shows on my you tube Channel on Sunday and Monday

[embed]GHop Commentary on Marching Music Lots of chat and video about Drum Corps International, Marching Bands, the History of the Cadets and other stuff ...www.youtube.com

And … I will be launching a website and consulting service shortly.

It is not yet ready … But I think you can take a look — and live a name and contact

I am getting help right now, and I have lots to add, but here is where I will be. This is also where I will be selling all kinds of Cadet gear including the rings from the past …

[embed]Home | Ghop Edit descriptionwww.ghops11rings.com

Enjoy the evening …