Phantom Regiment Could Win

In the Sports World, this would be called a HOT TAKE

Phantom is crazy great.

I watched the show in Centerville tonight. I did not talk. I just watched

Go Ahead … Watch …

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My opinion …

• Phantom has the best opening production. It does take a little while to unwind but once it is underway … it is a blast.
• The 24 talented mellophones change the balance of the brass ensemble. And it is for the better. Love it.
• The trombones … killer
• The Ballad is gorgeous. In a drum corps world where people seem to have forgotten beauty … Phantom wants to make you cry. Both soloists were impeccable in Centerville.
• And the end of show — ( the stuff in the video) WOW. Just WOW.
• And finally the tag … do more … make me feel more … but damn .. it is good to great. Make it better guys.

So why is Phantom still in 4th or 5th ?

Well … because they probably started in 6th or lower? And once the slotting begins it is very, very tough to move ahead. People know the scores. People see the recaps. We go on in reverse order more or less. The end game is stacked to reward yesterday’s winner.

For me … my story ( and I did think they were working for 4th) was that PR just did not have the talent the “portal corps” have.

I heard that the Bluecoats had 1500 kids audition for their brass line.

That is a portal … yes indeed.

But as I listen and watch night in and night out … I have concluded —

I am wrong. The talent of the Phantom Regiment is every bit as good as the other top units … and … based on the improvement, their training and instruction is off the charts.

So … what are we waiting for?

The other few corps above them are very good …

So …

Phantom got by Crown … Made sense

Phantom SHOULD get by the Blue Devils … Effect. Performance. Engagement.

And that leaves the top 3 …

Can Phantom Rise above?

They should be able to take a run at it, just like, for me, this is more than a two corps race. I know some people do not think so but … my disagreement is not that unusual. I tend to see it through the lens of the most effective. The most coordinated. The most stunning.

There are many reasons I will detail tomorrow … but for now … my point is … the Phantom Regiment is one hell of a drum corps. And regardless where they are ranked … they should be allowed the chance to compete for the national championship.

I hope they have the chance.