August 6, West Chester, PA

Summary information is below. This contest was an exhibition only.

West Chester (2 words - not one like the county in NY) was a exhibition.  The 
show was part of a marching band conference at West Chester University.  Most 
of the audience are participants in the conference and are the loudest and 
most enthusiastic drum corps audience around.  The "fans were ready"!  There 
is no such thing at this stadium as "high and near the 50".  There is a light 
pole at the 50 yard line and the stadium was not very high.  So I spent a lot 
of time watching the pit from about row 10.  Different from my usual choice of 
seats - but fun non-the-less.

The show started with the student marching band from the conference playing 
music from Star Trek and then the national anthem.  Great job.  The Archer 
Epler Musketeers (SR corps) did a stand still performance - 60's style 
traditional drum corps stuff.  The First Defenders were supposed to be there 
but were not so next was ...

Boston Crusaders.  The soloists really had the crowd going.  I brought a 
friend was is a big Metheny fan and he thought BAC was better than Pat.

Carolina Crown was next with their storm show.  Very appropriate for the 
weather that night.  After what seems like a month of very hot weather we were 
freezing last night.  Fortunately the only thunder and lighting last night was 
from the Crown.  Certain to make top 12 (IMHO) - just a question of who 
they'll knock out.

Crossmen followed with a very well received show.  Having seen Xmen at least 7 
times this season, I think this non-drum corps crowd enjoyed them more than 
the DC audiences.  The guard work was especially impressive close up.

The Jersey Surf followed.  Only in West Chester could this corps follow 
Crossmen and be so well received.  I was sitting near some friends who have 
kids in the Surf.  Show was great.  Loved the Yanni piece.  My kids (7 & 9) 
remembered hearing it played constantly at Epcot last fall.

The show closed with the Blue Knights - who were supposed to have followed 
Crown.  I guess they were still practicing.  After the suprising drop in 
placement at DCI East (they'd be 13th currently), I bet they worked their 
butts off all day - AND IT SHOWED.  Enjoyed them more than previous viewings. 
 They should be back up in top 12.

Other than being a little cold, really enjoyed the show.  Had been wishing I 
was going to the Meadowlands instead, but West Chester is only 15 minutes 
away.  Glad I went.

Thanks to Chris Maher on RAMD for these scores!

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