Cadets of Bergen County..93.2 Blue Devils..............93.1 Phantom Regiment.........90.8 Cavaliers................88.6 Crossmen.................87.1 Southwind................71.7 Bayonne Raiders..........59.7Thanks to Babylove for emailing us these scores!
Raiders - Even though these guys weren't very large, they were still able to generate a good deal of sound. The drill really had it's moments, and the horn book was well written. A bigger drumline is badly needed, although it's not very realistic to be adding people this late in the season.
Southwind - not bad, but a little flat. Drumline was dirty more often than not, but they had their moments. I really liked the big white guard flags; they put a nice touch on the show. Definitely improved since the last time I saw them. They seem to have a good nucleus for the future ... that is, if they come back. It was just hard for them to compete with all the big guns that were there.
Crossmen - Wow! I love this show ... next to Madison, this could be the most entertaining show of the year. The new uniforms leave a little to be desired (I loved the old Crossmen uni's), but they're jamin' this year. Birdland is a rockin' opener ... nice balance between hornline and drum fills. This was the first tight drumline of the night, but that's no big surprise as Crossmen's drumline is always impressive. There were a few places where the hornline wasn't together, but nothing that can't and won't get fixed. Other than that, the only other thing that was an issue was the drum major. I've heard a lot of fans talk about her being boring, and they are right to an extent. She needs to mix it up a little bit, and I just can't understand how she doesn't get excited at the end of the show. Let it all hang out! Why not, the rest of the corps is. They've got at least 7th at Finals, and could pass the Cavies for 6th.
Cavilers - I must say out of all the Caviler's shows I've seen, this one is my least favorite. I'm not a fan of the silent drill at the beginning , but I have to admit, they do it well. I'm just one of those "If you have a horn, play it" type of people, and leave the dancing to the guard. After the silent drill, Firebird took off, with the drumline pushing the tempo. I saw a couple of horn players eat turf, but that was due to the rainy conditions. All and all, the music was good, but nowhere near clean. These guys have a lot of work to do before Finals. I saw them in Allentown last Friday, and the drum solo almost crashed and burned. It happened in the same part again last night ... just basically sounded like microwave popcorn on the field. The drum book is going to have to be hosed, unless they can pull it together in the next week and a half or look for Crossmen to perhaps pass them at Finals.
Phantom - I feel like I'm sounding so negative, but this is the second time I've seen this show, and I swear I had more trouble paying attention this time. There's just so much you can do with Wagner, and they've really exausted it. Technically, it's a great show ... drumline was very clean, and the hornline really needs no introduction. Excellent guard work, but there's just no excitement there. Maybe they need to step into a Slim Jim. I found myself staring at a green tarp hanging across the backfield halfway through the show. Definitely a let-down after last year, but then again, how could you top a performance like that?! This show doesn't give them the opportunity at a push for the top down the stretch .... look for them to finish in 5th, right where they're running.
Devils - This show is growing on me. The first time I saw Casablanca, I was a little uneasy. Then I went down to the first row for encore at Allentown and got my ears blown off! Hornline is raw! Wayne Downey (bum bam bum!) does a tremendous job at mixing the all out wailing with the beautiful solos. Sops were outstanding, and the runs in the mellaphone line were classic Devils. It's my understanding that the guys that came over from VK have helped a lot (like they needed any help to begin with). Drumline was a lot cleaner tonight then they were in Allentown. The snares still have work to do, especially the tall guy on the far left end. I saw him tick a few times during the show in places he shouldn't have. I've heard many complaints about the ending, but I liked it. It adds a nice touch, and like everyone else, I like to get blown away at the end of a show, but that type of ending wouldn't fit this show. Tenors had some sweet licks, and the pit is better than past years (thanks to Vince Oliver). It's a two corps race between Devils and the Cadets for the title!
Cadets - 100% better than Allentown ... at least for the drumline. I didn't think they deserved a 93.2 in Allentown, and I wondered if they had the show that would produce them their first title since '93. There's not a doubt in my mind now ... barring a disaster, they should win the title this year. The beginning standstill is just a plethora of notes ... then they become even more impressive, playing at 180 beats per minute and running around the field. I love watching their drumline run ... they all run EXACTLY the same. Watch them the next time you see them; just impressive. The guard work is by far the best in DCI this year, and the Cadets, along with Vanguard this year, present the entire package. Hornline is fast, and the few parts that were a little shaky will be clean by finals. Like I said before, drumline was on last night; much better then Allentown. I love all of the snippets the drumline has between the horn parts. Unlike Phantom, this show still has potential this late in the season. This show has really gelled throughout the last month, and Hopkins will make sure the Cadets bring home the title to Bergen County.
Also, I would like to say that the corps running in the 6-12 places have really impressed me this year. There is real fight going on after Crossmen. Bluecoats, Magic, Glassmen, and Crown will be battling for those spots. This is why I love drum corps ... even the corps that know they're not going to get 1st place still give their all and come up with great shows! The Sevierville show is the last one for me this year. It's been a fun one!
TOP 12 Prediction:
Despite the rain that covered Northern New Jersey this evening, seven corps braved the elements to compete at Giant's Stadium. Before I give what will probably be my final review (since I'm heading South and won't be near my computer), I would first like to comment on some other aspects of the show other than the corps' performances.
Giant's stadium certainly appears to be a nice place to have a show, and granted, in the past I have had fewer gripes than I had tonight. But, this evening some things really bothered me and partially these were due to the fact that in order to use Giant's Stadium for their show, the Cadets must also use th Giant's Stadium staff.
First, it bothers me to pay five dollars to park. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not cheap, but all of this money they're collecting doesn't even go to a worthy cause such as supporting a corps (at least I'm assuming it doesn't). Second, the staff of the stadium obviously does not know the proper etiquette for a drum corps show. This varied from the vendor who continually yelled "ice Cream" during the performances to the stadium vehicle which was constantly being driven around the concourse with its horn beeping. I thought I had excellent seats for the show (50 yd line, lower tier, 39 rows up), but I quickly learned that I was wrong. The upper tier conveniently shielded me from the rain, but it also retained all of the noise from the concourse behind the seats and all of the talking of the noisy fans around me. I really had to strain to hear parts of the performances. Sorry Cadets, Giant's Stadium is nice, but this time I would have preferred Clifton.
Now that I have vented some steam, on with the review:
Raiders - The Raiders did an admirable job of performing in adverse conditions. First, they are a very small corps (only 14 horns) performing among some very large ones. Second, they performed while much of the crowd was still taking their seats and while many were still talking as if no corps was on the field at all. Despite that, the Raiders put on a nice show with enjoyable music.
Southwind - Southwind still seems to be struggling with parts of their performance. I'm not usually one for props, but perhaps to generate a crowd response, Southwind should use some props or equipment that would enhance the guard's role as children.
Crossmen - For the third time in a week, I watched the Crossmen drive a crowd to frenzy. I don't believe the Crossmen performed as well tonight as they did at Allentown (just in the guard I noticed four drops), but the energy and excitement were still there. Someone tonight asked me what I thought was the best moment of the show and the first thing that came to mind were the flag spins and tosses in the opener. But, there are SO MANY great moments in this show. This corps has a spirit, a drive, that I have never seen in the Crossmen before. I expect really good things from them in Orlando.
Cavaliers - It seems to me that I enjoy the Cavaliers the most this year when I view them from up top. This is probably because I enjoy their overall visual program but I am noticing some performance problems, both musically and visually, on the field. The Cavaliers seemed flat tonight. Perhaps that was because it began to rain during their show. The guard performed well with the exception of one very errant rifle toss in the opener. The Cavaliers have added some silent drill to the end of their show which is similar to that in the beginning. Tonight the new drill appeared a bit sloppy and honestly I feel it really adds nothing to the overall presentation.
Phantom Regiment - Phantom performed much better tonight than they did at Allentown. Although their visual package is not as difficult as that of the Cavaliers, it is much cleaner. Although the show still does not excite me and it certainly lacks color, the members do appear to be performing it well. The horns had a cleaner show this evening than they did on Friday. Again, however, there are simply no memorable moments in the show.
Blue Devils - I actually thought that the Devils sounded a little flat tonight, but oh was their marching wonderful! Watch them rotate lines and blocks throughout the show - it is incredible. The crowd doesn't seem to take to the soft ending, but I feel it is appropriate for the show. I think the Devils are the most likely corps to win at Orlando, but I still say watch out for Santa Clara.
Cadets of Bergen County - There is still no doubt that the Cadets are trying to tackle the most difficult show of the season. They are improving, but despite their win tonight, they just do not appear near as clean as the Devils. The guard work, as always, was wonderful (although I did notice some mistakes tonight. The horn line is playing the show better as well. My problem is with the marching. I still see a lot of spacing problems and some crooked lines as well. They do a very good job with this show, but is it good enough?
I'm looking forward to the next show I will see which will be at Columbia, South Carolina. See ya all in Orlando!!!
Drizzle threatened the New Jersey Meadowlands as corps busses rolled into the parking lot. By half-way through the contest there was a steady sprinkle as last year's top four corps plus Crossmen, Southwind and Bayonne Raiders came to Giant's Stadium for the heavily marketed and acclaimed Jersey Showdown. A hotly contested dual was fought this evening which saw the Cadets of Bergen County emerge victorious over the Blue Devils by a score of 93.2 to 93.1.
The crowd left rehashing the two corps' shows, trying to figure out and explain the outcome. The consensus among the fans was that while Blue Devils have an incredible hornline, the Cadets have better GE Visual and percussion section. Cadets are not necessarily stronger in these two areas, but their show construction exposes and gives their musical presentation more impact. Such visual musicality is missing from Devils' presentation who seem to rely exclusively on their powerful brass section to give the show impact. Again, the spread is only one tenth at this point and the crown could still go either way. It will be interesting to see if Devils will make any changes heading into Orlando to combat Cadets cleaning sessions in the next two weeks. They've done it successfully before, however it's a calculated risk being so close in numbers.
Not only was the spread between Cadets and Devils food for post-show discussion, but so was the closeness between Crossmen's 87.1 and Cavaliers' 88.6. Crossmen are showing that they are intent on regaining a spot in the top six, a status they haven't held since 1992. Bones just may achieve top six if they can fix their drum line, an area where Cavies have them hands down. The impression I got from percussionists in the audience was that Bones' drum parts aren't written as well as they have been in the past, nor is the line executing like usual. Many I spoke with were disappointed with Thom Hannum's writing, and were expecting quite a bit more.
Phantom Regiment remains a healthy 2.2 over Cavies, yet 2.3 behind Blue Devils. With dark horse dreams diminishing going into nat's, Phantom is no doubt feeling the frustration of a long season. "The hornline sounds good, but there were some bad attacks, releases, and players sticking out," remarked a Phantom alum in the stands after their show, "they don't sound like Phantom." True to a large extent, the Phantom hornline is behind last year's, and not quite sounding like an August contender. It remains to be seen if they can clean the little things holding them back before Orlando.
Southwind and Bayonne Raiders performed well this evening. Southwind, although a smaller package than last year, are attempting a fairly difficult show, and handling it quite well. Visually, they have some room to improve, and they look as though they can do it. They should challenge very aggressively for a top 21 spot.
Raiders were fun to watch as well. Their all-jazz program was very enjoyable, and they have some very talented soprano players.
Orlando is going to be an interesting place to be the third week in August, as Cadets and Blue Devils continue to duke it out. Add into the mix the Santa Clara Vanguard who have been improving by leaps and bounds lately and have been gaining on Cadets and BD. Call them a dark horse, but don't call them out.
I'm not going to make any predictions here, but I feel I must root for the Western corps this summer. Their shows are very entertaining with talented corps, and have remnants of the past combined with modern drum corps ideas. I like Cadets' show also, but can't understand why the color guard has to be moving around throwing stuff in the air at retreat. It is very disrespectful and a lot of people are, and should be, insulted by it. Who know's why they're doing it?
It was a very humid night for this year's Jersey Showdown, and I was hoping desperately that it wouldn't rain. Of course, it did, no downpours or anything but enough to make me thank it later as it gave the top four corps there a fierce energy for their performances.
The Bayonne Raiders opened up the evening with a show that had been greatly improved since the last time I saw it in early July. They seem to be having more difficulty this year than in the past few, but they performed their show of old jazz favorites with energy and they seemed happy to be out there. About as clean as you can expect from this group, the show gave a nice beginning to a good night.
Southwind, with their show Scenes From Childhood, went on second and pleasantly stepped the show up a notch. The show is kind of boring but performed well for a corps of their size. The guard needs to work on spinning together, but overall it was a good performance for Southwind.
Crossmen came on next and left me a bit disappointed after having seen them over the weekend in Allentown. The energy and fire this show needs to really pull it off was missing tonight. The tempos seemed to be lagging at many points. The crowd definitely liked the show, and the score stayed constant with the one they got in Allentown.
I was sitting with my boyfriend and he commented to me that the Cavaliers were going to die going on after the Crossmen. However, they surprised us. The crowd actually quieted down for the first time all evening and seemed to pay attention. The Cavies had a very commanding presence tonight and the show sounded very crisp. Halfway through the show the rain started and added a new element of fierce energy to the performance. They also added on a new ending since the weekend that closely mirrored the silent beginning, another swaying circle to the right of the field this time, with a few of the guard members holding red flags in a pose in the middle of the circle. We think it should also include a backfield baritone solo like in the beginning for maximum impact. A very impressive performance.
Phantom Regiment came on next and put on a performance that surpassed that of the Cavies. Tonight was a breakthrough night for them; there was a whole new sound in the hornline that was absent before. An almost shrill, dark, sickly kind of sound that echoed off the stadium's walls and complemented the show beautifully. I wish people would stop comparing this show to last year's and appreciate it for what it is. Visually, I think the lack of color works in that it makes you pay close attention to the music and guard. My boyfriend noticed some sloppy drill, lots of interval problems, but overall it seems the show may finally be picking itself up and succeeding.
Next came the Blue Devils, which quickly blasted away everything previously seen. As usual, perfectly executed and breathtaking. They finally pumped a little emotion into the fire, which I think is what is keeping them this close to the Cadets at this point. It's a show that's hard to beat but it looks like its peak is here with over a week left until finals. The hornline and drums were definitely enhanced by the acoustics of the stadium - the echo works very well for them. A very powerful show that was just barely beaten.
Last came the Cadets, who took all of five seconds to have the audience in complete control. The opening run is so clean it almost seems to ask for an even faster tempo. I have seen this show many times this summer and watched them at practice, and I can tell you that it's only getting better and better. The guard's vocals in the shako dance are kind of distracting and hopefully they'll cut them back a little? The show still needs a little more excitement, but the sheer musicality of it sure provides a lot already. I managed not to tremble through the whole show this time. Tonight was evidence that this show is on the incline, and won't stop until finals. I will be amazed if anything can beat this come August 16th.
Unfortunately, the rain finally did conquer and there was no encore performance, which was a definite letdown after the excitement the night had generated. It was a make-or-break night for Phantom, and they seemed to have survived - Cavies need to find whatever's missing to proceed much higher. It seems like yet another BD/CBC year. I do have a few comments on the show itself - though I love Giants Stadium, the organization was a mess and the stadium does not lend itself towards a noisy crowd. I have a few requests - band directors, if you're bringing your students teach them beforehand how to behave, and people in general, have a little respect for the corps and the rest of the audience and just be quiet and wait until nobody's on the field to move around. The souvenir tables and yelling stadium food vendors generated so much clutter, crowding, and noise outside the seating area that it was incredibly distracting during the corps' performances. I think Clifton is almost a better stadium for this show, but I guess we'll find out what YEA! thinks come next year.
Santa Clara Vanguard.....93.3 - All Captions Madison Scouts...........91.3 Bluecoats................85.8 Boston Crusaders.........81.9 Colts....................81.6 Academie Musicale........78.9 Spirit of Atlanta........74.4 Spartans.................65.4 Troopers.................63.7Thanks to Babylove for emailing us these scores!
Division 2: Blue Stars...............90.0 Americanos...............86.6 Division 3: Mandarins................90.4 3rd Regiment.............78.7 Delta Brigade............77.9 Lone Star................75.4 Coachmen.................67.6 Bandettes................49.5Thanks to Kevin for emailing us these scores!
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