July 18, Dallas, TX

Thanks to Thomas Carter on RAMD for this review!

As most of you have already read, rain caused some problems in the Dallas 
show.  (The long drive back from Dallas and work have prevented me from 
posting sooner.)  Each of the corps did perform, with the last four in 
standstill exhibition.  :(  But, since this is probably the only show I 
will see this season, I guess I have to post *something*.  So, here's a 
smattering of thoughts based on my rain-smeared notes.
   First, this is how I ranked the corps.  Again, there were no scores 
announced, so this is only MHO.
The corps that marched:
1.  Southwind
2.  Delta Brigade
3.  Lone Star

The corps that performed in standstill:
1.  Cavaliers
2.  Scouts
3.  Colts
4.  Pioneer

Delta Brigade was the first corps to perform.  This corps has shown 
*incredible* growth over the past three years.  Two years ago, they were 
laughed at.  The "Child's Play" show really works for them.  It's cute, 
but not too cute.  The biggest problem this corps has is intonation, 
especially in the altos and mellos.  The drumline is by far the best part 
of this corps; they pull the rest along with them.  The closer, "Sing/Do 
Re Mi" is a lot of fun and very entertaining.

Lone Star was not quite up to my expectations.  This was a "home away 
from home" show (they are the only active drum and bugle corps in TX) for 
them.  The guard was really out of it.  Big-time phasing problems, which 
may have been the result of phasing in the brass and percussion.  Why in 
the world would you put 10 yards between the brass and percussion 
sections when both are playing?  There's this big open space in the 
field!  The horn line needs to work on marching technique, too.  Even the 
black shoes couldn't hide the fact that they were out of step.

Southwind had a great show on what was a bad day for them.  Their bus 
broke down on the way to Dallas, so they did the show with borrowed 
equipment and no uniforms.  Guard wore practice unis and everyone else 
wore member shirts and shorts.  This was the first big sound of the night.
  The only thing I don't like about this show is the little 
"informalities" throughout -- falling out of attention, etc.  

Intermission saw the return of the rain that had quit just before the 
playing of the national anthem.  After allowing the lightning to pass, 
show and corps officials decided that the rest of the corps would perform 
in standstill exhibition.  :( :(

Colts were first to perform in standstill.  I liked the high brass sound, 
but the low brass had some *major* problems with attacking in unison.  
The low brass sound was very "mushy" throughout the show.  I'd like to 
hear cleaner attacks and a more supported sound, especially in the 
contras.  Tempo changes were also uncertain, which is pretty unexcusable 
in stanstill.  What do you have to do besides watch the drum major?  The 
red vests, blue flags, and yellow rifles in the auxillary add a lot to 
this show -- I loved the contrast in the colors.

Pioneer was next.  This was my favorite color guard of the night.  The 
Irish dance and visual solos add a lot to the music.  Unfortunately, the 
brass line was not up there.  [Note:  I may have been disappointed with 
the brass line because a) I *really* wanted to see some drill, and b) 
they are smaller than Colts.  It really wasn't fair for them to have to 
go after Colts.)  

And now for the really big guys:  First, the Cavies.  Man, I *love* this 
music!  The horn line was on fire -- loud and brassy when they should be, 
soft, mellow, and dark when they should be.  Great low brass!  Easily the 
most mature brass sound of the night, and IMHO, the best standstill 
performance of the night.

Finally, the Scouts took the field.  By now it had stopped raining, but 
the field was a mess.  :(  Madison's show is LOUD!  Lots of screaming 
sops.  This show is definitely a bigger "crowd pleaser" than the Cavies'. 
 I love the ending!  

I really, *really* wish I could get out to another show this season so I 
can see some drill, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.  
Meanwhile, I'll satisfy myself with plans to go to Finals in Orlando next 
year and by reading reviews of other shows.  Thanks to everyone who posts 
show reviews, and keep 'em coming!!

          Cheers,
                 Hank

Hank Carter at the University of Florida
 Reporting from Abilene, TX

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