July 9, Medford, NJ

Thanks to M Herzing on RAMD for this review!

Good show for a full house at a tiny stadium in South Jersey (perhaps 1000
in attendance).  Division II/III competitors solid for this time of the
season, although the placements mystified me.  Jersey Surf seemed much more
in control of their basic technique than their placement would indicate.

Open class will be a gas if this first viewing of the east coast
competitors is any indication.  This is bar none the best Cadets corps I've
seen at this (still early) stage of the season.   Yes, they have staging
problems at the end of the show, and they need to goose up the ending a few
notches.  If they are successful at doing their end-of-the-season homework
(and recent history has shown that they can be) they'll make the Devils
work hard for that 8th title (1st 84.6).

Bluecoats followed Cadets in the program, an unfortunate set of
circumstances for them.  Their tribute to the WWII era is a good product,
but it tends to come off as a little flat compared to the Cadets advanced
visual show.  IMO, they tend to be a bit too literal in their attempt to
portray a range of experiences surrounding the war (the sorrow of parting,
the hardship of battle, victory and celebration).   Nonetheless, this is a
very entertaining Bluecoats, one that will compete strongly with Magic and
Crossmen for the 7th slot (2nd 73.7).

Crossmen are a much better corps than people have been giving them credit
for.  This is cruelly difficult show for them, and they are courageous for
taking it on.  The opener "School for Scandal"  will take all season to
master, and is currently the technical (and musical) low point  of the
show.  The Alfred Reed music comes across more forcefully (the final has
the potential for Medea-like intensity.  Yes, I recognize some people would
consider that an insult, but it's a compliment).  I'm looking forward to
seeing this show when it has been cleaned more (third 72.0).

Crusaders new look and sound was a pleasant surprise.  After all of the
negative reviews I was expected a real trainwreck.  There is much to be
done, but the Metheny book will work for them.  The new unis look good up
close, but don't project well at a distance.  Several new guard members
have obviously been added (the guard's up to 15 from the reported 12 of a
few days ago), and much of the guard book is incomplete.  Their .1 finish
over Spirit  seems a bit paltry considering the obvious differences in
performance quality between the two units (fourth 62.6).

Spirit of Atlanta's strength is clearly in their horn line.  The show
itself is not much to write home about, but just seeing them back on the
field is a delight (fifth 62.5).

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