Thanks to Greg J. Hipiusfor directly emailing this review to us!
Well,
here, as promised, is my summary of the Vestal show...
Vestal, NY
July 31st, 1996
7:30 PM
Preshow - This is a new venue for the Sounds of the Susquehanna,
which until last year, had been held at Union Endicott C.H.S.
The field is new, and it was an excellent playing facility.
However, the general concensus of those in attendance was that
the former site is far superior... why? Seating and parking.
The show was packed despite heavy flash rainshowers all day
long, and the facility was obviously not intended for large
crowds that intend to remain seated and still. Ah, well, it
was, however, DCI at its finest...
Spectrum (47.6 - 8th) - Some very significant improvement from
when I saw them last in Rochester. The show is very similar to
that used by Crossmen in '94, heavily theming childhood. It
was a good vehicle for the young, small group. Of particular
note is the improvements in brass and general effect; the brass
line has matured a lot through this season, and has settled
into a pleasing, comfortable blend. The show has really
developed a bit, with the theme much more clearly demonstrated
by the corps as a whole. A fun little group.
Spartans (67.8 - 7th) - Yeah, that's right. Roman music. Again.
*sigh* It's too bad, really, because what a sound this hornline
has found!!! If What outstanding technique and stick
work!!! Guard was also very good. I like the black unis, now
that they've got a touch of red, rather than last year's
purple. Definitely a top 6 as usual, perhaps this year's big
surprise (I can see this show and this edition of PR making a
giant push and taking it). That's right, I said taking it...
although it's not likely, I won't rule it out... this could be
the year.
Academie Musicale (69.7 - 6th) - I was a little disappointed this
year. After last year's exercise in restraint and balance, I
was excited to hear their interpretation of Waterworld. To my
disappointment, however, a larger than usual hornline has begun
to exceed that "tastefully moderate" volume that they found such
balance with last year. There are still moments of beauty, but
the larger passages have become harsh. Visually, though, still
a treat to watch... excellent guardwork tonight. The drill is
rather unique as well. Definitely a shot at surpassing Les
Etoiles in Div. II for third this year, right behind the
perpetually-refusing-to-move-up-to-Division-I-where-they-belong
Pioneer. :)
Velvet Knights (72.1 - 5th) - Yaaay!!! The old VK is back. And
much better than last year, I might add. The hornline is
playing nice and strong but restrained (not just flappin' them
lips out the end of the horns like last year!!!). The guard is
not much to speak of, but most of VK's visual has always been
the humor instead of real work anyways. Percussion was at the
traditional VK energetic high tonight. What most impressed me,
however, was the seriously surprising drill... the beginning of
the show is done in silence, continuing through at least 5 sets
and three false impacts before a note is heard... it was very
good. I won't give away any of the VK foolishness, so as not
to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen them yet, but rest
assured, there are some real VK gems there. :) I predict a
possible 15th place for them on Friday night in Orlando, if
they have a good night.
Boston Crusaders (72.3 - 4th) - Surprise number one of the night.
disappointed in last year's season, and not having heard much
good this year, I did not expect much. I was wrong. The group
is head and shoulders above where they were at this time last
season, and they are, in fact, better than they were in Buffalo
last year. The Northeastern US tour theme was outstanding, and
some general effect moments were reminiscent of the best '92
Star of Indiana moments. The hornline was full and strong, the
percussion was solid, and the visual team was golden... a real
corps to watch this year. I LOVE the ending... but I won't
give it away. :) I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and you
won't believe me, but if they keep it up, we could see Boston
finally back on the Saturday ticket this year (if only to sit
on 12th)!!! More likely, they will also be around 15th... but
it's still a great show. :)
Magic of Orlando (78.8 - 3rd) - Finally, a concept from Magic
that doesn't turn me off (and the goofy guard costumes were
kept to a minimum). Show is NOT a carbon copy of Cadets '92,
as some have alleged... Magic finds its own identity for
telling the story of man's conquering of flight. Another
good original score from Dr. Robert Smith. Great hornline; a
lot of very nice musical moments in the slower passages.
I can admit I like the guard, now that they lost the lousy
mardi gras outfits every year. Some impeccable technique, and
always an expressionate interpretation.
Phantom Regiment (90.7 - 2nd) - The other surprise of the night.
What a show!!! Also much farther ahead of where they were
last year. The hornline is the characteristic Regiment sound,
but even more so than I can remember hearing since '91 (and
yea, that does include last year). I was wary of the
Shostakovich based show, but they sold it to me. Percussion
was on tonight, baby!!! What outstanding technique and stick
work!!! Guard was also very good. I like the black unis, now
that they've got a touch of red, rather than last year's
purple. Definitely a top 6 as usual, perhaps this year's big
surprise (I can see this show and this edition of PR making a
giant push and taking it). That's right, I said taking it...
although it's not likely, I won't rule it out... this could be
the year.
Blue Devils (92.2 - 1st) - Formula Devils (Higher, faster,
louder). This is a clean show, ready for finals. The
hornline is (dare I say) better than last year, and as good as
'94. Percussion really rocks as well. Guard is the weak link
this year... if anything needs any work, it is guard and GE.
I don't understand it... their visual program was just a touch
cleaner than PR, their percussion and brass impeccable, and
their concept seemingly viewer-friendly, but I still got a
sort-of dull feeling from it, almost like BD is so used to
cranking out one miracle season after another that even
another miracle group has ceased to excite them. Still, an
outstanding corps. No lower than third in finals, and
definitely at least a 30% chance of taking that title this
year. And this would be the year to do it ('76, '86... '96?)
Overall, what a show. I can't wait to see an almost entirely
different filed tommorrow night in Rome... only Blue Devils
and Spartans will be there from tonight. I'll report back
again afterwards with my thoughts.
_______________________________________________________________
Sorry about the confusion!!!
- Greg -
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