July 29, 1997, Cincinnati, OH

Blue Devils..............92.5
Cadets of Bergen County..92.5
Magic of Orlando.........84.2
Bluecoats................83.55 (.05 penalty)
Kiwanis Kavaliers........79.0
Boston Crusaders.........72.7
Blue Stars...............59.0
Americanos...............56.6

Thanks to Michael Kolle for emailing us these scores!
Thanks to Richard Jenkins for emailing us these scores!

Review - July 29, 1997, Cincinnati, OH

Thanks to Daniel O'Neal for emailing us this review!


Editorial notes:

Well, with all the flak some people have been getting for the reviews they've posted here, I was half afraid to post mine. I've decided to tough it out though. What the heck? Sticks and stones, right? 8-)

First of all, let me say this: with apologies to any bearcats out there, UC's Nippert Stadium needs new turf NOW! When was that stuff laid down? Man, it's thin as paper and looks like hell. The stuff has been worn away to virtually nothing. Also, what genius decided to put the announcer's table right where the pits would want to be coming through? At any rate, this was one of the overall most entertaining shows I've been to in quite a while. Whoever said that the corps are finally realizing that they can appeal to both the crowd and the judges was right. There've been a few years here recently when all but a few corps were incredibly dull. No sign of that this season, though.

First up were the Blue Stars. They obviously have a lot of talent, but I think that Robert W. Smith's Divine Comedy is just too complex for them to do much with. With a slightly less demanding show, they could have done a lot more, IMO. Blue Stars are a lock for Div. III finals. (seventh, 59.0)

The Americanos were a lot of fun. Sure the Gloria Estefan book isn't exactly the most sophisticated thing on the field, but for a Div. III corps, doing this sort of show is at least a guarantee that the crowd will be on your side. Unlike some others who have posted here, I have no problem with a corps doing a show that's just plain fun (and even a little silly). (eighth, 56.6)

I was pleased with the Boston Crusaders. The horn line sounds good and the visual program is solid. I even think that the frames are a nice touch and that they are used pretty effectively. The guard costumes don't work, though. I get the point of the "aprons," but they just look kind of lame. (sixth, 72.7)

I thought Kiwanis Kavaliers did a great show. The music from Evita is nice, and works well on the field. I like the corps' new look, except for those big honkin' epaulettes. (What's with those?) But let me take this opportunity to let you in on my rule for co-ed guards: You either need enough guys that they don't stand out like proverbial sore thumbs, or you need to put everybody in matching costumes. Having two or three guys out there in completely different outfits from the girls is a distraction. (fifth, 79.0)

I can't say I love the Bluecoats' show this year, but they do perform it pretty well. The music just doesn't do it for me for some reason. All captions seemed strong as ever, and frankly I'm surprised that Magic was able to beat them. They really need to make better use of those ramps, though. The one to the right is okay, but the one to the left is a waste of space. (fourth, 83.55 (0.05 penalty?!?!?))

Hey, Magic! What can I say? This is the second time I've seen them this year, and I love it. The parade in and the antics of the dm's are very entertaining, and the rest of the show is good, solid drum corps. The music (by Robert W. Smith, natch) is quite good. The guard adds a lot, and their costumes are fabulous! By far, this is the best Magic of Orlando ever. (third, 84.2)

Blue Devils were red-hot tonight. Wow. This is a very powerful and moving show. The horn line is on fire, and I really like the guard's interpretation. I don't think the ending is quite right. It obviously fits the theme, but they need something more effective. I'm afraid that they might peak early, though. I'm not sure where else they have to go. (tie for first, 92.5)

Cadets, on the other hand, obviously have a lot of cleaning still to do. The visual program is awesome, but at those tempos, it's still kind of sloppy. The infamous shako dance has been made more entertaining, and the guard makes more sense to me than the did in Morgantown. CBC's percussion is fantastic. I'm a horn player, but I know quality when I see it. This show has come a long way, and I'm predicting that they'll ride it all they way to the top. (tie for first, 92.5)

Dan O'Neal

July 29, 1997, Montreal, QUE

Phantom Regiment.........89.7
Madison Scouts...........87.9
Glassmen.................81.9
Carolina Crown...........80.0
Academie Musicale........75.4
Les Etoiles..............71.6

Thanks to Louis Rheault for emailing us these scores!

July 29, 1997, Erie, PA

Santa Clara Vanguard.....88.8 (GE, Brass, Percussion)
Cavaliers................87.3 (Visual)
Blue Knights.............81.6
Colts....................78.7
Spirit of Atlanta........71.9
Southwind................65.1
Golden Lancers...........58.6

Thanks to Sharon Laughlin for emailing us these scores!
Thanks to BaByLoVe65 for emailing us these scores!
Thanks to Dave Leon for emailing us these scores!

July Scores

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