My thoughts on the 2011 DCI show (Part I: Top 12 corps)

We all have our own opinions on drum corps shows and everyone does not view the same way. Here is a look on what I think this season is going to pan out. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say, but these are my thoughts on this upcoming season.

First, we start off with the Blue Devils. They are coming off an undefeated season and two straight World Titles. Could they possibly pull off a 3-peat? There 2011 show is called, The Beat My Heart Skipped. When I heard this I was like, wow am I going to like this. However, I then saw the logo/poster for the show.Y a... not what I expected. I am interested to see what comes about this. It is going to be good or it is going to be like past shows and no one is going to get it. Of course they are going to be one of the best, again, with their amazing guard, percussion and brass, but will the fans enjoy it.

Next we have the Cavaliers. Their show is called XtraordinarY and I heard it is going to be about chromosomes... I do not know what exactly they are going here, but it is the Cavaliers and will pull it off. I am interested to find out what music they will be playing and more details on the show. As of now I am skeptic.

Last years bronze medalists, the Bluecoats, actually just announced their show yesterday. They will be presenting, Brave New World. I looked at some of their music and I like it a lot, but the concept is a little wide range for me. I can see them doing so cool stuff, but I just hope they don't go to crazy and create a mess. One thing I can see either being tragic or amazing will be them playing one point in quadraphonic. This is extremely risky and I will like to see them early on and compare them to Finals night. Seeing what they have changed to the show.

One show I am dying to see, as well as a bunch of other people is Carolina Crown. Their shows have become fan favorites over the year and this year it seems like they are caring less about placement and more about pleasing the crowd and having fun. Their 2011 show is called RachStar and they will be playing stuff from Queen, The Rolling Stone, Black Sabbath and of course RACHmaninoff.  

This came right off of Crown's site. "From stage diving to piano concertos and lighting truss to drum sets, Carolina Crown shifts gears and takes drum corps entertainment in a new direction.  With musical selections from Queen, Rolling Stones, Rachmaninoff, and ELP, and iconic quotes from Jimi Hendrix, Guns & Roses, Deep Purple, Rihanna, and Ben Folds, the talented young men and women of Crown 2011 will explore the look, lifestyle, experience, and showmanship of being a “Rach Star." I can't wait to see this show!

Next we have the Cadets. Yes, I will admit it... I am a sucker for dark show and it is one reason I am excited to see the Cadets perform their 2011 show, Between Angles and Demons. I love some of the music they are play, i.e. "Angels in the Architecture" and plenty of music from the movie Angels and Demons. It should be a good show, but as I said before how I like dark shows, it seems as if most groups are trying to do them. So the style of show is starting to wear off on me. We will see what happens with this show.

Coming off a resurgent year, Phantom Regiment will present their show Juliet. I want to see this show, but it will be one of those shows that I will either like or just have to sit through and find something to enjoy. I have not heard much about their show so far, but knowing Phantom, they will have a decent show. I am most interested in following their percussion this year since Paul Rennick left PR to go to SCV. Should be interesting.

Next we have my all time favorite corps, the Santa Clara Vanguard, presenting their 2011 show: The Devil's Staircase. I am super stoked for this show because they are playing some great music, such as stuff from Barber, Jenkins, Dorman and of course Etude #13 aka the Devil's Staircase. I know many people saw last seasons show as a flop and they lost hope in SCV, but this show seems like it is going to reel people back into the SCV brand. Having Paul Rennick over to lead the percussion is only going to make the corps stronger and hopefully they will rise in the ranks this year. I am also interested in seeing what they do with the uniform this year.

Last year, in 8th place, was the Blue Stars. They have not announced their show yet and I am surprised they haven't done so. They are one of two corps that have not announced yet. However, through the grapevine I heard that they are doing some sort of Borune/Spy type show. We will see what they put out though. I would not be surprised if they did this as a show for two reasons. One, Sullivan wrote a similiar show for his high  school, Tarpon Springs, back in 2009. Second, it seems as if Blue Stars are becoming the new Blue Knights with the dark shows. However, this is all speculation and we all have to wait to they announce it.

Next we have the Boston Crusaders presenting their 2011 show, Revolution.I'm excited because they are playing music from the hit musical Les Miserables as well as the "1812 Overture". It should be an fun and entertaining show, but I do not know what they are going to with it. I can see them take a few avenues with the show concepts, but what they actually do... we will see. 

THEY ARE BACK!!! The Madison Scouts surged into last year with a great show and this year I see them  rising when they present their 2011 show, New York Morning. This show is going to be a classic Scouts show, but with a big difference. They are playing "New York, New York" as well as "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". However, I do know some of their other pieces they are playing and the concepts of the show. (You gotta love inside sources) All I can say is that you better not leave your seat this summer when they come on or you will be missing pure drum corps!

Next in my countdown is the Blue Knights. (Insert knew pop here, ok even if they didn't do it last year still do it) Officially they do not have a show title yet, just music. I know two people marching there that I marched with last season and I am so proud and excited for them. On youtube I found some clips of them from camp and I am intrigued to see what is going to be put in the field. They have so beautiful music and they are playing it well, but will it translate to a great show on the field?

And finally we have the Glassmen presenting their 2011 show, My Mortal Beloved. I know nothing about this show, absolutely nothing. From what I can see, it looks like it is going to be a dark show... maybe? O dang, I guess I am going to have to go to a show now. =)

So far there are some interesting shows. Certain one I for sure I want to see and others I will watch and will have to be persuaded to like it. In years past there have been a bunch of shows I did not like right off the bat when they announced it. Heck, last year I did not like the Cavaliers show at first and it is one of my favorites from last year.

Stay posted and check back soon as I will post my thoughts on corps 13-23!