In the world of DCI, the Phantom Regiment does. Literally. They brought their own slaves to the semifinal competition last Thursday, and had them carry the drum major onto the field--when they weren't otherwise abusing them.
All assertions from Cheryl about the superiority of Santa Clara's drumline aside, they placed sixth, along with their overall corps. The DCI theater telecast was great, both in coverage (really good camerawork and sound) and in comfort (A/C, cushy seats.) I had forgotten how entertaining these productions are, with bunches of people who can run--not march, run--around making formations while playing the Waldenstein Sonata in C Major, Movement 1.
Like the Phantom Regiment, who did "Spartacus," most corps' shows had a central theme. My biking nut friend Jamie really enjoyed "Tour de France," with the color guard in full biking attire. Good thing it included helmets, they threw bike wheels at each other.
Other interesting themes--a boxing match, and "The Pursuit of Happiness," (yeah, whatever, people.) One of my favorites was the Cavaliers Samurai theme. They whipped Santa Clara too, check out the Cavalier's Kodo drums in the youtube clip. Hard to compete with that. Poor Santa Clara. Outgunned in the percussion department.
All assertions from Cheryl about the superiority of Santa Clara's drumline aside, they placed sixth, along with their overall corps. The DCI theater telecast was great, both in coverage (really good camerawork and sound) and in comfort (A/C, cushy seats.) I had forgotten how entertaining these productions are, with bunches of people who can run--not march, run--around making formations while playing the Waldenstein Sonata in C Major, Movement 1.
Like the Phantom Regiment, who did "Spartacus," most corps' shows had a central theme. My biking nut friend Jamie really enjoyed "Tour de France," with the color guard in full biking attire. Good thing it included helmets, they threw bike wheels at each other.
Other interesting themes--a boxing match, and "The Pursuit of Happiness," (yeah, whatever, people.) One of my favorites was the Cavaliers Samurai theme. They whipped Santa Clara too, check out the Cavalier's Kodo drums in the youtube clip. Hard to compete with that. Poor Santa Clara. Outgunned in the percussion department.
2 comments:
Well, Santa Clara Vanguard's drumline WAS da bomb 30 years ago! :)
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I did end up having to work late and work at home later as well, so it's just as well that I didn't commit to going.
Speaking of all the themes, that's one thing that's kind of turned me off on some of the corps these days... it's so over-the-top dramatic!! I liked it better when it was about technique and music performance, not having "theatrical plays" on the field. (Yes, I'm a grumpy old woman.)
And at least it's gratifying that Phantom Regiment is still around. I had one of their T-shirts, and it was a long-time favorite. I still remember it...bright yellow with a dark yellow, orange, and red flag on it. :)
And it's not just me who remembers SC Vanguard's line as being awesome.... Check out this article: http://www.dci.org/news/view.cfm?news_id=a0b3bd1c-eaa4-4680-ad77-5b6cbc767878
Of course, that was 30 years ago, like I said. Obviously, much has changed. :)
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