DCI judging seems to have a predetermined pecking order with a corps history being the determining factor in scoring. They tease us with an occasional contender like the Bluecoats, Carolina and Boston but Blue Devils seem like the judges favorites. The best performers are attracted to the Blue Devils because they feel their will be a guarantee of winning a championship. At the same time the Blue Devils shows feels like eating at Taco Bell, the menu items have the same ingredients. The shows feel formulaic without much that seems unique. There will always be fans and apologists of the Blue Devils.
I think Blue Devils has an excellent show concept this year and that means they are going to have a decent chance at a 4-peat. However, I think the Bluecoats have super strong sections as well, and they are the only group who can possibly also win the championship.
that BD show needs a lot of development, they clearly want a darker show but refuse to commit to it fully. And some of the arrangements are either straight up bad, too short, lacking memorability, or all three, like the Oppenheimer section. There are special moments though, the very end and ballad are especially great moments. Pokemon section has no business being in that show at all, it sounds good but does not fit in anyway in its current state. Still an improvement from the past two years but it's really disappointing to see such great talent be handed sometimes half-baked and straight up lazy material musically. These selections can work, but the arrangers are not making them work.
leaving this here: 1st. bluecoats 2nd. blue devils 3rd. carolina crown 4th. boston crusaders 5th. phantom regiment 6th. santa clara vanguard 7th. mandarins
I really think there will be a fight for top 2 and it’s going to be close like 2019. Seeing bluecoats in person at their preview show and then watching it on stream afterwards, a lot of the electronic effects got lost and were not nearly as effective. The opener is incredibly striking and reminded me of the 2014 pitch bend with just how awesome it was, but it was not conveyed on the recording as well. I am excited to see all of the corps live later this year in Allentown, but both bluecoats and blue devils have wicked good shows right out of the gates and it’s going to be a crazy close fight.
Phantom came out of the gates strong last year, and I expect them to peak early and get passed mid-season just like last year with Cadets and Mandarins. SCV might grab that 5th spot solely because of their percussion because I think Mandarins have way more room to grow overall. Mandarins will just have to really clean up musically to get 5th. I agree with your top 4 - BD is winning again!
I think that Coats have about the only chance to beat BD (sorry Boston folks) Crown is just the same-o, same-o. If PR was a little older (member wise) they could take a run at 4th. At 6th or 5th Vanguard may not be high enough for the Sanford (not always a concern but could be this year with BD and Boston playing so well) All of this is just my way too early not having watched enough shows opinion I may be wrong.
8:58 - Mandarins in 1996-1999 in Div III four-peated. This wouldn't be DCI's first four-peat. This would, however, be the first in current world class.
