I wanted the 15 BK ending to go on forever, loved the way the ballad lead to the power chords. Underappreciated writing! But the 90s Scouts closers were why I got into corps. Loud, fast, and high in your face.
2014 BK was one of my favorite drum corps experiences. I loved the show, but I scored front-row tickets for the finals. Someone in my pit was giving it her all, and she looked at me when they hit the ending. All I could do is nod my head as if saying "you did yourself proud" and she just smiled.
There's a lot of finesse here. Star's incredible drill was ahead of its time. I've always loved BK because they do what they want to do, without a worry about being big crowd pleasers...but they please the lifelong fans (remember they dared to nail the Rite of Spring?!). Phantom, sweet Regiment...always always always that amazing brass sound, owning classical masterpieces. Razor sharp and regal movement. That Rennick line. Yeah, this one brings the tears, so simply and beautifully staged. Wow. BTW, I absolutely love how SCV and Phantom essentially switched staffs, and there was such Iove and devotion given to the traditions of each corps that one would never suspect.
Closers kill me because at some point in the show - whether it's high school MB or drum corps - the mood changes and you make the turn into the final song. And at the Championships, hopefully you realize it's going to be the last time you play it. And if you're aging out, it's the end of a phase of your life. And you will never march again. Ever. So one message of a closer is: enjoy it HARD while you've got it.
I remember a drum tape for a corps and the judge said something along the lines of "im gonna judge and critique you, but I want you to remember this is finals and to leave it all out on the field and enjoy this moment." So I hope when they listened back to the tape and heard those words, that they did feel like they put their best out there and lived in that moment.
The star of Indiana cross to cross is something I have only heard of and understood they installed it just before this performance. That drill in 1991 is truly a benchmark.
Hot damn the Regiment one made me bawl my eyes out. I don't think I've ever been that emotional over a song lol. It was just so friggin good. Also I wonder what the commander was thinking at the end just laying on the ground, just like, "yep, those are some nice chords, good blend contras..."
Yeah, Phantom’s ending is one of the goose bumpiest ever. Big fat chords, no excessive syncopation, runs, lip slurs....so exciting. Of course the triple kick halts are great!
Watching the Blue Knights ballad brought tears to my eyes because it brings me back to my freshman oh high school when my band marched Fly To Paradise, such a beautiful piece and it’ll forever have a special place in my heart
What I love about these videos are that people take time to present their passion. And while I don't think these three are the best DCI closers of all time, I saw things I have never seen before. What a great activity we are a part of ... and why great happiness it gives us in the unexpected. I mean, I have judged bands across America and judged multiple WGI champions an and finalists, but this is why I don't want to judge DCI ... I just want to love what it is.
Phantom's closer is proof positive that you do not need a million notes a measure or running around the field at 60 MPH to provide an effective, beautiful and ENTERTAINING program. Bravo!
World's greatest drum corps, no dancing bears, just pure brass and percussion instruments speaking to each other in unison by highly skilled musical athelete's.
closures on both DCI and highschool level marching bands are always amazing imo. and honestly, each time it’s like a final competition or football game, it’s also a seniors final time marching. idk. i love closures
The semis recording of BK’s ending...because you can’t leave out the Beatles. Also, the semis recording of the very end of Regiment’s show, because Juliet ACTUALLY killing herself may be a touch too intense, even by PR standards.
"Fun" fact....while the rest of the PR clip IS from finals, the image of Juliet stabbing at her throat of from prelims. At finals she actually "stabbed" herself....which the staff did NOT want her to do -- but she did it anyway (it was her age-out run....what were they gonna do, kick her out?) The staff had DCI put in the prelims "stab" instead....spiteful of them. Her act was more in keeping with the original story.
i would have stopped watching if you didnt include star of indiana, cross to cross is legendary (i also may have found out that my trumpet instructor at my band marched that show)
These are all excellent choices. My all-time favorite show closer is from Santa Clara's 2009 show. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xStUtdI0iOw.html
I saw them do Simple Gifts from the field, on the 50 yard line, in 1982; it was the first time I saw a live drum corps show. I was awestruck and Simple Gifts was embedded in my heart. When they did the '09 show, I was holding my five year old daughter on my lap for her first live show at Pacific Procession. I bawled my head off. SCV has brought me to tears more than any other corps.
Dont hate on 21 they had better sound than 03 and even if they were repeating a show already done at least they didn’t do something like SCV and BD did last year. I do agree with harmonic journey tho
Best DCI Closers. #1: Star of Indiana 1991. “Wow we’re off to a great start”. #2-3: “Who?” There are entire decades of Vanguard, Cadets, Blue Devils, Cavaliers closers, world championship winning closers, game changing moments, ground breaking moments, moments we never thought would happen or come….. but BK 2015 and Phantom 2011 tho
Way too subjective and too many eras to pick a top 3 best anything. Try an 80s, 90s, 2000, etc And choose a topic of why they are in the top 3 according to you. Like 80s best ending. Appalachian Spring Garfield Cadets. Why? The modern peel out company front, utilization of simple character like ballet, the resolution coupled with the great male ballet dancer, the company retreat and back field exit. Pushing the times.
