At its heart, Ghostlight reveals that drum corps is, in its essence, theater. This show is practically an April design meeting where show coordinators ask the gods for enlightenment at the start of a drum corps season. At the beginning, we hear Oedipus' chorus asking what fresh hell is in store for us in this drum corps show-- almost a comedic commentary on the drama that every designer's roundtable brings. We see Hamlet's introspection as he holds the skull of his former friend, and he broaches the question, "What is the purpose of the slings and arrows we endure?" Why do we partake in this activity, anyway? Brittany reveals that behind every performer there's a selfish need for attention . At the end, we see Oedipus, blinded, trailing a river of blood as he walks toward the light, seeking the truth which is his eventual downfall. Drum corps will kill us all eventually, but the journey of discovery is life itself. For the enlightened drum corps viewer, this show was the smartest self-analysis the marching arts have ever seen. Ghoslight asks, what is the purpose of this activity? What is the purpose of the theater? The agreed upon thematic arguments underneath the shows that are the real substance of this activity. With this show, the Blue Devils are honoring the new drum corps design-- complex stories and concepts in drum corps shows give it depth. Without these underlying thematic arguments in these shows they amount to nothing more than spotlights, sleeping bags and tap shoes. But when we ask the daring questions, like "What is the meaning behind this drum corps show?", then suddenly we join the ranks of great characters in history, searching for the answers to the big questions of life. Suddenly this frivolous youth music activity has depth. And it wasn't that hard to find.
@@shelbyguizar9036 I can't believe you were able to take this out of the show. I've always been wondering what some shows were about, but I usually can't figure it out and resort to just enjoying the music. Thank you for enlightening me.
Or it’s sounds put into an order in which it will resonate with people at a deeper level than just noise, performed by people who understand the heart.
The staff need to be incredibly happy with what they've created and refined. The kids executed with precision and heart which is deserved of the gold. Well done.
Okay so just imagine you hear the beginning part when you’re a student on campus as you’re walking by. I’d be popping my head in and the horns would shatter my skull with that first hit.
Ben Kessler Well when your group is consistently winning, the best of the best come to try out for you. Not that every player here is better than every single other player in other corps, but clearly BD is doing something right.