August, 6, 2024 – Canton, Ohio
Innovation in Brass is an apt name for the Bluecoats (not blue) home show. They have been innovating for as long as I have been following them. It was back in 2012 when I rediscovered drum corps, and I was at Allentown when they unmasked their feelings, and I was affected. Following them through the past dozen or so years, they have been the epitome of innovation in drum corps design and musical arrangement. Change is everything.
Last night was another magical evening of music in motion in Canton. Mother Nature did a fine job of steering the thunderstorms away from the show site. Instead, she put up another nice, colorful sky as a backdrop for the pageantry below. I really enjoy the look of the corps under the sun. Later in the evening, the stadium lights take over. Unfortunately, in my view, the quality of the light from the new efficient lighting is cool and thin and not as flattering. It’s bright enough, but the warmer colors don’t pop like they do under the warm afternoon sunlight.
Now, onto the show. The line-up included Spirit of Atlanta, Crossmen, Colts, Blue Stars, Mandarins, Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, Blue Devils, Boston Crusaders, and Bluecoats, who were not blue. My hair follicles became affected early in the evening with the opening corps and were on fire several times throughout the evening. Spirit of Atlanta brought the Creatures to entertain us, and they did with precision, power, and grace. My first viewing of the show left me wanting more. Another show that was seen for my first time was The Crossmen’s Lush Life. I was not sure who they were by their uniform and appearance. It wasn’t until I saw the spooky guy on the opposite sideline that I was sure it was the Crossmen. I will have to see this show again to get used to the new identity and to hear that great jazz repertoire. The Colts, Blue Stars, and Mandarins stepped up and moved the needle ever closer toward the 90s. Phantom Regiment once again stole the show with a riveting and powerful performance, pushing hard to break into the top four.
Carolina Crown performed a standstill performance due to a health emergency with the equipment truck driver. The driver is recovering well, but the props did not make it to Canton. They performed at a standstill to the admiring fans and did not post a score. Blue Devils brought the Romantics to the field again with their stunning quality of sound and movement that we expect of the all-time champion. Now, it was time for the showdown between Boston and Bluecoats. Both corps brought their well-rehearsed A-game. The fans reacted to each corps with enthusiasm while they progressed through their dynamic concept programs, registering regular blips on their EKGs. In the end, it was Bluecoats, continuing their undefeated streak and earning the highest score in DCI so far this year with a 96-percent perfect score. Boston did not disappoint and will keep pushing to become a champion (BAC).
Thus ends a fantastic regular season for DCI. Of the eleven shows that I attended, only one was rain-affected. I am so lucky, given that climate change has caused unsettled and intense storms more frequently. Vermont has been getting pummeled again with flash floods this summer. Will climate change end drum corps as we know it? Will it be too hot in the South to perform in the coming years? Will it be relegated to an indoor event? Alas. For the best drum corps experience, we need the open air, a perfect example was last night. Now, my tour mate and I have two days to kill before the championships that start on Thursday.
We have been enjoying a leisurely morning in the breakfast area at the value hotel that I am honored to be a member of. It is fun to see the drum corps shirts and strike up a conversation. This morning, a nice lady recognized my logo and said hello, acknowledging she was at the show last night. She was joined by her two sisters. They marched in the early seventies in an all-girl drum corps and reunited yearly to attend a show. Chuck and I spent the better part of an hour telling stories and insights into drum corps with Cathy, Connie, and Carol. We also agreed that 70 is the new 40. It is magical how easy friendships can develop if you wear the logo of a drum corps, no matter which one. We agreed to meet here again next year.
Today is a travel day with no hurry. We have an open plan at this point without a destination or hotel room in mind yet. The weather continues to be oppressively hot. This is the time in the tour when I open myself to the whim of the highway. I think we will stick to the Lincoln Highway as it takes us across the heart of Ohio into the heart of DCI, Indiana. I’ll keep you posted.
