DCI Finals
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, IN
We woke up early to participate in the Street Beat 5K, which began across the street from out hotel. Cool. No walking 1K from the parking lot to get to the 5K! I asked someone to take a picture of us, and then V saw someone that she knew from a club at Cal, also a drum corps fan. Dave introduced us to his friend Samir, and we were on our way. The route was along the canal route, and it was very pretty. My companions were walking at a nice, quick pace, so I didn't get a lot of shots on the camera. The important part is that we were not last, and we finished. I jogged the last part so that I would be at 55:20 minutes. Eh, I need to be faster, but that's OK. The event was so quaint as compared to other events I've attended. They had water and bananas for us at the end of the race. I'm used to big sponsored events that have bagels and a bunch of people giving samples of their race goods. I wonder if they'll continue doing this. I was hoping that we'd have some drummers along the route, but perhaps that would have been too loud on a Saturday morning when we're passing by hotels and residences. Besides, I'm pretty sure that the drummers were still asleep, or getting ready for Drumline Battle or Finals. As I was trying to take a picture of the Start sign, the wind started to blow it away and it almost fell down. I swear, I was just standing there.
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| Street Beat Race Shirt |
After our post-race showers and my annual SCV-izing of my toes (Scheherazade-ish, naturally), we walked to Drumline Battle, which took place on Georgia Street and Pan Am Plaza. Last year, the battle was only at a congested area on Georgia Street, and we didn't watch because it was too crowded. This year, though, there was much more space for spectators. We checked out the area, and I tried to take a picture of the Drumline Battle sign, and the wind blew it around a little bit. We hadn't had any breakfast, and we were hungry, so we perused the food trucks. We decided on Da Blue Lagoon, which served Jamaican food. I ordered a vegetarian meal, which was vegetables cooked in butter and herbs, red beans and rice, and fried plantains. Mmmm....plantains! I enjoyed the red beans and rice, and the veggies were OK, but I would have preferred less cabbage and more broccoli. While we were waiting for our food, one of their frames fell down, breaking the glass in it. We were just standing there. I didn't do anything! Having an issue with 3 signs now, I was afraid to stand anywhere near another one for the rest of the day. Then, at the end of lunch, I knocked over my water bottle and got V's pants wet. Sorry! I don't know what was wrong with me.
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| V adoring her little tree at lunch |
Drumline Battle was fun. We watched the International and World competitions: Medellin Gran Banda vs. McMaster University; Patria vs. St. Mary's Drumline; Medellin vs. Patria; Jersey Surf vs. Oregon Crusaders; and The Academy vs. The Colts. I wasn't too keen on Medellin because they had salsa dancers. This isn't a dance competition. Whatevs. O Cru had their mascot, a bear named Little Mike, and it would say "Kill The Bear". Yeah, it's a demented talking bear. He must hang in the same circles as Gloomy. Or they're in rival gangs. The Academy had a big Knight chess piece as their mascot. Jersey Surf wore beach wear and one guy had on a kids' inner tube around his waist. Oregon Crusaders won the whole competition, which makes me happy, not just because of the bear, but also because their style was more traditional than the others. Bro and I had thought that the competition was rigged because a lot of the judging had to do with audience applause, but I didn't always hear what they heard.
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| Oregon Crusaders Drumline & Little Mike |
I wanted to try a cupcake from The Flying Cupcake truck, because they were voted Indy's Best Cupcake. V and I decided to split a Salted Chocolate Caramel cupcake. V said that it would go good with coffee, so we went to Bee's and I ordered a Salted Caramel latte. We realized after we got our drinks that we forgot to order decaf. OK, so we would be hyper soon. We may have needed a pick-me-up after getting up for the 5K. The cupcake was tasty, and the icing was yummy. The coffee was good, too. (My Delight still wins, though). Bro did some research and found out that Crossmen received a penalty last night for rehearsing in the wrong place. They were so far ahead of the Colts that the one-point penalty did not hurt them.
We chillaxed in the hotel for a couple of hours before our last walk to Lucas Oil for the year. It was much more crowded in the marketplace today due to people being in line in the main walkway as well as a recycling bin in the middle of the path. We were still able to get our Zade pictures in at the SCV booth, though.
Do you notice that a picture is missing? Grrrrr.... Bro: you totally owe me a set of Scheherazade pillows to make up for not actually taking my picture. I think they would look lovely in my living room.
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| Thumb Up, Bro |
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| V on Pillows |
Our seats were in Section 242, Row 6, Seats 8-10, which were on the left 25-yard line, 2 rows up from the glass. We were centered in our row, and didn't have to get stressed out about the people trying to go up the stairs and blocking views during the shows because they weren't in front of us. They were still in our field of vision, though. We were sitting in the SCV block.
THE COMMANDANT'S OWN: U.S. MARINE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS
Oh, how I've missed them! I'm so glad that they're back and doing their thing.
2014 Music in Motion:
- You Can't Stop the Beat from "Hairspray"
- Xylophonium based on music from "Ragtime" -- Kazoos!
- Birth of a Drum Corps -- original music, includes "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
- The Magnificent Seven -- including the horse's whinny
- Rock this Town -- the cameraman was dancing a little
- Stars and Stripes Forever
They then played the Star-spangled Banner and asked us to sing along. I'm so glad that they're back! The national march and anthem played by the USMC are 2 of my favorite traditions from Finals Night, and I've missed them.
IN-Pact played Europe's "The Final Countdown", and then Al Chez joined them to play Pharell's "Happy". I didn't realize that he was no longer on Letterman's show.
The World Class Director of the Year was announced: David Glasgow of Bluecoats. Steve Rondinaro said to the crowd, "Come on, you can "Bloo" better than that!"
Open Class Champions Blue Devils B played in exhibition. They're tired: lots of drops by the CG.
The sponsors were recognized.
Then Steve introduced "The voice of Finals: Brandt Crocker!" Yeah, why wouldn't you let him announce your corps? That's like telling Vin Scully that he doesn't need to announce for the Dodgers. Dummies.
Let's go, drum corps finalists!
XMEN
Wait. Now they have 2 tents. I thought they only had one yesterday. I feel like we grew up withe their show because we saw it at the beginning of the season. So my theory is that if you tour out West, you do well. Bro was thinking the same things (sibling mind meld), and said that it's because you have to compete with BD & SCV and it brings you up a level. Very nice solos. Go, XMen, GO!
Bro said that staff should just have reserved seats so as not to cause issues between corps shows with the fire hazard crowding. But where do we put these seats? V said in the front so that they know not to build a stage where the 1st few rows can't even see the field.
MADISON
That note is high, man. I like how the euphoniums are tipping their hats while moving their feet.
BO CRU
The DM stands have "All animals are equal" and "But some are more equal than others" written on them in the Chik-Fil-A "Eat More Chikin" font. The DM had a container of baby powder on his stand, and he moved it over, with a big smile (and probably a wink) to the audience. This was in reference to the penalty Bo Cru received last year for using baby powder in their pre-show. I have come to really like this show a lot. I didn't notice their "B A C" formation near the beginning of the show. At least everyone caught their instruments today when they threw them up. Someone dropped theirs at prelims. The injured contrabass player did not play due to a torn ACL. I'm bummed for him. That was really sad yesterday. But they did him proud! Their FB page states that they used new flags in their closer, but I didn't notice.
BLUE *
Great CG work. Throw the saber, tumble onto the couch, catch the saber, and lay your head down on the gal's lap. Nice. Ohh...the tarps are the outline of the rooms!
Everyone thinks it's intermission because a blue corps finished. Including me. Nope.
PHREGIMENT
Ah, trickery. The girl gets covered in black and hides behind the bass drum, while another girl dressed in white comes out from behind the screens. Way to go, Phantomettes! Their horn section needs stronger low brass, though. I think that's what's missing for me. OK, those last 2 in white are in heaven and they're reunited there like in the original ballet. So that's two deaths in their show this year. So cheery.
BK
I still don't like that she talks, but their music is beautiful. I like the themes in the music, really pretty. I don't remember some of those flags. APPARENTLY, they were there at prelims. Just checked the live blog from Finals night: the narration is from "American Beauty", Kevin Spacey's soliloquy.
<Intermission - the real one>
Me to V: "Go, go , GO!!!"
CAVALIERS
Their show tonight was dedicated to honorary Cavalier and Hall of Famer, Len Piekarsky, their former visual instructor and designer, "Now Somewhere Over the Rainbow". And now we're tearing up. I never noticed that they have the snares on their knees at the start of the ballad. They have a lot of fun during "Danse Macabre". I like the way the hats look when they turn their heads from left to right. Their last formation looks like an eyeball.
CROWN
V can't believe they call themselves a band. (Last year, their hashtag was #purplepantsband, and this year, #spacepantsband). Yeah, why not "#spacepantscorps"? Words cannot express how completely disinterested I am in those trampolines, to the point that I didn't realize the trumpet soloists were there until today. I like the weightlessness section: lifting CG members, tossing instruments, and the sounds that the horns make that are space-y. (Not Kevin Spacey, though. That's Blue Knights). V likes their sad music. APPARENTLY, one of the snare drummers dropped his drum, and the judge kindly picked it up for him. I missed that, probably because it was on the other side of the field.
SCV
Did my job and screamed Justin's name a couple of times. Bro wondered if Justin's parents were there, and asking themselves whom I was. I wouldn't know. I've never met him. I'm just happy for my friend's daughter's ex-boyfriend's brother. D.R.U.M.S.!!!!!!! Extra grace note in the solo = Sher's tears begin. Got to yell "...GUARD!!!" Thank you, SCV, for this gorgeous show. Sigh.
BLOO
I think people think that they're actually playing that electronic part at that moment, so they stand, but they even hold the horns away from their mouths, so how do people miss that? It is cool, but I wouldn't stand for electronics in a drum corps show. What the hell is wrong with these people? I do like their REAL music, though. Soprano soloist almost didn't reach the high note and shook their head when he/she made it. Phew!
CADETS
That brass ensemble opener: WOW. "That is what he said." There is just way too much talking. Uh-oh: a CG member dropped her flag. V thought the speaker was also a CG member, but no, that was someone who looks like him. She's disappointed that the speaker is only there to talk.
BD
Oops. That guy didn't catch the rifle during the high toss. Very nice unison with the "The End" flags. There's a lot of hair dancing in this show. V really likes their ribbons. She thinks there need to be more ribbons in drum corps. Incredible job, BD.
We were shown a video from the CBS Evening News (showing on Finals night) of 16-year old Brandon from Tucson, AZ, whom is the youngest snare drummer on the BD drumline. He first played for ScoJo at age 11, and ScoJo was very impressed, but didn't think he could handle it yet, due to the athleticism that the sport demands. This year, he beat out 100 other snare drummers for his spot, and is "Living his dream, one beat at a time." Bro had told me about this kid when he was younger because he had watched YouTube videos of him. Brandon has always wanted to march with the Blue Devils, and he is doing it well, even with his diagnosis of scolios. He is amazing.
Retreat
The medal winners from Open Class were recognized:
Bronze: Genesis
Silver: Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets
Gold: Blue Devils B
The Commandant's Own played while the corps marched onto the field.
IN-Pact played Europe's "The Final Countdown", and then Al Chez joined them to play Pharell's "Happy". I didn't realize that he was no longer on Letterman's show.
The World Class Director of the Year was announced: David Glasgow of Bluecoats. Steve Rondinaro said to the crowd, "Come on, you can "Bloo" better than that!"
Open Class Champions Blue Devils B played in exhibition. They're tired: lots of drops by the CG.
The sponsors were recognized.
Then Steve introduced "The voice of Finals: Brandt Crocker!" Yeah, why wouldn't you let him announce your corps? That's like telling Vin Scully that he doesn't need to announce for the Dodgers. Dummies.
Let's go, drum corps finalists!
XMEN
Wait. Now they have 2 tents. I thought they only had one yesterday. I feel like we grew up withe their show because we saw it at the beginning of the season. So my theory is that if you tour out West, you do well. Bro was thinking the same things (sibling mind meld), and said that it's because you have to compete with BD & SCV and it brings you up a level. Very nice solos. Go, XMen, GO!
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| XMen with Tents |
Bro said that staff should just have reserved seats so as not to cause issues between corps shows with the fire hazard crowding. But where do we put these seats? V said in the front so that they know not to build a stage where the 1st few rows can't even see the field.
MADISON
That note is high, man. I like how the euphoniums are tipping their hats while moving their feet.
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| Madison Soloist at End |
BO CRU
The DM stands have "All animals are equal" and "But some are more equal than others" written on them in the Chik-Fil-A "Eat More Chikin" font. The DM had a container of baby powder on his stand, and he moved it over, with a big smile (and probably a wink) to the audience. This was in reference to the penalty Bo Cru received last year for using baby powder in their pre-show. I have come to really like this show a lot. I didn't notice their "B A C" formation near the beginning of the show. At least everyone caught their instruments today when they threw them up. Someone dropped theirs at prelims. The injured contrabass player did not play due to a torn ACL. I'm bummed for him. That was really sad yesterday. But they did him proud! Their FB page states that they used new flags in their closer, but I didn't notice.
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| One of Many Windmills |
BLUE *
Great CG work. Throw the saber, tumble onto the couch, catch the saber, and lay your head down on the gal's lap. Nice. Ohh...the tarps are the outline of the rooms!
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| Paint Sample Flags |
Everyone thinks it's intermission because a blue corps finished. Including me. Nope.
PHREGIMENT
Ah, trickery. The girl gets covered in black and hides behind the bass drum, while another girl dressed in white comes out from behind the screens. Way to go, Phantomettes! Their horn section needs stronger low brass, though. I think that's what's missing for me. OK, those last 2 in white are in heaven and they're reunited there like in the original ballet. So that's two deaths in their show this year. So cheery.
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| Odette and Prince in Heavenly Ghost Form |
BK
I still don't like that she talks, but their music is beautiful. I like the themes in the music, really pretty. I don't remember some of those flags. APPARENTLY, they were there at prelims. Just checked the live blog from Finals night: the narration is from "American Beauty", Kevin Spacey's soliloquy.
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| Blue Knights Pendulum |
<Intermission - the real one>
Me to V: "Go, go , GO!!!"
CAVALIERS
Their show tonight was dedicated to honorary Cavalier and Hall of Famer, Len Piekarsky, their former visual instructor and designer, "Now Somewhere Over the Rainbow". And now we're tearing up. I never noticed that they have the snares on their knees at the start of the ballad. They have a lot of fun during "Danse Macabre". I like the way the hats look when they turn their heads from left to right. Their last formation looks like an eyeball.
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| Rib Flags with Heart |
CROWN
V can't believe they call themselves a band. (Last year, their hashtag was #purplepantsband, and this year, #spacepantsband). Yeah, why not "#spacepantscorps"? Words cannot express how completely disinterested I am in those trampolines, to the point that I didn't realize the trumpet soloists were there until today. I like the weightlessness section: lifting CG members, tossing instruments, and the sounds that the horns make that are space-y. (Not Kevin Spacey, though. That's Blue Knights). V likes their sad music. APPARENTLY, one of the snare drummers dropped his drum, and the judge kindly picked it up for him. I missed that, probably because it was on the other side of the field.
SCV
Did my job and screamed Justin's name a couple of times. Bro wondered if Justin's parents were there, and asking themselves whom I was. I wouldn't know. I've never met him. I'm just happy for my friend's daughter's ex-boyfriend's brother. D.R.U.M.S.!!!!!!! Extra grace note in the solo = Sher's tears begin. Got to yell "...GUARD!!!" Thank you, SCV, for this gorgeous show. Sigh.
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| Kneel Before Zade |
BLOO
I think people think that they're actually playing that electronic part at that moment, so they stand, but they even hold the horns away from their mouths, so how do people miss that? It is cool, but I wouldn't stand for electronics in a drum corps show. What the hell is wrong with these people? I do like their REAL music, though. Soprano soloist almost didn't reach the high note and shook their head when he/she made it. Phew!
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| Jumping at a Tilt |
CADETS
That brass ensemble opener: WOW. "That is what he said." There is just way too much talking. Uh-oh: a CG member dropped her flag. V thought the speaker was also a CG member, but no, that was someone who looks like him. She's disappointed that the speaker is only there to talk.
BD
Oops. That guy didn't catch the rifle during the high toss. Very nice unison with the "The End" flags. There's a lot of hair dancing in this show. V really likes their ribbons. She thinks there need to be more ribbons in drum corps. Incredible job, BD.
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| Horns Taken Aback by Tambourine Girls |
We were shown a video from the CBS Evening News (showing on Finals night) of 16-year old Brandon from Tucson, AZ, whom is the youngest snare drummer on the BD drumline. He first played for ScoJo at age 11, and ScoJo was very impressed, but didn't think he could handle it yet, due to the athleticism that the sport demands. This year, he beat out 100 other snare drummers for his spot, and is "Living his dream, one beat at a time." Bro had told me about this kid when he was younger because he had watched YouTube videos of him. Brandon has always wanted to march with the Blue Devils, and he is doing it well, even with his diagnosis of scolios. He is amazing.
Retreat
The medal winners from Open Class were recognized:
Bronze: Genesis
Silver: Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets
Gold: Blue Devils B
The Commandant's Own played while the corps marched onto the field.
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| USMC Drum & Bugle Corps |
- Crossmen CG had their carpets, and the corps formed the Spirit of Atlanta delta. (They are sister corps).
- Boston Crusaders: V saw the flag bearer and said, "I bet he never thought he'd do that--carrying an American flag, half naked, in a goat mask." The CG was still wearing their masks and acted restless, not stopping their animal antics. Guy behind me: "Do they ever stop?" APPARENTLY not.
Animals
- Blue Stars brought their couch.
- Phregiment formed their chevron.
- SCV made their traditional Vs.
SCV Guard
Scores
12) 86.225 -- CROSSMEN
Jim Jones Leadership Award: David Warren of Phantom Regiment
11) 87.575 -- MADISON SCOUTS
10) 88.950 -- BOSTON CRUSADERS
Best Color Guard: Blue Devils
9) 89.600 -- BLUE STARS
Best Visual Performance: Blue Devils
8) 91.150 -- BLUE KNIGHTS (a gasp throughout the crowd with the realization that someone jumped over them in placement)
Best Brass Performance: Blue Devils (do you see a pattern here?)
7) 91.425 -- PHANTOM REGIMENT (the jumper)
6) 93.675 -- CAVALIERS
Best percussion: Santa Clara Vanguard!!!!!! Our section went completely insane. I yelled so much that I got lightheaded and had to hold onto my armrest so as not to faint.
5) 95.675 -- CAROLINA CROWN
4) 96.075 -- SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
3) 96.875 -- THE CADETS (many cheers from the crowd with the realization that they were jumped in placement -- so we weren't the only ones that didn't like the talky talk) Bro predicts that the Cadets will come back with a vengeance next year.
2) 97.175 -- BLUECOATS (the jumper) The corps tilted during the drum major salute. COOL.
The winner of tonight had all the odds on them for the win. So Bloo's 2nd place finish was like getting the win because the actual winner had been way ahead of everyone for much of the season. The only question left: would they break the scoring record?
1) 99.650 -- BLUE DEVILS (The answer is YES. Yes, they sure the heck did!) The stadium erupted with cheering, the most I've ever heard for them, and I've seen them win several championships. But this win, this score, this corps could not be denied.
So SCV was the only corps to win a caption award over BD this year. The recaps show that BD received 16 out of 22 scores of 100 from the judges on Finals night. Nobody else received a 100, although SCV got 3 out of 4 99s in drums. SCV last won high drums in 2004. The show? "Scheherazade". Wow. Thank you, caption head Paul Rennick!
Congratulations, BD and SCV! WEST IS BEST!!!!
Encore
Blue Devils did their "Fellini-esque" show again, without their shakos, so we could see all of their faces. I was disappointed that they didn't do more than that, not even the F-tuning warm up.
When we returned to our hotel, Bro and V packed up to go to stay at their friend Mike's house, to visit with his family. Bye, guys! I made my breakfast order for the next morning.
We'll be remembering this Finals Night for quite awhile. Wow.
Best Brass Performance: Blue Devils (do you see a pattern here?)
7) 91.425 -- PHANTOM REGIMENT (the jumper)
6) 93.675 -- CAVALIERS
Best percussion: Santa Clara Vanguard!!!!!! Our section went completely insane. I yelled so much that I got lightheaded and had to hold onto my armrest so as not to faint.
5) 95.675 -- CAROLINA CROWN
4) 96.075 -- SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
3) 96.875 -- THE CADETS (many cheers from the crowd with the realization that they were jumped in placement -- so we weren't the only ones that didn't like the talky talk) Bro predicts that the Cadets will come back with a vengeance next year.
2) 97.175 -- BLUECOATS (the jumper) The corps tilted during the drum major salute. COOL.
The winner of tonight had all the odds on them for the win. So Bloo's 2nd place finish was like getting the win because the actual winner had been way ahead of everyone for much of the season. The only question left: would they break the scoring record?
1) 99.650 -- BLUE DEVILS (The answer is YES. Yes, they sure the heck did!) The stadium erupted with cheering, the most I've ever heard for them, and I've seen them win several championships. But this win, this score, this corps could not be denied.
So SCV was the only corps to win a caption award over BD this year. The recaps show that BD received 16 out of 22 scores of 100 from the judges on Finals night. Nobody else received a 100, although SCV got 3 out of 4 99s in drums. SCV last won high drums in 2004. The show? "Scheherazade". Wow. Thank you, caption head Paul Rennick!
Congratulations, BD and SCV! WEST IS BEST!!!!
Encore
Blue Devils did their "Fellini-esque" show again, without their shakos, so we could see all of their faces. I was disappointed that they didn't do more than that, not even the F-tuning warm up.
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| First BD Trumpet Soloist |
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| 2nd Trumpet Soloist |
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| Snare Drums (Brandon is 1st row, on the left) |
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| Last Shot |
When we returned to our hotel, Bro and V packed up to go to stay at their friend Mike's house, to visit with his family. Bye, guys! I made my breakfast order for the next morning.
We'll be remembering this Finals Night for quite awhile. Wow.
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