DCI Finals
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, IN
It's Finals Day! This morning, Vanguard posted this quote on their white board, from their late founding Executive Director Gail Royer: "I want them to look forward and not look backward. I want them to say, 'OK, it's we move on to another plateau...another step up...moving forward.'" Inspiring.
We slept in for a while, me less so than Bro and V, because I had some blogging to do. We were going to eat at Patachou but the line was really long, so we ended up going to Le Peep. When we walked to our table, the family we were seated next to suddenly got very quiet. We heard the dad say something about talking smack, but I don't know why they would do that when the girl was wearing an SCV shirt, and we were wearing SCV apparel, too. Whatevs. I guess dad didn't know what was going on anyway, but it was weird. SCV Folk do not talk smack about each other, dad. I ordered the short stack of Kingcake combo. The Kingcake is their specialty, and it's basically a very thin pancake, but too doughy to call a crepe. It was yummy, and Bro and V enjoyed their meals, too. We went to CVS to get Band-Aids for V, which ended up being free because she had a coupon, so bonus! Then we went back to the hotel to rest up for a little while before walking back to Lucas Oil for the last time this season.
We slept in for a while, me less so than Bro and V, because I had some blogging to do. We were going to eat at Patachou but the line was really long, so we ended up going to Le Peep. When we walked to our table, the family we were seated next to suddenly got very quiet. We heard the dad say something about talking smack, but I don't know why they would do that when the girl was wearing an SCV shirt, and we were wearing SCV apparel, too. Whatevs. I guess dad didn't know what was going on anyway, but it was weird. SCV Folk do not talk smack about each other, dad. I ordered the short stack of Kingcake combo. The Kingcake is their specialty, and it's basically a very thin pancake, but too doughy to call a crepe. It was yummy, and Bro and V enjoyed their meals, too. We went to CVS to get Band-Aids for V, which ended up being free because she had a coupon, so bonus! Then we went back to the hotel to rest up for a little while before walking back to Lucas Oil for the last time this season.
We tried to say hi to Benji at the Oregon Crusaders booth, but they were still setting up, so we couldn't get near his crate. I think they were all sold out of the Benji shirts, though. The line at the SCV booth was so long that they had put up stanchions so fans could queue up Disneyland-style. Wow. Bro remembered that the Bluecoats booth was the same way last year. So SCV wins the Most People In Line Award this year. Yes, I'm pretty sure that's a demand thing, and not a staffing issue, because they have always been efficient with my purchases this year.
I've been taking pictures of the huge recap board this week because Vanguard has been on top every day. Also, because it's huge.
The Stanbury booth not only had SCV and SCVC uniforms on display, but you could also take a picture with you face in last year's Ouroboros outfit. Bro did not want to have his picture taken in it, but we're pretty sure that's Stone's body.
I've been taking pictures of the huge recap board this week because Vanguard has been on top every day. Also, because it's huge.
The Stanbury booth not only had SCV and SCVC uniforms on display, but you could also take a picture with you face in last year's Ouroboros outfit. Bro did not want to have his picture taken in it, but we're pretty sure that's Stone's body.
Bro wanted to buy water, and because the guy saw V standing with him, he figured that the two of them could handle 3 water bottles, so he took off the caps. We arrived at our seats while SCVC was setting up for their show. Our seats were on the right 15-yard line, Section 237, Row 7, Seats 15-17. When V and I saw the number of our section, we gasped, but Bro reminded us that we would not be seeing The Shining show by Oregon Crusaders today, so we stopped freaking out. Dan Potter was the MC for the pre-competition portion of the program, and gave us the lineup for the day.
Exhibition Performance: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD CADETS
SCVC played this show every day but Wednesday this week. Today's performance was their exhibition as Open Class Champions. Congratulations again, Vanguard Cadets!!!!!
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| Beginning of group dance |
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| Smiles of Champions |
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| Strike a Pose |
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| After Cymbal Viper |
V and I went to concessions to get food for the 3 of us. V ended up going to 6 booths because 1) she was being indecisive; and 2) not all booths had everything she wanted to get. While she was in line, I heard a lady order 2 bottles of water WITH caps. They obliged. I think I'm going to tally how many people I see walking away from concessions with water bottle caps next year. Because I know y'all want to know about that. ;) When we returned to our seats, Bro pointed up at the row behind us. Ray's here! Hi, Ray! We met Ray at the SCV 50th Anniversary Gala last year; he was sitting at our table. We talked about how excited we were about SCV doing so well this year, as well as other stuff.
IN-Pact performed a couple of songs, the second one, "Uptown Funk" with Al Chez. Hey, we saw him the other day!
The sponsors were recognized. Thank you for the support of these wonderful kids and their love for the activity!
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS - The Commandant's Own
Repertoire: "Furia"
I like this piece. It represents the sacrifice of those who served in the USMC. They even covered one of the fallen in a black cloth.
Then they played "Stars and Stripes Forever", and I was happy.
The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by The Commandant's Own.
Brandt Crocker (Voice of DCI) then took over, announced the finalist corps again, and said, "Here we go!"
CROSSMEN
Great job with the brass run in the final piece. Was the singer supposed to drop the lead color guard? Bye, Bones.
PHREGIMENT
I like that augmented "New World" tune that the pit plays during the opening piece. So ... I never figured out the honeycombs.
Today, I went to the corps website to look at the program notes: "This study is done
through the abstract lens of modern dance, and uses the hexagon symbolically
throughout its design as a way to consider tessellation—the ability to combine
simple shapes in an effort to create a more complex whole—making something
new out of what already exists. This infinite possibility of pairings allows us to
explore a variety of tunnels & passageways; to unlock an endless series of doors;
to constantly find ourselves in new spaces... the idea that these interactions will
leave both a person and a place forever changed."
So it has nothing to do with bees, as I silently wondered. That's probably why there wasn't any "Flight of the Bumblebee", huh? I learned a new word today! "Tessellation".
MANDARINS
Welcome to World Class Finals, Mandarins! Nice of Brandt to acknowledge their first time here. ACK! Why drop, why?! I love that last part with all the horns on the turntable.
BLUE KNIGHTS
The signal sounds from the radio tower were not working and I thought they might get a penalty for starting their show late, but they didn't. Let's see that spiral one last time. Love it! I didn't realize until today that the double flags at the end are their wings and they are fluttering them toward the tower.
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| Spiral |
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| BK Knee Bend |
BLUE STARS
It's a whole different show over here on the right side! Instead of measuring tape, their props are leveling tools. They form a star with their wood props at the end.
CADETS
I don't think anyone was singing that Holy Name hymn yesterday. I like the drill during the drum feature: the hornline pretty much leaps to their spots in the diamond formation.
<Intermission>
V and I agreed on Adult Rules to the restroom. When we exited, we had to get through a crowd of wall-to-wall people. It was crazy! I don't know why DCI doesn't make the Finals Night intermission longer when they know that more people are in attendance. Don't they realize all of these people probably need to use the restroom and 17 minutes is not enough time for that?
CAVALIERS
I sis nor see those xylophones on the field before. At the end of the show, when they turn the tarps to the rainbow colors, they're like Rainbow Rorschach tests. I haven't seen enough of this show. Love that Bolero!
BOSTON CRUSADERS
If that's not a real fire, why is there always smoke? He did a cartwheel on her back when she laid down. Rude. If you wave around a pig's head long enough, stuff will come out of said pig's head. People get speared, the audience cheers. This is my evidence for the corps all drowning. We love death.
CAROLINA CROWN
I like the music from the lower brass when the CG guys are rocking the big prop back and forth. Brass killed it!
BLUECOATS
During the set-up, the cameraman focused on the beatniks, and one of them twirled his mustache. Meh, I've seen better. The drum major was all into the music, singing "jackpot" along with the vocalist.
BLUE DEVILS
Go, Trombone Soloist! The lady next to me knows him really well. She knows several kids in different corps because they are friends with her son. I just watch the guys with the rifles during Natural Woman now because I'm bored of the hair dancing.
SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
I saw them waiting in the tunnel entrance during BD's show and got all excited. Go, George! He is the backfield drum major, and my seat neighbor's son. I don't remember hearing the recording of the different languages at the beginning of the show before. ACK! Leo's mic! Then the guy got hit by the prop. Oh, geez. VAAAANNNNNGUAAAAAARRRRRRD!!!!!
Our section went bananas. I think I stood up 3 times during the show. I could barely contain myself from the moment they started. AAAAHHHH, I LOVE THIS SHOW! I would like to see that again tonight, please. PLEASE!!!
Presentation of drum majors of the medalists from the Open Class Finals competition:
Bronze: GOLD
Silver: BLUE DEVILS B
Gold: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD CADETS
Our section went crazy again.
Finale
The Commandant's Own US Marine Drum & Bugle Corps played as the finalist drum corps took the field.
Mandarins color guard carried their leader in with her cube. Welcome to Finals Retreat, Mandarins!
The Cavaliers treated the yard line like a tightrope.
V pointed out to me that the Boston leaders were wearing leis, "which means they were rescued". I still don't believe her.
OMG, Vanguard brought in one of the cages!
I always like seeing the video montage that they show at this point.
And now, the scores. (Big exhale). Caption awards are based on the best average from Prelims, Semifinals, and Finals nights.
World Class Corps Director of the Year: Shaun Gallant of SCV!!!!!
YAY, SEAN!!!!! He's awesome.
12) 86.75 -- CROSSMEN
Jim Jones Leadership Award: Claire Albrecht of THE CADETS
11) 86.95 -- PHANTOM REGIMENT
10) 88.15 -- MANDARINS
George Zingali Color Guard Caption Award: BOSTON CRUSADERS
9) 88.925 -- BLUE KNIGHTS
John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
8) 90.05 -- BLUE STARS
Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
7) 92.225 -- THE CADETS
6) 93.2125 -- THE CAVALIERS
Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
(That's the 3rd year in a row for SCV. YES!!!)
5) 94.3125 -- BOSTON CRUSADERS
4) 95.5 -- CAROLINA CROWN
Donald Angelica Best General Effect Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
3) 96.95 -- BLUECOATS
2) 97.35 -- BLUE DEVILS
1) 98.625 -- SANTA CLARA VANGUARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Congratulations to all the corps. Santa Clara Vanguard, the field is yours."
OK, after a week of debriefing this in my head, I have tears in my eyes as I typed that last quote from Brandt Crocker.
The crowd went insane. We were happy, happy, happy, and I almost lost my voice from the screaming every time Brandt announced SCV's name. It's been 19 long years since their last title, and they shared it in a tie with BD. It's an SCV Sweep, y'all. Both SCVC and SCV won the gold!
The Blue Stars lengthened their measuring tapes in happiness.
When they were dismissed, the bass drummers from a few of the corps went into this crazy drumming frenzy together. That's new.
I went to the restroom because I knew it would take a while to clear the field. I heard the announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, we need to clear the field...the field belongs to Santa Clara Vanguard." That's RIGHT, it does!!!!!
Encore
SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
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| Doesn't he need that drum to be in one piece? |
CADETS
I don't think anyone was singing that Holy Name hymn yesterday. I like the drill during the drum feature: the hornline pretty much leaps to their spots in the diamond formation.
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| Cadets Logo on Flags |
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| Z-Pull |
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| Old School Uniform |
<Intermission>
V and I agreed on Adult Rules to the restroom. When we exited, we had to get through a crowd of wall-to-wall people. It was crazy! I don't know why DCI doesn't make the Finals Night intermission longer when they know that more people are in attendance. Don't they realize all of these people probably need to use the restroom and 17 minutes is not enough time for that?
CAVALIERS
I sis nor see those xylophones on the field before. At the end of the show, when they turn the tarps to the rainbow colors, they're like Rainbow Rorschach tests. I haven't seen enough of this show. Love that Bolero!
BOSTON CRUSADERS
If that's not a real fire, why is there always smoke? He did a cartwheel on her back when she laid down. Rude. If you wave around a pig's head long enough, stuff will come out of said pig's head. People get speared, the audience cheers. This is my evidence for the corps all drowning. We love death.
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| Mid Drowning |
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| Oops. I didn't get the last "E" in the picture. |
CAROLINA CROWN
I like the music from the lower brass when the CG guys are rocking the big prop back and forth. Brass killed it!
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| Beast Parts |
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| Rock It! |
BLUECOATS
During the set-up, the cameraman focused on the beatniks, and one of them twirled his mustache. Meh, I've seen better. The drum major was all into the music, singing "jackpot" along with the vocalist.
BLUE DEVILS
Go, Trombone Soloist! The lady next to me knows him really well. She knows several kids in different corps because they are friends with her son. I just watch the guys with the rifles during Natural Woman now because I'm bored of the hair dancing.
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| This is me being distracted by who is in the tunnel |
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| Go, Dude, Go! |
SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
I saw them waiting in the tunnel entrance during BD's show and got all excited. Go, George! He is the backfield drum major, and my seat neighbor's son. I don't remember hearing the recording of the different languages at the beginning of the show before. ACK! Leo's mic! Then the guy got hit by the prop. Oh, geez. VAAAANNNNNGUAAAAAARRRRRRD!!!!!
Our section went bananas. I think I stood up 3 times during the show. I could barely contain myself from the moment they started. AAAAHHHH, I LOVE THIS SHOW! I would like to see that again tonight, please. PLEASE!!!
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| Hi, Carl! |
Presentation of drum majors of the medalists from the Open Class Finals competition:
Bronze: GOLD
Silver: BLUE DEVILS B
Gold: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD CADETS
Our section went crazy again.
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| You know what's cool about this picture? All 3 medalist corps are from California! |
Finale
The Commandant's Own US Marine Drum & Bugle Corps played as the finalist drum corps took the field.
Mandarins color guard carried their leader in with her cube. Welcome to Finals Retreat, Mandarins!
The Cavaliers treated the yard line like a tightrope.
V pointed out to me that the Boston leaders were wearing leis, "which means they were rescued". I still don't believe her.
OMG, Vanguard brought in one of the cages!
I always like seeing the video montage that they show at this point.
 |
| Can you see Vanguard's check mark? |
And now, the scores. (Big exhale). Caption awards are based on the best average from Prelims, Semifinals, and Finals nights.
World Class Corps Director of the Year: Shaun Gallant of SCV!!!!!
YAY, SEAN!!!!! He's awesome.
12) 86.75 -- CROSSMEN
Jim Jones Leadership Award: Claire Albrecht of THE CADETS
11) 86.95 -- PHANTOM REGIMENT
10) 88.15 -- MANDARINS
George Zingali Color Guard Caption Award: BOSTON CRUSADERS
9) 88.925 -- BLUE KNIGHTS
John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
8) 90.05 -- BLUE STARS
Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
7) 92.225 -- THE CADETS
6) 93.2125 -- THE CAVALIERS
Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
(That's the 3rd year in a row for SCV. YES!!!)
5) 94.3125 -- BOSTON CRUSADERS
4) 95.5 -- CAROLINA CROWN
Donald Angelica Best General Effect Award: SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
3) 96.95 -- BLUECOATS
2) 97.35 -- BLUE DEVILS
1) 98.625 -- SANTA CLARA VANGUARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Congratulations to all the corps. Santa Clara Vanguard, the field is yours."
OK, after a week of debriefing this in my head, I have tears in my eyes as I typed that last quote from Brandt Crocker.
The crowd went insane. We were happy, happy, happy, and I almost lost my voice from the screaming every time Brandt announced SCV's name. It's been 19 long years since their last title, and they shared it in a tie with BD. It's an SCV Sweep, y'all. Both SCVC and SCV won the gold!
The Blue Stars lengthened their measuring tapes in happiness.
When they were dismissed, the bass drummers from a few of the corps went into this crazy drumming frenzy together. That's new.
I went to the restroom because I knew it would take a while to clear the field. I heard the announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, we need to clear the field...the field belongs to Santa Clara Vanguard." That's RIGHT, it does!!!!!
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| Well, would ya look at that? |
Encore
SANTA CLARA VANGUARD
- 2018 production: "Babylon"
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| I'm looking forward to seeing all of the Go Pro videos from this encore performance! |
After we all calmed down from watching that amazing victory performance one more time, Brandt said, "There's one more song that needs to be played." ACK, I'm crying again.
- Corps song: "Send in the Clowns"
I'm pretty sure Gail Royer was beaming with pride while watching this from his seat up in heaven.
We went to the lot to see if SCV was going to do anything special before letting everyone leave, but they must have said whatever they needed to say back in the stadium tunnel. So we took pictures of each other before returning to the hotel.
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| Happy Vanguard Fans |
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| Happy Sibs |
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| From the other side of the cage |
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| Our bodies are by a cage |
Thank you, SCV, for this awesome season. Congratulations on your seventh gold.
One of the DCI.org article opening lines was, "It started with Stanford." Indeed. SCV had one loss since Stanford in June, and dominated all season, despite the thoughts of the East Coast fans that the West Coast scores were inflated. People, we happen to have the best corps out West, so deal with it. I am proud of this corps. They had some hiccups during this year's tour, with their food truck getting in an accident (rendering it a total loss and having to rent a temporary one), their souvie trailer also having issues, and the rained-out Allentown show. Yet through it all, they persevered, they worked hard, they kept up the classy and positive attitude for which they are famous, and they did it! They won! 19 years ago, when they last won the title, Bro and I attended our first DCI Finals, and we've been hooked ever since. This feeling of pride in our favorite corps has never wavered, even through the lower-ranked years. It feels so awesome to see SCV win again, with such an amazing show that will be talked about with superlatives for years and years. With the Vanguard Cadets winning, too, I am just thrilled for the organization. There's No Place Like Santa Clara.
At the hotel, Bro and V packed quickly and went to sleep for a few hours. I stayed up all night because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, and I also packed. V called an Uber for our early morning flights, and I said goodbye to Bro and V before I got in the really long line of drum corps kids and fans for Southwest. I'm glad I said bye to them so they could get through security, because they were able to catch an earlier flight home. My flight to Vegas (en route to San Jose) had many drum corps passengers, and the flight attendant was kind of irritated that everyone was so sleepy. At 7:00 a.m. Lady, I'm pretty sure most of these folks haven't slept for more than 3 hours, if at all, so leave them alone. At least you didn't have to serve drinks or talk to most of them because they were asleep for most of the flight. I made it to San Jose with plenty of time for the next show. The weekend isn't done yet!
Next up: Rockapella in Livermore
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