DLR LotD 06/13/21

Disneyland Resort 

Line of the Day

Sunday, June 13, 2021

"Is there a drop on this ride?" -- The Niece and The Nephew, multiple times, in multiple places

It was one of those
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Days

Ah, Belle!

Beauty and the Beast

5-Star Theatricals

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Saturday, July 21, 2018

My friend Jeff posted on Facebook that Susan Egan would be reprising her role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast one day, and as soon as I saw the post, I alerted Bro and V.  Very soon after that moment, tickets were purchased.  BatB is one of Bro's and my favorite musicals, and Susan is my favorite Belle, so we HAD to go!  

Due to some car trouble I'd been having this week, I took a lyft to Bro's house.  My driver was very friendly.  When I arrived and rang the doorbell, Bro answered the door. Not seeing a car in the driveway, he asked how I got there.  I told him and he said I should just take lyft everywhere so I could have a driver and never have to worry about my own car.  Well, there's a thought!  After curling Miss O's hair (V's first time using a curling iron!), and Mr. B changing his shorts to pants, we were on our way to Thousand Oaks.

We had lunch at Umami burger, which was yummiful.  I had an Impossible Burger for the first time and enjoyed it, so if I see that as an option on hamburger menus, that just might be my new go-to healthy option.  

The theater was located on the same block as the restaurant, so that was convenient!  We did need to drive to the parking structure because of the time limit of the street parking, though.  Bro had his two Beauty and the Beast jackets, so V wore one over her fancy dress.

Our seats were in row L, in the center of the row, so it was a nice view.  The theater is quite nice, and I hope to see other shows there someday.

• Patrick Cassidy (yes, of THAT family!) took the stage and introduced himself as the Artistic Director of 5-star Theatricals.  He talked about the arts program and how thrilled he was that Susan Egan would be reprising her role after 20 years in this production.  I was loud with my appreciation.  He also stated that all of the performances throughout the run were dedicated to Gary Beach, whom was in the OBC as Lumiere, and had passed away this week.
• As soon as I saw Susan Egan, my eyes started to well up with tears.  Ah, Belle!
• Those tears happened a few times, especially when she sang my favorite piece from this musical: "Home".  She still sounds wonderful!  I do not know why it is called "Is This Home?" in the program.
• Also, during "No Matter What".  This song always makes me cry anyway because of the love between Belle and her father, but I think it was bittersweet for me because it made me think of Tom Bosley, and I miss him.   This is not to take away from David Gilchrist's Maurice; he did a great job.
• Jason Chacon did a lovely job as Beast.  He has a beautiful voice and it matched well with Susan's.
• Adam Hollick was hilariously evil as Gaston.  I've always loved "Me" and he and Susan were quite funny together.  Also, he's buff.  I mean, hubba hubba.  It's no wonder those silly girls were so crazy for him.  But Belle knows better.
• "A Change In Me" is a new song to me, which was APPARENTLY added when Brandy took the lead role on Broadway.  
• When the villagers arrived to take Maurice to the Maison des Lunes, Belle was supposed to stand on a bench to show the magic mirror to all of them.  But the bench fell on its side.  She said, "AUGH!", but it was a perfect moment because her character was frustrated with everyone anyway.
• Cogsworth was supposed to have a winding key on his back when Lumiere noticed that he was turning more into a clock, but it wasn't there.  Then a few minutes later after he had gone off stage and come back, the key was there.  Then it somehow got lost again later.  Props can be a pain.  I was worried that the snafus would also affect the transformation, but it was ok.
• I also enjoyed the performances of the secondary characters: Mark Ginsburg (Lumiere), Gregory North (Cogsworth), and Daisy Bishop (understudy for Mrs. Potts).  They worked well together, and were fun to watch.
• The dancing was fun, especially my favorite dance piece: the stein clinking portion of "Gaston".  I teared up a little bit, though, when Lumiere danced with Belle, as I thought of Gary Beach.

After the show, we were treated to a Q&A with the cast, director Yvette Lawrence, music director Dan Redfeld, and choreographer Cheryl Baxter.  This was the only show for which they did this, so we were happy to attend.  (We had also been invited to a little reception before the show with a couple of the actors, but weren't able to make it to that).  

Yvette Lawrence, Susan Egan,
Jason Chacon, and David Gilchrist

• Yvette Lawrence also played Belle at the Shubert Theatre in LA, so she and Susan kept reminding each other of Belle's nuances during rehearsals.
• Adam Hollick's muscles are real and he works out a lot.  
• Jason Chacon kind of got into performing by accident, and soon realized when he had the lowest voice in his class that he could get meaty roles like Beast.

What a great experience for Mr. B's first theatrical show, and for Miss O to hear in person the woman whose song, "Home" she used to listen to every day on the way home from school.  I told Miss O that when I met Susan Egan, I told her about Miss O singing her song, and she was astonished and wished her own kids knew the song.  I also remembered that SE taught me how to take a selfie.

So here you are, in honor of Ms. Egan, a selfie with my halo-halo from later that afternoon.

PusherPix 09/27/16

PusherPix
Tuesday, September 27, 2016

10 years and a couple of months ago: Mr. B's 1st trip to Disneyland, and the start of the HippopoTAmus obsession.

Happy 11th Birthday, Brady!

Love, 

Your Favorite Tita

Rockapella Meets Miss O

Rockapella in Laguna

Show #2

Saturday, August 20, 2016 -- 2:00 

Laguna Playhouse

Laguna, CA

When I arrived in Laguna, Bro and family were at the beach and had already eaten lunch, so I went to Whole Foods and bought a Tuna Avocado sushi roll with brown rice, and walked to the Playhouse to eat my lunch in their courtyard.  KP and Nicole were there, getting tickets.  I ate my lunch while they did whatever, and waited for Bro and family.  We were all in blue!  Except Bro.  He didn't get the memo and wore brown.

Our seats were in the first row, center section, A106-110.  The usher at the door told me that I should go to the other side of the theater so that I wouldn't have to walk in front of ten people.  I told her that I knew all of them, so It was OK.  Besides, it wasn't 10 people.  It was 4, all members of my family.  The nephew was in the aisle seat, Bro next to him, then the niece, then V, whom was seated next to me.  Bro asked to see last night's set list.  I don't know what he was preparing himself for, but I obliged, wishing him luck on reading my messy writing.

Sun Brothers

L-O-V-E

Scott shook hands with KP, Nicole, me, V, and the niece.  I had told him the day before that the niece would be at her first show, so it looks like he remembered.  Thank you, oh Mighty Blond one!  Calvin played his trumpet directly at the niece.  

Scott, when introducing themselves as the Sun Brothers:  We like to keep things mellow, keep the expectations low.

Across the Alley from the Alamo

V:  Scott has the best pants.

Nicole:  I agree.  Shiniest pants!

We are Scott's Shiny Pants fans.

Rockapella

Rock Around the Clock

Mitchell's facial expressions during the "Deedly Deedly Dee" portion were hilarious.

Jailhouse Rock

Why is JT no longer in jail (behind the mic stands) at the end of this song?  Now he escapes or something, but doesn't ever act like he's in jail.   

Scott described the area as "Lovely Laguna Beach":  I guess you knew that already.

Today  when they did the roll up of voice parts, Scott said that JT puts the "Lagoon" in "Laguna".  His throat mics really stood out for me this time, I don't know why it was more than the other times I've seen them.  Maybe I was actually paying attention?  

Dancing in the Streets

Mitchell pointed at the nephew, happy that he was clapping along.  My family's got rhythm, you know.

Just My Imagination / Imagine

Scott was humming to himself while doing his steps before Bryant's intro.  Does he do that all the time?  Nice riff, Calvin!

Scott talked about acquiring Calvin for Rockapella, and said, "One of the guys" instead of Steve's name for credit in finding him.  Sigh.  I miss that one of the guys.  

Satisfaction/ Cupid

Mitchell elaborated a little bit on "paaaaid", and I liked it.  During the audience participation, he asked the nephew, "Why aren't you singing?  Don't you know the song?  Oh."  

Scott said that Mitchell likes to take credit for Cleveland ending its losing streak and is here to throw the Cavaliers championship in the face of all of the Warriors fans in California.  Ooh, he's lucky he's not in Northern California.  We're still aching over Kobe retiring.

Moon River

Ohhh....here are the lyrics that Calvin sings at the end:

"It's the most wonderful moon of the year....it's the hap, happiest river of all."

Scott:  Jeff has been with Rockapella for over 20 years.  He started when he was five.

Paper Doll

JT was moving his butt sideways on his stool during the rhythm section feature, and I about lost my mind.

Blame It On The Boogie

Uh-oh, those opening chords during "Sunshine! Moonlight!" didn't sound right.  Mitchell and Calvin were really close to each other when the tenors were upstage doing their choreography and their mic packs crashed against each other.  When they repeated that part in the song, they were really far from each other.  I laughed and they were smiling.  But then they almost crashed again at the end.   

<Intermission>

I overheard ladies talking to each other in the restroom.  No, ma'am, Keith Urban is not just "Nicole Kidman's husband".  He has his own thriving career.  He was mentioned because they thought Scott looked like him.  I told Scott about it later, and he said that he gets that a lot.  I told him that I think Keith looks like Scott, not the other way around.  He appreciated that.  I know who's more important!

Used Ta Be My Girl

I think I distracted Calvin because when he smiled at me, he forgot his steps.  Sorry!  Then he sang to the niece!  She was so cute because she seemed to like it and was embarrassed at the same time.  Then when Bryant sang to her and pushed Calvin away, it was just cute overload.  Awesome.

Commercials

Scott almost spun prematurely during the first Almond Joy jingle.  Bro's favorite part was the second AJ jingle "chewy chewy".  I think that Bryant loves this part of the show because his facial expressions are priceless.

Scott got coffee vibes from Christine, an Internal Medicine doctor from Long Beach.

Scott:  Calvin's been having some issues. It's that apple cider vinegar.

Cal nodded his head in agreement.

Stand By Me

Christine sang very very softly.  Thank you for the effort!

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

As Mitchell pulled Christine back to center stage, Bryant pointed at the stool for her to sit down.  Mitchell had his back to Bryant and straight up ran into the stool, causing everyone to gasp.  The stool was OK, though.  Afterward, he said to Christine while handing her the CD, "This if for putting up with all our foolishness because it's a lot up here today."  Pretty sure he was mostly talking about himself. He's hilarious.

Macklemore

There IS a thrift shop down the road!  Bryant even points in the direction of the shop.  I wonder if he actually knows that.

DO IT ROCKAPELLA!!!!

Our front row is awesome.  Scott:  "That's what I'm talking about!"

Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego

Jeff's solo was spot on.  Not that I ever really think that it's not, but I told you that I was paying attention today.  We were amazed at how fast he drums.  We love you, JT!

We don't start the standing ovations normally, because we like to see how the rest of the audience responds first.  They stood at this show, and I told the others, so we stood up, too.  Heck, we'd stand up every time, you know.

Encore

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World (off mic)

I smiled at V when they started the song and whispered to her, "It's your song!"  This song is what Bro chose for their first dance at their wedding, and I always picture the two of them on that day when I hear it, especially this one picture that I have where Bro has this look of pure contentment on his face.  Yeah, I'm crying now.  Shut up.  So anyway, it means even more to me when I hear it live and the two of them are there with me.  I smiled and smiled, then started the standing ovation.  

Meet and Greet

While waiting for Rockapella to get to the lobby, we took pictures of each other.

Nicole & KP

KP with Bro

My Loves

I told Scott that "Wonderful World" was Bro and V's first dance, which is why I was smiling so much.  Bro thanked him for singing it.  V told him that the nephew has hair like him, and he smiled.  

Jeff had not remembered meeting Bro before, and I told him that he first met Bro and V back when I called her "my brothers' girlfriend, Veronica".  Jeff:  "Glad that worked out!"  I said that they met at Great American Music Hall.  He was amazed because it was so long ago, and said that the venue folks did not like the fact that the fans didn't drink enough.  They wanted us to be more raucous.  Bro said that had he known that, he would have drank more.  Jeff: "Well, one person wouldn't have been enough, but thanks."  

Calvin told the niece that she was pretty and when he saw her, he said to himself, "I have to go sing to her!"  She's so cute.  

Mitchell and Calvin talked about being out of control while dancing on stage.  Bro asked if it was on purpose.  No.  Mitchell said that he will make sure that Calvin calms down for the next show.  I said to him, "Mirror?  Look in one?"  He laughed.  I enjoy it, though.  It reminds Liz, KP and me of the old days when Kevin and Elliott would crack each other up with whatever they said to each other off mic, unbeknownst to the rest of the guys on stage. Liz and KP had mentioned it to Scott, and he hadn't know about Kev's and El's antics. Aw, I miss them.

Bryant asked the nephew if he sings.  He said that he does a little in school.  Bryant's advice to him: "Keep doing it as long as you like it."  Bryant's parents were there, but we didn't talk to them.

The family was hungry, so we looked for a place to eat, and decided on Hapi Sushi, where we were told before we sat down, "We don't have chicken or beef."  I think the guy wanted to make sure the kids were OK with not having standard kid meal fare.  Yeah, they're good.  

Sign above the sushi bar

I asked them about their favorites of today's show.  

Bro's favorite was Wonderful World, as was V's.  No surprise.  Bro thought that the most well done portion, though, was the commercials in Almond Joy II.  He said that they sound much better when they stand closer to each other and can hear better.  This is the difference when Fred is not there.  Fred can play with the levels and he knows when someone needs to be toned down more or brought up for the balance.  They're also dancing around, so they can't concentrate as much on the tuning. Not that they're horribly out of tune, but it's also the case of not blending as tightly as when it's the regular group, whom have worked together for a long time and made the harmonies gel into seamless chords.

The kids' favorite was Carmen SanDiego.

As far as the guys go, everyone's favorite was Calvin, save one person; the niece's favorite was Scott.  

Somehow herded all the cats for the family photo (Hi, KP!)

I walked them to their car and we said our goodbyes, then I was ready for the evening portion of Rockapella Day.

Next up:  Jennifer's first show

PusherPix 04/02/16

PusherPix

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Look who joined the Rebellion today!  Now Brady and I have matching shirts.

PusherPix 01/09/16

BB-8 needs rest after playing with Mr. B and Miss O today.

Harmonic Journal 09/27/15

Harmonic Journal
Sunday, September 27, 2015

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay




This song will always remind me of my nephew when he was a toddler, jumping around his house, singing and dancing to the song.

Happy 10th Birthday, Brady!  Tita Sherry loves you!

Simple Gifts 09/27/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, September 27, 2014

My very smart, very funny, very crazy nephew.

Happy 9th Birthday, Brady!!!

Simple Gifts 05/15/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, May 15, 2014

"Movie Cookies".  This is what the niece called the cookies we baked the other day, because she was going to eat them while watching her brother play Hula Hippos with me.

Happy Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

Simple Gifts 05/11/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, May 11, 2014

Baking (and eating!) chocolate chip cookies with the niece and nephew

Simple Gifts 03/11/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The nephew wanting to ride stuff with me at the Disneyland Resort

Astro Blasters

Simple Gifts 01/03/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, January 3, 2014

-- Handmade gifts from Bro's kids

The Nephew and and Origami Cube

2013: The PellaPusher Recap

As I watch the 125th Tournament of Roses parade on the best broadcast station, KTLA, I think back on the year that was 2013.

Notable World News

• Boston Marathon Bombings
• The Death of Nelson Mandela
• The Royal Baby's Birth
• Typhoon Haiyan
• Pope Francis' First Year
• Gay Rights and the Supreme Court
• The NSA Exposed
• Launch of the "Obamacare" website

Recurring Theme
Oh My God, Where Is My Ticket?!

Favorite New TV Show
"Sleepy Hollow" -- I love how Ichabod Crane says "Leftenant" and talks about the modern age.

Favorite Movie
"Monsters University" -- Duh.  DRUMS by Blue Devils Entertainment!

Favorite Disneyland Line of the Day
"Bee-doh, bee-doh" -- Cindy (and sometimes others but mostly Cindy), at multiple times and various places around the resort

Favorite Sports Highlight
Watching my first hockey game in a suite at the Honda Ponda with my friends cheering rival teams Sharks vs. Ducks.  Ducks won, 6-3.

Favorite Travel Moment
Surprise breakfast with FFE in Livermore, CA

Favorite Dish
Roaster Butternut Squash Bisque at Flying Fish

Favorite The Nephew Moment
Brady as The Rebel Spy

Favorite The Niece Moment
Singing The Little Mermaid's "In Harmony" with Olivia, a cappella, outside Flo's V8 Cafe, with some help from Bro

Favorite D'Saints Moment
Thanksgiving Dinner at South Coast Winery

Favorite Drum Corps Moment
Simultaneous crying of V, Bro and Sher while watching Santa Clara Vanguard's "Les Miserables" the first time...and the second...and the third...and so on through Finals Night.

Favorite Rockapella Moment
"Paper Doll" and The (I Didn't Know It Was) A Secret

It's been a great 2013, and I had some difficulty choosing from the many great moments this year.  I hope that there are many highlights to choose from in 2014, too.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Strong to Save

Western Corps Connection

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Riverside Community College -- Arthur N. Wheelock Stadium

After a day of World War Z and playing with the niece and nephew, it was time for more drum corps.  Rudy showed up at my parents' house so that we could carpool, and we were on our way.  When we arrived at the parking structure, we saw a long line at the parking meter.  We'd never paid for parking there before, and the directions didn't mention that we needed to pay, so I decided to risk it.  The night before, I had been ready with money as mentioned in the directions, and there wasn't anyone or anything there to take my money, so I'm saving my $ for hot dogs.   Bro got a couple of Mandarin flags for the kids. We did get hot dogs, said hi to my friend Mike, and got to our seats:  Section 4, Row P, Seats 1-3.  I was happy that we had a shelf in back of our seats, between our bench and the wall.

The Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada were played by the combined groups of Bishop Grandin "Marching Ghosts" and Yamato Youth Band.

In Exhibition:

Yamato Youth Band played "We Found Love (In A Hopeless Place)" and some song none of the three of us knew.

The Watchmen Sound Sport made a "W" formation.  Rudy said, "Their brass had good eighth notes."  The color guard skirts flew up high due to the empire waist.  During their show, a bee was attracted to Rudy's cinnamon licorice.  He said to me, "Food, Flying Things, and You."  Ah, the history we share: a long time ago, there was an incident on Laguna Beach with a seagull and our waffle cones of ice cream.  There was much screaming and running and laughter.  So, naturally, I giggled during the show.  Sorry for not paying attention.

Bishop Grandin did their "007" show.  Rudy said that the color guard soloist "had pretty arabesques".  Oh, yeah, that's what those are called.  I didn't notice that Bond has a tux jacket until tonight.  Bro was watching the keyboard gal play sound effects, and it reminded him of Ross from "Friends".  I don't think that she's a real pit member.  I mean, she could barely play the high hat!  OK, I know.  They're not a drum corps.

In Competition:

SO CAL DREAM

Their orange flags match the yard markers, as well as the DCI Orange Cone (not here today).  Yup.  The arms are actually laced up with ribbon, not just sleeves.

SCD Color Guard

CITY SOUND

There are two people playing one of the modified conga drums because there are five marimba players and only four drums. Bro:  "The other one would be lonely."  Rudy:  "They should have rain sticks."  Maybe that fifth person could play a rain stick during that part, then!

City Sound DM Salute

IMPULSE

The tubas are the dancing hippos!  Nice smile from the drum major after the salute.

One-handed Marimba Time

GOLD

After the saber guy does his high toss, he struts, and makes me laugh.  Many others laugh with me.  Rudy told us about the movie he recently watched called "Curse of the Golden Flower", because the uniforms reminded him of it.  Rudy:  "I feel like I'm going to watch it all over again." I like all of the percussion features.  STOP DROPPING FLAGS!  I don't remember them shouting  "Ni Hau!" before.

Gold Parasols

<Intermission>

Walked the wrong way to get to the restrooms, had to walk extra.  Let's say it together now: "the farther restrooms have no line, people!"  We got some Gatorade.  For some reason, Bro didn't want the orange one.  I don't know what that's about.  Bro pointed out to me that drum corps personality and uniform design company owner Michael Cesario was present.  He's probably here to watch Crown.

MANDARINS

Well done, Mandarins!  There was no audience participation of number shouting today, like there was last night.  Seriously, every time the narration starts, I think he's about to say, "I was born a poor black child."  The brass needs to be sharper with their dragon tail flags.  Later, we asked Rudy who he thought the narrator sounded like. His response:  "Uncle George!"

Two Brothers

PACIFIC CREST

Two contras and one soprano were on the sideline.  I don't know if those are the holes that we see in the blocks, or what, but the blocks look so much better now!  They need to straighten the end, though.  I really like this music.

CAROLINA CROWN

I think Rudy liked that one.  :)  He exclaimed many times whenever the brass played, which is throughout the entire show.  I kept saying to him, "Right?!"  They have triple tonguing for days. How much do I love your horn line, Crown?  You are the light of DCI, the sun, moon and stars. You are our everything. Without you Drum Corps would have no reason for being.  Yeah, I paraphrased that from "Einstein on the Beach".  (You know I love SCV more, right?).  They have so much stuff that CG brings laundry baskets onto the field, then don't bother to use them when they leave.  Here is a sample of their warm up that night.  I mean, at about 2:00 and 5:50, Jeepers!

Crown Snares with E=mc2 wrap; Awesome horn opening

BLUE DEVILS

Bro and I like the show again.  Rudy's not sure yet.  Somebody dropped her ball and had to go chasing after it.  Another person (or maybe the same one) dropped a rifle.  What is going on with BD's guard?  The soprano ensemble solo hit a really high note.  Together.  It was amazing.  The last soloist now starts with no microphone, then turns to use the microphone.  I'm so confused.  Wow, that's LOUD.

BD Horns

Encore

Blue Devils and Carolina Crown horn lines took up the entire field and still couldn't make a proper arc.  We forgave them as soon as heard the first three notes.  

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save":  Wow, it's my favorite hymn!  One of Rudy's, too.  It brings me memories of singing at St. James.  Rudy's dad was a US Naval officer.   Also, it's the reason that I love the score from "Crimson Tide" so darn much.  That was beautiful.  See?

Scores

All-Age Corps:
61.25  So Cal Dream

Open Class:
3) 53.35  City Sound
2) 62.90  Impulse
1) 68.30  Gold

World Class:
4) 67.90  Mandarins
3) 70.30  Pacific Crest
2) 80.95  Blue Devils
1) 81.85  Carolina Crown

No, no boos.  Lots of cheering.  We happily went back to my parents' house and told V about our evening.  As I write this 6 days later, I'm in drum corps withdrawal and keep looking at videos.  Last chance to see drum corps this year in So Cal is at Bellflower on Sunday, July 14.  I'm thinking about it.  Let me know if you'd like to join me!

So Cal Drum Corps Weekend Begins

Corps at the Crest -- San Diego

El Camino High School / Herb S Meyer Stadium

Friday, June 28, 2013

Oceanside, CA

It was nice to be able to sleep in my own bed for one night, and after catching up on some of the programs on my DVR, doing some laundry, and packing again, I was off to my parents’ house.  About 8 miles away from my home, I realized that I had left my tickets there.  AUGH!  I was already running late, so that wasted 20 minutes of my time.  Not that it mattered, because I hung out at my parents’ house for a couple of hours anyway before Bro and I drove to Oceanside.  It was nice to be able to hang out with the niece and nephew.  He showed off his fantastic Bejeweled 3 skills to me, and somehow, I got her to sing a little bit of “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” with me.

On to Oceanside, where the weather was quite pleasant, and a change from the very hot areas where my parents and I live.  I tried to guess which cars were on their way to the same event.  I was wrong.  We arrived early enough to briefly watch the Impulse and Gold drum lines do their warm-ups, then we entered the stadium and I bought a shirt from Pacific Crest.  I realized the next morning that I had a $10.00 coupon.  DUH.  Maybe I’ll buy that other shirt I was looking at if nobody else in my party wants anything.

Our seats were on the right 40 yard line, top row S, Section C, seats 19-20.  We had a wall behind us, so we would be able to stand if we wanted to do so, and I also had a place to put my stuff behind me and not worry about anyone kicking it.  The seats were painted concrete, and they used labels for the seats, even though there are already some painted numbers there.  Maybe the DCI numbers make it easier for them to sell and know where the seats are located.  Bro was less than impressed with the flimsy yard markers.  

30 Yard Line Marker

The Bishop Grandin High School “Marching Ghosts” played “O Canada” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”.  (They’re from Alberta).  We had our USA flag to salute, but no Canadian flag.  Not that I expect there to be one at a high school in California.   I remember them from when we went to Denver in 2011.  They then played an exhibition performance of their “007 - The Music of James Bond” show.  They did a 007 formation.  Uh-oh, someone fell.  Somebody in our row said, “I forgot what it was like to watch marching band”.  Yeah, we drum corps fans are quite spoiled.

Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts

On to the competition!

IMPULSE

Repertoire:  “Crystal Celebration” -- An Outdoor Overture by A. Copland; Powerhouse by R. Scott; Dance of the Hours by A. Ponchielli

Why is the pit so fancy with their tux shirts and bow ties?  We cheered for Justin even though we didn’t know whether or not he’s in Impulse this year.  I like this show.  It makes me feel like I’m watching cartoons.  You know, those old WB cartoons with classical music?  Or, maybe I should just refer to “Fantasia”.  Duh.  Nice percussion feature!  The marimba player to the right of the 40 gets really into the music.  I’ll be watching him a lot this weekend.  I like the music, although it does need cleaning.  Fun contra ensemble solo and regular solo during “Dance of the Hours”.  Oh, I get it.  The tuxes are for the orchestra.

CITY SOUND

Repertoire: “A Day in the Life of Puerto Rico” -- Hasta Que Vuelvas Conmigo by G. Marco; Melton Tombe by Grupo Afro Boniqua; Rule Son Dia  by H. Ayala; El Rumor by Viento de Aqua

I look forward every year to see this corps’  drum major’s attire.  This year, she is wearing a flowery sleeveless dress, character shoes and her hair is up with a red flower in it.  She looked like she was afraid to be on the platform in her heels after she did her salute.  Someone in the corps screams at the masked guys.  I kinda like the silver skirts.  I also like the peach-ish larger flags at the beginning.  Cool modified conga drums and good solos.  They’ve got a chant corps section.

GOLD

Repertoire:  “East Meets West” -- Original music by Scott Director

Bro was worried that “original music” meant that it would need to be explained with narration.  Happily, it did not.  The guard has scary painted faces, almost like a Chinese opera.  The corps uniforms are like body armor.  Why are there silver-toned instruments on the field amongst the gold ones? I like that drum opener.  The color guard needs to work on their unison, especially in the flag spins and their throw heights.  They seem awkward with their flag work, although I don’t know if that’s because the long skirt is hindering their movement.  Their weapon work is pretty good.  Nice duet high rifle toss!  Pretty parasols.  

<Intermission>

People don’t know how to walk 40 feet farther to get to the bathrooms with no line.  There’s a huge sign!  Anyway, I shouldn’t complain, because it’s like a secret among those of us whom are literate.  

Mandarins' San Francisco screen

MANDARINS

Their music was much improved today.  They look better with the color guard gals in the same outfit, as opposed to the random stuff they were wearing last week.  The pit members really got into the music during the Interrogation.  

New Color Guard Uniform

PACIFIC CREST

Their lines are straighter than before, but they are still crooked.  They have new flags at the end, which have a heart on them.  The colors in their new color guard uniforms match the wildcat on the field.  Their yellow double flags need to have more oomph in them, or they should be a different color, because when they are coupled with the guard uniforms, it’s a little bit bland.  The music sounds nice.

Kinda Heart

CAROLINA CROWN

That horn line amazes the heck out of me.  So, OK: Love is for Infinity.  Is that what I’m getting from this program?  The bass drums now have the E=mc2 design on the drum heads...even the big rolling ones (on one side).  I finally saw the CG dude play the rolling bass drum at center field.  I also finally saw the people counting and narrating into the microphones.

Crown

Encore

Carolina Crown brass played that circus-y march-y piece, and their corps song, “Carolina In My Mind” (I think).  

They were then joined by the Pacific Crest’s brass to play “Turn the Beat Around”.  That was fun.

Crown and Crest Encore

SCORES

Open Class:

3) 52.10  City Sound

2) 63.50  Impulse

1) 69.85  Gold

World Class:

3) 66.95  Mandarins

2) 69.35  Pacific Crest

1) 80.05  Carolina Crown

Dude that was sitting next to me talked a lot to the guy sitting next to him.  He sounded like he was from my generation due to the music he talked about, like Duran Duran and such.  Every time he talked and said something that he thought was funny, which was often, he snorted.  Bro said it was like a combination snort and chuckle.  He has determined that it was a “snortle”.  This made me giggle for a long time on the way home.  Snortle dude has a kid in Pacific Crest, and I do know what he plays, but I will save his child from embarrassment by leaving out the actual instrument.  :)  Wonder if he’ll be sitting near us on Sunday.  

Next Up:  Corps at the Crest -- Walnut