So I'm sitting in theaters waiting for Big Loud and Live and was thinking a lot about Allentown last weekend. Here are my thoughts on my 4th year at DCI East. -Every year I have gone, Pioneer has gotten demonstrably better. They're building something great there. -The crowd reaction was incredible. Both ways. Friday night, the lineup went Academy, Blue Knights, Blue Devils, Bluecoats. Crowd in my section loved Academy. Everyone I could see who was able (a lot of older people) gave them a standing ovation. At least two dozen people did not stand for either Blue Knights or Blue Devils. And Bluecoats was fan favorite of the night. And it was especially noticeable after the lack of response. -Of the top three corps, BD are the loudest. In my opinion however, they go into bad sound territory a bit. Their synth is VERY loud for a corps of their caliber and I think contributed to the overall lack of dynamics I felt from them. -Crown's brass is absolutely incredible this year. Their first hit is jaw dropping. I mean this literally. It took me 3 or 4 bars into their hit to realize I was sitting there with my mouth hanging wide open. I actually said 'oh my god' without meaning to, entirely shocked. I had watched what I could of their show online and nothing prepared me for what it was like live. If they play like that, they should win the Ott this year in my opinion. -Along the same lines, as much as I liked the Bluecoats from what I had seen online, I liked that show even more seeing it live. I love Academy's show but Bluecoats might have edged them out for favorite show for me. -Vanguard's show really benefited from that added guard outfit. It's a classic minded show (there are a lot this year) that still works against shows like the Bluecoats. -Overall, I'm just super excited about this season. Every year I've been there, the competition has gotten better. I can't wait for prelims and finals.
