The 19th Annual Preview of Champions was once again a huge success! We had some amazing corps perform tonight as well as some powers in the activity. We start off in Division III where we only had three competitors.

3rd place we had The White Knights. They presented their show qwop. This is the corps second year competing and are off to a rough start this season. Just like any new group, they need to find their groove and keep on pushing through. Good look as your season continues.

2nd place went to the Muhlenberg Marauders. Their high energy show, Faust, was a crowd favorite; however there are some minor issues musical that need some attention. I am sure the staff is aware of this and is currently doing so. The young group still performed with such a presence. They did everything boldly and were not afraid if they made a mistake. The Muhlenberg Marauders were able to avoid being swept in captions by winning Visual GE.

Winning Division III were the Wolfdogs. The Wolfdogs are currently ranked number one in Division III by two points. They present their show Latin Dance which is hot, fast and energizing. This is translating immensely the scores. They will be a force to be reckoned with in Division III for the title! Winning every caption except one, they are well on their way to doing so.

Next we have Division II and in 3rd place we have Cedar Sound. Their show, The Giving Tree, is filled with amazing musical pieces such as Kingsfishers Catch Fire, Autumn Leaves and The Pines of Rome. Even though they received the bronze medal at Preview of Champions, this is a show you will leave humming every movement. The corps puts out an amazing overall sound which is apparent with them taking the Music Ensemble caption. As the season continues this show will be one you will not want to miss!

2nd place went to Southwind! This show was anything from ordinary. Their production Paranormal sent you on a journey and you enjoyed every minute of it. Taking the visual performance caption, the corps demanded attention. Your eyes had to constantly look all over the field or you would miss little things the members we doing and playing. The overall package of the show is amazing. With some fixing and cleaning, the corps can possible see itself making Finals.

Claiming the gold medal and winning Division II at Preview of Champions was Angel of Music. Their so Truine was pure magic to the ears. The opener, Jupiter, was simple amazing! Mix in Aaron Copeland’s Appalachian Spring and you have a heavenly show that is appealing to the ear and the eye. Currently sitting in 14th place in Division II, the corps looks to slowly climb the ladder of success and make something happen in Finals.

Finally we reach Division I. Taking 3rd place is a corps we are all familiar with. The dark and mysterious pre-show music of The Gravel Road set the tone for their show, For Once Was Lost. However, things quickly changed and the raw power of Epic’s hornline plays Verdi’s Dies Irae. Talk about having hairs stick up on the back of your neck. The corps closed their show by playing the 3rd movement from Alfred Reed’s Symphony for Brass and Percussion. The corps was booking in and moving at an amazing pace. Not to mention the spins and tosses the guard was doing. Welcome back Epic!

In 2nd place was Regal Regiment with their show Epic. (I know, it was so nice of them to do a show about us.) But talk about a storyline set up that had you on the edge of your seat the whole time. They are fighting for a title and with an amazing show, they can easily do so. Only being the first week it seems as if the top three corps in Division I will be duking it out.

Winning the gold medal at Preview of Champions was Graffiti. Their show, A Drum Corps Fans Wet Dream, was true to its name! Come on, you cannot go wrong with Carmina Burana as an opener… scratch that… ever! They were BIG, BAD and LOUD! Also, good. Many members and alumni of Epic were happy to hear The Miraculous Mandarin being played by another corps. Epic played the piece back in Season 15.

A side note on Division I. Two out of the top three groups are form Indiana (Epic and Regal Regiment) and the top three corps in attendance in Division I are also the top three corps overall in FMA. It was great to see such high talent in all divisions. We thank all the corps who attended and left it out on the field. May your season continue with great success and we hope to see you once again next season!

You'll be doing this more often yes? :)

lol some people take this game to seriously

Josh, probably not. I won't have time. Being work, teaching with two bands and what not... I barely have time to play on here. I just did this just because I know people enjoy it.

And Aqua... Some of us enjoy it and have been around for quite some time.

I enjoyed it!

I truly enjoyed it! I've actually read it twice!

i'll just say that i thought this was spectaculor. You spoke of my corps, which was awesome btw. I love the way you do this. Thanks !