May 29th, 2014 12:01am
Yeah......
Having seen a good portion of Carolina Crown's and Blue Devils shows:
I think they are both strong contender's, Crown has really stepped up their percussion program and the guard is doing some really insane stuff. Brass of course is absolutely incredible as always. Like the visual program more this year, though I'm worried about certain aspects being too much. Blue Devils definitely more accessible this year. Not as ADHD chop and cut style arranging this year, lots of full, luscious, and multiple phrases of music and more dot marching versus their staging approach of the last few years. I've appreciated what BD has done over recent years, like fine wines and cheeses they grow much better with age, but I'm ready to see what they can do with this more approachable shows this year. Worried about the same thing I am with Crown's show, visual clutter because of......certain things. Should both be big crowed pleasers. Feel like it will come down to the wire again, unless someone else surprises me as being a contender. Right now, at these early stages, which will probably mean nothing by August, I see:
GE Music - Draw, think they are both pretty even right now.
GE Visual - Draw, both pretty dirty right now as expected. Though I like Crown's more this year, a lot stronger writing throughout.
Guard - Crown, right now. Didn't see much in BD, but I'm sure they'll be right up there with Crown considering they've won guard every year since 2008......
Brass - Crown, a little more challenging and being achieved at about the same level.
Percussion - Draw, Like I said, Crown REALLY stepping it up here, much more appealing and hefty book this year. Doing a nice job right now.
Overall - Draw, both in their very early stages. Like BD a helluva lot more than last year and Crown a tad more than last year when I saw last years first videos of each. Should be a fun season.