Brit Reacts To Drum Corps | Absolutely Not Boston Crusaders 2024 "Glitch" at DCI Finals

[@daniiiiii.12]

Heyy! Really enjoyed your reaction! I was the flugelhorn soloist with the baritone in the ballad. Thank you for the compliment on our duet :) Also you were spot on, it is True Colors!! Actually True Colors was even played slightly in different parts of the show too. Also your understanding of the show was great on pretty on point! Our show is about celebrating imperfections (the colors all separate and then coming together in the ballad and at the end of out show). Part 2 also uses the hoops at portals or wormholes through different times/places, which is why it glitches in and out of the music. Especially the closer when it glitches to “performing their 2025 program” and then glitches back to our show this year for the ending of our show. Also our lights on our hats glitch on and off in the silence in the closer that sadly doesn’t come up in the video. Again, loved your reaction and thank you for watching our show!! :)

[@cedricbarnett7647]

My corps founder (Southwind) has a son that is one of your hornline instructors (Michael Terry, Jr.), so for that reason alone, I've really been following you very closely the past two years; I REALLY was hoping you guys would catch Bluecoats and overtake them, but I predict great things for BC for next year! My wife and I saw the show in Atlanta at DCI Southeast (the first show you all flashed the headlights!), and I really had a greater appreciation of how your show came together from the beginning. You, Phantom, and Mandarins were MY top three fan favorites this year, and I really can't wait to see what you have in store for next year!

[@nigelbrinklow8011]

Such beautiful solos. Congratulations on a wonderful show and performance. I loved it. I travelled from the U.K. and I was fortunate enough to hear you warm up next to Military Park on Thursday night and see both shows on Friday and Saturday. Outstanding!

[@djteague03]

The duet was amazing! Very very well done. I was also emotional during the final show watching it on FloMarching. You guys are my hometown corps, and I was so damn proud of you all this year!

[@erikknedgen8279]

I marched Regiment 96 and I have a son in this year’s Bloo show…I want to say, BAC has a wonderful impact on the DC community and hope to see a BAC gold in the near future…loved Glitch for what it was trying to accomplish and was/still is amazed by the Brass sound and the Guard/Perc captions contributions. The designers are really pushing the performers the past few years so don’t give up! Congrats on your silver season and loved the show…can’t wait to see 2025!:)🎉😊

[@TheKillapino]

@@erikknedgen8279I’ve got to say, 96 Phantom made me fall in love with drum corps.

[@eaglebac]

I listened to the designer say once that this show is about celebrating our imperfections, using glitches to represent these imperfections. You NAILED IT with your understanding. The circle at the end, with all the colors grouped together, was the perfect resolve for me. Thanks, as always, for embracing our activity. I love your content!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

OK my mind is blown. Considering my whole response was centred around my imperfections being made to feel ok......... That is WILD! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@allisonwielinga6912]

Having performed in this show, and watching you react, you allowed me to relive the magic of it. When you're in it, it is sometimes hard to see how great something is, and you allowed me to see its greatness again. Thank you for being so genuine and I really enjoyed the video.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

This is so special and I feel honoured to have been able to give back somehow. Thank you for everything you do ❤️

[@sethpatterson8143]

What a crazy perspective that is

[@jayseven6089]

Hi, long time follower, first time commenter. I’ve marched DCI back in the early 2000s and I still attend shows and watch finals every year. I introduced my girlfriend of three years to DCI and my experience with it this year. She watched finals with me and her emotions were the same. She cried, she was in awe of these performances. Afterwards, I saw her in tears and asked what was wrong… her response “that was the best thing I’ve ever seen and heard. It hit me in a way I cannot describe and I’m not even there!” I’m taking her to finals in Indianapolis next year for the real experience.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Well, for a first comment that was a banger and it made me cry again haha. I'm so pleased for her that she understood and felt it on that level, and I'm so happy for you that you found someone who understands such an important and fundamental part of who you are and what you love. Dang! That's all the feel good I need for the day ❤️

[@sashaashby]

i cried hard during SCV, Boston and Blue Coats, so many amazing shows this year, many thanks to ALL.

[@connorcorbett5257]

Heyo :), I was actually in this show in the colorguard, im the front male dancer in the jazz take five section where i jump in to the splits, but id be happy to give some insight. First of yes, that is tue colors, but for themeing of the show a lot of it was based off of crtv/vcr glitches, giving more context to thye first movment flags and the uniform colors. The hoops , which are some heavy metal, are representative of the idea of perfection, the idea of looping, and representative of protals such as glitching into and out of different realities. This idea is escpecially seen in the 2nd movment where everything is controlled chaos and glitching through different music and styles. For the true color ballad, face value it plays of the colors, but in a deeper way it plays off the idea of intentional and unitintinal glitches as well as the idea of individuality even if it seems like your a "glitch" compared to everyone else. Its both a very litteral show but can be taken to such a deeper level at the same time, especially when you relate it to the journy of life and the individual. This was actually my age-out season and im so happy this was the show i got to go out with.

[@greatmcnate9506]

Kudos to you! What a fantastic show! Ultimately I'm a Vanguard fan, but I love all corps, and I can't wait for BAC to finally win their first championship. It will happen! Super congrats on the Zingali! (that's the caption award for best colorguard, for those not in the know)

[@organboi]

Awesome show. I was in Indy. Best show. My favorite show. One of the greatest in DCI history. Utterly unique and joyous and mind-blowing. It forces you to watch and think. I look forward to their next show.

[@stevenwest4338]

Charlie I love it that you let your emotions show… is honestly the whole point of activity. It is a crazy thought but the design team for these top 12 corps are so good that most shows illicit a response and the response can be different for everyone. For example phantom regiment 2011 Juliet and Phantom Management 2010 into the light both make me sob. it is not because it dredges up anything from my past but the design of the show along with the power of the music shows and then tears of joy start streaming on my face knowing that there’s something so beautiful in this world. I think about it a lot when I was in the activity participating and even more so now as I looked back I realize just how much hard work all of these individuals are putting in and we paid to do this with our main goal being to move around. You are a beautiful soul and a wonderful reactor and I am so glad that you are enjoying the activity

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Oh my god you absolutely nailed it. This one was obviously a bit different for me, but that is EXACTLY why I get moved by music most of the time. It's not sad or touching lyrics. It's when people are SO good at what they do and the beauty of what they create. There's a lot of ugliness in the world and people being crappy, so when I see humans being exceptional while creating beauty it really gets to me. Great comment as usual 👊🏼

[@squillz8310]

​@TheCharlieSmithChannel so beautifully put. Man, if these shows move you so much through video alone (as they do for me) I absolutely cannot WAIT for you to get to see one of these shows in person. It's such an unforgettable experience. Seriously. If DCI ended today, i would still carry the extremely vivid memories of seeing these corps perform in front of me for the rest of my life. It's something else. So glad to see how much this moved you. The audience the night I saw it was electric!

[@DebbieWolgemuth]

Quality entertainment, of any style, should evoke a range of emotions to align with the story.

[@benhummel5723]

Phantom 2021 really gets me going just because I can just feel the raw emotion being poured into the show. Ontop of it being the comeback from COVID and the entire show essentially point blank showing that phantom was back.

[@coolmarchingrecipies]

ah yes, my favorite drum corps, phantom management😂

[@KevinGamin]

1) Both the intro and closer announcements are recorded for Boston, so the glitches you here are intentional, including, if you caught it, the announcement that they're presenting their "Twenty Twenty-FIVE program". 2) The colors are from the classic TV test pattern, something you'd see when your TV broadcast would glitch. 3) The hoops, especially during the section of the show you commented on, are used to represent a "worm hole" which takes us to different styles of music. You can see the guard run through them during this section of the show. 4) Yes, that section of the show is the ballad, which many, though not all, drum corps shows have. In this case, it's an amazing arrangement of Cyndi Lauper's True Colors, especially appropriate with the color scheme of the uniforms.

[@5hark906]

PLEASE LET NEXT YEARS SHOW START HOW THIS ENDED

[@squillz8310]

If they used the same piece of music and similar drill for their opening statement next year, I will actually go crazy

[@5hark906]

@@squillz8310 ikr I would die

[@ShigBro]

@@5hark906 that was my thought when I first heard it at Lucas Oil. If you listened to prelim, semi, and finals, they evolved each day - prelim was not quite 2025, then you hear 2024/2025. then finals 2025 clearly

[@organboi]

​@@5hark906How so?

[@DaleYuzuki]

You are so genuine Charlie, what a refreshing thing to see - reflecting my own feelings in seeing this same show with you. Enjoyed seeing the Boston Crusaders a few weeks ago, and your feelings reflect my own all over again! Such a rare thing today, to see true beauty - and more importantly, to share this beauty with others who also see it, and appreciate it, for what it is.

[@veggcar497]

Your feelings are entirely valid on this one. Absolutely magical show

[@ThaximusPrime]

You dropped the hint that you did Crown's For The Common Good, and I can't wait! One of the greats.

[@benhummel5723]

You have hands down become my favorite reaction channel!! I can scroll through KZbin looking for DCI reactions and immediately know that the videos that are only just as long as the shows themselves aren’t going to be nearly as good. Being able to watch someone that truly tried to understand the show and rewatch parts that they like makes the reaction 100000000000x better in every way. I can’t wait to see what other shows you do in the future!!!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Appreciate you, Ben. Thanks for your kind words. Stay tuned for more 👊🏼

[@gavinstorey7131]

I marched this year as a green baritone! Loved performing the show and I’m glad you enjoyed it. (Also the low note you hear at the end of part 1a are the tubas)

[@scruffylookngaming]

13:00 you’re spot on about the structure of a show. There is typically always a ballad and this is in fact it. There was a corps that did a show a year or two ago about the structure of a drum corps show where they had AI write them the show based on the typical structure as they went along. It was pretty cool.

[@5hark906]

So whats supposed to be emphasized throughout the show is this idea of like a music player glitching as its strangely going through many different genres of music. Especially in movement 2 with the scratch board. That entire movement went through many different eras in time of music. And by the way there was an actual dj scratch board in the pit. The colors of the corp's uniforms along with the gaurd's uniforms (and the gaurd's flags) are meant to represent a tv screen completely glitched out. Edit: and yes, the ballad is true colors.

[@sergiotrevino5555]

very minor part of the meaning of the show

[@dillonreese3955]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that sobs during that ballad! Best ballad of the year

[@brynrobeven]

The emotion is why I keep teaching this kind of thing. It is the hope of every designer to evoke a reaction like that from the audience. To ensure the students get the reward of that adoration and ourpouring of emotion. Just incredible.

[@DarrenSpill]

Absolutely my favourite show of 2024 it touched me too and I’ve been watching DCI for over 30 years.

[@scruffylookngaming]

One thing that doesn’t come through on the video at all is they had these lights on their hats that they would turn on and off during different parts of the show. At 21:07 when everything pauses the lights on their hats are just blinking randomly on and off as if they are stuck in a glitch. It was really effective in person, sucks it doesn’t come through in video.

[@organboi]

Now THAT'S definitely Wonka-esque.

[@amadoturrubiates4742]

Welcome to the fold, brother. I can't explain the marching arts any better than you're able to in this video, but the having space to feel visceral is how I would describe Drum Corps. Many years ago I fell into this activity (for a free t-shirt of all things) and found serious flames, and an artform that extends beyond technicalities. Embrace what you felt in this recording. You felt your inner child healing. That's awesome. For others they have their reasons, but not many degrees off of your report. Almost 10 years since I left the activity, and I am constantly tuning back in with the upcoming season, whilst digging to find old shows for context of evolution. I also love your bit at the start about not taking any notes. That's the best way to go in. Now look where that's got you ;) Best wishes

[@dottijackson-turek3243]

The beauty of drum corps brass either touches your heart or it doesn’t. For those of us that it does, it is the best feeling ever. I’m glad you enjoyed the show and I appreciate how deeply it affected you❤️

[@NightsShadow1]

I marched DCI back in the 2009 era and we just never stop loving it and I have that same emotional reaction you had even to shows i've seen 50 times. It is a niche activity that we put our hearts and soul into and why we love seeing these reactions and being able to share that passion. I think people often have emotional reactions to people just being astounding. DCI combines atleticism, musicality, story telling and team work and just really shows what humanity is capable of. I think that the coming together of people from all sorts of backgrounds to make one outstanding performance that makes you forget everything happening and just envelop you in their passion for 13 minutes is what really is theraputic about it. Just the ability to cancel out whatever you feeling and fill it with awe and beauty and what humanity is capable of admist the tragic world in which we live.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Yes.......... Yes........... Everything you just said. That is EXACTLY it!

[@JuanJimenez-od1ho]

Your visceral reaction is so beautiful. Your experience while watching this brought tears to my eyes. The beauty of art, music, theatre, etc…..it SHOULD move us like this. No shame. Beautiful.

[@organboi]

Who said anything about shame?

[@anthonyhalstead3925]

First off, THANK YOU for posting these reactions from this season! I really enjoy watching them as soon as they come out. In regard to the Ballad and strow structure, yes, most shows have a similar structure, and it usually goes like this: Opener Ballad Drum Break Closer

[@anthonyboucher8662]

Yes!!! and as we've progressed through the years and the desire to be "unique" has increased in challenege, show designers will sometimes change this order (keeping obviously intro/outro) which I find really cool!

[@was920]

Boston absolutely brought their game this year and crushed it. The drumline was absolutely impeccable. So happy for these guys, let alone putting Blue Devils down in 3rd.

[@void8422]

Yes!! It really is therapy DCI transports u to their world and u can just appreciate how so many people and staff come together to make beautiful show. And yes there is always a ballad to allow members to rest a bit for the finale and to show off the more musical slow part.

[@void8422]

Also super glad ur fav one so far is Boston they are my favorite every year they actually were barley making finals then jumped up to 6th in 2017 now in 2nd place they are just well rounded in every caption

[@anthonyboucher8662]

Finally! Representing my home team! I marched 2016 - I am so incredibly proud of this organization and how they've grown.

[@stevedamon2217]

You want to talk about growth?! I marched '91.

[@anthonyboucher8662]

@@stevedamon2217 hell yeah!!! BAC!!

[@michaeljohn9271]

In a day and age where most shows switch tempo and ideas relatively quickly, I hope show designers take note that extending out the ballads and melodic sequences is so wonderful for the heart and soul, and that so many of us would like to see more of it.

[@liana-gao]

Hi Charlie, thank you so much for this wonderful video and for sharing such a vulnerable reaction and experience! I was a member of the front ensemble for this show, as well the DJ during the “Willy Wonka” part (yes, all that record scratching was done live)! It makes me incredibly emotional to see your unfiltered reaction (esp. during the ballad). As performers, it’s difficult understanding the true impact of our work in the moment, and since our rehearsal and show schedules are so dense, it’s hard getting to hear/see the live reactions from audience members due to the quick pace. Seeing your reaction is so valuable and cherished, and a great reminder as to why I do what I do. Because what is art, if not to connect us to each other, our emotions, and the human experience? So thank you, a million times over❤️

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

What a beautiful comment, Liana. Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. I'm so pleased you got something from my video. You guys are amazing ☺️☺️

[@organboi]

This amazing show didn't fall on unappreciative ears and eyes. Thanks for appreciating my favorite show of the season and one of the most epic and unique shows in DCI history. I was there at championships in Indy. How about a Crown one. Their music was off the charts this year.

[@Wclbullsfan1]

The ballad was absolutely True Colors. You were correct in saying that.

[@kristinspires6954]

My son marched this show and I felt the magic every single time I experienced it. There is something truly moving and healing when the sound washes over you during True Colors. Drum Corps is unlike anything else. Love your thoughts and reactions! I'm a new fan and look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Welcome on board and thank you for watching ☺️

[@BeckyRick-i7s]

My husband and I had a giggle at the ballad question as after 25 years each in drum corps it’s something we take for granted so much! Pretty much every show has an intro ‘opener’, a fast technical piece, a ballad, a percussion feature and a ‘closer’ finale - occasionally there’s variation on the order but that’s the general format! Thank you for your videos and for sharing our love for drumcorps, something that becomes the biggest part of your life for so many years, so wholeheartedly - it’s like being able to nerd out with your non-band friends without boring them to tears 😂💛

[@itfitzme59]

I’m a Alumni of the Boston Crusaders and I’m so proud

[@MVictorDelgado]

Bro was about to lose it completely at 20:46 😂 so good! Has to be your best video. Raw feelings

[@squillz8310]

God. I got to see this show in person on July 25th (with the 2nd, but old ending) and it was incredible. The colors of the uniforms popped out SO much more than on camera. And the LED lights on the Shakos were VERY noticeable to the naked eye, and they added such a unique effect! They had such a well balanced sound all across their dynamics. Such a talented corps for Boston. Really hope to see them take their first gold medal sometime soon!!!!

[@rbbbc132]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for continuing to do these reaction videos. The drum corps activity is so niche, but I know there's people out in the world that would love this activity and don't know about it. Your videos are helping getting drum corps noticed. Your emotions are what we were all feeling in that stadium this night watching them perform. Some shows are exciting, some are sophisticated, some are emotional, some are combinations of everything. I sincerely hope you get a chance to get out here for finals sometime and get to experience this live. There is truly nothing like it.

[@RatSlayerGaming]

The emotional responses are what makes these performances so special. Both being in them as a performer and spectating as an audience member. The first time I ever got a tear inducing response was my first viewing in high school of Phantom Regiments "Harmonic Journey." That show had no story divulged to me, little previous musical knowledge on the source material, but the sheer, raw emotion put into the performance just elicited such a response from me similar to what you just went through. Boston over the the better part of the last decade has really tapped into that emotional connection with their shows and in my personal opinion really came to fruition with their 2018 show "S.O.S." That show hits like a ton of bricks on the emotional level. Looking forward to see what they do next cuz it's been big hit after big hit with them

[@benhummel5723]

I agree 100% with harmonic journey. Especially their 2021 run of it!!

[@Bostonvibes1940]

This is my corps, so I'm biased when I say best show of the year. I see it as: accept your mistakes (glitches) because they are part of you, love yourself and others in this way. Then there are the recorded parts during the opener and closer, " can you hear the music, can you believe the passion." I see this as a message to anyone watching. We are passionate about what we do. If you would like to see a high camera video from this show, please visit my channel or search: it Must Be A Glitch Boston Crusaders. The ballad still makes me cry and I've been watching it since June.

[@aubreyricher9827]

while I try to say I impartially just love good entertaining shows, I know I'm at heart a Phan.....but I've said all year Boston was one of my top shows....loved the whole theme and execution of it.

[@michaelwilliams2364]

I think your next Boston Crusaders show should be S.O.S. (2018 - loosely based on Lord of the Flies) followed by Paradise Lost (2022)

[@MythicalMav]

There's usually about 5 parts to a show. An opener, a transitional song, a ballad, another transitional song, and a closer. The opener and closer are usually the loudest and most fun parts, and the ballads are always the really soft, pretty parts towards the middle. Also watch troopers this year. That show is insane

[@bvssmouq6gamingofficialyt]

Actually, it's on average of 6 part. This show has 6 (second is percussion only I think)

[@brichpmr]

Intellectually and emotionally, an absolute musical banquet, executed at the highest level!

[@Nick_Hutchens]

Again!!! I love this. I rewind so much watching these videos as well

[@daisypeony66]

I was there and this was THE SHOW of the night and should have won! There are good shows and there are phenomenal shows. This was phenomenal! I’ve never seen such a unique, fun, visually fantastic, original, awesome show! This one I will always remember. Top 5 all time for sure. I loved your reaction to True Colors! Also, yes, there are normally 4 parts to a show: opener, percussion highlight, ballad/concert, finale/closer.

[@organboi]

I definitely agree with you. Best show of the season by far. And one of the all time greats. Boston was robbed. Giving Visual to Bluecoats is criminal.

[@stephenabrams1514]

There is an emotional filter when experiencing this by video. It is time for you to take the next step and travel to hear this in person.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Oh I will. And next year is the year. I CANNOT wait.....

[@djohnson1022]

@@TheCharlieSmithChannel if youll be at finals, ill make it a point to not only be there for my 6th DCI world championships, but to seek you out, shake your hand in gratitude, snap a selfie and enjoy your reactions live!

[@suncoastleif]

Been there! 2003 finals when, in Phantom Regiment’s show, they segued from a fiery Bartok piano piece into Pachelbel’s Canon in D and the crowd erupted and I and every one around me was weeping with joy. It’s such an incredible show that they repeated it in 2021, pretty much note for note, to similar effect.

[@stephanydavis4259]

At 11:26 you had just mentioned the playfulness and childlike nature of the show, which i loved about this one because so often the music is very discordant and minor key. But from this point on things really take on the somber tone for a while. At 15:20 it lifts back up - and your emotional reaction to that uplifting section and resolution really resonated with me. Every single hair on my entire body was standing on end through the end of the duet, and really the entire show. I got "all the feels" through the duet section, it was so powerful and i think the way you described that journey of your inner child just made so much sense to me. I saw this show at Boston's "home game" performance on aug 1 (along with santa clara vangaurd, Carolina crown, cavaliers, and troopers) and while i could feel things happening inside my heart i couldn't describe them. Your insight and words are what I was unable to articulate. "Its speaking to my hurt inner child and making it feel safe" 🤯 As soon as you said that, I was able to make sense of the show in my own way. For me it felt like the first part of the show (childhood): so fun! Yay!🎉 Somber part of the show (pre-teen years): tumultuous and heartbreaking! Ending of the show: TRUE COLORS SHINING THROUGH! Everything comes together after the chaos, just be yourself. It is going to be ok. Therapy indeed. I have often said that the perfection of a snare line makes something deep inside of me feel at peace, but i can't explain it with words. Just ... A feeling of ease, of satisfaction, in my ... Soul? I feel comforted on a level that defies all logical explanation by the synchronicity, especially spaces between 😌 So. Dang. Powerful. Some people listen to ocean sounds to be calm, i think i could listen to a drumline practicing increasingly difficult rudiments for calm. Weird? Maybe. I guess that is what i get for dating a drummer 😂 In glitch I really loved that the outfits accentuated the synchronicity of the movements. The bright colors and the stripe down the leg made it much more visible all of the small movements. I never marched, but i have a friend who did. And i live next to a high school that hosts "spring training" so for 1-2 weeks all i hear is drum line and brass practicing 12 hours a day. Most of my neighbors think it is a loud inconvenience, but i have a hard time getting anything done because i am always sneaking over to watch! At 7,000 ft elevation and temps in the 90s, i cant believe they arent dropping like flies out there. I have such respect for those kids, such discipline! They all amaze me. I think most people don't know how much work it takes to present these performances. One if my favorites lately was listening to the brass judge's tape from E=mc² -- they received a perfect score on brass and the judges "notes" are the most encouraging thing i have ever heard. His joy and amazement is absolutely contagious. And i think he nailed it whe ln he said, everyone out here is a star ✨ the recording is poor quality but i highly recommend listening for an uplifting feeling. Keep on keeping on, i loved seeing your reactions to these and knowing there is someone else who doesnt know what is going on but truly is awed by it! Must recommend live show, but only if you can sit in the center. Cheers

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Beautiful comment. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I'm so glad my reaction resonated with you

[@txrugbyprop]

Thanks!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Thank you so much

[@TheCoasterGays]

Huge DCI fan and now subbed to this amazing channel. Just finished you watching the Bluecoats absolutely slay their final run. So excited to see this one with you too

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Welcome on board ☺️. I'm pleased you found me

[@N8TheSnake]

Charlie it's okay we've all had that moment where we were just struck by the beauty of a particular moment with these DCI shows. It happens, welcome to the club! 😂

[@brianarzola]

If this leaves you hungry for more Boston, I'd recommend the 2022 show. Very different vibe but beautiful in it's own way

[@royvokey1592]

Go back and watch 2018s “Wicked Games” for different vibe 😁 “Paradise Lost “ was good, but don’t forget Zoom

[@RCPercussion]

​@@royvokey1592 Wicked Games was 2017 btw

[@clarencemowrey9717]

im in the Dubois Area high marching band (i play mello) and the Boston crusaders practiced at our field it was a experience to watch how dedicated they are to their craft

[@ericsternberg938]

DCI and DCA (now called DCI All Age) vet here as well (wayyyy back in the late 80s.) I was commenting to someone on DCP when you did your Bluecoats reaction, that the reaction you gave is why we all put in the insane amount of work to try and perfect a 12 minute show. Yes you push your own boundaries, but in the service of the audience (and your fellow marching members ((mm's.)) It's emotional for the players and staff as well and when it translates to seeing a reaction like yours, it makes it all worh it. So thank you for being genuine. BAC's show this year was outstanding. I hung around during their rehearsals for a few days when they came to Chattanooga. The ballad changed quite a bit during those days and it came out just beautifully. I know people are sending you a huge amount of DCI material to chew on, but here are some great ones that are fairly modern: 2010 Phantom Regiment - Into The Light 2016 Bluecoats - Down Side Up 2019 Bluecoats - "The Bluecoats" aka the Beatles show

[@skrillaKT]

I love that music moves people like this. Not a damn thing wrong with it. I don’t think everyone is born with that ability and those of us that truly connect and embrace music do get out of it, a sense of therapy. I get emotional with many many DCI shows throughout the years. Love your channel my man and your sheer love of music. It’s wonderful to see such passion from your entire channel though I must say the DCI reacts are my favorite. Keep doing what you love! Much love ✌️🫶🏼🎶

[@dfsimon]

Perhaps what resonated with you so strongly was the willingness of the creators and performers to not only embrace but celebrate imperfection, especially in an activity that revolves around striving for perfection. In our culture, we tend to want to hide our perceived mistakes and imperfections from others. However, through a willingness to reveal and embrace one's true colors, you can find joy and celebrate imperfection because those are the qualities which make every individual special.

[@organboi]

Yes and no. Under no circumstance were the creators striving for or celebrating imperfection in their PERFORMANCE. Quite the opposite.

[@Jplan72]

Thanks for all of your reactions! Hope that one day you could watch these shows live to feel them as much as you can online. BAC was sublime this year!!

[@itfitzme59]

I fill up every single time I watch it

[@brycegoodman8676]

12:33 So a drum corps show is usually broken up into 3 sections, The opener, The ballad, and the closer. The opener is like a hard hitting warm welcome into the show. The ballad is right in the middle of the show and its nice and pretty but is also very emotionally intense. And the closer is like a mad dash to the finish.

[@PamLaLama]

I enjoyed your reaction. As a Boston girl to see this drum corps come so far. It is incredible. Yes it was True Colors. I get goosebumps every time I watch. Thank you

[@organboi]

13:48. Beautiful voice there. 🎶

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Thank you sir

[@organboi]

@TheCharlieSmithChannel Best wishes on whatever you're doing with that voice of yours. Sounds very developed and trained. (I work with classical singers since my graduate work at Juilliard. Sounds like you have classical training. Anyway, there is so much talent everywhere. Good luck with all your endeavors.)

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

@organboi thank you so much. Yes I studied vocals at music college. Unfortunately I really struggle with muscle tension dysphonia at the moment and so it feels like I'm being strangled when I talk and sing most of the time. It's taken all of the depth and freedom from my voice. I hate it so much. I used to love singing so much, and now when I try its just a reminder of how much worse my voice is these days. It's heartbreaking

[@organboi]

@TheCharlieSmithChannel Sorry to hear. I'm sure you'll recover at some point soon. It's amazing how many artists are met with adverse obstacles in their performing life. It's as if a negative force wants to prevent musicians from developing and sharing their gifts. May I ask if you have been around anyone in the past year or so who doesn't listen to you? Someone in a relationship, family member or friend who let's you speak but isn't really listening? I once experienced a similar throat, neck and voice symptom when I had a friend who I soon realized was never listening to anything I said to her. As soon as I stopped speaking to her and left her presence, the symptoms went away. As soon as I began talking and she wasn't listening, the symptoms appeared again. Since I no longer talk to her much anymore, I never had the symptoms again, except when I speak with anyone who I can sense is not listening. It was amazing to finally realize this. I hope you recover soon because that's a terrific instrument. Artists are extremely sensitive, and symptoms can come about as a result of seemingly little things, mentally as well.

[@stephenl621]

@@TheCharlieSmithChannelSending a virtual hug across the pond. Perhaps time to learn to play horn?

[@Arreis_004]

Everytime I went to my cousins band competitions I would ALWAYS hold back a sob 😭 it was so hard!! It’s just so beautiful all these basically kids are out here making such beautiful music together… it’s too much for my emotions 😂

[@djohnson1022]

As someone whom has been through every single feeling of the emotional spectrum that participating in this monumental activity provides - going from a rookie learning to play brass as the absolute worst player in the hornline, to Winning DCI with the high brass trophy, I can tell you that the emotions you felt while watching this IS the point you though you missed. My friend, your ability to seek out and find the nuances and subtleties these wonderful shows create is a pure joy to see, and you have made a forever fan out of me. watching you emote from a place you could not describe or control, made me just as much of a wreck as you were. I'm still wiping away tears. thank you for being the fan we all were at one point or another or strive to be in the future. I will say I'm a bit upset you watched the Bluecoats 50th Alumni show BEFORE the predecessor that set the standard SCV 50th alumni, this year's Crossman 50th alumni is a show that evoked all the emotions I experienced performing with SCV 50th, and AGAIN! while watching the Bluecoats 50th live at finals with my daughter for her birthday as she will celebrate every year of her life during finals week, being born quarterfinals night 2013 during the SCV Le Miz show. Keep up the great work, and more 2024 shows to enjoy: Mandarins, Troopers, Madison Scouts, Vanguard, and the rest of the top 12! looking forward to purchasing a shirt that says AGAIN! with your pic on it!

[@jamessyring8257]

'90-92 Alumni here, so Proud of BAC and the amazing show they put on this year. Obviously all the members and staff put in a million percent. Looking forward to next year's win!

[@MarkBrewster-en3jt]

Absolutely love your DCI reactions Charlie, please keep it up!

[@arlmont123]

I just subscribed to your channel above by clicking Charlie, and hope others here will do so as well. You were smartly ab;le to pretty much understand well the theme, ie that we are all unique, but with imperfections, but " thats ok " as you correctly deduced for yourself above in your video. The 2024 Boston Crusaders show was successfully magical in that it could elicit the kind of emotional response the show designers and the performers had hoped for. Thank you for sharing .

[@DebbieWolgemuth]

The goal of excellent artistry is to evoke emotional experiences or to get us to introspective. This production shows us that through the glitches of life, we can press on with the love and support (true colors) of others.

[@derekgross3571]

What’s amazing is seeing where these shows come from the beginning of the season. This show had several changes to ending and it’s amazing how the writers and staff always get the closers right by the finals run, especially Boston. Last season Boston made changes to the end of their show between semi finals and finals.

[@iamlandonzock6295]

The shows are usually structured into the Opener, whatever is next, usually the ballad is here, drum feature is sometimes here or before the ballad, then the closer comes last

[@Malletdude31]

So Boston's corps colors are always like, red black and white. This year with everyone wearing a different colored uniform, it kind of envokes a glitchy TV or monitor with the colored bars. Which makes the moments during the ballad impact and the final set where all the colors are organized SO satisfying.

[@burntmacaroni8989]

This one was awesome to experience in person!!

[@syzygy21055]

Saw them perform this live and it's my favorite DCI show from 2024. I love the simplicity of design and the use of color. It's very effective without a lot of elaborate set piece construction. Thought they deserved first place imo.

[@jrwarrior9962]

12:50 each and every drum corps show is structured pretty similarly, but you'll get some discrepancies every now and then. The normal structure of a show is: 1st movement, also called the opener. It's like the hook in a story, meant to grab your attention. 2nd movement, this is usually a feature of some kind, meant to show off really hard and difficult techniques from either 1 or multiple sections from all across the corp. 3rd movement, this is usually where the ballad is, which as you pointed out is the slow moving section. 4th movement is usually the closer, or finale of the show. Although sometimes corps will have another feature here and save the finale as a 5th movement if they decide to do that. Shows can vary with the amount of movements they have and what order they decide to have their ballads or feature sections. This is just a basic show structure and can be changed based on how the show designers and directors write the show.

[@royvokey1592]

Charlie, thank you for reviewing the Boston Crusaders/DCI show. I’m a volunteer nurse/medic that goes on tour with these kids for the last nine years. Your review was spot on, but you failed to notice the intentional glitch near the end, where everything stops And the announcer starts announcing the end of the show while the band is still playing. Lol. I’ve seen the show over and over. And I was tearing up to with you. I would love to see your reaction to the 2018 show “Wicked Games“. Give it a watch even if you don’t review it. You’ll thank yourself. And it so much more impactful in person

[@IndiHawk22]

Hey man - don't ever apologize for showing emotion. Music is meant to move us and I, for one, am happy I'm not the only one who tears up ~ eh, who am I kidding.....bawls like a baby ~ when hearing powerful music. DCI has a way of making us feel. Keep up the phenomenal work. Absolutely brilliant reactions.

[@mpgohokie]

you have to make your next trip this side of the pond end of July and see how loud it is in person!

[@azh4579]

Yes, a lot of the super heavy bass is synthesizer. It blends into the rest of the sound much better in person and gives an awesome rich, full sound. That is not to take away from the hornline which is incredibly loud. Boston and phantom were the only two corps to make my ears ring that night

[@cavalier40]

I like it when you come in without a background. One thing that would be cool is looking into the background after the initial watch and incorporating it into the conclusion

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

OK I will suggest this in my next DCI reaction and see what the consensus is. I'm not opposed to this in principal. Only thing it might affect though is the conversation in the comments section afterwards which is amazingly wholesome and informative. In your opinion, what value would me looking into the background at the end add to the video?

[@itfitzme59]

Freaking awesome show they should have won GOLD BOSTON Crusaders.././…

[@itfitzme59]

Yes see they are Amazing chills right,,,,right…. Beautiful

[@avogrid296]

This is a show that definitely grew on me this year -- by the end of the season, I couldn't wait to see it again! Lightness, joy, precision, and fun! And it was a big departure from their usual shows. This show and Bluecoats both gave me that mystical feeling. Who knows how it happens?

[@johnpletincks6459]

Every Video just baffles me how intuitive you are on watching these. No don't prepare one of the best things is seeing your true emotion watching it. What you missed in the Video and seeing it live is they have lights on their hats that they turn on and off during the show. The finally they have them all flickering randomly it was my favorite show that year. Saw it live twice and Finals was so amazing compared to on Video. Will be helping you get to finals next year.

[@plainwelltoad]

It really was a ridiculously beautiful ballad--I'm the SAME way when I listen to it. The funny part is that you guessed the song (True Colors) and I just sort of loved it but never picked up on exactly why for months. It's a stunning arrangement. One small detail that might or might not have been easy to see in the video: they all have mobile-phone-sized rectangles of LED lights on their heads. In person, they are very obvious and very bright--I think it helps drive home the point that they're kind of like pixels on a screen, making forms and being scrambled. Also the changing songs represented to me the idea that whatever's displaying the music is "glitching" and changing channels, etc. Anyway, this one and Phantom's show music (and, yeah, the bluecoats') are absolutely my favs of the season. They've been playing on repeat, basically, my whole summer. :)

[@suzannesouza853]

Just a funny fact the color guard member you called a show off. Lol this winter played the character Willy Wonka in his HS final performance titled Unwrapped in WGI winterguard. So the reference was not missed. Made me laugh out loud. Great read on a great show. What a 2024 season for this Drum Corps. Such amazing talent throughout the whole corps..././...

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Haha no way! That's so funny 😂

[@cubicledave4602]

I’m 47 and was in marching band through high school. DCI shows are epic. I appreciate your emotions and the value you see in the quality and professionalism of these shows. Take a look at the Bluecoats doing “Tilt” - the ballad alone is chilling.

[@adamcrumpler1967]

Basically (this is kind of what they told the membership) the theme is about glitches/imperfections. Think like Rudolph's red nose and how he was shunned for it, but by the end of the story his red nose was a beautiful gift. That's basically what the show is about.

[@tonyflo04]

I've been involved with this activity for 35 years in one way or another. These shows will evoke emotions at the championship level winning or not. These emotions are expected when they hit that feel

[@ZakhadWOW]

I'm convinced the thing that pushed their guard to winning that award was the fact of trying to work with BOTH hoop and flag/rifle/ saber at the same time, first seen around 4:10 or so. INsanely complicated.

[@RVVDont]

Any Boston members could confirm design wise that you were "glitching" in and out of different Corps signatures? Someone suggested this and if its true that's damn brilliant.

[@ronmcbride2100]

I have to start out by saying, I have absolutely enjoyed being able to re-watch these DCI shows again through your eyes. You always bring such a fresh perspective to every show you've reacted to. There are SO MANY great DCI shows to view, but for those who are suggesting the shows for Charlie to watch........I have three performances to suggest. For obvious reasons, 1991 Star of Indiana. For the pure entertainment value, 1995 Madison Scouts. And for the emotional experience, 2014 Blue Knights. The only things these three show have in common, is how memorable they are & how enjoyable they are to watch.

[@LoungeSometimes]

20:18 "Oh my God" is exactly how I reacted when I heard that live. Videos unfortunately don't do these shows justice for how much power you get hit with at impact moments like these.

[@KyleNally]

Also,...... Thanks so much for the reaction video. Yes DCI does do that to people.

[@liammcfalda9037]

I went to their rehearsal before the Midwest premiere and please excuse me but… HOLY SHIT

[@Starshine-1979]

I am a bluecoats fan, they make my heart happy buuuuuut, you cannot deny the crusaders. The rise of the corp since animal farm, has been incredible. Seeing them place second this year, ahead of the blue devils, was really remarkable. They are definitely ones to watch.

[@chymnster4445]

watch the troopers!

[@bandalumni14]

I hoped so much that Boston Crusaders could edge out the Bluecoats 😢 This is one of the best BC corps that has ever performed. Loved this show so much and it was so much better in person. As always love your reactions! 🖤We have got to get you to DCI Finals 2025.

[@mrsmirgz9354]

I love this show, one of my favorites ever ••|•|••• BD's ballad had a similar effect on me this year too, beautiful music!

[@JasonKazmierski]

You need to watch Phantom Regiment's 2010 show. A true masterpiece that will have you bawling.

[@benjaminstambaugh5034]

So many agows have made me feel some type of way to where im emptional. There are a few that just hit so hard.

[@TrAnMu]

No no you nailed it. The ballad (you were also right, that was the ballad) was True Colors.

[@thumbtack2390]

When you get through the 2024 finals videos, please consider watching Southwind 2023. We spent a whole night learning history of the corps, and the end of the show had a voiceover saying “look at what we built”. A few members came from another corps, Louisiana Stars, who folded at the end of the year prior. It was announced a couple weeks after the end of the season that Southwind ran out of money and all of the equipment would be donated to Spartans. It’s a smaller group than the other videos you’ve watched, but the members worked just as hard. Southwind finished its last (hopefully not last) season with 3rd place in the open class and made world semifinals.

[@garrettprickett9084]

PLZ PLZ PLZ DO TROOPERS 2024 FINALS!!!