Brit Reacts To Drum Corps | Bluecoats 2022 Riffs & Revelations

[@Jeremee22]

"Mom, another Charlie Smith DCI reaction just dropped!" 🎉

[@RealJoey]

I was one of the synth players in the front ensemble and this show was ridiculously fun to perform! The show is based on the spoken dialogue from "Taming the Dragon" by Brad Mehldau. The story of the tune basically describes a dream that the narrator has where he gets pissed off at an unfortunate situation, which leads to him discovering the full dichotomy of human nature. The stoplight, axle wheels, car seats, and cadillacs all just enhance and represent the "car" aspect of the narration. The real place that you mentioned with the cadillacs is the Cadillac Ranch located in Amarillo, Texas. Also, the giant picture on the prop that you mentioned is a shot of Dennis Hopper from the film Easy Rider, which was mentioned in the narration from the beginning of the show. One thing to point out is the percussion section for this season. We ended up winning the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance by having the highest average of percussion scores from the Prelims, Semifinals, and Finals competitions. Getting to hear our name get called for that during the awards ceremony was one of the best experiences that I've ever had with the marching arts. Super glad that you got to watch this show!

[@arcangel6436]

You guys did an amazing job. This is definetly my favorite DCI show, and being a front ensemble member I definetly enjoyed the pit parts, especially the marimba and drumsets.

[@zacharyliles8657]

Bluecoats are always a fan favorite and this year they’re undefeated and looking like the favorites going into finals!

[@Etanup]

Hey I’m sorry to hear about what you’re going through in the beginning, I pray that things will get better for you and your family! 🤍

[@essdsadad6793]

I’ll be praying too

[@scottburka8885]

Like this if you can’t wait for him to get a look at what the coats are doing in 2024 - 🥇🏆🏅🥇🏆

[@andrewderringer3765]

This was my first Bluecoats show I watched live. It was legit life altering

[@scruffylookngaming]

7:36 Bluecoats are known for their innovations and uses of technology in their shows. This is one good example of that.

[@Llamal0rd5]

WE MISSED YOU! ALL THE LOVE 🖤🖤🖤

[@ryleetaylor2855]

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo texas are what the props are based on.

[@john_d210]

According to the Bluecoats website, this is what the show is about: "Wander with us as we travel through our minds and over the road on a journey to reveal who we really are. As passengers observing our own trip, we contemplate the hazy connection between reality and unreality, and experience anger, joy, fear, and beauty through the music, art, and people we encounter along the way." "Inspired by the lucid dreamscape created by Brad Mehldau in the avant-garde jazz piece “Taming the Dragon”, The Bluecoats 2022 production Riffs & Revelations explores the soundtrack to our dreams." "We bring this dream to life on a journey full of vibrant colors, giant stoplights, roving car parts, and the personification of characters who were once just figments of the imagination."

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

So in other words, it's a bunch of liberal mumbo jumbo. I found it best to not think about the stupid theme and just enjoy the music and visuals. I didn't care for the narration throughout, but this was my second-favorite show of 2022, the first being Phantom Regiment's.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

What the hell has Liberal got to do with it? What is with this dumb politicisation of everything? Jesus christ it's so idiotic and vacuous 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ratinfestation3964]

⁠@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534 bro's so cool he forgot emotions in art existed ☠️☠️

[@NcMuggets]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534no blue. no coats. just woke progressive crap 😔

[@5PctJuice]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534 Fellas is it gay to have emotions and themes in art?

[@redlucy6755]

Good news, this show is about a dream so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense even if you were to "understand it"! Peace and love to you going through hard times. For me, drum corps shows remind me of the joy and beauty that is possible even when stuff gets dark so I hope watching them helps you too. 💜

[@tjpluck2971]

Watching your reactions are so refreshing. You get IT!

[@scruffylookngaming]

You seem like a really great person and I absolutely love watching your content. Making content is hard and draining. You have to always be on and put on that face like everything is great. Don’t feel bad about taking time for yourself, you deserve to put yourself and your needs first. Just know that we all love and appreciate you for what you do and thank you for the love you give to us and this great activity we call drum corps! ❤

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Wow. Thank you so much brother. What a beautiful comment. I appreciate you man. Big love ❤️

[@johamiltonmusic97]

The voiceover in the ballad is deep and makes that build up and impact amazing. Then the choreo at the hit about the phrase “Maybe all those people were you in the dream.” Spine-chilling.

[@pghskin]

I've followed drum corps incredibly closely for about 40 years and am a Bluecoat alumnus (and was in the Alumni Corps show you watched). Honestly, I'm always blown away with your insight into these shows on your first viewing. Your ability to pick out tiny details is amazing, and there have been a few observations or interpretations you've made on other shows that I didn't pick up on after seeing the shows dozens of times! Your calm demeanor allows you to fully absorb as much as you can on the first viewing, and I love watching it. This show always gives me goosebumps and blows me away. You've seen several of the Bluecoats' shows. Eventually you've need to watch the 2019 show, which is all Beatles music. And after this season ends in another week, the 2024 show will amaze you. Their artistry and innovation leaves me in awe, and I enjoy watching them through your first reactions.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Ahh thank you so much my friend. This was such a nice comment to read. I'm loving this journey so much and I appreciate you guys for coming along with me for it

[@clarencemowrey9717]

do you have any advice for someone just starting out in marching band /competitive performances

[@pghskin]

​@@clarencemowrey9717 If you're a brass player and happen to be in high school, I'd keep working on music skills, study with a private teacher of that instrument. And in university, even if you're not a music major, play with some of the ensembles -- symphonic, jazz, or even basketball and marching bands. Not only is it fun, but it's great for playing progress. (Even if you're a woodwind player, you can learn a brass instrument, as others have.) If you're looking to try out for a corps, they do it so much different now than when I was in it 35 years ago. It seems that you apply online, and then get music to play on a video and submit. They then may invite you to a regional camp for a weekend so they can assess you and you gain experience. (I'm not so familiar with the color guard application process.) The top corps now are so much more advanced -- many if not most are going into the music field, and are in higher education. So, depending on how much you'd want to march in a corps, apply to a number of them if possible, and maybe look into the smaller ones to start with. They are not as competitive to get in, but it's still a corps experience, and by gaining experience, many of these players work their way up to the world class corps. The members are also in a much better physical condition these days. It's never easy, but at the top levels, the physical demands are much more than they ever were. So stamina and fitness would help. You develop an incredible mind-body connection in corps -- you know what's going on 360º around you and you can play in one direction while moving in another direction, and it takes time to develop, but corps does that for you through lost of hard work and discipline, which you will carry with you throughout your life. Drum corps is absolutely the best youth activity to develop skills for success, regardless of what level you participate. I send you my best wishes!

[@clarencemowrey9717]

@@pghskin thank you so much

[@aaronstafford9783]

The Dialogue is from a song called Taming The Dragon by Brad Mehldau

[@robertserrano8045]

i really love seeing people enjoy DCI, it makes seeing it over and over again so much more enjoyable!!!

[@zacharyliles8657]

The king of DCI reactions is back!! Wonderful to see you again bud, sending you love and hope you and your family are doing well 💙

[@lkajiess]

Wishing you the best man. I've never seen someone not involved with the activity "get it" quicker than you with DCI. Many people never do.

[@vehicular1273]

The Bluecoats’ 2024 show, Change Is Everything, just won GOLD at DCI Finals! BLOOOOOOOO

[@darkprophetable]

Keep them coming and I love how you react to the DCI videos, but let me tell you theres NOTHING Like being there in person, and feeling the music penetrate your body!!! Id like to hang with you for a show next year, keep in touch.

[@Elle.G.74]

Charlie, I don’t know what drum corps is but I enjoyed it. And good on you for putting yourself and your mental health first, no matter what you’re going through, YOU MATTER & IT’S OK, NOT TO BE OK!!! Sending much love & strength your way 🤗

[@subjectadaptationgaming3784]

I'm glad to see you loved Ryan Jacob's (they keytar soloist) just as much as the rest of us did

[@bp6087]

LOL, I still remember my first time watching the Bluecoats perform! I actually got upset and asked, "They had one of the BEST performances! Why is the crowd booing them"???😅

[@myersbob7517]

Same I had to look it up

[@bandalumni14]

I remember watching this live. I couldn’t get that dubstep portion out of my head for weeks. I am so glad that you are back! 🖤

[@BluesClues2s]

This show just puts a smile on my face every time I watch it. So much joy in this performance

[@jmontoyar1985]

Love your honesty about not knowing what the theme was or how the wheels related to such theme. and the fact that you are watching this for the first time elates me. This has probably been answered, but the wheels relate to /symbolize a large part of the dialogue that related to taking a trip in a vehicle. Could say tons more. Love that you made a reaction vid to this very show.

[@Commie_On_Quads]

Hope things keep getting better for you. We really appreciate your excitement about the Drum Corps activity

[@leviforman4141]

Yes!! I recommended this thank you!

[@colelmore]

Hope whatever is going on with you and your family gets better soon! It’s always good watching your videos. One thing that makes it even more amazing is that the keytar soloist marches a mellophone for the rest of the show he isn’t playing keytar!

[@la_chick1087]

Bluecoats are on target to win GOLD this Saturday at the DCI Finals! Can't wait for you to react to their current 2024 show "Change is Everything"!!!

[@ItzHyper101]

8:03 this is probably a synthesizer or something.

[@Penbrooksown]

Well, thanks to you, I have another event on the bucket list 😂 I love these

[@ArchJ17]

Idk if anyone’s said it yet but the white uniforms with yellow bottoms are supposed to be pajamas. The trippy colorful uniforms are inside the dream where not everything makes sense then the ending of the show is when the person in the voice wakes up in there pajamas and is reminiscing while trying to process and understand the dream they had. Also the keytar player (Ryan Jacob’s) is/was a piano player at one of the top music colleges in the us and if I’m remembering correctly wrote/improved much of the solo himself. There’s an interview with him online where he talks about it. Also also I’m like 90% sure the wheels going over the hornline was just cause it looked cool.

[@paullikesbass]

Ryan did write all of the Keytar music himself ❤

[@delfordchaffin5617]

Man, I hope whatever troubles you've been going through come out as best they can. Sorry to hear you're going through it. If you're interested, the music when they're all ducking under the axles is a tune called "Nautilus" by Anna Meredith, an up and coming composer who Bluecoats have worked with 3 times now - twice in this show as well as "Bump" from the 2023 show. She has another, longer form piece called "The Five Telegrams" that is just incredible. Highly recommend checking her out. Also... wait until you see Bluecoats 2024 show! It may be their best yet! And as alumni and fan, that's saying something! 😊💙🍁

[@rock27272727]

Sorry to hear that you are going through a rough time. Your drum corps react videos are always a great bright spot on my days.

[@anthonyboucher8662]

Appreciate you beyond words Charlie. Thank you for keeping on :)

[@riverflutes840]

It is impossible to describe how big a grip keytar guy (we all knew his name) had on the high school marching band community in 2022

[@mateoisdefinitelykool3671]

the concept behind this show was so cool like going through this dream learning life lessons 13:45 kinda hits me ngl

[@squillz8310]

GAHHH LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! I got to see this in person, and they debuted the uniform change and new closer at my local show and it was exhilarating! So, the narration comes from the song "Taming The Dragon" by Brian Mehldau. Such a unique storyline for a Drum Corps show. Showing the Revelations you can come to through the crazy Riffs you can experience in your dreams. The wheel/axle props are more so literal in their meaning to the narration. But you can also interpret them moving over the hornline (especially with the chord change at the end) as transitioning between the dream world and reality. Such a trippy show all around! Their Percussion (drumline and front ensemble) won 1st place with this show, while the corps as a whole scored 2nd place! But this show was definitely a fan favorite of 2022. I'm so happy to finally see you react to this incredible show! The 2024 season ends next weekend, and I truly hope you watch some of the shows from this year. The Bluecoats, Boston Crusaders, Phantom Regiment, The Colts, Carolina Crown, Blue Devils, Vanguard, they *all* have incredible productions this year. Thanks again, Charlie!

[@mattwitek111]

We all need breaks man, hope all is well, and if it could be better I hope it gets better. Much love from the states ❤

[@myelin-sheath]

much love charlie! take care of urself

[@_Kenopsia_]

hey dawg, completely love every moment of your reactions! the only thing i would change about them is that the opacity isn’t 100% on the video on screen, but your reactions are on point nonetheless! this is my favorite show of all time, and ive been waiting for a reaction to this for a long time! edit: i dont mean to make it sound like i dislike any video you produce, theyre really my favorite reactions ive ever come across. if i get paypal ill be sure to recommend this years troopers!

[@larryclement1917]

The corps members you're watching here are the ones that you see first on the sidelines watching the 2022 Bluecoats 50th Anniversary Alumni Corps, then afterwards, joining the Alumni on the field for the reprise of Autumn Leaves, Creep/The Boxer.

[@gabehyman9508]

Hope all is well brother! I look forward to watching your reactions to dci stuff, and it’s heartbreaking to hear some of those things that are going on in the background. The dci community appreciates you and your videos!

[@ancienthealer5050]

Carhenge is the place you're thinking of with the cars stuck in the ground. It's out in the Sandhills in Nebraska :D

[@declandougan7243]

No he’s thinking of cadillac ranch in texas. Which is what the props are based off of.

[@mrnoname2353]

Its based on "taming the Dragon" by Bred Meldau, who's also the Guy on the Prob The Vocals are also from that. The Car Tyre Probs running over the Hornline are representing taking to much Stress on the Body Its about dealing with Anger and to think about the Consequences of your Actions before you do them. I would like you to check out "Otamatone Spiritual" from the Carmen Heights Drum and Bugle Corps as your next Reaction Ps sorry for my bad English, its not my native Language

[@coreenavenn4235]

The Edinburgh Royl military tattoo is incredible. Done on a much smallish parade ground

[@jmontoyar1985]

@andrewderringer3765 the dialogue comes from one of the songs they based this show on. It’s called “taming the dragon” by Brad Mehldau.

[@HumtyTheDumpty]

They just took an amazing car ride. Listen to the guy talking in the background of the show.

[@mattyteerifles2863]

Another diffucult part of sabre is catching with good technique. Since the weight of the sabre is so unbalanced, the center of rotation is at a different point than the visual center. With correct technique the center of rotation should land at your left hip as opposed to landing in the middle of your body like it does with flag and rifle. This means that you're naturally inclined to catch about a foot to the left of where you should.

[@TheR3alAyaya]

Bluecoats 2024!! Change is Everything highly recommend!

[@danrvt2001]

I’m in this and I’m from the UK! 6 words, let’s go bloo! 🍁💙

[@supersop]

Theme - = Acid Trip series by the Bluecoats.

[@jazzambientertainment]

Soooooo good! I'm interested to know too if it's referencing Cadillac Ranch. I know the Cadillac's there are covered in graffiti. It's really cool to look at! Drum Corps experts will definitely know. I always watch your Drum Corps videos twice on first release...once to see the band, since I have connections to marching bands with my nieces, and second to watch your reaction. Always so entertaining! That transition at the 14:30 mark...Oooooohweeeee! I paused it at the first of the transition to type this comment, because it felt like a dreamspace to me, and then you said what you said. 🤣 I type these messages as I'm watching so I paused to see what this show actually meant. Super interesting visualization now. I know you like the comments from people so I'll let them speak on it. I'm interested to know if they are paid members because the amount of time that goes into rehearsals couldn't work with someone having another job, I would think anyways. I winced when his keytar hit the turf. 😬

[@KevinGamin]

Yes, that is a Cadillac Ranch reference on the field.

[@KevinGamin]

I think the keytar at the end just hit Keytar Kid's leg, not the ground.

[@jazzambientertainment]

@@KevinGamin It definitely hit his leg, but the tip of the neck appears to have hit the turf. Being a keyboardist, that equipment is not cheap and that's why I winced. lol

[@MythicalMav]

From my interpretation, the bluecoats have been doing like drug/hippie shows since 2019. I love it. This whole show to me is simply about some "trippy dream". Weird.. but one of my favorites for sure.

[@nickmueller7310]

babe, BABE WAKE UP! Charlie Smith posted DCI again 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@owen.mcgarvey1650]

I love this show. 2022 was a good year! You should look into the Cavaliers 2000s shows. Frameworks and 007 are fantastic!!!!

[@Carb04]

Not sure if anyone has said this already, but the narration comes from a song called "Taming the Dragon" by Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana. The narration is scattered throughout the song and it's like a jazz fusion song (at least that's the best way I can describe it). Love your reactions to DCI

[@ashpitti6797]

that awesome dubstep bass is actually from the synths in the front ensemble (all those people playin the big wood and metal instruments with mallets). they have a lot to do with random sounds and tambers that dont really match the band for extra texture. they set off the dialogue, sound effects, and sometimes awesome warbley bass sounds :)

[@croatiancowboy]

Can't wait for the 2024 season to end so Charlie can react to Bloo's 24 show! Also condolences for the life shit happening rn bro

[@cullenmerry8888]

If you want another iconic show, watch bluecoats 2014 “tilt”!

[@CBKrealpatriot]

Hi Charlie, please check out Redbull Symphony with Kabza DE Smaal and Ofentse Pitse. There are a number of good songs there but my favorites are Superman and Emcimbini

[@richbrass12]

You don't need to apologize to us. Handle your business with your kids. Much strength with you during this time

[@Llamal0rd5]

SOMEONE GO IN WITH ME TO REQUEST INFERNO 😂😭😂😭😂😭🖤

[@Llamal0rd5]

@ratinfestation3964 yes there are a couple! If you’d like the links you can reach out! Idk if there’s DMs on KZbin lol

[@alonzoadamsphoto]

The show was a trippy dream. The narrator is the person dreaming.

[@Prof.CheeseDog]

I'm officially petitioning to start a fund to get you on a plane to see finals next year

[@bp6087]

God Bless, Bro. I don't know anything going on with your legal frustrations. I hope that there is light for you at the end of the tunnel. 15 years is far too long for people and their children to go through legal purgatory. I pray for you and your family.

[@not_thatonekid1998]

You’d be surprised but this didn’t score first, but my heart it did that year. Also that first key tar solo was written by the dude who played it. (I think) 🤷

[@isaacwoodward4509]

DCI finals are next weekend you should do some videos or something for the 2024 finals! ❤

[@KevinGamin]

The words are from Brad Mehldau's Taming the Dragon - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mqdXWCj691mdk

[@KevinGamin]

If you listen to those words, you'll get the theme of the show. Basic synopsis - The narrator is recalling a "trippy dream" they had about getting driven around by a guy who looked like Lou Reed/Dennis Hopper (call him Lou, that's who's depicted on that large prop) and talks about the revelations he got from the dream, including "taming the dragon".

[@gamerscoops_ter524]

You gotta watch Phantom Regiment 2011, life changing

[@vaedish]

FINALLYYY

[@liammcfalda9037]

Bloo 2016 is top 5 shows of all time in my opinion

[@caleb9914]

React to Vox Artium Winter Guard 2024! Winterguard is colorguard indoors to a recorded soundtrack and is very cool!

[@Nurrriimanfito]

Bluecoats 2016 was mad. If only you can find the video 🤷‍♀️

[@chadtarver3301]

The keytar part live was something else dude. I don’t think there was another moment THAT hype from any other group that year. The coolest part is how well the keytar was built into the score of the brass. They played off eachother and it was like a conversation. So genius and absolutely unique. This show was about the evolution of a dream. It starts off making sense and slowly gets weirder and crazier. Bluecoats have been my favorite group for 20 years. No other group is as imaginative and creative in my opinion.

[@ArchJ17]

I was in Michigan on premiere and man you should have heard the audience when it was first shown

[@ArchJ17]

To my knowledge Ryan Jacob’s the keytarist was given the original source material and like the wip hornline part and then created most of the keytar part himself

[@gm_construct_13_betaexplor38]

you should react to bluecoats 2014 next

[@timothyduval1186]

REVELATIONS Wander with us as we travel through our minds and over the road on a journey to reveal who we really are. As passengers observing our own trip, we contemplate the hazy connection between reality and unreality, and experience anger, joy, fear, and beauty through the music, art, and people we encounter along the way. Inspired by the lucid dreamscape created by Brad Mehldau in the avant-garde jazz piece “Taming the Dragon”, The Bluecoats 2022 production Riffs & Revelations explores the soundtrack to our dreams. From the avant-garde to modern classical, electronic music, and contemporary jazz, we bring this dream to life on a journey full of vibrant colors, giant stoplights, roving car parts, and the personification of characters who were once just figments of the imagination. Visual installation artists like Ant Farm and the contemporary music of Brad Mehldau, Anna Meredith, Forq, and Yun Sun Nah & Ulf Wakenius guide us as we wade through the subconscious in search of ourselves. Are we destined to lead or follow? Drive, or ride? Are we good or trouble? To find out, we must harness the creative power we all find in ourselves, sometimes only when we’re asleep

[@N8TheSnake]

Charlie first of all you gotta live your life bro, gotta take care of you and family first! Secondly, there's not a ton of real theme to it. They just coordinated the living shit out of a "what if we just had a show about tripping balls" show.

[@HumtyTheDumpty]

Wanna see something amazing check out 2004 cavaliers frameworks 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@derekgross3571]

Wait til you see the 2024 show….

[@Manny888Festo]

Soooo you won’t be at finals this year?

[@dbg09pro]

just going to say videos don't do dci shows justice

[@aarontrondle8108]

Am I the only one that thinks this show is kinda overrated? Keytar is cool but it’s just kinda odd and not cohesive otherwise.

[@aarontrondle8108]

Happy for a DCI reaction of any kind though! Can’t go wrong

[@mattyteerifles2863]

No, as an experience this show was among the most cohesive. It immediately sets a mood and keeps the audience chasing this unique feeling throughout the entire show. Every part of the show is weird and stands out, but manages to fit in perfectly in their own little world that they have created, a world that we as an audience have been invited to experience through dreamscape.

[@paullikesbass]

@@mattyteerifles2863this is exactly it!!!!!

[@benuk2409]

probably not the only one, but the minority, production values were off the chart in this, the writing for all sections was on fire. The front ensemble were the MVP of this show though. the blend of acoustic and electric just worked seamlessly.

[@BluesClues2s]

This is one of the best musically written shows in DCI history. Perfectly cohesive and creative repertoire, not a single moment of dropped pacing. Always evolving between different genres of groovy music, always maintaining perfectly smooth transitions. Ebbing and flowing between tension and release. Absolutely brilliant work. The slow burn buildup from the end of the ballad to the end is just wonderfully tasteful

[@DarthDad3]

Corps went 😊gay

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Grow up 🙄