🤯 Brit Reacts to Bluecoats 2023 - The Garden Of Love

[@brendanstahl2379]

Hey!!! I'm a trumpet player for the Bluecoats and marched this show. I can answer a few of your questions How do we stay in sync when dancing to the poem? For the most part, in order to stay in time throughout the show, everyone is looking at the drum majors/conductors who are stationed all around the field. For the poem in particular, there was no time being given by the conductors. Instead, in addition to various speakers at the front of the field, we also had two speakers on the field with us (one on each side). This meant that, given a lot of practice, we could all listen back to the poem through the speakers behind us and sync our movements to specific words and turns of phrase just through listening. How do we overcome the delay of sound across the field? First of all, great observation by you that this would be difficult. It would be easy to argue that timing and being able to maintain rhythmic integrity across instruments and across the field is the biggest hurdle any drum corps faces when putting together their show. Basically, we need to figure out when each person needs to play so that the sound can all arrive at the audience at the same time. The biggest example of this is in the section that starts with all the trombones (17:14) (after the big ballade hit), the different sections of brass are all playing very disjointed rhythms from each other, and in order to maintain the perfect amount of space and rhythmic integrity, we need to interpret the conductors hands differently depending on where we are on the field. For example, the trumpet section is on the opposite side of the field from the trombones, and in order for our sound to reach the audience at the same time as theirs, we needed to anticipate and play about an eighth note ahead of the conductors hands. This is all figured out through a lot of rehearsal and a lot of trial and error, with instructors listening at the front of the field and giving each instrument adjustments for how much to anticipate the hands, etc, until we all learn what we need to do individually to make it sound right to the audience. Thank you so much for your reaction and all your kind words!!! It's super refreshing being able to watch a new set of eyes react to a show that we lived in for months, and we appreciate all of your nuanced comments and takeaways!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Hey Brendan. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to answer my questions so comprehensively. I really appreciate it. Thank you for sharing your awesome tallent with us. I was truly blessed by this reaction. Absolutely mind blowing stuff

[@Lildewdew]

Amazing performance. Probably one of the most challenging shows I've ever seen. Mind if I ask what's your sense of how DCI is reacting to Cadets shuttering?

[@haileyadelaidefilms8819]

6 words

[@brendanstahl2379]

@@haileyadelaidefilms8819 6W💙

[@subjectadaptationgaming3784]

​@@TheCharlieSmithChannelalso the shouting at the end is a sorta tradition we do when bluecoats takes and leaves the field We are all yelling bloo

[@DrumCorpsGuide]

Quick, someone get this man seats to Finals!

[@howarda1000]

We MUST get him there

[@DrumCorpsGuide]

@@howarda1000 I’d chip in some. Man, we get 100 people to put in $10 we could get him the full weekend, plus a hotel

[@jaijeff59]

When you go a drum corps show, the main experience is at the stadium (of course). But the other element is to watch them warm up in the parking lot prior to the show. The horns, drums, and colorguard split up to do their warm-ups. And that is a show within itself. If you want to feel those horns, go to the parking lot and stand amongst them, and you will be transported with a wall of sound like you’ve never felt before.

[@jaijeff59]

Also that roar when it sounds like the crowd is “booing”, they are actually yelling “BLUE!!!” (Of course, for the BLUECOATS) 😉

[@Voidyz01]

Definitely Not was added to the title so that it doesn't get taken down for copyright

[@justincole6108]

and part of the joke is that it doesn't work lol

[@AmFlora]

Bluecoats bakery y'all!

[@richd4485]

If this show hit your emotions, I can promise you Santa Clara Vangaurd 2018 OR Phantom Regiment 2010 will really get you going!

[@corinthcoca-cola]

For certain

[@jadonh9978]

heavy on pr 2010, one of the only shows that has actually almost made me cry

[@corinthcoca-cola]

@@jadonh9978 it’s a great show historically but it’s like Madison winning at KC… it just looks old and slow to the uninitiated. Those are the two greatest shows but not the first ones I show newbies

[@epicbrumoment8810]

The baritone duet always hits home for me in SCV 2018 I love it

[@justincole6108]

between the two, i'd definitely recommend phantom 2010. i think scv 2018 is one of the greatest shows of all time, but it's best appreciated when you already speak the language of marching shows. both are great watches though :)

[@MVictorDelgado]

Your commentary is spot on. When you’re there, you can feel it in your chest. Love that you can appreciate the excellence, and what it takes to get there. These kids work very hard in the middle of the summer heat. It’s very brutal.

[@tkvids1377]

You can ABSOLUTELY feel it in your chest when you see it live. There are some great videos out there from inside the brass circle with Carolina Crown. Specially one called "God's hornline"

[@jazztime4]

With so much distrust, antagonism and pessimism pervading our country at this moment, it is so refreshing to see this level of pride, dedication, extreme teamwork and artistry from the young adult performers comprising the Bluecoats, and ALL of DCI! Your incredible efforts and your impressive standard of excellence make America proud! I say this with respect as a retired Ohio high school music educator. 🎶

[@shelbyguizar9036]

🙌🙌

[@chadtarver3301]

That moment you stopped and rewatched made me cry when I heard it live. It was stunning. The things these kids do is incredible.

[@jakewilliams7484]

Welcome to Drum Corps! The appreciation you have for this art is awesome! Bluecoats are one of the best when it comes to show design and musicality. React to any Bluecoats show 2014 and on. They are all bangers! Other awesome corps include Carolina Crown, Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and so many more.

[@scott17601]

I'm glad I'm not the only one listening while choking up, with tears running down my face. Converting sound into pure emotion, amazing.

[@lisacox588]

You must come to see this in August 2024. Indianapolis, IN!

[@TarynIona]

To whomever suggested this show, THANK YOU! I am again reminded that Bluecoats are part of my Top 5 list for a dayum good reason! Miss the days of getting up what felt like the crack of dawn, at the start of the summer season, the 8 to 9 hour days and the family that we all become! The end result of THIS is what it's all about! BLOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@Prof.CheeseDog]

I'm also going to vouch for Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 next

[@babboon]

The Bluecoats' 2023 show, "The Garden of Love," is inspired by the poem of the same name by William Blake. The show incorporates vibrant colors, a floral motif, and stained glass imagery, echoing the themes of Blake's poem, which juxtaposes the innocence and beauty of a garden with the constraints imposed by a chapel built within it. It's up for personal interpretation but most people commonly interpret as how religion is about love, finding meaning in life, and connecting with something bigger than ourselves, not about controlling behavior; a conversation common in society with LGBT+ issues.

[@daviddesalvo623]

For your question about delays, there is the conductor up front, but also players need to be aware of where they are on the field, and if you are farther back, you need to play ahead of the beat, and they train to know by how much depending on distance. The hardest part is actually to remain off beat from the battery (drums on the field) if they are far away from you.

[@MVictorDelgado]

Absolutely

[@mattyoung6690]

...and this is one of the layers that adds a layer of difficulty to this show that isn't as apparent if you're not well-versed in it. The visual design makes the vertical alignment extremely difficult to pull off. The show is full of exposed entrances and they'll regularly layer front to back or bounce side to side. The fact they got it as clean as they did (not that there isn't still some fuzz) is unbelievable.

[@spambee_3662]

if u want to here an amaaaazing brass line def check out Carolina Crown 2013 “E=Mc^2” definitely one of the most amazing brass lines to ever exist

[@ElizabethTucker-w1i]

Your response is so spot on- the sound resonates inside you and you can’t help but feel ALL the feels!

[@john.schwanke]

Speaking of “things you don’t notice” until a repeated viewing - the flugelhorn/trombone duet at the start of the ballad is completely not conducted. The drum major is seated on the podium and absorbing it all, while those two simply play off each other. Stunning to see and hear it live is an understatement!

[@squillz8310]

The fact this moved you to tears is perfect. The fact that so many people are able to come together and work as one, for one common goal, is so beautiful. So much love and dedication and hard work. All simply for us to enjoy. If you ever have the privilege to see a Drum and Bugle Corps live, please take that opportunity. I always describe it as a once in a lifetime experience you can have more than once. LET'S GO BLOOOOOO!!!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Amazing comment. I couldn't agree more. That is exactly why it moves me. But yes, I would love to go one day

[@squillz8310]

@@TheCharlieSmithChannel I hope you get to see a show someday! The physical sensation of that many musicians is insane. Like you mentioned. You can FEEL it. The highs are almost ear piercing, where the lows just rumble your body all the way through. If you've ever been to any other kind of concert, they're about the same volume. It's mental! Thank you for exposing yourself to the activity. We love seeing new faces!

[@jhonjhon-sf8ft]

you will almost never find an as welcoming community to newcomers than in the DCI scene, that's one of the many reasons I love it. and you'll almost never find a member that genuinely hates another corp, at the beginning and end you'll hear the crowd yell BLOOOO in appreciation for this particular drum corp. and they all have decade long traditions for each corp which just adds the amazement I feel every dci season

[@RealJoey]

If you want to watch some more drum corps, there's some other great shows too! -Bluecoats 2022 - Riffs and Revelations (I'm biased mainly because I was in this show on synthesizer in the front ensemble percussion section!) -Phantom Regiment 2008 - Spartacus (A show with great music and a well-driven story based on the uprising that occurred during the Roman Republic era.) -Bluecoats 2019 - The BLUECOATS (If you're a Beatles fan, you'll love this one.) -Blue Devils 2014 - Felliniesque (Currently the highest scoring show in DCI history with a 99.65 as their score. An absolute musical masterclass) -Santa Clara Vanguard 2017 - Ouroboros (Balls to the wall music and amazing percussion) (I saw you already checked out Blue Devils 2023 too. That show is easily one of the best that I've ever seen!) There's also a whole other side of performances with Winter Guard International (WGI). -Broken City 2019 - Cede -Rhythm X 2022 - Art Shaped Box -Rhythm X 2024 - Blackbird (I was also in this show, more bias lol) -Music City Mystique 2022 - Come Hell! or High Water! -Music City Mystique 2024 - The Red Line

[@haileyadelaidefilms8819]

LOVED your show this year! #blackbirdX24

[@michaeljohn9271]

The Bluecoats are fantastic and your review is great. They sometimes rehearse up to 12 hours a day, all summer long when they aren't traveling, and get better and better, leading towards perfection by championship week. They march 150 members, compared to a college band which typically marches 280, but have to learn 6 to 8 completely different shows for a football season, thus very limited in rehearsal time, with shows that are slower and more simpler. Drum corp is the king of the marching art form.

[@karaprater9851]

I took my daughter to her first DCI Show last year. She loved it. I told her to be ready to have her face melted with the sound. I love DCI!!!

[@zacharyliles8657]

Carolina Crown needs to be on the docket they will absolutely blow you away. Best brass in the world!

[@mschrisloveshorses]

2013 Carolina Crown E=mc^2 will always be one of my favorite shows ever!

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

@mschrisloveshorses I just filmed it 😉

[@chrisl83]

Honestly think 2012 is better for newbies to really see how fast these marchers can book it, and without having to think about the meaning of the narration.

[@JuanJimenez-od1ho]

Your beautiful and visible reaction to this show is beautiful. This is what the Drumore activity has been doing to me for 40 years here in America. It’s my favorite thing to do in. The summer is just going around to all these shows and watching these kids do things that, only a few are able to do

[@flugelboy2000]

A truly emotional response to this show is the correct response, and you, Sir, had several emotions. I marched drum corps back in the 80s and I'm still a fan for this reason. I'm so happy for you that you got to experience it. You'll find many suggestions in the comments that can give the same feels. Definitely check them out and don't sleep on any older show suggestions. They are different, but just as good in their own way.

[@croatiancowboy]

Garden of Love quickly became one of my all time favorite Bluecoats shows, because while still heavily influenced by their modern design style and music/design choices, there were a lot of glimmers and moments throughout the show that give the corps as a whole but most specifically the hornline that is very reminiscent of that classic Bluecoats sound from roughly 2008-2016 (and Session 44 in 2018) that I grew up loving in my childhood and inspired me to want to march with them one day. Unfortunately I never got that opportunity, but I had many personal friends that I had marched with previously who performed in this show so maybe I'm even slightly biased, but getting to see them live so many times in 2023, man, it really is easily like my top 6 Bluecoats shows all time. I hope you enjoy it too!!!

[@jnog_me]

Drum Corps in person is nothing short of breath taking. It’s probably the greatest live music experience I’ve ever had in my life. I saw this show in person and the feels are so real. Just a bit more history for you, these groups members pay to participate and typically have camps through out the spring to learn the show. Usually a longer training in May and then go on tour across the US for most of June, July and then to finals in the beginning of August. Also world finals which this video is from takes 12 groups to finals (from 20+ total units). Thanks for reacting to this video in particular. This show is so fresh for me from last year and it’s incredibly beautiful!

[@MrAndersonneo88]

Seeing your reaction just reminds me why I've kept watching Drum Corps for 12 years and plan on watching for many years to come. The visceral feeling you get hearing and feeling the sound of each corps, mixed with the understanding of the incredible sacrifice and commitment each member demonstrates, is simply incredible My whole experience with drum corps is like your reaction at 16:06 -- amazement mixed with emotion and a need to hear those specific moments again, and again, and again -- that can't be matched. Edit: As some others have said, if you want to hear a real masterpiece, check out Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 "Babylon". That one is an absolutely insane performance for the decades.

[@benward5567]

As someone who marched drum corps last year and am this year, the end of your final show at Lucas oil is one of the best and most emotional moments of your life. Bittersweet but also proves all the hard work paid off and you put a great product onto the field

[@TheJRGuenther]

I'm subscribing to your channel because I can tell you love this. The world needs more RAW real talent like this. The more you learn about what these kids go through to pull this off, and the more you learn about the years and years of dedication to just be good enough to audition the more you'll love it. It's also not JUST awesome sound. The parts are written to be played "the hard way" and complicated because its a competition. Parts can be played in such away that can really impress the judges so everything is written to be extremely difficult. They aren't just talented kids, they are amongst the most elite and talented musicians in the entire world. Then to put it all together in a synchronized effort and pull it off is a small miracle. The 1 major thing I learned from my years in DCI is when you put enough dedicated people together and work hard the right way you can really accomplish some amazing things. I'm 42 now and I still compare every thing in my life to my days in DCI.

[@avogrid296]

You are so right! Experiencing DCI in person is a BLAST! Hope you get to see it someday. :)

[@flakdat]

YES!! Were getting more DCI reactions!

[@camillechap7167]

it's always so fun to watch non-dci people experience it for the first/second time! really gives us who are more familiar with it a reminder of how insane it is. to answer your question about how everyone is able to stay synchronized to the poetry with no music: there are indeed conductors, standing on platforms at the front and back sidelines of the field. it's also a prerecorded track, and given how much practice goes into these shows throughout the season, i would bet all of the performers are very familiar with the general rhythm of the track by the time of this finals performance.

[@philmcarthur5338]

Its great to watch your coverage of DCI corps Charlie. I am watching from Dubai and have been a fan, performer, teacher, manager, promoter and supporter of DCI corps and the kids since 1972. I'd love for you to call it sound or music, not noise mate. LOL...so good of you investigate the world's best kept secret. Imagine if these corps came to the UK or Europe the reaction they would receive? Keep up the good work!!

[@joshuajacobtaylor]

it’s beautiful to see you so moved by this, man. thank you for not hiding it.

[@carlreed2012]

If you ever get a chance to watch this live....DO IT! Words cannot describe the emotions you will feel.

[@lukeeckles188]

hey! i play synthesizer for the blue devils, and thought i would answer some of your questions. usually a group will have a few drum majors (conductors) on the front and back sides of the field, and they’re the universal time keepers for the whole ensemble. we’re taught to listen from back to front, in other words us up front in the pit listen back for timing, while the brass and drumline typically watch the drum majors since there would be a delay if they listened to us. super appreciate your passion for music and your enjoyment of what we do!!

[@howarda1000]

this is HUUUUUUUGE, hopefully he reads this. the sound delay from the back of the field to the front is also a problem we all have to adjust for. while we are doing this "moving and playing" thing, which I guess i've never realized can blow someone away until he mentioned it.

[@jonettaotis3828]

Hello from Canton Ohio pro football hall of fame city! Proud of my city and letting you know that the blue coats are from Canton Ohio ❤

[@kevinstone9638]

BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 6W Bluecoats. Well done, Blooo 2023, you have made a new fan out there. It is what we do we play with passion and we love to entertain them on the journey we are all on. Love you all. Thank you for being Blooooooooooooo.

[@lhsbandfreak11]

I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD EVENTUALLY DO THIS ONE!!! Each show is so unique, every show is a journey on its own!

[@nickmueller7310]

I promise you, I cry all night every year going to these shows. These kids really know how to draw tears. Amazing talent. I recommend watching Blue coats 2016 "Down Side Up" or Blue Coats 2014 "Tilt"

[@MsCooper75]

Yes yes yes!!!! Tilt!!!! Is Downside up the performance with the wink 😉

[@nickmueller7310]

@@MsCooper75 yesss Downside up is the one with the wink!

[@colelmore]

I really appreciate your insights from someone who has a musical background but is watching drum corps for one of the first times. Hope to see your thoughts one more shows soon. There are hours of amazing shows that many people have recommended. I personally marched with the Blue Stars and the Troopers and am now a professional musician in the U.S. Navy. Since a lot of others have answered many of your questions I’d like to give a little insight on how much rehearsal/time goes into these shows. In November of the year previous auditions start and run until roughly January depending on the group. From February through April the corps meets roughly once a month in person to go over music, marching, choreography etc. During the rest of the month the individual members get assignments to learn music and choreography usually with videos of them playing or practicing marching/choreography due weekly. In mid May corps “move in” for “spring training” where they learn the whole show until early to mid June when they begin performing for the public in competitions. During spring training it is pretty much 12 hours of rehearsal a day every day. Starting in early June through the second week of August when the championships happen (both videos you watched are from the finals of the championships) the corps is on tour performing at 20-30 competitions depending on the group all across the U.S. A usual day on tour is basically rehearse all day, perform at a show, travel over night on buses to the next show and repeat with the days with no performances being full rehearsal days like spring training (you do get a few “free days during the season). Between all of the rehearsal and performing the show for judges 20-30 times you end up with the highly refined product you see on finals night. Drum corps essentially is your life for 75-85 days during the summer. I’d be happy to answer any other questions about drum corps you may have or provide show recommendations but many others have already done a lot of that.

[@markalusss]

Drum Corps is not even wildly recognized in the states and is only really becoming a little more apparent. But it is essentially BEYONCE LEVEL productions on a field by stellar musicians/performers.

[@auburnkim1989]

I love the parking lot warm ups before these shows as well!

[@user-wy1ev4yq5d]

I've experienced legendary rock bands from the 1960's to the present date and classical and jazz concerts in my lifetime. I am blessed to have those experiences. However, I can honestly write at 72 years of age, there is NOTHING I've ever experienced like a live DCI show in the flesh that impacts the soul and emotions like a DCI live event. You owe it to yourself to attend and feel the pressure, presence, prestige and class of how these Corps sound in the flesh. Extreme emotional stuff!!!

[@michaell.8938]

I marched in the drum line of a drum corps that no longer exists and I can tell you the amount of work and dedication and repetition is staggering. I felt like I went through boot camp in the military. But it's worth it when you see the joy in the audience. I marched four seasons total, two in junior corps (21 and under), two in senior (21+). I'm so glad I had the chance to be a part of it all. Seeing your reactions is so much fun!

[@corinthcoca-cola]

For someone new to this, may I suggest 2022 Bluecoats or 2013 Carolina Crown or 2023 Boston Crusaders. The other shows mentioned are great, but these are more newbie friendly. If you do others, then you can go back in time a bit to Phantom or Cadets, Cavaliers, etc. If you do another one this weekend I’ll join on patron. You’ll start seeing a lot of DCI nerds like us liking and joining if word gets out that you get it!

[@zwaltertpt]

So cool to see you reacting to these. I was a member of the Bluecoats for 3 years, my last year being 2022. Some of the best times of my life, and miss it every day. Glad to see the activity being recognized for the levels of talent and artistry that make up the different corps.

[@lesliedougherty5327]

I love that you felt so much emotion as you watched this performance. This production was pure joy, I literally smiled the whole way through every time I saw it. It was my absolute favorite last year. I marched many years ago and can say the feeling of exhilaration is unmatched.

[@christianchandler3438]

As someone that saw this in person, IMMEDIATE chill bumps every single time.

[@Prof.CheeseDog]

Yeah so drum corps practice all day every day for around 10 weeks. During that time they learn the show and become better musicians but they also have a ton of staff on duty to help troubleshoot timing issues. It's definitely not this tight at the beginning of the season, but over time every player learns their individual timing responsibilities. To many musicians in the ensemble, it will sound like they are playing earlier than everyone else. For example in the drumline, it may sound like you're playing nearly a full second ahead of the pit due to the way that sound travels. So these guys have to learn what sections they can listen to (people behind them), and what sections they have to tune out (people in front or beside them). As someone who has done this, the coolest part as a member is hearing a bunch of disjunct noise from instruments, but then hearing the echo come back perfectly in time.

[@benovermire3372]

To add on to this, that really highlights the importance of the drum majors (the guys up front waving their arms around). Everything is reliant on the corps seeing the drum major’s hands, so that the sound reaches the audience correctly.

[@haileybair4599]

If you like the drums, The Cavaliers actually won the percussion category in last years finals (2023)

[@philipem1000]

I think what is really amazing here is that well over half the dancers are in fact musicians, not dancers.

[@thomassicard3733]

SUPER BRAVO!!!!

[@matthew818]

Dude. I love hearing you describe the beauty of this art. I was in drum corps growing up and none of my friends understood. Having someone who hasn’t participated truly appreciating it and putting into words the way I’ve always felt about it is so validating. Thank you!

[@ciansquires6694]

I really appreciate the question at the end. In this activity we call that phasing and it is definitely a very difficult problem to get over. One thing that you have to do is watch the drum major like a hawk because they train all summer long to memorize the tempos throughout the show. There are anywhere from four to six of them scattered around the field so that the marching members can have someone to look at no matter where they are facing. Generally, the main and highest-ranking drum majors are at the front of the field because they are the ones that give tempo the most. Also to touch on the dedication of these groups coming from someone who is in the activity, these members practice very very hard. Auditions are held in December and January for a full three-day weekend in each month. After the audition camps, there are callback camps in February, march and April where all of the members are finalized and given their contracts. After the callback camps is when the fun really begins. Somewhere during May, depending on the corps, all the contracted members and staff meet at a college or high school where they spend the next full month rehearsing together. A day of rehearsal generally consists of three 4-hour block. The morning block is from 8-12, the afternoon block is 1-5pm and the night block is 6-10pm. This schedule is upheld for the entirety of the month-long rehearsal. After the move in time period is when the corps go on tour, traveling through dozens of states while competing and refining their show as they go. Finally, in late august, all the corps from across the nation meet up in Indianapolis for the DCI Finals, which is where this video was filmed. Finals are a three-day long competition in which there are three rounds. All the corps compete on the first day and the top 28 make it to the next day. On day two, the remaining corps compete again. This time, only the top 12 groups move on to the final day. On the third day, the top 12 groups compete in finals. Hope this has been informative. I really enjoy talking about this topic so if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask. P.S. I would suggest checking out Winter Guard International, it is a similar activity to DCI but in a basketball gym with only percussion.

[@davidd1140]

Man, you're brilliant! You instinctively get what makes bluecoats unique......and you hit every one of the high points.....kudos to you for opening up to this unique artform.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Thanks David. I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your words of encouragement

[@thomassicard3733]

This is beautiful and magnificent!

[@pangolin1489]

Fun fact! After DCI and IPE (indoor percussion ensemble) groups finish their seasons, they often sell their props to high schools who need props for their marching band and IPE shows. My high school bought this group's rotating circle flower stage and used it for this year's marching band show.

[@thomassicard3733]

LIVE is ALWAYS best.

[@bagmantough]

dude i LOVED this reaction. you DEFINITELY got to react to Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 and Bluecoats 2016. I’m sure those will hit you in the feels as well! 🤙

[@Poopdar]

I marched DCI in the early to mid 90s and have loved it ever since. Welcome to the fold. Subbed

[@linklegends22]

Thanks a bunch for making reactions to these awesome DCI shows! Like many others I would vouch for the Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 show. It's another relatively modern show that really came together on finals night and blew everybody away.

[@nikstro]

You’ve GOTTA watch Bluecoats 2022!!!! Definitely an amazing show worth your time!

[@F.A.D.E.R]

Im so glad you understand the dedication and commitment it takes to perform a DCI show

[@haileypinto8893]

My sister is actually part of Pacific Crest and is marching this coming season and marched the 2022 season with the show The Void with them also. There are some videos where she can be clearly seen and was actually the youngest person to ever join the corp at 14. So here is my little plug for more people to go check out Pacific Crest cause they are a good corp. And if you happen to want to see more groups I suggest Pacific Crest.

[@RVVDont]

I know a good show when it gets my eyes a watering, don’t even have to be sappy. It’s just the execution and raw power behind it.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Exactly

[@brianbond8462]

Your analysis of this show gave me a brand new appreciation for this show. I am a lifelong drum corps fan and I participated for 4 years. Thanks for the new perspective.

[@davidrichmond6583]

Welcome to Drum Corps. Some corps will make you weep, some will make you angry, some will make you cheer... Bluecoats does it all and within one show. But trust me there are more shows that can pull and play with your emotions. This is marching art. The purpose is to bring a story, an idea, a concept to life and make you feel. I have a list of my top 10, Id love for you to react to them and see what your top 10 are. I love shows that pull me in emotionally.

[@crackerjackheart]

You've commented a couple of times on the quality of the sound. Each section of the ensemble is playing a single make/model of instrument, which helps keep the timber of sound on point with that characteristic "sizzle" and gives great blend!

[@Dough_Bro]

For the question of how they stay in sync, there's back field conductors as well as the drum major up front but it's pretty much up to the marchers to keep track of time during the movements. Also, you should look into santa clara vanguard 2018, in terms of pure sound it's the greatest show of all time.

[@Voidyz01]

Blue Devils 2014 and phantom 2008 are also good

[@richd4485]

2018 SCV all the way!!!!!! ❤

[@mannymanatee6592]

@@richd4485 @Duckdarlin All of these are amazing recommendations

[@corinthcoca-cola]

I saw Star in Dallas and they were the loudest by far.

[@f4llen.LE4VE5]

I saw this corps live!! They were insane!! I’m a huge drum corps nerd and seeing your first reaction made me want to watch more!! The next one I suggest is Boston Crusaders 2023!!!

[@cuberzeroer]

Thank you so much for this reaction. I was absolutely enthralled with this show last summer. Amazing seeing you react for the first time to the finished product when it’s at its cleanest and tightest. Followed this show all season and watching their steady growth was incredible. As for your field timing question…. Timing is handled by having an area of the field, usually the center snare drummer, being defined as absolute time. The head drum major beats in time with that players feet and every other performer on the field watches the drum major and plays/marches exactly with the drum majors hands. Extra conductors replicate the time as interpreted by the head DM. This covers timing responsibilities for about 95% of the show. Sometimes field positioning dictates that you must play ahead of the drum majors hands, for instance being behind the drumline. Or if you’re in front of the drums, listening back and playing with the sound behind you. Corps work all summer on refining these interpretations of time and quite frankly the hardest parts do take 3 months of dedicated rehearsal to truly lock in. Usually drill writers and arrangers will attempt to avoid difficult situations like this, but when they can be achieved with hard work, they are rewarded competitively with more points. So there is a trade off

[@thomassicard3733]

As French horn player in a major symphony orchestra, I would always adust my timing to the distance from the conductor/front of the stage. It's a learned thing.

[@pacio49]

Former Drum Major and High School Marching Band alum here. You have the Drum Major keeping time and conducting. Often there are multiple Drum Majors, head DM and Assistants. The one up on the podium usually at the 50 yard line is the one who is conducting and keeping time for everyone. If there are assistants they are on the field and their job is to move around to key positions on the field and mirror exactly the beat of the Head Drum Major, so that it's like a mini monitor screen in key positions on the field where the musicians in the choreo can't turn and look to the front. The thing you are missing, like most of the audience, is that Marching Bands happen on a Football Field, which is clearly marked every 5 yards. So you are essentially learning and performing, always, on a grid that is right beneath your feet. So you learn which marks you have to hit to stand on, and you keep in mind some basics. Always stand between two people. When aiming for your mark or in small transitional passages you use your peripheral vision to constantly align yourself so that you are evenly spaced 'between two people', unless you're on the end of the formation, in which case you learn where you need to stand on the grid. And then you rehearse the routine, over and over and over and over again, until you train your muscle memory. This frees you from having to pay such close attention because while the routine looks chaotic to the audience, you're always walking in the same paths, always stopping at the same points, always performing the same music, between the same two people, making the same actions. You pick it up by muscle memory so you can focus on the performing aspect when it's time to take the field. Another big rule is "Don't anticipate." And the third of our big three was "Trust the choreography, not what you see." The last two makes sure you only move where you're supposed to move when it's precisely the moment to move there. Don't go early/don't anticipate. And the Trust one is critical for advanced maneuvers like when a formation 'folds' inward on itself because instead of staying on the grid, the choreo has each person turn by turn step halfway between two people, and change direction. There's a very advanced Parade Marching technique called Parade Corners. Instead of making a small arc to turn where the outer side of the row you're in has to move faster than the inner side to keep the alignment, you march right up to the limit of where you can't go straight any further and then one by one execute a sharp Right/Left Face as needed and step into the spaces between the individual files of people. The people behind you step right up behind you into the space you were just occupying, to make their turn, and if you all time it right and trust each other, you end up with the folks turning Right/Left always walking between the files of people coming up to the point where they will also turn. It makes the whole parade seem to collapse a bit on itself visually and instead of making an Arc for the turn, you turn at a precise right angle, as a whole, and come out in your same rank and file on the other side. This technique can be used on the field to great effect where the choreo needs it. But if you anticipate and step off too early, then your body will be in what the next person needs to be a space. And you'll collide. With everyone packed in at the point of turning, a single collision usually ruins the whole maneuver because now there are people in the places where the spaces need to be. Thus, it's a very advanced technique. And we're not even talking about how to handle that kind of maneuver when you have to account for the space taken up by your instruments. A Parade Corner when marching near a Trombone player is a certain recipe for disaster until y'all get it perfect. As both a band member on the field (clarinet) and a Drum Major, I've seen my fair share of people get cold-cocked because they were in the wrong place when the trombone turned. In competition, all musicians are told, "There are judges who will be walking among us on the field. If they get in your way at all, run them the eff over. They won't penalize you for knocking out a judge, but we will get penalized if you step off the line to make room for them. Run them over and teach them to pay better attention, they're swimming in your pool." (And yes, I saw a trombonist cold-clock a female judge on the back of the head and knock her out because she didn't expect the planned about-face choreography and was standing in their way. She had to be escorted off the field for the rest of the performance he hit her so hard. To be fair, she was sort of behind him, and he really didn't expect anyone to be there, and he had to turn real fast. So he did and just stepped over her passed out body on the field, laughing.)

[@t12_cranks54]

the definitely not was added to the title so that it doesnt get taken down and is also kind a meme

[@thumpertx1]

I think something that adds to just how impressive these shows are, is the age of the performers. For example, my wife marched for Crossman between her junior and senior years of high school.

[@void8422]

U definitely have to check out SCV 2018 they are so powerful brass wise and I’m not too big into drum line but scv never fails to disappoint

[@Stonkzy]

I highly recommend Carolina Crown 2012 and Blue Devils 2010. Some of my favorite shows personally

[@sethdallen]

I'm loving your DCI journey bro, I hope you keep reacting to more

[@benhummel5723]

Phantom Regiment 2021, Mandarins 2023, and Troopers 2023 are three of my favorite recent shows! Definitely a must watch!

[@drjimbo1357]

The Cavalier 2023 show undoubtedly had one of the best percussion features if you wanted to check it out, they got first in percussion!

[@shelbyguizar9036]

this is the first one of your drum corps videos I’ve watched. and I’m not even halfway through but I want to express how appreciative I am of this content. like it feels like your actually see us. makes me feel less insane lol

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

I love this. You guys are amazing. Keep up the great work

[@roquefoster7836]

If you like that you have to watch Santa Clara vanguards 2018, blue devils 2017, 2014 and Carolina crown e=mc2. It’s even more spectacular live.

[@kristianpeterson2571]

They train to anticipate the beat the farther away they are from the center/front sidelines, so that they sound hits at the same time. There are so many great DCI shows on the youtubes.

[@stevenmartin176]

In case no one has answered yet, as someone who has marched a season of drum corps (not this corps, although I have friends who did) sound delay is a real thing that the designers of a show like this think about. There are people on the staff of these types of group where there primary job is to estimate 1) what the listening environment could most likely be like at any given point of the show, and 2) how to combat it so that it all lines up perfectly when it reaches the box (the box is where judges sit in case you didn't know). There are so many different solutions to combat sound delay depending on where certain people are on the field, but fairly common ways that we try to get rid of the delay can be by asking people on a certain part of the field to play a certain amount of time early/late, or by making sure that everyone is listening to the right section (usually its listening back to the drumline or the tubas). Example: in the section of the show where they had the Trombones and tubas on the far right of the field, the trumpets in the back on the left, and the drumline in the middle, they probably had the trumpets play their music probably about and 1/8 note ahead of the beat the drum majors are giving them. From what I've heard, it actually took this group quite awhile to get this section lined up exactly perfectly (But clearly they did, and holy moly does this show look hard). Point is, yes, it is a real issue, there are people whos job is to find out how to get rid of the sound delay when watching the show from a general spot in the stands, and YES, sometimes the things they ask us to do make certain sections of the show really hard. I know from experience that a lot of the times when you are told in a rehearsal to play a certain part a certain way to make sure the music aligns properly, it requires a lot of trust that, although it sounds wrong from where you are standing, it sounds really good from where the judges are. Oh btw, look up Mandarins 2023, called "Sinnerman" (I marched that show lol).

[@amygarman2247]

It's probably already been mentioned here, but if you like Garden of Love, you MUST watch their 2022 show Riffs and Revelations. Also, I live in Indianapolis and we have the DCI world champs every August. The brass and drums rehearse for all 3 rounds of the championships IN A PUBLIC PARK. That feeling you feel in your chest from the brass? It is unbeatable listening to them warm up their programs from mere feet away.

[@CC78363]

And they came in second place with that!!!!

[@dukkcc2]

7:23 yeah there is a conductor, usually 5 of them around the field and the main one is the drum major

[@iainoam2565]

What's amazing is they did that portion of the show without conductors I think?

[@5hark906]

with the moment he's talking about tho, with the corps dancing to the poem, that is ALL the sound. they aren't being conducted there. same with the flugel and bone solo in mvt 3

[@trevorlewis24]

It was incredible to observe 17:14 progress over the season when folks thought they should re-write this section or that the mellos were missing notes (which they weren't, it was just timing of the dissonant attack). This turned out to be yet another unforgettable moment and their dedication to learning the timing really paid off. What a badass low brass sound and tone, followed up by an incredibly intelligent mid and upper brass ensemble. Very powerful moment and insane display of dedication!

[@x260TrueSnipes]

Carolina Crown 2015 show inferno is a GREAT one as well! They dont call them Gods horn line for nothing!

[@paullikesbass]

I want to give a shoutout to Finley, the drum major, they are one of the most amazing leaders I’ve ever seen, there’s an incredible speech that they gave right before this finals performance that is also on KZbin and Facebook

[@DeclanDougan]

This is an amazing show, and yet their best work is a whole level above this. Keep watching! As for the timing here’s the precise breakdown. There are conductors (drum majors) in the front and back of the field. Since light travels roughly instantaneously, for visual cohesion everybody must march exactly with the drum major’s hands, contacting the ground when their hands reach the bottom of each beat. Yet, as for playing, there is only one person who always plays exactly with the drum majors, and that is the drummer in the center of the snare drum line. Everyone else must play so that their sound front reaches the center snare when the beat hits. If they’re in front of the snare, this means you play exactly when the snare’s sound reaches you. The pit (marimbas and other auxiliary in the very front) is always in front, so they’re always playing when they hear the ensemble, which means their sound comes back to the band very delayed and must be ignored. Btw, love the genuine nature of the way you’re interacting with these productions. Rewinding the video to watch the ballad is so real and the kind of thing you should keep doing.

[@VDarling0701]

Oh! Phantom Regiment Spartacus

[@larsmiles7231]

This is the first DCI show that makes me cry 🤣

[@MrNoverlee]

Glad you said the key word at the beginning bro feel it in your chest bend their life is that experience you need to see alive

[@bensonhimmy-eu2uu]

hey! love to see someone new giving the credit and respect this art deserves. your def right, i saw this show this year live and it was absolutely insane, and you can definitely feel it in your whole body not just your chest. some recommendations i have. carolina crown 2013 blue devils 2014 blucoats 2016 these are all gold medal shows that won the were they were preformed. glad you love this art!!!

[@suncoastleif]

“You can’t cheat this”. Best summary of the activity I’ve ever heard.

[@quickbane1]

I hear you man. I wish I could like this video twice.