Brit Reacts To Drum Corps | Phantom Regiment 2008 - Spartacus

[@todayis_bella]

I learned from my band teacher who had a friend that performed in this show that the lady in color guard that was murdered by one of the drum majors actually got a concussion because of how hard she fell! It amazed me how strong she was until the very end, and didn’t let it deter her. This show is hands down my favorite show of all time. Every time I rewatch it, I always end up finding new things, and learn more about the show.

[@michaelgwfrogwelge]

Yep... She WAS concussed...

[@Klesko69]

ok... as the tour director she was fine.. maybe concussed, but never was unconscious

[@jeffsmick2620]

I had the privilege of being in the audience for this performance. Way at the top of the stands. You could feel it from start to finish. Every single person was fully invested, fully engaged. Then the release of emotion at the end with a standing ovation that started at “I am Spartacus”. Then during the awards ceremony Blue Devils were announced as coming in second and the entire place exploded knowing Phantom won it. One of those very special moments you never ever forget.

[@wdhaworth]

I was at this performance too and also very near the top of the stadium. As loud as Phantom was playing the ending, we could not hear the music as the cheering from the crowd was so loud. I’ve never been at any event where there was louder cheering from the crowd as this. As good as this video is, it was so much better seeing it live. I always compare a video of Drum Corps to watching fireworks on TV. It can be pretty spectacular on TV, but it’s even better in person. That’s the way Drum Corps is too.

[@rossfortini1856]

We were there too--also at the top left of the stands. it was absolutely a privilege to witness this performance, and a moment we still talk about. I think there would've literally been a riot had Phantom not won, and I almost felt bad that Blue Devils had to follow this epic show. We've been to Finals since, and they are a sad replica of that night (in part thanks to the current emphasis on amplification, vocals, keyboards, etc...thanks for nothing, George Hopkins). But at least we have '08 to smile about!

[@trumpetguy13]

I was there too. Way up in the nosebleeds (35yd line, Side 2), and absolutely lost my shit when they killed Will Pitts, and sobbed like a child when they announced PR had won. A night I’ll never forget.

[@avogrid296]

What always strikes me when I see this show is the SPEED that they maintain throughout the drill, along with amazing sound. I'd love to see their heart rates and oxygen levels!

[@coolmarchingrecipies]

there is an old video from the 90s i think im sure you could find somewhere where they measure that on a cavaliers member in rehearsal

[@KevinGamin]

They did one for a Star 93 tenor and then a 2005 Cavaliers tenor.

[@JC-bd5my]

One of my favorite shows ever. I think that was the first time ever that a drum major was "killed" on the podium hehe. Phantom Regiment is known for being the corps that always brings these "classic" stories to the field with their signature mid-range brass sound. They love a lot of drama. What I also love is that this is from the time before massive stage props. These days, there seems to be so many props on the field for the corps to march around, on top of, and through that you don't really get to see what the corps can do visually. This is "classic" drum corps. - no field props, no "spoken word" over a speaker system, no major amplifications. Just hardcore brass and drum playing from beginning to end. I really miss those days. :)

[@MichaelNaydeck]

Since 2008, every time I watch this I am let in tears. I was at this contest and I will say, for one night in Indiana we were all Sparticus. This is a statement show by Rick and the Phantom Regiment. One of my favorite shows of all time. I think I prefer Juliet but this is a Tour de Force of an older style of show that really was not eclipsed until 2014 when The Bluecoats came out with Tilt. This show stands on it's own merit's today and would not be out of place in modern drum corps. It is timeless. Thanks for watching this.

[@nwmusic2010]

I love Phantom Regiment, with all of my “defiant heart.” ❤️

[@KiranSundarkdog97]

Also worth a reaction from him! One of the best Phantom shows ever 😊

[@brandontaylor3252]

I'm loving these reactions and hope you keep doing them. There really is an endless well of drum corps shows to watch. I'd just like to point out that I believe this is your first video from what many would call the the traditional era of DCI. Props were quite rare, uniforms were more traditional military style, and pretty much everything you are hearing is coming off the field just balls out from the hornline and drums where in the modern era all of the top corps have their own sound system and crew and are micing solos as well as individual players for the duration of the show. Not to mention the synth in the front ensemble and vocal patches. The Bluecoats have even used harmonizers with triggers on the snare drums to create new sounds and textures. You'll also notice that with minimal choreo from the musicians and no large props the design focus was much more about marching formations and projecting volume to the audience without the marching affecting the sound. A great example is the ballad in this show where the mellophone soloist is totally acoustic. In any of the modern shows you've reacted to that would be mic'd and the soloist would be able to play without concern for volume and be as musical as possible. In this era you were one person projecting over the rest of the group and you had to find that balance between playing beautifully and being heard which is a very difficult technical challenge. Drum corp fans love to fight over which era is better, but I love both. The modern era requires a level of production and artistry that rivals most touring theatre shows but theres also something about badass about being able to stop your bus in the middle of nowhere, unload your uniforms and gear, and just put on an precision show with the acoustic volume of a rock band. If you really want to see peak marching formations you should probably start with the 2002 Cavaliers and the show "Frame Works". Sorry for rambling, just thought you might like some context for what you are seeing and hearing.

[@MrBochawa]

Lol "Traditional era." We were saying the same thing in 2000s about drum corps in the 70s and 80s. This was show was relatively forward thinking for the time it came out. The theatrical elements were probably some of the most overt in the history of the activity.

[@robingalbraith323]

​@MrBochawa I was going to say the same! It made me chuckle to see it called the traditional era when at the time, the old traditionalists HATED this show! It was too theatrical....too much drama....too much story. To now see it called traditional almost 20 years later, just shows how much the activity has evolved yet again!

[@joshsalmons1867]

Dude 👊. She really did get knocked out when her head hit the ground. That was a Miami Dolphins Tua head hit against the turf without a helmet. He was on concussion protocol for weeks after that. Almost didn't play again. Shows you how much this means to these corps.

[@tylerhackner9731]

I love drum corps

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

You and me both, brother 😁

[@rossfortini1856]

I was there with my then 8-year-old son and it was one of the most memorable live experiences of *any* kind. We still talk about that night. The crowd was so incredibly in the moment. Some may not know that Phantom was in *3rd* place in preliminary rounds, and *2nd* in semifinals. They hadn't beat Blue Devils once all year...'til that magical night. FYI, Kelly was (maybe not suprisingly) a figure skater who learned how to fall safely and suffered no injuries when she was dropped. But the 50k people in the crowd audibly gasped...quite a moment!

[@helios3217]

More drum corps!!! I’m marching this season ❤

[@MarkHill-j8z]

Pay attention to the drum majors...especially at the end. This truly an amazing drum Corp show

[@SRod54321]

One thing that is super amazing about this performance; If you notice at the end, the standing ovation starts its way from the top of the crowd to the bottom. It's almost always the opposite... but not with this show...That's just how much they were projecting the emotion in that show!

[@ivanlongoria3136]

You should watch the video of them announcing the scores for that night. The crowd reaction was amazing and still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.

[@BitterBrew.]

That was the very first Finals I attended. I was absolutely hooked after that, the energy was INSANE. To be fair, I was hooked after being shown Phantom 2003, and attending a show in 2006. But 2008 Finals... such an incredible few hours that I'll always remember.

[@scottsteenburg]

I was there. Right behind the phantom mom with the yellow poster. I could hear & feel the ending, but I didn’t see it 😅

[@williamsanborn9195]

This show stands as the single closest point spread between 1st and 2nd place, with a whopping 0.025 points, and goodness gracious it SHOWS! It stands as my favorite show of the 2000’s, with a very close second being the Cavaliers’ show Frameworks from 2002. No question about it!

[@Bbboudin]

Wow! One of the most legendary DCI shows of all time! Early 2000s Cavaliers next for some more legendary drum corps!

[@paytah3373]

I'm a Regiment Phan all the way, but if I'm honest, 02 Cavaliers is the Dimond standard of shows. Spartacus was an incredible production. But musically and conceptually, Frameworks (02 Cavaliers) was technically more advanced and revolutionary. Michal Gaines was writing some incredible drill for cavies during the late 90s to early 2010s

[@Bbboudin]

@@paytah3373 wholeheartedly agreed!!

[@zacharyliles8657]

I saw this live in 2008 and it absolutely changed my life! Phantom are famous for doing these grand epic tales. Romeo and Juliet is another one of my all-time favorite Phantom shows. Absolutely loving you discovering and loving drum corps!

[@isaac.EDY221]

Charlie your dci reactions are so hype!

[@slotwhiz1]

I am in tears after watching this show. Thanks, Phantom.

[@nickmueller7310]

YES, THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHOW!

[@lorendaven]

You should totally do Bluecoats 2022 or 2016 next!

[@jerrikeefer8219]

2016 show for sure!!!

[@ChasingTheCycloneInTwisted]

everytime i watch this it gives me chills

[@pghskin]

DCI has modified their rules through the years, and in 2004, they started to allow some electronics, amplification, voice and eventually recordings to augment the performance. You'll notice that this show did not use any electronic amplification of the soloists or electronic instruments. There is a lot of debate in the DCI circles with people dead-set against any augmentation of the instruments and prefer the "old school" drum corps. But if you go back a few decades, they were only playing with one-valved brass instruments and it limited the scope of the productions considerably. So it's all in perspective. But this is a perfect example of how shows can be amazing without props and electronics as well.

[@davidjack7418]

Well said. There are arguments to be made for both, but I get to be a fan either way. It's more important to me that I support the young performers than worry about what the organization does.

[@heyitsbacon599]

My one and only time I've been to DCI world championships was 2008. What an amazing year to go!

[@theincompletepackage]

6:11 that "finish him" into the sword was cold af someone sample that

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

😂

[@daviddesalvo623]

If you like really cool drill (overall marching forms on the field) you would love the cavaliers 2002, 2003, and 2010

[@derekgross3571]

Cavaliers 2003 ❤❤❤

[@RatSlayerGaming]

leaving out late 90's cadets from this really cool drill list is a crime. not to take away from those cavaliers shows cuz they are epic!

[@ericaabbott2938]

CAVIES FOR SURE!

[@aaronstafford9783]

was literally just about to comment this. Dont forget 2000!

[@randomentertainment]

this is my favorite show of all time. came out the year i was born and yet it convinced me that i should join dci. pulling for phantom regiment 2024. keep these videos going man.

[@cindychrisman5871]

Another great reaction! So happy you are reviewing drum corps shows! Other ones could include: Star of Indiana 1991; Madison Scouts 1995; Cavaliers 2002.

[@Moosepants12]

This show is incredible, the closer always has me tear up. You best believe I'm watching all of these reactions now lol

[@mwickart74]

96 phantom was my favorite show of theirs hands down

[@tonyflo04]

16 years later this still brings me to tears. They won by 0.125 at finals. Just an amazing finals performance.

[@markmonzon8169]

Enjoying these epic DCI performances and reactions by Charlie! Cheers and keep'em coming!

[@MarkBrewster-en3jt]

Charlie, many thanks for this one! Awesome show and great to see your reaction to it!

[@luisantoniohelfer8278]

The sneeze absolutely sent me bahahaha

[@lhsbandfreak11]

Had several friends and instructors in this show! An all time classic!

[@squillz8310]

Thank you again, Charlie, for another awesome DCI reaction! I always appreciate watching someone new to the activity react. Seeing you learn as you see more performances is a feeling i can't get anywhere else. I always try to bring friends with me to my local DCI show every summer so they too can experience just how amazing it is. The looks on their faces when the brass plays the first big hit of the night are priceless. So thank you again! Also, I've seen so many people recommend it, and i have to as well. The Bluecoats 2022 show is absolutely incredible!

[@croatiancowboy]

SO STOKED to see you react to this show!! It's one of the most popular/classic shows for a reason, but I'm also excited bc I'm honored to personally know people who have marched this show as well! The percussion director at my old highschool was in the snare line, an assistant director at the same school was also a brass technician there for a time, and the Drum Major or Conductor who gets stabbed at the end of the show literally wrote and arranged the music for my high school's marching band all 4 years I was there at least, but I believe he was hired for much longer than that. I actually had the honor of meeting Will Pitts (guy who gets stabbed and Head Drum Major) in person! Edit - and after seeing someone else recommend it; I highly recommend Cavaliers 2002 next! It was *formerly* the highest scoring show in DCI history until Blue Devils 2014 stole that title, with a likely never to be beaten 99.65. (For reference, only 4 shows in DCI history have had a Finals Night score of 99 or higher.) I recommend watching BD 2014 too!! But I'm also biased bc, once again, the head director at my highschool marched trumpet for Cavaliers that year lmao. But if you thought Spartacus was perfect and insanely coordinated, wait until you see those 2 shows i mentioned!

[@aubreyricher9827]

Something you don't see in this video but you can see it at the one i'm linking below, as the gladiator fight is ending the drum major turns to the audience to give the "thumbs up or down" for live or die, which is prompting the crowd to be interactive with the show to scream out die and he gives the thumbs down for him to give the killing blow This link is that moment just with a camera on the drum major kzbin.info/www/bejne/noCYYWeCa5iKZ7M

[@waynestephens6505]

This is one of my favorite Phantom Regiment shows! I completed against them in 1975 and 1976 with Guardsmen also from Illinois. Sadly my Guardsmen folded many years ago. I adopted Phantom as my favorite, but I love all drum corps. Phantom has a move they have through the years called kick out that their Phans (yes their fans are called Phans) love. KZbin Phantom Regiment kick out. A short video. Oh, on another post of this I learned the young lady who was dropped was also a competitive ice skater, so she knew how to fall and was not injured.

[@tonylettkeman3685]

Coming back to this for a moment. For your own pleasure to see all the movement, here's what is called the High Cam version of this show. One single stationary view of the entire performance. You don't see some of the nuance of the storyline, but it gives you an appreciation of the amount of marching they did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XciHmInbCBprs

[@manlym1k3]

Such a fun Finals, I'll never forget it. It was supposed to be the first one held in Lukas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, but construction fell behind schedule and it wasn't going to be open in time. DCI had to move it to Bloomington after everyone had already made hotel and travel arrangements to Indianapolis. So they hired a huge fleet of buses and drove everyone back and forth between Indianapolis and Bloomington every night.

[@rcb222]

love these reaction ❤

[@chymnster4445]

you should watch 2010 or 2011 Phantom next! 2011 was very emotional like this show. I started bawling during the closer.

[@erickasherman3965]

When I was a kid, the Drum and Bugle Corp was just band members following the one guy who could play the bagpipes! It's crazy because you have to capture the attention of the people in the cheap seats

[@snail415]

Best DCI reactions on KZbin, period.

[@trumpetguy13]

You should do a reaction to the award ceremony when they announced the Top 3 and the winner. Worth it.

[@doritobandito_1323]

today it's pretty popular for members to record a full runthrough with a headcam, I think you'd really enjoy seeing it from a first person perspective like that! I reccomend the blue devils 2017 trumpet cam or the scv 2018 marimba cam, those are some of my personal favorites

[@connerferguson1140]

One of our baritone techs at Southwind last year marched this show!

[@TheArkDoc]

Love Phantom Regiment.

[@283Moondancer]

Man you need to watch the awards ceremony from that year. Phantom won by the slightest of margins and the crowd (and the corps) went nuts!

[@jimgreen5788]

Charlie, just for the record, I'm from the city which is home to this corps--Rockford, IL. That said, if you've never seen the movie Spartacus from back around 1960, you probably have no idea what was being referred to when one of the guys yelled, "I'm Spartacus!" This is a true story of a group of thousands of slaves around 200 BC took on the Roman Empire for their freedom. They came so close to winning, until they were stopped near Rome. The Roman general had gotten embarrassed big time by how this army was winning time after time. Needless to say, he was "bent outta shape". So, he said to the tens of thousands on a hillside to turn Spartacus over to him, and if they would, they'd be set free. However, if they didn't, they'd all be crucified along the Appian Way. Spartacus started to yell out his name, but was immediately drowned out by, "I'm Spartacus!" As promised, they were all crucified. The star was a brilliant actor of the time--Kirk Douglas. See if you can find it, if you haven't seen it.

[@jerrikeefer8219]

One of the biggest comebacks of all times!

[@zomethingmysterious1083]

11:09 Bless you

[@johnkennedy3602]

Yess!!! Finally!🎉

[@Llamal0rd5]

CAROLINA CROWN INFERNO!!!!!!

[@caps4thecup60]

YESSSS

[@callindykid]

Been really enjoying the DCI journey! I *highly* recommend Bluecoats 2014 "Tilt"! Hope to see you do that one!

[@mediocreman2]

Such a tight show! Can't imagine how powerful it would sound with G bugles instead.

[@babboon]

This show is a good example how drum corps changed over time. I think you caught a lot of the things that they used to do back then in 2000s DCI show designs! In the 2000s they had drill (the formations they make on the field) that was uniform in shape, was more in sync with the music, and was fast paced. They marched a lot of the time compared to modern drum corps where the ensembles/sections are spread out into smaller formations where they pause and is more abstract in formation. They also marched and played more at the same time in the 2000s. 2000s DCI show design was more drill focused (a lot of the shows had cool and difficult looking formations) while modern shows use "staging" to maxime music and visual impacts with combination of drill, choreography, props, and cool color guard and music moments. Modern Blue Devils shows are great example of show design that uses "staging" very well (which is probably why they win so much). Show themes were less esoteric and simpler to understand. Large props and electronics were seldom used. The front ensemble (marimbas, timpanis, etc.) was mic'd and the occasional synth was used but that was about it. Corps also had more traditional uniforms with "hats" and stuff. I think it is safe to say that the shows of the 2000s were more like of what a lay person would think of a marching arts show while modern shows are artistic productions pushing the bounds of this activity (in a good way, usually).

[@josephkeo5611]

If you want to see near perfect forms like how you mentioned in the beginning, you would LOVE anything from the Cavaliers from 1999-2008

[@lawrencedove8369]

Bless you

[@laila-holm]

Hello from Norway 🙂 This is also WOW! as ouer Norwegian Militær Tattoo - they'r known for their amazing presision + When they drill.and throwing their weapons. + all they who play their instruments, and the drummers sooo in sync If you choose see some of their performece, - dont see what the most shared here on KZbin. There are maaaany longer and better than them i've seen shared here at KZbin Im a bit surprised, that you also have videoes like this (love it though) i have followed you for a looong time, even.shattered some tears when you did, when so beautiful guitarsolo's, vocals, songs ++++ I realy hope that woman not got injured when "bang" her head 🙏 Greetings n Love 🙂✌️🎶🤘❤

[@nolanengelke]

one of my teachers at my drum corps im at right now is the head drum major for this show aka the one that got stabbed lol

[@imag1n342]

He HAS to do blue devils 2017 or bluecoats 2014 next!!!!! love the vids

[@frankflores1518]

They jumped from 3rd to 1st place to win it all in their final performance by the way too

[@jeremyconner5117]

You should watch the retreat of this year. You wanna hear a loud crowd!

[@michaelheinen8526]

Charlie,i got tickets to go see a DCI show in Canton,Ohio August the 5th 2024, Phanton Regiment will be there,Plus Bluecoats,Carolina Crown, Blue Devils total of 10 Groups,

[@shscjs3]

She did in fact get a concussion from when he dropped her

[@utha2665]

I'm not usually a fan of American marching bands, they tend to be overblown and out of tune sacrificing sound quality for the visual. But this truly surprised me, I've never seen anything like it, I've tried marching in formation doing a tiny, tiny fraction of what they were doing and yes it is difficult to maintain a good and even sound. But running while playing and still being able to keep a great sound with great dynamics and keeping it all in sync was just out of this world. They have to all be wearing earpieces to keep it that together and to memorise all those movements and the music, I just don't have the words to how impressed I was. The physical effort was clear at the end, as you noted Charlie, they were sweating profusely, us musicians don't tend to be the fittest people around but these guys and girls were top tier. Thank you Charlie for showing this, they have changed my mind on American marching bands. WOW just WOW.

[@dwaterson21]

Not to be that guy, but this isnt a marching band, it’s a drum and bugle corps. They’re very similar marching bands, but they don’t include woodwinds and they are judged like gymnasts.

[@dogchickenman]

YESSS FINALLY

[@illimiran]

do 2014 blue devils!

[@levivalentinovideos]

They were seeded 4th going into finals week, came 3rd on Qtrs, 2nd Semis and 1st on finals night! Next try Phantom 96 and 2003, both amazing shows, and if you want to get a bit more old school the OG's of modern drum corps are Star of Indiana 1991!

[@trumpetguy13]

You should also do 2003 Phantom

[@lavonneburke979]

If you like this, check out Top Secret Drum Corps. Any of them. But they do have one with Phantom, but think.

[@lennnnnyyy12]

i would love for you to react to a high school marching band like hebron, avon or broken arrow and seeing the absolute INSANITY these literal kids are putting out onto the field. a show like hebron 2021/2023 or broken arrow 2021 is a good starter

[@sgabig]

11:09 gesundheit ! 🤧

[@andyv2209]

i hope youll check out Tilt. that show was epic.

[@lucasmaynard-estevez675]

Gotta do Carolina Crown 2018 Beast next

[@galileasesmas3387]

Oh man!!! You should react to Santa Clara Vanguard’s 2024 show! It’s hella great!

[@benneyjunior6192]

should do Blue Coats: Tilt.

[@dontcryoverspiltmilk]

Ok. Now pick your favorite show you’ve seen so far, and find a POV for your favorite instrument because it probably will exist. I’m partial to the drum line POVs but you truly can’t go wrong with any instrument.😊

[@TheDeanHaemel]

How about back in time to G bugle glory? 1987 Cadets or 1989 SCV.

[@paytah3373]

True Story, Regiment was in THIRD just two nights prior after quarterfinals. It's difficult to move up ONE position during the last two nights, let alone up 2nd after semis and winning it the following night. I'd have to go through the recaps over the decades, but I don't recall another season when a single ensemble jumped two positions like that to win finals? If I'm wrong, let me know.

[@blakemccain9903]

I need you to see bluecoats 2022 Riffs and Revelations 🙏🙏🙏

[@Filipeeno]

Cavaliers 2000 - Niagara Falls if you're getting into that phenomenal drill now. 😉

[@Zane_-sh4wo]

Dude, you HAVE to watch Blue Devils 2014 next! Their show that year has the highest rating in DCI history.

[@alienbean1810]

Bluecoats 2014🙏🙏🙏

[@ThomasRiley-wu1em]

You should reaction to Carolina crown 2012

[@nickjcast]

Damn, this is the version of Spartacus with Dance of Ecstasy edited out :/

[@douglasseebergh536]

Cavaliers 2004 or 2006

[@kjjones641]

The irony of your sabres not swords commen is that they actually are using both in this show.

[@cinemeleon2808]

Shake it up and check out some HBCU bands.

[@1anonymousb]

You had it right the first time when you said conductor. Phantom Regiment has a classical music identity so they call their Drum Major a conductor. All other corps call their conductors Drum Majors. This all can be confusing.

[@paulriddell6512]

Hi Charlie. Great series and great reaction as always. Would love to chat with you about the UK drum corps scene. It may not be what it once was but some great stuff in the 90s and early 2000s with a fraction of the members and and less than 1% of the training time. Hit me up!

[@trumpeteer36982]

PLEASE REACT TO HEBRON HIGHSCHOOL MARCHING BAND 2021!!!!

[@LS-tj2ho]

Kelly did not get a concussion ppl.

[@Officialjiarjones]

Charlie If You Can Could You React Too Earnest Pugh Rain On Us

[@deandevise6110]

Day 2 of asking for Mandarins 2023... please :)

[@garyrowlatt1932]

How hard was it for the drum major to stifle any emotion acting dead on podium on the biggest night ..

[@wingstoplovr]

do blue devils 2023 and/or 2022