New Zealand Girl Reacts to 1993 STAR OF INDIANA - Medea's Dance of Vengeance

[@aphlyp]

Star of Indiana became “Blast” after this show. The Drum Major in this show is also the same guy conducting in Carolina Crown’s “Drops The Hammer” video. Legendary performance.

[@aphlyp]

@Just Theo Ultimately, Star still became Blast came “after” this show, but as you mentioned not next in sequence. Like Star, Brass Theater hasn’t been an operating production for decades. Blast, on the other hand, has. Just trying to keep the history lesson brief and high level. If anyone wants to know more about their history, check out: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blast!_(musical)

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

Actually first star became the angry club because cadet's stomped them at 93 finals, then later when staff from star went to Carolina crown it became crown of Indiana.

[@highstimulation2497]

wait, what? and- does this have anything remotely to do with the fact that at 97 Cadets, I learned of a pit exercise that was jokingly called, in reference to the Cadets 93 show, "In the fall when Star goes off to practice?"

[@LJ-wo1wf]

5:35 - "This is sooo different from what I've seen before" -- and she says this after watching DCI videos for months and months. Back in '93, we were saying the same thing when we watched it. Really a timeless program.

[@dklx]

Star ‘93 is the gold standard of the deep end of the DCI pool. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more controversial, complex, and influential show in all of DCI’s history. Basically the equivalent of discovering electricity for how much it changed everything afterwards; the “lightning bolt striking Edison’s kite” on the timeline of marching music.

[@richbrass12]

Oh hey Courtney!!! So you know Matt Harloff, you know the guy screaming, jumping, spitting, and conducting Carolina Crown's brass?? Yeah he was the 21 year old drum major in this show.

[@JAutry]

Was Matt the DM for the '91 show??

[@tp24072]

@@JAutry I believe he was a soprano

[@evanmnichproductions]

@@tp24072 he was. Marched soprano from 89-92

[@DFiscus1]

@@JAutry That was Bobby Hullett in 1991

[@thecindyjackson]

Matt had a unique roll the first year of Brass Theatre, too. He played the concert Bb stuff (we switched horns from G to Bb during parts of the show) and conducted the G style stuff. I believe his title was 'Student Conductor's, since Ray Kramer was the Conductor.

[@mastertrumpet101]

This show was so ahead of it's time. It almost feels like a modern DCI performance without all the electronics and mics.

[@NAJ81976]

This show was so amazing in person.

[@DrumlineAV]

100% agree. First time I saw this show I thought it was incredibly far ahead of its time. Got taught by a couple of these guys a while back and they had some amazing stories!

[@EBG...]

I think it still feels like something from the future. Not even that. More like they were brought in from some parallel universe where dci was completely different.

[@NAJ81976]

I was a senior in high school that year and our marching band, I was a drum major, was the better band, but half that drum line went to a high school we competed against and no one could come close to how good they were.

[@maxalain9948]

Just how I like

[@samsignorelli]

As far as their last performance in DCI, prior to the season (and as a reminder to the haters who say Star took their ball and ran off because they lost to Cadets...this happened BEFORE THE SEASON), Star had signed a deal to tour with the Canadian Brass (a comedic, and EXTREMELY skilled brass quintet)...they would be unable to do both. Star later morphed into the Broadway show Blast. Star was leaving DCI after 93 in any case....it had nothing to do with them losing in 93.

[@lhsbandfreak11]

A show that was 20 years ahead of its time! One of the best if not the best DCI show ever, honestly! And the fact that such musical brilliance was played on 2-valve bugles makes it even more amazing. Only corps to ever not switch to 3-valve horns once they were allowed. Fun fact: Carolina Crown's current brass caption head was the head drum major for this corps this season. Definitely was waiting for this show to pop up on your channel! 😊

[@veot.2869]

That's not true. We had 3 valve instruments that year.

[@benf1111]

@@veot.2869 Veo, if by "we" you mean Star then you most certainly were NOT a part of Star. Quit your bullshit. We used the same 2valve King bugles from'85-'93. The staff liked the sound of these compared to the stuffy 3 valvers out at the time. 2valves were not a limitation on Prime's arranging. This was the last hornline to win brass on 2 valves.

[@jonah1540]

This show was so far ahead of it's time. Judges didn't know how to score it and audiences didn't know how to react. Many times they were booed because it was so different. Bravo to them for taking such a bold direction for the activity. This corps was criticized the year before for having a more crowd pleasing patriotic show following their very high brow DCI Championship Winning show in 1991.

[@larrywt656]

That drumline was absolutely amazing! Not sure why the guy who recommended this thought you wouldn't like it. That was a very creative show for 27 years ago.

[@seanicusthirty7666]

They actually took high percussion in finals. I don't think they awarded the caption trophies by averaging the three nights scores (quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals) back then.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

It was and so was 2006 cavies.

[@aRhapsodicHitcher]

Someone should show her the Velvet Knights... for what the other side of DCI can look like.

[@cbenson196]

Yes. 1988 1990 or 1992

[@1johncabs]

Bridgemen, baby!

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

Or show her the movie stripes

[@samsignorelli]

Heck of a show to react to....very VERY different from any corps show before it, especially in the top 12. Also...rather the musical journey from the gentle and lyrical "When You Wish Upon a Star" from their first show in 1985 (first chart in the show, and the corps song to this day) to the jarring dissonance of "Dance of Vengeance."

[@jakenowell5211]

I love this show because it kinda gives you the finger the whole time. No big brass hits, small segments, no direct storyline, no flashy color guard uniforms. I love the power they produce at the end. Almost makes me cry. I definitely had to watch it like 10 times to finally get it though.

[@highstimulation2497]

by 'that' definition, tons of art and music and dance give the finger. but art is about more than crowd-pleasing.

[@cookie1054]

That star of Indiana is still the best DCI show I’ve ever seen. I was at mid America finals and they stole the show. Listen to that brass and percussion. Hands down the best I’ve ever seen.

[@paulblichmann2791]

"The people in the crowd crack me up" They probably guessed the wrong spot to clap for the opener, several times.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

This era of drum corp's was other worldly, it was like being a rock star, a king, a gladiator, and a pro athlete all at the same time.

[@dannyspoonamore4914]

The most influential, and in my opinion the greatest, show in marching music history. The one thing you'll never get is the live feeling, and how incredible the performers were. Literally symphonic musicians on a football field. While running. It took me years, literally, to fully understand. And I was there, live, many times and saw this show. I still remember the crowd's reaction at Bloomington. Mouths wide open, and we were ALL musicians. People hated it because it was so different.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

I was there in Bloomington as well, we knew we were never going to beat star but it didn't matter, it was like being in heaven.

[@veot.2869]

Hey Courtney, V here. I want to fill you in about this show. First of all there were only two corps in 1993 that were racing to win the championship that year: Star of Indiana and Cadets of Bergen County (now called The Cadets). I was in camp with Star that year and for the first time they hired a guy from Julliard school of music (tops) to teach the hornline how to dance. It was a minimalistic art show so the performance was about the small things/details. Unfortunately, this was the high view video tape. You couldn't see all of the drumming details nor horn movements. To make a long story short this is the only corps that could have performed this way and come out with this kind of magnanimous result. And yes, for the times it was a controversial show because it wasn't meant to be traditional. It was futuristic and unprecedented, including the uniforms. In the end, they lost the championship by .1 of a point!!!!! The Cadets show was good, but not as clean during finals. However, because the last two nights they were leading that gave them a bit of an edge. Star already knew what they were going to do. They left the activity...almost on top and with the greatest amount of buzz. But this show will still go down in history as one of the great shows, not for the sake of the score and finish, but for the sake of its influence. Matt Harloff, Carolina Crown's main horn instructor, was pulled from Star's hornline to become drum major that year. Look at what he has done!! He has been for more than a decade in DCI's Hall of Fame and will perhaps go down as the greatest horn instructor in DCI's history!!! 🎺

[@thecindyjackson]

You were in camp with us? Did you march with us?

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

"First of all there were only two corps in 1993 that were racing to win the championship that year"

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

@@StephenKershaw1 Revisionist history. You act like there was never any choreography with corps before. You need to dust off the VHSs and take a look. The ironic part about all of this was that since I lived in KY, Star was the closest corps for me to go to. I ended up going to Madison. But I always respected Star ... that is until I started reading all these stupid comments like yours.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

I was there marching with one of star's competitors, some aspects of their dancing was bizarre and almost laughable, but every other aspect was really cool, they still were not as good as cadet's.

[@stephanieroberts105]

I was in marching band in high school. The pride of paoli, out of paoli indiana. We won 13 class D state championships and also twice moved to class C and won there twice. My second year we played a show called canyon.. our 4th movement was this..medea lol my first year we did a show called Stonehenge.. which you can find the dci version on KZbin. Medea is on here too (part of it). Alot of our drill and music came from DCI.. my favorite that you can find on here is the four freedoms. Gives me goosebumps every time. I wish there were more videos of the pride on here from the early 2000s. Man was it a ride.

[@thecindyjackson]

I marched this show. Feel free to ask me any questions (I was also a theatre major back then and well versed in the story of Medea)!

[@albusdumdledore5919]

What instrument

[@thecindyjackson]

@@albusdumdledore5919 soprano

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

I loved that season, you guy's had great food, I was in magic, that season was humbling and exciting for me, I remember competing against you Guy's very early in the season, can't remember if it was Palakta Florida or Tampa but it was a small outside setting and the field grass was high, there were only like maybe five corp's there, star, magic, blue knights I can't remember who else, this was literally the first time I ever saw a top six corp's live.

[@thecindyjackson]

@@wheniwasyourage4418 Probably Palatka lol that place was wild. We spent the first half of the season on the DCS tour, then were only allowed to perform in exhibition at the championships because we weren't a DCS corps. We were told it was a favor to DCI to help boost sales on that tour. I don't know if that's true but I do know we got in A LOT of reps on that tour and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. And we got to spend half a day at Disney World!

[@DemoDougie]

The people in the crowd that "crack you up," the ones closest to the mics and the most clearly heard are the instructors. LOL They continue to encourage us on the field.

[@willrobinson1482]

This show is amazing. I wish we still had Star, they were so ahead of their time

[@HumbertoTamezJr]

Finalllllyyyy! Ive been waiting for this reaction for months

[@antwankumiaa7329]

Star was founded and funded by Bill Cook, a businessman and billionaire from Bloomington Indiana, he was inspired when his son showed him a video of drum corps. Star left the DCI circuit after 93’ and became a Broadway show known as “Blast” and went on to win I believe a couple Tony awards. Star won the DCI title in 91 I think. They were around for an extremely short period of time, but had a profound impact. On a separate note, the head drum major in this show is the brass head at Crown, the hornline you and we all love so much.

[@jakobbarr4216]

Fun fact, Bill’s son was having many problems in his life and his father was worried about his future due to his undesirable behaviors. This all changed however when his son became involved with DCI, and Bill Cook decided to create his own corps with the best in the business.

[@samsignorelli]

@@jakobbarr4216 Yep....his son marched Colts. I believe Jim Mason was his director...and would later run Star.

[@justinblackman8523]

Fun fact: the drum major for this show was Matt Harloff, who is the brass caption head for Carolina crown! (The guy yelling in the hammer video)

[@wessparkmon2395]

When I first got into marching band and DCI, this was the show my brother was most excited to show me. He was a drummer, so he always says that this show does have the cleanest snare roll in DCI history (when you say "Drums" around the 9:30 mark). It quickly became my favorite show. The closer was even my audition piece for drum major in high school. My high school director was in the crowd that night and he has always told me that Cadets deserved the win, but we always seemed to copy more of what Star was doing, so I would just smirk at him whenever we added the Star-style choreography to our shows.

[@smdftb8495]

There are two eras of marching percussion. Pre-Star 93 and post-Star 93.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

This drumline is NOTHING like todays. Not even close. This drumline is more like orchestral percussion. And that's why it is special.

[@DrumTipTuesday]

It was my honor to be a part of this ensemble! Thank you for your constructive and thoughtful review. I am now a subscriber

[@andrewreisinger6860]

A great performance by the Star of Indiana is "Belshazzar's Feast" they did a year or two before Medea. From the orchestra and choral piece by William Walton. From the story in the book of Daniel in the bible.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

star 90 and 91 were awsome, 91 in particular, that show rocked, 91 star was a beast.

[@funny_monke6]

You must see their 1991 show! That was their championship year.

[@johnmerlino581]

11:06 - the drum roll heard around the world

[@billgarcia646]

Someone should start a gofundme to get her out to DCI finals one year to see it live

[@CourtneyCoulston]

i tried to go this year but flights too expensive!!! next year i reckon!

[@jgpeeps65]

The Star of Indiana has a lot of influence on Carolina Crown just go back to the 2016 season and you will hear a similar version of this show. Strong horn line and attention to the smallest of note when they play each movement. This is why Crown is compared to this DCI legend, thanks for posting, great show.

[@JAutry]

Yeah because Matt Harloff marched in Star of Indiana!! That's why there's a strong resemblance between both corps.

[@ryanmele8159]

Matt Harloff is on of the greats he really has stayed loyal to this style and Carolina Crown specifically ever since he joined

[@toolmanboston]

@@JAutry You spelled Thom Hannum incorrectly :)

[@Mark-sj3xb]

I always thought when Star died they re-incarnated as Crown. The uniforms Crown had in 2008 made them look like Star in this show

[@shyryTsr2k]

I have never heard of this before! That's why I love LOVE your channel Ms. Courtney I always learn and discover something new here. Thank you so much and I hope you had a fabulous Christmas! ❤

[@supersop]

I could write a book about this show ... I'm just glad you "got" it. It usually takes about 20 viewings of this show in order to fully appreciate the nuance and exposure of the writing. This show was widely hated for a very long time (mostly for the reasons you pointed out as positives). It was nothing like anything that had ever been put on the field in DCI.

[@samsignorelli]

I know she did 88 SCV....did she see you in 89 SCV, Dan?

[@supersop]

@@samsignorelli I think you're mixing me up with PeeWee. I was at Madison in 89.

[@samsignorelli]

@@supersop You're probably right!

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

There are so many performances I would put ahead of this from that era. Yes it is intriguing. But I swear I don't know what's with the revisionist history .... is there anything they did here besides the music being so esoteric that hasn't been done before? No.

[@samsignorelli]

@@JohnSmith-zi9or They took the body motion to an entirely new level, for one thing.

[@hyperparachute]

This show was definitely about 15 years ahead of it's time, another show that was very easily ahead of it's time was Suncoast Sound from 1988. Definitely worth a watch and listen. Star of Indiana is definitely the greatest drum corps to have come and gone in the activity and paved the way for how the marching arts are portrayed now.

[@FoxSleeping]

Suncoast 1988 was 1993 Star before Star was.

[@boilerdawg]

A few things about this show...Carolina Crown's Brass Caption Head (or coach as you like to call him) was the drum major for this show. After 1993, Star of Indiana left DCI to tour with a show called 'Brass Theater' which they did in theaters instead of football stadiums. This was done intentionally so they could reach more people instead of just the drum corps and marching band community. Even though I marched in the Blue Stars, I was given the opportunity to perform with the Star of Indiana Alumni Corps in 2010. Even though we weren't marching for that performance, 'Medea' was still one of the most intense things I've ever played. As soon as I saw the uniforms in the thumbnail image, I clicked on it before even reading the title because I was so excited to see your reaction to this!

[@whymethough2701]

Oh boy I love this show so much. I hope she watches more shows from 93 because that was a damn good year for drum corps.

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

It was, it was an amazing year to be a rook out, I was very fortunate to compete that year.

[@BRUXXUS]

Definitely the most infamous show in DCI history. I’d say most people now, looking back, either love it or can at least appreciate what it was. They REALLY knew how to build tension and hold back until the VERY end, where they just unleashed hell on the crowd. It’s great.

[@samsignorelli]

I would say the 1985 "Christmas in July" offering by the Bridgemen was more infamous....

[@TheTexasorbusted]

One of the trumpet players in this show was a future drill guy for my high school marching band. Let's just say he had clear conflicts with other drill guys (From Madison Scouts) at my high school at the time ('96-'99). Star of Indiana was different from other DCI corps because they had a corporate sponsor (Cook Group). Other corps typically had to fundraise to get support which eats into time practicing shows. Star of Indiana, on the other hand, had an advantage in both time to practice shows and resources. Star of Indiana normally had new props and uniforms and equipment unlike other corps at the time. But Star of Indiana was way ahead of the curve and definitely thought outside the box. This is what lead to their meteoric rise to the top of DCI in so few years.

[@benf1111]

How does fundraising eat into practice time during the summer exactly?

[@alonzoadamsphoto]

This show was 20 years ahead of its time. This corps influenced Carolina Crown, The Cadets, The Cavaliers and others. The y ended their run with this year’s performance you just watched, but later and went on to create the Tony award winning BLAST! This corps was just so ahead of their time their entire history.

[@danieldunlap4077]

I miss the old school shows.

[@jeffgray7922]

The way you were feeling is the way a lot of us were feeling back in 1993 when this show debuted. It was so different from what we were used to that many had a really hard time liking it. I know it took me watching this show about twenty times for me to finally dig it. One of the classic drumcorps shows of all time that really influenced drumcorps for years to come. I'll never get tired of that ending and just how the whole show builds to that.

[@totesgene]

I became a huge Star homer in '90 and I abs olutely hated this '93 show during the season. 10 years later I was on a massive Star kick, listening to '89-'92 like crazy and decided to give '93 another chance. Instantly, my perception changed and it is one of my single favorite shows and I consider it the greatest show design in history - every detail was perfect. A miracle, really.

[@cya4009]

I was born 11 years after this show, but it’s one of my favorite shows ever done in the 90s! So minimal but still very elegant!

[@EITSlover91]

Love the reaction Courtney! Glad I could recommend something different! That closer gets me so hype every time I hear it. I’m so happy you appreciated the quiet aspect of the show. A lot of fans initially didn’t appreciate the slow build and were put off by the quiet, silent parts which is why I thought you might not like it. As others have said this show actually got booed during the 93 season, including in their hometown. Now it has grown to maybe the most iconic performance it DCI’s history and helped push the creativity of Drum Corp to what we are seeing today.

[@StrikingSixth]

If you like interesting shows like this one, Suncoast Sound 1988. That is also pretty wild. Not Star Quality, but still darn good.

[@benf1111]

Suncoast, way ahead of their time and you could say a precursor to this show. Another corps I miss.

[@justinsmyth3211]

I was at this show. I was a senior in high school and my band director to us to see this. It was awesome. Star of Indiana and the Cadets of Bergen County were the class of the field.

[@TealTrump11]

They evolved after this. The core of Star of Indiana became "Blast!" which is a broadway show.

[@johnnylitzinger]

Courtney, you are the bomb digity!!! I love watching you appreciate all of the creativity, blood, sweat and tears (trust, there where many of each) that goes into each group’s performance and show. I love it when you say “Go King” and when you bounce to the beat. Does New Zealand have a drum corps? It is DCI (international). In case someone wants to read my opinion, here are my comments on Star’s show: I marched in 1993 (Magic of Orlando) and got to see this show many times during that summer when they came to the south tour. I loved the musicianship of this show, not all about loud and proud, but showing off technique and character of the music. I do agree with you Veo T that Cadets of Bergen County did have a dirty final performance (especially the last set of the show where someone is not in their spot) and Star’s was as clean as you could possibly get (except for the Sabre drop at the beginning). BUT, both shows have merits for superiority. During the ‘93 tour when I first saw Star’s show, I was not appreciative of what they were presenting until I watched it a few more time. Star’s Medea show was way ahead of its time due to the advanced choreography, uniforms and style. Look at all of the choreography in the horn line that predates today’s “broadway” style of marching. Both shows were great, but I am glad their was not a tie. I do believe that the Cook Corporation, who funded Star of Indiana (the only corporate sponsored corps possibly ever, not sure) was upset with DCI for not making many of the rule changes that exist today (mics, voices and other “non bugle” instruments being allowed). This was what I head during the ‘93 tour from the rumor mill.

[@richardcollins1427]

Please, PLEASE look at The Star of Indiana 1991 show (high cam). The drill design was the last by the man who REVOLUTIONIZED drill design, George Zingali (he passed away in december of that year. PLEEEEEASSSE watch Star 1991 !!!!

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

91 star was incredible, how 93 star has became the greatest show ever is beyond me, I was there in 93, I competed against them it was my rookie year and it was damn cool but cadets really dominated, why people don't talk more about 91 star and 93 cadets is a head scratcher.

[@yuric2492]

Samuel Barber's Madea's Dance of Vengeance is also the opener and second movement of Crown's 2016 show Relentless.

[@owen.mcgarvey1650]

Finally! My favorite dci ending of all time! Also a lot of the folks who marched with star before it folded are now staff members at Carolina Crown.

[@garywalker188]

1993's show was absolutely transcendent for it's time. If you want to see a more "crowd-pleasing" show, their 1991 is incredible! Many huge horn blasts but extremely technical as well. That mello line was one of the best in DCI history

[@brianw7948]

My favorite show ever! So glad you did this reaction.

[@BriannaFinnell]

I love the 90’s style of dci. I used to listen to this on my ipod in 2006 🙏🏼

[@AlexandriPatris]

This show was probably 15-20 years ahead of its time. I don't think the judging system at the time was even set up to evaluate it properly. It came in second to the Cadets who had a much more conventional (for the time) show. Personally, I think this was the better program and performance.

[@benhuffman4404]

I was a child and saw this show in person and it was definitely unlike anything that came before. Literally straining to hear much of it and then having your face peeled off by the loudest sound of the season all in the same show. The music of this show is really fantastic and deserves a deep dive on its on merit. Barber and Bartok were both fantastic composers.

[@jimingram9468]

Really need to watch 1991 Star. If I remember, this is where they really started to take off. Watch a high camera version especially for the last 2 minutes and their iconic Cross drill move.

[@NAJ81976]

I saw the show in person in Bloomington Indiana and they were so amazing. Ahead of their time. They started the body movements by the band members. They were hosed at the world finals.

[@sharibrown4561]

My friend marched Contrabass in this show, THEY GOT ROBBED, they should have won! it was awesome to hear his stories about Star! They were awesome and so ahead of their time and their shows STILL impress! You need to watch their other famous show as well!!! It is iconic in the DCI world!

[@samsignorelli]

Yeah....losing by a tenth to Cadets is a pain I know all too well from 1984.

[@benf1111]

I was in the corps...I was bitter but honesty I recognize Cadets as a very deserving champ. Could it have gone the other way? Absolutely. Would they have a valid gripe? Absolutely. As I've gotten older I've come to realize how asinine it is to make art into a competition. While fun to a certain extent, it's a oxymoron lol.

[@totesgene]

1993 Star is probably my favorite show of all time, but they did not get robbed. Had the numbers fallen in Star's favor, I would argue anyone who said the Cadets got robbed. They were both deserving champions. I don't understand these "robbed" comments I see every where. No one on this earth could judge all captions simultaneously. Therefore, since none of us have the education, knowledge, background and expertise to judge all captions at once, it's silly to say anyone got robbed.

[@totesgene]

@@benf1111 I agree. I hated your show in 1993. I thought, "what the fuck do these judges see here that I don't?" I thought it was dull, boring, pretentious, amongst other things. I was a damn fool. I marched Scouts in the late 80s and became a Star fan in '89 and a huge Star homer in '90. In 2003, I was on a big Star kick and was listening to '89-'92 like crazy. I decided to pull the '93 recordings and give that show a chance. My perception changed instantly. For the first time I heard the magnificence and musical brilliance of the show. I then pulled out the '93 videos and saw the absolute perfection in every detail of the musical and visual design. Today, it is certainly in my top 3 favorite shows of all time and I consider it the greatest show of all time. But, to your point, GE is stupid because at 1993 finals your show was the 12th most effective show on me. When I rewatch those videos it is the #1 effective show on me, by a massive margin. We all have opinions and those obviously can change over time, so how the hell do you be subjective when it comes to personal taste! Lastly, can I get your autograph? :)

[@StudentLivestream]

For some reason this commentary I'm making is going to post under the account we have for my student workers in the NMSU music department. Eh, it is what it is :). I was writing & teaching for Blue Devils this year. I hadn't seen Star yet & neither had Dave Glyde, so when they beat us at a show & did their victory gig, they came to what is known as the "Big Hit". Dave Glyde looked at me & said, "we're dead". He was right. I had the pleasure of becoming the music director & co-sound designer for a show called Blast that we created largely based upon music & choreography from Star (Blast's predecessor). Same group of folks from Star, but I was added because of my work with BD. The "Dance" of Medea (the last portion of the show both on the field, and then the stage {end of first act}) was affectionately known as "The Bitch" due not only to the musical content, but also the story of Medea - similar to Scheherazade. Great stuff and thanks for sharing!

[@bretcullen5089]

Like all the others have said this show was ahead of it's time. These days it's uncommon for shows to use silence and dynamics to create a tension in the show. I'm sure the same "on the edge of your seat" feeling you had with the Cavies 2002 was similar to this show. This odd dynamic really stood out in 93 when next to Phantom and the Scouts high energy shows. The 1993 shows have always been my favorites because they inspired my drum corps journey. On a side note, I still think on of the top quad licks came from the 93 Cadets.

[@johncraig4820]

It is my all-time favorite drum corps show and one of the best years for corps performances ever. Cadets and Phantom I remember as fantastic. A year we saw some dark side from some fans who are passionate and thought the star was making things too theatrical. If you compare today no staging gimmicks, it is all movements and music.

[@Cadet44642]

In 93 this was the most controversial show ever put on the field. It was misunderstood, unappreciated and confusing for most people. I even thought that at the time. But, is probably one of my all time favorite shows now. I have been following DCI since in my mother’s womb. She would tell me story’s about going to shows sitting in her belly and once the music would come on I dead still. There is no show or year that strikes up more debate then show. Who should have won and so on and so on. I think it would be cool if you watched the 93 Cadet show. It would be a good contract and I would love the hear you opinion.

[@ebok98]

One of the best shows ever on so many levels.

[@chrisl83]

The show itself doesn’t have the Medea storyline, it just takes you along with a sense of unease in its entirety. This was hated in 1993 with stories of the crowd booing and at one point in this recording you hear a girl say “Cadets can beat that.” Crowds were def more vocal then in their approval and, in this case, disapproval. Obviously it seems they came around to it by the closer. You never hear of the crowd favorite and first place Cadets show but you always hear about this one. It was a huge risk by playing quiet for most of the performance and by placing members at a huge physical distance across the field. I can’t think of another performance like it except maybe BD 2010, and I have yet to like that show.

[@bretcullen8876]

Cavies 2002 Frameworks dynamic changes reminded me of this show.

[@benf1111]

I always thought she said Cadets "can't" beat that.

[@stythys2945]

The earlier shows definitely had less of a “storyline”

[@burdrchitect1680]

Most certainly. And I personally prefer it like that. Let the music speak.

[@ryanmele8159]

I think a subtle storyline helps but it all is personal preference

[@burdrchitect1680]

@@ryanmele8159 understood. For me its like going to listen to a symphony at at a concert hall. But with more. The drill and guard expresses the music on the field. Close your eyes and feel the music.

[@ehess1492]

Give me 4 tunes and no props.

[@johnolson5538]

And the storylines today are pretentious and convoluted. This is better.

[@hollymartein8546]

hi, Courtney, longtime drum corps fan here. This is my first comment on your videos even though I watch all of the drum corps videos that you react to- the reason is that I watch on my Roku TV and don't have the option to comment on there. Nevertheless, I decided to log on to my laptop and comment about this show. As others have stated, this show was ahead of its time. This show was so different that people didn't know how to react to it. Star always had one of the best brass lines and brought a variety of styles to the field. It almost won '93 only losing by .1 to the Cadets. From their first competitive season in 85 making finals their first year, they climbed the ranks placing 3rd in 90 and won their first championship in "91. I recommend that you check out their 90, 91, and 92 shows. I loved them and wish they were still around!! It would be interesting to see how they ranked today. However, they did go off to create "brass theater" and created a hit broadway show called Blast! which is part of the reason they disbanded - in the 90's the rumor was that they just couldn't fund another season and went off to do other things. If you like brass, you can't go wrong with Star of Indiana. Sometimes, the Crown brass book reminds me of Star of Indiana. I love your reactions to these videos, and there is nothing wrong with getting emotional over these shows. I cry, too! :D Keep them coming. Happy New Year! Cheers!

[@mxtty5633]

I had that exact same reaction at 13:01 when hearing this show for the first time 😂

[@MarioFGarcia]

This show was a driving factor for me to March in drum corps. I marched with west coast sound 97/99

[@MarioFGarcia]

4:30 take it

[@MarioFGarcia]

10:01 finish it, take it

[@ikshields]

It’s funny how she goes into it thinking the “Medea” story is going to be the main focus of interest in this show. This one’s all about the pure musical and visual art, kid! 😎⚡️

[@justinnewberry3900]

Star ‘93...hated it at the time, one of my all-time favorites now!

[@hollymartein8546]

I always liked this show because it was so different.. but it took some time to really appreciate its genius.

[@totesgene]

It is the exact same for me.

[@Iliketordles]

When I first got into DCI and saw this show, I hated it. It took me a few more years to really appreciate it. There is only one other show I can think of that is done in such an intricate way, and that is SCV 2009.

[@seanpease370]

Having marched SCV 09, I am so thrilled to see you say that!

[@thomasfort1013]

You need to react to Blast! It's an on stage show produced(correct me if I am wrong) and performed by the Star of Indiana. Such a great show.

[@thecindyjackson]

Brass Theatre was more Star of Indiana kids, by the time it morphed to Blast! You were getting more serious musicians like performance graduate students so the talent level had changed. Once Blast! Came along, the Star of Indiana part was basically dropped like the old days the billing would be "The Canadian Brass with the Star of Indiana in an Evening of Brass Theater"

[@Logaddi]

highly recommend Cavaliers 2017 "Men are from Mars" or if you want some Carolina Crown. 2014 "Out of this World". both are amazing shows.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

My brother was in the Star of Indiana somewhere around that time.

[@coreyadkins8775]

This was an excellent show and I enjoy how the narrator picked up on its uniqueness. I know why Star 1993 finished 2nd. 1. Too much prop versus equipment. I'd kept all ideas how they envisioned and added some red flags at the start. Which links Medea opener and closer concept and links the start to a full ensemble red flag finish. And I'd get the guards feet out of white. Same idea in black. They don't have Martha Graham technique feet. Then with all this shows uniqueness it's competitive with Cadets better big-picture and higher demand maneuvers true DCI show. This show is very modern and epic though. Courtney watch The Cadets 1993. In the Springtime, when Kings go off to war.

[@pete6099]

The baritone player overblowing at the end kinda spoilt a great performance

[@eXcommunicate1979]

Another great one from this year (1993) is Phantom Regiment's "The Modern Imagination" show. The color guards this year were so freaking strong. And I don't just mean precise, I mean those guys and gals were just physically strong as Hell. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqrMmYVqe8qMqqs

[@uberpudge1]

This show is one where people either loved it or hated it. I admit when I saw this live at the beginning of the season I hated it. Over the years though it has become one of my all time favorite shows. I think it's because at the time they were doing a lot of things that we see in modern day Drum Corps, but was pushing the edge in 93.

[@jeffreydheere4737]

This is one DCI show you can't humm to, but 1993 was the start of the 'Artsy' show in DCI and things got weird. Every time I hear this show, the more I love it. Nothing political on this being Star's last year, they just switched gears and stopped competition.

[@definitelynotcainan3353]

I know you are a big fan of Carolina Crown... The drum major here is Matt Harloff... the head brass guy at Crown now. Modern Crown owes a LOT of its DNA to Star of Indiana. I found a couple of bits of your commentary interesting... the first being "I wonder who is gonna play the mother" Back then, these full character driven, prop heavy shows were very few and far between. The music and visual technique were far more important to sell the show back then. Also, I found it very interesting that you noted that the "volume was turned down". This show was a musical crescendo from beginning to end. Start slow(ish) and quite. End at 5,000 miles per hour with their hair on fire playing balls to the wall. That was 100% the point. Stylistically, this show was at LEAST a decade ahead of its time. They were the Vegemite of the drum corps world in 1993 as what they were doing was MILES different from what anyone else was doing.... You either LOVED them or HATED them back then. There was no middle ground. Loved or hated though, NOBODY went for a hot dog when they were on the field. They ultimately left after the 1993 season due to politics. They should have won by a LOT, but came in second as DCI was kinda punishing them a bit for being so different and also because they were just SO vastly different the judges simply didnt know HOW to judge them as there was really nobody to compare them to. After leaving DCI, they did Broadway and the West End for a number of years as the stage show "Blast".

[@TheCsel]

Interesting, very abstract interpretive art. I'm from Indiana and didn't know anything about it until now.

[@JDevPeabody]

This show was way ahead of it's time. Blue Devils had a good performance that year, as did Phantom ( Phantom should have placed in front of Cadets, IMO ). Should have been Star, Phantom, Cadets, Cavvies then Blue Devils for top five order, but that is just my opinion. Anyway, keep up the good work Courtney, cant wait to see more content!

[@veot.2869]

Courtney, by the way, if you want to see the evolution of Star of Indiana start with 1990s Belshazzar's Feast, 1991 (their only championship) and 1992 (An American theme). 😉

[@tedrowland8672]

Hey Courtney!!! Interesting video...hope you had a good Christmas and have a great New Year!!!!

[@ryanmele8159]

Drum Corps has evolved so much since its inception

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

And not for the better.

[@justinsublett5880]

The show that launched a thousand high school band imitations. Lol.

[@josephemerson4559]

its definately a slow-burner, but the buildup is VERY much worth it

[@1anonymousb]

Yes, old school drum corps fans were more vocal in their support for their friends on the field. It kinda ruined a few quiet moments here and there, but I liked the energy

[@bluehazejazz]

I was on the 50 yard line close to the judges box for this show. I was a Cadets fan at the time, but, getting older gives you better perspective-Star should’ve won in ‘93. Just sayin. Loudest moment I’ve ever witnessed near the end with huge single stroke rolls on the drum line. (And I’ve seen AC⚡️DC!!! Haha)

[@DanCron]

Yes!! 😃

[@brown55061]

Anyone who thinks the concept was just to be abstract, sorry but they had to have an agenda and weren't happy with how DCI was judging scores going back several years. The issue is still present today. The reality is a lot of this style was adopted in Crown (just my opinion) in the way that they are very NOT like Blue Devils. Where everything is built to win the GE score. Still an awesome drum corps to pull off this music, arguably a tie with Cadets.

[@antoniokofoed7139]

You should react to cavaliers 1995 . Its based on the planets symphony

[@Pxdro1103]

I don't know if you have already, but you should react to Carolina Crown 2017. It's a really good show.

[@antoniokofoed7139]

Madea isn't the theme. Its basically the piece of music they have arranged.

[@aaronanderson713]

I really enjoy your reactions. I marched in DCI 93 and 94. I really think you should react to 94 Blue Devils and 93 Phantom Regiment.

[@HornMouf]

Star of Indiana quitted in 1993 because they got 2nd place to the Cadets, and they thought they should’ve won finals.

[@totesgene]

Connor, they didn't quit DCI, they left DCI. They didn't leave DCI because they lost in '93. Their departure was planned well before the '93 Championships.

[@27thCrown]

I enjoyed your reaction.

[@pianobypc1031]

This was Star's final year. I love the finale - just incredible. The uniforms were always a mystery to me - why so ugly, and the guard using poles? Star should have kept going, but they left DCI (and may have taken their monetary support of DCI with them if I remember right. My perception was always (just me) that they left DCI because the audience did not seem to appreciate the show. I am not a fan of the first half of the show, but again that finale - I could watch it over and over. I noticed that in the first half you were not "gushing" like you were with Garfield Cadets 1984 - no comparison there!

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

The took their expensive toy's and ran after 93 because quite literally they thought they had 1st place in the bag, but they underestimated the cadet's.

[@pianobypc1031]

@@wheniwasyourage4418 Great show by the Cadets! 3 year alumni 88, 89, 89. My alma mater making me proud!

[@michaelmcardle4096]

Love you from Indiana