Totally not The 2024 Bluecoats - Change is everything

Totally not 2024 Bluecoats - Change is Everything
Bluecoats opening night. 
June 29 2024

[@Uncle_Yam]

Aw man I was hoping for a 5th hippie show in a row

[@jorgeortega6806]

They went from pot to adderall

[@bijanmustard3578]

Honestly when friends were sending pictures of the uniforms I didn’t like them but I kind of love them in the show

[@booker9816]

Ok. So, per the Bluecoats's website, Session 44 was indicative of their "44th season of drum corps". Quick math means they began competing in 1974, which makes this year their 50th anniversary. The show is about their evolution as a drum corps, and all the callbacks we see and hear are intentional references to shows from the past. I would like to speculate that the controlled reserved opening refers to their beginnings as a parade corps. Conversely, I would also like to speculate that some of the frantic/chaotic scenes in the show relate to times they came close to winning (14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23). Additionally, the tarps that frame the field narrow the audience's view similar to how old footage would frame video into tighter aspect ratios. I believe that's the intention of the tarps. Finally, as the show is about change over time the show webpage states," "The forward progress of time is measured in seconds, but it is the moments we create in time that measure our humanity. We are nothing but matter, but in this moment, we matter. This moment changes everything. Change Is Everything." I think "the moments we create in time measure our humanity" could be translated to "the shows we have designed measure our legacy on drum corps" and "in this moment, we matter. This moment changes everything." could be a reference to their 2016 show that revolutionized the activity as a whole, furthering my belief that the prior quote has a connection to the Bluecoats' legacy.

[@jorgeortega6806]

Really cool analysis! And thankfuly they didn't play The Triumph of Time for that matter.

[@JakersSnakers365]

Now that you say that, I did notice the snake movement in the opener is exactly what was done for the closer in 2017.

[@booker9816]

@@JakersSnakers365 That's a very prominent callback, well spotted. The beginning shots accelerate in speed and lead into the first opening hit which lend themselves to the webpage "Accelerating rhythm becomes tone and creates harmony before descending into cacophony." Some more moments I noticed: 1:19 - Single instrument stacking is a repeating musical evolution the bluecoats have almost patented at this point (See '22, '19, '15, '13, '12). Typically, the pattern follows a low-to-high development which happens in '23 (the bump), '18, '17, '16, '14, '12, '11, '10. 2:01 - Company front 2:21 - Parade blocks marching back field 3:07 - This is another type of musical development the Bluecoats have all but patented, the 2 split mellophone feature; '13, '15, '19. 4:04 - The framed area is TILTed, and the music resembles a distorted (cacophony--from the above quote) version of the music played in TILT leading up to the ending of the second movement, which is exactly where *this* show is headed. From here the music accelerates in rhythm and dissonance until the guard feature to close the second movement. 5:45 - Agape by Nicholas Britell begins the ballad for us which is defined as unconditional love that transcends and persists regardless of circumstance. What are they loving unconditionally? What does the guard member walking through the corps block symbolize? What does their break apart mean in the context of the show, and how can we pull that out to find meaning? What about our stranded trumpet soloists? What is the prop framing for the audience to distinguish? I believe the Bluecoats are trying to express how they cherish where they come from, as expanded on a few timestamps down, but I'm not positive. 6:51 - Only one side of the pair will lean on the other, furthering my belief that the future is built on the past, an homage to the where they've been. 7:09 - This set and sequence is similar to the finale of Kinetic Noise, the waves, the timing, the full field expanse. 7:36 - They break apart chaotically and without order, only to resolve in a set you can find in a lot of their 80's and early 90's programs. In the shortest way I can say it, I believe the design of this environment is to "order and reorder our thoughts, seeking to understand when change is the only certainty", when IN FACT, change hasn't occurred. This moment is from 40 years ago, yet it persists to the present day because they choose to make it so. This becomes the measurement for their humanity. The closer is mostly mystifying to me still. I see 2017 closer in there, I see The Bump for 2023 as well, but again, I'm not so sure about what meaning to find in all of it. I will say, mellophones change to trumpets and change back, so there's that.

[@jorgeortega6806]

@@booker9816 You could give Jesu Spectre a run for his money. Also the closer will 100% change during the season, and like the closer in Riffs, it will also probably change the whole meaning of the show. In fact i thought Riffs was supposed to be their 50th anniv show since they were founded in 1972, but youre right about their first show being in 1974. You do make this years show sound more like the anniv show however.

[@jordantyler148]

Have you seen the sections I, II, III, and Coda on their website?

[@BlueTheVelociraptorBTV]

We are going to hear the words at finals this year that we haven’t heard in 8 years Receiving the gold medal… THE BLUE(RED)COATS!!!

[@BEASTWEASL]

its been 8 years 😭

[@areussgg]

@@BlueTheVelociraptorBTV but, they said those words 8 years ago? just because 2 years were scored doesn’t mean those 2 years didn’t exist.

[@organboi]

Perhaps. But Devils are killing it already. Saw them twice this past weekend. Their show and sound are superb.

[@Beefinator]

@@organboi im so sad

[@SmokingClipsCT]

11:36 Their closer is POWERFULL. (I will say as a bluecoats fan, I did have to watch this show a few times over to fully take in everything that was happening, at first I was a bit disappointed, but now, I really like their show!)

[@blakman7]

Agreed! The closer hits me in the feels for sure.

[@chadtarver3301]

Really wanted more Foreplay Long Time by Boston though. 😭

[@ElvenElle]

I also can’t believe that people are acting like the show called CHANGE is EVERYTHING won’t be CHANGING AT ALL throughout the season.

[@joeyallen2368]

This has a lot of the same sensibilities and stylings as Tilt. Love the repertoire and the effects. Go for Gold Bloo!

[@Carlysiu]

They also had a callback to Kinetic Noise!

[@chriscotten472]

DCI....eat your hearts out. Bloo setting the standard for modern day DCI performances

[@eleventhrunner8778]

Is that prerecorded music playing along with the corps members? Sounds like it. I'm not a fan of that but rules are rules and Bloo knows how to abide by them. I'm not a Bloo fan, not even close but I will admit this show has taken me to "open my eyes" and realize Blue Devils have serious competition this year IF Bloo can maintain the momentum and IF Blue Devils can improve on their show. In short, this is going to be epic in Indy.

[@bibir_beni]

the repertoire says it clear dear ... the Gold for this year.

[@eleventhrunner8778]

@@bibir_beni we shall see if this is another "ah, so close" for the Bluecoats.

[@bibir_beni]

@@eleventhrunner8778 at least they enjoy their show like we enjoy it a lot more.

[@eleventhrunner8778]

@@bibir_beni Bubba, it is not me whining about the shows. I like Bloo's show better than the 3 BDs shows I seen this year. Like I said, should be epic in Indy this year and nothing wrong if BDs do not 4 peat.

[@bibir_beni]

Yess!! FInally blooooo, this repertoire really lets Coats and Devils compete with each other, but we need this blooo to take their Gold. keep it up bloooooo

[@organboi]

Yes, the rep is similar this year. They will both be phenomenal by Indie.

[@billylenoir2657]

Nice show! But I have to say the uniforms remind me of a rejected NASCAR fire suit lol 😅

[@kevkavalier]

Costumes

[@tsan3796]

Ronald McDonald meets knight Templar .

[@deansprankle6579]

How good is this show going to be by the end of the season. All I have to say is WOW 💙💙💙

[@mesouu]

The more I watch this show, the more it grows on me

[@benovermire3372]

I’m loving the tilt throwback in the DM uniform

[@BigMack06]

it is like the time of tilt and Kinetic Noise which is one of the best times in the Bluecoats history

[@adumbusername1440]

​@@BigMack06 And To Look for America

[@SWilla00946]

It's just a throwback to their old uniform. Its alot older than tilt

[@organboi]

Luv it. Bravo. In the top three for sure, by August. Gorgeous music played beautifully.

[@ethanchirdon9375]

You could tell me this is a finals/end of the summer run and I'd believe it. I have NO idea how this show will evolve through the season, and I'm excited.

[@blakman7]

Heck yeah! Bluecoats have always been good at layering throughout the season and then hitting you with that POW at the end. They're going to be unstoppable as they evidently have the wheels for it.

[@Corn360]

Man, I really miss the direction they were going with the last 3 shows, but bluecoats is always my fav

[@Corn360]

Still much more sauce than bd 😅

[@ceh7676]

agreed i loved garden and riffs so much so it was a jarring experience with my expectations of what this show would be like lol. I love this show too though im excited to see it grow over time.

[@cicook7]

This is brilliant. Absolutely something very special. It will change everything. I have never seen a modern drum corps be this seamless with synthetic sound, amphlication, and corps proper. New benchmark stuff. Now to just clean it...

[@vincentcoakley777]

Big agree. Feels like the edge-pushing avant garde stuff from early 2010s BD with a modern bluecoats twist - modern classic potential imo

[@davidtaylor7105]

Just WOW!

[@Pizzaleader-eb6ud]

RIP this video soon, I saw another getting taken down so this is probably soon

[@jonbutton3259]

Hope they take a closer look at battery tuning. Not at Bloo standards yet. Other corps have gotten a little more pop out of the Tama's, but it might be an early season strategy. 👀

[@tsan3796]

It’s a drum set company theyre a late comer to marching market and honestly the corps only get endorsement/sponsorship because of artist/caption heads contract deal this case Roger endorsed by tama wasn’t until yahama contract expired coats could field new toys

[@darrenmaxey8857]

I just keep thinking of the IU basketball warmups 🤣 this show is definitely for the Midwest

[@rottennova1930]

Theres no way the mandarins and the bluecoats use the same repertoire for the ballad 💀💀

[@Nint6469]

Yeah but they used it in very different ways. It’s honestly interesting on the different takes they took for Agape

[@daveclark2062]

wow..very.very nice!!

[@barrypelham3237]

Looking like they are supporting England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@lox3355]

Love Bluecoats for getting traditionalists mad

[@brianhale2977]

There is zero reason this show could not be marched in blue coats.

[@shanerhouse1986]

Always #1 to me!

[@TheBeatzGuy16]

Big fan of the show not a big fan of the uniforms

[@andikanuryudhistira8615]

You might be correct, but imo they look sooo much better than last year

[@tsan3796]

Missed opportunity to bring back the trademark helmet/plumes and classic style they were known the DMs look great… seems uniform companies dictate what direction identity corps/ensemble have today this looks as if its combo of Ronald Mcdonald mets knights Templar

[@40wolfmarim95]

Better than the gay asf 22 and 23 ones

[@Thecat.763]

i think they would look a lot cooler from the judges pov . its for visual points i would assume.

[@pacibels_cannon]

England Shirts

[@BluesClues2s]

imo these exact same unis and props would've looked just fine in traditional Bluecoats blue. Making them red doesn't really add much to the show. Hopefully there's a uni change to blue at some point in the season

[@scotta4527]

Bluecoats are red, SCV is blue and I could be wrong but I didn't see any blue in BD - interesting costuming year

[@coulombedon]

Change is Everything

[@Jambando]

...that's literally the point

[@areussgg]

@@scotta4527 there is blue on the right side of their uniform. (left side when you’re looking at em)

[@roxanajohnson2789]

A perfect example of a show that yses music to hammer home the concept of an abstract show. Really wish BD would get on Bloos level here in that regard

[@psychemikey9761]

Imagine this show in a uniform closer to the drum majors and blue

[@psychemikey9761]

This show is energy, high octane execution, and pure passion all wrapped up in an identity crisis. It’s so good damn well written though and I can not wait to see what is cooked up this August

[@Jeremee22]

Instructions unclear. Now my brownies are red and white. (LOOOOVE THE SHOW BTW)

[@michaelortuesday1956]

1:06 totally not a jagged line reference

[@colersen]

Never

[@freyravin9068]

Templar knights + Oompa Loompas = Bluecoat uniforms! Hella strong out of the gate!

[@leviisverystupid1992]

Son lux is a fucking genius

[@Caimanwendt]

Bluecoats!!!!!! ........Decked out in red

[@cameroncavender]

This is the winning show if they can achieve it. Was shocked by the Sungazer chart, I don't recall them anmouncing that?

[@jackdoesnotplaytrumpet]

screen recording incase it gets taken down

[@dukkcc2]

yes

[@atwaterdrumline8708]

This show is INCREDIBLE, hoping next year is my year 🤞

[@pr0xi_zura.]

Wow…Threshold in a Bluecoats show. This is the year

[@NotTyNope]

My jaw literally dropped when I heard it, wasn't even listen in their repertoire but I'm so here for it.

[@RyanLewis-s4o]

what part was it? I'm unfamiliar

[@SWilla00946]

​@RyanLewis-s4o i think its the mvt that started around 8:20 if you're interested the wgi group infinity also used threshold in their show this year. It was really beautiful.

[@tunktsty.mp7531]

I really hope they add a final hit at the end, it just sounds a bit funky and underwhelming otherwise.

[@blakman7]

I actually like the starlight candy look that they have going on.

[@Aidan13547]

That closer was immaculate

[@organboi]

That can't be the end though. There must be a closer they just aren't performing yet.

[@LoganWright-117]

I was thinking more like CandyCoats

[@benuk2409]

A lot of work to do, very dirty even for early season. But I know they will clean clean clean. Uniform is effective in the ensemble visual, but does expose differences in posture and foot phasing. Be interested to see how the concept evolves. Especially against some strong ideas from other corps. I’m not so sure about some of the brass arranging, but that could be down to performance. I will reserve judgement till it’s clean.

[@willgallagher2843]

Pretty sure at 8:11 is Threshold by Sungazer but what is that trumpet part at 5:50?

[@owenknodel8116]

Agape by Nicholas Britell

[@louisech1963]

Be careful with your posture guys, if your shoulders are not on the same level or angle it looks funny (ex: 6m44) with the costume you are wearing. Good job.

[@ryancox5097]

This show has GOAT vibes.

[@blakman7]

Does anyone know what the closer music is starting from 11 minutes in?

[@skytheimpaler]

Son Lux - "Lost it to Trying"

[@blakman7]

​@@skytheimpalerThanks a ton!

[@PeterR078]

Why do they wear clows uniform?

[@caseyys]

2:56 basses WHAT??

[@was920]

Awesome show. Terrible closer lol

[@40wolfmarim95]

Tired of all these comments from people who never even performed with a drum corps let alone bloo. I think the show is alright. Then again it's early season things might change.

[@tlkshowhst]

People in the audience can criticize whatever they want. This is a performance. It’s like saying people shouldn’t criticize movies unless they work on them. Or books because they don’t write them. Ridiculous.

[@an4r4k34]

IS THAT THRESHOLD BY SUNGAZER?????????

[@Lacheddar1990]

Mack, Do you like the coats because your dad? :)

[@dmark2639]

What's with the candy cane stripe pants? I don't get it...

[@pipedreams.]

no bloo no coats

[@Rich_Larr]

Why the heck are they dressed like the Selknam? 🧐

[@noneyascrub8204]

Not sure about the music score for this show ( I love the music but I dunno if the judges will…) but their visuals and ge gonna be through the roof

[@impailer79]

anyone else wanting a bucket of KFC for some reason?

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

Already a million times better than last year because there's no awful, cringe voice-over throughout the entire freaking show making it unwatchable. Bonus that I actually really dig most of the charts. That ending has got to go though and I'm sure it will, eventually.

[@johntran284]

I get the voice over is annoying but the chords in Garden of Love is so beautiful and the music is just so impactful. This show in my opinion is more technical but last year really was technical in terms of chord structure, great use of connection, and tone. While this show is has more precision in note length and etc. But the chords are crazy cool in this show.

[@willsmith7802]

you’re just stupid this show is not better than last years

[@RNG-Hater-456-ju8bj]

I agree man. I hated their show last year but I think they have something genuinely incredible here

[@ilikechicken5524]

It wasn't anywhere near unwatchable.. older dci fans have a problem with everything and it's annoying.. that voice over was the entire story of the show as well.

[@justinmiller2221]

I agree the closer so far this year is awkward and weird in my opinion. It just ends abruptly

[@obirch23]

When I saw the trombones lined up at the front - please no

[@tomshea8382]

As always, love the blue coats. So well-integrated into the show concept that they actually look white with red trim. And ugly as hell. Well done!

[@skeletizer]

Not digging the unis, glad they stopped the hippie direction for a year (just too much in a row for me personally). Pretty good show imo, but I'm still such a fan of the 2013-15 era uniforms that I dont think I'll ever like the newer style that they used in 2016 and on, and that everyone else adopted in 2017. Cant beat the older style, especially if used how cadets (and other corps too, they came to my mind first for some reason) used so many different color combinations from 2012-2016 with a similar design. In terms of the show itself, its very similar to the design of the shows a decade ago which makes me happy.

[@ronwright4684]

And with that, everyone else can work for second place!!!!

[@jackdoesnotplaytrumpet]

im afraid to say this year was mid 😔

[@marzzarella]

Ah yes, I love the redcoats and their new show, consistency means nothing

[@vincentthomas4136]

Another resounding Blue Devils victory! :/

[@taflhols278]

Didn't make it to the end. What's up with the clown suits?

[@americanspirit8932]

Change is everything, please start calling it a marching band competition. It is definitely not a drum and bugle c o r p s. Start calling it what it really is, they do a great job. Call it, marching band International

[@jaimes-982]

👴🏻

[@cavalierfan2008]

Remember when the bluecoats were..... blue

[@bartcripps273]

Uniforms I’ve ever seen worst

[@timelinescience1786]

Bluecoats showin' up prepared to cart the Blue Devils/fans by ambulance to the hospital to treat their butthurt at finals this year. Or...the American Red Cross is on scene, this place is on fire. Listen closely: there are very very few negative comments that could be said - in every way possible even down to the uniforms this is objectively amazing, humbling, and emotional. For anyone who doesn't see it yet or had negative comments, all will make sense and you'll understand what Bluecoats is and the legacy unfolding before us if you see the creative level and profound statement they are making. Bluecoats is bigger than drum corps. You will understand and appreciate their craft and legacy on that level I promise. Bluecoats and this years show is for all of humanity to see. Drum corps is going to get big. Amazing how you all can affect other peoples lives with your work, love you all!

[@tlkshowhst]

Ugly uniforms… AGAIN?! Great music and execution, but I don’t like how they deny any visual trace of their corps’ identity in favor of a 2-3 month show concept.

[@liveforone]

Not the greatest uniform imo either but Its good the DM uniforms are a nod to the classic look

[@SWilla00946]

i love the show but yeah i agree with this one. The last couple years still had parts to like but this one was a mess.

[@jcrwzr]

That was not the Bluecoats. Sorry.

[@CW-em1cl]

😴😴😴

[@tunktsty.mp7531]

BD glazer spotted

[@tlkshowhst]

Ok… Die hard BC fanboy.

[@tunktsty.mp7531]

@@tlkshowhst Who said?

[@ronmcbride2100]

I have a question for everyone who is loving this show. Is there a special Kool aid that you are drinking to be 'on board' with this production? So in this stupid cancel culture environment, is no one allowed to tell the truth anymore? Well, I will. The brass & percussion are very solid. But, I'm not a fan of the uniforms & I felt the show was lacking.............(what's the word I'm looking for here)......purpose. I've been a Blooooo fan for a long time. I even tolerated the shows over the past couple of years. Last year's, minus the recorded voice, was incredible. But this one............I just don't get it. So much talent on the field & this is what the Bluecoats staff decided to field. For those who respond, don't use the show's title as an excuse as to why you feel the show is enjoyable/great. Not all change is good.

[@thelastthingyoudexpect1294]

My personal reasons for loving it are as follows: (New reason with the explanation video) The uniforms are great with how they were designed with the intent to divide the rigidness and free form flowing styles between guard and corps members, excellent source music and how well it was translated into the genre, the callbacks to previous shows with drill nuance instead of copying music straight out of old books, the storyline (which is on their website) hits me in a special way because I'm a person who is almost addicted to change and doesn't like staying in one constant for too long but focusing on the concept that the only constant in life is change really sends it home for me, and the overall soundscape and visualscape is just way too cool. Keep in mind this is just my opinion but overall I really love this production. No kool aid, no cancel culture, just another show from a corp that has been pushing the artistic boundaries of the activity for years and it is very appropriate that on the 50th show season of their existence (1974 was their first show season) that their show continue to push the limits by highlighting the previous ways they did it before and combining it with even more modern music to create something brand new all over again in the classic Bloo way. I'm loving it and I hope you'll warm up to the show eventually. Peace, love, and Bloooooooo 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟨

[@kevkavalier]

Thought I was watching an old Cadets show with no hair on your neck rising VOLUME!

[@mikesecor6074]

what the hell was that. The red crosses, a new corps. Terrible crap. However, I appreciate the effort.

[@lukeiseagar]

average bd glazer

[@tlkshowhst]

Some design team thought it was a good idea. It looks stupid tbh. What were they thinking?

[@trap4dafu2k0fit]

I got my Biden 2024 shirt, got my 15th booster and my digital ID is good to go. Time to watch some drum core!

[@SilverTheFlame]

Why would you bring politics into this ..??

[@chipsndip1312]

@@SilverTheFlame I think they're playing on the whole "No blue. No coats. Just woke, progressive crap" copypasta

[@Stupidiot]

@@chipsndip1312 "Sir, the redcoats are coming!"

[@andrewbos8837]

@@SilverTheFlameTHANK YOU!!!! WTF PEOPLE!!!!

[@trap4dafu2k0fit]

@@SilverTheFlamePolitics decide the economy. That very much affects dci. And Biden is doing oh so wonderful right now.

[@TravisCyprien]

Yeah sorry but no. Another year of this mess! Same long phrases, dramatic sounds, lots of choreography more than playing! Reminds me of Blue Devils. Good Horn line and Drums but I really didn’t see the point of this show. And FOR THE LIFE OF ME GET RID OF THOSE COSTUMES!!! What the Drum Majors have is what the Corps should have been wearing!!!🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@nilesfree]

I'm not a big fan of all the running around instead of marching

[@desertcoliseum]

STOP GIVING GUARD TECHS PERMISSION TO DECIDE UNIFORMS. This corps ruined DCI in 2016, way to keep the tradition going.

[@BaldMartin420]

Those of you who don’t like the new uniforms, it seems as if you don’t like change… And Change is Everything 🟥🟥🟥🟨

[@benuk2409]

A lot of work to do, very dirty even for early season. But I know they will clean clean clean. Uniform is effective in the ensemble visual, but does expose differences in posture and foot phasing. Be interested to see how the concept evolves. Especially against some strong ideas from other corps. I’m not so sure about some of the brass arranging, but that could be down to performance. I will reserve judgement till it’s clean.