Who Did it Best? | The Firebird Suite Finale

[@brandonmathis1892]

Phantom 07 is just magical

[@nsam85]

Phantom, Blue Knights, Cavies, Kingsmen. Doesn't matter if it's high school, college or DCI performing the music, all I can picture is Phantom running and that's what I automatically think will happen on the field. It's iconic and just pulls you in to that level of thinking.

[@seanmcfadden8130]

Regiment reels you in and doesn’t let go. They take Firebird to a whole new level. Running, RUNNING! I know many of the marching members from 07 and know how unrealistically hard they worked that summer to bring that movement to a performance that generations of phans will enjoy, and it’s nothing but goosebumps for the whole ride. Great performance, SUTA.

[@scottbretzke4156]

Stravinsky would be proud of all of them!

[@sam_bamalam]

I dunno, he’s probably be upset and how long the notes are when it goes into half time! He wanted them SHORT. But good gosh if these corps don’t play their hearts out, he’d love that.

[@susand5821]

I actually saw all 4 shows. Was in the stands at 1974 finals as a member of a non-finalist corps. My vote - '88 Cavaliers, hands down. This was a different era in show design - it doesn't look at all like more recent shows. Cavies' 1988 drill was a masterpiece - so musical in its structure and use of visual theme & variation (the triangle forms). Don't get me wrong, I love Phantom's version too. But Cavies program in the context of it's time was brilliant.

[@GraysonBuzz]

“Different era in show design - it doesn’t look at all like more recent shows” - nailed it. I consider the 80s the peak of DCI and that show design style is DCI in my mind. That’s why I lean Cavies though I do like PR TOO.

[@cavalier9915]

Very well put. There's no question that the demands of Phantom 2007 were higher (and their percussion was unbelievable!), but Cavies 1988 was a purer, more convincing visual interpretation of the music.

[@megafonzie5541]

I aged out of Cavaliers that year, very emotional. That was a rebuilding year, as half the corps aged out in 87 and a large number of the guard didn't come back, we had so many new guys. We changed half the drill after first tour, and if anybody remembers... it was just a horribly hot and dry summer. 33 years later and I remember that season as if it was just last summer. Wonderful time to be in drum corps. I also came back to teach the corps in 97, strange to be teaching Firebird 9 years later.

[@michaelajackson3439]

Is 1988 the Steve Brubaker Era? Cavies’ drills were always very clean and pleasing, not to mention amazing since (i suppose) at that time there was still no pyware or drill software... To develope those amazing drills only by your imagination was phenomenal.

[@megafonzie5541]

@@michaelajackson3439 In the winter of '86/'87. Steve (Brubaker) took classes in origami. He said he wanted to be a more creative designer. If you look at '87 drill, it really shows in the kalaidescopic/folding/unfolding elements in the visual program.

[@R.Instro]

Seeing Cavvies do it live was amazing, but that moment when you realize Phantom's just getting bigger & bigger, and oh, btw, nbd, _the whole corps is legit running right now..._

[@daveadams8371]

Just want to mention that Kingsmen in '74 had only 38 horns. You read that right; 38. They were truly a phenomenally talented corps. That said I'm a Regiment Alum and I have to go with them

[@kennystultz4109]

Man... all great shows. I'm going with Phantom Regiment (but I'm a huge phan!) All 4 are great shows!

[@heatherhult5838]

I saw both Cavaliers and Phantoms versions. Cavaliers were brilliant, but Phantoms literally pulled me to my feet, roaring with the crowd. It was breathtaking.

[@paulthao240]

"On Air" all the way for me! They. Are. Bookin. It. While. Sounding. Phenomenal.

[@thebearded_guardian3671]

I think I am right in saying that 2007 was the last year DCI was televised, at least on national TV. I distinctly remember the two announcers absolutely floored after witnessing Phantom play this. I remember just how special it was when I watched this. No one has nor will ever compete

[@kyle_nguyener]

how long should we sustain the mellos? Yes

[@Cavie1974]

So hard to do this when you're looking at a time span of 38 years and all the changes that happened over that time. So looking at it in the context of the time consideration I would have to say the 1988 Cavaliers were ahead of the curve in that era. With no disrespect to any of the corps I think I have to go with 1988.

[@skywriter9016]

Power: BK & Kingsmen Drill design: Cavilers GE: Phantom Regiment I enjoyed all renditions but those cavies mellos at the end, FIRE!🔥

[@allenrussell1947]

I was introduced to DCI in the late 70s by my band director and his assistant, both big fans. We would watch the DCI finals in the band room listening though 6-foot tall high fidelity speakers and it was thrilling. Finally got to see a competion in person and OMG the sound those kids could get out of those one rotary, one piston G bugles was mind numbing. So, the pitches you heard in the 1974 show might sound a little off compared to the what you hear today with the 3-valve horns but, in 1977, sitting about 2/3 up in the stands on the 50 yard line and being pummeled by the "Wall of Sound" coming at you from the Madison Scouts, Phantom Regiment, the Blue Devil's, the Kilties or any of the other power houses of the day was the thrill of a lifetime for a young trumpet player. The Phantom Regiment (my all-time favorite corps) won this one, but they were all good.

[@ninjaian06]

I'm a Cavalier guy myself, but damn those were all amazing

[@charpnatl]

For over all package and most thoughtful interpretation I have to say 1988 Cavaliers. That show just had a certain purity to it. That being said I love hearing the Firebird Suite on the field and all of the options were AMAZING! I’m excited to see who dose it next.

[@corylau3739]

I think one of my favorite parts about this entire video (outside of the excellent playing) is that the camera shakes at the last hit of the regiment show

[@morf9898]

I'm surprised The 1997 Cavaliers Firebird show was left out of this list.

[@ehess1492]

SHOOOOO! Huh!

[@TUBASTEVE]

I was thinking the same thing 🤔

[@randybadillo1144]

1997 cavaliers kinda was left out.. and that show in idea was innovative.

[@mbmaccin555555]

I marched BK 2012 (trumpet) but I still gotta give it to phantom 😁 that will always be a classic All versions are awesome though

[@Walpolapalooza]

Sup dude! Don't know if you remember me but I marched it too! That drill was so difficult

[@hunterbraun5273]

Gotta go with phantom 2007.

[@PJMPercussion]

My vote is for Phantom Regiment - such a rich sound throughout a magnificent arrangement and a Great Drill !

[@billycameron9212]

Cavaliers for over all GE, drill, and that guard work...as always!! Phantom’s brass that year was really good, though; all while freakin’ running...geez that was cool! And that iconic triangle at the front closer always give me chills. But, overall, I give it to Cavies.

[@DanielIrwinProductions]

Your answer is either "Phantom" or incorrect.

[@davijohnson1397]

Damn! One of my favorite pieces of classical music period & gotta love it on the field. The 1988 championship holds a very special place in my heart, so I've got to go with the Cavs. Followed very closely by PR. Not taking anything away from BK or Kings. I loved them all.

[@BrexYT]

We play firebird for our high school marching show and I love it so much. We also make a phoenix on the field since our mascot is the Phoenix, very fitting!

[@danagiles5100]

Phantom..1978, the year they came off the line playing it. Good old-fashioned in your face drum corps.

[@JAshley64]

Wow I wasn't ready for Kingsmen's sound. That's tough to listen to. Good energy though! I have a tough time choosing between phantom and Cavailers

[@earlviney5212]

Right in your face kingsmen unlike the others

[@UrbanReviews]

You need to realize or at least acknowledge the instruments of that era as well... probably all valve/rotor bugles..

[@michaelmeyer2725]

@@UrbanReviews I have to agree with you. The quality of the horns in 1974 and 1988 are 2 completely different beasts. I with the OP here...The Kingsmen version had me cringing initially. The power was there though. Cavies version blew it out of the water though, and I'll give a lot of that to the horns of 1988 being superior, plus their drill (again, a completely different era from Kingsman) was much better.

[@tampazeke4587]

The horns were of lower quality and so was the video/audio recording technology.

[@Splooie99]

Several different factors in regards to horns of the times. The Kingsmen played on true G bugles with rotary and valve horns. They were very loud and in your face. But, that was the times and horn quality. The size of the horn line was most likely around 50-60 tops. Those G bugles were very raspy, but man did the play loud. The Cavaliers show was still in G bugles, but definitely 2 valves and better quality. This allowed for better arranging and took a step up as the quality of the horns improved.. The arrangement and visual programs are 2 totally different things. From a year to year comparison, you have to say the Cavaliers were ahead of their time. Phantom's version is really good. Their sound was with 3 valve horns, most likely the concert horns of todays drum corps. Much better quality and a different recruiting process by then. In the 80s, the quality of the players has improved each year as the pool of opportunities has been greatly reduced as well. Mots of kids trying out for fewer spots, improves the quality as well as techniques have improved. The top corps of today have the best talent as the pool of brass spots in the top is more or less fixed. However, from a time versus design perspective, I believe the Cavies show is ahead, but Phantoms show is pretty darn good too. BK show to me is a little flat visually until the last 30 seconds or so. The last few sets are fun to watch unfold. By the way, I am a Cavies Alum, but have been watching Drum Corps since the late 70s.

[@PingHousehold13]

I came here expecting to vote for PR 2007 (same summer I marched a different corps so I must’ve heard that one a thousand times) but I realized when the Cavies popped the horns to the box and I got goosebumps that it was gonna be tough! I love how the activity has kept pace with its participants over the years - we reluctantly added some dance when the judges fed back that we needed more movement but it was so basic compared to what’s being done today. In my heart, though, there is nothing better than a clean horn snap or, in the ‘88 case, a unison pop up!

[@jamesreese4170]

Same here. I give a slight nod to Cavies for that old school DCI emotion. Very dramatic.

[@jeffheiderscheit4581]

Phantom Regiment will always be my answer. They’ve always been my favorite DCI

[@Mr_Balls106]

I would have killed to see all these live 😵‍💫 we did the firebird final as our closer in highschool my first year of marching band

[@emclau5394]

It’s like picking your favorite child, I got great pleasure from both , this is why I can never claim which of these corps is my favorite , what a true tribute to the youth of America

[@Dizzyphan]

Not only the 74 Kingsmen but also the 76 and 77 Kingsmen in which Firebird was the exit and re-entry. We also did it in the 2007 Alumni corps.

[@casadelosperrosstudio200]

Yeah we did! I can't believe that was 14 years ago.... I'm old.

[@UrbanReviews]

I marched with Packy (bari soloist) in Guardsmen as side by side sopranos before he got braces and switched to bari. There was no looking back for him! '88 Cavies for the win.

[@ryant8424]

1974 kingsmen. High mark time and belt it out. You kids and your jogging and technicality. Patooey. We marched in tornadoes and hail the size of mallet heads!

[@ralphgeigner9545]

The Kingsmen was a neat corps, great uniforms and a style of music that was there own ! I know Ken Norman wrote music for them. Go Kenosha Kingsmen Go Pontiac Firebirds !

[@stevewarmbier1960]

That was the Anaheim Kingsmen, not Kenosha. Though Ken wrote for both. Don't know if you heard he passed away about a month ago. The activity has lost a legend. Glad I knew him.

[@ralphgeigner9545]

@@stevewarmbier1960 Hello, Yes I did hear about his passing, On his Funeral homes web site I added a few photos form the past. I was in the Kenosha KIngsmen, when he did the music and he played in the corps, my brother and I often saw him at the Scouts show, Cedarburg and DCI WI shows.

[@faythompson1371]

I loved the 2012 Blue Knights Version the Best. Probably because this was a Really good year for DCI, my last finals that I saw in the Lucas Oil Stadium, and DCI celebrating Their 40th Anniversary. Oh, And the Crossmen made finals that Summer, the first time since 2004. So It was a Great Summer for them!!!

[@sydney4911]

Toss up between the Phantom Regiment and the Cavaliers. Hard to put the Kingsmen in this group when the show rules were so different back then. (Proud Phantom - Class of 73 ..... that makes me really old)

[@glennfjenkins2702]

I agree it’s tough to put the kings men in this even though there show was very good the difference is the horns and the sounds got better over the years so it’s difficult to me to determine who had the better production I think all show are very good👍👍

[@stevewarmbier1960]

The sound quality really kills the Kingsmen show. Check out the KAC version. We had many alumni from 72, 74, 76, & 77 who played Firebird in their year and with KAC.

[@dfsimon]

Cavaliers. Steve Brubaker’s enchanting visual design elevates the music above all others. The others just don’t compare.

[@JS-hu7pv]

Phantom or Star of Indiana - I just prefer those arrangements. But let’s be honest - Firebird played by any corps is pure gold. I catch myself humming or whistling it throughout the day fairly often.

[@JS-hu7pv]

And I know this video didn’t show Star but they also performed this during their Brass Theater days and seeing it as a band kid at 16 was pretty amazing.

[@johncraig4820]

Marching timpani love the glory days even with the bad audio

[@ts00987212]

Phantom regiment! I was 16 years old then and I just loved it since the fist time watching the show!

[@Nizerifin]

I’ll say it’s between Phantom and Cavies ‘88, when also considering drill. Take the drill out of the equation and it’s Phantom without a doubt.

[@dankelly1426]

Cavies for the drill and guard work. Liked the BK's flag colors and final drill set also.

[@GraysonBuzz]

Gotta go Cavies or Phantom. 80s was the peak of DCI so that argues Cavies in Kansas City but the PR version was well done. All were good!

[@jalakor]

I think personally Phantom’s arrangement is so much more impactful, and their drill with the jazz run is awesome. Cavaliers sounded nice, but the slow pace wasn’t as cool to me as Phantom (and I don’t feel they were as loud as Phantom, was that their ballad that year?)

[@cicook7]

They were marching half time. It was their closer.

[@GBTCO2b]

actual live coverage of Dave Hurwitz Firebird best recording recommendation.

[@canalbandashow]

*Que falta esse show nos faz. esperamos que tudo isso volte logo ao normal*

[@davidledoux1736]

Loved BK's final set! Gotta go with 88 Cavs, though.

[@pxevo2418]

Cavies take it for me. I just love bugles. Phantom is the close second and a performance I got to see live. Very powerful.

[@DemoDougie]

They were all incredible!

[@thecruisestudio77845]

Well, I saw 2 of those shows, I was prepared to say PR. Long time fan. BUT.... after seeing Blue Knights, I'm giving it to them. I was impressed with interpretation and drill ... it held my attention wanting to know how it would finish.

[@johnnylitzinger]

Here’s my opinion: Top visual phantom regiment Top musical performance, phantom regiment, Top musical book, blue stars The ending of Phantom Regiment show went into fifth and sixth and seventh and eighth gear wished I could’ve seen it live

[@christopherauert6634]

CAVALIERS! for the great guard work. AGAIN....

[@brianduncan7938]

All of them are great shows, But I would have to say The 88 Cavaliers is my favorite.

[@stanleyluu1303]

I was at the championships that year and liked Phantom’s On Air the most because of 1000 Airplanes on the Roof and Firebird

[@jordancostagliola]

All really great tbh. Kingsmen with the class drum corps sound, Cavaliers looking so clean, Phantom RUNNING, but I personally have to go with the Blue Knights. That arrangement + the runs at the end + the final set are really great.

[@phillipfaig3928]

All very good but I have to say Phantom. Reason is I think they own this for dci. I watched all the others, who were very good, measuring them against Phantom's version. I will have to say BK for me finished a close second to PR. Thanks for this series.

[@patriciocastro391]

1988 Cavaliers. Good musicians, wonderful performers and visually impressive . Runner's up, the rest.

[@boilerdawg]

2007 Blue Stars anyone?

[@chrisrush8749]

I was gonna say them too!!

[@nolanrussell518]

What about them Cavies!!!

[@briantuma1502]

BK’s bari soloist and company front. Regiment’s overall arrangement and sound.

[@jzimny1413]

BK bari soloist here, thank you so much!

[@briantuma1502]

@@jzimny1413 You’re welcome. I really like BK as an organization and innovator.

[@raymondpirollo1359]

Phantom Regiment is my favorite. All are great perfromances. The Cavalliers had the best visual effect/field show out of them all.

[@baconcat2458]

I think I gotta go with cavaliers! The drill just looks so clean

[@ophs1980]

Phantom Regiment '07. Close 2nd for Cavaliers 1988

[@harryballsonya]

Phantom. That jazz run!!!!!!

[@jaxsage5767]

My vote goes to the '88 Cavaliers, and I think Stravinshy's vote would be the same.

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

For my ears the Phantom chord sequence at the end sold me on their version. I also liked the percussion hits and breaks in their version, but that's just me. All of the groups did Stravinsky proud.

[@taflhols278]

I preferred Phantom's arrangement and The Blue Knights' drill. I have to say my favorite is still Phantom '78--the first time I heard Firebird on the field.

[@ptr250]

Kingsmen were playing on piston/rotor G bugles. Cavies were using much improved 2 valve G bugles. PR and BK had B flat three valve instruments, so they should sound better. I liked the Cavies presentation better. Green Machine for the win!

[@MusicNerd2014]

Phantom has the more iconic arrangement but BK just added so much with a different mello line and ending that made it unique

[@jamesmccaughey5604]

All were excellent. Decision 88 Cavies. :) !!

[@dvadams75]

This is a tough one. By the way, the Kingsmen only had 38 horns in 1974. They're all really good. BK had the best flags, Cavaliers the best overall visual, and 2007 Phantom Regiment the best musically IMO.

[@michaeldecharbert8914]

1. 2007 Phantom Regiment 2. 1988 Cavaliers.

[@Sammm1473]

Regiment just made me cry

[@J-Strength1]

PHANTOM!

[@christophermaybury4918]

The Blue Knights were wonderful, but I have to go with Phantom Regiment. 😀

[@jeffreydheere4737]

I never got to see the Kingsmen - a bit before my time and I'm sure the recording doesn't do it to show their raw power. I toured in another corps next to the 88 Cavies and that show was fantastic. However, I also got to see the 07 PR show live and that part with the running horn line rips something out of me every time. As awesome as the Blue Knights performed it, the show didn't do anything for me.

[@MythicalMav]

Franklin Central Highschool is doing this for wgi 2021.

[@mtfenley]

I would say phantom. Blue coats then cavaliers

[@NapoleonicSoundArts]

The moment we figure out time travel, we’ve got to go record the Kingsmen with modern equipment.

[@jamesreese4170]

Musically giving it to Phantom. Overall GE though goes to the Cavies, well put together finale, the streamers, the drill, the final formation. Hard to vote against the wedge, but that Cavies finish had it all.

[@Flipperwi715]

That one in the video was the best!!!!

[@virginiabrown8228]

Cavies by far the best and most exciting drill during.

[@Stone026]

Man, I get that Phantom Regiment did great, but BK REALLY killed it. The Knights were giving me chills during the whole performance. Definitely underrated considering the little number of people I see talking about it. :)

[@vincevasquez8741]

Personally its 07 phantom or 12 bk for me. But god you always got to give cavies credit. They are always ahead of the times.

[@xsiunnu]

Musically phantom regiment with blue knights nipping at their heels. Both very high-level performances! Cavaliers drill was simply on mark!

[@SnareMax90]

Phantom 07 Drill was INSANE … my vote !

[@whymethough2701]

Phantom or Cavies I'd say

[@michaelajackson3439]

Musically, PR 07. Visually, Cavaliers 88.

[@brianhale2977]

The Cavaliers gave me chills, so they win the music. I am still waiting for a drill to match the excitement of the music.

[@loganfehn7761]

WINNER 79 Phantom Regiment 😊

[@michaelmeyer2725]

I came into this one biased in favor of 2007 Phantom, but I was determined to to give all 4 corps a fair shake. 2007 Phantom's version is the winner here again, with 1988 Cavies 2nd, just barely, over 2012 Blue Knights. I did NOT like BKs ending. I NEED that sustained mello F at the end and I got runs. BOO! If their ending were different I would have ranked them ahead of Cavies. I personally think Firebird suite is better suited for Bb horns over the G bugles, if only because of the ranges involved. 1988 Cavies did a very good job on this though. As for 1974 Kingsmen....Well, I'm sorry but I don't think they pulled this one off, even taking into account the video is nearly 50 years old. 2007 gives us the jazz runs at the end, the beautiful solo, and is a complete package.

[@popeyesailor9571]

I really loved BK doing it the best.

[@zwd7156]

Phantom 07

[@KuwaywayLogic]

yeah phantom

[@dylancouch7286]

easy, Phantom.

[@-NGC-6302-]

1988 and 2012 were the best ones imo

[@definitelynotcainan3353]

Can't believe I am gonna say this... Blue Knights. And I generally do not like the Blue Knights nor do I hide that fact.

[@krimzae]

my band director marched phantom 07