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Post by srv1084 on Apr 15, 2023 17:41:37 GMT -6
"Hey, what do you guys think about show themes for this year?" "How about a show about moving, but with a vintage midi soundtrack?" "Like something Union would have used in the late 80s but make it 2023?" "Yes, exactly."
Honestly, I'm living for this show. The Woodlands as a permanent top three contender just feels right.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 17:48:29 GMT -6
"Hey, what do you guys think about show themes for this year?" "How about a show about moving, but with a vintage midi soundtrack?" "Like something Union would have used in the late 80s but make it 2023?" "Yes, exactly." Honestly, I'm living for this show. The Woodlands as a permanent top three contender just feels right. Could not agree more. The've added so so so much uniqueness to the top of SW class. I'm still in love with their Doors show from last season!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 17:52:01 GMT -6
Tower of Power baby
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 17:52:56 GMT -6
I am also living for this Tarpon show year. Sometimes they've gone a little too far off the rails, like the Banksy show last year, which even though I *loved*, I had to admit wasn't particularly focused or tight design-wise as the other top competitors. This year, they seemed to have matched their unique high energy brand that we all adore with a design that just got tighter and better and clearer as it continued to build. This season was Tarpon at their best!! I love to see it.
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Post by mk72 on Apr 15, 2023 17:53:13 GMT -6
Tarpon's show felt like an indie movie about the progression of Western art done in a techno way...and I mean that in the best way possible.
Time and time again, they prove themselves to be at the top of the field. This year is no exception. Great job, TS!!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 17:54:40 GMT -6
In all seriousness, that was all technical skills wrapped up in a bundle of fun for Tarpon Springs. It just kept rollin and rollin without stopping all the way to the end!
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Post by mk72 on Apr 15, 2023 18:00:41 GMT -6
So why was no one gonna tell me that Carmel is secretly a top IW guard pretending to be an SW guard.... That was just absolutely unreal. Tight performance coupled with a beautiful design. These performers are so mature in the way they emote and obviously their cleanliness. But this is Carmel we're talking about; this is the norm for them Fantastic job, Carmel!!!
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Post by cybrunette on Apr 15, 2023 18:04:17 GMT -6
Oh no Carmel, that was very unfortunate.. Their semi run was definitely final caliber
Tarpon was phenomenal as always
Woodlands & Avon really bringing the fight.. They didn't walk off with any regrets
TBH I'd be surprised if top 4 isn't extremely tight score wise.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 18:05:11 GMT -6
Ok. Carmel. Same thoughts as when I caught them at the Indy Regional - it's all incredibly lovely and perfectly-written. It just reads to me as a little too...academic? Like a clinic in what a perfectly-written winter guard show should entail. The nuance is through the roof, the density is surprisingly startling when you view it as a whole, the partner work is just exquisite throughout the whole performance, and every single movement, from tiny to massive full group, happens for a clear reason. I guess I'm just not particularly intrigued by much of it. I mean, I'm thoroughly intrigued by the jaw-dropping skills of the performers as well as the level of the writing and attention to detail. It just doesn't come together as something you get lost in in the way TS or TW or Avon's shows do (or other Carmel shows). But maybe that's ok, maybe you're not meant to be lost in it. It's like a study on partner work. And that's nice. It is nice! All of it is so nice. As an example of...oh, I don't know, literally anything that falls under the color guard umbrella...I could see myself showing this performance to someone or to a group, but outside of that, I don't see myself wanting to revisit it often.
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 18:07:39 GMT -6
Door's open for the championship if you're asking me.
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 18:13:00 GMT -6
Ok. Carmel. Same thoughts as when I caught them at the Indy Regional - it's all incredibly lovely and perfectly-written. It just reads to me as a little too...academic? Like a clinic in what a perfectly-written winter guard show should entail. The nuance is through the roof, the density is surprisingly startling when you view it as a whole, the partner work is just exquisite throughout the whole performance, and every single movement, from tiny to massive full group, happens for a clear reason. I guess I'm just not particularly intrigued by much of it. I mean, I'm thoroughly intrigued by the jaw-dropping skills of the performers as well as the level of the writing and attention to detail. It just doesn't come together as something you get lost in in the way TS or TW or Avon's shows do (or other Carmel shows). But maybe that's ok, maybe you're not meant to be lost in it. It's like a study on partner work. And that's nice. It is nice! All of it is so nice. As an example of...oh, I don't know, literally anything that falls under the color guard umbrella...I could see myself showing this performance to someone or to a group, but outside of that, I don't see myself wanting to revisit it often. I'm not going to dog on Carmel for equipment work, technical flips, and all that jazz, because we all know how good they are. Admittedly... This shows reads me as a potential to do some kind of cabaret lounge show with something like Etta James-vibe going on. That's fine and all they didn't, but that was just a missed opportunity there. Metaphorically.... It's like Carmel chose to do Michael Buble covers on top of Bob Acri music. My grandpa probably used Acri music as sleepytime music.
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Post by srv1084 on Apr 15, 2023 18:17:09 GMT -6
Ok. Carmel. Same thoughts as when I caught them at the Indy Regional - it's all incredibly lovely and perfectly-written. It just reads to me as a little too...academic? Like a clinic in what a perfectly-written winter guard show should entail. The nuance is through the roof, the density is surprisingly startling when you view it as a whole, the partner work is just exquisite throughout the whole performance, and every single movement, from tiny to massive full group, happens for a clear reason. I guess I'm just not particularly intrigued by much of it. I mean, I'm thoroughly intrigued by the jaw-dropping skills of the performers as well as the level of the writing and attention to detail. It just doesn't come together as something you get lost in in the way TS or TW or Avon's shows do (or other Carmel shows). But maybe that's ok, maybe you're not meant to be lost in it. It's like a study on partner work. And that's nice. It is nice! All of it is so nice. As an example of...oh, I don't know, literally anything that falls under the color guard umbrella...I could see myself showing this performance to someone or to a group, but outside of that, I don't see myself wanting to revisit it often. Agree 100%. They're undeniably talented, performing difficult and intricate work, and the design shows they left no details missed, but I still feel the same way as semis. Seeing that show as the last representative from SW after all the excitement leading up to it just made it feel clinical rather than delivering the moment. I would actually be surprised if they lost tonight, but they weren't exactly at the top of my personal enjoyment list.
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 18:20:36 GMT -6
Quick standouts from SW because I have stuff to do:
-Kiski Area was the first one in the group that really brought the Dayton energy. -SD props were fantastic, but would've loved to see them utilized a bit more. Lots of potential for movements. -El Dorado super stripped down, but absolutely lovely to watch. -Cleveland brought the roof down. -WB and Northview did jukebox shows to fantastic effects. -While both might lack a bit in engagement, Mburg and Arcadia shined in skill. Easily steps up from the prior groups. -Avon has absolutely no shame in being 4th this year after that performance. Did everything in their power to make their case and the case was made for a medal. -TWHS was stellar. Concept, execution, skills, etc. were as complete of a package one could get. Fave show of SW. -Tower of Tarpon. What is hip? Tarpon Springs.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 18:52:34 GMT -6
Oh my god Juxtaposition was too much fun!
I watched SO Prelims, some of SW Semis and the last few of A Finals, then all of SO & SW Finals today. I typically never catch any Independent groups until I watch IW Finals each season, so these are all fresh for me. I'm hoping for a surprise like Paramount & AMP were last year that just knocks me out.
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Post by srv1084 on Apr 15, 2023 18:55:10 GMT -6
Oh my god Juxtaposition was too much fun! I watched SO Prelims, some of SW Semis and the last few of A Finals, then all of SO & SW Finals today. I typically never catch any Independent groups until I watch IW Finals each season, so these are all fresh for me. I'm hoping for a surprise like Paramount & AMP were last year that just knocks me out. From what I've gathered, Fusion will be that group for you. Fantasia will not be...
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 19:01:03 GMT -6
Tampa Independent - what a gorgeous show! Beautiful & well-designed, but super engaging from start to finish as well. The picture flash from the member at the end was the definition of cherry on top! Well done!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 19:05:36 GMT -6
Tampa, so pleasing on the eyes, developing the show and colors slowly like a Polaroid. It might be a fairly treaded theme, but I greatly enjoyed the depiction.
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 19:14:30 GMT -6
Very passionate of FIU with the show they had. The water was flowing tonight indeed...
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 19:21:48 GMT -6
For those at Dayton... Yes, all of us on the webcast saw the vogues too.
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Post by tarheel36 on Apr 15, 2023 19:35:40 GMT -6
I LOVE this Etude show. The emotional message of the show and the beauty in the masterful simplicity of the visual package… sometimes less is more!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 19:45:59 GMT -6
Etude added a nice subtle touch to their show that elevates it more than just being a slow show. Wonderfully done.
UCF was intense! Relentless from the start to finish.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 20:04:40 GMT -6
I really enjoyed all of the last 6 groups that have gone - Mirage just now stood out to me though! Super elegant. A really neat vibe. I'm loving the IW Finals so far!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 20:16:09 GMT -6
Wonderful take on Jewel from Fantasia.
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Post by mk72 on Apr 15, 2023 20:18:06 GMT -6
This is a very strong and promising year for Fantasia. They've been struggling a little bit the past couple years, but if they continue the trajectory of this season, I believe they can def get back to their earlier years upper tier era once again. Fantastic show!! I was tearing up a bit at the end hahaha.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 20:26:21 GMT -6
This is a very strong and promising year for Fantasia. They've been struggling a little bit the past couple years, but if they continue the trajectory of this season, I believe they can def get back to their earlier years upper tier era once again. Fantastic show!! I was tearing up a bit at the end hahaha. I thought I didn't remember them in IW Finals last season, I had to go back and check - somehow it slipped past my radar that they barely even made Semis! To then be sitting in 6th for Finals the next year is spectacular.
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Post by Jake W. on Apr 15, 2023 20:27:23 GMT -6
I thought Onyx was spectacular!!!! A bit of a change from same of their slower-paced shows, but still very much in that vein of moving art that they seem to accomplish so well every season. I really enjoyed it!
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 20:28:05 GMT -6
Wow. This Onyx show just chocked to the brim with... I dunno, just everything. There's some early '00s WG stuff going on where it's as interpretive dance a group could get, but then throw in really interesting drill and choice of choreography.
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Post by mk72 on Apr 15, 2023 20:31:05 GMT -6
Onyx is gonna Onyx, and I love them for it.
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Post by paddy on Apr 15, 2023 20:31:56 GMT -6
Very interesting to me that both the marching band and winter guard shows by Carmel get knocked for being incredible but “boring”.
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Post by thewho on Apr 15, 2023 20:34:42 GMT -6
Well, Fusion decided their Tiktok feed would be a good show idea.... They're not wrong.
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