2006 SCORES and REVIEWS

AUGUST 12 - DCI FINALS - MADISON, WI

97.200 - The Cavaliers
96.850 - Phantom Regiment
96.550 - Blue Devils
93/175 - Bluecoats
93.075 - The Cadets
92.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
90.125 - Blue Knights
89.875 - Carolina Crown
87.700 - Madison Scouts
87.325 - Boston Crusaders
86.000 - Glassmen
84.825 - Spirit from JSU

AUGUST 11 - DCI SEMIFINALS - MADISON, WI

97.875 - The Cavaliers
97.000 - Blue Devils
96.825 - Phantom Regiment
93.625 - The Cadets
93.550 - Santa Clara Vanguard
93.500 - Bluecoats
90.275 - Carolina Crown
89.350 - Blue Knights
88.775 - Boston Crusaders
87.950 - Madison Scouts
86.275 - Glassmen
85.275 - Spirit from JSU
83.050 - Colts
81.525 - Blue Stars
81.250 - Crossmen
80.825 - Capital Regiment
77.875 - Mandarins

I have to admit I did not really like this show at all in San Antonio or Atlanta - Kudos to these kids for investing in their show and delivering a vastly improved, more effective show in Madison. As always, the trademark of this corps seemed to be intensity and execution. The gutsy little corps that can. Musically, this was far from one of my favorite shows of the year, but the rhythmic themes were effective, and for whatever reason (I can’t really put my finger on it), the show just worked anyway. Mandarins guard ultimately made the difference, as they handled the wind much better than did Southwind’s guard. Otherwise, Mandarins would have been the last corps out instead of the last corps in. Kudos as well to Mandarins for having an even better show on Friday. Perhaps letting their hair down a bit without a corps to really compete with allowed them to more emotionally sell their show on Friday. -- TexasPRfan, on DCP

I like the color of the new uniforms, and really enjoyed this years show. A solid corps always that is on the verge of breaking into the top -- GMichael1230, on DCP

AUGUST 10 - DCI QUARTERFINALS - MADISON, WI

96.900 - The Cavaliers
96.525 - Blue Devils
96.025 - Phantom Regiment
93.475 - The Cadets
92.975 - Bluecoats
92.375 - Santa Clara Vanguard
89.675 - Carolina Crown
89.650 - Blue Knights
89.325 - Boston Crusaders
88.250 - Madison Scouts
88.125 - Glassmen
86.525 - Spirit from JSU
84.625 - Colts
82.675 - Crossmen
82.225 - Blue Stars
81.925 - Capital Regiment
78.375 - Mandarins - Top 17 advance to Friday Semifinals
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77.950 - Southwind
75.525 - Seattle Cascades
75.225 - The Magic
74.900 - Pacific Crest
72.800 - Esperanza
71.500 - Pioneer

I had forgotten that they changed uniforms. I liked their old ones, but as they played, the new ones grew on me. It is definitely a different look for them, and I like the color. Clapping sequence at the end was cool. -- DrumCorpsMom, on DCP

I think Mandarins deserved the win over Southwind tonight, but I don't think they deserved the particular captions they won over SW. They were considerably better in visual performance and CG, but the scores actually gave them GE over SW, and that I simply didn't see. But, oh well, at least the right corps made it through to Semis. -- Tony L., on DCP

Where did that scroe come from? I think they were overscored by a few points - should have been only slightly higher than Cascades. -- jjlet, on DCP

DrumCorpsPlanet comments regarding Quarterfinals Cinecast:

I think Mandarins should have lead the cinnecast, being they have beaten Southwind both times they have seen them.-- Shintao

I would have to totally agree with that. DCI needs to take a look at this one !! Mandarins scored a 78.7 last night and Southwinds last score was a 76 I think if they beat them twice in head to head + progressed what else can be considered? -- 27thsnare

That is all that is taken into consideration. We're not talking about a drum corps equivalent of the "BCS formula" here. The criteria is clear and I'm sure all the corps knew what it would be before tour. Mandarins may beat Southwind, but they did not generate a score average high enough to be seeded ahead of them for Quarterfinals. Perhaps they should have gone to more shows. This is only bad for people who want to see the Cinecast. People going to Quarters, Semis, and Finals will see Mandarins twice (if they come in 17th on Thursday) and only see Southwind once. That's all that likely matters to the corps and its members as well. - Tekneek

But it wasn't an issue of Mandarins not attending enough shows. They were at DIFFERENT shows from Southwind, and based on the judges at the differing shows, scores were high/low. Allentown, though different nights, used the same panel of judges for both nights and Mandarins' score was once again ahead of Southwind. Seeing as how Mandarins beat Southwind at EVERY meeting (which were the major DCI shows), it seems a bit ridiculous that Southwind landed in the Cinecast. -- brassboy

Well, Mandarins might not have made the cinecast, but if they have beaten Swind the past few times, it sounds like they will have the last laugh because they will be performing Friday, whereas Swind would not be. Personally, that's the position I'd rather be in. -- boilerman_05

Yea, but...being that Sacramento is on the west coast of the country, the cinnecast is how many local fans get to see the corps, a corps that is ranked 17 regardless of what all the "but it is an average" people say. Also, for those who have marched in a lower ranked corps, performing in top 17 is somewhat of a deal, not a big deal but it is nice. Best of luck to all the competeing corps on Thursday. -- ShangMan

I say that I think it is a slap in the face of the Mandarins, Blue Knights and Bluecoats. It is as if the entire season and the big regionals mean nothing. If you only have the scores count for the week prior to going into finals, why not save gas money and take an extended break from touring and clean you A## off before coming out again for the final two weeks. I am being sarcastic of course, but I just think when you take one week over another to avereage you're at the mercy of scores at shows where you may not compete against many of the corps you are competing against. Something else is that a certain corps or two may go to three or four shows in a week and another may go to 2 that same week. So once again, it is not exactly the most fair way in my opninion to determine performance order/placement/pecking order for quarter finals. Once again i renew the fact that I really think the corps jipped in this is the Mandarins who earned the 17th place spot for quarters all year long and deserve to be brodcast. i like Southwinds show and design this year and had wanted them to get into the Cinecast, but not like this. BK, Crown and Boston have battled all July and now in August and I think it is unfair to put an intermission between BK and Crown and Boston has no business performing in the 7 spot.The Cadets also as I have said are not the 4th place corps as of now and should not get to perform in that spot. Who should perform where? The corps should perform in the order that they have placed in the regionals or over the entire summer, period!!! Head to Head determines the Chamionship not Average score vs. Average score. It should be the same coming into quarters as well. -- wesleyrp

i am not happy to see Mandarins get screwed over like this. July 30 to August 5 eh? How could DCI forget about the competition on August 6, the day Mandarins earned a score that would have put them in 17th?
I don't feel sorry for the corps, since they are in a pretty decent position to take that last semi-finals spot. It just sucks for us fans who wanted to see them in the theaters. *sigh* -- nguyenbr

I think it's a shame that the bottom six corps are determined "not worthy" of being shown on Cinecast. So sad.Over 800 kids spent just as much blood, sweat and tears as the top corps - busting their butts, sweating in this record heat, and trying day after day day after day to improve. While the friends, parents, neighbors, relatives and schoolmates of the top 17 corps get to see themperform, the lowest scoring six have no such respect. Not only does everyone not get a chance to seethem, but they have to explain they won't be seen on the screen because they just didn't cut it. I understand that broadcasting this is not cheap and I also understand that attendance earlier in the day may not be as high as in the evening. But I think it is a slap in the face to those kids who have tried so hard for months and were basically told they just weren't good enough to be shown with the others. -- texasmom

AUGUST 6 - ARTISTRY IN MOTION - COLUMBUS, OH

96.300 - Blue Devils
92.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
89.300 - Carolina Crown
86.300 - Glassmen
85.400 - Spirit from JSU
81.250 - Capital Regiment
78.750 - Mandarins
75.750 - Pacific Crest

i'm not a Mandarins fan generally, but i lreally liked this show. they have a smaller hornline as usual, and they didn't try to do anything over complicated to compensate for it. you could tell these guys were having a lot of fun and they enjoyed performing the show. -- tubawarrior, on DCP

This show grabbed you from the beginning. It really communicated to the audience and the brass sounded very good for not being a full line. That being said, I think that mandarins are doing great this year and I hope that they continue to grow and expand the program. New guy: They weren’t as loud as the first ones. Their uniforms are kind of cool though. Old guy: They blew me away! For such a small horn line they definitely made it all the way up here. -- hawsebt, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Pretty cool with the "Mandarin Orange" color jackets, this was straight ahead no-gimmics no-frills drum corps. They were also loud, but they were a smaller corps than most. Like all the corps tonight, they built their sound from the bottom up, marching 9 tubas (everybody had 9-10 or more tubas). They were a joy to watch, they had a very polished professional show. -- wvu80, on blue devils forum

AUGUST 4 - DCI EASTERN CLASSIC - ALLENTOWN, PA

95.575 - Cavaliers
94.600 - Phantom Regiment
92.875 - Cadets
87.925 - Boston Crusaders
85.550 - Glassmen
83.300 - Colts
80.600 - Blue Stars
80.225 - Capital Regiment
77.050 - Mandarins
74.950 - Magic
72.850 - Esperanza
69.875 - Pioneer

Ok visual program/execution....musical book is average at best, very choppy, and uninspriring........this comes across as some type of indoor show with musical accompaniment, and frankly I think is quite overscored, and I have no idea why it is in the running for semifinals with several musical programs that are substantially superior to theirs in every way..... -- bob984, on DrumCorpsPlanet

The show left me wanting more. I liked the concept, I just didn't make an emotional connection with the show. -- kiotad, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I think they have the best and most complete package to this point and should stay ahead of Southwind to make semi-finals. Loved this show! The opening clapping rhythm is used as a motiff or germ from which the rest of the show music is derived. Horn line was balanced and had a great sound. The yellow things are a type of tube something (can't remember what they're called). They come in sets, each pitch a different size and color and are used a lot by elementary and general music teachers; nice effect. Beatiful gaurd and visual package as well. I like the uniforms, they are very nice; they just don't give the Mandarins the unique look they use to have. -- shawn craig, on DCP

A step up in the level of maturity was evident immediately. The show featured lots of clapping, the guard "playing" PVC pipes (boing!) and an ending that exuded energy. Still, a bunch of dirt will keep this show from scoring very high. -- bicsta, on DCP

show to me was an indoor drumline show with brass playing once in a while. drumline got the groove stuff down, but the brass didn't feel it. IMo, showed mosly bored me. -- jeffsnewjetta, on DCP

This was the first show that I really enjoyed. The new uniforms are a bit of a surprise, but beyond that I found a lot of enjoyable materal here. "Clapping Music" comes across especially well, with clapping in the pit followed by the guard banging on weird yellow sticks, both of which set up a rhythm and then hand off to the battery. We were speculating how many sessions with the percussion staff it took to get the guard hitting their sticks in time! Speaking of, the guard was really solid throughout the show. Lots of exposed work, and most of it hit for a good impact. They were a couple of notches above the guards that performed around them. Also, they do a nice little tag of "Clapping Music" after the show is over and the audience starts clapping for them. --shortandfast, on DrumCorpsPlanet

This was an awesome corps in the division 2 and 3 ranks of the past. I found myself not enjoying this much. Too much percussion. I felt like the horn line was cheated and played maybe 5 minutes the whole show. Percussion played well mind you, but it was way too much. -- burdettsky, on DrumCorpsPlanet

JULY 31 - DCI SUMMER MUSIC GAMES - SALEM, VA

88.600 - Santa Clara Vanguard
87.550 - Carolina Crown
86.600 - Madison Scouts
84.800 - Glassmen
83.550 - Spirit from JSU
81.850 - Colts
75.000 - Mandarins

It ocurred to me that I didn't write as much about that mandarins as the other corps. this review was just a quick last minute thing full of spelllllling erorrssss. Sorry about that. But , anyway, Mandarins did was they did, and it was clean. I would not compare it to the other corps in that they are bigger and more experienced, but I was impressed with the Mandarins. It was not just some national anthem little corps warm up show. It was honestsly a very good show, and they performed it very well. I paid money to see the show tonight and Mandarins alone were worth the premium seats. If they don't beat PC this year, there is a serious flaw in the judging system. Thank you for your hard work to put on an entaining production. Great soloists, great show,.....It was Bad A$# -- irishinyourface, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I really enjoyed their show, it looked like they were having a blast with it ('Rhythm Nation'). There's a certain few measure beat pattern that ties the whole show together that finds its way to the pit (clapping), the guard (using yellow tubes of some sort), and I'm sure the battery at some point. Very energetic performance, and the announcer was a little quick to the gun to start talking after their 'first ending', because then the corps came up to the pit and they all started clapping that beat, great show!" -- chris ncsu, on DrumCorpsPlanet

JULY 29 - DCI SE CHAMPIONSHIPS - ATLANTA, GA

86.850 - Boston Crusaders
86.225 - Blue Knights
85.225 - Glassmen
83.875 - Spirit from JSU
80.800 - Colts
78.875 - Crossmen
78.825 - Capital Regiment
78.200 - Blue Stars
75.125 - Mandarins
75.025 - Southwind
72.750 - Magic
71.525 - Seattle Cascades
70.575 - Esperanza

Good show...but I am having trouble remember things. I think the guard was pretty good though. -- chadwick, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Mandarins (75.125), as I said, are right there with Southwind. This was the only show I was viewing for the first time from the stands. I have always enjoyed the unique product Mandarins seems to bring to the field – the gutsy little underdog. I’m not as big a fan of this show, though – particularly of the music book, which is relatively un-inspiring. The guard is pretty effective – particularly in the closer, with a great silk, that is unveiled in a nice, creative way. One other note – I really don’t like the new uniforms for Mandarins – they sacrificed a lot of their unique identity. -- TexasPRfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Following Southwind came Mandarins. There really isn't much I can say about Mandarins...they didn't really grab me at all, though they performed well enough. Rhythm nation wasn't all that rocking, to be honest. I liked the colour of the corps jacket. SJ thought they were a tad on the boring side...I had to agree. Music seems to be their weak point right now, as the hornline just wasn't "on" today. I would be willing to be that they ranked near the bottom of the music captions. Don't really know if it's the book, or the hornline though...just can't put my finger on it. -- The Tsar, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Since my memory isn't that great, for these other corps, you were great to listen to. If you missed the Mandarins, Southwind, The Magic, Seattle Cascades, or Esperanza, then you missed some wonderfully entertaining corps that have great shows. Next time, don't miss them! -- dadofgage, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Good, but not very memorable. -- jfbubba, on Soundmachine

JULY 26 - DCI MUSIC GAMES - SILOAM SPRINGS, AR

90.850 - Bluecoats
87.450 - Carolina Crown
85.650 - Boston Crusaders
85.500 - Blue Knightss
79.800 - Colts
75.800 - Mandarins

JULY 25 - RUMBLE IN THE FALLS - WICHITA FALLS, TX

90.950 - Bluecoats
86.450 - Carolina Crown
85.450 - Boston Crusaders
84.050 - Blue Knightss
79.500 - Colts
74.250 - Mandarins

JULY 24 - THUNDER IN THE DESERT - MIDLAND, TX

92.000 - Cavaliers
85.350 - Carolina Crown
85.050 - Boston Crusaders
84.250 - Blue Knights
73.750 - Mandarins

JULY 22 - DCI SW CHAMPIONSHIPS - SAN ANTONIO, TX

84.175 - Blue Knights
83.650 - Madison Scouts
82.425 - Glassmen
81.400 - Spirit from JSU
79.025 - Colts
77.400 - Crossmen
76.425 - Blue Stars
75.625 - Capital Regiment
73.625 - Mandarins
73.000 - Southwind
70.050 - The Magic
68.525 - Seattle Cascades
68.325 - Esperanza
65.250 - Pioneer

Love the new unis! I always felt the old ones were much too cluttered. Not sure I liked the drums, equipment-wise. Just didn’t like the sound that much. They sounded pretty good when they started playing with the…I thought they might be those “dreads” that I’ve seen in catalogs? Anyway, I probably sound pretty ignorant about drum equipment—because I am, but that’s what I was hearing.
Another thing I heard, though…however those Premiers sounded, the kids were playing them great! Blair’s doing a great job with them! There were some alignment and control problems in the trumpets and horns, but the drums were definitely the highlight of this corps, as far as I was concerned!
I thought it was interesting that they chose to go with a theme that had nothing to do with Asian heritage. Not necessarily better or worse, just…interesting. -- mytch, on bluedevils.org

I had to watch this show from the tunnel (sorry, guys, I was late getting down to S.A. on Saturday from Dallas). I can’t comment on much other than the fact I don’t really like the new uniforms and miss the distinctive look they used to bring to the field. I can tell they have some nice, percussive moments in the show and I’m looking forward to seeing them in Atlanta and Madison. --TexasPRfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I went to get a pizza so I missed the first half, but the second half was decent. i don't like the new uni's but it does look good compared to the old ones. The show just wasn't my bag. Good and again in the same quality as SW, but i did not feel they were better than SW. The show was a little dry. Good job though Mandarins, keep it up. -- wesleyrp, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Nice uniforms - decent show. -- Jazzycat1, on DrumCorpsPlanet

JULY 20 - EXSIGHTMENT OF SOUND - HOUSTON, TX

89.900 - The Cavaliers
84.450 - Santa Clara Vanguard
84.400 - Carolina Crown
80.900 - Spirit from JSU
71.950 - Mandarins
69.350 - The Magic
67.500 - Pioneer

I can't lie, I had Magic above Mandarins tonight. The show seems to just sort of "be", without much to get things moving. The horns don't play NEARLY enough: the show starts out with a LONG drum intro (we're talking like a minute and a half), then the horns play a little...then ANOTHER long drum break. Let those horns play!! When the horns ARE in, they sound great. Expose them some more guys! -- geluf, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I had hoped the Mandarins would have scored higher...very surprised to see this score. Hopefully they can challenge for a spot in Semis.-- chadwick, on Soundmachine

I know Mandarins score went DOWN from their last CA score. I could tell though that the mid-70's they were scoring were too high. That would've put them in the top 12 hunt. I just could tell that would get fixed once they joined the tour. However, I'm sure they'll still be a semis corps based on their #'s. -- SNModdison, from Soundmachine

I wacthed the Mnadarins but from outside the stadium. This is actually close to the field but from the side. A VERY GENERAL impresion is that musically they sounded good overall but their drill and visiual is lagging. Keep in mind this is a comment from ground level fromt he side, clearly not the best place to make a truely valid comment-- but I could see the marching itself. I'm an old " Counter-March--march guy by history so I do look for this stuff. -- rysa4, from Soundmachine

JULY 15 - CA STATE OPEN - SUNNYVALE, CA

75.350 - Mandarins
74.500 - Pacific Crest

Ok, for the two Div 1 corps at Sunnyvale, Mandarins were very strong with battery as awesome as always. Very serious, "professional" corps with strong overall presentation. I was impressed, again, by their mallet players and some of the totally fun runs and fills they pull off. Again, not very expansive in their use of the field but put on an overall very clean GE show. Horns have improved since early in the season and steadily built to a strong crescendo: good "face blowing off moments." They took first at this show. --Timpfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

JULY 14 - WEST COAST SHOWDOWN - ELK GROVE, CA

74.750 - Mandarins
74.600 - Pacific Crest

JULY 9 - SUMMER MUSIC GAMES - BELLFLOWER, CA

72.900 - Pacific Crest
71.800 - Mandarins
67.150 - Esperanza

JULY 8 - DRUMS ALONG PACIFIC - NEWBURY PARK, CA

70.050 - Mandarins
69.900 - Pacific Crest
64.150 - Esperanza

JULY 1 - MOONLIGHT CLASSIC - STOCKTON, CA

83.050 - Blue Devils
77.600 - Santa Clara Vanguard
75.400 - Blue Knights
69.300 - Pacific Crest
66.950 - Mandarins
64.400 - Esperanza
61.400 - Seattle Cascades

Mandarins show is much cleaner then two weeks ago, but I think their brass will hold them back this year. I hope they surprise me and make semi's again. I am always rooting for my local corps. -- jeffreelancer, on DrumCorpsPlanet

like the old unis better. Playing a lot of jazzy stuff. Reminded me a lot of recent Blue Devils, with individuals in the snare and tenor lines breaking off and ramming little solos here and there. -- Yellowbusredux, on DrumCorpsPlanet

JUNE 30 - PRECISION WEST - CONCORD, CA

80.750 - Blue Devils
75.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
72.550 - Blue Knights
64.700 - Mandarins
64.450 - Pacific Crest
62.000 - Seattle Cascades
61.550 - Esperanza

In general, I was really excited by what I saw and heard this evening. The thing that came across from corps to corps was thundering percussion, particularly the Mandarins. If you're a percussionist, Mandarins show is the show to see. The Mandarins beginning is a show off section of a variety of drummers and it was awesome! The hornline is lined up across the field with drummers and guard spread out across the field. The left side of perhaps 10 horns and a couple of drummers opens up to a box and the drummers just bang. Then the next section, and so on. The drumline is fun and exciting, the horn line is big, but doesn't have that big sound. Seattle and Pacific Crest, I thought, out shown the Mandarins. Mandarins need to unleash that hornline and once they do, they'll be climbing up the ladder. -- BD5times, on BlueDevils.org

JUNE 25 - WESTERN CORPS CONNECTION - RIVERSIDE, CA