Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, site of the 2019 Drum Corps International Open Class World Championships Finals! My name is Kevin Gamin, Managing News Editor of Drum Corps Planet, and I will be providing you with a live recap of all the action tonight.

First on the field is the Inbhear Mor performance ensemble from Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

It’s expensive for a group to come across the ocean. Fortunately, Inbhear Mor is able to use Pioneer’s equipment while they are in the states.

The first movement of the show is primarily the opening section of Bohemian Rhapsody. There is narration coming from the front ensemble as well.

The corps is dressed in various outfits, some featuring vests, even bow ties and bowler hats. Very dapper.

This is a YOUNG group. The girl we just saw in the guard is definitely elementary school age.

Second movement is Somebody To Love. 

Third movement features two trumpet soloists trading off. Both have great tone. They are  accompanied by the front ensemble, including a synth player who is doing a great job throughout this show.

The next movement starts with a quote from our favorite drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket, followed by a militant rendition of various songs, including a quick quote of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Heat Wave from Inverness, Florida. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: Nature Boy

The pre-show features a solo guard member as Nature Boy plays from the speakers. Another guard member, the main character of the show, appears on the field and takes up a rifle. The show officially begins with a baritone soloist playing the Nature Boy melody.

Full corps comes in on Nature Boy, with a variation of the melody serving as an intro to the show.

Our main character nails a rifle toss in the center of the field.

Percussion feature to start the first full movement of the show. Each section getting their time to shine before the horns come back in from the left side of the field, facing towards the right.

After stabbing chords, the front ensemble reintroduces the main Nature Boy theme as an interlude.

Front ensemble with a great audio moment to start the second movement as the keyboardists start off by playing with the handle ends of their mallets before flipping them around, creating a great contrast between the two sound qualities.

Horns back in. This section has a Dream Theater quality to it. It’s a brief movement and the tempo and mood changes for movement #3. Nature Boy and the solo guard member from the start of the show waltz across the field as the front ensemble intros Fix You. 

Two mellophones echo each other on the Fix you melody. The rest of the mellophones join them to finish the melodic line. Nice minor chord on the end!

After a front ensemble moment, the corps plays the chorus of Fix You as the main statement and impact of this movement.

Final movement of the show. While not directly Nature Boy, we do hear it quoted throughout, especially during the main statement, where it is overlayed with Fix You..

Nature Boy and the guard member finish the show by running through the evergreen props in the back left corner of the field and off the field.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Les Stentors from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Their 2019 program is entitled “Passion In Red”.

Drum major salutes with a rose between his teeth. Very on theme.

Show opens with an excellent vocal duet down in the front ensemble. They are young, having the time of their lives, and totally adorable.

Trombone soloist really plays well as well. 

For a corps with only 7 horns, they picked a musical book that showcased each player’s skill, was engaging for the audience, fun to play for the members, yet at just the right level for the corps to perform.

The piano player in the front ensemble is a show unto himself. He can PLAY.

The third movement of the show is just a mellophone soloist and the pianist. Incredibly exposed and both play with great expressiveness.

Les Stentors has only 7 horns. All of them are miced, however, to maximize their sound. This is something Les Stentors has done this in the past and it is very effective.

If you’re going to do a show about passion, you are required to perform a Piazzolla tango. The best of them is Libertango, and Les Stentors really shines here. One of our singers from earlier really does a great job during this selection as well.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is the Raiders from Burlington, New Jersey. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: Gateway to the Unknown
• Repertoire:
  • Original music by Key Poulan, Dan Bryan, Travis Peterman
• Description: "Every end is a beginning; every beginning is an end, constantly changing our perspective. An opportunity presents itself. Do we have the courage to move forward into the unknown to find out what’s on the other side? Featuring original compositions by Key Poulan, Dan Bryan, and Travis Peterman, we create a feeling of apprehension, wonder, and intrigue using our costumes, staging, and distinct soundscape. A series of gateways appear on the field, symbolic of the never-ending cycle of change. While it is natural to fear the unknown and sometimes get stuck between one thing and the next, ultimately we are able to embrace our arrival on the other side and celebrate our journey."

The gateways in this show are three white wheels on the field. The wheels are also represented on the guard uniforms, which are sky blue with white circle graphics.

Something I never noticed before - the drum line wears simple blue tops without the black and white accoutrements the horns have. Makes sense since those are covered  by the drum harnesses normally.

Raiders and the first movement of their show with one of the snares literally rocking one of the wheels back and forth with his weight. While playing.

Second movement opens with brass soloists staged inside each wheel as it is layed on its side.

Raiders unleash their inner Cavies with a step over move by the brass over the percussion, who are sans drums and doing body movement to add to the visual during this section of the show.

Oooohhh, nice pedal tone, tubas.

Percussion feature to open the third movement. Snares and tenors featured together, followed by basses, then full line.

Oh, my. What happened to one of the tubas earlier in the season? The bell is crushed pretty badly! Glad it’s still playable and, assuming the performer on it was involved, the tuba player is all right.

And they throw the center “gateway” down on the ground with authority to finish their show.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is the Colt Cadets from Dubuque, Iowa. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: ...Of A Feather
• Repertoire:
  • "Blackbird" by The Beatles
  • "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
  • "On Eagles Wings" by Michael Crawford
  • "The Raven" by Alan Parsons Project
• Description: "Grab your binoculars and look to the skies with the 2019 Colt Cadets! Listen for the iconic "Blackbird" by the Beatles used in different ways throughout their program, and experience a peacock personified by Freddie Mercury in "Don't Stop Me Now." The journey soars "On Eagles Wings" during this softer transitional movement, and the Colt Cadets close their program using the dark imagery of birds in their performance of "The Raven" by the Alan Parsons Project. From birds conversing in the trees to a majestic eagle soaring into the sunset, the Colt Cadets 2019 program, titled ...OF A FEATHER, encapsulates the power, attitude, and symbolism of various birds from around our world."

You can’t have a bird themed show without bird sounds coming from the front ensemble.

Wow! Guard member just tossed a huge rifle toss and caught it like a boss!

This may be the most energetic arrangement of Blackbird I’ve ever heard.

I’m very glad the Colt Cadets inherited the uniforms from the A corps. That red and black look is stunning.

Trumpet soloist opens the next movement of the show with the opening of Don’t Stop Me Now.

Guard is not holding back. All on rifle and some of these tosses are literally World Class.

Percussion feature. Solo guard member on flag is just performing like nobody else on a stage behind the pit.

Trumpet section now on the stage wailing on the chorus of Don’t Stop Me Now.

Next movement. Baritone soloist opens with On Eagles Wings. Excellent tone.

Full corps now on the main statement of the song.Pit is really working it during this show, by the way.

The Raven. Opens with a vocoder rendition of the lyrics from the start of the song. Pretty cool effect. Basses get their chance to shine on the stage.

This is new. Members are taking off their uniform tops. Actually makes it a cool look with the all black except for the red plumes on the shakes.

Corps comes in front of the pit and has a full out park and blow on the chorus of The Raven.

Building into the final part of the show. Quoting Blackbird in a minor key.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Shadow from Oregon, Wisconsin. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: Sonnets To Orpheus

Solo guard dancer on the field to start the show. Really cool pitch bends coming from the front ensemble.

Opening movement is Bjork’s Dancer In The Dark. A trumpet soloist plays the first part of the melody before handing it back to the front ensemble.

This is interesting. The guard soloist is in a different color scheme from the rest of the guard, as is the trumpet soloist to the rest of the musicians.

Next movement opens with variations on Beethoven’s 7th symphony, 2nd movement.

It’s really cool when the featured members are in the sun as it makes their uniforms stand out even more thanks to the brightness.

Leave it to the cymbal line to break up a happy couple. 

Very impressive percussion feature. A lot of technique and a lot of notes happening in this section of the show.

Now for the full Dancer In The Dark as the ballad of the show.

OK, I’m dumb. The featured members are Orpheus and Eurydice! Which makes Dancer In The Dark even more appropriate since Orpheus can’t see if Eurydice is behind him as they leave Hades. If he turns to check, she remains in Hades forever.

Uptempo Dancer for the closer, and they pull Eurydice back into Hades at the end, as well.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Golden Empire from Bakersfield, California. Their 2019 program is entitled “Icarus”.

Golden Empire has multiple props that, while currently lying on their side, will get used like ladders/towers, allowing members to “get too close to the sun”, if you will.

Speaking of which, a baritone soloist is performing perched on one of those towers in the center of the field.

Nice up close shot of some of the horns. They have excellent posture while on the move. Already a strong visual program from GE.

Power percussion break before the corps goes into Stravinsky’s Firebird. A very difficult piece, especially at this level of the activity. They don’t shy from it, however, and the corps is not holding back in their performance at all.

Baritone soloist is back, this time on the opening melody of Fly To Paradise.

Drum line is really bringing it. They’re very strong.

After an intense percussion feature, the music becomes more foreboding. A guard member is lifted above the percussion. I get the feeling Icarus’ wings have melted.

A feeling which is augmented by the corps going into Verdi’s Requiem. Between this and Firebird, this is the meatiest music book of the night to this point. Golden Empire ain’t afraid of no sun.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is the Guardians from Seguin, Texas. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: unpeeled
• Repertoire:
  • Music by The Beatles
  • Music by Karl Jenkins
  • Music by Justin Timberlake
  • Music by Jacques Brel
  • Music by Irving Berlin
• Description: "The questions are simple... and complicated. Must we peel back the surface to find true meaning? And what does 'meaning' mean? Audiences will experience what is possible when the mind is allowed to wander, and perceptions of art, culture, and reality itself begin to unravel."

I think this is the first time a DM saluted with an apple.

Brass quartet opens the show with Palladio. We have narration of an art museum tour guide as the music swells to an impact.

As our treasured art piece is introduced, the musical mode changes from Karl Jenkins to Irving Berlin. The corps forms a bowler hat on the field as the guard dons their own hats and the music starts swingin’!

Speaking of bowling, the corps just formed a bowling ball on the field and rolled a strike with the guard as the bowling pins. 

The guard outfits evoke a feeling of Cabaret.

Trumpet soloist sets up in front of the painting prop and performs Across the Universe. Excellent tone!

Horns move backfield while playing the “nothing’s gonna change my world” section of the song before turning forward to finish that section of the song.

The apple has become the star of the show. Apple chewing sounds from the pit, a green ball representing the apple on the field, and the horns forming an apple on the field. I am assuming this is the Jacques Brel section of the show since this has a very French waltz feel. I almost feel like they need to break out berets and wine at this point.

The corps returns to Across The Universe as they head to the back corner of the field, much like leaving the museum after finishing their tour.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is River City Rhythm from Anoka, Minnesota. Their 2019 program is entitled “Breaking The News”.

Big saber toss to open the show, then the front ensemble goes nuts and plays a ton of 16th note runs.

Mellophones with a feature set up at the “copy desks” props on the left side of the field. The were “typing” at those desks to start the show.

Snares doing some fun brush work during the second movement of the show.

Between the guard outfits, which are very 1940’s, and the “news clips” we’re hearing, this is a show which takes place right after World War 2.

This front ensemble again lays down a lot of notes. They can really play!

Just noticed some stools set up on the field. Some of the horns sit on them at the end of this movement.

Day In The Life. Trumpet soloist on one of the stools sounds incredible. Very expressive with a clear and confident tone.

Now we’re hearing many different major news event reports overlayed on top of each other as the corps builds into the main statement of Day In The Life.

Nice transition. We go from a “final sign off” with a test pattern in the back field to the announcement of 24 hour news coverage and clips of the kind of live news coverage we get in modern news coverage. This also is the main percussion feature of the show as well.

Reprise of Day In The Life, including a live singer on “I read the news today, oh boy”.

Great close up of a guard member working that flag at the end of the show!

We are on intermission until 8:50 PM Eastern when 7th Regiment takes the field.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is 7th Regiment from New London, Connecticut. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: Poetic
• Music Repertoire:
  • "In This Broad Earth" by Steven Bryant
  • "Coriolan Overture" by Ludwig van Beethoven
  • "Aha!" by Imogen Heap
  • "Film Noir/Pursuit (from Iris)" by Danny Elfman
  • "Pure Imagination" by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

The blue sequins in 7th’s uniforms are incredible under the lights. I actually wish they were on later in the show so they could get more stadium lighting.

Great sound during the opening statement! And that set was perfection!

Baritone soloist after the opening intro, performing on a small stage behind the front ensemble. The stage also features a podium, which also serves as a lecturn as members will sometimes perform the poems the show is based around.

Very effective show design, interspersing the classic Oh Captain, My Captain by Walt Whitman with the Coriolanus Overture from Ludwig van Beethoven.

A brief quote of Pure Imagination before moving into Aha!. This section of the show is based around Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven.

Drum line is strong again this season. Percussion feature during this segment is impressive.

The Road Less Travelled leads us back to Pure Imagination, possibly a road we need to travel more. Appropriately enough, the flags during this section of the show are iridescent and colorful, really striking under the lights.

Solo flag on the podium as the show ends. She takes the book of poems from the podium and emphatically closes it to end the show.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is the Louisiana Stars from Lafayette, Louisiana. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: BREAK
• Repertoire:
  • Music by Bonerama
  • Music by Daft Punk
  • Music by Jacob Collier
  • Music by Knower
  • Music by Panic! At the Disco
  • Music by Snarky Puppy

OK, that was NOT a shot at Phantom, but the DM just pulled a baton from his collar, then proceeded to BREAK it in two.

Also, was that the drum majors voices used to announce themselves? If so, that’s cool.

New uniforms for Louisiana Stars, and they are striking!

Great groove in this section of the show. Also, great ensemble sound and performance from the brass and percussion. Very tight and clean, while also getting the crowd into it.

Ahh, nice Take Five quote in the pit as we transition to the next movement.

Mellophone soloist on the field, miced, with the tubas dancing around her.

Tubas now really filling the stadium with their sound. Great foundation for the horns to sit on.

Tempo kicks up and the drum line lays it down. Wow! Wicked bass solo!

Whoa! Guard member just played a tenor solo! 

I’ve only heard a few Knower songs but this drum feature has the same feel, so I’m guessing that’s the musical source for this section of the show.

Meanwhile, the ballad after the drum feature could also sub as a Broadway show tune.

Gnarly (in a good way) trombone trio up front. Actually, this song is straight up evil sounding.

The corps just come up through the pit and gives us a face peel.

Soulful flugelhorn soloist and a great down ending to the show.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Southwind from Mobile, Alabama. Their 2019 program is entitled “Caged”.

Southwind makes great use of fence/cage props. They’re on wheels so they’re easy for the corps to move them around the field. For example, they currently surround the brass and percussion, caging them in, if you will, as the corps hits their first impact in a tight formation.

Full sound from the corps. Not so much angry as intense. And loud!

Great full guard flag toss while spread out across the field!

Tubas working it on side one of the field, finishing on a wicked pedal note.

Trombone quartet on the front side line with a little Libertango action.

Trumpets with a sixteenth note “Batman” run leading into a park and blow section to finish the second movement of the show.

Ordinary World as the ballad. Low brass and mellophones on the melody to start. Love the sheer light green skirts the guard added to their outfits at this point in the show.

This is the third time I’ve seen this show and I finally was high enough on the high cam to see that the horns spell CAGED when playing the chorus of Ordinary World.

The sound of the cage closing and locking before the start of the closer, Easter Symphony.

Crazy French horn soloist during the start of Easter Symphony!

Percussion feature as the corps forms up behind them for a big push.

Ahh, another formation I hadn’t caught before tonight - The corps forms the word FREE as they go into the final push of the show.

Next on the field an competing in DCI Open Class is Legends from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here is their 2019 program information:

• Show Title: Song of the Siren
• Repertoire:
  • "La Mer" by Claude Debussy
  • "Pure Imagination" by Leslie Bricusse
  • "Aquarium (from The Carnival of the Animals)" by Camille Saint-Saens
  • "Genie In A Bottle" by Christina Aguilera
  • "Finale (from The Abyss)" by Alan Silvestri
  • "Symphony No. 10, Mvt. 2" by Dmitri Shostakovich
• Description: "Waves crashing, distant ominous singing, and other oceanic sound designs by James Pluth begin the show as a seaward vessel is headed for disaster. A sweet and seductive female vocal leads into a powerful brass impact of 'La Mer' by Claude Debussy followed by a quick statement of 'Aquarium' by Camille Saint-Saens which sends the corps spiraling under the water as the sirens drag them into the deep. Musical styles and feels change as the corps is introduced to the Sirens’ undersea universe. Utilizing Christina Aguilera’s 'Genie in a Bottle' along with innovative metallic sounds in the percussion, the Sirens attempt to seduce and manipulate the corps as they attempt to ensnare them permanently in their world. Symbolized by Alan Silvestri’s 'Finale' from the Abyss soundtrack the Sirens now have the corps fully entranced under their spell. A short percussion transition snaps them out of it as the corps realizes the Sirens’ malevolent plans for them. Driven by the second movement of Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony, the corps is in a desperate fight to reach the surface again. With one final triumphant statement of 'La Mer' the corps reaches the surface and escapes the clutches of the wicked Sirens once and for all."

Wave sounds from the speakers to set the mood. Also, a bosun’s whistle. Captain on deck! The pit plays Aquarium as the sirens begin to beckon.

Strong opening statement of La Mer. I do feel there is a step up once we get into the medalist placements.

Excellent bass run during the percussion feature!

Great visual by the brass using their hip capes to add a wave of ocean blue.

Echoing trumpet soloists continue to beckon us as we move into Genie In A Bottle. Great feature by the cymbals on the stage backfield.

Mellophones are wailing on their parts throughout this show! Great power and control!

Gorgeous trumpet soloist on the Abyss theme.

The colors of the guard uniforms and flags are perfect and really bring the ocean to the field. Sea foam green, purple, black, and blue that just pops on the field.

Horns turn backfield to reprise the Abyss theme as a snare plays a solo modulated through the speakers for a great audio moment.

Shostakovich 10. This is when our sailors fight to get back to the surface and escape their captors. The music portrays that sense of urgency and desperation, something Shostakovich understood well.

The props backfield rotate to display images of the world above the ocean as the corps reprises the La Mer statement from the start of the show. We’ve made it...

...except not all of us. One member is pulled back down under the ocean, a victim of the song of the siren.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is Gold from Oceanside, California. Their 2019 program is entitled “The Pursuit Of Happiness”

Gold is already a visual treat. Drill is very clean, and the corps shows up so well under the lights with these brilliant uniforms. The guard, in their dark blue, actually stands out more due to the contrast in color.

Tuba line really laying it down!

Trumpet section nails their feature, including one who is also carrying a briefcase like a boombox.

Huge park and blow section to end the first movement!

“I thought happiness was finding love!” The horns take their briefcase props they were carrying and set them in a heart shape on the field.

Big flags in the guard! Three panels of white, pink, and red, matching the theme of the movement.

Third movement is finding happiness with money. Percussion feature with the song Money . Diamond and dollar sign props in the guard.

Money swing flags. Perfect!

Final movement and the music feels like we’ve finally found the happiness we’ve pursued.

Gotta love it when a guard member gets a close up and nails their catch!

Trumpet quartet up front nailing the high notes!

Mellophones just spent the last minute of the show unison noting gloriously.

Next on the field and competing in DCI Open Class is the Spartans from Nashua, New Hampshire. Their 2019 program is entitled “Experiment X”.

Spartans definitely came to play tonight. Brass is at the top of their game already and we’re just one minute into the show.

Uniforms look incredible, maybe the best show themed uniform in Open Class. Love the red and black color scheme.

Snares with two very exposed unison rim shots announce they’re also here to send a message.

Opener has an eclectic mix of dubstep, funk, and even a little Flamenco. Great drive and the corps is full stop on this performance.

Snares now trading off with a killer trumpet soloist, Almost Al Hirt Green Hornet in nature.

Full corps park and blow with that trumpet screaming over all of them!

It’s a Libertango year in Open Class, though this is the most driving rendition of the night.

Also love the use of the platforms moved around the field, a la Cadets last year. Might even be the same props.

What amazes me is that Shallow won the Oscar, was such a huge it, and only one corps was able to put it in their show this season.

A guard technique I always love to see is when they spin their equipment around their necks, letting the flag’s momentum carry it around them.

Low brass is sounding totally evil backing up this trombone soloist at the start of the closer.

The blue flags in the guard are even more eye catching against the dark of the corps uniforms.

Shokufan time. Snarky Puppy really works well in drum corps.

Trumpet and trombone soloists on the right, rifle soloist on the left, all nailing their respective features. 

And, with a bang, Open Class Finals are done for 2019. Now we prepare for retreat and the scores.

Scores:

Most Improved Corps - Southwind
Outstanding Corps Director - Katherine Steinacker, Battalion

Exhibitiion:
Inbhear Mor Performance Ensemble

Semi finalists:
Heat Wave
Les Stentors

Finalists:
12. 62.725 - Raiders
11. 64.075 - Colt Cadets
10. 67.275 - Shadow
9. 70.650 - Golden Empire
8. 73.300 - River City Rhythm
7. 73.575 - Guardians
6. 73.750 - 7th Regiment
5. 75.638 - Southwind
4. 75.850 - Louisiana Stars
3. 79.250 - Gold
2. 79.400 - Legends
1. 81.050 - Spartans

Best Brass - Spartans
Best Colorguard - Spartans
Best Visual - Spartans
Best Percussion - Legends
Best General Effect - Spartans