Bluecoats Ending2 2016

Top 5 Wow  Moments of DCI 2016

When fans attend DCI events throughout the Summer tour, they are scanning the field furiously to capture those special moments. Those split second flashes of brilliant performance, high-difficulty work, and fresh designs that only DCI shows can provide. So we decided to compile our list of Top 5 Moments of DCI 2016. But first let's clarify what it is we were looking for when we were selecting out Top 5.

Innovation - Show designers and staff throughout DCI have made a name for themselves finding innovative ways to tell stories. Whether it's uniform design, arranging, instrumentation, drill, or magic. (Hello 1989 Champion Santa Clara)
Performance Excellence - At the end of the day, what separates drum corps from other marching activities is the level of execution. The incredible amount of precision in every step, movement, note, and attention to detail is remarkable. Wow Factor - Fans, members, and designers of some of the most incredible moments in DCI history can all recall the exact time they first encountered said moment. Whether they were in attendance at a show, rehearsal, old PBS broadcast, DVD or on YouTube. What makes them Top Moments in history is the ability to sustain their impact over time.

So without further delay here is my list of the Top 5 Moments of DCI 2016.

5.) The Academy - Bone Mallet Feature

 The Academy's magical run to finals was amazing. They have so many moments throughtout the show. But the creatively involved in using the headstone props, the front ensemble players, and the "washboard" like keyboards. *slow clap* Well done Academy!

4.) Santa Clara Vanguard - Lightning Burst Drill

Santa Clara had one of the purest drum corps shows and it was beautiful. One particular moment is when the hornline is gathering around a colorguard member then "exploding" away from the member when they threw a lightning bolt (rifle) into the air. 

3.) The Bluecoats - DCI Welcomes the X-Games

Not sure where the designing meeting turned and the idea of using half-pipes for props was born but thank you. The last 3 years the Bluecoats have done absolutely amazing work with using field props throughout their shows. None more so than the folding ramps used in Down Side Up.

2.) The Cavaliers - Buy Some Ad Space

The Cavies broke back into the top 5 this year by almost completely covering the field with various signs and pieces of art from various propaganda campaigns throughout history. Not only was it well executed but it was relevant to current political landscapes.

1.) Bluecoats - The Wink

While this wasn't something designed into the show months ago like the other top 5 moments already listed, you cannot ignore what happened with Bluecoats trumpet soloist Shay (Last Name) looked into the camera gave the smoothest wink in drum corps history. Not only was it great performance awareness, a great tease when he didn't do it the next night during semifinals, but it was just the icing on the GE cake that was Bluecoats entire show.

Honorable Mentions:

Blue Devils - Sea of Fabric
Carolina Crown - Have Mercy Ending...see our story about the change
The Cadets - Singles for Days drum break
Madison Scouts - Rope Props Turned Flag Feature