one2think

Hearing from a few different areas on the forum, it seems like yes they were the alternates. I would think that as soon as they knew about the alternate position, they would delve right into the area of coreographing. Considering they were only used in about half the show, I would think they had a lot of training. One thing I believe marcus promotes very well is training and fundamentals. it appears to be a stressed upon point to their horn line (try to find someone sticking out), and as well as their alternates. The moves also appeared to be simple arm waves in the air anyways. I agree, very impressive.

I agree, Marcus handled rallantandos very well. Slowing marching down at the same pace is very difficult to do amongst 300+ kids

I don't know why you would lose any respect. I have heard from many people that their director is crazy about all members not posting anything online under any circumstance whatsoever. I can't say this person is or is not from marcus, but their comments shouldn't affect how someone views a band.

agreed. I apologize if it sounded like I was bashing anyone, we should appreciate both for the qualities they bring and excel in. The last few years have been the most intriguing between the two bands as they grew to polar opposites.

I think the whole differing in opinions is based off of the separation in theories of what should marching band be? marching, or music based? Strengths. ------------ IMO bell had a very difficult visual show, with very exposed lines, and shapes executed solidly, but some left to be cleaned. IMO marcus had a very difficult music show, with very exposed melodies, and features that took a lot of previous training (and guts) to play. Weaknesses -------------- IMO bell had simple music to play. There were difficult runs in there that were executed solidly, however, most melodies and rhythms were simple whole, half, quarter note music. IMO marcus had simple drill. Some exposed, some not so exposed. I enjoyed seeing their use of halftime marching, and their tempo was up amongst the top tempos of contests. They did not stretch their step sizes though. Many steps were in the 8-5 range. The prop issue ----------------- I can't see how marcus' props helped or hurted their visual score. The props were in the back of the field, there was no interaction between the props and the band. The only thing it could have helped was GE score at BOA. I watched Coppell (for instance) and their props seemed the most distracting because they were the most moved and interacted with with the band. Simultaneous Responsibility -------------------------------- Marching and Playing at the same time basically. I think this is where bell was hurt the most. They marched hard drill that actually hurt and affected the way they sounded (when you can hear them because of the too loud sound effects and synths, but that's a whole other argument). marcus had easier drill that was able to show off their playing prowess. Could you imagine attempting to play vivaldi, while marching 4-5? Impossible. My opinion on bell shows (take it or leave it) ----------------------------- I just think it's musical theatre via marching band and chorale music. hey, if it ain't broke, why fix it? As soon as marcus begins running into competition, i'm sure they will begin morphing and evolving. 2007 the hardest visual they had seemed to be leaning back and forth, and this year they have some very intense body movements while playing difficult music.