PCMB 2000

[justabandkid94]

I've heard legends of how brilliant this show was, since I was in the activity sometime ago. Been looking for a video link for ages, but it seems to be the lost one from their glory years. If you can help a man out, let me know. Or, if you got to see it live, would love to read about it

[Danpod]

Reflections On Obsessions.

This was one of my favorite shows of all time. Plymouth Canton's 2000 show definitely gets lost between their National Championship show in 1999 and the visual masterpiece that was their 2001 show (My absolutely favorite marching show ever).  I believe 2000 was the very first year that Grand Nationals was streamed live on the internet.  I remember watching it in my room and going completely bonkers!!  In terms of social commentary, even though the program described it as "tongue-in-cheek", this show set the standard and has rarely been touched in that regard.  Here are some talking points:

1. First movement's drill really flew!  Tons of quick visual moments and musical effects from the brass (muted trumpets, glissandos in the trombones).

2. What's That Spell? definitely pissed off the cheerleading squad at their football games!   The guard started a chant that us nerds would repeat for years. GIVE ME A B!!!!!  B!!!!!!!!  (Insert high-pitched annoying laughter).  Repeat until you had the word BARBIE.  Guard girls were checking themselves out in large mirrors with a voice-over asking, "Does this make me look fat????"  They made use of their scrolling digital ribbon board that ran across their on-field pit. 

3. The Unanswered Question is one of the most underrated musical works ever.  Putting it on the field was haunting and extremely risky.  Guard members had small panels that said GREED, MONEY, and TECHNOLOGY.  They all came together during the ballad, flipped those panels over, and they displayed a black and white photo of the U.S. Flag.  If you did something like in today's social climate, you'd probably have people calling for your Head Director to be fired.  People audibly groaned and gasped during that visual moment.

4. The Matrix selections in the closer are probably why you don't see this video anywhere online.  Well, aside from the fact that 800 Video Express doesn't exist anymore!!  Any time someone tries to put up the video, it gets immediately struck down for copyright purposes.  Nevertheless, the closer was high intensity stuff with plenty of activity from the pit and tons of dissonant chords.  Massive sound at the end signifies the end of the World because we can't put our cell phones away for five darn minutes.  The band collapses at the end with a big explosion from the pit!  Of course, the self-obsessed guard member has to have the last word.  The final voice-over:  "What do you mean the World is ending?  I have a hair appointment tomorrow!!!"

You may never see another show like that.   

[Danpod]

Here's a review from Michael Boo at 2000 Grand Nationals:

PLYMOUTH-CANTON - 2nd place, 94.60
When a giant lit signboard has an entire audience in the palm of its digital hand, you know you're in for something that is totally unique from anything you've ever seen on the field before. Plymouth-Canton Education Park's (Plymouth, MI) "Reflections On Obsessions" included; Bizarro, What's That Spell?, Ives' The Unanswered Question, Transmission, and selections fromThe Matrix.

Commencing somewhat angry and confused, the show soon took a satirical broadside at the icon Barbie, complete with blond wigs, self-adulation in front of mirrors and a digital IQ test that the Barbies failed, (not knowing what 2+2 equaled). The atmospheric Ives selection was thoroughly haunting, as placards of words about greed and self-indulgence were turned over to form a giant American flag, a wry commentary on contemporary values. Even the 2nd Amendment was held up to scrutiny, with the show ending with a bombardment of warnings of the perils of contemporary life.

[justabandkid94]

Thanks, man. I got chills just reading that. Hope to be able to see it someday

[justabandkid94]

So with flomarching are DVDs not made anymore? And is there anywhere on the depths of the internet I could buy early 2000s DVDs? I caught all these classics before they got ripped off the YouTube, but now they're obviously all gone. It'd be such a shame if all of those got lost forever. If anyone can help me out, I'd be eternally grateful