DCI World Championship Finals

Bluecoats - 97.650 Blue Devils - 97.250 Carolina Crown - 97.088 Santa Clara Vanguard - 95.300 The Cavaliers - 94.025 The Cadets - 92.763 Blue Knights - 90.738 Phantom Regiment - 89.963 Blue Stars - 89.050 Crossmen - 86.975 The Academy - 86.100 Boston Crusaders - 84.800

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The 2016 DCI Tour is officially over and what a way to complete the season!

Bluecoats - Ladies and Gentleman, your 2016 DCI World Champion! After the last few years of being a serious contender, the Bluecoats came out on top after one of the closest and hardest fights we have seen between a top three. Bluecoats swept all regional shows this year in San Antonio, Atlanta, and Allentown. For many, it is not a surprise to see Bluecoats take the gold this year, but it also would not have been a surprise to see Blue Devils or even possibly Carolina Crown come up from underneath and take it the last night. Overall, the Bluecoats 2016 program changed the drum corps activity. The idea of using a sonic playground as well as creating 4-D effect to the show is what makes "Down Side Up" a show that will go down in history.

Blue Devils - A personal favorite production of mine this season, the Blue Devils took the audience on a true adventure. If you have not followed the BD360 weekly videos, take the time to watch them over the off season. Programs from the Blue Devils are not ofter those that are easy to understand, but rather require some explanation. This program, once learning the story behind it in the BD360 videos, stole my heart. Tonight, Blue Devils placed first in Visual (Caption awards are the average of all three nights) including a first place in Visual Analysis and Color Guard. At the end of the night, Blue Devils remain classy and congratulate Bluecoats and Carolina Crown on a season well fought.

Carolina Crown - I was just as surprised as you were when I heard Carolina Crown take the overall caption awards for Visual, Brass Performance, and Color Guard and then place third. Despite the scores and caption awards, "Relentless" was exactly that, relentless. A program that continued to grow and develop all season, it was another one of my favorites of 2016. The ending seemed to sum up the entire program so nicely and by the end of the show, I felt at peace with it. The stagecoach riding off the field was the cherry on the sundae. I can not wait to see what surprises Carolina Crown brings in 2017.

Santa Clara Vanguard - By far my favorite program of 2016. This program managed to place fourth by just being a great drum corps show. "Force of Nature" didn't have fancy bells and whistles. It did well with great music, and proper visual execution. There were no excessive amplification, narration, or electronics in general. I am very proud of Santa Clara Vanguard for how far they have come this season. Many fans at the beginning were worried that this was just a stock show and Santa Clara Vanguard will not place high because they don't take risks. I believe putting a show on of this type was a risk in itself and I'm glad it received the recognition it deserved by the end of the season.

The Cavaliers - What quite possibly can be the Green Machine coming back to the top, The Cavaliers really showed the judges what they can do. After a hard fall in placement in 2012, The Cavaliers have been working their hardest over the past four years to ensure the audience that they are still top six contenders. Their program this year was well thought out and really built upon the idea that Crossmen was trying to portray back in 2013. To be honest, I'm still a little upset I didn't buy a prop ad space in their show for Corps Writers International.

The Cadets - One of the heartbreak stories of the season, The Cadets saw a much lower placement than we are used to seeing from The Cadets. It is hard to pin point exactly what happened that would cause the fall. It could have been that the color guard came in eighth place. Or that Jeff Sacktig was not around to write the drill we are used to seeing. Or perhaps The Cadets' theme was just a little too far out there. Maybe it was a combination of all three, but either way, congratulations to the members on a season well done.

Blue Knights - One of the more confusing programs of the season, Blue Knights fell short of top six this season. From what seemed to be a rough start, not getting the closer of the field until Texas, Blue Knights were still able to put up quite the fight. One of the fan favorite moments of the production was the reverse playing of Moonlight Sonata. Quite the music arrangement and visual package. The most shocking spot of the recap was Blue Knights' visual proficiency caption, where they placed tenth overall. The also placed ninth in percussion. This year was a young one for the Blue Knights so if they receive a lot of veterans next season, I believe Blue Knights will once again be a force to be reckoned with.

Phantom Regiment - On a surprising turn of events, Phantom Regiment had nearly 30 members out sick only a few days before prelims. Thankfully, the members were able to power through and place eighth tonight. The 60th Anniversary season could have ended ugly but instead, ended truly inspiring. One of the most underrated drumlines out of the top-tier corps, Phantom Regiment's drumline was able to place seventh. I do hope Phantom Regiment decides to have Will Pitts arrange for another season because the music part of the program was one of my favorites.

Blue Stars - One of the more lesser talked about programs of the 2016 season, Blue Stars were able to sneak in between Phantom Regiment and Crossmen. One of the Couchmen's favorite programs of the year, most likely because it was about sleep, it was underrated and I enjoyed watching in live, and streamed online. Other than an eighth place ranking in visual, Blue Stars placed as a strong ninth overall.

Crossmen - Saying goodbye to a great drum major is never easy. Tonight was Caitlyn Hall's final night conducting Crossmen and what a night to finish. Many were worried that Academy would sneak in above Crossmen tonight but they finished strong. One of their most well put together programs in recent year, I can easily say I enjoyed every moment of it. With an eleventh place finish in General Effect, Crossmen were able to get a strong lead in Visual above the Academy. A season well done and I hope they can hold on to this momentum next season.

Academy - When I heard the name of this program, it was a major face palm. I didn't have my hopes up for this program but then I saw it. I loved the music from the first note to the final chord. A first time appearance for a corps that only began to compete ten years ago. Ten years ago, Academy placed first place in division ii (open class) in their inaugural season. After a few ups and downs, Academy was able to secure their place in finals. Let's hope they can improve upon 2016 going into 2017 and continue to capture the audience' hearts.

Boston Crusaders - If you have ever had a conversation with me about drum corps, you know that Boston Crusaders have always had a warm spot in my heart. Although they may not place where I would like them too, they are always a continuous favorite of mine season after season. Don Quiote is one of my all time favorite books and every time I watch "Quixotic", I found more symbolism between the book, and the corps itself. (Windmills --> Gians --> "This Corps is Made of Giants") Anyway, after a hard fight with Madison at semifinals, Boston was able to make it into finals and they did not let up there. They pushed hard and received a great audience reaction.

Overall, 2016 is one for the record books. After a season of ups, downs, and traditions, I am already looking forward to November camps beginning and the 2017 DCI Tour is underway.