The soul of the show was the tender "La Vie en Rose," a French melody made famous by the most popular French singer of all, Édith Piaf. It would sneak in during other parts of the show as well.
This week's video clip starts with the haunting backfield introduction to Saint-Sa?«ns' "Organ Symphony." After forming the corps' trademark giant star formation, a bicyclist crouched over a real bike made an appearance during the week of the World Championships only. (I was at the rehearsal outside Bloomington, Ind. when the corps first added the effect. Someone may have forgotten to tell the bass drummers, because one did the most amazing back flip I've ever seen while accidentally backing into the racing cyclist.) The cyclist passed through the throng of race fans at the finish line, leapt atop the victory podium, and raised his arms in enthusiastic celebration.
While the gesture was a nod to the end of the Tour de France, it's arguable that it just as easily reflected the corps' excitement and relief for making it back into the World Class Finals after 28 years.
This week only, you can save on 2008 World Championship Audio and Video Performance Downloads on the DCI Fan Network.Buy the 2008 Blue Stars Video Performance Download.(Available this week only for $3.99. Regular price: $4.99.)Buy the Audio Performance Download bundle of all 12 Finalists from 2008.(Available this week only for $15.99. Regular price: $19.99.)Offer ends Monday, July 18 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Michael Boo was a member of the Cavaliers from 1975-1977. He has written about the drum corps activity for more than a quarter century and serves as a staff writer for various Drum Corps International projects. Boo has written for numerous other publications and has published an honors-winning book on the history of figure skating.
As an accomplished composer, Boo holds a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in music theory and composition. He resides in Chesterton, Ind.