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 print and Web 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.
It would be practically impossible to reflect on the end of the Open Class season without commenting on a couple things. First is the advent of the Open Class system, which has worked as well (if not better) than hoped for when the decision was made by the (then) Advisory Committee of Divisions II & III.
Second is the validation of the decision to hold the Open Class Quarterfinals in Michigan City, Ind. The community enthusiastically supported the event and the number of fans in the seats for the entire day was unprecedented, filling most of one of the best intimate drum corps venues in the country.
Yamato
After taking a year off, it was a pleasure to see Yamato push its way back into the Finals. The original John Meehan musical production of “Mythos,” inspired by the myths and legends of Greek and Roman mythology, develops an aura of mystique that leads one to wonder what is around each bend of the music.
Memphis Sound
It was a little scary this year when it appeared that Memphis Sound might not make it onto the field or on tour, and here the corps is in Finals with “Awakenings,” which, ironically, was conceived to represent the euphoria that comes from not giving up when times get tough and one’s problems seem overwhelmingly without a solution.
Beatrix
This Netherlands corps has really figured out the American drum corps experience over the course of its six tours to the DCI World Championships. “The City” features some of the most unrestrained big-time swing on the field this year. The horns relish the ability to cut loose and blow down the stands like a corps twice its size.
Yamato
After taking a year off, it was a pleasure to see Yamato push its way back into the Finals. The original John Meehan musical production of “Mythos,” inspired by the myths and legends of Greek and Roman mythology, develops an aura of mystique that leads one to wonder what is around each bend of the music.
Dutch Boy
“Boxed” is a most intriguing show, focusing on the things that keep us boxed in throughout our lives, preventing us from experiencing all that life has to offer. This is seen in drill forms that contain and restrict. Eventually, the sections of the corps break free and jubilation follows and the corps celebrates its newfound freedom.
Raiders
Revolution
Spokane Thunder
Citations
Making it into the Finals for the first time since 1986, Citations’ show, “The Razor’s Edge,” features music from “Sweeney Todd” and selections from the rock group Evanescence. I’m astounded by the power and quality of the corps’ horn line. They’re small, but very, very mighty. You have to open your eyes to remember you’re not listening to a much larger group.
Teal Sound
Oregon Crusaders
Jersey Surf
Vanguard Cadets
Blue Devils "B"
