melody

There are several more kinks on my list, but that second item on your list is huge. As a spectator, it was nearly impossible to enjoy the shows musically when every measure of rest, woodwind feature, soloist, and pianissimo moment was overwhelmed by the percussion and brass, or the electronic microphones and metronomes, coming from behind me. Many people around me in the stands commented as well. I can't imagine being the music judge, and although I haven't seen any of the score breakdowns, I would question their accuracy under these circumstances. If I were a band director, I would consider not coming back to this competition based solely on this issue.

I saw the WC show at least three times this season (I'm a band parent at another school.) The first time I saw it, yes, I was offended... when I saw the words. It's a very striking visual effect, and seeing 'rage' and 'hate' and 'fear' spelled out by a marching band is jarring. Art? Yes, it was a very artistic production, and true art, like music, should stir you. Art evokes strong emotional reactions... and not necessarily positive reactions. I can appreciate the show for its art. And more importantly, I can appreciate the show for the musical excellence, creativity, and marching skill. The kids worked hard and performed well, and I respect that. Enjoyable? Not to me. I wrote in my competition notes only one word: "hate". I hated this show. Other reactions from people in the stands around me were interesting - some did not understand the show, and surprisingly, some could not pick out the words! Still others were as disturbed by it as I was. Because I had such a negative reaction, emotionally, to this show, it did make me wonder about the risk in performing a show like this. Judges seem to love groups that take risks with their show and do something new, edgy, or artsy. If I been the director, though, I would have not been willing to risk the subliminal insertion of "hate" into a judges mind. And if I had been a judge, it would have been difficult to want to put this show through to finals/state. Obviously WC did just fine with the judges, but would they have done better without spelling out those words? Would they have placed better with another show? Who knows. As I read through this thread, I still have mixed feelings about it. My personal conclusion (my own little humble opinion) I think it was inappropriate content for a high school marching band show. My elementary school aged daughter saw this performance, and the content was too mature for her. I know she wasn't the only young child exposed to this "art". And while the content matter may be appropriate for a high school academic discussion or study, band season is a long time for a teenage mind to be immersed in strait jackets and 'hate'. The students did a great job with the show they were given, but I do hope that the adults involved with the WC program will choose to go with more positive shows in the future.

$84,000 ?? Is that what they spent or is that an exaggeration for emphasis?