We as a community have had a thread similar to this in years past, so here it is, the 2011 edition. Feel free to type out your thoughts on 2011, ranging from show themes, your favorite lots, etc. Anything and everything relevant. I'll go ahead and start off with my opinion of the "Tour Premier" theater event that was shown last night.

In order of appearance:

Blue Devils - While I could not deny their prowess on the field, this is a show I'm going to have to omit from passing judgement on until there are more layers in place. Hard for me to enjoy the show without a solid grasp on the concept. Great drumline, great color guard, great brass... all the elements are in place for another great year, but only time will tell.

Cavaliers - No doubt the crowd favorite, both in the theater AND the stadium. The Cavaliers are building off of their new direction started with "Mad World," while keeping enough of their classic Cavaliers mystique to retain fans. One of the best visual performances of the night, but I was left wanting more from the music. I didn't really see the Cavaliers percussion as a solid contender just yet.

Bluecoats - I'm really liking the Bluecoats this year. Their show seems very similar to recent years, but I'm a firm believer in sticking to a formula if you find success. Great, GREAT percussion section, and the rest of the corps isn't far behind. I'm expecting more great things from them this year. Opening your show with a Radiohead tune is always good, too!

Carolina Crown - This show is a very large step in a very different direction for Crown. The last 5+ years have all been defined by sophisticated yet popular music, so naturally "Rach Star" is going to turn some heads. Some recycled notes from years past (particularly some Queen from 2004), but tastefully done. Very solid drumline for June, and this should definitely be a show to keep tabs on come late July/August.

Cadets - One of my favorites of the night. Based around a common Dark vs. Light theme, the corps is divided into Angels (all white) and Demons (all maroon). Lots of great drill writing that enhances the visual theme, and lots of creative music writing that does the same. No doubt the Cadets are in for a high-placing year. Great energy from the performers, and obviously great instruction.

Phantom Regiment - Before they played a note, I instantly was met with a very old-school Phantom vibe. The uniforms are reminiscent of the early 1990's with a crest on the front that has significance to the 2011 theme, "Juliet." As always with Phantom, a well-told story without a lot of extras. Shane Gwaltney is a great fit for PR.

Santa Clara Vanguard - My first impression of Vanguard this year held true throughout the show - they have the most challenging show of the 8 corps in attendance. Difficult music, intricate and demanding drill, challenging from top to bottom. At this point in the season they still had a lot of work to do, but if they can get a handle on their program, they will be in for a successful season. Paul Rennick has successfully turned the SCV percussion section into a force to be reckoned with.

Blue Stars - I was pleasantly surprised with the Blue Stars show, which in turn left me unpleasantly surprised with the score sheet. I felt that the Blue Stars would be competitive with the other 7 corps in attendance, but perhaps the judges saw things that I did not. All in all, Blue Stars are a great corps that is definitely ready to break into the top 6.