I just returned from Scranton where I had the pleasure of viewing one of the best DCA shows ever.  All of last year's top six were in the show, plus those beloved Caballero Alumni.  What a night.

I want to speak briefly to the question of: "how will the Kilties stack up against this year's DCA corps?"

First of all, Bucs, MBI, Hurcs and Cabs are all a huge notch above the rest.  Huge corps: 50-60 horns; 20-25 percussion; 24-30 guard; 9-15 pit.  Great visual programs, great hornlines.

Empire, Renegades,  and Brigs (only saw Empire) are, apparently a notch below but all destined to make the top ten.  That leaves only three spots open for CorpsVets, Cru, Bush, Kilts, Alliance, MCL...and maybe I am missing another one.

Kilts are, scorewise, right with these corps...but I have to believe Corpsvets are a lock..leaving only two spots open.

What impresses me about the Eastern corps?  First, their drum lines...all huge; all youthful; all powerful and dynamic and well-oiled.  Secondly, their field shows:  all display a variety of tempos...most march consistently above 148 bpm...sometimes much faster.  Thirdly, the guards...Kilts and Bush have about 18....all the rest are between 24 and thirty....youthful, elegant...almost junior corpsish.

Kilts have a delightful show this season, but, sadly, I do not think it is good enough.  Their show seems to hold steadily at about 128 bpm with an occasional bump to about 140 (not sure).  The guard looks like an afterthought...kept away from the rest of the corps a good deal of the time...yet this guard is good..the best Kilt guard I have seen since the 1970's.  The hornline is talented (41) and the book is outstanding....but they still have guys who insist on being "heroes" as someone else described them...stacking notes that do not belong and standing outside of the ensemble.

Kiltie feet?  Not a problem...greatly improved based upon a video I just received.  All the DCA corps amazed me with how often their feet were heavy and sloppy...and many members were out-of-step...but those corps hide it better.  Brass and Bucs and Cabs were the lone exceptions...great feet on these corps.

If I were to pick the final placements right now, I would pick:  Bucs, MBI, Cabs, Hurc, Renegades, Empire, Brigs, Corpsvets, Bush, Alliance, Kilts, Cru, MCL...keeping in mind I have not seen MCL, Alliance, Renegades, Corpsvets or Brigs...but I am reading and listening.

I believe the Kilts have the talent to finish 10th, but I think the music, although I love it...and the tempo of the show and the use of the guard will hurt them.  I also believe it is time (next year) to play music that will provide more impact....and I have the perfect opener for them...but have yet to have anyone willing to really listen to it and consider it....but I am hopful.

Best of luck to my beloved Kilts...I will be at prelims...and will attend finals ONLY if they make it.