JULY 4 - Part #2

In the meantime all the mirror screens used in the show were brought into the stadium. The tunnel was just not high enough to roll them straight onto the field, so it was decided to take them out there well before the show started. Last year it was a set of white chairs, this year mirrors… I wonder what they will come up with for 2011.

Back at the buses and trucks dinner was served. And I got to talk to a lot of vets in the corps. Some of them were eager to know how Jubal – our corps back in the Netherlands – was doing. Some had checked out the news on the DCI website or drumcorpsplanet.com.

And obviously a lot talked about our national football (soccer) team as well… They were surprised I don’t really care about the sport. OK,.. it would be nice if they’d make the Finals, I admit.
All of last night’s corps were in the show tonight as well. It would be an exhibition performance (no judging!)

There is always a good crowd turn-out at this Americafest event. This year they expected about 25.000 – 28.000 people. The funny thing is they all take their seats starting right behind the goal on the end-zone and working to both sides from there. That meant that the concertside (pressbox side) the corps would be playing to were filled to little over the 45 yardline. Highly unusual for a drumcorps show. But the people didn’t come for the corps first. They were there to witness the best and biggest fireworks display in California at the conclusion of the corps performances.

The crowd did numerous waves during the ballad performed by The Academy, which was pretty disturbing, but very funny at the same time.

Devils’ show was very relaxed. You could tell they didn’t have the stress of being judged. Everything was pretty loose, but still very well-performed.


The mirrors work very well for the corps. Musically there are a few highlights to be recognized from previous BD repertoires, a good reflection of the past. The feet are still pretty dirty but I’m sure that will improve in the next weeks.

In the finale right before the fireworks the corps played a patriotic piece first followed by a joint version of Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The fireworks display was definitely one of the very best I have ever seen. It lasted well over half an hour, shooting incredible stuff into the air. Apparently some $ 60.000 went up in the air tonight.



Nick Massoto, one of the 2009 tuba players dropped me off at Angela and Jarrod’s house on his way home. I had a lot of fun with the 2009 tuba line last summer. Especially on the free day in San Antonio. I think I will buy them some cigars next week.

Enjoy,

HK