Westman had an idea why, which he expressed during the 2014 season: “We have an amazing electronics designer, but the true reason it’s working is that we’re not adding a layer of electronics upon a work that was composed to be acoustic.
Indeed, modern technology was a highly important component of the show, as the corps’ pioneering use of electronics was extremely effective. They give us a glimpse of how modern technology and contemporary sounds blend with the rules and traditions of ‘classical’ music and how that music can cause art to lean forward and create something powerful and new.” This new generation of composers redefines music for a 21st Century audience.
BLUECOATS 2016 REPERTOIRE FULL
They create high voltage minimalism, somber songs and shimmering textures full of electronic color. They compose music through atmosphere, energy, and sound. Westman continued, “These composers worry not about categories and narrative. Eighteen obtuse scalene triangle ramps, painted white on one side and orange on the other, were continuously maneuvered around the field, constantly changing the visual texture.Īll music in the production was written by young American composers who, according to Bluecoats program coordinator Dean Westman, are artists who “view the world from a different angle,” which made the music appropriate to be “tilted.” The drill was oriented to the tilt of the runners, meaning lines and blocks were often not parallel to the field’s yard lines.Ĭarrying the theme through the entire show, the corps’ pre-recorded introduction was audibly “tilted,” as were the sash cummerbunds on the uniforms, and even the drum major stand. Bluecoats finished with the corps’ highest placement ever, passing up the Cadets, who had been second in both Prelims and Semifinals.īluecoats’ “Tilt” was performed on a field that was tilted to the side, bordered by an off-kilter perimeter comprised of orange runners. The Devils took first in every caption except Percussion, which the corps lost to Santa Clara Vanguard by only 0.15 of a point. In the process, the corps broke a nearly decade old scoring record, ending just 0.350 from a perfect score. The 2014 Drum Corps International World Championship is remembered for the Blue Devils finishing the season undefeated.