2005 Glassmen - 2005 DCI Audio Archive APD

Show: A New World

• New World Symphony

The Good: I purchased a copy of a pre-season recording of this show. It reminded me of when I started marching with the corps, mainly because there were a lot of weaknesses to overcome in the brassline. Fortunately, the hornline has come a long way since that May recording. It helps to have such a fun, innovative, yet familiar book to play. Robert Smith does a great job re-imaging the New World Symphony for the 21st century. I especially love what he did with the Largo (Going Home) movement, almost New Age in this new desgin. I also like that Glassmen used ALL the movements from New World, unlike Phantom in 1989 when they substituted one of the Slovenian Dances for their drum solo. Speaking of drums, the drumline has taken a step up over last year with more demand and exposure. I'm looking forward to seeing them continue this improvement. Of course, the New World Tango closer got everybody's feet dancing and is a blast to listen to.

The Bad: Despite my comments above, the hornline is the weak link for this corps. It doesn't play quite in tune, sopranos are strident with individuals sticking out and cracked notes.

The Ugly: The guard uniforms. Orange doesn't go with the theme nor with the corps color scheme in general and just distracts my eyes from what's happening on the field.

Overview: The current design team might be what this corps needs to climb back towards the Top 5.

Website: http://www.glassmen.org/

2006 Auditions: November 25-27