Blue Devils on top at Quarter Finals

The first night of World Class competition at the Drum Corps International World Championships went to the Blue Devils (1st, 97.375), as the Cavaliers (2nd, 97.050) kept the Devils' lead to a small margin, and Phantom Regiment (3rd, 96.575) electrified an already enthusiastic audience at Indiana University's Memorial Stadium.

Last night's recap shows that the next two days could be a true photo finish for these three medalists, with astounding results across the board. The Cavaliers led the tied Devils and Regiment in total General Effect tonight by only 0.05 points, meaning the largest caption on the sheets is still very much up in the air.

The Blue Devils received a perfect score in Visual Ensemble, and were only one tenth away from a perfect score in Visual Performance and in Color Guard. The result, once additions and divisions take place, means the corps received a total Visual score of 29.90, a mere tenth from another perfect score. First place in the Visual General Effect sub-caption and in Brass meant a first place finish for Blue Devils, but even then the corps was still only tenths away from the Cavaliers and less than a point ahead of Phantom Regiment in total score.

The Cavaliers certainly had a strong showing tonight, receiving top honors in Music Ensemble, and also taking a slim 0.05 point lead in total General Effect.

Phantom Regiment took first in Music General Effect. The corps also scored a 19.75 out of a possible 20 in Percussion tonight, which when combined with their second place finish in Brass was good for first place in overall Music.

Carolina Crown (4th, 96.075) and the Cadets (5th, 94.225) were well received by the audience tonight, with the former getting cheers for their swelling brass finale and the latter for their blistering drill transitions. The audience also knew how to express their affection for the Santa Clara Vanguard (6th, 92.625) and the Bluecoats (7th, 92.175).

A close pack remains with the Blue Knights (8th, 88.425) placing ahead of the Blue Stars (9th, 88.100), while the Boston Crusaders (10th, 87.925) narrowly outscored the Glassmen (11th, 87.625). The Madison Scouts (12th, 85.075) passed the Crossmen (13th, 84.825), who were tailed by the Colts (14th, 84.450) and Spirit (15th, 83.350). Troopers (16th, 81.500) qualified for World Championship Semifinals for the first time in more than a decade, and Pacific Crest (17th, 79.350) became the last corps to qualify tonight.

The Academy (18th, 78.850), Mandarins (19th, 77.925) and Pioneer (20th, 74.125) ended their seasons this evening.

Results
1 â?¢ 97.375 â?¢ Blue Devils
2 â?¢ 97.050 â?¢ Cavaliers    
3 â?¢ 96.575 â?¢ Phantom Regiment    
4 â?¢ 96.075 â?¢ Carolina Crown    
5 â?¢ 94.225 â?¢ Cadets    
6 â?¢ 92.625 â?¢ Santa Clara Vanguard    
7 â?¢ 92.175 â?¢ Bluecoats    
8 â?¢ 88.425 â?¢ Blue Knights    
9 â?¢ 88.100 â?¢ Blue Stars    
10 â?¢ 87.925 â?¢ Boston Crusaders    
11 â?¢ 87.625 â?¢ Glassmen    
12 â?¢ 85.075 â?¢ Madison Scouts
13 â?¢ 84.825 â?¢ Crossmen    
14 â?¢ 84.450 â?¢ Colts    
15 â?¢ 83.350 â?¢ Spirit    
16 â?¢ 81.500 â?¢ Troopers    
17 â?¢ 79.350 â?¢ Pacific Crest    
18 â?¢ 78.850 â?¢ The Academy    
19 â?¢ 77.925 â?¢ Mandarins    
20 â?¢ 74.125 â?¢ Pioneer