Jubal take DCE title by 0.05 from The Company

Press release by Drum Corps Europe

The DCE flags flew strongly on a windy day in Parkstad Limburg, Kerkrade for European Championships day. A packed stand enjoyed performances from early morning through to dark.

Those that couldn't make it tuned in worldwide to the DCE webcast and also interacted wonderfully with our web team through the #DCE2013 hashtag, which also trended on twitter throughout Europe and America. Webcast analyst Joe Fitzpatrick commented that "this is a holiday for drum corps in Europe", and that it certainly was.


PREMIER CLASS PRELIMS

We were happy to see supporters arrive bright and early for the 09.30 start in Kerkrade, and those that were there were treated impressively by French corps Kadoudal who got proceedings underway. This corps, which made a big impression in Junior Class over the previous three years, really showed that drum corps are alive and well in France again, and scored 62.65.

The Staffordshire Knights brought a romantic show to Kerkrade, with pink guard flags and a love heart at the back of field. A very entertaining and musical show brought Staffordshire Knights a score of 57.05.

Italian corps Mosson were next and immediately were impressive to look at. The theme of their show, 'Labyrinth' was quite clear with the guard hiding behind a maze of fences. The theme carried through the show very well. This corps performance was solid and musically strong. 60.00.

Con Spirito were the first Dutch band to perform what was a great show. It felt fresh and the music performed was instantly recognisable for the Dutch fans as their programme was built on music pieces from the Dutch band Bløf. We particularly enjoyed the energetic guard performance! 63.10.

Spirit of 52 really stood out early in the day and the growing audience were treated to a fabulous performance of their show 'The Spirit of Four Seasons'. The big hit 'Summertime' was particularly enjoyed by ourselves and audience alike. The German corps were early to emerge as finalists with a score of 70.45.

It was great that within six corps performances, we had six countries represented. Irish champions Tallaght Youth Band Marching Vikings brought their 'Nocturnal Metropolis' show to finals. 'Empire State of Mind' was performed with energy and visually it was impressive and enjoyable. Marching Vikings scored 64.90.

Nexus made good use of the amplification by cleverly using samples transitioning to live music. The drumline are powerful on 'This is the end' by the doors, and the brass sound good. They kept the morning standard at a high level with 64.80.

Our second Italian corps Besana Secutores performed 'Pinochhio' which is a word we often heard during the day in the stadium, as people kept talking about this show! It was visually impressive and wonderfully colourful. 68.05.

Heartliner returned after a three year absence from Kerkrade. They have grown considerably in that time. The energetic show 'Up and away' receives an ovation on their strong closer. It also gets them to finals - 71.60. Break time in the stadium!

Opening up after the break were Commodores, who brought their show '1973' to finals. It was apparent from the opening notes that this was going to sound impressive. Marking their 40th anniversary, the show was anything but dated. Here's to another 40 years! 73.85

German champions Starriders impressed with their 2013 show 'Rising'. The percussion were tight and they were given plenty of opportunities to shine! The quality of this performance was reflected in the scores, as they were awarded highest points so far – 74.95.

Multiple times Dutch champions Beatrix were next. They may not have matched previous levels in recent times, but these guys could be thought of as a 'sleeping giant'. It was still early in the day but the stand was full from the 15 to 15 lines. Their entertaining, jazzy show 'Thirteen' was a big hit with audience and judges alike. Thirteen proved not to be an unlucky number, as they shot in to the lead with 79.55.

The Black Knights show starts mysteriously with sound effects and silent drill. It soon becomes apparent that this is going to be another crowd pleaser. The sound of Etta James 'At Last' rings out through the stadium and the place is alive. The entertainment value was at a real high and the reaction was sensational. 'At Last' was heard being hummed by many happy drum corps supporters all evening. Black Knights hit the 80 mark and above - 82.55.

Juliana, who had been Dutch champions for several years were following a massive performance from the previous corps, and the crowd welcomed them with open arms! The legacy of Leonardo Da Vinci could prove tough in theory to depict on the field, but Juliana did it fantastically well with another big score of 82.35.

The excitement for Jubal was at a massive high before the performance. This brought it to a new level. The DCN champions pit percussion stood out as a real highlight. This corps gave us high standards in all areas. The words 'I win, you lose' ended the show and we understood why that phrase was appearing everywhere all day! This local corps supporters were big in numbers and nearly as loud as the brass section! They became the ones to beat - 86.55.

Similar to Black Knights earlier, Kidsgrove Scouts show 'Mind Games' has a pre-show that leaves you wondering. Their guard immediately come to the forefront, and are excellent. There is a lot going on in this show, but it doesn't take away from the music. Kidsgrove have a powerful sound. Guaranteed place in the finals with 83.15.

There was an obvious sense of anticipation for reigning DCE champions The Company. The 'Circle of Life' theme is evident with the opening visually impressive circles. Everything visually about the corps worked. 'Jungle' was how people described it later, and the sound echoed that the King of the drum corps jungle were back and hungry for the title. They finished narrowly behind Jubal with 86.45.


JUNIOR CLASS FINALS

We were happy to see that a large part of the audience didn't see Junior Class as a break. The webcast analysts correctly commented that these corps are the future of drum corps in Europe, and what was on display proved that we have a lot to look forward to.

Confetti got Junior Class finals started and soon showed that the Junior Class is in high standards. They packed the show full of classics and created a really impressive show both musically and visually. 67.00

Kidsgrove Scouts Juniors are proof of the earlier comments about the future of drum corps here in Europe. Their senior band had put in a massive performance in prelims, and the juniors entertained us with 'An American Tale', proving that the future is bright for Kidsgrove. 67.40

Jong Beatrix brought us a wonderfully romantic show. 'You're Just Too Good To Be True' rings out in the stadium, and love is in the Kerkrade air! Lots of drum corps love. Jong Beatrix shot ahead with 78.60.

Ravens from Athlone, Ireland travelled the furthest distance to be in Kerkrade. The theme of their show 'Believe' is well depicted with large inspirational photos and quotes displayed around the field. They also entertain with some live singing. The Irish champions scored 74.30.

Johan Friso depicted a serious message – 'Stop Bullying Now'. It soon becomes apparent that we are jumping to a new level and the corps highly entertain with a programme including 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. A well deserved high score of 81.15.

Jong Jubal surely must have been feeding on some of the energy of the reaction to Jubal and the fact they had gone in to finals with the high score. The Dutch junior champions impressed with a great music programme and also great samples and moves! 'Seven Nation Army' was a big highlight. Winners with 82.70.


PREMIER CLASS FINALS

As it got darker in Kerkrade, the excitement grew and grew. The top ten scoring corps from prelims stepped up for the second time of the day and they brought a new level to proceedings! The atmosphere was electric as we worked through the performances in order of scores from the prelims. It became apparent quite early that we were going to have some very close scores, and that certainly was the case.

The sight of these ten corps during retreat under the lights of Parkstad Limburg was one to behold. Few could call this result, and compere Alan Thompson announced the majority of placings, stopping before the top three for caption awards.

High Visual: Tie between The Company and Kidsgrove Scouts
High Auxiliary: Kidsgrove Scouts
High Percussion: Jubal
High Field Music: The Company
High Music: The Company
High Effect: Jubal
High Front Ensemble: Jubal

The tension was immense, and it only heightened when Alan Thompson announce that the first and second place were separated by a mere .05. Jubal! 2013 DCE European Champions.

1st October 2013