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Answer: These are very often confused. “Visual”
refers to “Visual Performance”. That particular captions deals
primarily with the cleanliness of the visual performance. Are the
lines straight, the spacing consistent, the feet moving at the same
pulse and using the same technique? Is the guard manipulating their
equipment together? If your answer to all of these questions is
‘yes’, you would expect that band to score well in the visual
performance caption (evaluated by two separate judges). Keep in
mind, however, that the judges can’t always see everything 100% of
the time. I try to sample individual sections (the clarinets, the
battery percussion, etc.) as well as look at the total ensemble
(also known as near focus vs. far focus). If I’m evaluating a
16-count visual phrase by the flutes on the left side 30-yd line, I
may miss the two baritone players out of the form on the right side
25-yd line. On the new KMEA sheets, there is also a sub-caption for
content where a judge can credit the various responsibilities that
the performers are given within the show.
Contrary to popular belief, visual effect is NOT all about how many
horn flashes and body lunges that you do! Visual effect concerns
itself more with the actual content of the program from a design
standpoint and how well that program is being communicated by the
performers. Do the transitions from phrase to phrase make sense?
Are the guard and percussion integrated into the visual program?
Does the program contain a good amount of variety? Does the visual
program enhance the music being presented? Are the performers
emotionally involved in the performance and able to create various
moods and nuances? If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, you
would expect that band to score well in the visual effect caption.
One of the common misconceptions in today’s
competitive world is that people think that bands that march well
should automatically score well in the visual effect caption. That
may not always be the case. A very basic show with limited variety
could potentially score well in the visual performance caption, but
would more than likely not fare as well in visual effect. You can
also have program that may have a fair amount of ‘dirt’ in them but
are so well designed from a conceptual standpoint that they do
better in effect than they do in performance. The top level bands
ultimately do well in BOTH captions. |
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