I finally saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway last weekend, and of course now I’m in a Phantom-frenzy. While searching through my iTunes library today, I came across a 1989 recording of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Their show? Phantom of the Opera! What better way to feed my current musical obsession during the drum corps season. Not only did this SCV show win the DCI World Championships, it also won all but one show during the entire 1989 season. That’s just ridiculous and totally awesome. It’s obvious that the show designers had fun because there are Phantom masks everywhere! And by everywhere, I mean everywhere. There are masks lining the football field, masks on the color guard flags, and the marching members are even wearing masks. Mega props to them because wearing those for 12 minutes while playing and marching (and sweating!) can’t be comfortable. My favorite masks, however, are worn by the pit during “Masquerade”. They are unnecessarily huge, and all I can say is, I want to be in that pit! Best pit costumes ever.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the 1989 DCI Championship. To help SCV celebrate, check out their show below (split into two videos). In the words of the guy who uploaded the videos: “Once you see this first video you’re obligated to finish it up with the second video, it’s that Awesome.” I agree!

Part 1

In case you’re not familiar with the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, here are the selections from the SCV show: “Angel of Music”, “Masquerade”, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”, and “Track Down This Murderer”. Check out part 2 after the jump!

Part 2