MISSIONMISSION Get Ready for the Return of SPINFEST

GoldenYear:Avon HS Wins Big

PICKING THE HITS:

How groups choose the

right music for their shows

MISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSIONAccomplishedAccomplishedAccomplishedAccomplishedAccomplishedAccomplishedMission Viejo HS takes percussion to the next level

focusthe offi cial news of wgi sport of the arts

DOUBLETROUBLE: Dartmouth HS Does It Again!

spring 2009

WGI_p1_Cover.indd 1 5/8/09 3:35:05 PM

The Official Drum Company of WGI.

The Official Drum Company of WGI.WGI_Temp.indd 1 5/11/09 11:09:41 AM

SPRING 2009 Volume 23, Issue 2

Winter Guard International

Ron NankervisChief Executive Offi cer

Bart WoodleyMarketing Manager

Aaron JenkinsMarketing & Communications

Coordinator

Published By:In Tune Partners, LLC

Irwin KornfeldCEO

Will EdwardsPresident

Angelo BiasiPublisher

Mac RandallEditor-in-ChiefJackie Jordan

Creative DirectorRobin Stein

Production DirectorJoan Ferrara

Business ManagerContributing Writers:

David G. Hill, Scott Markham,Jose A. Mendoza, Melinda Newman,

Michael ReedPhotography:

Jolesch Photography, Robert Cawthorne, Julia Higbe, Dan Scafi di, Linda Unser,

and Sid Unser

WGI FOCUS is an educational publication of WGI Sport of the Arts. Its purpose is to broaden communi-cation within the family of color guards and percussion ensembles. FOCUS is published three times per year.

WGI FOCUS is a free publication with a circula-tion of 14,000 copies. All members of the WGI

family may submit articles for consideration. WGI reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

If your address has changed, please notify the WGI offi ce. Failure to do this could result in the loss

of your WGI FOCUS subscription. We don’t want to lose touch with you!

For advertising information please contact Aaron Jenkins; phone: 937-247-5919;

email: aaron@wgi.org

WINTER GUARD INTERNATIONAL2405 Crosspointe Drive

Dayton, OH 45342937-247-5919

offi ce@wgi.org www.wgi.org

SPRING 2009 Volume 23, Issue 2

focusthe offi cial news of wgi sport of the arts

www.wgi.org 4 WGI

Directions

Ron NankervisExecutive DirectorWGI Sport of the Arts

Pride. The word means pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by oneself or believed to refl ect credit upon oneself. That’s what you see on the faces of our WGI performers, who give so much of themselves to the principles of teamwork, dedication, and artistry. When you think of all the challenges each individual faces in a season, how can anyone not be proud of them coming together as a group and exemplifying standards to which we all should aspire?

Another source of pride this year was WGI Spins for a Cure. In a time of recession, when groups are worrying about their own fundraising, a chal-lenge was met to raise funds for battling breast cancer. In six weeks, color guards attending the World Championships raised an amazing $22,000, doing us proud by expanding our reach outside our community.

Our volunteers are yet another reason for pride in WGI. They are sec-ond to none, the life blood of our organization. These selfl ess people put in 18-hour days, some for both weeks of championships. We trust them to make over 750 performances happen during 120 hours over six long, long days. They often work behind the scenes without credit. We don’t tell them nearly enough how much we are in their debt.

So there are a lot of reasons for WGI to be proud today. It is my wish that when we think of 2009, we recognize the accomplishments of each individual, each group, and our organization as a whole. At a time when nonprofi ts are struggling, we should be grateful that the foundation upon which WGI is built is strong. The reason we all come together—the per-formers—is proof enough of that.

A Time to Be Proud

wgi

Arcadia HS at the 2009 World Championships

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INSIDE

WGI FOCUS 7

9 ENSEMBLEThe WGI Drum Circle gets all hands on skins ... WGI lovers plug into the Fan Network ... Mia Michaels returns to Dayton ... Spinning for a breast cancer cure ... This year’s 16 WGI scholarship winners ... and much more!

14 CLOSE-UPIt’s been a magical, medal-fi lled decade for the Mission Viejo percussion ensemble, whose stylistic innovations have sparked trends throughout the activity.

16 SPOTLIGHTMark your calendars: Spinfest is coming back this September.

20 2009 COLOR GUARD CHAMPIONSHIPSFacing an outstanding fi eld of competitors, Santa Clara Vanguard and Avon HS performed with distinction and won their fi rst gold medals.

28 2009 PERCUSSION CHAMPIONSHIPSRhythm X and Dartmouth HS both entered the two-timers’ club this year at the end of a thrillingly close contest that rocked the UD Arena’s rafters.

36 CLINICMusic is the main ingredient of many a WGI performance, but choosing just the right tune for any given show can be a serious challenge.

40 SCHOLARSHIPFor Devon Lehman of Countryside HS, being a color guard member has provided invaluable lessons in living life.

42 WHAT’S YOUR WGIQ?Identify the performers in these snapshots from the 2009 Finals.

9

28

40

20Braddock Independent reached

the top 10 of the IW Finals.

Cover photos, clockwise from top left: Dartmouth HS, Mission Viejo HS, Americas Independent, Avon HS.

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Riverside Community CollegeFather Ryan HS

Center Grove HSTrumbull HS

Music City MystiqueTates Creek Independent

Chino Hills HSVoyager Intrepid Percussion

BECAUSE SUCCESS ISALL IN YOUR HEAD

REMO Congratulates all 2009 WGI winners.

Dar

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hythm X Pacifi ca HS

O.C

. Indoor Los Alamitos HS

Ayala

HS

www.wgi.org WGI FOCUS 9

NEWS FROM THE FLOOR AND MOREEnsemble

Inspired by the amazing musical and kinetic feats taking place in the University of Dayton Arena during WGI’s Per-cussion Championships, spectators and players alike had an unprecedented opportunity to make a little music of their own. Following the Open Class awards ceremony on Saturday, everyone was invited to participate in an exciting new venture: the WGI Drum Circle, with a special appear-ance by world drumming expert/judge Matt Savage.

Outside the arena, the beautiful weather ensured an excellent crowd for this highly anticipated event. Chairs had been lined up in a circular formation; every row of seats was packed. REMO and Bongo Boy Music provided a varied assortment of drums, ranging from extremely small to the more standard size that people are used to seeing in WGI competition.

“The thing about drum circles is they teach people to

work in a group and really get in tune with their sense of rhythm,” Savage said. “You don’t need to be an amazingly profi cient percussionist to enjoy this. It’s about having a good time, as well as learning to work in a group to create these really cool moments. For some people it’s a good time, but for oth-ers it’s therapeutic. It’s not just about drumming.”

The event was a rousing success, as the participants paid close attention to Savage’s call-and-response sec-tions. He repeatedly commended the players, creating a positive atmosphere that carried over into the rest of the weekend. —Jose A. Mendoza

FAN NETWORK GRANTS FULL ACCESS VIA VIDEOOnly a few months have passed since the debut of the WGI Fan Network, but it’s already revolutionized the way WGI fans experience the season. All subscribers have access to video of every prelims perfor-mance from World Championships. Fan Network Plus subscribers could watch all the World Championships live with the webcast from all competition venues.

James Phillips, a British subscriber, calls the Fan Network’s on-demand feature “brilliant, because often I can’t watch the live streams of the actual event due to the time zone differences.” Ron Baysinger, who tuned into the regionals to watch nephew Eric perform with Center Grove’s winter percussion ensemble, says, “I love watching the guards I’m unable to see except at fi nals.” And Norwin High School designer Tommy Allen admits, “I’m truly addicted to Fan Network. I use it purely as a means to stalk and get the dish on our competitors.” For more information, go to wgi.org/fannetwork.

The WGI Drum Circle drew a big crowd

of percussion enthusiasts to the UD Arena

parking lot.

Inspired by the amazing musical and kinetic feats taking work in a group

DRUM CIRCLE CAPS WEEKENDOF PERCUSSION

The WGI Drum

of percussion enthusiasts to the UD Arena

don’t need to be an amazingly profi cient

New DVDs on the WayWhile the $45 price of your 2009 World Championships DVDs is lower than last year, you can expect the same great quality when they roll out in early August. Video

producer John Flower has been instrumental in

helping WGI make the price change a reality by cutting production costs.

These eight multi-camera edited DVDs will be the

highlight of your performance season, and will provide entertain-ment for years to come. Find DVD volume details and order your copies now on wgi.org/store.

WGI_p9_Ensemble.indd 1 5/13/09 4:24:37 PM

• Ability!• Aimachi• Alchemy Independent• Americas Independent• Arcadia HS• Aria WG• Art 101• Aureus Independent • Avon HS• Ayala HS• Bellbrook HS• Ben Davis HS• Black Watch• Blessed Sacrament• Carmel HS

• Carolina Visual Productions• Center Grove HS• Central Carroll HS• Central Regional HS• Chambersburg HS• Cheshire HS• Chippewa Valley HS• Choctawhatchee HS• Collage• Countryside HS• Crestview HS• Crown Guard• Deja Vu• Del Valle HS• Dennis Yarmouth HS

• Diamante• East Central HS• Eastlake HS• Eden Prairie HS• Excel WG• Expressions WG• Firestone HS• Francis Howell • North HS• Freedom HS• Gates Chili HS• Golden Valley HS • Greater Johnstown HS• Green Hope HS• Greenfi eld- Central HS• Harrison Central HS

• Hinsdale Central HS• Houston HS• Impact • Independent• In Motion• James Bowie HS• Kickapoo HS - Emulation• Kings HS• Lake Erie • Regiment• Lassiter HS• Laurens Central HS• Lealta• Legacy• Legacy HS

• Leigh HS• Les Eclipses• Light Brigade• Little Elm HS• Loudoun Valley HS• Marian Catholic HS• Mechanicsburg HS• Miamisburg HS• Milagro• Milford HS (OH)• Mineola HS - Red• Mission Viejo HS• MSU• Mt. Juliet HS• Naperville Central HS• Naples HS• National Avenue• Navarre HS

• Newport Independent• North Penn HS• Northeast • Independent• Northview HS• Northwestern HS• Norwalk HS• Norwin HS• Nuance WG• O2• Oak Ridge HS• Olentangy Liberty HS• Onyx• Pace HS• Pacifi caires• Passaic HS• Patriots• Phoenix HS

• Phoenix • Independent• Pope HS• Premonition• Ramona HS• Rampart HS• Rangerettes Sr. Guard• Reeths-Puffer HS• Revolution Independent• San Benito HS• Sensation Performance Ensemble• Shelton HS• Solstice CG• Sonnor• South Brunswick HS• South Lyon HS

• Southgate • Anderson HS• Spanish River HS• Spectrum• St. Brendans - A• Stockdale HS• Synergy• Synergy WG (OH)• The Pride of • Missouri State• Top Hats• Trumbull HS• University of Louisiana• UVU Envision WG• Warren Central HS• Wenatchee HS• West Milford HS• PepWear

WGI SPINS FOR THE CURE FUNDRAISERS

Mia Michaels took another step in her relationship with WGI this past April during her second trip to the World Championships. While she enjoyed fi nals performances on Saturday night, the real excitement for many began Sunday morning, as Michaels and assistant Ryan Ramirez gave a two-hour master class to 500 WGI performers.

Dancers covered the UD Arena fl oor and followed along as Michaels, employing her signature contemporary style, presented a view into her world through a choreographed piece set to the song “After Afterall” by William Fitzsim-mons. In order to give a full-out performance, the group divided into three sections and took turns letting their emotions out; Michaels then instructed everyone to improvise their own movement at the end of her piece.

Following the dance lesson, Michaels stopped to talk about the power each performer holds in being an individual. Her reminder to put one’s own voice into motion hit home to many of the dancers in the arena.

“There’s even more raw talent in color guard than I see in dance,” Michaels said. “I love doing [master classes] here be-cause the members give so much back. As a teacher, that’s really all you can ask for—the mutual give and take. I leave here with a smile on my face. They heard me, they got me, and now that I planted the seed, they can take it and run with it.”

Ensemble

10 WGI FOCUS www.wgi.org

WGI SPINS FOR A CURE The weekend of color guard fi nals is a time when attention is fi xed on thousands of extremely talented performers. This year, WGI took the opportunity to direct some of that attention to a great cause. Friday, April 3, became WGI Spins for a Cure Day, in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the nation’s pre-eminent organization dedicated to eliminating breast cancer.

Proceeds from Friday’s 50/50 raffl e, T-shirt sales, a portion of Friday ticket sales, and a wristband donation drive, fueled by competing guards, all went to benefi t breast cancer research. Packages of pink wristbands were sent to each guard,

and the group that raised the most money—Greenfi eld-Central High School from Indiana—earned World Class Finals tickets as well as a meet-and-greet with choreographer Mia Michaels. See the bottom of this page for a list of all the groups who raised money for the cause.

“I’m thrilled for everyone in this organization who made the

decision to make this come to life, especially the performers,” said WGI Executive Director Ron Nankervis. “In six weeks, color guards attend-ing the World Championships raised an amazing $22,000.” To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, contact 1-800-I’M-AWARE or go online at www.komen.org.

MIA MICHAELS RETURNS

TO DAYTON Greenfi eld-Central High School

WGI_p9_Ensemble.indd 2 5/8/09 4:11:03 PM

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Ensemble

12 WGI FOCUS www.wgi.org

The WGI Scholarship Program contin-ues to grow by leaps and bounds, and this year, 16 deserving young people had the pleasure of being announced as scholarship winners during the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. All of the 2009 winners are pictured here.

Since its inception, the WGI Scholar-ship Program has provided over $400,000 to WGI participants. The money for these scholarships comes from the 50/50 raffl e at the World Championships, $1 of the pur-chase price of each World Championship program, and individual dona-tions. A nine-person committee of judges, instructors, directors, staff, and other active members reviews the applications. The Yamaha/Dennis DeLucia Scholar-ship and the Bob Wiles Memorial Scholarship were each awarded to Rebecca Wiggins from Music City Mystique.

Cora Larson Live Oak HS

Jeni Bouza Flanagan HS

Devon Lehman

Countryside HS

Danielle Gladeau

Miamisburg HS

Tori Fine North Penn HS

CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE SWEET FOR SIXTEEN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Kassandra Budzik

Friendswood HS

Jessica Taylor Crown Guard

Jessica TaylorJenney Kliesrath Collins Hill HS

Jenney KliesrathJenney KliesrathJesse Backes Green Thunder

Percussion

Daniel Watkins Pace HS

Catie Potter Centerville HS

Ashley Carr Warren Central HSWarren Central HS

Matthew Regua Riverside

Community College

RaShaun Logan Elizabethtown

Independent WG

RaShaun Logan

Independent WG

Miranda Alvarez Americas

Independent

Miranda Alvarez Miranda Alvarez Rebecca Wiggins

Music City Mystique

WGI_p9_Ensemble.indd 3 5/14/09 9:18:02 AM

Z i l d j i a n i s . . .indoor percussion

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o a l l t h e m e d a l i s t

p e r f o r m e r s w h o p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e

2 0 0 9 W G I P e r c u s s i o n c h a m p i o n s h i p s .

zildjian.com

I n d e p e n d e n t Wo r l d : R i v e r s i d e C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e ( S i l v e r )

M u s i c C i t y M y s t i q u e ( B r o n z e )

S c h o l a s t i c Wo r l d : C e n t e r G r o v e H S ( S i l v e r )

C h i n o H i l l s H S ( B r o n z e )

I n d e p e n d e n t O p e n : Ta t e s C r e e k ( B r o n z e )

S c h o l a s t i c O p e n : Tr u m b u l l H S ( S i l v e r )

K i n g P h i l l i p H S ( B r o n z e )

I n d e p e n d e n t A : F a r m i n g t o n U n i t e d ( S i l v e r )

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zildjian.com

Independent World: Riverside Community College (Silver)

Music City Mystique (Bronze)

Scholastic World: Center Grove HS (Silver)

Chino Hills HS (Bronze)

Independent Open: Tates Creek (Bronze)

Scholastic Open: Trumbull HS (Silver)

King Phillip HS (Bronze)

Independent A: Farmington United (Silver)

Scholastic World

Dartmouth HS (Gold)

Independent Open

Pariah (Gold)

Scholastic Open

Pacifica HS (Gold)

Independent A

OC Indoor (Gold)

Scholastic A

Los Alamitos HS (Gold)

©2009 Avedis Zildjian Company

WGI_Temp.indd 1 5/13/09 4:22:15 PM

14 WGI FOCUS

For the past 10 years, the various incarnations of California’s Mission Viejo Percussion Ensemble have captivated audiences and judges alike with their dynamic programs, bringing home eight

WGI World Championship medals (three gold, four silver, and one bronze) for their efforts. Many of the ground-breaking concepts in Mission’s past performances—from the “drum-speak” of “XII” (2001) to the incorporation of singing-based samples in “Home” (2006) and “Indivisible” (2007)—have sparked stylistic trends throughout WGI. That’s something that both battery instructor/arranger Mike Jackson and front ensemble instructor/arranger Jim Wunderlich fi nd humbling and inspiring.

“For us, it’s just a matter of trying to do something to push the activity,” Wunderlich says. “I think it’s great people are taking those ideas and expanding on them. I’ll never sit there and think, ‘Man, that was my idea and they’re just stealing it!’ I’d be guilty of stealing music from Prokofi ev if that were the case. Be-lieve me, we’re always learning from our peers as well.”

Wunderlich has been affi liated with Mission for over a decade, Jackson for two decades. During this time, they’ve also lent their talents to other groups such as the Bluecoats, Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and RCC—pushing the envelope not only in the indoor realm, but in the drum corps world as well. Yet both men are well aware that most of their present ventures only became possible because of Mission’s success on the national level. And so this year they decided to create a show that

acknowledged this simple fact. The result, “Remember,” is more than just a general series of recollections; it’s a full-fl edged production that pays homage to every single performer who’s contributed to Mission’s legacy.

“Not many indoor lines could have a 10-year anniver-sary with the same staff,” Jackson notes. “We thought it was unique. About a year ago we were talking about our ’99 show [“From Time to Time”] and how even ten years later it’s still popular, on the Fans’ Favorites [DVDs], and how it put Mission on the map, so to speak. At fi rst we were thinking of retooling that show for these kids, but that didn’t turn out as planned,” he says with a laugh. “We decided on a different route instead.”

www.wgi.org

Mission Viejo Thinks Ahead of the CurveInnovative Techniques Make Percussion Ensemble a Model for ManyBy Jose A. Mendoza

Make Percussion Ensemble Make Percussion Ensemble

Close-Up

For us, it’s just a matter of trying to

do something to push the activity.

Jackson explains that the idea of making “Remember” the title of the show

“came after I was listening to a song by Simple Minds called ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me).’ It’s a great song and it ties back to the vision of the show: ‘Don’t forget about me—remember.’ But there’s something deeper there. It’s about remembering those who have come before you and allowed you to be where you are today, and the drumline dynamic was a perfect example of that. These kids now—10 years later—are benefi ting from all the blood, sweat, and tears back in ’99. It’s a thank-you to every single kid that’s ever come through Mission.”

WGI_p14_Closeup.indd 1 5/8/09 3:44:03 PM

16 WGI FOCUS

T his year, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will once again play host to one of WGI’s most highly anticipated events, Spinfest. On September 18 and 19, instructors and performers from all

levels of the color guard activity will participate in a week-end full of detailed classes pertaining to the basics of fl ag, rifl e, sabre, movement, and design. Led by many distin-guished color guard instructors and designers, Spinfest promises to provide in-depth information on equipment handling and movement choreography, as well as staging and production values. The action-packed weekend also includes a scheduled appearance by acclaimed choreogra-pher Mia Michaels, who will offer her own unique insight into the role that movement plays in winter guard.

Spinfest is yet another tool that WGI Sport of the Arts has developed to provide instructors with education in all facets of performance and design. Bart Woodley, Market-ing Manager of WGI, notes that “WGI has recently been focusing on instructor education. Developing new instructors is a crucial portion of WGI’s commitment to being the leader of the winter marching arts activities.”

Realizing that winter guard is an artistic venue, WGI is working to educate instructors on “fi nding their own voice,” and using that voice to create and design in a way that will be appreciated—and rewarded—in a competitive setting. In the past, Spinfest has offered sessions dealing with different approaches to the same piece of music and how

choices are recognized in the judging process.Brandy DuBose, of Arizona’s Academy Independent

Winter Guard, is one color guard instructor who has found Spinfest to be a tremendous help. “The most valuable thing I have walked away with,” she says, “is getting to know other instructors, and having some of the most amazing and inspirational moments with new people I’ve met through the sessions.” DuBose also notes that meeting and working with other designers and instructors during the fi rst Spinfest, held in 2007, helped her fi nd a “sounding board in my journey as an educator.”

Michele Dershimer, a former WGI color guard director, calls Spinfest a great opportunity for instructors to come together and communicate. She says that “watching performers present various styles and levels of choreog-raphy, dialogue amongst choreographers and adjudicators, and allowing our professionals to share their knowledge and skills with others in a variety of formats encourages

growth within this amazing activity.”Spinfest is a weekend fi lled with

excitement, high energy, motivation, and education, and it will undoubt-

edly serve as a springboard for next winter’s competitive season. WGI will be releasing more informa-tion about Spinfest in the coming

months on wgi.org, including clinician announcements, as well as scheduling details and hotel reservation information.

For more information, visit www.wgispinfest.com.

www.wgi.org

Setting the Stage for SpınfestIntensive Weekend Color Guard Conference Returns to Disney This FallBy Scott Markham

his year, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida choices are recognized in the judging process.

Spotlight

Getting to know

other instructors

helped me fi nd a

sounding board

in my journey as

an educator.

WGI_p16_Spotlight.indd 1 5/8/09 3:45:23 PM

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INDEPENDENT WORLDFINALIST—United PercussionDirectors: Chad Moore, Esq., Christine Vanacore, Staff: Mike Nevin, William Woodward, Kelly Howell, Brian Evans, Darick Kelly, Mike Dow, Jesse Cottrell, Mike Russ, Marcel Roos, Joe PalumboFINALIST—Blue KnightsDirector: David Killinger, Staff: Corey Brodersen, Dave Marvin, Mike Nevin, Jason Keeling, John Crouch, Tohbias Juniel, Jason Keeling, Jason Reid, Taylor Townsend, Alex Entin, Scott Reno, Joe Vaccarelli, Keith LaubahnFINALIST—InfinityDirectors: John Campese, Tom Hurst, David Catogni, Staff: Mike Marino, Ralph Stewart, Lee Hansen, Jared Johnson, Mustafa Sauveur, Josh Peeples, Anish John, Obed Resendez, Justin Robards, Nick Souder, Dale Black, John McCartt, Jason Palmer, Jason KitchenFINALIST—Eastside FuryDirectors: Ralph Biggs, Jason Ihnat, Staff: Sean McElroy, Laura Skok, Nick Matthews, Nick Saputo, Scott Reece, Tom Hinsman, Dan Cenci

SCHOLASTIC WORLDGOLD MEDALIST—Dartmouth HSDirector: Tom Aungst, Staff: Neil Larrivee, Darcie Aungst, Jeff Sacktig, Mike Moore, Jason Medeiros, Jen O’Neill, Ian Flint, Cam SiegalBRONZE MEDALIST—Chino Hills HSDirector: John Mapes, Staff: Jeremy Riley, Brian Dinkel, Ryan Anderson, Bryan Horan, John Lee, Ian GromFINALIST—Mission Viejo HSDirector: Mike Jackson, Staff: Jared Andrews, Jenny JacksonFINALIST—Arcadia HSDirector: Kevin Sherrill, Staff: Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah, Jeff Doolittle, Daniel Lai, Chris BoatmanFINALIST—Avon HSDirector: Jay Webb, Staff: Jay Webb, Jeff Queen, Drew Schnieders, Nate Wilkerson, Emily JonesFINALIST—Upland HSDirector: Mike Jackson, Staff: Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah, Fernando MillerFINALIST—Plymouth Canton HSInstructor: Sean McElroy

CONCERT WORLDSILVER MEDALIST—Mansfield HSDirector: Peter Conti, Staff: Matt McGuire, David Cavanaugh, Laurie Sklar, Mike StankiewiczBRONZE MEDALIST—Tunstall HSDirectors: Tim and Debra Bray, Staff: Alicia Bray, Kristen Bray, Joel Finney, Zack Scott, Ryan StoweFINALIST—Goshen HSDirector: Tom Cox, Staff: David Heroux, Chris Smith

INDEPENDENT OPENFINALIST—STRYKE Percussion EnsembleDirectors: Scott Hughes, Cisco Hance, Staff: Ray Donato, Rudy Flores, Jon Kersten, Jason Nunes, Christopher Infante, Tony Del Rivero, Alain Brodeur Sr., Gabriel Urbay, Paul Melcer, David Karpinksi, David YunisFINALIST—Palmetto PercussionDirectors: Erik Crook, AJ Pace, Staff: Alex Mowery, Ryan Johnson, Joel Gardner, Mike Leitzke, Luis Rivera, Steve WolffFINALIST—George Mason UniversityDirector: Dr. Michael Nickens, Staff: Chris Martin, Chris Garay, Paul Fadoul, Brett Garrett, Steve Ballard, Patch Moss, Alan Johnson, Joey Rivera, Nate Tyler

SCHOLASTIC OPENGOLD MEDALIST—Pacifica HSDirectors: John Mapes, Ian Grom, Staff: Paul Nesbit, Yumi TamashiroSILVER MEDALIST—Trumbull HSDirector: Tom Whitmoyer, Staff: Chris Rivera, Dave Dumont, CJ Barrett, Bryan Crawford, Scott Abanto, Austin Avery, Dan EbertBRONZE MEDALIST— King Philip Regional HS Director: Peter Tileston, Staff: Zach Schlicher, Olin Johannessen, Chuck Moulton, Scott Quintana, Ryan Loud, Tim Sepe, Nick Ferzoco, Andrew MarkworthFINALIST— Fountain Valley HSDirectors: Ian Grom, John Mapes, Staff: Jeremy Riley, Tiffany LamFINALIST—Kings HSDirector: Mike Maegly, Staff: Mike Folz, Joe Davis, David Wyrick, Samantha Cope, Sarah Cornett, James SparlingFINALIST—Stamford HS Directors: Tim Holcomb, Chase Bronstein, Staff: Jim Zulick, Tom Gassperini, Dave Brush, Dave Reyes, Sal FloresFINALIST—Beyer HS Director: Blair Williams, Staff: Nate Bourg, Kohei Mizushima, Oliver Bullock, Tom Gierke, Chris Arriola, Dale Pauly, Henry Berona, Justin Berona, Jesse Perez, Nithin Kumar, Corey Jones, Hannah Boyer, David Flores, Shekhar KhedekarFINALIST—North Penn HS Director: Bryan Clayton, Staff: Rich Hammond, Chris Arnold, Mike Zellers, Mike Lalli, Niki Eash, Travis Simpson, Amanda West, Gary Cuzzcrea, Aaron Barnes, Eric Kitchenman

CONCERT OPENGOLD MEDALIST—Muscle Shoals HS Director: David Waters, Staff: Mandy Quinn, Iain MoyerSILVER MEDALIST—Portsmouth HS Director: Steve CirilloBRONZE MEDALIST—Clayton HS Director: John Pearson, Staff: Mike WorleyFINALIST—James A Garfield HS Director: Joe Enriquez, Staff: Sean Gordon

INDEPENDENT ASILVER MEDALIST—Farmington UnitedDirector: Joseph Kuerzi, Staff: Mike Yoskovich, Paul Williams, Gary McCombs, Jim Rebbeck, Rob Simko, Rich Hogan, Tom Machowski, Tim LeachBRONZE MEDALIST—Boston University Directors: Chris Parks, Mike Wasielewski, Staff: Ian Flint, Chris Daum, Matt Ramey, Phil Perry, Michael BarsanoFINALIST—Spirit of America Directors: Richard Pugsley, Br. Andrew Smith, Sr. Brigid Minor, Staff: Colin McNutt, Ian Hale, Colby Kuzontkoski, James Sparling, Laura McKendree, Peter Shannon, Cori Shannon, Stephanie Snure, Heather CatlinFINALIST—GenesisDirector: Scott Uzarski, Staff: Will Gordillo, Rick Gordillo, Tricia Schoenborn, Zach Vanderlaan, Greg Sperlbaum, Jordan DentonFINALIST—Huron Valley PercussionDirector: Nick Saputo

SCHOLASTIC AGOLD MEDALIST—Los Alamitos HS Directors: John Mapes, Ian Grom, Staff: Jeremy Riley, Amanda Buda, Paul NesbitSILVER MEDALIST—Thomas Worthington HS Directors: James Fantine, Brian Vogt, Staff: Justin McGruder, Andrew Hensel, Jackie Forman, Aaron Friedman, Emma Tarai, Janine JosephFINALIST—Basha HS Directors: Matt Kozacek, Brandon Kiesgen, Staff: Jimmy Madonia, John McClean, Roberto Paz, Dustin Roa, Thien PhamFINALIST—Carlsbad HS Director: Greg Anderson, Staff: Mike ChavezFINALIST—Timber Creek HS Director: Daniel O’Neill, Staff: Scott Daley, Chris Talvacchio, Mike Coppala, Ron Latham, Dave Britten, Daniel Montanez, Patricia JeffersFINALIST—Bassett HS Director: Trey Harris, Staff: Teddy Holcomb, Scott Allred, Trey Harris, Philip Morgan, Anna HolcombFINALIST—Southgate Anderson HS Director: Joseph Kuerzi, Staff: Tom McNally, Steve Shupic, Mike Harrison, John Dusik, Stephanie Heggie, Sarah Harrison

WHO MAKES VIC FIRTH NUMBER ONE?

INDEPENDENT WORLDFINALIST United Percussion

INDEPENDENT OPENFINALIST STRYKE Percussion Ensemble

INDEPENDENT ASILVER MEDALIST Farmington United

VIC FIRTH WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE DIRECTORS, INSTRUCTORS AND PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING ENSEMBLES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2009 WGI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Can’t get enough drumming video? We can help. Vic Firth Video Podcasts deliver the best free content to you each and every week. And with 3 Podcasts to choose from, you can get a fresh dose of marching, concert or drumset video delivered to you right when you need it. But you better hurry—with over 200 Podcasts so far, you’ve got some catching up to do!

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20 WGI FOCUS

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Santa Clara and Avon win fi rst-time gold BY DAVID G. HILL

Every April, hundreds of color guard and percussion groups meet in Dayton, Ohio, for the Winter Guard International World Championships—two weekends of ambitious performances, close com-petition, and high excitement that show the Sport of the Arts at its fi nest. This year, the fun began on April 2, as color guards from around the world gathered to compete on the UD Arena fl oor.

Every April, hundreds of color guard and percussion groups meet in Dayton, Ohio, for the Winter Guard International World Championships—two weekends of ambitious performances, close com-

TOPOF THE

COLOR GUARD Santa Clara and Avon win fi rst-time gold BY DAVID G. HILL

Every April, hundreds of color guard and percussion groups meet in Dayton, Ohio, for the Winter Guard International World Championships—two weekends of ambitious performances, close com-petition, and high excitement that show the Sport of the Arts at its fi nest. This year, the fun began on April 2, as color guards from around the world gathered to compete on the UD Arena fl oor.

Every April, hundreds of color guard and percussion groups meet in Dayton, Ohio, for the Winter Guard International World Championships—two weekends of ambitious performances, close com-

TOP THE THEWORLD!WORLD!WORLD!WORLD!

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE REIGNS AT

THE 2009 WGI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

WGI_p20-25_CGv2.indd 1 5/8/09 4:49:41 PM

After fall football season … after try-outs … after you heard of “the concept” for the fi rst time … after the sound, tarp, and costume design made it all make sense … after blocking, staging, and timing … after

rehearsal … after layering on movement and equipment work … after the fi rst run-through … after more rehears-als … after the dress rehearsal … after the fi rst competi-tion and critique … after the restaging and additional lay-ering … after those lousy rehearsals … after that crucial Power Regional … after the perfect rehearsal … after that one crew member got sick on the fl ight to Dayton … after the big emotional group hug … came these words:

“You may enter the fl oor in World Championship com-petition.”

Two hundred and eighty-six color guards, independent and scholastic, did just that … after it all. Here are the

results from Winter Guard International’s 2009 Color Guard World Championships.

INDEPENDENT WORLDIt will likely always be those groups that began indoor color guard competition to which we look for creative groundswells. This year’s top class of independent guards displayed a standard-setting interweaving of color guard and dance, thematic invention, and unprecedented talent. Historic pageantry met the reality of the new competitive world, as California’s Santa Clara Vanguard and Corona won Independent World gold and silver and Nagoya, Ja-pan’s Aimachi garnered its second bronze.

Vanguard ramped up the emotional drama—and dance—to “The Kiss” its fi rst WGI title, only four years after fi rst entering competition. Corona catapulted into

Scholastic World

AVON HSRELEASE

1ST

97.80

JAMES LOGAN HSDREAMTIME

2ND

95.60

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22 WGI FOCUS

Independent Open

RHAPSODYSOUL MATES

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the runner-up spot with spectacular acrobatics in “A Case of You.” Aimachi’s richly drawn parable “Beloved” had East meet West in a twirl-off between feuding brothers.

Last year’s bronze medalist, Northeast Independent (Fla.), captured fourth with some of the year’s most at-tractive “atmospherics.” At fi fth, former World Champion Blessed Sacrament (Mass.) made its 30th consecutive fi nalist appearance, and Dayton guards Onyx and Zydeco Colorguard registered their best placements ever—sixth and seventh, respectively—with “At Arm’s Length” and “An Evening Stillness.” Braddock Independent’s (Fla.) “We Do It to Ourselves,” Crown Guard’s (Ga.) “Let There Be Light,” and “Underneath It All” by New Jersey’s Black Watch rounded out the top ten.

Remaining fi nalists were Florida’s The Knights with the civil rights-themed “Stand Up for Something, or Fall for Anything”; new World Class competitors Alter Ego (N.J.)

with “Finding My Direction” and Diamante (Ca.) with “In-side the Ink”; fi rst-time fi nalist Premonition (Fla.) with “Il-lusion”; and Sacred Heart (Mass.) with “Private Dancer.”

SCHOLASTIC WORLDAfter being runner-up for fi ve out of the past six years, Avon HS from Indiana won the gold. Their classic, line-in-the-sand program, “Release,” presented textbook tension-release sequences to stunning effect. Ten-time champion James Logan High School (Calif.) returned to competition with the costumed tribal ritual “Dreamtime” and garnered a silver medal. Last year’s class champion, Flanagan High School (Fla.), brought home the bronze with “Hopelandic,” based on music by Iceland’s Sigur Rós.

Indiana’s Carmel High School had “Good Luck” on its side in a sumptuous fourth-place outing, followed by an electrifying “Chaos Theory” from Warren Central High

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Scholastic Open

MARIAN CATHOLIC HSFALLEN

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95.90

LEGACY HSEMERGENCE

2ND

94.70

POPE HSTHE THREE OF LIFE

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School (Ind.). Long-time fi nalists, medalists, and former class champions rounded out the top ten with, in order, Choctawhatchee High School’s (Fla.) multi-visioned “Val-entine,” Arcadia High School (Calif.) and the exacting “Ge-ometry of Art and Life,” Center Grove High School’s (Ind.) languid “Here Comes the Flood,” Miamisburg (Ohio) High School’s visceral “All Roads Lead to Rome,” and Rancho Bernardo High School (Calif.) offering the fetching “Catch a Star in a Jar.”

Remaining fi nalists included Trumbull High School (Conn.) with “Aurora,” Centerville High School (Ohio) with “The Poison Tree,” Freedom High School (Fla.) with “Just Rights,” Cheshire High School (Conn.) with “Reaching Out,” and Seminole High School (Fla.) with “Shiver.”

INDEPENDENT OPENSeattle’s Rhapsody won the Independent Open Class gold by bringing together “Soul Mates,” with its memorable pairs

fl ag-lifting sequence. Denver’s Opus 10 grabbed silver for its light dance touch on Bach variations, while Westerville, Ohio’s Juxtaposition played it straight “Between the Lines” for the bronze.

Texas’ Ars Nova enjoyed its highest class placement with “These Are the Days” in fourth, followed by First Flight’s (N.C.) “Generation Y” in fi fth. The remainder of the top ten was a varietal mixture of units, from Inter-play’s (Mich.) holiday inversion “Wonderful Time” to the deliciously outrageous and “Suspense”-fi lled North by Northwest (Wash.). USF Winterguard (Fla.) performed “The Way I See It,” Wind (N.C.) paid homage to the history of winter guard in its “Street Light People,” and Holland’s Beatrix was the international competitor in an intriguing “Chess” match.

Moving into the remaining fi nalist spots were Capella Winterguard (Tenn.), Spectrum (N.Y.), Northgate Indepen-dent (Ga.), Patriots (N.Y.), and Top Hats (Pa.).

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SCHOLASTIC OPENChicago Heights’ Marian Catholic High School moved heav-en and earth to win the Scholastic Open gold medal with its celestial “Fallen,” while Broomfi eld, Colorado’s Legacy High School earned silver with its dance-card “Emergence.” Pope High School from Marietta, Georgia, was a delicate bronze medalist with its instructive “The Three of Life.”

A massive tree-trunk-and-ramp setting belied the mel-ancholy of Mechanicsburg High School’s (Penn.) evocative “Autumn’s End” for fourth. South Brunswick High School (N.J.) found the source in the fi fth-place “Luminaria—Reaching for the Light.” The top ten also included Gates Chili High School’s (N.Y.) chant-fi lled “Seraphim Sky,” the tied Valencia (Calif.) and West Johnston (N.C.) High Schools with Logan’s Run-inspired “The Carousel” and “Gravity,” Walled Lake Central High School (Mich.) with “Falling Slowly,” featuring a live guitarist and singing, and Crest-

view High School (Fla.) with the jazz-piano “Swing Shift.”Class fi nalists were completed with Mission Viejo High

School (Calif.), Lake Central High School (Ind.), Ayala High School (Calif.), Cooper City High School (Fla.), and Orchard Park High School (N.Y.).

INDEPENDENT AState of Art carried the Michigan State University Final Four banner to become Independent A champions with the blue-tinged “Follow the Lead.” Salem Blue (N.H.) used Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in its silver medal performance, while Dayton’s O2 displayed spontaneous joy in its jazzy bronze medal fi nish.

“If I Laid Here” lifted FIU Performance Ensemble (Fla.) to the fourth spot, while Americas Independent (Texas) was fi fth with “Everyone’s Life Is a Picture.” Fellow Texas guard Identity took sixth by using “Home on the Range” as

Independent A

STATE OF ARTFOLLOW THE LEAD

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MOUNT CARMEL HS

POPE HS

Scholastic A

NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL HSWHY?

1ST

97.40

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2ND

95.70

LYMAN HSCITIZEN OF THE PLANET

3RD

94.70

a tone poem, Usurpation (Ind.) was seventh with the fully integrated dance/guard program “The Chagall Duet,” and Kentucky’s Elizabethtown Independent fi nished eighth with the watery “Immerse.” The top ten was completed with Georgia’s Aureus Independent’s “Wonderland” and Flori-da’s River City Independent’s “Between the Bars.”

The fi nalist list also included Central Independent (Okla.), Southeast Independent (Tenn.), Art 101 (Ohio), Pacifi caires (Canada), and Ars Nova (Texas).

SCHOLASTIC ANew York’s gold-winning North Syracuse Central High School erased any question of “Why?” in this huge Scho-lastic A Class championship show, with both overwhelming effect and understated beauty. Spanish River High School (Fla.) parlayed its Southern wiles in the silver medal show “Sunday at the Park.” Fellow Florida high school Lyman was a powerful bronze medalist in the Indian-inspired “Cit-

izen of the Planet.”Kokomo High School (Ind.) melded dance ensemble

with color guard in the operatic “Sposa son Disprezzata” for fourth. Byrnes High School (S.C.) used one of the year’s most popular songs, Adele’s “Hometown,” to illustrate its color guard season for fi fth, and California’s Homestead High School plugged in for sixth place with “Vector Blue.” Desoto High School (Texas) scored a strong seventh with its homage to “Amazing Women,” Greenfi eld-Central High School (Ind.) was eighth with life lessons in “The Dash Be-tween,” and a tie for ninth was between Francis Howell North (Mo.) and Plymouth-Canton (Mich.) High Schools. Francis Howell illustrated the mysterious tale of a woman peering out a window “While She Waits”; Plymouth-Canton sailed through “Waiting for My Real Life to Begin.”

Remaining fi nalists were Croatan High School (N.C.), Passaic High School (N.J.), and a trio from Texas: Friends-wood, Americas, and Mansfi eld.

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™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

™

The Hybrid Series

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GET YOUR NEW FAVORITESHOWS.

COLOR GUARD VOLUME 6 • 2003 Blessed Sacrament “The Musicof Earth, Wind and Fire” | 2002 Crown Guard “What the World NeedsNow” | 2001 Emerald Marquis “Malaguena” | 2002 Fantasia “Imagesof India” | 2005 Flanagan HS “This is My Moment” | 2001 FranklinCentral HS “Earthquake” | 2005 Freedom HS “I Dream a World” | 2003James Logan HS “Carmen Lives!” | 2003 Northeast Independent“Everything But Today” | 2005 Paradigm “Typical Situation” | 2002Pope HS “Serenade” | 2004 Pride of Cincinnati “Sideshow: Alive onthe Inside” | 1998 Shaktai “Amazing Grace” | 2004 Stoneman DouglasHS “My Immortal” | 2004 Trumbull HS “Dream”

PERCUSSION VOLUME 3 • 2003 Aimachi “Voice of the Soul” | 2002Avon HS Percussion “Stack O’Wack” | 2003 Black Knights “X” | 2003Blue Knights “The Zodiac” | 1998 Capital Regiment “Latin Adventure”| 2005 Centerville HS Percussion “In Perspective” | 2005 Everett HSPercussion “An American Trilogy” | 1994 Father Ryan HS Percussion“Hoedown” | 2004 Mission Viejo HS Percussion “Vinyl, Paint & PVC” |2004 Music City Mystique “Seven” | 2004 North Coast Academy“Chromatic Velocity” | 2005 Rhythm X “Wired” | 2002 Riverside aCommunity College “The Sound of Silence” | 2001 Spirit “Spy vs.Spy” | 1998 Thunder “Lament for B-612”

1594 WGI_FocusHfpgVertAd_FF_050609:Layout 1 5/8/09 6:05 PM Page 1

THEFANSVOTED.

Visitwgi.org/store

GET YOUR NEW FAVORITESHOWS.

COLOR GUARD VOLUME 6 • 2003 Blessed Sacrament “The Musicof Earth, Wind and Fire” | 2002 Crown Guard “What the World NeedsNow” | 2001 Emerald Marquis “Malaguena” | 2002 Fantasia “Imagesof India” | 2005 Flanagan HS “This is My Moment” | 2001 FranklinCentral HS “Earthquake” | 2005 Freedom HS “I Dream a World” | 2003James Logan HS “Carmen Lives!” | 2003 Northeast Independent“Everything But Today” | 2005 Paradigm “Typical Situation” | 2002Pope HS “Serenade” | 2004 Pride of Cincinnati “Sideshow: Alive onthe Inside” | 1998 Shaktai “Amazing Grace” | 2004 Stoneman DouglasHS “My Immortal” | 2004 Trumbull HS “Dream”

PERCUSSION VOLUME 3 • 2003 Aimachi “Voice of the Soul” | 2002Avon HS Percussion “Stack O’Wack” | 2003 Black Knights “X” | 2003Blue Knights “The Zodiac” | 1998 Capital Regiment “Latin Adventure”| 2005 Centerville HS Percussion “In Perspective” | 2005 Everett HSPercussion “An American Trilogy” | 1994 Father Ryan HS Percussion“Hoedown” | 2004 Mission Viejo HS Percussion “Vinyl, Paint & PVC” |2004 Music City Mystique “Seven” | 2004 North Coast Academy“Chromatic Velocity” | 2005 Rhythm X “Wired” | 2002 Riverside aCommunity College “The Sound of Silence” | 2001 Spirit “Spy vs.Spy” | 1998 Thunder “Lament for B-612”

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28 WGI FOCUS

Percussion

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PERCUSSION Rhythm X and Dartmouth HS earn repeat titles BY MICHAEL REED

After an 11-day break, WGI reconvened in Dayton for the second half of the World Championships on Thursday, April 16. This time, it was the percussion ensembles’ turn to shine. Old favorites returned to the arena fl oor and young upstarts showed their stuff. In the end, eight groups brought home the gold—one, the Independent World winner, prevailed by mere tenths of a point—but many more were left feeling both satisfaction for a job well done and anticipation for next year.

of the World Championships on Thursday, April 16. This time, it was the percussion ensembles’ turn to shine. Old favorites returned to the arena fl oor and young upstarts showed their stuff. In the end, eight groups brought home the gold—one, the Independent World winner, prevailed by mere tenths of a point—but many more were left feeling

WORLD!WORLD!TOP OF THE

WGI_p20-25_PW.indd 1 5/11/09 10:10:55 AM

The 17th WGI Percussion World Championships have come and gone, but the memories will remain etched in our hearts for years to come. From the fi rst Thursday morning prelim performances at UD

Arena and the Nutter Center to the packed-to-the-raf-ters fi nal PIW shows on Saturday night, fans were treated to three days of intense performances by 179 drumlines competing in eight action-fi lled classes.

PERCUSSION INDEPENDENT WORLDThe spectators knew they were in for a special treat when the top three groups came out of prelims separated by one point. After the dust had settled, all three were still within a point of each other, as the captions divided in a three-way split in what turned out to be one of the most intense fi nales in WGI history.

Rhythm X (Ohio) took their second consecutive crown with “Touch,” exploring almost every imaginable varia-tion on physical contact with supreme sensitivity. A large black obelisk served as an object of adoration and tribal worship in Riverside Community College (Calif.)’s silver medal-winning “Totem.” Bronze winner Music City Mys-tique (Tenn.) dealt with the swirl of emotions one feels when facing impending death in “Requiem.”

Pulse Percussion (Calif.) continued their climb up the PIW ranks with “Breathe,” an artistic show about the dy-namics of respiration that left the audience (pardon the pun) breathless. Augmented by 16 dancers who struck very realistic poses, Redline (Mich.) became living stat-ues with “Sculpted.” United Percussion (N.J.) reminded us how far our nation has come in the area of civil rights with “One.” North Coast Academy (Mich.) used fantastic

Percussion Scholastic

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Percussion

Independent Open

PARIAHMYSTRO

1ST

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2ND

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3RD

91.375

sound effects along with transparent screens that created visual reverberations in their program “Echo.”

Gateway (Mo.) brought a pack of jamming drum ma-chines to life with “Robot Rock.” A spark that grew into a raging inferno kept the Blue Knights (Colo.) burning bright in “The Metaforest.” Remaining fi nalists were Matrix (Ohio) with “Left Out,” Infi nity (Fla.) with “Bomb Shelter,” East Side Fury (Mich.) with “From the Heart,” Surround Sound (Tex-as) with “S2,” Timber Creek Independent (Fla.) with “Video-tape,” and Odyssey (Ga.) with “The Four Horsemen.”

PERCUSSION SCHOLASTIC WORLDDartmouth (Mass.) took their second consecutive gold with a spectacle that would have been at home on a Broadway stage. “The Garden,” performed on an elaborate set con-taining lush trees, took place in Eden as Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit and then had to evade the wrath of angry

plants. Center Grove (Ind.) used well-known adages to en-courage us to express our thoughts and feelings with “Say,” while Chino Hills (Calif.) urged us to make a positive differ-ence in our world through the inspirational words of Martin Luther King and President Obama in “Motivate.”

Ayala (Calif.) explored the sadness of saying farewell to people we care about in “Goodbye.” Mission Viejo (Calif.) paid tribute to the Blue Angels, and also presented a portion of their WGI debut 1999 show, with “Remember.” Arcadia (Calif.) pondered the feelings of loss that occur when leav-ing home to attend college in “Missing You.” The members of James Logan (Calif.) told stories of their heritage and demonstrated their pride in being Americans with “Amber Waves,” which earned a heartfelt standing ovation.

Fred J. Page (Tenn.) challenged us to follow our heart’s desire with “Seize the Dream,” while Forsyth Central (Ga.) looked inside to discover what drives “The Heart of a War-

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PercussionScholastic

Open

PACIFICA HSFILL IN THE BLANK

1ST

96.250

TRUMBULL HSFEAR

2ND

95.200

KING PHILIP REGIONAL HSAGAINST THE GRAIN

3RD

94.850

rior.” Remaining fi nalists were Avon (Ind.) with “My Mas-terpiece,” Upland (Calif.) with “Loss and Recovery,” Walled Lake (Mich.) with “Phobia,” Plymouth-Canton (Mich.) with “In Any Language,” Choctawhatchee (Fla.) with “Shat-tered,” and Centerville (Ohio) with “Point of View.”

PERCUSSION INDEPENDENT OPENPariah (Ga.) won gold with “Mystro,” a symphony of percus-sion played by members wearing formal concert dress and all manner of hats, representing individual tastes in music. Perennial PSW fi nalist Father Ryan (Tenn.) moved over to the independent ranks and held a battle royale with the pro wrestling-themed “WWGI.” Combining the best elements of man and machine, Tates Creek Indoor (Ky.) performed with the heart of the former and the precision of the latter.

STRYKE (Fla.) mastered the art of musical deception with “Illusion,” while Penn State (Pa.) conquered the stub-born aversion to change with “The Only Constant.” Pal-

metto Percussion (S.C.) showed us both the glamour and vulgarity of “Money.” Remaining fi nalists were George Mason University (Va.), Atlanta Quest (Ga.), Tyler Jr. College (Texas), Minnesota Brass Indoor (Minn.), and Alternative Percussion (Calif.).

PERCUSSION SCHOLASTIC OPENWinning their fourth PSO title in a row, Pacifi ca (Calif.) pre-sented (mostly) famous 20th-century quotes, leaving the audience to “Fill in the Blank” to complete the phrase. The kids from SoCal can once again hold their heads high and sing, “We are the_________!” Trumbull (Conn.) delved into one of mankind’s most primal emotions with “Fear,” concluding that while necessary, it shouldn’t rule our lives. King Philip Regional (Mass.) drummed like a line possessed with “Against the Grain,” which used tall, angled poles to create a unique look. “Backwards” by yellaV niatnuoF, more commonly known as Fountain Valley (Calif.), was a spirited

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32 WGI FOCUS

production full of retrogrades, reversals, and rewinds.With a drill featuring single performers moving in dif-

ferent directions from the rest of the group, Pace (Fla.) reminded us of the importance of individuality with “One,” while Kings (Ohio) served a warning of the dangers of over-indulging in video games and TV with “Mind Set.” Remaining fi nalists were Stamford (Conn.), Beyer (Calif.), North Penn (Pa.), Dorman (S.C.), Andrew (Ill.), and Harpeth (Tenn.).

PERCUSSION SCHOLASTIC CONCERT WORLDThe kids of Ayala (Calif.) pulled double duty, making fi nals in the PSW division and earning their third PSCW title in four years. “Legacy” was a moving celebration of the Amer-cian experience of the past hundred years. If we closed our eyes, we’d swear Mansfi eld (Mass.) was a professional jazz group; their performance of music from Chick Corea’s My Spanish Heart album was phenomenal. Tunstall (Va.) cap-

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tured the bronze medal with “Supernova,” featuring cre-ative music scoring that made us feel as if we were outside on a clear night watching shooting stars, while an amaz-ing “did-I-just-see-what-I-thought-I-saw?” xylophone duet drew roars from the crowd for Goshen (Ind.) in “Same Shirt, Different Day.”

PERCUSSION SCHOLASTIC CONCERT OPENA diverse group of PSCO units made for a most interest-ing class, with the medalists performing a mix of classical music. Muscle Shoals (Ala.) combined dazzling execution with a mastery of musical nuance, playing excerpts from one of the world’s most beloved operas, Bizet’s Carmen. Meanwhile, Portsmouth (N.H.) put the “e” in “ensemble,” giving a clinic in balance and blend with “Selections from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4,” and Clayton (N.C.) had mal-lets fl ying at warp speed in faster passages of Bartok’s

PercussionScholastic

Concert World

Percussion Scholastic Concert

Open

TUNSTALL HSSUPERNOVA

3RD

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MUSCLE SHOALS HSCARMEN

1ST

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PORTSMOUTH HSSELECTIONS FROM TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 4

2ND

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CLAYTON HSCONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA

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AYALA HSLEGACY

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Concerto for Orchestra. Remaining fi nalists were James Garfi eld (Calif.), Hickory (N.C.), and Daphne (Ala.).

PERCUSSION INDEPENDENT AThat loud rumble we felt in UD Arena on Friday was OC In-door (Ore.). “Aftershock” rocked our world, pounding us into submission with a barrage of high-impact drumming. Farmington United (Mich.) got the crowd involved with “You Are Here,” featuring an entertaining clap-along segment. Voyager Intrepid (Mo.) came from the deep reaches of outer space to fi nd a place to drum in “Percussion Encounters.”

Boston University (Mass.) was seemingly everywhere on the fl oor with the hyperactive “Crossfade,” while Chat-tanooga Independent (Tenn.) underscored the meaning be-hind the words we use with “Setting the Tone.” Remaining fi nalists were Spirit of America (Mass.), eNVision (Nev.), Genesis (Mich.), Green Thunder (Ill.), Twin Cities Area In-dependent (Minn.), and Huron Valley Percussion (Mich.).

PERCUSSION SCHOLASTIC AThe fi rst gold medals of Championships week were handed out in Friday evening’s PSA division. Los Alamitos (Calif.) swept all captions with “Fade,” as their combination of squeaky-clean playing and near-fl awless movement did anything but. Thomas Worthington (Ohio) developed the concept of a three-bladed windmill-type contraption from blueprint to fi nished product in “Structural Evolution.” Many-time fi nalist Franklin Central (Ind.) explored the many different possible sounds that wooden instruments can produce in “Timber Timbre.”

University (Fla.) heightened our awareness of the way we perceive our world with “Your Senses,” while Plainfi eld (Ind.) heightened our awareness of each person’s unique abilities with “Something Different.” Remaining fi nalists were Basha (Ariz.), Carlsbad (Calif.), Greenfi eld-Central (Ind.), Timber Creek (N.J.), Harrison Central (Miss.), Bas-sett (Va.), and Southgate Anderson (Mich.).

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PULSE PERCUSSION DEPENDS ON YAMAHA.“We rely on Yamaha to make our music come to life. Whatever thesituation, our answer is always the same: Yamaha. From the consistencyof the instrument right out of the box, to the customer support, to the value

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-John Mapes, Battery Arranger/Visual Designer -Ian Grom, Front Ensemble Caption Head/Composer

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S ilence is rarely golden for color guard or percus-sion units. Indeed, music is a vital character in ev-ery WGI program, and the musical choices groups make are as distinctive and individual as the pro-

grams themselves. “Music selection is the most impor-tant ingredient in the production process,” declares Brian Greenleaf, director of the Americas High School and Ameri-cas Independent color guards. So how do ensembles fi nd the right music for their shows?

About half of WGI’s percussion groups answer this question by writing their own music. “We have an amaz-ing group of designers who compose original works to fl ow and fi t with the themes and ideas we brainstorm in the beginning,” says David Killinger, director of the Blue Knights percussion ensemble. “The original composition sets us apart. No one will be playing the same music we are, as it is written for us by us.”

Other groups license source material, while some use a combination of both original and licensed compositions. Music choices, which are usually made collectively by an ensemble’s creative team, can range from Nine Inch Nails to Stevie Wonder, Stravinsky to Barber. It all depends on the personality of the piece and the performers.

“I truly believe that it’s wide open,” says Keith Potter, design consultant for the Carmel High School color guard. “For me, it’s most important to have fi ve to seven minutes of something to ‘visually describe.’ The soundtrack is merely one tool of many. When using a musical selection as the inspiration, rhythmic variety and changes in meter can aid in all captions’ and audiences’ interest.”

Online sources like iTunes and Rhapsody are popular choices for fi nding music. “We defi nitely use iTunes, Ama-zon, and [National] Public Radio. The library is also a great source and it’s free,” Greenleaf says.

To use source material in a public performance, groups have to get proper clearance from publishing and sound re-cording copyright holders. These permissions and licenses vary depending on the type of usage; even when a work falls into the public domain, there may be some administration fees. WGI can walk groups through these often murky wa-ters by providing online instruction and further guidance if needed. “Percussion lines are required to prove permission

to arrange,” says WGI Market-ing Manager Bart Woodley, “and WGI takes care of blanket per-formance, synchronization, and streaming video licensing and royalty payments for all perfor-mances.”

Units should also be aware that adding voiceovers to the music in their programs may require additional permission from the publisher. “We had secured publishing from G. Schirmer for Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’ and were including a [portion] of a Bob-by Kennedy speech,” recalls Tom Hurst, program coordina-tor for the Infi nity percussion ensemble. “The main concern was checking with Schirmer to make sure they were okay with the overlay.”

Hurst adds that standing out in competition is not the only consideration here. “Ultimately, the music selection is all about being an educational experience for our mem-bers,” he says. “Do they feel like they were better for the experience?”

And that’s something no adjudicator can judge.

36 WGI FOCUS www.wgi.org

Clinic

Calling the Tune Music Choices Are at the Heart of Every WGI ProgramBy Melinda Newman

“Ultimately, the music selection is all about being an educational experience

for our members.”

The Blue Knights employ

composers to write music

specifi cally for their shows.

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The new RMP-12electronic marching instrumentis a great add-on for any electronicor acoustic set with its mesh head,explosive new sounds and uniqueRhythm Coach® functions.

“Roland’s top-of-the-line electronic music products and experience will help to lead us forward, and provide our performers with the very best equipment in the world.”

- David Gibbs, Executive Director - Blue Devils

“RMP-12 Rhythm Coach® is an incredible rehearsal and performance tool that allows us to practice anywhere

at any time. This instrument is so sensitive, you have no choice but to improve your sound quality.”

- Scott Johnson, Percussion Director - Blue Devils

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2009 WGIWorld Championships

Congratulations!

Innovative Percussion Inc. would like to extend our congratulations to all of this year's WGI Championships

participants and give a special thank you to the following finalists who chose IP as their implement of choice!

visit www.innovativepercussion.com for media from championships

PIWRhythm X - Gold Medal

Music City Mystique - Bronze Medal

Redline Percussion

NorthCoast Academy

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MMatrix Indoor Percussion Ensemble

Odyssey Percussion Theater

PIOPariah - Gold Medal

Father Ryan High School - Silver Medal

Tates Creek Indoor - Bronze Medal

Penn State University

AAtlanta Quest

Tyler Junior College

Minnesota Brass Indoor

Alternative Percussion

PIAVoyager Intrepid Percussion - Bronze Medal

Chattanooga Independent

eNVision PercussionTheathre

Green Thunder Percussion

Twin Cities Area Independent

PSWPSWCenter Grove High School - Silver Medal

James Logan High School

Fred J Page High School

Forsyth Central High School

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Harpeth High School

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During the past four years, I have learned more about life skills and myself than I could have ever imagined. Outsiders often view color guard as an easy pastime full of “pretty fl ags” but once in-

volved, you learn that it takes a tremendous combination of individual skill, practice, teamwork, and dedication. Being part of a product that is greater than an individual effort has had a profound impact on my life.

Most of my friends have never experienced a sensation like the passion I have for color guard. I constantly talk about guard to my friends, telling them how much I love it and updating them on my favorite guards (even though they have no clue what I’m talking about). I’m sure I an-noy them from time to time, but I cannot imagine my life without weekends packed with competitions, and practices during the week. I’ve learned the most about the love for the sport from my instructors. Seeing their dedication as they work, teach, or march themselves has truly inspired me to be my best. They are my role models—my muses, I suppose. Whenever I get tired or think that I can’t handle it all anymore, I look to them for guidance and support. I know

that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.The most important experience that I’ve gained from col-

or guard is that feeling I get as I walk off the fl oor with my teammates after a show. That adrenaline, the realization that I have had an impact on someone’s life, that the family I have formed with the other guard members will never leave me—it is that which I will carry with me forever. It doesn’t matter about our placement; what matters is knowing that we have performed to the best of our ability. There’s one quote that I always think of when I refl ect over my years in guard: “I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it’s not some place you can look for, ’cause it’s not where you go. It’s how you feel for a moment in your life when you’re a part of something, and if you fi nd that moment ... it lasts forever.” I know that color guard is my moment.

In the time I’ve spent with my team, I defi nitely feel that I’ve become more ready for college and the real world. Because of color guard, I know what it means to make a commitment and not let one task tower over the rest. As a captain this year, I had to learn to juggle practice along with my AP classes while not letting my grades slip or forgetting

to spin on my own time. Next year as I enter college, I know I will be able to

handle the stress of new environments, friends, and classes because I learned those skills while in color guard. Guard has taught me about dedication, pas-sion, and what it means to be part of a team—to be a member of a family.

Devon Lehman is one of 16 young people who received WGI Scholarships in 2009; see page 12 for a list of the others.

40 WGI FOCUS www.wgi.org

A Part of Something BiggerLessons Learned in Color Guard Give Guidance for the FutureBy Devon Lehman Countryside High School Clearwater, Florida

Scholarship

THE WGI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMSince its inception, the WGI Scholarship Program has provided over $400,000 to young people who participate in color guard and percussion activities. The money for these scholarships comes from the 50/50 raffl e at the World Cham-pionships, $1 of the purchase price of each World Championship program, and individual donations. If you are interested in donating to the WGI Scholarship Fund, you can do so online or send your donation to WGI Scholarship Donation, 2405 Crosspointe Drive, Dayton, OH 45342. For more information about the WGI Scholarship Program, visit www.wgi.org/about/scholarship.php.

WGI_p40_scholarship.indd 1 5/8/09 3:49:58 PM

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42 WGI FOCUS www.wgi.org

The WGI World Championships are a thrilling experience for both color guard and percus-sion performers—and the big medal winners are only a small part of that experience. On this page, we’ve pictured just a few of the many other talented ensembles who per-formed in Dayton this year. Do you know who they are? To fi nd out, go to wgi.org/wgiq.

What’s YourWGIQ?What’s YourWhat’s Your

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S E P T E M B E R 1 8 & 1 9 , 2 0 0 9H I L T O N I N T H E W A L T D I S N E Y W O R L D R E S O R T | O R L A N D O , F L O R I D A

WGI Sport of the Arts presents a gathering of the best creative and technical color guard minds for an intensive two day instructor educational event.

This is your opportunity to meet and learn from the industries top designers and gain hands-on training that will enhance your teaching and designing skills.

Scheduled to appear Mia Michelsfrom “So You Think You Can Dance”

Don’t Miss it! www.wgispinfest.com

S E P T E M B E R 1 8 & 1 9 , 2 0 0 9H I L T O N I N T H E W A L T D I S N E Y W O R L D R E S O R T | O R L A N D O , F L O R I D A