f ocus
fall 2013
the official news of wgi sport of the arts
Crowd Pleasers the making of a fan favorite
Sport or art? how about Both! Alum spins his way to cirque du solEIl
Building a
World Class
Winner
Carmel High School’s Path to Success
Hearing Safety Gets a Plug from Advisory Board
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inside
f ocus
the official news of wgi sport of the arts
FALL 2013 Volume 26, Issue 3
Winter Guard International Ron Nankervis Executive Director Bart Woodley Director of Operations Aaron Jenkins Marketing & Communications Manager Published By: In Tune Partners, LLC Irwin Kornfeld CEO Will Edwards President Emile menasché Editor-in-Chief Jackie Jordan Creative Director Robin Garber Production Director Barbara Boughton Business Manager Contributing Writers: Debbie Galante Block, Michael Boo, Rick Mattingly, Danny Miles, Michael Reed Photography: Adam Alonzo, Jolesch Photography, Dan Scafidi, Linda Unser, Sid Unser WGI FOCUS is an educational publication of WGI Sport of the Arts. It is digitally published three times per year, Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Spring issues is also printed and has a circulation of 16,000 copies. To subscribe, visit wgi.org/focus For advertising information or to submit an article for consideration, please contact Aaron Jenkins; phone: 937-247-5919 x310 email: aaron@wgi.org WINTER GUARD INTERNATIONAL 2405 Crosspointe Drive Dayton, OH 45342 937-247-5919 office@wgi.org www.wgi.org
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ensemble
WGI adds a new venue and expands semi-final competition ... Drumlines of the NFL ... WGI judge runs for a good cause ... Reserved seating packages announced ... WGI alumnus carries the flag for Cirque du Soleil ... and much more!
Features
16 CLOSE-UP
Before Rosie Queen arrived in 2003, Indiana’s Carmel High School didn’t even have a color guard. A decade later, they’re celebrating their second World Class crown.
18 Profile
22 How shows become fan Favorites
Infinity director John Campese reflects on more than 40 years of passion for the marching arts.
Designers and staff from some of WGI’s biggest crowd-pleasers explain how they win over audiences.
29 Ready, Set, Go!
22
32 clinic
The phrase “Sport of the Arts” has been synonymous with WGI for decades. But where did it come from? And how does it apply to today’s color guards and percussion lines?
Last spring, WGI’s Percussion Advisory board explored ways that percussionists can protect their hearing—and improve their performance along the way.
34 SCHOLARSHIP
When tragedy struck Megan York and her mom, Megan drew strength from her “second family” in the Ars Nova color guard.
38 WHAT’S YOUR WGiQ?
How’s your eye for detail? See for yourself in this photo comparison.
29 www.wgi.org
Aimachi is among the fan favorites featured in our look at fans favorites.
Ahtleticism and artistry come together for vanguard’S percussion line. wgi focus 5
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news from the floor and more Scholastic A’s Chantilly HS
Independant world’s Matrix
Scholastic world’s centerville HS
WGI’s Percussion World Championships to Expand
The Percussion World Championships will be bigger than ever in 2014. In August, WGI announced plans to expand he 2014 WGI Percussion World Championships scheduled for April 10-12, with new events and an added venue. Millett Hall—located 55 miles from Dayton on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio—will host preliminary events (Thursday, April 11) and semifinals (Friday, April 12). The 6,400-seat arena offers wide concourses, theater-like lighting, and a large parking lot rivaling those at Dayton’s UD Arena and Nutter Center, where ensembles warm up before the show. The venue was added to allow Scholastic A groups to have their semifinals on Friday instead of the previous schedule, which required both prelim and semi-final performances on Thursday. Not only does the new schedule eliminate a very long first day of competi-
tion for Scholastic A groups; it gives them a better chance to prepare for their semi-finals followed by their finals Friday evening. In addition, this change will allow for a new semi-final round for World Class ensembles, which was voted in by the Percussion Advisory Board in May. “With 343 performances at this year’s percussion championships, there was an overwhelming need to expand not only performance opportunities for World Class ensembles, but to improve the experience for our largest class in Scholastic A,” says WGI’s Executive Director Ron Nankervis. “This additional site will allow us to potentially double the number of semi-finalists depending on the number of entries, while spacing out their performances more evenly.” Look for more information on the 2014 WGI Percussion World Championships schedule on WGI.org as details are finalized.
“This additional site will allow us to potentially double the number of semifinalists.” The 2014 Calendar is Online!
The season kicks off on February 8 with percussion and color guard events around the country. Color guard Elite Events take place on March 15-16 (Mid-East and Western) and March 22-23 (Eastern, Southeastern, and Southwestern). That weekend, percussion groups will battle for the Western and Mid-South titles before heading to Dayton for the Color Guard (April 3-5), and Percussion (April 10-12) World Championships. Find the latest at wgi.org/ calendar.
Reserve Your seat at the Semis! To meet the demands of steadily rising attendance, WGI will begin to offer reserved seating admission in 2014 for the World Class Semi-Finals held at the University of Dayton Arena. “With semi-finals and finals continuing to sell out, creating reserved seating provides more service to our ticket customers
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and options for their championship weekend plans,” says WGI Executive Director Ron Nankervis. Spectators planning to attend A or Open Class Semi-Final events can purchase general admission tickets at the door for those events. To learn more, visit wgi.org/semisseats.
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Guard Focus Sneaker Slip-ons for Slick Moves Sneakers are designed to grip the ground, and while that’s great for most workouts, it can be a problem when you want to do dance moves like twists and turns on a wooden floor. The soles’ traction not only makes the workout harder, it may even cause injury. The DanceSocks, by Onesock Productions Inc., are designed to solve that problem. These one-size-fits-all nylon/spandex bands slip over any pair of sneakers, covering the treads under the balls of the wearer’s feet, allowing just enough slip for slick moves while maintaining the shoe’s comfort, support and stability. At press time, The DanceSocks were available in black and pink. Each package includes two pairs. Learn more at thedancesocks.com
Running for scholarships You don’t often see the words “dancing” and “attorney” in the same sentence. But Boston lawyer Hieu Nguyen says that his time in WGI color guard played an important role in his legal career—and now, he wants to give something back. Nguyen—who came to the U.S. from Vietnam discovered color guard while at Danbury (CT) high school—hopes to raise $10,000 for the WGI Scholarship Fund by running in November’s New York City Marathon. “I was truly honored to be a recipient of the Lynn Lindstrom Scholarship in 2001,” says Nguyen, who competed with his school’s guard from 1998-2000 and went on to perform with Alter Ego, St. Ann’s World, and St. John’s of Beverly, DCI’s Cadets, and in two Boston dance companies. “Undergraduate studies led to law school, which then led me to becoming a ‘dancing attorney.’ All of this would not have been possible without the help of the WGI scholarship.” Although his law career prevents him from dancing or teaching full time, Nguyen stays “Dancing Attorney” Hieu Nguyen is close to the activity, serving as a WGI movement running to raise judge and teaching and choreographing for high $10,000 for WGI Scholarships. school- and college-level programs. When we caught up with him, he was about 10 weeks into an 18-week training program. “It can sometimes be hard to get motivated to stay on track with the strict training schedule,” he admits. “But I always get reinvigorated when I think about the potential difference [this run can make] to the WGI Scholarship Program. I truly believe that this is a big community effort and I fully appreciate everyone’s support. I will run the 26.2 miles for all of us.” You can support Hieu’s run at wgi.org/fundrun.
2013 Championship DVD Bundles
Percussion Focus
PutTing on One Shell of a Show!
Sounding great may be the primary goal of every drumline, but looking good is important too—especially in competition. Designed to enhance the sights without hampering the sound, ON2 Percussion’s Drum Slips are precut, interchangeable, nonpermanent wraps for marching snare, tenor, and bass drums in diameters ranging from six to 32 inches. Made of a durable vinyl composite, the water-resistant and UV protected Drum Slips are precut to fit around the hardware and wrap around the each type of drum. They fasten with an adhesive strip that does not contact or damage the drum’s shell or finish. Users can choose from a library of colors and designs, or—for an extra fee—can upload their images of their own for a custom look. on2percussion.com
Relive all the action from the 2013 Winterguard International World Championships with complete DVD sets covering last April’s Winter Guard and Percussion competitions. Each DVD shows edited footage of all the groups taking part. Volumes 1-4 cover every class in Winter Guard. Volumes 5-8 cover all the Marching Percussion classes. Bundles include a free shipping and a free preview of the Fan Network, where you can find streaming video with alternative camera angles and download individual performances. Learn more (and find additional DVDs) at wgi.org/store/2013-dvds. 8 wgi focus
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e n s emb l e drumlines “touch Down” in the NFL
Time Warner
The 2013 WGI Percussion Championships are featured in a segment called “Winter Guard Highlights” on Time Warner Cable’s Local On Demand channel as part of a nationwide campaign to promote the marching arts. This is the fourth year World Championships have been featured, and customers keep asking for more. You can find the WGI highlight show on their “LOCAL ON DEMAND” channel. Dates and channels vary per area, so check your local listing! 10 wgi focus
VINTAGE 1988
When it comes percussive sports, nothing can match pro football. But in addition to those clashes on the field, more and more fans are hearing the hard-hitting sound of sticks and skins thanks to the growing number of drum lines performing at NFL games. This year alone, the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals added professional percussion ensembles to their entertainment rosters, joining the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and nearly 20 other franchises who feature drum lines or (in the case of Baltimore, Washington, and Houston) full marching bands.
“The biggest winners are the performers,” says Pittsburgh’s Steeline co-founder Vince Wallace, who previously led the Gateway HS Indoor Drumline and worked with the Independent World group Gateway Indoor. “Drummers don’t have much opportunity to perform in drumlines after they leave college or age out of DCI/WGI. Many have spent seven or eight years developing their skills as marching percussionists and are suddenly left with no way to utilize their talents. NFL drumlines offer just that.” “Eighty-five percent of our Members of the Aviators performers have had experience entertain New York in WGI or DCI groups,” says Shaun Jets fans Gallant, CEO of Gallant Entertainat a recent home game. ment, which created the Jets’ Aviators and Giants’ G Line, along with groups for the NY Rangers (hockey) and Knicks. “We’ve been floored by the talent and enthusiasm we’ve encountered.” “Playing in the drumline combines the best parts of drum corps, WGI, and college band, but on steroids,” says Michael Howell, lead tenor drummer with Gallant and former member of Independent World group Surround Sound. “People go insane for it. We’re like cheerleaders, but cooler.”
OOOpsA
In our Spring 2013 issue, Clinton High School (PSA) was incorrectly identified as being from Michigan. They are actually from Mississippi.
#Wanted:
WGI is searching for social media correspondents to cover 2014 WGI Regional events. Contact aaron@wgi.org for more information.
State Street Review
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e n s emb l e Vintage A & Open class shows make their DVD debut Relive great moments from WGI’s A and Open classes with new DVD collections spanning 11 years of great action (see “New to the Archives”), the first time classic performance from these classes be available on DVD. You can also see WGI shows dating back to 1978 at WGI’s Fan Network, which offers on-demand video for computers and mobile devices. Fan Network subscriptions for the 2014 season will be available starting on Monday (Dec. 2). Learn more at wgi.thefannetwork.org. 1998 Patriots
Wgi ambassadors to teach the sport of the arts in Japan May 10 & 11, 2014 at BumB (Tokyo Sports Bunka-kan)
WGI Sport of the Arts presents: Spinfest and Drumfest Asia! The first international WGI educational event for color guard and marching percussion instructors, this exciting new event will bring world-famous WGI designers and instructors to Japan, where they’ll conduct clinics on how to create color guard and marching percussion programs. Over the course of two days, this event will feature exercises, techniques, choreography and show design classes the local instructors can use with their students. “WGI is committed to expanding our reach both educationally and providing events for color guards and percussion ensembles around the world,” says WGI Executive Director Ron Nankervis. “Our first foray into Japan is an exciting goal that has been in the works for quite some time, and we are confident that the astounding growth we see today in the United States is only the beginning as we share our philosophy with other countries.” wgi.org/jp
2002 Rhythm X
2000 infinity
1New to the archives 1990 (IA, SA) 1992 (IA, SA) 1994 (IA, SA, IO) 1996 (Concert) 1997 (PSO, PIO, Concert, IA, SA, IO, & SO) 1998 (IA, SA, IO, SO, PSA, PIO, & Concert) 2000 (IA, SA, IO, SO, PSA, PIA, PSO, & PIO) 2001 (IA, SA, IO, & SO) 2002 (IA, SA, IO, SO, PIA, PSA, PIO, PSO) 2003 (IA, SA, IO, SO, PIA, PSA, PIO, PSO, & Concert)
WGI’s International expansion This fall, WGI Sport of the Arts announced that the 2014 season will be the first time that two regional events would take place across the Atlantic. Winter Guard United Kingdom (WGUK) and Color Guard Netherlands (CGN)—both long-time Circuit Partners with WGI—will hold events on February 22 and March 1 respectively, part of WGI’s ongoing effort to expand overseas. Groups from Canada, England, Japan, the Netherlands and Thailand took part in 2012, and the activity is making inroads in Malaysia and China. “We are thrilled with the response and growing interest in the countries with which we have shared our judging system and most importantly, the philosophy of WGI,” says WGI Executive Director, Ron Nankervis. “It remains our goal to create educational and competitive events in multiple countries and create a truly global organization.” Read the full story at wgi.org/europe. 12 wgi focus
Beatrix Hilversum, The Netherlands
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Educators Depend on Yamaha.
With a sturdy square rack system that supports a variety of percussion instruments, 6-inch casters for ease of movement and a gas shock height adjustment system, Yamaha Multi-Frame keyboards give educators ample reason to Depend on Yamaha. Learn about these features and more at Gas shock height adjustment system
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e n s emb l e Spotlight By Rick Mattingly
J.J. Villar gives “cirque” a spin
J.J. Villar was one of thousands who auditioned for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE show, currently running in Las Vegas. He credits his success at being one of the few who landed the job to the special ability he developed during his years in WGI and DCI: flag spinning. “After the final audition round, they asked if anyone had any special skills,” he recalls. “I said, ‘Yes, I want to show you my spinning.’ So I put on Michael Jackson’s song ‘Human Nature’ and started spinning a flag, and they were blown away. I had no idea that in the early 1980s Michael Jackson had flag spinners in his tour on the song ‘Wanna be Startin’ Something.’” Villar dances and does acrobatics in the show, and he has a solo spot where he spins. “Flag spinning set me apart,” says Villar, who, after being named flag coach, choreographed part of a song with flags and taught other dancers how to spin. “But I also owe my success to the work ethic, respect level, and ability to learn so much in a short time—which I got from drum corps and WGI—as wel as all the people in those activities who helped mold me. Now I get to represent the biggest pop and music legend in the world. When I was a little kid living in South America, I was watching Michael Jackson videos and doing his moves, hoping some day I could be behind him. Although he’s gone, God rest his soul, I get to continue dancing for him and represent his name and the Cirque du Soleil name—spinning a flag no less!” Villar’s flag-spinning career began when he was in junior high. His older sister had joined the flag corps at her high school, and she would practice in the grassy area behind the apartment complex where they lived. “I would be upstairs watching her from our window,” J.J. recalls, “and I would be spinning a broomstick and copying her. One day after school I went to her school, and on their break I started spinning a flag. The directors were impressed and asked me to be on their team. I was the youngest
member and the only boy.” After high school, J.J. joined the Cal State University Northridge marching band, during which time he got involved with Axxis Winterguard. In 1997 he joined the Blue Devils, marching with them to DCI World Championships in 1997 and 1999. Meanwhile, he moved from Axxis to Fantasia Winterguard, which won the WGI Championship in 2000. After he aged out, he helped develop a group called Corps Impact—a mini drum
corps show that performed at events for such corporations as IBM, McDonald’s, and Apple. “I was making really good money spinning flags,” J.J. says. “As much as I wanted to get away from that and be known as just a dancer and choreographer, I realized that flag spinning was going to be my niche. That’s how I became known and brought something different to the dance world and choreography.” Today, in addition to Michael Jackson ONE, Villar owns a company called Feel The Music Entertainment, where he runs a program called The Road to Hollywood that’s designed to help kids make it in the entertainment business. What is his message for aspiring performers? “If you never give up and have a good work ethic, humility, respect, and the drive to achieve and to always learn more, you’ll reach the stars.”
Flag spinning skills helped this WGI alum earn a spot in Cirque du Soliel’s Michael Jackson ONE
Hall of Fame Nomination Time!
With the new season approaching fast, it’s also time to honor those who’ve made percussion history by nominating them for the Winter Guard International Hall of Fame. (Color Guard Hall of Fame nominees were inducted in 2012 and will be eligible for 2014.) The submission should include a 14 wgi focus
letter (no longer than two pages) with the nominee’s full name, home address, home and work telephone numbers (including area code), as well as a detailed explanation of why the candidate deserves to be inducted. Include your name and contact info, along with your signature and the
date you completed and submitted your letter. In addition, you’ll need a letter from three other people supporting your candidate. All documentation must be submitted by email by the Nov. 1 deadline. Learn more by writing to HallOfFame@wgi.org
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Indoor PercussIon & color Guard educatIonal dVds movement series
Join Carol Abohatab, choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard World Guard and a modern dance teacher for more than 20 years, in this three part series.
^
^ The fundamenTals Learn the basics on flag, rifle, and sabre. Build your color guard’s skills with the most current techniques used by top WGI groups.
^
percussion design
Take notes from Andrew Markworth, John Mapes, Ian Grom, Tim Fairbanks, and Shane Gwaltney as they show you how to Select a Program, Storyboard a Show, and Orchestrate for Indoor Percussion.
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close-up
Queen for a Decade Ten years after starting with 14 students, Rosie Queen’s Carmel HS won its third WGI Title By Debbie Galante Block
I had never been in charge of a program before and thought this might be a good opportunity.
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Last April, Carmel HS in Carmel, IN, won its second WGI Scholastic World Championship, and third WGI title overall. But no one could have imagined that kind of success when the group’s director, Rosie Queen came to the school in 2003. After all, when Queen arrived, the school didn’t even have a Winter Guard program. “We literally had to beg girls to participate in the first few Winter Guards,” Queen says. “The school band directors, however, knew how important it was for us to have a year round program and gave us full support.” By 2005, Carmel was able to bring 14 girls to the school’s first WGI show under Queen, competing in Open Class within their local Indiana area. The next year, the group grew to 18 girls and by 2007, Carmel HS had a winning
program, taking the WGI Scholastic Open Class crown with its “Neverland.” The programs moved up to Scholastic World, the following year, taking home two World Championships, including the 2013 title. Queen’s own color guard journey started back in 1983 as a performer with the St. Rita H.S. Ritanettes from Chicago, IL. She also performed with Millers Blackhawks, Blessed Sacrament and Escapade Winter Guards before moving into teaching. “In 2003, Carmel High School was looking for a color guard director,” she recalls. “I had never been in charge of a program before and thought this might be a good opportunity. That was an understatement! My friend Keith Potter, his wife Lindsay and I decided to take on the Carmel adventure together.” They knew Carmel already had an outstanding marching band and music program under the direction of Richard Saucedo. The team continues to grow. Last season, with their “Full Spectrum” performance, the girls faced many challenges. The members had to be trained to deal with the ropes that were introduced to the show as well. “Our music was by Evelyn Glennie, who is a deaf percussionist,” Queen explains. “It was some amazing music, but not the most conventional in feel or meter. We used ropes to signify the ‘vibrations’ of sound. Evelyn could only feel the music through vibrations. Win, lose, or draw, we had a lot to be proud of. Winning the gold medal was just the icing on the cake.” Queen has seen the program grow immensely from its humble beginnings, and today, Carmel has three color guard groups for students ranging from middle to high school. “It has taken a lot of people to make this happen,” Queen says. “Thanks to our amazing staff and parents, we have almost 100 young ladies in our guard programs each year.” And while she’s happy to win titles, Queen says that one of the most rewarding things about being a color guard director is ”watching young girls develop into strong confident young women through this incredible activity!” www.wgi.org
profile
From Disney to Infinity Infinity director reflects on the growth of marching percussion By Michael Boo
John Campese Director,
Infinity Percussion
“Records are broken about every year… but as each new season approaches, the bar is raised once again.”
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Infinity director John Campese began his career in marching percussion when he joined his first drum corps in 1971, going on to march in some of Drum Corps International’s top groups, including Anaheim Kingsmen and Suncoast Sound. He has arranged and instructed for Suncoast Sound, Magic of Orlando, Boston Crusaders and other DCI corps, plus the Japan-based group Inspires. From 1985 through 2003, he worked for Walt Disney Co. and arranged and performed for the highly innovative Future Corps, The Tapestry of Nations and the Walt Disney Candlelight Orchestra, which performed during the holiday season. He spoke to WGI Focus just as auditions and camps for the 2014 were approaching.
in Orlando Magazine as one of the area’s “Hot 100 Realtors and Five-Star Agents.” I firmly believe my success in real estate was gained from paying attention to the lessons I learned about excellence in my music career. ➧ Beyond the competition floor: The indoor marching percussion activity has had far-reaching influence, producing many great players and performers. It has also created some of the freshest new instructors and writers for a myriad of other venues, as we’ve Infinity 2013
➧ The birth of Infinity: After leaving Disney, my friend, fellow drummer and high school instructor Tom Hurst proposed we create First Degree, an independent indoor marching percussion ensemble in the Orlando area. The group became a WGI Percussion Independent Open finalist in 2005 and won the PIO gold medal in 2006. That success led us to create Infinity Percussion [in 2007] as a World Class line. Under the administrative direction of Scott Hughes, our parent organization of Pageantry Arts Concepts, Inc. has grown to include five additional ensembles across all three classes; Infinity2 of Orlando, Ancient City Ensemble of St. Augustine, Reef from the Miami area, Marcato of Fort Myers and Stryke Percussion of Palm Beach.
➧ The World Championships Effect: Being at the WGI World Championships and witnessing the annual increase in performance level—seeing thousands of percussionists all performing at such a high level during the same weekend—is simply mind blowing.
➧ Drumming up business acumen: Directing a highly competitive WGI Percussion Independent World ensemble keeps me in touch with my percussion roots. Despite the countless hours, it’s a diversion from my “other” full-time job of owning my own ReMax real estate company in Orlando. I was inducted into the ReMax Hall of Fame in 2008 and was featured
➧ Continual improvement: During my years as an indoor marching percussion director, I’ve seen the activity continuously improve by leaps and bounds. The indoor percussion activity reminds me of the World and Olympic High Jump event…Records are broken about every year, but as each new season approaches, the “bar” is raised once again.
Infinity 2012
seen an increased popularity of percussion in mainstream entertainment and pop artist videos. Over the past few years, the NFL and NBA has introduced many entertaining drum line acts around the country.
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Fan How Shows Become
Favorites Designers and staff from some of WGI’s biggest crowd-pleasers explain how they win over audiences year after year. By Michael Boo
If you’ve ever been in the arena during the Winter Guard International World Championships, you know the feeling—the spontaneous buzz that starts building through the crowd when a show takes the audience somewhere special and unexpected. These are the performances that touch the heart as well as the mind, the ones that stay with us long after the last note has faded and the applause has died down. 2013 Scholastic World Fan Favorite west broward HS
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There’s no doubt that competition and the judges’ scores are fundamental parts of what makes WGI so exciting. But the organization has also long recognized the importance of entertaining fans as recorded in the popular Fans’ Favorite video collections. Since 2010, text voting now gives the audience the power to crown performances deserving of the new coveted Fans’ Favorite Awards for Color Guard and Perccusion (the latter sponsored by Sabian). But what does it take to attain that lofty status and create a show that stands the test of time? We asked leaders of World Class color guard and percussion ensembles just that. As it turns out, making a crowd erupt in spontaneous joy is a longterm project. Prior to each season, the creative staffs of the winter guards and indoor marching percussion lines gather together to banter about ideas they hope will leave the audience breathless. In the best of circumstances, some staffs end up creating presentations that will stand the test of time. These are the shows that generate the loudest screams, the
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James logan HS
2013 Percussion Scholastic World Fan Favorite Father Ryan HS
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most intense applause and the longest standing ovations. These are the shows that win the WGI Fans’ Favorite Award. After the season, they often sell the most WGI Fan Network downloads and persuade fans to buy the World Championships Finals DVDs. “The design team has a duty to produce entertainment,” says Joe Sowders of Braddock Independent (who previously designed for Northmont HS). “I believe that’s why the crowd shows up. The bottom line is; are you keeping the attention of the audience? Are you showing them a journey, or are taking them with you on the journey?” As it often does, Father Ryan High School’s percussion line brought the fans along for the ride in 2013 with its Evel Knievel-inspired daredevil production, “Don’t Try This At Home.” Show designer Derek Schletzer credits the line’s year-in-year-out entertainment value to his father Jeff, who founded the group with the belief that to be noticed, a line must have an distinct identity. From the beginning, the staff decided Father Ryan’s identity would revolve around being wgi focus 23
stranger to the Fan’s Favorite Award. He funny—and they have held on tight believes that the members must be considto the decision of developing their ered with respect and care, adding, “A show own brand of humor. (One show idea must be the right fit for the program so several years ago was set in a that everyone involved feels connected.” trailer park…another show of the Potter believes that a show should have no same era was based on lovable wasted moments. “Ideally, rednecks.) nothing is ever transitionIn recent years, Father Chimeras al,” he says. “I always hear Ryan has edged away from the word ‘transition’ and comedy and has focused on wonder how we could creating shows that, afford ‘non-communicaSchletzer says, “leave the tive’ moments in such audience thinking, ‘That was short shows. Every second awesome!’” To accomplish should communicate in this, the members must be some way. Constant a solid percussionist line engagement is the goal.” first, fun-loving entertainers Potter adds that while second. “We realize nobody it’s okay to “think big,” it’s wants to see a bunch of also important to consider clowns out there that can’t the way the show builds to play their instruments,” its climactic moments. Schletzer says. “You need large-scale “Whether it’s a subtle ideas, but don’t be afraid show, an emotional show, Dartmouth HS that details are too small” or one that is action-packed, he explains. “Often, a it’s the quality that stands million details can make something special.” He calls this, out,” says Michael Gaines, who writes for both winter guard “the beach theory: Enough grains of sand can make a and indoor marching percussion ensembles for Japan’s tropical paradise.” Aimachi. “Once that quality is there, it is up to the performJust like performing, building a great show is a team ers to draw the audience in and allow them to become effort. According to Father Ryan’s Schletzer, it’s important to emotionally invested. That is the ‘X’ factor.” be open to ideas, especially in the early planning stages. According to Mike Jackson, percussion instructor at “When we put a production together, the process always Mission Viejo HS, when it comes to entertaining WGI begins with brainstorming and we make a pact not to shoot audiences, substance wins out over flash. “Contrived, down any idea, no matter how crazy it might sound,” he cliché, or trite moments don’t always connect...at least not says. “Sometimes these ‘crazy’ ideas—that we didn’t take in a good way,” he says. Jackson believes that WGI designers seriously—end up being our favorite parts.” need to ask themselves, “Why are we doing this? If the In a way, the first “audience” for any show is made up of answer is, ‘because it’s cool,’ then we need to dig deeper, the staff who has to put it together and the members who finding a creative purpose for every component in have to perform it. It’s better to find out early on what the show.” works—and what doesn’t. “What seems like a good idea in From the early planning stages, Jackson says he tries to your head may clearly become ‘not quite right’ once a think about the elements that will reach beyond the team starts asking and answering questions,” hardcore WGI fans at the World Championships. At Carmel HS’s Potter says. “That collaboration, in the end of each season, his group performs for the concept and execution, could Mission Viejo student body, who, as Jackson puts It is up to the likely be what gives ‘life’ to an it, “know nothing of this art form. If you can get a performers to draw idea. I have been fortunate reaction—subtle or not—out of an average the audience in enough to be on great teams, so art-deprived student body, chances are you’ve this step means the most to me.” nailed it.” and allow them to But in the end, while the “Audiences vary from venue to venue and become emotionally audience may respond to differregions of the country are very different, ” adds invested. That ent things than a panel of adjudiScott Chandler, former designer for James Logan is the ‘X’ factor.” cators, both the crowds and the HS Winter Guard. The group’s ability to appeal to both judges are there to see the best sophisticated and casual fans has made it a perennial indoor color guard and percussion groups give their all. Fans’ Favorite contender. How does a group reach such a “Besides the effects and overall design of the show, the diverse array of fans? Chandler designs each element of the students need to play and perform at the highest level,” show to “exhibit the unique personalities of the members, concludes percussion coordinator-instructor Tom Aungst of providing opportunities for their emotions and skills to take Dartmouth HS. “Over and over, I talk to them about their priority. Allowing the performers to communicate in their work ethic, commitment, and what it takes to be the best… own specific manner is paramount.” and that doesn’t mean coming in first place, either. You Allowing the performers to communicate in their own basically work hard, do the best you can, and whatever individual manner is also important to Keith Potter of the happens, happens.” Carmel HS Winter Guard, another ensemble that is no 24 wgi focus
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PIW RCC MATRIX Pulse unITed InfInITy Blue KnIghTs Mn BRAss IndooR PAlMeTTo
PSCW AyAlA hs MusCle shoAls RowlAnd hs
PIO oRAnge CounTy IndePendenT ATlAnTA QuesT wAKe foResT RIveR CITy RhyThM gReen ThundeR
PIA vegAs vAnguARd sPIRIT of AMeRICA AnCIenT CITy
PSO TRuMBull hs doRMAn hs CleAR BRooK hs noRwAlK hs PACIfICA hs
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REMO congratulates OUR WGI 2013 FINALISTS PSW ChIno hIlls hs AyAlA hs fATheR RyAn hs dARTMouTh hs CenTeR gRove hs RowlAnd hs PSA noRTon hs MeChAnICsBuRg hs
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BLUEKNIGHTS
Sport
The story behind
www.wgi.org
SPORT An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.
†
Arts
The individual dictionary definitions of the words “sport” and “art” accurately describe important elements of winter guard and percussion. However, the blending of the two combine to form the true essence of what the activity has been and will become. In other words, the whole is much greater than the sum of either part. One of the most recognizable aspects of WGI is the simple four word phrase “Sport of the Arts” which appears on almost every communication put out by the organization. Log onto the wgi.org website, and the words are right there at the top. Buy a program, and the phrase is prominently displayed on the cover. We see it so often at WGI events that it is easy to overlook because it’s just so familiar. Yet how did this marvelous, short motto come to define the activity we love so much? Who coined the phrase, and how long has it been in use? More importantly, how can it be incorporated into efforts to expand the scope of the activity as it looks toward the future? The term was coined in the early 1980s by Dave Marvin, who is the current Director of 11-time Percussion Scholastic World finalist Northglenn High School from Colorado. At the time, he and wife Danlyn worked in merchandising for both Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International. According to Marvin, DCI was looking for a slogan, and the tag line was originally presented there. DCI Executive
of the
ART¢The conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the sense of beauty.
Norwin HS
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& Art
Sport
Dancing with the Stars to become Director Don Pesceone elected to go with “Summer infatuated with WGI.” Music Games” instead. However, WGI administrators One of the things that makes “Sport Lynn and George Lindstrom liked the phrase: It of the Arts” such a compelling term is encapsulated both the athleticism and creativity of that is, by definition, very inclusive, a the activity. The phrase is now a part of the organizaquality that WGI hopes to emphasize as tion’s name, as it is formally known as “WGI Sport of the organization looks towards the the Arts.” future and the next generation of The organization wasn’t necessarily looking for a young people taking part in the activity. catchy slogan to appeal to sponsors. Rather, it had a “We work with our strategic partners more practical purpose. “It was there to describe what Drum Corps International and Music color guard does,” Lynn Lindstrom says. “We wanted a Rhythm X for All to make sure that new performtag line that said ‘artistry, athletics and coordination.’ ers in those markets become familiar with indoor color guard It defines the values of our organization, it is competitive and percussion ensembles,” Jenkins says. “Oftentimes [like] team sports and artistic [because of the] music, moveperformers in the wind sections will learn how to play a ment, dance, etc., and is based on uniformity and precision.“ percussion instrument or pick up a flag just to be able to “’Sport of the Arts’ is always used in combination with have more experience performing in their ‘off season.’ We WGI,” says WGI Marketing Director Aaron Jenkins. “Since the also reach out to new band directors to show the benefits of name Winter Guard International predominately features indoor programs.” the color guard side of the organization, which was the only There are also plans in the works to introduce the activity division when WGI was created, ‘WGI Sport of the Arts’ to new audiences who may not be familiar with the world of allows us to embrace a broader range of activities encomcompetitive pageantry. “Having a broader event televised is passing color guard and percussion.” definitely a goal of WGI,” Jenkins says. “We have teamed up From a marketing standpoint, it’s important to find the with Time Warner Cable successfully to use their high-definiright balance between the competitive elements of “Sport” tion equipment to record World Championships Finals and the beauty and grace of “Art.” Some people will be more Performances, and currently have a WGI segment on their drawn to one component or the other, though for many ‘On Demand’ channel called ‘Winter Guard Highlights.’” fans, it’s the connection between creativity and competition The “International” part of WGI is where the organization that makes WGI so exciting. How does WGI find that balance? has potential for reaching many new fans. In the past decade, units from Japan, Thailand, England, the Netherlands, and Belgium have competed at World Championships. Lindstrom feels that reaching out to new markets can help WGI grow as an activity both at home and abroad. “Once an area is exposed to [WGI], seeds will be planted and the area will grow within our activity.” Could it be that one day performers from Brazil or China will be standing on the floor at Championships retreat with confetti raining down around them? What does the phrase “Sport of the Arts” mean to those involved in the activity? “The word ‘Sport’ points out “Like figure that the members are true athletes, at least as much skaters, the as someone running down the court or field with a ball,” says legendary “Pen of Pageantry” writer performers Michael Boo, who has been to all 36 WGI World have to take Championships. “To move around the floor as they do, Black Watch their physical the members have to be in supreme physical condidemands and tion. I get a workout just watching them perform. “The word ‘Arts’ reminds us that there is an “Luckily a lot of that goes hand in hand,” turn those additional element beyond all the members’ physical Jenkins says. “Many of the clips we use in promotional videos showcase the physical into something skill,” Boo continues. “Like figure skaters, the performers have to take their physical demands and turn strength and endurance performers display aesthetically those into something aesthetically pleasing—and during extremely creative choreography. As pleasing.” emotionally effective. They can’t just run around the always, the variety of costuming and floor...They must move with a purpose. The audience and make-up easily showcases a great amount of artistry.” judges must see the music through the movement of the The art of dance has seen an upsurge in popularity in guards, and they must feel the highest degree of musical recent years with the success of such programs as So You sensitivity from the percussionists even when they’re flying Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With the Stars. When asked across the floor at high velocities.” if WGI can use “Sport of the Arts” in its own promotional Finally, what does this brief but marvelous quartet of efforts to capitalize on that popularity, Jenkins replied “’Sport words mean to the man who originated it thirty years ago? of the Arts’ is certainly a label that can cover more than just “It’s been amazing that it has never gone out of style,” color guard and percussion. Dance fits right in there, and as Marvin says. “It still describes the athleticism we bring to art, dance and movement are increasingly featured in both and the sport of healthy competition. It still seems as activities year after year, I think that it’s completely natural appropriate today as when it was coined.” for fans of shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and
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WGI 2013 PIW Rhythm X PIW
- Gold Medal Music - Bronze Medal Gold Medal Rhythm City X -Mystique Matrix Music City Mystique - Bronze Medal Aimachi Matrix Gateway Aimachi Indoor George Gateway Mason Indoor NorthCoastMason Academy George MN Brass Academy Indoor NorthCoast Tates Creek Indoor Indoor Ensemble MN Brass Vanguard Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble Vanguard
PIO Capital PIO
City Percussion - Gold Medal Dark Capital Sky City Percussion Percussion - Gold Medal Tyl er Junior College Dark Sky Percussion River City Rhythm Tyler Junior College Green Thunder River City RhythmPercussion Bakersfiel d CollegePercussion Green Thunder Forza Independent Percussion BakersfielEast d Col lege Freedom Forza EastPercussion Independent Percussion Penn StatePercussion University Freedom VIP - State Vigilantes Indoor Percussion Penn University VIP - Vigilantes Indoor Percussion
PSCW James Logan PSCW
HS - Gold Medal Ayal a HS Gold Medal James Logan- Silver HS - Medal Rowl AyalaandHSHS- Silver Medal Rowland HS
PSO Victor J. PSO
Andrew HS Dorman Victor J. HS Andrew HS Lebanon Dorman HS Azl e HS HS Lebanon Bene Davis Azl HS HS Carrol lton HSHS Ben Davis Escambia Carrollton HS HS Seminol e HS Escambia HS Seminole HS
PIA Brookwood PIA
Silver Medal Silver Medal
Independent - Gold Medal Notre DameIndependent Indoor Perc Ens Medal Brookwood - Gold Chattanooga Notre Dame Independent Indoor Perc Ens Liberty University Indoor Drumline Chattanooga Independent Ancient City Ensembl e Drumline Liberty University Indoor Cl arcona City Percussion Ancient EnsembleEnsemble Doubl eStopPercussion Indoor Percussion Cl arcona Ensemble eNVision DoubleStop Indoor Percussion Legends eNVision Revel ation Legends St oud All-City Drumline RevelClation Three RiversAll-City IndoorDruml Percussion St Cloud ine Three Rivers Indoor Percussion
PSW Ayala HS PSW
- Silver Medal Bronze Medal Father Ryan- HS - Medal Silver Ayala HS Mt. FatherJulietRyanHS HS - Bronze Medal Center Mt. JulietGrove HS HS Rowl and Grove HS HS Center Fountain Rowland Val HSley HS Walled Lake Fountain Valley Central HS HS James HS Walled Logan Lake Central HS Mil ton HS James Logan HS Homestead Milton HS HS Centervil le HS Homestead HS Centerville HS
PSCO Diamond Bar PSCO
HS Dorman Diamond HS Bar HS Union DormanCounty HS HS Al ton HS Union County HS SBEC Alton HS Woodhaven HS SBEC Woodhaven HS
Silver Medal Silver Medal
PSA Hilton HS PSA
- Gold Medal Silver Medal Cl HS - - Gold Medal Hilitnton on HS Bronze Medal Lambert Medal Clinton HSHS - - Silver Westervil HS Medal Lambert le HSSouth - Bronze Goshen WestervilleHSSouth HS Norton Goshen HS HS Kickapoo Norton HSHS Foothil l HSHS Kickapoo Olentangy Foothil l HS Liberty HS Amherst e HSHS Olentangy Steel Liberty Athens Amherst Drive Steele HSHS Bel lbrookDrive HS HS Athens Cl Belinton lbrookMassie HS HS Decatur Central HSHS Clinton Massie Findl ay HSCentral HS Decatur Forest Findl ay Lake HS HS Francis HowellHSNorth HS Forest Lake Hagerstown Francis HowelHS l North HS Hil lsboro HS HS Hagerstown La Canada Hillsboro HS HS Nease HS HS La Canada North Nease AlHSlegheny HS Ravenwood HS HS North Allegheny Sil ver Creek HSHS Ravenwood Virginia HS HS Silver Creek Wal led Lake Virginia HS Central HS Warren CentralCentral HS HS Walled Lake Warren East CentralHighHS and Middle School Westview HS High and Middle School Warren East Westview HS
YEARS YEARS
clinic
Giving Safety a Proper Hearing Earplugs protect hearing—and can help musicians perform at their best. By Danny Miles
Few things can equal the intense sound produced by a percussion line playing at full force. But with that intensity can come danger through prolonged—and ear-damaging—exposure to high sound levels. Earplugs can bring sound down to a safe level without hampering the performers’ (and staff’s) ability to hear the music. But they only work if they are used consistently and correctly. To help get that message across, WGI’s Advisory Board invited Neil Larrivee (director of education & product development at Vic Firth Company) and Patty Johnson (an audiologist for Etymotic Research, makers of earplugs, earphones, and sound measuring tools) to explain the dangers of prolonged exposure—and the tools and techniques to prevent them. “I know so many of the great percussion educators on the WGI Advisory Board and I knew that taking the time to share the findings brought forward by Etymotic Research was important and worthy,” Larrivee says. “Honestly, I knew that, like me, they would be astounded by the facts.” According to Johnson, even veteran musicians and music educators can be ignorant about safe hearing. “Most people don’t realize the levels of their noise and music exposures, and they don’t realize what those exposures are doing to their auditory system,” she says. “I say ‘auditory system’ rather than ‘hearing’ because new research suggests that high sound levels affect us physiologically in ways we can’t measure. It often takes years of excessive noise exposure before a permanent change in hearing threshold is noted or identified.”
One of the biggest excuses musicians use for not wearing earplugs is that they “change the sound” by reducing some frequencies more than others. “Using standard hearing protectors is undesirable for musicians because the unbalanced attenuation makes everything sound muddy, muffled and unclear,” Johnson says. “But once they learn that there’s a high-fidelity option, many are willing to try it.” With the needs of Arizona State University percussionists in mind, Etymotic helped develop Vic Firth’s High-Fidelity Earplugs, which are designed to reduce sound levels across the frequency spectrum while maintaining the overall balance in a way that sounds musically satisfying. “At high sound levels the ear itself overloads and distorts,” Johnson says. “The use of high-fidelity moderate attenuation hearing protectors reduces sound levels so the ear itself doesn’t distort, and musicians actually hear each other better than they did without the earplugs. This results in them playing better as a group because they can hear each other better.” Because of their influence on percussion and music education, Johnson and Larrivee felt presenting to WGI’s advisory board would carry the message of hearing safety to a much wider audience. “These folks are leaders, and I am already witnessing many of them championing the use of hearing protection for musicians of all ages and disciplines,” Larrivee says. “We all have a responsibility to the musicians we serve—whether they are behind a drum set, on a football field, in a concert hall or on the gym floor!” Learn more at eraudiofile.com/wgi-is-all-ears-on-hearing-safety.
“Most people don’t realize the levels of their noise and music exposures.”
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scholarship
Family Comes First Color Guard “Second Family” Helps Performer Cope With Devastating Loss By Megan York Ars Nova
2013 Bob Wiles Memorial Scholarship Winner Megan York
Winter Guard International (WGI) has been a part of my life for almost 10 years and every time a season ends, I feel like I have learned more about myself. The best motivation to keep me going is the strength of my mother and father. They never let me give up. No matter the obstacle, I was always determined to make it work. After my father passed away unexpectedly in 2004, my mother and I had a hard time getting back on our feet, and family troubles began to arise. Although my mother was very strong, there were times of true hardship and heartbreak. Growing up with WGI—starting my first winter season in 2006—completely changed my life and shifted it into a positive energy. With my new-found love for the Sport of the Arts, I began to learn teamwork and responsibility, develop character, overcome obstacles, and most important, I learned to never give up. During my first year of winter guard, we lost our house, had to give away most of our belongings, packed the car up with as much as we could fit and lived in a tiny hotel. Since I was a part of a wonderful group from DeSoto, Texas, full of sisterhood and teamwork, I was anxious to practice with them and escape from reality every day. My team never knew the conditions I was under. I was determined to show them I could work hard and overcome my personal battle. During this time my mother was also
“The best motivation to keep me going is the strength of my mother and father”
very positive, supporting me in any way she could. She was in attendance at every show or regional, and the look on her face as she watched me perform was pure happiness. I could tell this was her escape just as much as it was mine. One of the best memories I have is from this year’s Dallas regional. She hugged me after I performed and said I was still her little girl. It’s surprising how far this activity has taken me especially since that first year we lived in the tiny hotel room. Whenever times are hard or I feel like there is no hope or faith for me to hold onto, I always remember the strength of my parents. Even though my father wasn’t able to share my passion for WGI with me, I know his spirit is always with me and before every performance I always thank him, for I know his wisdom will guide me. My mother I owe just as much. She has always been supporting—not just my WGI dreams but my DCI career, my studies, and me as an all around performer. Without her unconditional love and support I wouldn’t be where I am. For the future, I never want to shy away from my hardships. I want my story to inspire others to keep pushing for their goals and know that WGI Bob Wiles Memorial Scholarship one day it will all be worth it. If you believe, This scholarship was named in 2002 for BOB WILES (1943–2000), who was best known your dream will come true. Trust yourself. for his tireless work on the championship volunteer staff and as director of Anthron Winter Guard, which he helped form. Wiles worked to turn the concept of traditional color guard upside down by challenging both the audience and judges with a bold new approach. He was posthumously inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame in 2009.
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Megan York is one of 20 performers who received WGI Scholarships in 2013. www.wgi.org
what’s your WGIQ? At first glance, these two photographs of OC Indoor at the 2013 Percussion Independent World Finals look identical—but they’re not. There are actually a dozen differences between the upper and lower photos. Find the solution at wgi.org/wgiq.
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