e n s emb l e BERESFORD, FAIRBANKS, AND JACKSON JOIN WGI HALL OF FAME In April, WGI proudly inducted three new members to its Hall of Fame: Tom Beresford, Tim Fairbanks, and Ike Jackson. Over his distinguished career, Navy veteran Beresford built a reputation for prioritizing the needs of performers. In addition to his work with organizations like Holy Name Cadets, Sunrisers, St. Ignatius, and Phantom (FROM LEFT) and inspire students. He is not afraid to be Regiment, he served as WGI Regional TOM BERESFORD, TIM FAIRBANKS, different or try something new.” Director and Contest Administrator AND IKE JACKSON Known as one of modern indoor percusfor Regionals and World Championsion’s “Founding Fathers,” Jackson has led Ayala ships, was the President of NCGA, and was at the High School to a WGI-record 21 medals. Prior to meeting to organize WGI in the 1970s. “For those joining Ayala as a teacher in 1991, Jackson marched who know Tom and have watched him work, his with Riverside Community College and the DCI attention to detail is always evident,” says George champion Blue Devils, and in 2005, founded Lindstrom (WGI HOF, 1996) “His first priority is to three-time PIW champion Pulse. “Ike has built a help ensure that the unit instructors, parents, and reputation as one of the most … forward-thinking members have the best possible experience.” designers and educators in the activity,” says Caleb Fairbanks is widely regarded as a marching Rothe. “He was an early pioneer of lighting and percussion pioneer and one of the top visual designflat-screen displays, writing the textbook on how ers in the activity. Best known for his work with to incorporate multimedia into indoor percussion Rhythm X and Centerville High School, Fairbanks presentations. Ike has [also] served on the built the latter from WGI World Championships Percussion Advisory Board and Steering Commitnewcomers in 1998 to Gold Medalists the following tee, helping to shape the direction of the activity year. “Many describe Tim as a risk-taker, innovator, and the ‘idea guy,’” says colleague and former student in subtle and profound ways.” See more at: wgi.org/2018-hall-fame-induction-ceremony. Andrew Markworth. “He has the great ability to coach
MOVEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Whether you’re performing in color guard, percussion, or winds, mastering movement is essential to success. In WGI’s downloadable Movement video series, renowned marching and dance instructor Carol Abohatab breaks the essentials into three parts. “Warm Up” focuses dynamic alignment, core exercises, stretching and lengthening; “Across the Floor“ teaches methods of travel, weight shifting, turns, leaps, and jumps; and “Technique Class” off ers a standing center class with technique for the spine, legs, and feet. Find the videos at shop.wgi.org.
THE BEAT GOES ON
In its tenth year, WGI’s annual drum circle has become a World Championships tradition. Co-sponsored by REMO, Inc., and the Indianapolis-based Bongo Boy Music School, the 2018 event brought together hundreds of people for an inspiring jam session in the University of Dayton Arena parking lot. Everyone was invited, and those who came got a chance to beat on a range of diff erent drums with hands, mallets, and sticks. People without drums joined in with handclaps. “Inside the arena, everyone is competing and performing under a certain pressure,” said Mark Thurston, Director of Percussion for WGI. “The drum circle is a chance to come together, let off some steam, and play as one percussion community.”
10 WGI FOCUS
wgi.org