WGI Winter 2011 FOCUS

winter 2011

focus the official news of wgi sport of the arts

PAST PERFORMERS FIND NEW

SUCCESS

Meet WGI’s

HIDDEN HELPERS

Getting a Lift from

FLANAGAN HIGH This top guard just keeps raising its game

Stretch Out!

BUILDING A BETTER WARM-UP

WGI_p1_Cover.indd 1

CAPTURING THE 2011 SEASON

1/5/11 11:24:48 AM

Rock.

Solid.

In the Stadium. On the Floor. On the Field. (mud optional)

Introducing Pearl’s new Advanced Hardware Marching Snare, Tenor, & Bass Stands.

The independently adjustable front leg will triumph in the thickest of situations.

Ultimate Stability, Solid Dependability, and Functional Simplicity.

Everything you need in the stadium, on the field, or anywhere.

W

WGI_Temp.indd 1

W

W

.

P

E

A

R

L

D

R

U

M

.

C

O

M

MSS3000 Snare Stand

1/3/11 3:14:35 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 3:12:13 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/5/11 12:14:16 PM

focus

wgi

the official news of wgi sport of the arts

WINTER 2011 Volume 25, Issue 1

Winter Guard International Ron Nankervis Chief Executive Officer Bart Woodley Marketing Manager Aaron Jenkins Marketing & Communications Coordinator Published By: In Tune Partners, LLC Irwin Kornfeld CEO Will Edwards President Angelo Biasi Publisher Mac Randall Editor-in-Chief Jackie Jordan Creative Director Robin Garber Production Director Barbara Boughton Business Manager Contributing Writers: Debbie Galante Block, David G. Hill, Alex Mendoza, Cathy Applefeld Olson, Michael Reed Photography: Jolesch Photography, Robert Cawthorne, Susie Ferreira, Dan Scafidi, Linda Unser, and Sid Unser WGI FOCUS is an educational publication of WGI Sport of the Arts. Its purpose is to broaden communication within the family of color guards and percussion ensembles. FOCUS is published three times per year.

WGI FOCUS is a free publication with a circulation of 14,000 copies and 12,000 online viewers. 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 office. 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 INTERNATIONAL 2405 Crosspointe Drive Dayton, OH 45342 937-247-5919 office@wgi.org www.wgi.org

7

INSIDE

Rhythm X and others announce their concepts for the 2011 season.

7 ENSEMBLE

The 2011 season: Who’s new, who’s back ... WGI goes mobile ... Spirit of America prepares for a South African mission ... The latest from Spinfest on Tour ... Ayala High School’s Ike Jackson profiled ... and much more!

14 CLOSE-UP

Flanagan High School is continually raising the performance bar—and also raising awareness about art, history, and the world around us.

16 SPOTLIGHT

Photographers and merchandising designers are ready for a new WGI season.

20 ONWARD AND UPWARD

When they were ensemble members, they performed amazing feats. Now they’re doing the same out in the world as young professionals.

25 WHO’S RUNNING THE SHOW?

The term “contest administrator” may not sound so exciting, but WGI events couldn’t get off the ground without these behind-the-scenes helpers.

28 CLINIC

If you’re going to perform your best, you need to warm up first. We asked some guard and percussion directors to take us through their pre-show routines.

34

30 SCHOLARSHIP

Sarra Bae’s parents moved from Korea to give her a better life. When she joined United Percussion, she got the chance to live out an American dream.

34 WHAT’S YOUR WGIQ?

Identify the performers in these photographs from the 2010 season.

WGI FOCUS 5

WGI_p5_TocMast.indd 1

1/5/11 12:13:35 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 2:55:09 PM

Ensemble NEWS FROM THE FLOOR AND MORE

MANY HAPPY RETURNS IN 2011 The coming of the new WGI season also marks the return of some familiar groups to the competitive floor after a year or more away.

Among them is the Independent World guard Zydeco, based in Dayton, Ohio. “Zydeco took the 2010 season off for a myriad of reasons,” director Byron Valentine says. “Our path had been forged so quickly after our 2007 inaugural season that we needed to take a year simply to catch our breath… Having the team back out this season is every bit as good as I imagined it would be. Although we’re only in the preliminary stages of our season, I believe this year is already setting a new standard for the Zydeco organization.”

Another group coming back to WGI is IW guard Corona, from Los Angeles, Calif. And in Atlanta, Ga., two ensembles are making their WGI debut this year: Paramount (IW) and Terminus Atlanta Percussion (PIW). The latter group actually combines two previous ensembles, Odyssey and Pariah; their show designer, Kit Chatham, is profiled on page 20.

GOING MOBILE WGI now has a mobile application for the iPhone!

It’s a one-stop source for all the latest news, show info, schedules, scores, and posts on Twitter and Facebook. Hit the “video” button, and the Fan Network Mobile Website delivers new and vintage videos right into the palm of your hand. Best of all, the app’s free; just go to iTunes and search for WGI.

Zydeco (inset) and Corona at the 2009 WGI World Championships

WGI AT THE MIDWEST CLINIC Filled with holiday lights, Chicago in December set the scene for the Midwest Clinic band and orchestra conference—though the name “Midwest” was hardly sufficient to describe the thousands of participants from around the world who gathered to gain information from hundreds of exhibits.

At WGI’s booth, attendees stopped to catch a showing of the 2010 DVDs, talk about their excitement for the 2011 season, learn more about the indoor activities, and collect a few educational videos. WGI’s Midwest presence, along with that of Drum Corps International and Music for All, ensured that the marching arts were well represented at this international music education phenomenon.

www.wgi.org

WGI_p7_Ensemble.indd 1

1/5/11 12:18:17 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 3:51:01 PM

Ensemble

GUARD FOCUS Spirit of America

SPIRIT OF AMERICA’S MISSION TO SOUTH AFRICA The Spirit of America percussion ensemble of Orleans, Mass., won’t be participating in WGI events this season, but they have an excellent excuse: They’re preparing for a very special trip to South Africa. Between September 3 and 28, 150 ensemble members will be helping to bring music and hope to underprivileged youth in the townships around Durban and Johannesburg.

“We’ll be performing our field show and our ‘Instrumental Theatre: in motion’ stage show,” director Dave Ortolani explains, “but we’ll also be doing a broad range of arts workshops, from brass and percussion work to costume design and set construction. Because of economic hardship and the AIDS epidemic, a lot of young people in South Africa don’t see the point of living. We want to give them skills that will make a real difference.”

Spirit of America won’t just be teaching skills; they’ll also be donating instruments to needy kids. “We plan to come back every year with a smaller staff to keep the training going,” Ortolani says. “This experience is going to change everybody’s lives—and it’ll definitely be the basis for our 2012 WGI show.”

Virtual Designer Creates Custom Flags Online

Can’t find the right fl ag for your group? Give McCormick’s new Virtual Designer a try. The Virtual Designer is the industry’s only online tool for designing fl ags in real time. Once you’ve logged on, you can test a dizzying range of color and fabric combinations on any of the company’s wide variety of fl ag styles until you create the exact look you envision. After you’re happy with your design, send it in to McCormick’s to get a quote or place an order.

Custom sewn fl ags can be finished in three weeks; Presto and Premium Presto fl ags are done in just one.

Go to mccormicksnet.com for more details.

PERCUSSION FOCUS

A Kit Fit for a Crisis

Be prepared—that’s a good tip for Boy Scouts and percussionists alike. And whether you’re getting ready for Finals or just packing up for rehearsal, it’s always smart to have emergency supplies on hand. That’s where the Crisis Kit from Sabian’s Performers Accessories Series comes in. The kit contains eight cymbal sleeves, two hi-hat felts, two bass drum impact pads, four snare cords, two hi-hat cymbal cup washers, six cymbal felts, a Sabian drum key, two hi-hat clutch felts, and six tension rod washers, all in a handy carrying bag. Find out more at sabian.com.

SPINFEST!! NEWS: ON TOUR RECAP, IN TEXAS FOR 2011

Spinfest!! in Allentown

www.wgi.org

WGI_p7_Ensemble.indd 2

Spinfest!! on Tour concluded its inaugural cross-country run in December. Rosie Queen, who was a clinician at stops in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, reports: “We’ve had anywhere from 100-250 people in each location, which is pretty amazing for its first year in action. Taking Spinfest!! on the road has been a wonderful way to connect with the local circuits and bring color guard education to the masses.” If you didn’t catch Spinfest!! on Tour, the classic 2-day Spinfest!! will take place in Texas this year: September 10-11 at the Special Events Center in Dallas. Go to wgispinfest.com for more information.

WGI FOCUS 9

1/5/11 12:18:34 PM

Ensemble S NEW SHOW CONCEPT RUN THE GAMUT As February approaches, groups across the country are announcing their show concepts for the 2011 season. Many of these announcements have been featured as news stories on wgi.org. Here are a few of the first to reveal details from their programs: Beyer HS (PSO): “In a Room,” based on the true story of a father who survived a horrible event and a daughter who needs to know the truth Rhythm X (PIW): “Stand by Me,” which takes ideas from the Ben E. King song and Rob Reiner movie of the same name and updates them for the new millennium Urban Expressions (IA): “Finding Happiness,” a tribute to founding member Sara Raymond, who passed away suddenly in August Central Carroll HS (SA): “The Power of Words,” a message of love and hope to victims of bullying and persecution—and a plea for change OC Indoor (PIO): “The Red Shoes,” a modern take on the Hans Christian Andersen tale and epic 1948 film by Michael Powell, using elements of ballet and ns sio Ur ban Expres contemporary dance.

OC Indoor

Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors Presenting Sponsors

Corporate Partners

World Championship Sponsors

10 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p7_Ensemble.indd 3

1/7/11 1:52:19 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 4:26:07 PM

EnsemblePROFILE A FEW WORDS WITH IKE JACKSON He’s director of the Ayala High School percussion ensemble and co-founder of Pulse Indoor Percussion Ensemble.

His groups have won fi ve WGI World Championship medals and 12 Regional Championship titles. But this barely begins to describe how important Ike Jackson has been to the world of indoor percussion over the past two decades. WGI Focus Ayala HS in 2010 spoke to him recently on a wide range of subjects.

What got him into percussion: I was a football player in my freshman year of high school, and one day I got my bell rung real hard trying to catch a pass. I sat on the sideline and thought, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” So I asked the band director if I could be in the drum line and he said, “Come on in.” I loved it.

Favorite Ayala show: When we were in Open division, we did a show called “Moving Without Traveling.”

There was a taiko drum that had to be rotated on this ramp contraption

WGI_p7_Ensemble.indd 4

that weighed about 500 pounds. When we got to Dayton, the wheels stopped working, but those kids just muscled through it and made it work. That was a moment when I realized, “Man, we can do anything.”

The competition: Every year, the group I’m always afraid of is Mission Viejo. Any group from California sees them as godly, and that makes sense because we’ve all been created in their image.

What he’s most proud of: There was no career in teaching percussion, at least not in California, before people like Mike Jackson and myself came along. We were the grandfathers of professional drum instruction, and now a new generation can make a career out of it. I’m so happy to have opened that door.

About WGI: It’s where we live. It’s where we can really be heard and appreciated. Marching band is cool, but at the end of the day, it’s time to go home to WGI.

1/10/11 11:41:02 AM

One Band, One Sound...AYALA WGI Scholastic World Champions 2010

Their NEW Drum Of Choice...TAMA Ayala High School Marching Band, Chino Hills Ca.

revolutionary Features

•

stunning finishes

•

chrome hardware

•

extreme durability

Where Percussion Meets Perfection

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/4/11 9:35:18 AM

Close-Up

The

Flanagan

Connection Successful Scholastic Guard Makes Every Show an Educational Experience

By Cathy Applefeld Olson

I

t isn’t every color guard that papers its show floor with audience members’ secrets, or engages in extensive research on the legendary AIDS quilt that inspired one of its shows. But making connections— with its program and with its audience—is standard practice for the guard at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., and its director, Dean Broadbent.

“We are always trying to find that way to interact with the audience and connect with them,” says Broadbent, who’s led the ensemble since 2001. “It’s hard to do within a 60- by 80-foot boundary. You can’t reach out and touch them or sit next to them, so we try to do it from a distance.”

The Flanagan guard, which formed soon after the school opened in 1996, initially competed only in south Florida. These days, however, they’re a perennial bar-raiser on the WGI scene. They’ve been finalists every year since 2003, most recently taking fourth place in the 2010 Scholastic World finals. Despite this success, Broadbent notes that “we don’t walk into the season trying to win and get a medal. We just want to be able to be there on Saturday night.”

Finals attendees can expect to be drawn into Flanagan’s shows. For “Post Secret” in 2008, the guard ran a contest on both its website and the WGI website asking people to anonymously mail or email the group their secrets. The best ones would be selected and become part of the floor of the show.

“It was incredible,” Broadbent recalls. “We got stuff from other countries: Canada, the Netherlands. But you had to come see us at a regional or WGI to see if your secret made the floor.”

The connections actually begin back at school, where Broadbent says the guard program is well supported, in large part because it’s so integrated with the rest of Flanagan. Before engaging in some of their more theatrical shows, “we had a lot of sessions with the drama department, which helped teach the kids different techniques to open up those doors,” he says.

Broadbent ensures that his students get more out of their performances than just music and movement. For example, when the group was preparing for its 2002 “Patchwork Quilt” show, which centered around the AIDS quilt, he told students to go to the school media center and find the quilt on the Smithsonian website. He then had them research people represented on the quilt and write letters to their families.

For its “Hopelandic” performance in 2009, the ensemble spent time learning about Iceland. “We could rattle off facts just like that,” Broadbent says. And when the students were preparing for a World War II-themed show, the kids got a history lesson. “They had to find radio broadcasts from that era and they learned all about Winston Churchill. Our principal recognizes that, and she loves the fact that we’re getting an education beyond just the show itself.”

You can’t reach out and touch the audience, but we try to do it from a distance.

14 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p14_Closeup.indd 1

www.wgi.org

1/5/11 11:47:05 AM

FOCUSteam11ad_Layout 1 12/13/10 3:17 PM Page 1

coming soon...

1-800-458-ALGY www.algyteam.com

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 2:04:16 PM

Spotlight

Memories in the

Makıng

Photographers and Designers Prepare for a New Season

Sid Unser and other WGI photographers get ready to capture more action.

By Alex Mendoza

Gary and Sharon Hansen of PepWear

W

GI Regionals are the product of a communal effort in which each individual plays a part.

While some perform, others deal with the Regionals’ logistics and strategy (see “Who’s Running the Show?” on page 25). But it’s also important to thoroughly plan how the event will be documented and celebrated. Allowing spectators and performers to take home a lasting memory in tangible form, whether it’s an expertly captured photograph or a comfortable sweater bearing the WGI logo, involves a surprising amount of work.

This year, WGI’s official photographers, Jolesch Photography, will be capturing the essence of the activity at every Regional—something that has never been done prior to this season. “Jolesch is always there to provide a good service to the participants,” the company’s general manager, Alan Parker, says.

“We don’t get to really watch the shows, as we’re mainly working very hard at the never-ending task of organizing thousands of images and getting them ready for print production. We are typically one of the first vendor crews to arrive and one of the last to leave, often putting in more than a 17-hour day.”

In addition to Jolesch, there will be other photographers at the Regionals, such as Sid and Linda Unser, who handle the photography featured in WGI-related marketing materials. “The real challenges in what we do are, for the most part, greatly reduced through the incredible cooperation we receive from the WGI marketing department,” Sid says. “The long days could be to some degree considered a challenge, but when the drumming, music,

or—in the case of, say, Onyx—sounds start, you tend to forget about the element of time. Most important as a performance photographer is the degree of anticipation.

You’ve got to train yourself to envision that sabre spin, fl ag toss, leap, or drummer’s expression before it actually happens.”

Those eager to take home a shirt or keychain from a Regional will turn to PepWear’s

lf to e s r u o y n i a r ou’ve got to t

“Y

ag fl , in p s e r b a s envision that ssion e r p x e ’s r e m rum toss, leap, or d s.” ally happen u before it act booths, which feature exclusive

16 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p16_Spotlight.indd 1

WGI material. Art director Sarah Phagan, senior designer Teri Steely, and designer Larae Salcedo share the task of planning the merchandise for each new season.

“We start by researching what’s trendy and what’s on the WGI website,” Phagan explains. “It always has some type of theme, so we try to incorporate that. Once we’ve developed a design, we send it for internal and WGI approvals. It’s always fun to collaborate with Bart Woodley and Aaron Jenkins from WGI because they get us. They have a creative outlook and are always open to out-ofthe-box ideas. Of course, the best part is seeing the kids get excited over the merchandise. It’s thrilling to hear they sold out of an item we designed!”

www.wgi.org

1/5/11 11:51:07 AM

McC_Fall2010_Focus_Final.qxd

9/27/10

10:55 PM

Page 1

Your Journey to Success begins the moment you step on the floor.

Embrace the journey, including any stops along the way, by trusting McCormick’s to be your navigator.

McCormick’s has an experienced staff led by industry guard designers who will steer you in the right direction, no matter your level.

We’ve stood beside hundreds of guards as they worked their way from beginner to medalist and you can expect the same.

Innovative… Competitive… Successful…

MCCORMICK’S. READY TO LEAD THE WAY.

MORE FOR THE BAND, GUARD AND MUSIC TECH!

800.323.5201 Performance photo by Jolesch Photography www.jolesch.com

WGI_Temp.indd 1

www.McCormicksGuard.com ®

McCormick’s Guard

1/5/11 1:36:21 PM

DCI 2011 Map Focus Half Page (Dec 9).qxp

D R U M

12/10/10

C O R P S

6:51 PM

Page 1

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

P R E S E N T S

For a complete schedule, tickets & additional info, visit www.DCI.org.

2011 DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS • AUGUST 8–13, 2011

Introducing The New

PAS.org Connect to Thousands of Percussionists Around the World Discover the new PAS.org, your online

1

Scholarship Opportunities

access to the world’s largest and premier

2

Summer Camps and Workshops

percussion community. Upload and discuss

3

Contests and Competitions

your videos, pictures, audio files and resources

4

Online Video Gallery

with a world-wide network of percussionists.

5

Rudiments

SIGN UP online to receive our monthly email newsletter!

facebook.com/Percussive.Arts.Society

WGI_Temp.indd 1

@PercussiveArts

www.pas.org/news.rss.ashx

1/3/11 4:52:03 PM

Dressed for Success Join the world’s premier guard and percussion units and explore the endless possibilities of ‘A Wish’ custom & catalog performance wear.

Contact us for a catalog or design consultation.

800.755.2248

wishweb@awishcometrue.com

rix t a M

The

h c t a kW

c a l B

t i r i p S

n o i t i s o p a t x u J

www.awishcometrue.com

Focus-Fall10.indd 1 WGI_Temp.indd 1

®

n e m lass

G

9/22/10 12:46 PM 1/3/11 2:25:26 PM

Great WGIrs of years azing performe ow doing equally am orld. w l n a e n r o i a s t s s e a p the prof n i t u o s g n thi

d n a d r Onwa

D R A UPW . Hill

By David G

Above: Kit onstage with the Viva Elvis crew in Las Vegas.

Below: Odyssey Percussion Theatre’s 2006 WGI show, designed by Chatham.

KIT CHATHAM

Cosmopolitan U.K. magazine “emerging designer,” an intern for the hit TV show Glee, the featured drummer in Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas extravaganza Viva Elvis, and a men’s and women’s wear designer for Saks, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom all have one thing in common: WGI Sport of the Arts.

Borris Powell, Andrea Medina, Kit Chatham, and Trey Alligood started on the floor in color guard and percussion.

Where they’ve ended up today has more than a little to do with life lessons learned through performance! Here are their stories.

Alabama native Borris Powell designs women’s fashions; the U.K. edition of Cosmopolitan called him an “emerging designer” in the spring of 2010. His collections, and his life, are “for the moment.” He describes his creative process like this: “The world is my muse and my creativity is how the world works, and even if we see the world through a black, white, or gray lens, I strive to be connected to each one….” Interest-

20 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p20_WhereareTheyjj2.indd 1

1/5/11 2:11:45 PM

CIRQUE ! du SOLEIL

Beach, who is double-majoring in fashion design and fashion merchandising, was lucky enough to grab an internship working in the costume department of the Fox Network’s breakout show Glee. (The theme episodes must have been great fun!)

Andrea says that she “assisted the costume designer, costume supervisor, and costumers with various tasks such as organizing the costumes, research, and fittings. I also did a great deal of job shadowing.” As for how her years in color guard are paying off now, she says, “By working with teammates, and having the honor of being a head leader for color guard, I improved my self-confidence and the ability to set and accomplish goals. Those valuable skills allow me to be successful in college and confident in pursuing my career goal of working in the television and film costume industry.”

In a recent Theater Mania review, Cirque du Soleil’s newest creation, Viva Elvis, won this accolade: “[P]lacing the live band front and center adds an extra layer of energy to a show that’s already firing on all cylinders.” At the heart of that live band is percussionist Kit Chatham.

If you haven’t been to Las Vegas yet to see Viva Elvis, you may still recognize Kit. Perhaps you saw him interviewed on PBS’ Cirque du Soleil: Flowers in the Desert—a two-hour special that focuses on Cirque’s permanent Las Vegas extravaganzas. Or maybe in Blast!, or with CyberJam: Kit’s a one-man percussion show.

“I’ve been involved with WGI for 13 years,” the gregarious Kit says. “Currently I’m show designer for the new PIW group, Terminus Atlanta Percussion, which is the joining of t w o for mer gr o up s , O d y s s e y and Pariah. I was show designer/coordinator for Odyssey Percussion T heater f r om 2 0 0 4-2 0 0 6, designer/cons u l t a nt w i t h BORRIS POWELL Atlanta Quest for two years, am a judge for the SNIPA circuit, and design, write, and consult with high school and independent groups all over the U.S. and in Japan.”

Kit teaches the techniques, methods, and skills he learned as a performer, but he said that his biggest thrill “is helping young performers devel- From top: A favorite item from Powell’s fashion collections; Borris op and advance their overall today; posing with his fellow perperformance skills—not just formers from The Company in 1996.

DESIGN TO WAT ER CH!

ing choice of colors, because the former Pride of Cincinnati member also says that his favorite show to perform in was the decidedly black, white, and gray 1997 bronze-medal winner, “Alcatraz.”

Borris’ WGI experience is reflected in his life and in his work. “I learned discipline, determination, and how to work hard and enjoy the benefits of hard work,” he says. “I apply so many things from my years of guard in my business: from staging to building a show/collection around emotions to working with a small group. Those [color guard years] were times that shaped me as a person to confidently go out every day to pursue my dreams with nothing other then a winning determination.”

It somehow makes sense that Andrea Medina’s favorite performance as a member of the Arcadia High School color guard was the 2007 bronze medal-winning “Continuum,” for her whole life is a continuum of sorts—and a gleeful one.

The fourth-year student at California State University, Long

WGI FOCUS 21

WGI_p20_WhereareTheyjj2.indd 2

1/5/11 2:12:13 PM

FASHIO ENTREPN RENEUR !

TREY ALLIGOOD playing skills—including acting, emoting, moving, and communicating with the audience.”

Trey Alligood’s life has come full circle from his days as a performer in Pride of Cincinnati and his favorite show, the 1998 bronze medal-winning “First Circle.” He and his partner opened the Penthouse Showroom in Los Angeles six years ago; they represent some eight clothing brands and a watch collection, as well as their own men’s and women’s contemporary clothing brand, Madisonpark Collective, for Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Nordstrom and several other boutiques around the world.

Trey is effusive in his love for his WGI experience. “WGI impacted my life in so many ways: the people, dedication, teamwork, laughter, and love I shared. I will never forget.

I would have never made it to Broadway, to London’s

ANDREA MEDINA

L U F E E L G !

INTERN 22 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p20_WhereareTheyjj2.indd 3

Top left: A peek inside Trey’s Penthouse Showroom in Los Angeles. Top right: Two designs

by Madisonpark Collective.

West End, or all over the world with Blast! without all the things I learned.”

Like his fellow WGI alums, Trey offered some advice to young people who are part of the WGI experience: “Dream big and never become complacent. It can take your life in so many different directions and open up so many opportunities that you would never get anywhere else!”

Kit Chatham says he always tells young people “that this is the only activity of its kind out there, and that it will help them grow as performers, musicians, and individuals. I think WGI offers so many levels of the performing arts for the performer to be involved with and is way beyond just marching and playing.”

For Andrea Medina, WGI is all about the memories: “Performing with a WGI unit is one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences. It not only gives you the opportunity to grow as a person, but also allows you to make strong friendships and to be a strong and confident person.”

Borris Powell, though, just might have the best advice for us all. “If you have the interest, you have it for a reason. Go and Clockwise from top left: explore it. You will not regret it. You will learn Andrea Medina more about yourself and how to work with othperforming with ers in a short amount of time that could take the Arcadia High you a lifetime otherwise. You will come out of School color guard; Medina this experience a different and better person today; on the Glee and with a new friend and family base for life. set with Matthew “WGI was a way for me to find myself outMorrison (a.k.a.

Will Schuester); a side of my hometown. I found my dreams and group photo with a way to reach my true potential. various mem“Now, take the floor—and world—in combers of the Glee cast. petition.” www.wgi.org

1/7/11 1:42:39 PM

Dedication is what got us here.

2011.

The Quantum Marching Project continues in 2010.

QuantumMarching.com

Mapex_WGIFocus_2011.indd 1 WGI_Temp.indd 1

速

BRASS

速 速

速

DRUMS

PERCUSSION

12/20/10 11:28 AM 1/3/11 3:09:10 PM

remo.com

Remo takes marching to a new level!

Ebony® Pinstripe® features the great sound of the world renowned Pinstripe Crimplock tenor drumhead with a bold, contemporary Ebony film.

Powermax® Ebony® pre-muffled marching bass drumhead is the long-awaited answer for those who want the sound and feel of the best-selling Powermax bass drumhead with the bold look of Ebony.

Falams® XT takes the legendary Falams II snare side Kevlar head and increases pitch capability and durability with a reinforced underlay for eXtreme Tension.

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/6/11 10:09:15 AM

As performers take the floor, CAs like Brian Johnson and Stephanie Bonebrake are keeping things organized behind the scenes.

A WGI competition is a symphony the contest host, WGI home office, of moving parts. Aside from the beauand the competing groups. CAs also ty and power of the performances serve as a source of information for on the arena floor, there are a pleththe ensembles and sponsors, and are ora of people behind the scenes that responsible for assigning personnel keep the event running smoothly and for timing, penalties, and tabulation. on time. Think of a huge grandfather Additionally, the CA works to ensure clock as an analogy. We see the hands that all contest scores are posted with of the clock move smoothly and hear WGI in a timely manner. In a nutshell, the chimes every hour, but the gears the person who accepts this position and cogs turning behind the clock face is responsible for coordinating all the remain unseen. elements that go into a WGI event, Likewise, the intricate productions weaving them into a seamless tapesBY MICHAEL REED on the contest floor are only the most try that is rewarding for performers visible part of the show. Judges, tabuand spectators alike. lators, runners, unit entry and warmWGI Focus recently spoke with two up staff, and more all play vital roles in the functioning of veteran Contest Administrators to gain insight into what the contest. But to keep things running the way they’re they do, how they got involved in the activity, and why their supposed to, somebody has to be responsible for the flow passion for it keeps them involved year after year. of the event. Somebody has to be there to handle the logisBrian Johnson has been in the pageantry arts for over 40 tical challenges, find solutions for unexpected problems years. He cut his competitive teeth with the St. Paul Scouts that may arise, and be the “go-to” person for questions. Drum and Bugle Corps in the late ’60s, and served as an inThat “somebody” is the Contest Administrator. structor, unit director, and president of the North Star Color The Contest Administrator’s job description includes Guard Circuit prior to his present duties with WGI. He curmany varied duties. The CA is the primary liaison between rently works at the University of Minnesota.

CONTEST ADMINISTRATORS, THAT’S WHO— THE INVALUABLE PEOPLE BEHIND EVERY INDOOR MARCHING EVENT.

WGI FOCUS 25

WGI_p24_Adminjj.indd 1

1/5/11 12:01:08 PM

Another Finals night comes to a successful close, thanks to the work of CAs like Jeanne Strong.

Stephanie Bonebrake was drum major of her high school band and has a background in dance, so it was a natural fit when she began her color guard career in college. Her knowledge of both music and movement has served her well in her job as a band director with many years of teaching and choreography experience. She is currently the circuit administrator for the North Texas Colorguard Association and is in her fourth year as a WGI Contest Administrator.

As is the case with any successful endeavor, preparation is the key. Before the contest weekend arrives, Bonebrake makes sure forms and rulebooks are printed; she also compiles a checklist of items that will be needed during the event.

Johnson assists with judge travel and housing, shuttling, and emergency information for the day. The CA also prepares the score sheets for each competition. Both CAs note that they like to visit a Regional site during the evening prior to the show, doing a complete walk-through to ensure signs are appropriately placed, stands are pulled out, WGI banners are hung, and many other little details are ready for the next day’s activities.

The administrator typically arrives Stephanie at the performance arena at least two hours before the first group performs.

This allows for any last-minute surprises to be handled.

CAs will introduce themselves to key workers, answering their questions and letting them know who the point person is if issues arise during the course of the event.

Warm-up and timing procedures are reviewed with people manning those areas, the tabulation and sound areas are checked to make sure the equipment is in order, and the judges’ room is also checked to verify that everything needed is in place. When all is said and done, the CA may work as many as 17 hours during one day of competition.

Both Bonebrake and Johnson note that it is important to run the Regionals in a way that hews as closely as pos-

sible to the World Championships. Although the Finals in Dayton are held in multiple venues and feature a much larger field of entrants than any Regional, the basic process of supervising the respective shows is identical. By following well-established guidelines, the guards and drum lines that participate in WGI events can be assured of a consistent experience no matter where in the country the event is, how large the facility is, or how many entrants are at the site where the Regional occurs.

When asked to share a few secrets learned over the years, Johnson states that he tries to “remain calm and have a positive attitude, no matter what the situation.”

Some situations can be extreme. Given the different personality types that have to interact during a competition, the high emotional stakes involved for group directors, and the simple fact that every part of the event must run on a set schedule, being able to communicate in an encouraging and unemotional manner has proven to be a winning strategy.

Bonebrake emphasizes the crucial role that a supportive attitude can have in resolving the unexpected dilemmas that arise, stressing the importance of listening to all parBonebrake ties when making a decision: “I have learned that if we treat our performers and directors as we would guests in our home, it helps them ease any competitive anxieties and enjoy their time at the regional so much more.”

Both Contest Administrators say that their favorite part of the job is centered around the young ladies and men giving their all out on the floor. Johnson says, “Watching the performers is a huge highlight, to see their faces, smiles, and tears. That’s what keeps me coming back every year.”

Bonebrake sums up her feelings this way: “I love to watch those unexplainable show moments that strike a chord in your soul and make the hair on your arms stand tall. Being witness to those moments is priceless.”

“if we treat our performers as we would guests in our home, it helps them enjoy their time so much more.”

-

26 wgi focus

WGI_p24_Adminjj.indd 2

1/5/11 12:01:28 PM

promark.com

DC72, designed by Chris Retschulte – Mansfield Legacy HS

We have a stick for every occasion. except losing.

Jeff Ausdemore, Colleyville Heritage High School

sj.ad_full.page.final.indd 1 WGI_Temp.indd 1

Scott Johnson, The Blue Devils

9/2/10 2:23 PM 1/5/11 1:42:02 PM

Clinic

How to

Get Warm WGI Vets Offer Tips for an Effective Warm-Up Routine

If you want to do moves like this, you need to warm up right.

By Debbie Galante Block

W

arm-ups are essential for any indoor marching performance, and even for practices that can last hours. Endurance and safety are the obvious keys to success. Some percussion ensembles and color guards do a lot of drills together, while others let their performers concentrate on individual warm-ups.

John Mapes, who oversees 20 high school and independent percussion programs in southern California, including Pulse Percussion, says that his groups typically pull out floors to do some marching and playing as part of the warm-up process. “It’s quite a sight to see when everyone has their floors out side by side with all the metronome tempos blasting simultaneously,” he says. “When the season begins, warm-up time is usually longer and there’s a lot of marching happening, as the material is newer and every repetition is more important. As the season nears its end, the warm-up time becomes much less and most of the groups do a stand-still warm-up to keep the members fresher for the performance.”

Dee Dee Watson of Choctawhatchee High School in Florida says that her guard’s warm-up routine is almost always the same. The performers begin with light stretching, and then, in a yoga-like state, they are asked to be silent, close their eyes, and visualize their perfect show. “This allows them to control their breathing and anxiety as they prepare themselves for what lies ahead,” she says. “The performers go through a routine body and

equipment warm-up as they work through the basics and any ‘features’ in the show. If music is available, then they’ll do music run-throughs and begin their individual warm-up process.”

For Ohio’s Centerville High School percussion ensemble, pre-show warm-ups consist of putting small groups together to play in separate sections, warming up the hands with a few basic exercises, then focusing on some feature segments. “We put the battery together (snares, tenors, basses, cymbals) and run through the harder parts of the show for about 7-8 minutes,” director Tim Fairbanks says.

“Then the entire percussion ensemble will get together and play through the entire show. If we have room to march in our warm-up, we usually try to do some reps with marching and playing to warm their bodies up as well.”

If your body is stiff because of nerves, that’s obviously going to hurt your performance, according to Michael Lentz, designer for the Onyx color guard. And so on championship day, Onyx “will warm up and stretch in the hallway, then we travel to the WGI warm-up area. We also have mental exercises with words the kids recite. But we really try not to overthink because everyone handles pre-show jitters differently. Some kids need to be quiet. Others need to have a Coke. We need to let everyone do what they personally need to do.”

In the end, says Mapes, it all comes down to one basic point. “The best thing you can do to have a great show warm-up is to show up prepared!”

28 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p28_clinic.indd 1

CHOCTAWHATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL

“Everyone handles pre-show jitters differently.

We need to let everyone do what they personally need to do.”

www.wgi.org

1/5/11 12:05:35 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 3:06:51 PM

Scholarship

Living an

American

Dream Drumline Brings Fulfillment to a First-Generation Immigrant

By Sarra Bae

United Percussion Camden County, N.J.

M

y parents lived much of their lives in South to attend medical school, good grades are absolutely manKorea. Yet they immigrated to the United datory. When I was invited to fill a spot for United PercusStates, leaving everything behind, to provide sion, many peers, mentors, and even friends frowned upon educational opportunities and success for my it. Despite warnings and disapproving looks, I joined. sister and me. They could barely speak English and we were Was it hard? Abso-freaking-lutely. Between classes and so financially unstable that we had to live in the dilapidated rehearsals, I was losing sleep and coffee became my best ghettos of Philadelphia. To watch my parents begin from friend. Moreover, having only ever experienced high school that low point in our lives and slowly work their way up to drumline, I learned the hard way that a World Class drumthe suburban middle class has been an inspiration. line was an entirely different league. Especially at the beNever in my life, no matter how well ginning, it was difficult to endure long, or unwell we were financially, did my tedious practices or march the nearly parents limit me on my dreams. Even impossible drill. to this day, they tell me that life has no My parents say that the struggles boundaries and that even the impossimake the journey sometimes. For ble can be achieved. For this reason, I them, it was learning English entirely lead an ambitious life. A life that seems Sarra Bae was the inaugural winner on experience alone, raising two to have too many plans, one that many of a scholarship that made its debut daughters in an unsafe neighborhood, people would call unfeasible. and preparing for the intimidating in 2010: the Zildjian/Mark Thurston My parents are the reason that I put naturalization exam. These struggles Scholarship for deserving percussion every ounce of effort into some of my brought the family closer and help us ensemble members. The scholarship biggest passions in life: medicine and appreciate our current life more. is named for WGI Percussion Coordimusic. In high school, I participated in Similarly, with United Percussion, nator Mark Thurston, who was most of the musical activities, includevery drop of sweat, every tear shed, inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame ing marching band and indoor drumevery frustration unleashed was a in 2006. Thurston joined WGI in 1996 line. After each season, I wanted struggle to overcome. But as we something more‌ I was never able to and has been a guiding force behind stepped into the Dayton arena for our pinpoint what that something was, or the exceptional growth of the indoor WGI Finals performance, in the preshow to fulfill it, but there was always percussion activity in the past ence of thousands of audience memdecade. For more information about that empty feeling. bers, I knew that every struggle was Once I entered college, I took mini- the WGI Scholarship Program, visit worth it. And that empty feeling I’ve mal music classes and only became wgi.org/scholarship. had since high school was finally fulinvolved in marching band and pep filled. It was a feeling of ultimate acband because of the start of my rigorous science classes. complishment, of absolute confidence that the perforFor a biochemistry major and Spanish minor who is striving mance we had just given was breathtaking.

THE ZILDJIAN/ MARK THURSTON SCHOLARSHIP

30 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p30_scholarship.indd 1

www.wgi.org

1/5/11 12:06:54 PM

cymbals aren’t

WHERE the sounds COME really

from.

©2010 Avedis Zildjian Company. Photo Credit:Dave Mexicotte

Brittany Walko, Walled Lake Percussion Scholastic World Line

zildjian.com

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 4:32:46 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/5/11 1:35:36 PM

Congratulations to the Open and World Class Division Champions for winning two years in a row.

A special Thank You for making Roland® electronic instruments your exclusive choice for for both years!

Photo by Jolesch Photography, www.jolesch.com

Fantom-G8 WORKSTATION KEYBOARD

RmP-12 RHYTHM COACH®

SPD-S SAMPLING PAD

“The ability to enhance our sounds and add depth to our productions was possible because of our Roland electronic instruments. It was one of the components that helped give us our edge to win!”

www.RolandUS.com

- DAvID GIBBS, ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR – BLuE DEvILS

WGI_Temp.indd 1 2362_WGIfocus_BlueDevils_12-10.indd 1

1/3/11 12/20/103:20:34 12:15PM PM

What’s Your

WGIQ? 1

3

The Sport of the Arts’ A and Open classes make up nearly 80% of competition at regionals and World Championships. Between ten classes (SA, SO, IA, IO, PSA, PSO, PIA, PIO, PSCO, PSCW), see how many of the photos below you recognize.

To find out your WGIQ score, go to wgi.org/wgiq.

2

4 5

6

7 8 9

12 11

34 WGI FOCUS

WGI_p34_WGIQ.indd 1

www.wgi.org

1/5/11 12:08:26 PM

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/4/11 2:18:42 PM

Starting at

39

$

Subscribe Today!

Check out the NEW Fan Network Mobile Website!

wgi.org/fannetwork

WGI_Temp.indd 1

1/3/11 4:13:56 PM