WGI Fall 2014 FOCUS

fall 2014

f ocus

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inside

f ocus

the official news of wgi sport of the arts

Fall 2014 Volume 27, 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 Michael R. Vella Production Manager Barbara Boughton Business Manager Contributing Writers: Dianne Spoto Ackerman, Debbie Galante Block, Michael Boo, Danny Miles, Michael Reed Photography: Adam Alonzo, Lifetouch Special Events 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 issue 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

www.wgi.org

7 ensemble

Groups start the wind-up for WGI Winds ...

The value of volunteers ... New “Secrets” unveiled on DVD... WGI connections at the DCI finals ... Lessons from a “So You Think You Can” dancer ... A “principal” partnership for education ... new gear, tickets, and more.

Features

22 in it for the long haul Over the course of WGI history, a handful of organizations have stayed strong year after year. What keeps them at the top?

29 The fabric of time

Creative designers are using technology and new materials to make WGI performers look—and move—better than ever before.

22

With 24 trips the finals, Pride of Cincinnati is among wgi’s most enduring success stories.

16 CLOSE-UP

When opportunity knocked with a late-season promotion to Scholastic World class, the Upper Darby HS drumline was ready.

18 Profile

Growing up in color guard inspired Imbue founder Shavon Garcia to start a WGI group of her own.

34 clinic

Marketing in the age of social media is about matching creative performance on the floor with creative thinking off it.

36 SCHOLARSHIP

Facing the fight of her life, Christina King used the positive thinking techniques she learned as a member of Diamante color guard to make it through.

38 WHAT’S YOUR WGiQ? How’s your eye for detail? See for yourself in this photo comparison.

29

Cutting-edge uniform design is helping WGI groups fashion strong identities.

wgi focus 5

e n s emb l e

news from the floor and more

Save the Dates

Into the Wind-Up

Orange County Independent winds auditions

adopters.” Though the official field had yet to be With the 2015 launch of WGI Winds just announced at press time, WGI’s website listed more over the horizon, the competitive lineup is than 125 independent and scholastic groups as starting to take shape. By the time the potential participants. As with color guard and season starts, you can expect to see completely percussion, the wind ensembles can compete in new ensembles taking the floor alongside winds both Independent and Scholastic categories, with programs launched by established WGI groups, each offering World, Open, and A classes. like Rhythm X, Notre Dame, Orange County Wind ensembles have the potential to be Independent Percussion, Northglenn HS, and among the most diverse WGI groups others. With auditions underway, we because they can include percussion caught up with OCI founder Sean and color guard members as well as Cunningham for a look at what’s brass, woodwinds, and even ahead. non-marching instruments like “We are very excited to launch our electric guitars, bass, strings, keyWinds Program,” says Cunningham, boards, synthesizers, and more. “It is a who founded OCI Percussion in 2010. bit daunting,” Cunningham says. “No After earning bronze and silver medals Northglenn hs Winds one really knows what to expect.” in Percussion Independent Open class, Yet for the groups taking part in WGI the group moved to PIW in 2014 and made Winds’ first season, the “unexpected” adds to the the Finals. “We have many things in place because excitement. “We made our decision to compete in we already have a successful percussion program,” the inaugural season because we wanted to be one he adds. “Transportation for equipment, rehearsal of the first programs to help shape the division,” he sites, lodging at championships, etc. However, explains. “It is very exciting that there are no purchasing so much brand new equipment, assembling a world-class staff and simply starting a creative boundaries. We want to do something new and innovative to stay away from becoming an brand new venture is not easy. The support of Mapex/Majestic and Jupiter Horns has been critical. ‘indoor marching band’ or ‘drum corps.’” You can find an up-to-date list of WGI Winds ensembles at Without them, we would not be here!” wgi.org/find-a-winds-member.php WGI Winds already has its share of “early

WGI’s 2015 season will get underway on February 7 with a big opening weekend. Color guards will meet in Bakersfield, California; Corning, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas.

Troy, Michigan, will host the season’s first percussion event the same day.

The following week marks the debut of the WGI Winds division, which will share the arena with percussion groups in Indianapolis.

To see the full schedule, click on each division’s tab at WGI.org.

“It is very exciting that there are no creative boundaries.”

A Window Into Winds

Want to know about WGI’s newest division? Here are some essential facts: ● WGI Winds’ first season kicks off on February 14, 2015 ● Instruments typically utilized and recognized as part of a band or orchestra are allowed. ● Wind ensembles will

www.wgi.org

compete at select WGI Percussion and Color Guard events throughout the season, including at the World Championships in Dayton, Ohio (April 11-12). ● At each event, three judges

will score ensembles for Music Analysis (30 points), Visual Analysis (30 points), and Overall Effect (40 points). ● Find rules, score-sheets, entry guidelines, and more information at wgi.org/winds

Aimachi

wgi focus 7

e n s emb l e blue knights/WGI

Guard Focus blue knights/DCI

A Nye for an Eye Available in 22 distinctive hues, Ben Nye Theatrical Makeup’s Lumiere eye shadows can complete any ensemble’s look with distinctive and brilliantly colorful metallic and iridescent shades. The makeup can be applied wet or dry, and you can mix water or LiquiSet into any of the shades to make a creamy and brilliant paint. Colors include: Ice, Silver, Bronze, Sun Yellow, Tangerine, Jade, Cosmic Blue, Royal Purple, Amethyst, Persimmon, Azalea, Cosmic Violet, Peacock, Iced Gold, Aztec Gold, Chartreuse, Mermaid Green, Turquoise, Cherry Red, Golden Apricot, Indian Copper and Starry Night. bandshoppe.com

Drum Corps Connections After kicking off in Michigan City with the Open Class Prelims on Monday, August 4, Drum Corps International’s “Championship Week” came to a thunderous climax at the World Class Finals at Indianapolis’s Lucas Oil Stadium on August 9. And as always, the arena was filled with performers, instructors, staff members and full ensembles with Winter Guard International connections.

For years, the Concord, California-based Blue Devils organization has “unofficially” shared instructors and members with WGI groups, most notably Riverside City College’s RCC Indoor percussion line. This fall, RCC Indoor officially became part of the Blue Devils Performing Arts organization. Good timing, too: After its “B” unit topped the Open Class in Michigan Santa Clara Vanguard/WGI City, the Blue Devils marched into Indy and broke DCI’s all-time points record to win its 16th World Class championship.

In bringing DCI and WGI under one roof, BDPA will join four other 2014 World Class finalists. Bluecoats (sponsors of IA color guard Artistry in BLUE) finished second. Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), the parent organization for the bronze medal-winning Cadets, also sponsors the Cadets Winter Percussion line , which won the 2014 PIO class crown in its first season of WGI competition, and is launching an IO guard for 2015. The Santa Clara Vanguard organization made the 2014 Finals in Santa Clara Vanguard/dci both DCI classes, finishing fourth in World Class, second in Open. The successful summer followed a 2014 indoor season in which Santa Clara’s percussion and color guard units made their respective WGI World Class Finals (the guard finished second).

Rosemont, Illinois’ Cavaliers finished sixth in DCI’s World Class; the parent organization of WGI PIO group Green Thunder debuts a new indoor guard, chromium , next season. Eighth went to Denver’s Blue Knights , who have been competing in WGI’s Indoor Percussion division since it began. Finally, although their outdoor units didn’t make DCI’s World Class Finals in 2014, Pioneer and oregon crusaders both have strong WGI programs. Pioneer Indoor percussion took bronze in 2014 PIO, while Oregon Crusaders made the PIW finals and the organization’s color guard finished fifth in Open Class.

8 wgi focus

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www.wgi.org

© 2014 Avedis Zildjian Company

TURNING BRONZE INTO GOLD

DARTMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

GOLD MEDALIST SCHOLASTIC WORLD

To see video highlights from WGI 2014: ZILDjIAN.COM/VIDEOS/WGI-MARCHING

SOUND LEGACY

e n s emb l e New Secrets Unveiled!

WGI is revealing more Top Secrets. The educational video series (available on DVD or via download), is designed to cover every essential indoor percussion topic. Volume 1 included modules on “Selecting a Program,” “Storyboarding a Show” and “Orchestrating for Indoor Percussion.” Volume 2 is intended as a problem-solver, offering modules like “Visual Troubleshooting,” “Individual & Sectional Troubleshooting” and “Ensemble Troubleshooting.”

“The new modules will be geared towards instructors and technicians,” says WGI Percussion Education Coordinator Caleb Rothe. “Each will feature essential tips and information from members of our Percussion Steering Committee to help viewers take their ensembles to the next level. Each module will

share tricks of the trade that our experts have discovered over the years, including techniques and strategies to help correct common errors. The modules will also guide viewers through the process of putting all the pieces together to achieve the best possible results. These three modules are really essential viewing for anyone looking to hone their craft, improve as educators, and give their ensemble a competitive edge.”

Learn more at wgi.org/topsecrets

2014 Championship DVDs

Each of the modules will share tricks of the trade that our experts have discovered.

Relive all the action from the 2014 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/2014/ and wgi.thefannetwork.org/store.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in all the action at the WGI World Championships next April, you might want to consider a VIP ticket package.

While the details vary slightly for Color Guard and Percussion, both packages offer premium seating at the Finals, free general admission to Prelims and Semifinals, a VIP parking pass, and a coupon for a complimentary World Championship program. To order or learn more, call the WGI box office at (866) 589-7161 or visit us anytime at wgi.org/tickets 10 wgi focus

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e n s emb l e Principals Give WGI High Marks This fall, The National Association of Secondary School Principals placed all WGI Regional and World Championships events on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2014-2015.

In so doing, the association is recognizing the educational value of WGI’s long-established color guard and percussion programs, along with the new WGI Winds division.

“WGI is proud to have approval from such a prestigious organization,” says Director of Operations and Sponsor Relations Bart Woodley.

“This truly helps to magnify the educational value of the indoor marching arts activities to parents, instructors, and school administrators.”

Before including any program on its Advisory List, the NASSP (which serves middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders in the U.S. and more than 45 other countries), carefully evaluates it based for educational value, financial support, organizational structure, promotional accuracy, and fair and

When it comes to finding jobs (or staff) in the world of WGI, general employment sites like Craigslist or Monster.com don’t quite cut it.

WGI’s new jobs board allows organizations and aspiring instructors and staffers to connect more easily than ever before. Organizations can post jobs directly online. And with separate sections for Color Guard, Percussion, and Winds, job-seekers can browse for opportunities or use the search function to narrow things down by position, location, and more. wgi.org/jobs 12 wgi focus

“WGI is proud to have approval from such a prestigious organization”

appropriate adjudication. “WGI has always been committed to providing the best possible educational experience for our performers,” said Ron Nankervis, WGI Executive Director. “We are thrilled with our new partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals who have the highest standards for high school events around the country. We hope that our inclusion on their national list of approved contests will encourage school administrators of established color guard, percussion, and marching winds programs that WGI events are worthwhile endeavors for their students.”

Share the Love:

Want to connect with other passionate WGI percussion, color guard, and wind ensemble fans and groups?

Follow us on social media.

Find quick links at wgi.org

See, we KNEW He Could Dance!

Congratulations to Ricky Ubeda, who assisted Mia Michaels at WGI’s annual “Day After” master class after the 2014 Color Guard World Championships. The 18-year-old took the top prize on the 11th season of Fox television’s So You Think You Can Dance. “I am in complete shock,” the Miami native told EW.com. “I knew this was possible, but for it to actually happen is unreal… I just graduated high school. I don’t know what my real life is yet.” See Ricky and other SYTYCD performers strut their stuff at Fox.com/dance!

Ricky Ubeda on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance.And with Mia Michaels at WGi’s Day after event (right).

Photos: Brooklin Rosenstock / FOX

Work for A WGI Group

Arcadia HS

e n s emb l e

Spotlight By Michael Reed

The Helping Hands of WGI

When it comes to the WGI World Championships, there’s nothing better than marching out onto the floor and performing. But perhaps the next best thing is to be part of the team that makes it possible for ensembles from all over the U.S. and overseas take their shot at WGI history.

You can be part of the action as a volunteer for the 2015 Percussion/Winds (April 9-12) and Color Guard (April 16-18) World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. “Volunteering for WGI was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever Volunteers and former members had,” says Reyn Libed, a former Volunteers Geoff Goelz and member of Onyx who volunReyn Libed on left teered for the first time last service doing office jobs but went on to season. “When a performer a role that utilized her degree in walks onto that floor, they hospitality management. “I like the experience a once-in-a-lifetime challenge of making everybody opportunity. Being a part of that happy,” she says. “It feels good is one of the most cherished when people compliment me on memories I will have.” the menu ... A killer dessert helps Reyn was among over 170 people working everyone feel better.” with WGI’s professional staff in 2014. With the Ultimately, the focus is on the WGI Winds division launching, even more able cabanski young men and women putting it all bodies will be needed in 2015. “Over the last 10 out there on the floor. “In the end, it’s all years we’ve grown the volunteer base from about making sure the units performing at Champiapproximately 100 to what it is today,” says WGI onships have the best experience possible,” Volunteer Coordinator Mark Ackerson. “Along the Ackerson says. “The volunteer ranks will continue way we’ve learned to be more efficient and flexible to grow as WGI grows. Servicing the units at the with our program.”

Championship events is our top priority.”

One reason the team has been able to grow is “Volunteering at WGI was an amazing experithat many volunteers keep coming back, using their ence!” adds former Zydeco guard member Geoff experience to help newcomers find their way. “I Goelz. “It felt great to play a small part in what is a really enjoy the people we work with,” says veteran huge experience for so many talented performers, Catering Coordinator Pam Cabanski, who keeps he designers, staff and spectators.”

WGI support team fed during both World ChampiLike the performers themselves, WGI volunteers onship weekends. “We have a lot of laughs and we are part of a team of people who share their all work very hard. My philosophy is if you’re going passion and enthusiasm for the indoor marching to work that hard you’ve got to have some fun!” arts. “I’ve met so many wonderful personalities on Responsibilities range from getting fans to their staff at WGI as well as on staff of the performing seats to helping ensembles get on the floor, and more. No specific skills are required, but if you have units,” Libed says. “They make the long hours and the hard work completely worth it. I can’t wait for a specialty, there’s a good chance that it will be put next year.” to use. Cabanski, for example, began her WGI 14 wgi focus

WGI Wants You!

Ready to get involved?

Volunteers are expected to be available for all three days of each Finals weekend and must be 18 or older (or accompanied by a volunteering parent or guardian). WGI provides free hotel rooms, food during event times, special WGI attire, and the knowledge that your work is vital to everyone involved.

“Hundreds of ensembles compete in each division,” says WGI’s Megan Harmon. “We wouldn’t be able to hold the World Championships without our volunteers.” ›› To learn more about becoming a volunteer visit wgi.org/contents/ Volunteer.html

“We have a lot of laughs and we all work very hard.” www.wgi.org

close-up

Upwardly Mobile Upper Darby HS entered a whole new world in 2014—and rose to the occasion

By Danny Miles

“I got an email from Mark Thurston ...

The subject line said ‘Opportunity of a lifetime!’”

16 wgi focus

A top-10 finish might seem like a comedown

for a defending champion. But for 2013 Percussion Scholastic Open winners Upper Darby HS, just making the 2014 WGI Finals was an epic achievement.

Then again, Upper Darby was facing the toughest competition in its history after a late-season promotion elevated the group to WGI’s Percussion Scholastic World Class. “We competed for the entire season in PSO,” says Jason Majerczak, who ended his 16-year run leading Upper Darby’s drumline after the season. “At the Unionville regional, we went out and did really well. A day or two later, I got an email from Mark Thurston saying that WGI thought we were ready to be promoted to the World Class. The subject line said ‘Opportunity of a lifetime!’”

Entering PSW was the latest step in a long and steady rise for the drumline, which was founded in 1995 and came under Majerczak’s leadership in 1998. After competing locally for a few years, the group joined WGI and went to

Dayton for the first time in 2005, getting tantalizingly close to the PSO Finals three times before getting through in 2008. After missing the Finals the following year, the group earned a bronze medal in 2010—and the gold in 2013.

“It was amazing,” Majerczak recalls of the championship win. “We popped a mid-90s at the regional and knew we had a chance. But it was scary at the Finals because our sound system lost its connection and none of the samples worked. I thought it would cost us, but one of our staff members was able to fix it over WiFi, and the kids kept their composure.”

So despite having a strong chance to repeat as PSO champs, Majerczak and the rest of the staff—instructor/designers Mike Nevin, and Bob Cizmarik, and techs Amanda Carosi, Joe Ciancimino, Neil Deluca, Amanda West, Mike Dow, Brendan Murphy, and Sarah Kemmerer— were eager to get the students under the PSW spotlight. “Our whole thing was ‘let’s take them to the next level,’” he says. “We were excited to have the kids in front of the big Saturday night crowd in Dayton. It was cool to watch their faces: They were ready to go.”

With little time before the Finals, there were minimal changes to Upper Darby’s show, “The Long Walk Home.” “We tried not to freak [the kids] out too much,” Majerczak says. “We said ‘good is good, just do your best.’ We talked not only about playing and marching performance but also about the emotional factor.”

One thing they didn’t have to worry about was the group’s work ethic. “You wouldn’t think [our district] would have a ‘Wold Class’ program,” Majerczak says. “We struggle financially. But one thing we always preach to the kids is that hard work will get you where you want to go.”

And in the end, the Upper Darby’s drumline didn’t merely “get to” the PSW Finals, it arrived—finishing a solid 10th with a score of 89.42. “The kids follow the activity really closely,” Majerczak concludes. “They know the level that World Class is, and just being in the same arena as all those groups was huge for them. They totally got it.” www.wgi.org

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profile

Imbued With Passion Founder Shavon Garcia has helped her group become Independent World contenders.

By Debbie Galante Block

Shavon Garcia Imbue founder

The Mirriam-Webster dictionary defines imbue as “to cause (someone or something) to be deeply affected by a feeling.” Back in 2009, this concept resonated with Shavon Garcia as she was searching for a name for a new indoor color guard she was founding. “I was just looking through words and their meanings,” she recalls. “When I came across the word ‘imbue,’ there was a ring to it.” Five years, later Imbue has emerged as a contending force, earning a bronze medal at the 2014 Independent World Class Finals in Dayton. And, as Garcia explains, the group’s philosiphy is not only reflected in the name, but also in the way it was chosen.

➧ Naming convention: She may have liked the word, but instead of unilaterally deciding to call the group “Imbue,” Garcia ran it by the potential members to get their input, giving them a sense of involvement that remains at the core of the organization’s philosiphy. “It set a precedent for us,” she says. “While, of course, I run the group, all of the performers have a piece of this.” ➧ On guard! Garcia was bitten by the color guard bug pretty early in life. Her first pageantry performance was as a student at Riverbank (CA) High School, and her first drum corps experience began with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets. She taught for six years at her alma mater and was a technician for Beyer High School’s World Class color guard, then served as caption head and designer from 2006-’08. She continues to instruct, design, choreograph, and consult for several Bay Area high school programs, and spends her summers as a caption head for DCI’s Bluecoats, based in Canton, Ohio.

“The activity put me on the right path growing up.”

18 wgi focus

➧ Labor of Love: Garcia and Imbue’s two staff members, Jaycee Wilson and David Zeihm, don’t draw salaries. But the commitment of the members provides plenty of compensation. “There are few participants from Modesto in the group where we’re based, so

members travel from two to six hours to be here.” Garcia says. “They are our hearts. I love being a creator and I love the activity. But what is everlasting is our relationships with our students.” ➧ Passing the torch: A graduate of Chapman University with a degree in Psychology, Garcia now wants to provide younger generations with the experience she found so important in her youth. “The activity put me on the right path growing up. It gave me a purpose. I am passionate about doing the same for others. I think a psychology degree goes hand in hand with that.” ➧ The Devils you know: The group has yet to secure outside sponsorship, but it does get a helping hand from one of the pagentry arts’ Imbue 2014

most successful organizations: the Blue Devils.

Zeihm is a BD technician, while designer Jay Murphy is Garcia’s close friend and worked with Imbue early in the group’s history. “They’ve donated gently used equipment,” she says. ➧ The best “we”: As the leader of an emerging group, Garcia says it’s important to “focus on what we have control over and not compare ourselves to others—but rather be the best that we can be.” ➧ Most Important Word: “I let my performers know how much I appreciate them,” Garcia concludes. “I wouldn’t have this without them—and I don’t have a day go by without telling them that.” www.wgi.org

Lake Travis High School Austin, TX School Lake Travis High 2014 TCGC Bronze Austin, TX Medalist 2014 TCGC Bronze Medalist

ATX Winterguard TX ATXAustin, Winterguard 2014 WGI Independent Austin, TX A Finalist 2014 WGI Independent A Finalist

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Ever wonder what percussion instruments the award-winning drum corps play, what live sound gear they use — and why? It can all be summed up in one word: Yamaha.

For a list of the choices made by The Cavaliers, simply look below. For an interactive version of this page that will help explain the why, visit www.4wrd.it/cavwgi.

the Long Haul In it for

2013 ›› blue knights ›› 1994

By Michael Boo

Times may change, but these historical powers are always in the mix.

Over WGI’s 37 seasons, thousands of groups have competed in color guard and percussion events. New organizations appear, while others fade into history. But over the decades, a select few have become WGI’s perennials, groups that make the finals so regularly that those rare occasions when they’re not in the mix seem a little strange.

Independent color guard Blessed Sacrament has been a World Class finalist for the past 35 years. Pride of Cincinnati has enjoyed 24 years in the World Class Finals and, after taking a hiatus last season, is eagerly expected back in WGI competition in 2015.

Scholastic guards have also shown staying power. Center Grove HS has made the Finals 28

1985 ‹‹ northview HS ›› 2013

22 wgi focus

times. Other scholastic stalwarts include 27-time Finalist Choctawhatchee HS, Miamisburg HS (26 Finals appearances), and Northview HS (23 trips to the big show).

WGI’s Indoor Marching Percussion division hasn’t been around as long as its color guard counterpart, but since its launch in 1993, a few drumlines have stayed the course.

Blue Knights Indoor Percussion was established that year, and the three-time WGI Champion has appeared in 19 Finals since 1994. Music City Mystique, founded in 1994, has placed in the World Class top-four for 20 consecutive seasons.

Rhythm X and Riverside Community College Indoor Percussion

have been finalists every year since their first appearance at the World Championships in 2002; Rhythm X won the 2002 Open Class title before moving to World Class the next year.

RCC won the World Class title its first season and has placed among the 2014 ‹‹ top-four ever since.

Riverside Community To be successful over College the long haul, these groups have all had to adapt to changing times. They’ve conquered economic ups and downs, staff and management changes, and, most www.wgi.org

2014 ‹‹ choctawhatchee HS

2014 ›› music city mystique ›› 1998

miamisburg hs 2014 ‹‹

important, ongoing evolutions in show design.

Thematic shows and storytelling are more important today than they were in past decades. Musical styles have evolved along with movement. Digital technology has brought sound to a dimension unimaginable in WGI’s early years. Even the uniforms seem to be changing at an increasing rate (see “Fabric of Time” on page 29). How do they keep up?

“Each year is a challenge,” says Music City Mystique co-founder Don Click. “We don’t do different types of shows for the sake of being different, we do different types of shows because we want to push ourselves. If we did the same thing every year, the members

www.wgi.org

2014 ‹‹ Blessed Sacrament ›› 1985

would get bored, the staff would get bored and the audience would surely get bored.

Sometimes we try something and it doesn’t work…and that’s okay!”

Modest Beginnings

With their records for consistency, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the groups now regarded as dynasties were once new. According to Click, Music City Mystique began by borrowing instruments from individuals and high school bands. Before every rehearsal, many of them had to be taken apart to fit in members’ cars, brought to rehearsal, reassembled, and then taken apart again for return to the schools. “Equipment,” Click recalls, “was loaded like jigsaw puzzles.” Early on, the group even made its own uniforms to save costs. It wasn’t until Mystique began to emerge as a regular contender that sponsors came on board with equipment and uniforms.

Blessed Sacrament has come a long way since the color guard evolved out of a parish drill team that competed in the Boston-area Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) circuit prior to the 1978 founding of WGI. Travel demands were far less in wgi focus 23

2013 ‹‹ pride of Cincinnati ›› 1987 those days. Elaborate props and sets were yet to become fashionable, members came from the local area, and competitions were within easy driving distance.

While Blessed Sacrament is now a national force, the organization still works hard to support the activity locally.

“We provide staff and instructor education to guards in the area,” director Ed Devlin says. “We also host a ‘spin day’ that’s open to anyone who wants to participate.” Novices are given a chance to march in the organization’s “A” guard, and those with a little more experience may try out for the Blessed Sacrament’s Open guard.

Passing The Torch

Each year, new members of long-established groups become part of a rich history that carries with it both pride and responsibility. “The members know they represent an organization that is extremely respected,” Devlin says.

“They’re an important part of the Sac legacy.”

This connection between staff, alumni, and members establishes the group’s longterm identity. Blessed Sacrament’s motto of “‘Love, Trust, and Commitment,’” is central, Devlin says. “When members feel they can trust one another, the love shared by all in the ensemble is apparent and spectacular things can happen.”

Competitive success is important, but to keep the organization strong year after year, members must feel that they have a long-term stake in the “second family” that is their guard or drum line. Most instructors for both Blessed Sac and Mystique are volunteer alumni dedicated to giving current members the same great experiences they had as performers. Their unpaid dedication allows each unit to put more funds into travel and equipment.

“Probably the biggest highlight over our history has been seeing past members come back to teach Mystique, as well as spread through the marching activity to teach other WGI, Drum Corps International, and high school groups,” Click says. “They feel the need to ‘pay it forward’ and share their love for this activity with others.”

Old Hands at New Thinking

For the most successful WGI groups, endurance goes hand in hand with innovation. Ironically, some of the most successful of the “old guard” are also 24 wgi focus

2014 ›› Center Grove HS

the most avant garde. Rhythm X stays fresh by coming up with drill ideas that test the limits of what’s possible. A few years back, a member of the drumline wowed the crowd by running across the rims of the marching drums. Yet instead of recycling that show-stopper the following season, the staff dropped it and moved on to other visual innovations.

How does the staff keep things fresh? Mystique’s design team looks beyond the activity for ideas: Everything is fair game, from Broadway shows to concert tours to books or other media. Blessed Sacrament’s staff also studies the arts outside of winter guard. Devlin says the goal is to keep the fear of failure from getting in the way of creativity “There is no such thing as a bad idea.”

The search for ideas can extend across continents and performance disciplines. Rhythm X took its show to Europe in 2007 and now sponsors European X, an indoor marching percussion line in The Netherlands. This fall, Riverside Community College Indoor Percussion announced a partnership with Blue Devils Performing Arts (best known for its DCI World and Open Class drum corps).

Director Gary Locke says the move, “increases our stability…maintaining our goal of being on the cutting edge.”

Such innovative ideas may help keep WGI’s 2014 ›› dynastic groups in the Rhythm X Finals each year, but ›› 2002 their long-term greatness is about more than creative design, success in the arena, or business acumen. Their ongoing presence enhances a sense of community across the entire activity; their history connects generations past, present, and future.

Passing the Torch

In 2015 and beyond, new groups will emerge in color guard, percussion, and WGI’s new Winds division. Click feels that WGI’s most enduring groups can serve as role models for fledgling organizations while being invigorated by the newcomers at the same time. “When we started, there were no groups to look up to—it was a new activity,” he says. “As more ensembles have joined the ranks of indoor drumline, we hope that we influence them, maybe not in show design, but just knowing that it’s possible to take a very young inexperienced group and turn it into a stable organization. Each year the bar is being raised in our activity and it’s been fun to welcome new and exciting competitors into our class as well as WGI as a whole. We push each other!” www.wgi.org

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The Fabric

Of Time

1998 dartmoth HS

By Dianne Spoto Ackerman

The Evolution of WGI Costumes and Couture

1978 Sacred Heart, Rosolindale, Ma

Spectacular movement, heart-pounding music, sublime artistry, intense competition: These are the hallmarks of WGI’s Sport of the Arts. And often (to adapt a famous expression to sports and performing groups), “the clothes make the team.”

Uniforms help establish group identity, bring show themes to life, and connect performers with fans.

With elaborate designs and high-tech athletic materials, WGI uniforms have become a more powerful tool for creative expression than ever before.

A Little History

Today’s indoor color guards, drumlines (and, now, wind ensembles) may not look it, but they have their roots in military marching traditions that go back centuries. Soldiers wore colorful uniforms and carried flags to both establish “We are their identity and build esprit de corps. Military bands hyper aware of relayed signals, helped units march in formation, and what competitors rallied the troops. The striped trousers, buttoned jackets, straight lines, and helmets worn by outdoor across the country modern marching bands pay homage to the attire of are doing today.” their military forebears.

—Joe Martinez Early on, many indoor percussion and guard groups looked a lot like their outdoor brethren; some even wore the same “band” uniforms indoors and out. But it didn’t take long for WGI groups to get uniform design marching in a whole new direction.

Over the years, several factors have refashioned WGI wear. Since polyester blends replaced wool and cotton as the fabrics of choice for athletes and dancers in the 1960s, there’s been an ongoing evolution in performance and athletic wear. Today’s materials are lighter, more comfortable, and less restrictive than ever, allowing freer movement as they wick moisture away from sweating performers.

Just as important, they offer nearly limitless design options.

These advances are proving to be a www.wgi.org

Marian Catholic HS uniform by Band Shoppe

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perfect fit for the ever-increasing diversity and creativity of WGI shows. Uniforms play an important part in projecting each season’s theme while accentuating the movement of the performers. It’s not only important to look good— you also have to look different. “I feel it’s important to change costumes each season,” says Byron Valentine, designer at Fred J. Miller.

“With each new season comes a new program, new music, and a new story.”

Latest Trends

1997 ponderosa HS

1980 Phantom Regiment

fabrics. This is very appealing to people concerned with the Dramatic new looks coming from companies like Algy Team, cutting edge and being ahead of the game.”

Band Shoppe, Director’s Showcase International, McCorTechnology is also bringing new textures to fabrics of all mick’s Enterprises, A Wish Come True, The Band Hall, and kinds. “We can use a laser cutter to create very intricate, lacy Fred J. Miller have taken indoor color guard and drum line patterns,” says Person. “We’re seeing lots of shredded fabric uniforms to a new sartorial dimension. “With outdoor too. We were hand-cutting fabric in the past; now lasers are marching, the considerations surround durability of fabric making the cuts. Then there’s velvet burnout technology— and uniforms that last several seasons,” says Band Shoppe which burns designs into the fabric—and embossing, which designer Joe Martinez. “But with indoor marching, you can creates a stamped texture.” choose lighter-weight fabrics, sheer fabrics, and even With all these options, uniforms can become pricey, delicate materials.” especially if you replace them each season. But groups don’t These days, each new WGI season brings have to spend a lot to hit the floor in style. “In truth: you anticipation about what the latest show-stopping don’t have to wear a million-dollar uniform to look like a fashions and trends will be. Designers study the million bucks,” Valentine says. “With the right hair, makeup, latest show trends and techniques so they can and—this is important, tailoring—even a ‘design on a develop uniforms that enhance the performers. budget’ garment can look important and tasteful.”

For example, curvilinear movement is more Martinez suggests wearing “in-stock basics” such as popular than the block marching of yesterpants, unitard, etc., as a base for multiple seasons. year, so today’s uniforms are designed to “Then you can pair those with custom skirts or tops, accentuate curved lines. which is less expensive than creating an entirely new Competition is also helping to fuel a outfit from scratch each year.” creative explosion among designers. “We Another challenge is finding a design that will look are hyper-aware of what competitors good on an ensemble of performers of different sizes across the country are doing today,” and body types. “Focus on uniform elements that can Martinez says, “especially with social help your group look stylish and thematic while being media and You Tube. In the past, we flattering on all members,” Valentine says “It is so didn’t know what everyone else was important for each performer to feel confident and wearing because we couldn’t see it.” secure in what they’re wearing. Confidence in Today’s hot trends include reflective costuming will only enhance their performance level.” materials, mirrors, and sequins.

Rhythm x According to Martinez, making an entire group look Next season, it could be completely uniform

by Fred J. unified for a whole season boils down to three factors: different “One year it might be Miller silhouette, fabric choice, and storage. Regarding silhouette: individualized looks, the next, it “You don’t want to put someone super tall in something that might be the use of digitally printed fabrics,” makes them look gangly, and you don’t want someone short Valentine says. “Then one year, it might be a to wear something that makes them look shorter,” he return to simplicity,” explains. “The goal is uniformity, and you want to [visually] According to Martinez, the latest looks reach from the field up to the press box. With fabric choice, for indoor marching revolve around certain colors are going to pop more than texture and distinctive fabrics. “Digital others. White is usually not the best printing garment technology has taken option. Is that white dress going to design options to a whole new level of look as great after 50 wears? Finally, individuality,” he says. “The fabric is run Focus on proper storage isn’t discussed through a machine and the ink is pressed “uniform elements much, but it’s essential. There into the fabric itself. You can design your are so many products to store own print. It can be photo realistic, a custom that can help your uniforms, and having good color, or an image treated in Photo Shop. You group look stylish and hangers, moth- and moldcan pretty much design whatever you want: thematic while being proof boxes, etc., will keep If your show is about fire, you can print realistic images of flames onto a variety of flattering on all members.” uniforms looking amazing.”

—Byron Valentine 30 wgi focus

www.wgi.org

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Branding and Marketing Reaching fans through viral social media, infectious performances, and more

By Michael Boo

Emanon

Successful WGI groups

don’t just perform well; they also project an image—a “brand”—instantly recognizable to fans, sponsors, and the rest of the WGI community. “Branding is the most essential piece in marketing,” Infinity says John Vega, Coordinator, Show Designer, and Caption Head for Emanon Winter Guard. “It’s not about getting picked first over our competitors; it’s about showing our fans, friends, and our ‘community’ that we have something to say.”

And today, there are more ways to say something than ever. Groups can use their own websites and outlets like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and others to reach fans at minimal expense and maximum frequency. But quality is more important than quantity: People are constantly being bombarded with new information. To cut through the din, keep your messages short and relevant. Writing in plain language (instead of jargon) and including pictures and/or video can make your messages more appealing.

“Images are incredibly powerful,” says Arthur Goodman, Director of Ensembles and Marketing for Infinity Percussion.

“And the great thing is that a majority of them can be taken from a smartphone.”

Every year, Infinity’s staff and members are encouraged to help spread the word. Sharing the responsibility among a large group of people makes it easier to keep the information flowing and increases the chance that fans will take notice. The goal is to create something viral that will spread on its own accord. Amusing stories or posts can be especially effective. In 2014, Infinity members began joking about a

wacky bass drummer, named Robert, getting ready for the trip to the WGI World Championships. It inspired a member of the marketing team to develop a graphic with the catchphrase, “Robert Is Leaving for Dayton.”

“The members and the Internet took care of the rest,” Goodman explains.

“The idea created such a strong presence that it lasted throughout the weekend. It was a cool moment not just for Robert, but for the entire Infinity family.”

Yet there’s still no better “branding campaign” than a great show. Vega recalls how a design meeting in the summer of 2013 eventually helped his group create the show that established its new image. “I played my favorite piece, ‘Old Skin’ by Olafur Arnalds, and our movement coordinator Johnny Amos immediately started dancing. It was gracefully elegant and was one of the few times I physically witnessed someone dance with such conviction. I knew we needed to channel that to our members. ‘Old Skin’ became symbolic: Emanon was clearly changing. We decided to push the concept even further by creating our 2014 show ‘Metamorphosis,’ which enabled us to completely ‘shed our skin’ and form a new identity.”

“I think each ensemble wants to be unique in some way,” Goodman says. “That’s part of the activity, isn’t it? Our goal is to represent our area of the country, who we are as individuals and as a group. Organizations are made up of unique performers, designers, and instructors. Finding the vehicle to accurately communicate that to the world takes a lot of hard work and time, but we feel we’re on a very good path.”

“I think each ensemble wants to be unique in some way.”

34 wgi focus

www.wgi.org

This season only happens once. Let’s get to work.

Let’s get BANDED.

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scholarship

The Power of Perseverance The positive mindset developed in color guard helped her win the fight of her life

By Christina King Diamante

In an era when teenagers

would rather text than talk and drive than walk, young people have a harder time learning patience and determination than ever.

But color guard can change all that. Above all, performing with a WGI group teaches the significance of perseverance, a trait that separates us from our peers in all aspects of our lives.

Before joining Diamante, I I constantly thought, “I can’t.”

I brought this defeatist attitude into my first year spinning. Upon receiving my team policies, I noticed number 13: “You may not say ‘I can’t’.” Initially, I was lost; how were my words relevant to my performance? But Diamante staff members Mario and Brandi Ramirez encouraged us to constantly tell ourselves, “I can”—to affirm with our teammates that nothing was too taxing, too difficult, or too advanced to achieve. The power of positive thinking transformed our group. We quickly began to improve, first as individuals, then, and more importantly, as a unit. We kept taking on harder choreography and cleaning more quickly, just as the staff intended all along. I loved what I was doing. I now know that the feeling stemmed from positive reinforcement and the perseverance that saying “I can” instilled in us.

This life lesson has followed me far my past color guard experience, into the deepest challenges of my life. In 2011, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It threw me into a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties: Would I still go to

“Diamante staff members Mario and Brandi Ramirez encouraged us to constantly tell ourselves, “I can!””

school? Would I ever get my driver’s license? Would I continue to perform?

Panic-stricken, I sank back into my “I can’t” attitude; I just couldn’t connect everything I had learned in rehearsal with my external life. But I returned to practice the following week, and I was immediately reminded of the mentality that had helped me conquer 12-hour blocks, lay down under rifles, and toss from others’ shoulders. The outlook I developed at Diamante became part of my personality through this life-altering experience, leading me to march despite my personal challenges. I reached remission and stable health the following year, and to this day, I am thankful for rule number 13. Without it, I scarcely know who or where I would be today.

Color guard really isn’t just about rifles in the air or dancers on the floor: It’s about pushing boundaries, never taking “no” for an answer, and realizing that overcoming challenges within a team can transform us into men and women of perseverance and confidence. My time at Diamante continues to shape me into my college years and beyond; I am forever changed because of my color guard family, and thankful for the WGI Scholarship program the staff who made me the best version Since its inception, the WGI Scholarship Program has provided more than $500,000 of myself today. to deserving young people. The money for these scholarships comes from the 50/50 raffle at World Championships and generous contributions from donors.

D If you are interested in donating to the WGI Scholarship Fund, please send your donation to: WGI Scholarship Donation, 2405 Crosspointe Drive, Dayton, OH 45342 DFor more on the WGI Scholarship Program, visit wgi.org/contents/scholarship.html 36 wgi focus

Christina King is one of 20 performers who received WGI Scholarships in 2014. www.wgi.org

what’s your WGIQ? At first glance, these two pictures of Gateway at the 2014 Percussion Independent World Finals look identical—but they’re not.

Can you spot 10 differences between the top and bottom versions?

You’ll find the solution at wgi.org/wgiq.

38 wgi focus

www.wgi.org