Reprinted from WGI.org By Alex Mendoza -- 2010 signifies more than just the start of a new decade. In respects to the activity it marks the beginning of another unprecedented era of creativity and innovation. Consider where we were 10 years ago to this date. We recall the classic fury and delicacy of Blue Knights’ program “The Elements”,
or the George Orwell-inspired world Mission Viejo brought to fruition with their program, “State of the State”. These were but a few programs that set forth the tone for a new decade – one of considerable progress and ultimately taking risks with how designers ask their players to perform and the move.
Now we stand on the cusp of another decade where the horizon seems limitless; especially after witnessing the 36 ensembles that took the floor at Great Oak High School. A month earlier 19 ensembles made it to the finals portion of the Riverside regional. This time out that number nearly doubled, providing a healthy assortment of programs that continued to display unifying threads. Vocals were at the forefront of many programs, offering another aesthetic and emotional connection for the performers and audiences to latch onto. Programs that focused on shifts from darkness to light, negative to positive or just the overall vibe of hope amidst times of despair were also in considerable display.
All the while the excitement continued to build with a close race in Percussion Scholastic Open between four-time Percussion Scholastic Open Pacifica High School and Open Class newcomer South Hills High School, who bounced back from the lower rankings at the Riverside Regional to the top of the pack. Those judges who are assigned the task to judge Scholastic World and Independent World will undoubtedly find themselves at odds and ends considering the talent level in these classes is inhuman at best; especially when you take into account what the Scholastic World performers are achieving at such an age. The musical and visual demands being set upon the performers constantly provide a sense of awe and wonder.
As fans we benefit from the prospect of witnessing the cultivation of music and its profound effect on those who decide to take part in this extremely demanding activity. It summarizes hours upon hours of endless work for a few minutes on the floor. But in that brief timeframe the performers earn more than a placement or a score. They earn the right to treasure a series of memories that remind them that this activity inevitably shapes these young people to tackle the real world; to know the feeling of performing in front of hundreds of people and hearing feverish applause; to make new friends and find inspiration from the vast number of instructors who create these intricate programs at all levels of competition. What we witness on the floor is a mere fraction of what transpires during the course of an entire season.
It’s one of those timeless experiences that words cannot aptly describe alone; an experience that continually attracts hundreds of students to push themselves beyond their own capabilities, as well as the thousands of fans that flock to witness the best of the best all across high schools in the United States. From an outsider’s perspective it appears to be such a quirky world with people dressed in costumes, playing drums and sacrificing time and money – all for the sake of a few minutes on the floor. As noted earlier, though, there is much more to this activity than meets the eye. And if this first year of the new decade is any indication there is much to look forward to in WGI’s future. Or as one ensemble succinctly stated: good things come to those who wait.
Percussion Scholastic A
90.175, 1st Place
Energy – Foothill High School – Henderson, HV
Foothill managed to stay at the top of the pack in both Prelims and Finals with their program, “Energy”. Set upon a black tarp with a bright-green design resembling an atom, the ensemble delivered a highly-energetic finals performance that detailed the various forms of energy – total energy, potential energy and kinetic energy. Narrative guided the audience along as the performers relied on their amazing talent to perform their highly demanding musical compositions and march at a variety of tempi - ranging from mid-tempo to incredibly fast. It would be hard to notice any sense of stress during this particularly demanding program, as the performers made the entire performance seem effortless. There should be no doubt that their showing at WGI Champs will be just as strong.
89.60, 2nd Place
Scrabble – Los Banos High School – Los Banos, CA
The performers of Los Banos have always displayed exceptional musical and visual chops, but they took it to the next level by incorporating elements from the beloved game “Scrabble”. A catchy guitar opened the beginning of an equally alluring and creative program. Words such as “rhythm”, “melody” and “tone” were accompanied by segments that focused on whatever words were on display. The closing moments of the program, however, were the most exciting. The words “solo” and “faster” served as the primary motivators and the performers responded in kind. It already requires some level of courage to march and play as fast as these performers, but it takes even more when playing “Son Et Lumiere” and “Inertiatic ESP” by The Mars Volta – a prog-rock band known for its genuine bouts with musical insanity. As usual, though, the Los Banos kids handled the task exceptionally well.
89.35, 3rd Place
The Question – Oceanside High School – Oceanside, CA
Asking questions about the world around us is as natural as the air we breathe. If people did not question how something works, or why people act the way they are then society would most likely be in the Stone Age. Oceanside took this into consideration with their program, “The Question”. The program started with the smaller questions we might hear from a child, such as “Why is the sky blue?” The music itself sounded akin to something in an Adventure-based movie – the pursuit of something grand and in this case it was the pursuit of knowledge. Other questions had more emotional weight, such as “Will you marry me?” This ballad segment contained a waltz-feel as the performers danced with one another. The last scenario served as the most serious of them, with a doctor telling a patient about an ominous prognosis. The patient responds: “I want to learn how to live”, followed by triumphant music that led to a strong closing statement.
87.25, 4th Place
Break Out – Madera South High School – Madera, CA
A circular sphere served as a confinement zone just before the performers managed to visually shatter their boundaries. This was one of many musical and visual references to breaking out - whether it is from a certain region or certain stage in one’s life. Samples were placed throughout the program, following the thoughts of an individual eager to break free and move beyond their borders. The visual references to these samples were highly effective, along with the ensemble’s keen eye for musical details. Moments where the speaker was clearly frustrated were enhanced with tense sounds and rhythms, while the hope to break free and move forward was accompanied by hopeful and soaring melodies.
85.40, 5th Place
5-Day Forecast – Casa Grande High School – Casa Grande, AZ
The performers of Casa Grande High School braced for turbulent weather with their creative program, “5-Day Forecast”. Bright-yellow umbrellas served a wonderful contrast to the calm-blue floor. The ensemble’s visual design was a strong highlight in the program, using props and uniform changes to enhance the various story-related segments of the production. Samples were used to simulate ever-changing weather conditions, from gale winds to the sudden downpour of rain. Excellent characterization from the performers added to the overall effect, perfectly capturing the delight, stress and other emotions people display when the weather is less than perfect.
84.20, 6th Place
Damien High School – La Verne, CA
The sound of a 56k modem opened Damien’s program, paving the way for a thematic motif about the various sounds emitted as information travels. The interplay between the battery and front ensemble was a key strength, with multiple passages focusing on exposed moments intermixed with short – but effective – battery features. The front ensemble had an especially exciting moment with a 16th note passage that continued to build and build until the battery’s jarring entrance served as the icing on the cake. While smaller than a majority of the other ensembles in their respective class, Damien’s skillful playing was a prime example that size has nothing to do in relation with ability. Congratulations to the ensemble for creating a “big” sound and sense of presence.
79.35, 7th Place
Control – Vista Murrieta High School –Murrieta, CA
It is not often you see an ensemble bounce between John William’s famous theme from “Star Wars” series, then to a head-bobbing club jam and then back to the playful and familiar strains of the opening theme from “The Office”. Vista Murrieta managed to accomplish this and more with their highly entertaining program, “Control”. The skilled performers (especially the snare line) juggled between the assortment of musical styles, at times light-hearted but never shying away from some moments of “in-your-face” battery action. There were several features that showcased the talented battery section all throughout the production – a key strength that kept the entire audience on edge. Kind of in the same way our favorite television shows have that effect and we have to wait an entire week – or season – for the next installment.
77.35, 8th Place
News Radio – Hanford High School – Hanford, CA
The outlets we have available to receive our news is extensive. Television, newspapers, magazines and the Internet are some examples, but rather than apply all their focus on those elements Hanford examines the transmission of key events in human history through news radio. A massive radio antennae beaming out its signal was a neat visual element painted onto their tarp. Various melodic and rhythmic motifs hinted similar melodies heard in other news casts, like the sound of information traveling across the airwaves. Some samples focused on historic events such as Nixon’s address following Watergate, planets orbiting stars and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Even with all the commotion and hectic nature of all the news traveling about during the program, the closing sample was a proper one: news on the radio – it’s so simple.
Percussion Independent A
88.50, 1st Place
Pulse – Stampede Winter Drumline – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The music of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays are complex beasts of their own accord. Irregular time signatures paired alongside guitar melodies that require more than nimble fingers – they require some sense of considerable technical skill and musicality. Tracks such as “The Gathering Sky” and “The Way Up – Part I” were a mere fraction of the virtuosity and musicality displayed by the performers of the Stampede Winter Drumline. Relying on their considerable musical abilities, Stampede was one of the few ensembles – if any – that simply used the jazz-fusion melodies to tell a story of their own. Again, few ensembles can handle Metheny and Mays and handle it with success, but Stampede took on a considerable challenge; a risky venture that paid off as the Canadian ensemble definitely earned the right to call themselves the 2010 PIA Regional Championships.
85.80, 2nd Place
Figment – Riverside Independent Percussion – Riverside, CA
A slow, brooding opener set the stage for an undeniably powerful program by Riverside Independent. The line showed no signs of restraint with its merciless barrage of notes, using Andrew Boysen, Jr.’s dissonant heavy movement, “Dies Irae” from the concert piece, “Grant Them Eternal Rest”. Samples were panned from left to right, giving the performers – as well as the audience – the impression they were hearing certain voices in their head. Intense characterization displayed a full-on commitment from the performers in creating the idea that they were literally going insane from the various things they were seeing and hearing. The incorporation of Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” was another stroke of thematic brilliance, painting the portrait of the ongoing madness lingering inside the heads of the performers. At the end, however, a sample noted that these things they heard were “all in their head”, leading to an explosive closer that capped off an extremely impressive and engaging program.
82.50, 3rd Place
Infected – Vegas Vanguard – Las Vegas, CA
Vegas Vanguard’s program, “Infected”, instantly reminded audiences of B-Horror movie premises, but thankfully without the B-Horror cheesiness. The program focused on a biological experiment that goes awry as scientists attempted to evade the very monsters they created. Horror-flick styled music and eerie passages dominated a majority of the program as the creatures continued to run amok inside the gym. The battery clearly enjoyed their opportunity to act as the living dead, but their hands and blazingly-fast features were far from sluggish or zombie-like. At one point the doctor pretended to act as one of the zombies – a la zombie movies such as “Shaun of the Dead” – and then broke out into a humorous dance segment. This proved to be completely useless, however, as the doctor and the remainder of the front ensemble was overtaken by the zombie, while the sounds of Gary Jules’ stripped down take of “Mad World” led to the ironic conclusion of the program.
4th Place, 75.50
Like Mike – Show Me Sound Focus Drumline – St. Louis, MO
Show Me Sound’s performance at the 2009 Temecula Regional was the only show that earned a standing ovation that day. It was a truly memorable moment that stayed with the audience and performance long after, displaying the effect music has on its participants and the surrounding community. It was an entertaining examination of the music of The Jackson Five – fun and light-hearted and with one sole aim: to entertain the audience. Show Me Sound returned with the same initiative, focusing solely on the music of the departed King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. The show was a touching tribute and featured the same spirit that roused the crowd last year. With songs such as “Day & Night”, “Billie Jean” and “Man in the Mirror” tossed into the mix, it was hard to avoid the toe-tapping sensation Show Me Sound brought to the floor. Yet again Terry Artis and his group of magnificent performers showed that at its core this activity is about enlightening the performers and the audience one show at a time. Consider their second appearance another surefire success.
Percussion Scholastic Concert Open
72.35, 1st Place
Murrieta Mesa High School – Murrieta, CA
Murrieta Mesa’s concert program dabbled with a variety of styles and challenges. The menacing opener showed the ensemble’s interpretation of melodies entrenched in darkness, as well as a lesson in how to tackle exposition. The ensemble’s slow-building intensity seamlessly transitioned to a graceful triplet-based figure supported by stately piano chords. As the program moved forward there were some musical moments that contained a Danny Elfman-esque vibe, with the music reminding the audience of how it might feel to travel down a street in suburbia, or the on-the-go nature of city businessmen trying to make it through another day. The fact the ensemble managed to generate such effects – even with small numbers – was a testament to their talent.
Percussion Scholastic Open
90.45, 1st Place
Mother – South Hills High School – West Covina, CA
Few programs have the staying power to affect an audience on all levels, but South Hills continues to showcase its unabashed heart-on-its sleeve by paying tribute to one of the most important role models in our lives: our mothers. The ensemble carefully balances moments of pure tranquility with dissonance and tension, along with a 15-second battery feature that brings new light to the idea of building suspense to the maximum threshold. Expertly-crafted samples are brilliantly incorporated to highlight the various references to mothers in pop culture, and first-hand accounts from mothers and their reaction to the various stages of their child’s life. Audiences in Dayton would be wise to have Kleenex on hand – especially moms. Lionel Richie’s “Three Times a Lady” is utilized to a tear-jerking effect.
89.4, 2nd Place
Thank You – Pacifica High School – Garden Grove, CA
Pacifica always manages to provide a solid, upbeat program. It is something worth noting because in the surrounding world there are hostile events and situations that affect public perception at large. It is simple for people to find themselves swept – if not taken – by the negativity. Imagine the inspiration that these performers provided during their performance, fully committing themselves to a positive message: to simply be thankful for the freedoms that we have as a people and individuals. Pacifica succeeded in sending their positive vibes loud and clear with dexterous hands and a strong visual presence. Samples from key moments in entertainment history – all dealing with gratitude – closed a compelling program with an equally passionate message.
85.85, 3rd Place
Second Chances – Rancho Cucamonga High School – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
As humans there are the inevitable moments of regret. Those nagging instances where we wish we could have another shot at that missed opportunity, or the unsaid goodbye. Rancho’s examination of these heavy-handed issues was at the heart of its program. It explored the various means in which people seek another prospect to redeem themselves. The beginning represented those confined behind bars and shifted from the dark underpinnings to a tone of longing and loss. The idea of a second chance with a lost love was highlighted with DJ Sammy’s lyrics from the song, “Heaven”. The ending was especially poignant as a sample cited the importance of getting a second chance at living life – heightened by Sigur Ros’ gently moving song, “Hoppipola”.
84.80, 4th Place
The Gift – Nogales High School – La Puente, CA
“The simplest gift is one from the heart.” With those few words Nogales began their musical and visual journey about the various gifts people give and receive across the course of their lives. Conceptual elements and originated as small ideas, carefully developing across a well-paced program that touched upon several emotional layers. The opening segment was especially effective, with a lone snare drummer playing with one stick as his peers passed the other stick until it finally reached his hands – allowing him to complete the rhythmic passage. Another memorable portion occurred near the end of the program, focusing on the greatest gift that a person can give – their lives for the freedom of their country. Delicate playing and a controlled intensity made a firm showing for the ensemble and capitalized on the emotional gambit the production employed in its favor. Much praise to the performers for engaging the audience on a persistent basis.
81.60, 5th Place
Broken – Fountain Valley High School – Fountain Valley, CA
Coldplay’s hit single, “Fix You”, served as the thematic inspiration for Fountain Valley’s program, “Broken”. It followed a lone man, questioning the validity of a mended heart when he has already lost so much in the past. It is a topic we can easily relate to and it was clear the performers had no problem in creating a melancholy atmosphere. The shift in tone from that of initial despondency and despair morphed into one of hope. The performers changed in response – both in terms of emotional output and musical performance – offering the silver lining on the grey clouds. Sampled lyrics from the Coldplay track provided much-needed closure as the entire ensemble joined hands to the words: “And I will try to fix you.”
81.00, 6th Place
Cinema Thrillers – Valencia High School – Valencia, CA
After watching Valencia in a live setting it is easy to understand why the ensemble was promoted from “A” class to “Open”. Cinema Thrillers is a program that recalls the classic horror movies that have been engraved into the public conscience. It’s difficult to mistake the creepy voice of Hannibal Lecter or the growling mantra of Danny’s infamous “REDRUM” line. The performance factor was effective as each member had their faces painted with jet-black rings around their eyes and blood-red lines striped down their face. Gritting teeth, intimidating poses and an unapologetic approach added to the eerie atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the last few seconds. You’ll notice there’s someone of particular significance and he’s keen on having an old friend for dinner.
Percussion Independent Open
85.15, 1st Place
The Prelude – Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets – Santa Clara, CA
Whereas most people tend to ride the wave of contemporary music and electronics implementation, the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets chose to remain true to their classically oriented roots with their program, “The Prelude”. Using the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff – “Prelude in C Sharp Minor” and “Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini” – the ensemble played a delicate balancing act by paying homage to the musical nuances littered throughout both pieces, only to instantly shift to moments of uninhibited force the next. A virtuoso pianist provided a breathtaking solo during the middle portion of the program, while the battery had their fair share of ramming sections that occupied a majority of their closing segment. The debut winter percussion season for the Vanguard organization has provided great success in Ceres, Union City and Temecula – all 1st place victories. Hopefully next season they can make the trek out to Dayton and bring their classical flair to “the big dance”.
82.05, 2nd Place
The Red Thread – Dark Sky Percussion – Flagstaff, AZ
An Ancient Chinese proverb was at the core of Dark Sky’s program, “The Red Thread”. According to this proverb, there is an invisible red thread that unifies people destined to meet. This was illustrated by two members meeting in the center and then eventually joining their peers before executing a demanding battery feature. The proverb also mentioned that at some points the thread may stretch and tangle. Opposed to the happier melodies in the opening piece, this portion was slightly darker in terms of tone and delving further into heavy rhythms and sinister-sounding passages. After a series of impressive battery features a sample cited that music is the red thread that unifies us all. The music signified this profound moment with a triumphant tone and contagious energy.
79.60, 3rd Place
Define – Full Force Percussion – Pasadena, CA
Full Force wasted no time getting down to business as various battery members scattered about the floor came together for an impressive battery feature. Various members entered at random moments and added to the building sense of excitement. It was a fitting option for opening the show considering the sample immediately following talked about the definition of excitement. The music was characterized by transparent melodies that floated in and out of the overall mix. The anger section was the group’s definitive moment in terms of displaying a variety of strong skill sets – especially the playing factor. Following suit was the definition of graceful. Compared to the assertive nature of the anger segment the ensemble’s fluid interpretation of “Define Dancing” from the movie “Wall-E” was a welcome change of pace. It was a sound choice for the ensemble, as curvy lines and smooth movement added to the tranquil atmosphere.
79.40, 4th Place
Underneath It All – Alternative Percussion – San Diego, CA
There’s an inherent risk when tackling a show that deals with heavy-handed issues; especially those that tend to rest in the negative end of the spectrum. Much credit is due to Alternative’s decision to follow through and look at the aspects that make us tick – emotional and otherwise. Their program detailed the hectic nature of life itself and how it can bring us to the breaking point. Words such as “pain”, “war” and “anxiety” were layered on top of an already challenging music book. The energy continued to build and build – the words stacked upon one another until someone finally pleaded for the barrage to cease. The tone shift from dark to light was not only evident in the musical selection, but the ensemble removed a layer of their uniform to unveil and relaxing blue hue. The speaker cited that “underneath all the stress and the clutter is where you’ll find the most meaningful things”. It provided a nice setup for the last push to the end, where during the closing moments a blue banner was pulled from the bottom of the floor to the top – the word “love” standing out in plain sight.
79.40, 4th Place
If Only – Valley Independent Percussion – Bakersfield, CA
The tender and sentimental value of Valley Independent’s program, “If Only”, was a well-paced meditation on the moments that we wish we could change, or relive in hopes of providing a different outcome. Vocals played a key role in the show, providing the various palette of emotions as the battery confidently played music that relied on a balance of subtlety and force. The ensemble’s ballad was an especially effective segment, with a laid-back groove resting under the boy/girl vocals. Lyrics primarily focused on the lament of a boy and girl longing for one another – asking for a second chance at love. Other segments involved an impressive display of skill – particularly the closing moments where the samples simulated the anger and frustration and the battery channeled it through aggressive playing and impossibly fast rhythms. The closing moments of VIP’s program contained some the spirit of an emotionally-charged musical where a seemingly traditional love story reached the point of no return – one that celebrated triumph over adversity and contained a hopeful message strewn about the music.
78.25, 6th Place
The Man in Black – San Diego State University – San Diego, CA
SDSU’s program centered on an enigmatic man, who detailed his purpose as serving as the voice of the oppressed, the poor and initially the innocent victims of the world. Electronics were tastefully used during the course of the show, especially during the middle segment where Bjork’s song, “Unison”, gave an unexpected portrait to the Man in Black’s past. The lyrics repeated “one hand allows the other”, breaking off as bubbling electronics and glitch-like sounds hinted that perhaps the Man in Black’s purpose comes from losing a love he held dear to himself; or the idea that have to help one another in order to persevere. The delicate nuances, however, were brief as the Man in Black stated vengeance is the only true path and until the world changes he will always remain the Man in Black. This was followed by an electronics-heavy segment that showcased the amazing talent of the battery, pushing towards a thrilling conclusion.
Percussion Scholastic Concert World
95.00, 1st Place
Firebird: The End of the Beginning – Woodbridge High School – Woodbridge, CA
Upon watching Woodbridge High School one cannot feel anything but a sense of complete awe and humility. For as long as Woodbridge has graced the concert arena for WGI they have persistently managed to raise the bar in terms of what young performers are capable of in the concert setting. They have also managed to challenge the notion of what concert programs are capable of bringing to the table in terms of effects and emotional investment. In true form, Woodbridge’s interpretation of Stravinsky’s beloved work, “The Firebird Suite”, was compelling from beginning to end. Familiar strains of the famous melodies were blended with other segments with studio-like quality. The immense sound the ensemble created during an arresting vocal segment – truly primal in nature – was another ground-breaking moment for the ensemble. The flawless technique and professional demeanor of the players was especially noted, as this music would challenge even the most experienced musicians. By the show’s closing moments you’re left absolutely breathless and it’s safe to say that if Stravinsky was still around he would definitely approve.
Percussion Scholastic World
94.725, 1st Place
Slow Me Down – Chino Hills High School – Chino Hills, CA
Last season the 2009 Bronze Medalists brought the audience to their feet with their program, “Motivate”. Only their third respective year in World Class and they managed to snag the coveted “Top Three” spot. After seeing this program there is no doubt that audiences will not be merely rising to their feet, but rather bursting into a positive uproar from the assortment of eye-popping moments littered throughout. Chino Hill’s program is a perfect companion piece to our daily lives, highlighting society’s constant reliance on speed and the insatiable need to push beyond our physical and mental capacity. The performers exhibit the maturity and understanding of their Independent World counterparts with a demanding musical and visual design. One would be wise to urge the snare line and bass line to share some of their amazing talent, as their effortless display of how many notes can fit into one bar was bountiful and prevalent. All the while it is amazing to think that these young adults are still in high school and achieving stellar heights. Audiences in Dayton will surely think the same.
91.35, 2nd Place
Legend – Arcadia High School – Arcadia, CA
If there were a title for “Most Intriguing, Yet Still In-Your-Face Program” Arcadia would earn that title in a second. The show is a collection of narrative ideas about weaving one’s own destiny, forming memories that eventually transcend the idea of time and space; ideas that end up immortalized through words, music, art and so forth. The narrative is akin to an omniscient being chronicling the fantasy-like tone that lingers throughout. It’s a highly sophisticated program that relies on otherworldly compositions to create moments of unbridled energy. Visual allusions to the idea of weaving one’s own destiny came to fruition with the use of illustrious red ropes, as performers created the illusion of struggle and escaping one’s fate/destiny. But one has to truly admire the showcase of astounding talent, as delicate moments seamlessly shift to moments of profound power.
90.05, 3rd Place
And The Eyes of the World Are Watching Now – Chino High School – Chino, CA
2010 Hall of Famer Mike Jackson has made a long tradition of raising the bar in terms of programming. When people have thought the activity has reached its limits the ensembles Mike works with has proven otherwise. With its absolutely stirring program, “And the Eyes of the World Are Watching Now”, Chino continues its impressive first-time run in the World Class category and shows there are still come avenues that have yet to be explored – particularly in conceptual material. The concept and the music are in a world of their own; south of the equator to be exact, examining the historical significance and effect of the revolution in Johannesburg on June 16th, 1976. Carefully paced and proficiently performed, the ensemble handled complex passages with a raw, primal energy that was unrivaled. Yet it was the use of Peter Gabriel’s song, “Biko” that elevated this program to another level; one of reverence and respect – vocals and all; a musical history lesson that’s hard to ignore and impossible to forget.
88.05, 4th Place
Contagious – Los Alamitos High School – Los Alamitos, CA
Stop for a second and imagine that last season you made a considerable mark with attaining the title as 2008 Percussion Scholastic “A” class champions. Then you make the move to Open Class have a great showing with a second place win a month earlier. Now comes the big show and not only do you manage to achieve top honors in Open Class Prelims, but you’re promoted to the prestigious ranks of World Class. All in the span of a year no less! Such is the case for Los Alamitos and their infectious program, “Contagious”. The program examines the various elements that tend to catch on with other people, whether it’s the drum ‘n bass inspired rhythms at the beginning, or the yawning segment that starts with one player and eventually spread to the rest ensemble. And the snare line is absolutely money with features that show vibrant range and expression. Once again the dynamic duo of Ian Grom and John Mapes continues to generate fine-tuned productions that brilliantly showcase the advanced skill sets of these performers. And with more than enough time to add some flair between now and finals there will be plenty of talk about the new kids in World Class.
82.40, 5th Place
The Forecast – Clovis West High School – Clovis, CA
“Sunny day with clouds on the horizon. This is the story of the rest of my life.” This sample marked the beginning of a journey through life and coming to terms with one’s mortality and the situations that are beyond our control. In this particular instance a looming storm rests of the horizon (symbolic for a terminal condition the speaker is experiencing), threatening to alter the life of the primary subject in the show. There are plenty of moments where the speaker notes his frustration through a series of samples. The musical and visual elements accurately reflected these ever-changing and frantic conditions, with intricate passages and a variety of genres to lead the way to the speaker’s change of heart – noting that “the only thing that matters is using what little time” he has left. The musical tone dramatically shifted and lent itself to an emotional ending where a lone white sheet was extended from each base of the floor. The speaker walked towards the back amidst a wash of ethereal chords and tinkling pianos, perhaps symbolizing their last moments before reaching a sense of peace.
82.40, 5th Place
The Toy Shoppe – Winston Churchill High School – San Antonio, TX
Since their 2003 victory in World Class, Winston Churchill has made a habit of fashioning shows that could rival most top-notch plays. Add a World Class guard into the mix and the recipe is one of surefire success, fusing two worlds to create an exhilarating production. The Texas natives do not disappoint with their light-hearted and charming program, The Toy Shoppe. Taking thematic cues from The Nutcracker and Toy Story, the ensemble portrayed life in the toy shop when all the lights go out. The dancers represented agile and nimble ballerinas, leaping about as the cleverly-costumed performers played with a classical-type approach. Massive props were used for a humorous effect as a gigantic jester popped out, flailing its hands wildly as the toys reacted to its sudden presence. Strong characterization and a delicate approach to the musical nuances littered throughout were another key point of interest. Whereas most shows deal with serious subject matter and rely on intensity, Winston Churchill’s quirky musical charm and sense of humor sets them apart from their competitors.
78.50, 7th Place
The Hatter’s Shadow – Tulare Western High School – Tulare, CA
This isn’t your daddy’s or mommy’s version of the beloved Lewis Carroll tale. What replaces this fantastic whimsy of the original tale is a dark interpretation of Wonderland and one of its most famous residents – The Mad Hatter. Alice stumbles into this alternate world after wandering through a forest with lush greens and the sound of birds chirping. Upon entering a hole in the tree, however, the setting is dramatically altered as the forest-green converts to a foreboding black hue. The creepy laugh of The Mad Hatter resonates throughout the program, with the talented hands of the battery offering more than enough features to keep Young Alice on her toes. Dynamic drill design set upon a black-and-white floor creates velocity that aims to disorient with unbelievably complex musical passages. Electronic grooves are sprinkled throughout as well until Alice decides she would much rather return home. All seems naught until Alice manages to return home, except unexpectedly changed from her pleasant-blue dress to a black uniform in the same spirit of her Mad Hatter oppressors.
Percussion Independent World
94.65, 1st Place
Worth The Wait – Pulse Percussion – Ontario, CA
Pulse continued its meteoric rise to the top of the Independent World ranks with its unrestrained and truly enthralling program, “Worth the Wait”. In the month since the Riverside regional the ensemble added considerable bells and whistles to the program, turning an already-ridiculously difficult bass feature in a fine display of movement and solid chops. Every element of the show was fine-tuned and magnificently performed, allowing the ensemble to sweep all the captions with a perfect display of musicality and technique. And there are plenty of notes – just ocean of notes from all sections that intend on setting new standards within their respective class. These lofty endeavors are more than attention-grabbing devices, but events that simply have to be witnessed first-hand in order to experience the wild energy Pulse brings to the floor. Consider the lengthy and jaw-dropping bass feature; or the mind-boggling front ensemble feature that clocked around 40 seconds in length; or the unbelievable control displayed during a lengthy ensemble triplet roll segment; or even the surdo stick-tossing madness that managed to bring the crowd to its feet. The show was epic in nature, rivaling that of a cinematic experience that leaves you with no choice but to smile and give it up for the charismatic performers. They exude a vibe that cannot be refuted and audiences in Dayton will find themselves completely absorbed and agreeing that witnessing their performance was worth the wait.
91.15, 2nd Place
My Steampunk Heart – Riverside Community College – Riverside, CA
Design wise RCC has never been the type of ensemble to dip their foot in the same spot twice. Musical and conceptually their production are a complete 180 from one another and this season is no different with their well-oiled machine, “My Steampunk Heart”. The program is stylish and sophisticated; delving into a world few people are familiar with. Those unacquainted with the term should know anything “steampunk” refers to technology – or an era- where modern machinery is powered by steam; similar to something you might have seen in the movie “Wild Wild West”, or the spectacular worlds of Jules Verne. In this particular case the performers of RCC represented a faction of workers within the confines of the human heart. The opening segment contained a whimsical charm that was immediately engaging as the machine started up – all its relative parts working in tandem before showcasing the immensely talented tenor line. An assortment of unique and intriguing electronic sounds provided a constant backdrop to create the sense of a factory hard at work, attempting to resolve arrhythmia through a maddening series of uncomfortable time signatures that presented constant environmental demands. The ballad segment was especially strong, as the heart “stops” and the workers aid one another in attempt to jump-start the machine. For the closer the ensemble removed the limiter, leaving nothing to chance with staggering interaction between the talented front ensemble and various sections in the battery. Musical motifs presented earlier in the show were revisited as the ensemble provided an endless series of heart-stopping moments that elicited positive response. Audiences in Dayton will certainly find themselves in a similar situation –captivated and entertained.
http://wgi.org/news/03292010-Temecula-Percussion-Regional-Review.html
