Reprinted from wgi.org By Alex Mendoza -- WGI Percussion Championships kicked off with a sentimental – yet equally side-splitting – ceremony that honored the 2010 WGI Hall of Fame recipients – Dan Fyffe, Don Click, Mike Jackson and Andy Sanders. The event took place at the Marriot, featuring the wonderful and talented performers of the Centerville Jazz Band
and at times found themselves under the eagle comedic eye of Jim Dwyer, who proved throughout the night that his talents do not rest solely within the parameters of the Visual caption, but gut-busting comedy as well. They provided a comfortable atmosphere as the room continued to pour in with the who’s who in the percussion community: judges, arrangers, instructors and family members made their way into the ballroom, bringing the room to an-almost full capacity.
It was difficult to dismiss the energy in the air, as well as the anticipation of the presentation. Adding his comedic touch the entire ceremony, Percussion Visual Judge Jim Dwyer served as the Master of Ceremonies. Aside from touching on the primary reasons why each recipient was receiving their respective honor, Jim unleashed a barrage of hilarious comments and stories that had the room filled to the brim with uproarious laughter. It was a wonderful balance to the sentimental nature of the ceremony, providing moments of keen insight, as well as Dwyer’s uncanny knack for his perfect comedic timing.
Humor aspects aside the ceremony was a touching tribute to the four individuals who have managed to shape the activity in ways no one ever fathomed. Dan Fyffe’s accomplishments with Franklin Central and pushing the boundaries of the concert realm were given their due respect with a moving video tribute that featured words of thanks and pride and love from family, friends, peers and students that are part of the Franklin Central program. Dan stepped up to the stage and thanked his family, along with the teachers and WGI for providing a favorable experience that has persistently managed to create thousands upon thousands of memories. Of course, Jim added his comedic commentary on concert class in general – making the entire room burst into laughter.
Don Click’s accomplishments with Music City Mystique and aiding in the development of the percussion competition at the local level were but a few reasons Don received the honor of becoming a 2010 WGI Hall of Fame member. Kind words from fellow peers were a primary point of his video tribute, showing highlights from his work with Music City Mystique across the years. Following suit Don gave a heartfelt and genuine speech. He thanked the countless instructors in his life, along with his family, but moreover urging all the people in the room to remind their students to “pay it forward” and continue the cycle of the arts; to promote and instill the values that his teachers passed to him, as he did with his students and hoping that those students would take part in the cycle as well and keep the integrity and spirit of the arts alive. It was a powerful moment that definitely resonated with every one in the room and evoked positive response.
Jim Dwyer had quite the field day with Don Click in terms of his comedic insight and Mike Jackson was no safer than anyone else prior. A humorous video segment had Sean Vega of Riverside Community College mistaking the King of Pop being posthumously inducted into the ceremony until notified by a friend that it was in fact Mike Jackson. His reaction was priceless and as expected – more laughter. When the laughs faded the video featuring all the wonderful trend setting features Mike has brought to the activity. Fellow friend and WGI Steering Committee Member Caleb Rothe prepared a highly touching speech that followed the history of a man that has persistently remained on the cutting edge; a man that has inspired countless students, arrangers and instructors – along with creating a sense of awe with engaging productions that always manage to stand out amongst the crowd. Or as Caleb wonderfully placed it: “When everyone else zigged, Mike zagged.” Mike followed with his own speech, stressing the difficulty of balancing family at home and the flock he tends to season after season. Regardless of the stress, though, he noted that it has been something he truly appreciates and concluding: “It is unique that in an activity like this we can call our competitors our friends.”
Dwyer’s comedic wrath, however, was fully reserved in an entertaining picture album that was dedicated to none other than Andy Sanders. The play-by-play descriptions of each image and how it coincided with Andy’s exploits in the activity was merciless, but far too entertaining to ignore. Dennis DeLucia came to the stage, followed by Dave McCarthy, Gary Graves and Lauren Sanders – all of which delivered touching speeches that paid tribute to a man that normally doesn’t receive much credit for what he does behind the scenes. The first-hand account from Andy’s wife was a poignant and honest confessional, constantly noting how Andy tirelessly works to provide the best experience for the kids. Other comments cited a feverish work ethic and not working on the clock per se, but working until the job was done right. Andy also provided a heart-warming speech and took a moment to stress a critical point: “What we do as instructors, educators, etc. – is not for personal gain, money or anything else. It all falls down to the kids and I think it’s important that we remember that.”
The 2010 Hall of Fame ceremony was indeed one for the books. It was an amusing and emotionally stirring event that was a brilliant showcase for four individuals who shared a common thread – the love for teaching. The passion to make a difference in the lives of the youth. The inherent need to come back season after season – even when they feel dead tired or burn out – to provide an experience that will follow their students for the rest of their lives. Endless dedication like this is such a rarity in the world today. It is assuring to know activities such as WGI exist to facilitate an aesthetic experience that allows the participants to transcend whatever self-limiting notions they might have possessed beforehand.
These four people are but a mere fraction of the educators and arrangers and instructors who make a valiant effort year after year to provide a sound educational experience. To remind kids there is a place to feel a sense of worth and from that point onward to grow as a young adult and in turn share these experiences and lessons with others – be it as a performer, teacher, adjudicator or instructor. Even the big names that dominate the activity had their teachers that inspired them, or that tight-knit group of friends that shared a common interest for music and for drumming. There will always be a point of origin to breed the next Mike Jackson, or Jay Webb, or Jim Dwyer, or Don Click – take your pick. Ultimately, though, the reason this activity continues to grow at an exponential rate is because of people like Dan Fyffe, Don Click, Mike Jackson and Andy Sanders.
Thank you again for all of your hard work – you surely deserve all the accolades and more.
