aguardguy

Mike - Thank you so much for your kind words about Black Gold's performance this weekend! Although we would have loved to have performed a third time, the performer's had an incredible weekend filled with support from two amazing audiences! They had the privilege of having a private concert by Matt Alber, the vocalist in our show (truly a highlight of my career). In addition - they made incredible bonds with both Cypress Independent and Rhapsody Winterguards. We did our best to tell an important story, with the dignity and respect it deserves. I will make sure and share kind words with the cast and staff of BG! They will be thrilled to know you enjoyed their show! Mikel Burress Director, Black Gold Winterguard

dub "G" - White Gold D.S. - Don't Suck

Seems like the topic is a bit personal for some folks. But - for what it's worth (which isn't much I know), I rather enjoyed the site and appreciate your energies in putting it together. Out of respect, I would prefer to see all units in the circuit represented on the site, even if they don't have numerous others in the class with them. I see your point - but…I'd still like to see it included.

Sure email me, and I'll be glad to share it with you!

Thanks Anya from including us ini the mix! We knew coming into prelims that there were well over 15 guards that had very viable chance of making finals. Having been a part of a group both as a performer and instructor that finished one spot out...and leaving the weekend broken hearted....it was important to me that a score flashing on a screen did not define our experience this time around. BG was asked to not leave anything unsaid after prelims....and to give their all to that performance. Although we may have liked for some technical elements to have had the chance to be presented more solidly....I could not have been more pleased with the "performance". They also understood that it was important not to negate the hard work and passion displayed by their competitors. I couldn't be more proud of how they handled the situation. In the meantime, I have a meeting with Karma.....to figure figure out why we got the privilege to compete in IW during such an amazing year filled with so many amazing groups...without ever really getting the chance to succeed in open. Looking back...for the experience shared by that group...and the process they experienced telling my story...and in turn their own....is a gift I'll cherish forever. It was all for the best. Here's to 2010. We'll try to win over karma in the process.... Thanks again for your kind words.

Aggiechic13....what years/seasons did you have the privilege to be a part of this fine group?

Ummmm....wow. Ok - I suppose this is where each has their own opinions. From where I sat - I was blown away by Aimachi. In fact, I thought the baton fest was exactly what was not there. It finally seemed as though this was an ingenious effect layered on top of masterful design. Not one time did I see them pick up equipment. The design flowed seamlessly from one element into the next. I'm still in awe - as a designer - at Michael's brilliance in getting them into their primary flag statement. So much so that the artistry in design left me in tears. What was difficult for me was to not judge them on what I expected. I expected hype and a more one dimensional approach to effect. What I got was much more layered and nuanced. I am thrilled to have had the chance to experience it. I will also say that I thought all of the top 4 had extraordinary things to offer. Each group had their own strengths and were medal worthy in my eyes. It was an incredible top 4 - thank you to all 4 groups....it was honor to experience your art. For everyone who had the chance to experience Black Gold in prelims and enjoyed the show.....thank you for such a warm reception - you will never know how special this moment was for us. Although dissapointed that we did not get to perform for the amazing finals audience, the performance we did have was such a positive experience. The kind words and genuine appreciation of many audience members that were shared with the cast and staff of BG truly made this years WGI the most positive experience we could have ever hoped for. Mikel Burress

I really enjoyed Interplay's production this year. I've always been impressed with their unique approach to design. I can't wait to see the show in person! Best of luck Interplay.

hmmmm.... I am certainly inclined to applaud when even a simple skill is executed extraordinarily well. And there's the crazy tricks and "holy crap did you see that" moments - that every Backyard Betty goes home from WGI trying in their backyard. However, the judging community should be able to recognize, appreciate, and reward skills with nuance and finesse. However, I am not finding this to be true. Sometimes it seems some judges only reward the same things a 14 y.o. might feel most compelled to enjoy. Maybe we're all just a kid at heart...

To confirm, Black Gold has also received our promotion letter. With that said, anyone interested in audition for Black Gold Ind. World please email us at ntpaa_blackgold@yahoo.com and I will add you to our contact list! We our both nervous and excited about this new chapter in our organizations history!

That's right! We were very blessed to have Chad Duggan be on our team this year in addition to being sponsored by Dance Sophisticates. A truly great company! We are so excited to have Chad and Dance Sophisticates be a part of our family!

Thanks for your interest in our show! The show is entitled "Bloom!" The opening quote "It's Never too Late to Be What You Might Have Been", is portrayed metaphorically. The idea of a flower blooming into its full glory is a parallel for life in realizing one's full potential. We start in the clump back in the back and grow from there. The costume is based on plants, root systems, dirt, etc. When the second costume is revealed it is an orchid. The colors are all chosen from very rare orchids. :-) I've never been a fan of shows that needed some sort of thesis to understand. So, although the show has multiple layers....we hoped that it would also stand alone for nothing more than good colorguard, interesting choreography, and a fun show to watch. I'm glad you enjoyed the show. The season has been wonderful. We were especially excited as this is the organizations 10th finalist performance. Congrats to all the guards this weekend. This was one of the best "WGIs" I have seen in my 15 years of attending. Thank you to all the wonderful performers and designers who who brought these shows to us this year! Particularly I would like to say Congrats to both Alter Ego and Diamonte'. Great shows...but more importantly.....REALLY WELL DONE.

Everyone is on a flight now. I am now in Springfield, MO via American Eagle. In a moment I fly to Chicago then on to Columbus via American Eagle. Currently Black Gold has members and staff in Nashville, NYC, St. Louis, Springfield, and Denver. There is one remaining staff member in Dallas, but has a flight booked later today. I THINK we should be good to go. Always an adventure!

Black Gold had 8 flights on ATA and had to rebook after they went under. 3 of the 4 flights our cast and staff were on to Columbus have now been canceled. We have managed to get all flights except for mine re-booked on flights that are not MD-80's. I'm on hold now with American trying to get my flights worked out....the most important thing is that we have the kids flights taken care of. At least this year I could watch the show on the webcast in the event that the flights don't work out - LOL!