quegrawks

1989, auditioned for Crossmen, but couldn't afford it :-( 1990, Started marching Reading Buccaneers!

You didn't mention that they were 8 year olds before! That's totally different. In that case, it doesn't matter much, as you just want them to have fun! The crowd will love it no matter what, and the judges-- who cares at that age? I thought this was for a competitive Novice class guard. **edit** As for exchanging equipment, just teach the kids to have fun and quietly place their equipment down before picking up another piece. That's good enough training for now! Next year, teach them something just a little more advanced, etc. What music are you doing?

all my opinion First, are you planning to use a floor? If so, size it correctly for the size guard you have. or 1) Fill the space with the performers and equipment work/dance/etc. 2) I don't understand what "set the stage visually because they are first year/unexperienced" means. You should always set the stage visually, no matter what level the students are. How are props, as background, setting the stage visually? Are you planning to use them as an integral part of the show? 3) Teach them how to exchange equipment properly. Do they have enough counts to comfortably exchange? If not, rethink your staging options. Perhaps take some people off the floor while others remain on the floor spinning. Oh, and teach them the proper way to exchange equipment and finally, teach them how to properly exchange equipment. I would also recommend watching some videos from recent years and educating yourself and your staff on current expectations for your class in your circuit to see what is expected (maybe watch videos from last year's championships). Good luck!

I totally disagree with you. Sorry. There are tons of great shows in the local circuits and at Dayton. Not all of them make finals, so if that's all your gauging your comments on, then you're the one missing out-- attend a local show or a regional. Pay for the online streaming to see shows from around the country. Check out youtube as well. You'll find tons of great shows. And, every show that makes finals has something worthwhile to see in it, even if you don't see it at first, watch it again trying to figure out what they did to make finals, it will really open your eyes to all the wonderful things going on in this activity that you and your friend are choosing to ignore. ** I also wanted to add that as the director of an independent guard, the kids in our guard have tons of fun performing their show for thousands of fans during the season. They can't wait for the first show of 2010, and are looking forward to the entire season. They love it when other performers in high schools and other independent guards compliment them on a job well done, and they are quick to do the same to other performers in other groups. To them, performing is fun, and doing their best is fun, and seeing other guard performers doing what they love to do is fun. They may not always understand the shows they see, or understand why they are doing better or worse than some other guards, but they always enjoy the activity, and I and the rest of the staff love that they enjoy doing it as part of our group.

Have you been to WGI Finals in the past 3 years? I can't recall one show that was "angry" or involved people growling. Some of the shows that DIDN'T make finals had those moments, but most of the shows that have made finals the past few years have been "happy" or "pretty" with some "throwback" shows in the mix as well. Maybe you're just talking about experiences in your local circuit?

So THAT's what Lyera looks like! She's always so nice on the phone :-)

Wow! That makes... what... 3 or 4 independent guards in the Allentown area? Classics (A & Sr.) Northwind the one from Kutztown University... and people think a city the size of Austin can't support more than 1 or two independent guards! Keep up the GREAT work Lehigh Valley!

didn't Christie also teach Lehigh Valley Knights their first year? If so, this is a GREAT team! Almost makes me wish I was back on the east coast! :-)

bump. Auditions are less than a week away!

Congratulations to all corps for their hard work and perseverance through the season!

No. I think maybe you're not reading the sheets properly or listening to what the judges are actually saying. Or you're getting bad judges. GE is pretty straightforward compared to EA.

SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH! Bring 3 or more non-perishable food items (protein preferred: tuna, canned chicken, beef, etc.) to Auditions on 9/13/09. In addition to all donated food items, ATX Winterguard will donate $5 for each person who auditions to help fight hunger! All food items and money will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas More audition information is available on our website at http://ATXwinterguard.org

Aww man! You're not coming to the Austin regional?

I just want to wish all corps competing this final weekend before Championships the best of luck and FUN out there this weekend. If you're not going out this weekend, but are going to DCA Championships, Best of luck and have fun next weekend!

NXNW is folding? They just got promoted to World! Aww, man!

paradigm's Dave Matthews show (2006?). flag feature.

that's it! We were even allowed to switch from one class to another at competitions (which we sometimes did, competing in A and then in Open), or from one competition to the next.

Technically, there wasn't a "world" class until sometime in the 1990s, I believe. When I was in HS in the late 80s, there was "Open" and "Scholastic", if I remember correctly.

Awesome news for Emanon! Good luck this season, can't wait to see your show!

You did see that he's been a member of Kilties also, didn't you? I don't see how your comment is justified.

Some people are taught to drag the toe (like literally dig it into the ground) on the back foot, and there are other small inconsistencies from one method to another, but for the most part, technique seems to be fairly consistent from what I've seen.

I'm not old (well, at least I don't think I am), but I thought the clips went along a little too rapidly in many places, as I was trying to figure out who the corps were in the pictures, but they would switch before I could figure it out. Enjoyed the "live action video" portions immensely!

What Musical Spinner said.

If the band has a colorguard or dance team, ask him to talk to one of the veteran guard members. They should all know how.

Just received notice that some door prizes have been donated! Door prizes include: A Simon Visa gift card donated by Capital One Bank (not sure of the value, yet) 50% off ATX Winterguard Audition Fee (save $20!) $25 Austin Entertainment Book Hope to see you on the 23rd! Site is close to University of Texas and easily accessed from major roadways.