dmdad

For all performers, whether A, Open, World...Scholastic or Independent: Now that the winter season is completed, please take the time to express to your directors, instructors and staff your gratitude and thanks for the work that they have done on your behalf. Let them know how they have impacted your life. As I have told our director, often the guard director impacts a persons life more than anyone outside of their immediate family. And it's never been about scores or placings, but about the joy of performing, the life skills learned and the relationships built. Most of us get busy and never let the directors and staff members how much they mean to us. So, before the days get away from you, TELL THEM THANKS!

As a parent of an SW guard member, I begin to wear out about half way through IW finals, but NEI really impressed me. I thought " can it get any better than this?" Then SCV performed. All I can say is WOW! Talk about being great at every aspect of the activity! It was mesmerizing.

If Carmel can avoid the dropsies, they could well hold on to the bronze spot. It's a well designed show with great weapons technique.

Admittedly my perspective is limited, having only followed scholastic world as well as some open over the last several years, but I think that over the last two years Avon has in fact developed a unique movement style. Those that are able to see them this year, watch how often the performers make contact with the ground with body parts other than the foot. Also, how often they are in an upright position. It is far less than possibly any other group. Is it a unique dance style? I'm too low on the food chain to answer that. But it does appear to be a unique movement style.

No, no guys in Avon's guard in the last 7 or so years. And having taught guard in Indiana in the early 80's and been around the activity over the last 7 years, I have to state the obvious - color guard still carries a mostly 'females only' yoke in Indiana. Yes, there have been many very good male performers in the state, but I can't recall seeing more than 3 guys in any guard. The stigma is slowly changing, but Indiana is still years behind the west coast in this area.

I've watched James Logan now for 6 years and have always loved their performances; its likely this year will be no different. Even last year, despite my bias toward Avon (my daughter was a freshman) I thought James Logan earned their 9th title. This year will be very interesting. Avon's show is innovative, creative and extremely well-performed. Logan's show will be extremely well-performed, but will it be innovative? Those that have seen them - does it push the envelope? I guess Prelims will answer so many questions.

I've only been to WGI Dayton and the Indiana circuit......(can't be objective about Avon) Love Miamisburg and Onyx World! This the best Miamisburg show I have seen in the last 8 years we've been watching. They had the dropsies at prelims, but put on a great show at finals. They could medal this year!

Avon's music is "Unanswered Question" by Charles Ives. Much of it has no pulse, and the performers must use visual cues to remain together.