PrfctTimeOfDay

Actually, at the center of centerville is a graeter's ice cream, city bbq, and a panera.

The Beautiful Juliets win Guard!!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeew…It’s been a whirlwind! My body has finally adjusted and my sleep pattern is seemingly getting back to normal (thank goodness, since my thesis is due in 2 weeks!) As I reflect back upon the last week and all that took place during WGI, there are quite a few shows and programs that still are lingering in my mind. These Shows have carved out a little place in my heart and I will always look back on them fondly. While there were many, MANY great shows this weekend, here are the ones that moved me and why. Go grab a glass of Milk or Ice Tea, I have a feeling this is gonna be a long one! Carmel: Cause you already know how this will end!? With a Gold Medal is how!!! Wonderful design and impeccable performers has finally gotten Carmel to the top of SW. For so many years they were so close, but this year they buckled in and nailed their show. Wonderful flag phrases and solid tosses/catches set this group a part. Congrats! Trumbull: Gorgeous, Beautiful, Stunning. . The hope show could have very easily crossed the line of taste, but this amazingly talented staff let the colors of the silks and the emotions of the performers tell the story of their show. Speaking of performers, did you see how well trained Trumbull is?!? Talk about technique! Thank you so much for spinning so well and doing it so exquisitely, it did not go unnoticed. Also, I think the piano player also set the tone for this show. I was told she also wrote the music for the show! It seems there’s tons of talent at Trumbull! West Johnston: I fully admit that I’m the guy who can never ‘see it’ 3D, Magic eye, optical illusions. .I’m that guy. So imagine my surprise when I put on my 3D glasses and DID see it! I was floored. In an activity that sometimes hits a creative rut; I think West Johnston just upped the ante on what can be done, and how you can do it in a fun manner! One of my Favorite shows of the weekend! Santa Clara Vanguard: What happened to the light? Oh well. . .there was enough electricity on the floor to light a 1000 lights and it was evident in every aspect of this show. I was a HUGE fan of the run and gun section. I was also close enough to watch the faces of the performers and they know how to sell a show! Opus 10: Can a group get more exquisite than Opus 10!?! Amazing technique and effortless movement set this group a part. Their ending flag feature was magnificent. Say what you want about their shows, but there’s a lot that spectators and participants can learn by watching how Opus 10 moves and spins. It’s almost text book perfection technique…and again that’s missing in a lot of today’s shows that have groups tossing as high as they can, catching sloppily and running to their next spot to repeat, and repeat, and repeat! Corona: I fully admit that Corona was my favorite show of the year. The paper doll concept was something that emotionally moved me for some reason. Maybe a repressed childhood memory or my love of shows that consist of lesbian music!? I’m not sure. But I think so often many of us feel like the words they were conveying visually: ‘Here I am, wordless again, you dress me up different ways . .Flat and thin, speechless within, and you dress me up different ways . . .But I just can't be sure I'll ever change’. Ahhhhhhhhh, it almost brings a tear to my eye! The equipment is again out of this world and the things asked of these performers are unfathomable! The effect of introducing color through colored reams of paper was just genius. And the ending flag feature was beyond words. Thank you to the entire Corona family for one of the best shows I’ve ever witnessed! Zydeco : Oh my…I do love a bad guy! So much so that I wanted to paint myself red, run out to the floor and start spinning as my own appointed character ‘The Hamburglar’ I may have put on a few pounds since my 20’s but I can still spin with the best of them, and this show made me WANT TO! Fun in every aspect of the word. There’s a reason the place went nuts! Thanks for adding some fun while keeping true to your identity, your amazing spinning and your stunning movement! Packed with Talent and it showed! Alter Ego: This is another show that pulled on the heart strings, there’s something about the movie contact that I just love. Did you see the amazing weapon ripple that went around the floor, person after person!? OMG…I was holding my breath at its beauty! Alter Ego has shown some tremendous growth and I can’t wait to see what they do next! Black Watch: Sheer Madness, you say? I say Sheer Genius…the way they used the fabric to create effect was outstanding. Not to mention their gorgeous unis (that literally blinked) Blackwatch is one of those unique groups who still utilize form/drill to create effect, much like how they open and end their show. I applaud the design team and uber talented performers for giving us such a wonderful show! Sonnor : I was sad not to see them make semi-finals…it’s always tough being the first one out, but I did catch them in prelims and there are some elegant moments throughout the show. Very nice and creative flag work set a lovely tone and made me appreciate the loveliness of their show. Go watch it on the Fan Network! It’s a great show. Rhapsody: There’s something about the piece ‘Out of Africa’ that makes me want to pretend I’m amazing lyrical dancer (I’m not, but I can dream) or curl up in the fetal position and cry (in a good way) I told my friends that I would love to see the show again just so I could hear the music and watch how they interpret it with color. Rhapsody had one of the more unique approaches to lightning this season with multi colored LED panels that changed throughout the show. Did I mention they were gorgeous? Oak Ridge: Oh my…one of the surprises of the weekend. Simply breathtaking! The way in which they moved and spun was out of this world. The opening and ending subtle movement in, on and around the bench was brilliance! I foresee an upcoming star in SW with this group! Bravo to all involved, again one of my favs of the weekend! Collins Hill: Pack my clothes in a bag. Collins Hill take on military love and loss also plucked an emotional chord. The agony and intensity the performers poured into this show was evident and it took me to a place that raw and real. Lyman: Another show that was SO close to making it in! Great in every way shape and form, but sometimes that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. They did not go unnoticed though, as I thought the show was fun, upbeat and performed at a very high level. They incorporated moveable drums throughout the set to give this show a wonderful effect and feel. Pacificaires: I don’t think that there is a word to describe the beauty of this show. It was poetry! Each performer owned everything she did. Talk about amazing technique and candor, this group had it all, and will do well in IW. I feel like I’m doing a disservice not writing more about how brilliant this show is, but words just fail. . .one must witness it, to fully grasp its splendor and complexity. Orlando Visual: Yet another amazing show, that utilized one of the best props of the day..a swinging mirror/chair. I can’t wait to see how this program evolves, as I’m fairly unfamiliar with this group. But they made a believer out of me with their wonderful production. Zydeco Open: Zombies on the loose! Yet again the simplicity in the beginning of the show gives way to an all fun fest that pokes fun of itself and is complete with a zombie attack. Wonderful weapons and an amazing ending flag feature punctuate this show! Spectrum: Color me Surprised! There was unique spin to Spectrum that I wasn’t expecting. It was fun, upbeat, and very easy to get into. This was a show that drew that audience in and made them a part of the experience. ..and talk about some strong and solid weapons! They had them! I love the direction this program is headed. They could very well medal next year in IO South Shore: Okay, Guilty as charged..this was the only show that made me jump out of my seat, and I was surprised I did it…I’m just not that kinda guy! But D*mn those tricks get me everytime. I was anxiously holding my breath at the end and when he nailed that last rifle toss, something supernatural just took over my body. You can tell there has been more attention paid to technique and movement. But, really it’s the insanity of their weapon book that really pulls us all in…and it WAS insanity in those most delicious way possible! Blessed Sac A: Ah-heya ma ma ma, hey-de-da-naya, Hey ma ma ma, hey-ay-ay-ay, ah. . .Life in a Northern Town! Beautiful little A show that made me smile! O Fallon Township: O’Fallon played bridesmaid all year, only to get married on the biggest night of the year! Congrats! Their cheerful and fun show provided many us in the audience great joy! Strong in everything they did…their gold is well deserved. Milford: Portrayed their show Jar of Hearts so painfully real that I felt like I was getting broken up with all over again! I liked how the silks transitioned from black to deep red, to bright red…giving us hope that our hearts in the end will indeed heal and we will again go on to love! Walton: Love how this show was designed and put together. (the floor gradually rolls up throughout the performance until it’s gone at the end) Strong design aesthetic and the talented performers gave Walton a unique voice and gave us a fresh look at something intriguing. Cypress Bay: Um, where did they come from? They THREW down. A great design, with amazing performers that sold their show. I think my jaw hit the ground on numerous times of what was being asked of this group. You should be very proud…you deserved all the praise you get! Thanks for pulling me into your world. Smithfield-Selma: I love a little whimsy now and then, and that’s what this show provided. An exciting trip into wonderland that wasn’t clique or trite, but adventurous and rewarding for both performers and audience members alike. There was a great joy permeating from this group! Americas A: Was just outside of A finals, but demonstrating an amazing skill level for an A class group. A show that was reflective and sensitive. This group’s maturity was evident in the way they spun, moved and performed. Bellbrook: A Solid Semi-Finalist that performed at a very high level, given they only returned 6 members and were marching 11 new members including a foreign exchange student! Bellbrook again delighted with unique design choices, solid weapon work and one of the most gorgeous flag features to end their program. Convalescence was unfortunately disqualified again and told that their show F**K You! Was not appropriate for a fun-filled family event. In protest Sebastienne again took to the Mariott lobby to make it all about himself. Deluged with a mylar ribbon baton, silver pom-poms and an oversized purple beach ball... Sebastienne delighted the masses (or rather was laughed at). You could hear him complaining to the hotel staff (or for that matter, anyone who would listen) that his soundtrack was sabotaged by an unnamed source. He vows revenge and will be back next season with a state of the art sound system…you can bet on it! Wow…I again apologize for how lengthy that was, but I did tell you to get some milk, ice-tea or something. I have to say that this was once again one of the best times of the year. Getting to see old friends and meet new ones. I was lucky enough to meet and hang out a little with the Trumbull/Alter Ego staff. They happen to be the kindest, most humble and down to earth guys you’ll ever meet, and that’s refreshing! The same goes for Greg Lagola and Denise Bonfiglio, whom I also got to meet. Since I’ve now rambled on…I’ll close with hoping that everyone had a wonderful and exuberant WGI! I anxiously look forward to what next year will have in store for us. . . HAPPY DEBBIE!

sebastienne has been spotted! Convalescence's van was also seen broken down on the side of I75. (members were seen pushing it from the left lane into heavy traffic)

First dish of the WGI week! Overheard on a plane, a stranger/passenger wished a guard from Florida good luck as they exited the plane, to which their directer said to the person 'it's not about luck' Sometimes I wonder if people really have a brain in their head. A simple response of 'Thank You' to the stranger/passenger probably would have been the proper response.

I read this and totally wrote it off as hype more than anything else (sorry). That said, I talked to some people who were at MEPA champs this weekend whose opinions I really trust and they said the Burg has made some massive changes since the southeastern regional. I said enough to get them in finals? and they said possibly...but it's definitely going to help them get a lot closer. I was wondering how in the world they popped an 83.5, but I guess the revisions, re-writes etc. is exactly what was in order. I look forward to seeing how they perform this week and checking out the newly added changes. I hear there's been some GE stuff worked in too! I guess the old adage it true, you can never count out the burg.

bump, just in case!

I actually quite adore a lot of the shows that Michael James puts together. And..I also have a feeling this topic will be closed very shortly..

All I have is a schedule from a week or 2 ago. I'm sure there's been additions/subtractions to this list. But here's what I got: 2011 Centerville Exhibition Show: April 6th 5:45pm Mira Mesa HS (SA) 6:00pm Bellbrook HS (SA) 6:15pm Urban Expressions (IA) 6:30pm Lake Orion HS (SO) 6:45pm Pope HS (SO) 7:00pm Passaic HS (SO) 7:15pm Spanish River HS (SO) 7:30pm Prado Independent (IO) 7:45pm Beatrix’ (IO) 8:00pm Zydeco Open (IO) 8:15pm Arcadia HS (SW) 8:30pm Centerville HS (SW) 8:45pm Center Grove (SW) 9:00pm Northview HS (SW) 9:15pm Marian Catholic HS (SW) 9:30pm Zydeco (IW) 9:45pm Braddock (IW)

Have the weather gods finally smiled upon us? It could change. . but for now this looks pretty good, as we had snow on the ground 4 days ago!

Another FYI! For those of you traveling to Dayton this upcoming week, there have been quite a few serious accidents on I-75 in Warren County (south of Dayton/north of Cincy) and Montgomery County (Dayton). This has been due mainly to speed and stupidity. The ohio highway state patrol as of last week are really starting to target those areas VERY heavily and around the clock. They are looking for speeders and aggressive driving...so make sure you watch your speed! Link to article: http://www.western-star.com/news/lebanon-oh-news/state-patrol-on-lookout-for-aggressive-drivers-in-i-75-construction-corridor--1120323.html?cxtype=rss_local-news

The weatherman in dayton just said 'get ready for a rollercoaster of weather activity next week' Hooray!! Take your pick: A. Sunny and a alittle cool (50's) B. Partly cloudy and warm (mid 60's) C. Rainy and warm (60's) D. Thunderstorms E. All of the above If you answered E...you'd be right, but I'd also take C as it looks like Friday-Sunday 'might' be warm with scattered showers. I'd prefer it to be sunny, but hey it snowed a couple days ago..so it's better than that! As of now (subject to change, it is ohio)Wednesday and Thursday look like the best days...sunny and near 60, if you want to practice outside those would be the days to do it. Fri and Sat look WET!

Okay...big group hug time..and then bygones! For those who missed the initial thread, you should probably understand that there was a very passionate discussion taking place about the onyx. I read through all of the many pages, an no one was being disrespectful or attacking anyone, but there were strong convictions on both sides. I think some are upset that the thread was taken down because there was an intellectual discussion taking place (both pro and against)that concerns our activity and that's what this board for. But, I also understand TrishDish's role is to monitor and make sure things don't get out of hand, and she was only doing what she thought was best (and was acting on the request of someone to remove the thread). Stuck between a rock and a hard place I say....I would have preferred for the original thread to stay up so that the discussion could evolve, but at the end of the day, let's face it...it's guns, swords and lame in a gym! It's a fun experience and an activity that acts as release for a lot us, especially after working with kids all day who've been bullied, who cut, who are neglected and trying to overcome all kinds of god awful things that kids should never face. Guard is my release from a daily marathon of emotional exhaustion, so I say again; and the end of the day...it's girls and boys spinning flags in a gym. .. Group Hug Time!!!

Just to Add: The ensemble that he teaches is referred to by multiple names: Convalescence Winterguard, Convalescence Performance Ensemble or The St. Jacque Dancers. They have a long history of being disqualified by numerous curcuits and being banned by WGI for incorporating themes into their shows that are inappropriate. They also have a history of changing their show completely by redesigning it in the parking lot in between prelims and finals (barring they are not disqualified) The group is complied of misfits and outcasts that sebastienne routinely intimidates, threatens and abuses throughout the season. Many high profile designers, directors and adjudicators within our activity are former St. Jacque Dancers (though many won't publicly admit it). You can find out more here: http://www.wix.com/convalescenceguard/convalescence Enjoy!

I think there's a good chance that many of these shows could make finals!

This topic is nice enough to make a man weep, but I don’t weep, do you? Have a Nice Day!

I think WGI should hand out a nice award, like they do at beauty pageants!

I think people are overlooking 2 VERY good groups who I believe will be in IW Finals: Beatrix and Juxtaposition. You heard it here first!

I applaud your well thought-out words and intellectual response. This is exactly what the forums are meant for....to have a discussion (albeit passionate at times)about our activity. I've largely stayed out of this 'topic' b/c there's really no right answer. But I had to let you know that I wish more people would lay out their thoughts and posts like you. Your forethought is greatly appreciated and refreshing! Please keep posting! On a lighter note...I'd love to see someone wrapped in cellophane riding a bicycle while holding an american flag...now that's art!

Also, there is a fairly new restaurant on brown st that serves sustainable food (basically everything is organic) It's called The Butter Cafe (and I also think they will deliver to the Marriott)They are open for breakfast and lunch http://www.buttercafedayton.com/Butter%20Cafe.html Another local gem is the brunch club...which is one of the best 'homecookin' places you can find. Be prepared to wait 5 minutes or so for a table, it only seats about 40-50 and locals love this place. It's right near downtown/the convention center. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brunch-Club/100584566218?sk=wall

Rue Dumaine, Pine Club, and Dorothy Lane are all GREAT suggestions. I could write at length about how wonderful each place is. .but I'll spare you! :-) And...FYI, it's snowing in Dayton today!

I was just sent an email by Hazelton Ford, the assistant to Sebastienne St. Jacque and he informed me that there is a very good chance that Sebastienne will be performing a musical medley in the lobby of the Marriott after semifinals on Friday. This should be VERY entertaining!

Yes...and guards 21-24 may like to send a muffin basket to Beatrix. Had Beatrix not been bumped to IW, only 20 guards would have made it to semis. Now that Beatrix is in IW, that moves the total number of IW guards competing to 31, and thus moves the number of units making semis to the next bracket(from 20 to 24)

Based on the 'rules' 20 to semis...it seems awful to cut only 2 guards, but then again they cut 3 last year and took 20.