Mr. Know it all

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Northeast Independent Wow. It’s as if someone said “Ok, let’s go back to the drawing board and create a brand new identity for our organization.” I’ve never seen an NEI program this sophisticated, refined and relaxed. I like it. They’ve always been excellent performers, but something about their show was usually just slightly “off” in some way. And it was usually something different each season. Maybe it was use of color. Maybe it was some aspect of staging. Maybe it was a costuming choice. Whatever it might have been, something was usually “off” to some small degree. Well, this year everything is VERY “on.” Equipment work is amazing. Body/dance work is impeccable. Floor, silks, colors, costuming are all working in unison. The overall design of the show is approaching sublime. I’m really having a tough time coming up with a “constructive criticism” for this program. They’re performing everything at the highest end of the game. And they still have two full weeks to clean and polish ever MORE. This year very well could be their year. Braddock Independent I am so totally loving this reinvigorated Braddock. They’ve always been tremendousls energetic performers and a whole lot of fun to watch. (Who didn’t like the “Braddock butt wiggle”…???) And they’re still a much-deserved fan favorite who knows how to make the crowd go wild. But this year, they’ve added an entirely new level of difficulty and technical skill to their program. I’ve never seen Braddock show such command over every piece of equipment that they touch. No doubt about it: they OWN that stuff. Their show is titled “We do it to ourselves.” But on Sunday, they did it to the entire arena. They were in control, off the chain and the crowd was on its feet. And their show continues to be TOATLLY fun, too…!!! I can’t wait to see this show in two more weeks. Crown Guard First time I’d seen them this year. Right off the bat, the Roman togas on the guys bug me. I found them to be incredibly distracting. And not distracting in a prurient, “all their junk is ready to fall out” way. Something about how they’re cut or draped isn’t nearly as flattering as it could be. The looked uncomfortable. But maybe that was just me. Aside from that, they had a really solid performance: thoughtfully designed drill, good equipment book, great body work. And it thought that the over all “Roman” look was very effective. And I’m not sure exactly what it was, but they had attached something “jingly” to the stock of their rifles. At first, I thought that the sound was part of the musical selection. Then I realized that the tinlkly sound was happening every time that the rifle line caught a toss. It sounded kind of like champagne glasses clinking together for a toast. Or little finger cymbals chiming in the distance. Something like that. Whatever it was, it was neat effect. They did everything well and they have an amazing “personae” on the floor. But at this point in the season, I would have like to see a few more things “nailed down.” I was missing the feeling of command that I got from the top two guards. Still, they definitely will be one to watch for in finals. The Knights This show serves as a perfect “Act II” to least season’s successful program about America’s disenchantment with the commander in chief. This year, Barrack Obama’s moving acceptance speech from election night is the thread that ties the program together. By this point in the competition, though, I was kinda tired of “voice over” stuff. For me, a little bit goes a long way. So, I was a little not-so-intrigued by the soundtrack. But that had nothing to do with the guard or with their show. That was just me. Equipment book is written at a high level and performed solidly from beginning to end. And their attention to the body adds an extra dimension to many of the extended phrases through out the program. Again this year they change into “message shirts” that have been updated wtih today’s key issues. (The “FORECLOSURE” shirt hit particularly close to home with me, seeing as I live in the geographical epicenter of that national crisis…!!!) They’ll be in great shape for Dayton. Premonition Always a crowd favorite, they delivered another great performance on Sunday. All of their “Illusion” elements make the show extremely entertaining and exciting. And their innovative equipment work keeps you wondering what they’re going to try next. A lot of really neat moments are built into this show. And of course, there’s the Double Rifle Diva. (She totally rocks…!!!) Her timing was off by JUST smidge on Sunday as she worked her way toward the front line. But being a total professional, she never flinched. She pulled it back together and managed to ace the under-the-leg catch and she received the usual “crowd goes wild” applause. Such a great performer. And some of her Premonition colleagues perform the same double-rifle tricks with her this year. In fact, the entire unit works the equipment extremely well. They’re an impressive group of showmen (and show women…!!!) that’s very much focused on performing for an audience and delivering a crowd-pleasing show. Premonition is one of the most thoroughly entertaining groups on the circuit. And that’s a distinction they’ve both earned AND deserve. My only issue with this show is that visually it’s soooooooooo incredibly “green.” For my aesthetic, it was a little bit too DTM: “Dyed To Match.” The floor is green, the unis are green the equipment is green, the magician’s cabinet is green. Green, green, green. Somebody in Ft. Lauderdale REALLY likes green. But that palette does provide a dramatic backdrop for the ending of the show when they whip out the purple flags for their ovation-worthy finale. They’ve been consistently solid competitors all season and their scores have been right in line with other perennial WGI finalists. This group, only in their second year competing in IW, should be VERY much in the running for a spot in Finals. Non Sequitur side note: Early in the show, I noticed that one of the male performers was constantly popping in an out of every equipment line. He was in the flag line. Then the rifle line. Then the saber line. Then back to rifle. Then something else. He was in the front. He was in the back. He was in the middle. He was everywhere, seemingly doing everything. At first, I thought maybe he was intentionally “appearing and disappearing” to illustrate an “Illusion,” as suggested by the show’s title. And I started wondering how they staged this guy so that he could “appear” all over the place without any awkward, obvious transitions. Then, I noticed another guy who looked just like guy #1. And then a THIRD guy who looked like the first TWO. Well, that sent MY explanation right out the ol’ window. I had a good laugh at my own expense for imagining a really, really complicated scenario to account for something that turns out to be very simple: three guys in the guard kinda look alike. In my defense, though, all three of these guys could be identical twins, so I hardly think it’s my fault. :) Fahrenheit Another solid performance from this experienced group. And I like the show a lot better now that I can see it in its “complete” form. A lot of really creative staging and equipment work in this program, especially the opening flag sequence. While lying on their backs, they clasped the silk of the flag with their feet. The silks had fabric “tabs” on the corners that the guard grabbed with their toes so they could lift and maneuver them. It’s a really cool effect. The show feels very complete and it’s being performed about as well as it can be performed. We could see Fahrenheit in Finals again this year. There’s going to be a whole gaggle of guards competing for those final few spots in the line-up. In Motion When I returned home, I looked up the program information for In Motion and found out that their show is, indeed, built around the same-sex marriage issue in California. While I was watching their performance, I wondered if that was what they were doing, but I wasn’t sure. Looking back, it’s now clear to me the ways in which that theme is being worked into the show, such as the white costuming that’s reminiscent of tuxedos and wedding dresses. (And FYI, the men are wearing the tuxedos and the women are wearing the dresses. This isn’t ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: WGI Edition.’ Just want to make sure we’re on the same track here.) The show is a subtle yet serious interpretation and presentation of a legitimate social/political issue that’s very much a part of the California (and nation) human rights debate at present and will continue to be for quite some time. Nice touches throughout, especially the unison flag sequence at the end of the show, punctuated with a resonating “I love you!” shouted across the performance space from one male member to another. I’m often critical of programs that get “to literal” with a theme. I think it makes the show too heavy handed and, frankly, less effective. When the realization of the theme goes overboard, it’s like, “Ok, I get it: you have a theme. Can we move on, please…???” But in this case, I’m wondering if maybe a couple of more readily recognizable symbols, icons or more concrete interpretations of “same sex marriage” might be helpful to the overall production. As I said, I wasn’t 100% sure that they were presenting a show about same sex marriage until I found some information that said they were exploring same-sex marriage as a theme. Overall, the guard handles equipment quite well and the work is written in away that highlights the strengths of the ensemble, especially their strong rifle skills. Ventures A top-five finalist in IO last year, this group is working very hard to make the transition to IW competition – and that’s a tough order to fill for any program. Their equipment work is very well executed and the attention paid to the body pays off for them in the overall effectiveness of the show. But this show seems to need a little more “oomph” all around in order to score in the same bracket as some of the other guards competing in IW this season. Even so, they turned in a very solid performance. We’ll see much more from this group as they continue to grow into their new class and adapt to an IW book and program.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SCHOLASTIC WORLD Flanagan Well, they’re definitely on the short list for a medal again this year. Which medal will they bring back to Broward County…??? That’s anyone guess. The top tier of SW is jam packed with talent this year. No one is a “sure thing.” But the 2008 Gold Medalists aren’t giving up their title without one heckuva fight. Again this year, Flanagan is doing what Flanagan does best: big, bold and VERY in your face. Lots of movement, lots of things spinning very fast and some really crowd-pleasing HUGE tricks. They’re performing really well as an ensemble. Their first-rate training and individual ability is immediately obvious. But to me, it seems that some elements/passages of the show are a little rushed. Of course, the music is forceful and intense, so naturally the writing reflects that same velocity and amplitude. So, maybe that’s a good thing. Best trick of the night: a guy does crazy high rifle toss and right before the catch, another performer comes running straight at him and then dives to the ground and does the “sliding into home” move through the rifle guy's legs. (I wonder how many trips to the ER they each had to make while learning THAT one…!!!) Interesting personal observation: When I saw their show at the Ft. Lauderdale regional, it looked to me as if Flanagan was going to be taking their program in a different direction than maybe they’ve taken it during pervious seasons. And clearly they are - kind of. But now that I’ve seen the finished program, it looks and feels much more like the type of show that I would expect to see from Flanagan. And that’s not any kind of a criticism. Just an observation. But it does illustrate just how much any show can change from Week 1 to Week 7. What hasn’t changed about this show is the incredible way in which Flanagan sells their performance. Wow. They aren't kiddin’ around. This is World Class color guard at 100 m.p.h. and you DO NOT want to get in their way. And their show is jam-packed with the type of technically demanding equipment writing that always makes the crowd go crazy, crazy, CRAZY for Flanagan. Oh, yeah: they’ll definitely will be neck-in-neck with the best guards in the country right up to the very end. Choctawhatchee When I heard the title of their show, “Valentine,” I thought that the ladies of Choctawhatchee were going to present a seven and a half minute homage to Zydeco director Byron Valentine. They didn’t. (You can imagine my embarrassment, I'm sure.) :big hug: Instead, “Valentine” is a beautiful, sophisticated, lyrical interpretation of the tender torch song, “My Funny Valentine,” taking us back in time to experience the faded glamour and aching romance of vintage Hollywood love stories. This skillfully crafted show unfolds in a very understated, controlled rhythm and gradually rises to the final, dramatic sweeping flag phrases. The entire production seems effortless in both its progression and presentation. And as always is the case with these talented ladies, their dance/movement training is superb. Seamless integration of the body and the equipment is one of their trademarks. And that’s immediately apparent this year, too. Wonderful equipment work all around, complimented by beautiful staging and presentation. It just doesn’t get much better than this. Very few groups in any class are able to achieve the quality that Choctawhatchee maintains year after year. On all levels, they are simply a joy to watch. Freedom High School This recently promoted ensemble provides yet another dramatic example of how different a show can be from Week 1 to Week 7. Back in February, I thought that maybe the 2008 SO Silver medalists were going to need some more time to get up to speed and really shine in SW class. Don’t get me wrong, their show was perfectly “fine” at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional. But it did seem as if maybe they were slightly in over their head. As the saying goes: that was then, this is now. This group easily gets my vote for “Most Improved” since the beginning of the season. They turned-in a really strong performance on Sunday. They flagged well, their weapons work was solid, they worked well as a group and they did a great job at communicating the complex emotional aspects of their civil rights inspired show. Unexpected inspiring moment: While the voice on the narration track is making firm, adamant statements about “I will not go” or “I shall not leave,” a member of the rifle line – a young lady who happens to be African-American - is symbolically “dragged” away in the same manner that civil rights activists often were removed from equality demonstrations during the 50s and 60s. This difficult yet important historical image is handled very respectfully and tastefully. It’s poignant, appropriate and extremely effective within the context of the performance. On many levels - both intellectual and literal - this show really is beginning to reach its full potential. And placing between Seminole and Choctawhatchee…??? Well, that’s excellent company for any SW guard to be keeping at this point in the season. I have no doubt that this program will be received equally well in Dayton. Seminole Ok, I’m just a giant pushover for any movement from the Four Seasons, especially ‘Winter.’ So, I was instantly on their side. They performed well as an ensemble and they handle all of their equipment with ease. A strong group right down the line. But for me, sometimes there was a little bit of a disconnect between the music and the equipment work. For example, during one particularly tension-filled passage in the score, everyone is using a rifle, which always creates a big, dramatic effect. But the work that’s taking place – while very clean – seems a bit slow and somewhat deliberate. Again, it doesn’t quite match the vibrancy and momentum of the musical line. But at other times, the equipment book is beautifully written, such as the series of flag passages that close the program: vibrant, bold, and with all the fortitude of a raging, icy winter storm. By the end of this show, I was wishing that I had ordered one of those ‘Snuggie’ things that you see being advertised on late-night TV. Stoneman Douglas I wasn’t sure just how much I could like a show about the stock market, money, avarice and other financial/moral travesties. But I can say that I actually enjoy this show quite a bit. A lot of interesting, effective design and visual choices make this show memorable. The tarp with the Wall Street imagery works even better now that all of the icons and artwork are complete. It’s one of the better floor designs that I’ve seen this season. And it’s the perfect setting for the Gordon Gecko “greed is good” speech. Also, now the guard literally throws money around during the performance. Piles of cash are staged across the floor and at different moments they grab handfuls of money and toss it in the air and kick it around and stuff like that. Very effective. All of the equipment work in the show is performed quite well, especially the thoughtfully choreographed weapon lines. We’ve come to expect a high level or performance from Stoneman Douglas and they certainly deliver again this season. But seeing their equipment work right next to other SW groups, it does seem as if their writing isn’t quite as demanding as it’s been in years past. Even so, they perform the heck out of it. And they still have the best “game face” of any group out there. These ladies always mean business and it shows in their performances.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - INDEPENDENT OPEN USF winter guard “The way I see it.” I saw this show at the beginning of the season and I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it. What a difference six weeks can make. The entire package has really come together quite nicely. Very complete and very thorough on all levels. It’s not necessarily one of my favorite shows of all time, but now I can see (pun intended) why this group has been scoring so well lately. Great movement, solid equipment work, high level of performance ability. At this point, I think this program is all about fine-tuning. They’ve got the big picture stuff under control. Now, just make every element as perfect as you can make it. This group of performers is head and shoulders above last year’s guard that finished 12th in WGI Finals. Don’t be surprised to see this group move up a couple of places in Dayton. Wind I must admit, I wasn’t at all familiar with this group that made the long trip down from North Carolina. What a pleasant surprise they were. They were one of the smaller units that I saw on Saturday. But their show, "Streetlight People," choreographed to a stylized version of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, really had a big-guard feel to it. Some very nice stylistic choices were integrated into the show in interesting ways. And as tends to be the case with smaller ensembles, the show was very exposed – and all of the performers rose to the occasion. Their big tricks from their soloists were both staged and executed well and their ensemble work was great, too. And a great big shout out and many much-deserved snaps to the soloist who did the front summersault under a HUGE rifle toss. Definitely a crowd pleaser in Tampa. (P.S.: I think we should get this guy together with the double-rifle Diva from Premonition. What a show THAT would be…!!!)) Fahrenheit This was one of 4 shows I saw Sunday that was about cold things: ice, winter, frozen tundra, etc. I just found it funny that all of these “cold” shows were coming from the hottest Regional in the country. As with most other Florida groups, I haven’t seen Fahrenheit since the Ft. Lauderdale Regional at the beginning of February. I came away with a totally different impression this time around. The show is programmed and paced nicely and a lot of the visual and equipment choices are working well for them. And I’m not sure when they started wearing the black ski masks during the opening of the show, but it works great for them. It creates an eerie, faceless, anonymous and VERY uniform look. It also looks as if maybe as an ensemble they’re going to knock over a Winn-Dixie on the way back to Orlando. But I digress… They’ve handled the transition from IA to IO particularly well. Great movement and body work through out the program and in general they’re quite proficient with their equipment. But they could be little bit crisper with some of the work and a little bit tighter on their ensemble moves. But that’s detail stuff. There’s plenty of time before Dayton to polish those aspects of the show. University of Alabama, Alta Marea Another of the cold shows competing at the Tampa Regional. Performed to “The Carol of the Bells,’ the show incorporates imagery of snow and other “wintry” elements in the interpretation their theme. Equipment book could have been a little bit more challenging for a 2008 IO finalist guard, I thought. But their work was very clean. And their movement and body work was quite nice. And as an ensemble these ladies really “clicked.” A very pleasing and enjoyable performance on many levels.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SCHOLASTIC OPEN Note: I saw only the final two guards in this class, but if their performances were indicative of the level of competition in Tampa, then the entire SO class deserves a BIG round of applause. West Johnston High School Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler would have loved West Johnston's show titled "Gravity." This show was heavy - heavy on excellence, that is. (Ok, extremely lame joke on my part. Forgive me.) :) Performed on a simple floor consisting primarily of a barren apple tree in one corner and an oversize red apple in the other, this highly skilled guard from North Carolina showed us why they finished at the top of Open Class at WGI Finals last year. Very well trained technically, excellent demonstration of movement and a great sense of “performing” for an audience propelled them to the top of this competition, too. And their unison “red apple” flag feature was performed to near perfection. Very well executed and perfectly positioned within the program. An entertaining, effective, well-crafted show all-around. They should be a strong contender for a top-five spot in Dayton. Tarpon springs I’m going to be bold and say that Tarpon Springs probably had the best conceptualized, most thought out and perfectly packaged show that I saw on Sunday in any class. Normally, I’m kind of leery of shows that have "excessive” theming. Very easily, that approach can turn into a show about “the stuff” rather than a show about the guard performing as an ensemble and, subsequently, taking the crowd along with them for the ride. Not this show. Titled “And Sew it Goes,” the show follows the journey of a dress. We start with raw fabric and guard members wearing dress pattern-inspired uniforms and we end up with a beautifully attired ensemble wearing finished garments inspired by the simple everyday style of the dresses of the 30s/40s. This show unfolds beautifully and seamlessly. (Both puns VERY intended…!!!) Again, the props and the other “stuff” are an integrated, necessary part of the program. On the front line, there’s a seamstress working at an old-timey sewing machine. There are clothes lines for drying large cuts of fabric. Several set pieces like that around the performance space speak directly the "sewing" theme. But they all enhance the activity that’s happening on the floor. The performance space does seem a little “full” at times, but none of the set pieces become problematic in a physical manner. Instead, it heightens the feeling of being in a bustling workroom in a dressmakers shop. One of my favorite equipment passages of the entire competition came during the final moments of this show. In stages, guard members who have been hidden from view enter the floor from left to right, about 4–5 members at a time. The first group of girls are using a flag that at first looks as it it’s all wound-up on the pole: you can only see about 10” of the silk itself. Then, 4-5 more girls appear with a flag that now has slightly MORE of the silk showing. Then – and the idea now becomes clear – 4 –5 more girls appear and they’re spinning about HALF of a flag. This continues until the final members appear with the full version of the silk and everyone joins in a beautifully staged flag feature that ends the show on a perfect note. It’s not only gorgeous visually, but it also reiterates the overall theme of evolution and moving forward, reaching the end of your goal, transition, etc. I actually scored them a bit closer to West Johnston. But hey – what do I know…??? The only downside to the sophisticated, carefully planned, creative show is some of the staging. At times, it seems as if there’s a LOT of stuff happening simultaneously. It makes for a lot of energy and excitement, that’s for sure. But I found myself missing the “something special” that’s happening up “over there” because I was paying attention the "something special" that was happening “over here.” And the floor – sketches of several fashion drawing representing several eras, 40s, 50s, 60, 80s – while creatively executed and thoroughly appropriate for the show – sometimes seemed to make certain passages of the show and some of the movement kinda tricky to read. The only reason I mention anything critical of this show is because I feel strongly that EVERY ELEMENT performed by this talented group should be enjoyed and appreciated by 100% of the audience - and let’s not for the judging panel - without any distraction. Even, so, as I‘ve already said, I think this show was hands down my “people’s choice” performance of the day. It had sophistication and an understated elegance. And the girls performed every moment of every phrase with confidence, grace and ease. Also, this was a text book example how to present an “emotional” show that wasn’t weepy, whiny, morose, helpless, tearful or otherwise depressing. It was an emotional show that was very “up” and inspiring – but not in a cliché or maudlin way. It was delivered in a gentle, yet authoritative and inviting manner that continued to build in its emotional appeal right up to the very end. It was downright enjoyable. And it left you wanting to see these terrific competitors present about 10 more minutes of this show. Again, one of my favorite programs of any class. (As if that fact isn’t glaringly obvious by the length of this review…!!!)

Flanagan almost always has a co-ed guard. Granted, the membership remains significantly female. But I've counted at least four guys in their World Guard this year. In fact, a lot of the Florida high school guards have a co-ed membership. Sometimes it's jsut one or two guys. But it's not unusual at all.

No kidding. And after having just seen Flanagan (and their score) at the Tampa Power Regional, well, I'm not sure what the judging panel will do with the guards at the top of Scholastic World. There seems to be no obvious front-runner right now. Avon, Flanagan, Logan - they're all turning in the same score, more or less. Of course, none of those guards have competed directly with one another either. So, who knows what will happen when they finally perform side-by-side-by-side. And there's a guard or two out there that could very easily earn one of those top-three spots, too. So, even at this late point in the season, SW still is a full-on horse race.

And above all else, I know is that this year, Sebastienne needs to atone like there's no tomorrow, particularly after the opening night debacle of his production of Chekov's "The Cherry Orchard." It was produced way, way, WAY off Broadway. St. Louis, to be exact. Sebastienne's reinvented version, a jaunty musical titled "Cherry Potter and the Secret of the Knotted Stem" opened to such an underwhelming response at the Bonnie Franklin Dinner Theater that it closed - by popular demand - immediately following the first act. As a result, Sebastienne no longer is allowed within the city limits of St. Louis, again, by popular demand. Fortunately, he escaped the sad, tragic scene unharmed - but just barely. Might I suggest during this season for Lent, Sebastienne give up his remaining delusions of grandeur.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is how ugly rumors get started. Sebastienne is NOT giving up any of the aforementioned indulgences for Lent. In observance of this year's high holy day, Sebastienne is just plain giving up.

Amen, brother Spinner. Amen. I've already pledged half of my weekly salary toward this effort - and for the very reasons that you cited. To this day, I still have nightmares of being chased around the gym by Sebastienne on his scooter as he brandished a tube of Gorilla glue and insisted that he needed to "secure my tuck" before I squeezed into our second-skin "All that Jazz" body suits. Just by the by, did anyone else find it odd that dried Gorilla Glue bears an uncanny resemblance to the dried Maalox that was perpetually caked in the corner of Sebastienne's mouth...??? And they both matched the white top-stitching in Sebastienne's Ban-Lon® shirts. I've always wondered whether or not there was some kind of a connection there.

Not sure who this thin-skinned director might be (although I have some strong candidates in mind), but the idea of a public forum consisting only of mandated "positivity" would be worthless. Now, that's not giving carte blanche to every loud-mouth jerk in the activity to join this forum and trash whomever they happen to have a beef with. But some straightforward, honest - or even irreverent - opinions on any given topic are really important to the discussions taking place here. And I agree with all of the previous posts, too. Members of this site seem to be very conscious of not flat out "trashing" anyone or anything that's being discussed. Sure, we're a bit cheeky and a little odd at times. But I generally don't see any legitimate members posting anything that could be interpreted as negative or intentionally malicious. Sometimes the tone of comments printed on a page (or a computer screen) is not as obvious as the tone of words that are spoken. But that doesn't seem to be the issue at hand with the "prominent director" who feels as if his/her group is being denigrated publicly. When an real "attack" of some kind does get posted in these forums, it's almost always posted by a brand new member who created an account for the exclusive purpose of saying something snarky and nasty about a particular guard or person. And Trish does a great job of monitoring and deleting that stupid garbage right away. Myself, I tend to lean toward the "rah-rah" side of things most of the time. (Read some of my previous posts...!!!) I What can I say...??? I guess I'm just a cheerleader at heart. Mea culpa. But I do have opinions - and they're not all "positive." Believe me: there's plenty of stuff/people in this activity that drive me up the frickin', frackin', freakin' wall. And I definitely make my point-of-view known. Dissenting viewpoints are a valid part of any conversation happening anywhere. The mystery director who thinks that everything here should be "positive" needs to get over it. Seriously. It's as easy as that. Just get over it and move on.

Likewise, the floor will need to BE wiped after the performance of Sebastienne's senior group. What's the name of his group - I always forget...??? Constipation...??? Inflammation...??? Incontinence...??? I know it's one of those "older guard member's" issues that's not nearly as fun as it sounds.

Now, THAT certainly is impressive...!!! This is further proof that a excellent instructional staff needs only a group of dedicated performers in order to turn out an truly top-notch ensemble. The Flanagan program sure does seem to be poised to continue producing terrific guards for many seasons to come.

Well, I don't really know anyone directly involved with the Flanagan program. So, unfortunately, I can neither confrim nor deny anything. But I'm pretty sure that Flanagan has been putting together two winter guards for a couple of years: A World guard and an "A" guard or JV guard whatever term they use. So, I guess it would make sense that if last year's World guard had a lot of seniors who graduated, then this year's World guard would probably have quite a few members who weren't in the World guard last year. Of course, I'd be willing to bet that many of the "new" members of this year's World guard were active last year in Flanagan's JV guard. It seems a little unlikely that a program as deep and demanding as Flanagan would have a significant number of "walk-ons" who were capable of jumping right into their competitive World guard with zero experience. But, it's possible. Some people just have the guard "gift." And with Flanagan's dedicated instructional staff, well, I'm sure that they could quickly bring any rookie up-to-speed with their more veteran members. Just my two cents. Anyone out there have any information on the number of first-year spinners who might be participating in Flanagan's World guard this year...??? As is usually the case, I'm just curious. That's all.

I agree 10,000%. First thing tomorrow, I'll contact the WGI Executive Committee and recommend that you receive via the U.S. mail an official WGI Gold Medal for "Scholastic World Class Viewing Prowess at a Regional Event." Many thanks for mentioning the "rumor" about Flanagan's "singing" during their program.

Thanks so much for the confirmation...!!! As I said previously, this "singing" in gibberish makes perfect sense for Flanagan's show. I'll make sure that I'm listening for it the next time I see their show. Thanks, again...!!!

Ok, so they WERE "singing" in some way. I, too, thought that I heard some kind of "noise" coming from the floor during Flanagans's performance, but I wasn't totally sure. For a VERY brief moment I remember hearing some sounds that didn't seem to be a part of the soundtrack and thinking to myself "Is the back line counting out loud or something...???" - which would have made no sense whatsoever coming from Flanagan's World guard. Then I didn't hear it any more. So, I thought that maybe it was just the funky "gym acoustics" playing tricks on my ears. You know, random sounds from the bleachers bouncing around the ceiling or something. But now that I know that Flanagan is, indeed, "singing" in some way, maybe someone can answer a new question. Here goes: The title of Flanagan's show is "Hopelandic." And "Hopelandic" is the pretend "language" that the band Sigur Ros created to be used in their music. However, this "language" isn't really a "language" that anyone would speak or even recognize. It's mostly Scandinavian gibberish. "Hopelandic" is a means by which you communicate emotionality via sounds that represent your various emotional reactions. And the sounds - as well as the translations of the sounds - can have different definitions for everyone who speaks them. Again, it's almost total gibberish. But... Now I'm wondering if Flanagan is "singing" in this weird "Hopelandic" gibberish stuff. It would make sense - and be kinda cool - becasue their soundtrack is performed by the band Sigur Ros who "sings" in "Hopelandic." Anyone know the answer to this question...??? (I'm just really curious to know more about this now...!!!) Thanks in advance for any information you might be able to provide.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - EDITOR’S NOTE: Because it’s so VERY early in the season, I’m not going to get into a whole lot of nitty-gritty about the shows that I watched at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional. Clearly, all of these shows will be a totally different experience after another couple of weeks of rehearsal and “tweaking.” And they’ll be largely different again by the end of the season. So, I’m going to try mostly o give some general thoughts about the performances – with a little bit of detail added when it seems appropriate. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Flanagan High School Another powerful program from the 2008 WGI Gold Medalists. Last season’s champs continue to show us that they’re a top-tier performance ensemble in every way. Once again, a highly demanding show uses an impressive, world class equipment book to focus the spotlight on their limitless energy and their superior technical abilities. And I actually noticed a couple of places in the show where it looks as if “something big” will be added as the season progresses. Wow. This year’s show, in my opinion, is a little different from Flanagan shows that I’ve seen in previous seasons. Of course, it’s still a first-rate production all around. And it’s still completely Flanagan: bold, powerful and vibrant. But to me, it seems as if the design and the overall feel of the program are somehow more complete or detailed or something. The show seems more thoughtful in its construction while continuing to emphasize the superior equipment skills of this talented group of performers. The show is titled “Hopelandic” which, if I’m remembering correctly, is the name of a song or an album by the Icelandic post-rock group Sigur Ros, whose music is used on the soundtrack. In a nod to the group’s frozen homeland, the show takes us far away to the glaciers and fjords of the Scandinavian north. The floor design features an image of an iceberg on a sub-zero Arctic horizon. Colors in the floor, equipment and uniforms mostly are taken from the “cold” end of the blue spectrum, which makes sense for this program. Even at this point in the season, Flanagan is demonstrating the incredible depth of talent and ability that their performers have. And they're only going to get better from here on out. Clearly, this group has their sights set on finishing at the top of Scholastic World again this year. And you can bet that they're going to work their tail-ends off to get there. (We've seen them do this before...!!!) At first, their score of 81.5 did seem a little on the high end of the scale. After all, the WGI season is barely underway and every guard out there – including Flanagan - has a LOT of cleaning and polishing to do. But if you take a look at the results from the WGI Regional in Dayton, Avon (last year's Silver Medalist) scored an 80.2 So, Flanagan’s score is totally in line with the scores for the other top guards competing in WGI events this weekend. Regardless of their score, Flanagan’s program will be a force to be reckoned with at competitions all the way through WGI Finals. Can’t wait to see how their show builds and evolves as the weeks roll by. Stoneman-Douglas High School This perennial WGI Finalist also debuted a bit of a different look. Most noticeably, they’ve done away with the “scary” make-up and gone for a somewhat lighter visual presentation, which is a refreshing change for them. Believe me, though, a lighter “look” for Stoneman-Douglas doesn’t mean that this guard is any less tenacious than they’ve ever been. These are some fierce competitors - and they project MASSIVE amounts of confidence. (As well they should…!!!) They let it be known from the moment they take the floor that they mean BUSINESS. The guard is smaller than I remember them being in the past. (I counted 15 or 16 members on the floor, I think.) But the size of the guard doesn’t really make much of a difference as long as the show is designed with a smaller number of members in mind. And that’s definitely the case with this show. Their program was nicely designed and programmed from beginning to end. As in seasons past, the weapons work in this ensemble is outstanding - especially the sabre line - and many of the more memorable moments of the program are built around these dynamite performers. A versatile, crowd-pleasing weapon line has long been one of the hallmarks of the Stoneman-Douglas program and it looks as if that’s going to continue to be true for many seasons to come. Also different for S-D this year is their approach to their floor design. Instead of an all-over abstraction of dark, ominous colors – which they’d been doing for a few seasons - the floor is a stylish, graphic interpretation of Wall Street iconography, complete with a bold, eye-catching image of a “Wall Street” sign and various DOW stock ticker symbols. This floor works great for their show because the theme is – you guessed it – something about Wall Street. (I missed the exact title because the audio system in the gym was nearly impossible to understand from where I was sitting.) Overall, I’m really appreciating a lot of the things that they’ve introduced into their program this year. This group, too, will represent South Florida well through the ’09 season. And don't be one bit surprised to see them very much in the running to qualify for WGI FInals again this year. Seminole High School Quite a different show from last year’s production about “travels” in which they used the park benches and the orange luggage. This year, their program is titled “Shiver.” (I think.) The soundtrack, Vivaldi’s tension-filled ‘Winter’ movement from ‘The Four Seasons,’ even includes the sounds of ice crackling, crunching and shattering into a zillion pieces. Like Flanagan, this show uses a lot of “cold” colors – blues and purples – to reinforce the icy mood that they’re creating. Lots of complicated weapon and flag work keep these ladies on their toes – until the very last moment of the show when the frosty climate finally gets the best of them and they lay down and, well, “shiver.” A really strong program from Seminole that undoubtedly will continue to get better each week. Freedom High School Ok. Were there, like, 25 groups from Orlando participating at this Regional…??? I swear, it seems as if every guard’s introduction began “From Orlando, Florida, please welcome…” But I digress. It's gotta be just a little bit daunting for even a veteran SW guard to share the floor with the amazing competitors that Freedom encountered at this, their first WGI Regional. But this first-year SW ensemble from Freedom went out there and held their own in every way. The 2008 WGI Silver Medalists from Scholastic Open cranked-out a really respectable performance at their first WGI event of the season. Their motivational/inspirational production incorporates numerous excerpts from some of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most memorable addresses and they delivered their program with both confidence and control. This group obviously is very well trained in equipment and it really shows. They flagged particularly well on Saturday night, handling some tricky phrasing and passages quite nicely. And their soloists definitely are deserving of the attention that they’ve been given through out the program. A very appealing performance by this up-and-coming group making the transition to the ranks of Scholastic World competition. Freedom should easily be able to kick this show up a couple of notches by the end of the season. They seem to have enough talent on hand to make it happen. Good luck to all of Florida’s Scholastic World guards this season…!!!

I'm always encouraged when I see the top groups trying new ideas and taking different approaches. I think it reminds everyone that it's okay to "mix it up" every now and again. It keeps the activity interesting.

Yep. They actually smiled. They wore their "game face" quite a bit, too. But they did make an effort to show a range of expressions. As I said earlier, it was a nice change of pace for them.

Well, there you have it. I said right up front that I'm no genius in the numbers department. (How right I was...!!!) Thanks for the info, amfgx..!!!

Oh, I know...!!! It's as if the design staff at Stoneman-Douglas has been reading my tiny mind. When they walked out on to the floor to set their equipment they flashed their signature "game face" to the stands. You know, the face that says "We're Stoneman-Douglas - and we're in it to WIN IT." So, I thought that maybe they were going to maintain that same "tough as nails" persona during their whole show. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Instead, they used a really nice variety of expressions though out the entire program And I nearly choked on my Tic-Tacs as I watched the full ensemble SMILE ear-to-ear during their flag feature. What an wonderful addition to their strong performance. I think the subtle changes that we're seeing in this year's show might be an indicator of some larger changes yet to come with this perennial WGI Finalist. You know what they say about the really good winter guard programs: the best ones always find ways to keep getting better. Good luck with the remainder of the '09 season, Stoneman-Douglas...!!!

Hmmm... I attended the Ft. Lauderdale Regional last night. But I haven't yet seen a box-by-box breakdown of the scores from Finals. And as stated by the previous poster, I'm NOT trying to start a snarky debate about something that might not even be true. But wouldn't it be almost mathematically impossible for Flanagan to have been ranked below any other guard in their class...??? In any box...??? Of any category...??? Flanagan scored 11 full points ahead of second place. Even if one renegade equipment judge went 180 degrees in the opposite direction with his/her numbers, wouldn't the final scores between first and second need to be just a little bit closer somehow...??? Same with FIU. In any category, how could they be placed behind a guard that, ultimately, they outscored by a margin of 12 points...??? I'm definitely not a whiz with the math on these things. So, I'm sure that someone out there will let me know one way or the other about the possibility of scoring like this taking place. But having seen all the finals performances last night, let me say that I would find it "interesting" if this were to be true. Just my two cents. And by the way, there were a lot of really solid, early season shows happening at the Fort Lauderdale Regional yesterday. Very encouraging performances in every class. The State of Florida is going to be well represented in Dayton this year. God luck to everyone as the '09 season continues...!!!

I just assumed that WGI board didn't find the lack of a bridge to be a problem, as most of them are able to walk on water - or so we're led to believe.

Lawrence Central's marching band did go to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl during Christmas break. So, maybe they needed to tap into money that normally would have gone for Spring semester activities. That would make sense. I mean, these days it can't be cheap to fly a high school marching band from Indiana to Arizona - even with group/school discounts. I'm sure we'll see them in Dayton again. Maybe not this year. But they'll be back. And whether they participate in WGI or not, it's good to hear that Lawrence Central's '09 program is being as well-received as their successful '08 show. Sounds as if this group once again is competing at the level of excellence that we've come to expect from them.

I'll be attending the Ft. Lauderdale Regional. And if all goes well, I'll be able to check out prelims AND finals. Never miss an opportunity to see TWO performances by any great guard, I always say. Definitely some terrific competitors at this regional. Among them are: Scholastic World - 2008 SW Gold Medalist Flanagan High School - Perennial SW finalist Stoneman-Douglas High School - From Florida's West coast, WGI finalist Seminole High School Scholastic Open - Competing in SO this year, 2008 SA Gold Medalist, Colonial High School from Orlando - SO multi-year finalist, Santaluces High School - SO Finalist Cypress Creek High School from Orlando Independent World - Crowd favorite and long-time IW finalist, Miami's own Braddock Independent - IW finalists The Knights and Fahrenheit, both from Orlando - IW up-and-comer Premonition from Ft. Lauderdale (Last year's "Double-rifle Diva" guard) Independent A - Back in action after a few seasons away, MEDEA from Palm Beach County Wow. Lots of talent on that list. And not one but TWO Gold Medalists from last year's Finals in Dayton. We're going to see outstanding performances in every division at this Regional. Definitely looking forward to Saturday. (<--- Understatement...!!!) One last thought: With the economy and the price of gas such as they are, maybe all of the guards from Orlando could lobby the folks at The Magic Kingdom to install a Disney Tram route from Main Street USA directly to the the Ft. Lauderdale Regional site. Might be cheaper than buying diesel for 12 busses traveling down the Florida Turnpike from Orange County to Broward County. Hey, it's worth a shot. Lord knows stranger things have happened here in Florida.