mojo67

Apparently there will not be a full review of the WGI Indianapolis Regional at Ben Davis HS last weekend. Here are my remaining thoughts on open and world class: Enjoy!! Scholastic Open Class: New Palestine – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – On a smoke filled tarp and grey uniforms the ensemble performs to a sultry song. With a musical movement to begin the program, there were minor performance issues with the rifle soloists but the recovery was great. The program progressed nicely using a bluish, grey flag resembling a teary eye. The red silk feature was performed nicely and in unison leading to an emotional dance ending. LaPorte – In The Key of Somewhere – The ensemble resembled blue birds as they took the floor resembling keys of a piano, with multi color flowers in two corners. They emerge from the back left side to fill the floor leading into outstanding individual sabre solos. The rifle feature was performed with confidence. Leading into the circular feature of sabres and flags the ensemble performed with ease. Going into the final rainbow flag feature leading into the finale of the blue birds nesting on the piano keys the program came to an end. Nicely Done. Walled Lake Central – Falling Slowly – An ensemble featuring male and female performers the females wore a classy all white uniform and the gentlemen wore white dress shirts, tan pants and a matching tan tie. The opening movement is quite impressive leading into the sabre statement. This program features a guitar and vocal soloist who performs quite well leading into another rifle feature. The ending features a gold silk statement with confetti spraying the air with gold and leaves one with a feeling of falling slowly as did the confetti. Kings – True Colors – Taking the floor performing to True Colors, the tarp is an iridescent spray of pastel colors. The young ladies are adorned in pure white uniforms. Though small in numbers this ensemble makes up for their presence on the floor. These skilled performers using iridescent flags for the majority of the program showed why they are in open class. The training is evident in this ensemble. Ending the program with sheaths of fabric in various colors, showing true colors and a nice musical movement moment the program concluded. Well Done. Norwin – Red Carpet Dreams – Classy outfits adorned these young ladies as if they were ready to step onto the red carpet. It seems the performers want to give an illusion of going into a dreamlike state as a performer relives their past. Listening to the narration is quite important in this program. On a multi colored tarp, with a spotlight shining down, the talented young ladies being their quest for red carpet dreams. The purple / red flag feature was outstanding as well as the ending gold flag feature. Great Job!! Lake Central – Circle of Friends – Taking the floor in a light blue uniform on a dark blue tarp with an unknown symbol in the middle, this ensemble performed the opening sabre statement flawlessly. The program seems to feature circles relating to the title of their program. This ensemble moves with ease as the program progresses, though there are minor performance issues, recovery is great. The ending silk feature is outstanding and the ensemble shows great emotion in the performance. Marian Catholic – Fallen – With pearly golden gates setting the back drop, the tarp appearing to be purgatory or depths of hell, this talented ensemble takes the floor with an elegant opening movement statement. Fringed flags enter the floor, though there are minor performance issues, recover for the most part is good. The dark music keeps going until Amazing Grace starts. The pearly golden gates open, and move forward exposing the glorious heavens above. This is a well trained ensemble that put on a great emotional program. Nicely Done!!! Lawrence Central – Amazing Grace – WOW WOW WOW. This outstanding ensemble gave an emotional performance to Ani Difranco’s Amazing Grace. Set with earth tone colors on the tarps, and in the silks, using wooden planks as props, the program appears to be about buildings ones self from the inside to the outside. One of the most emotional performances of the afternoon as this ensemble moved precisely and executed each flag statement. One of the smoothest moving ensembles of the year and the ending silk feature….wow wow wow…ending into the ending movement statement to the rifle solo, the program was perfect. Yes there were a couple of minor performance issues but that did not take away as the recovery was great. GREAT JOB!!! & Congratulations on being the Scholastic Open Class Champions at the WGI Indianapolis Power Regional. World Class: Shenendehowa – The Journey – The music keeps building until the end. Taking the floor on a gray tarp soon to be replaced by a velvet red floor this ensemble takes us on a journey. Only question is what kind of journey. The program appeared to be dark from the music to the appearance of the performance. There were performance issues but recovery was done well. The program concludes with an orange silk feature leading to a sabre solo. Northmont – when one door closes……. – This could be interpreted to winning SO last year and being promoted to SW this year to present a new challenge. Therefore last year a door was closed, but this year a new door opens. Performing with free standing doors on a wood grain tarp, this ensemble proves why they belong in the world class. A strong movement statement opens the program to a sabre solo. During the soft musical interlude a blue silk feature is performed with grace. A strong rifle feature leads into the ending movement section with the door closing. Northview – A Young Person’s Guide to the Zodiac - Sporting silver uniforms with different zodiac signs on each one as well as hair styles to try to match the zodiacs this group gives and effortless performance. The tarp consists of the zodiac signs and symbols and such. The opening movement statement into the saber soloist was fantastic. The sabre / blue and yellow flag was musically orchestrated as well. The ending silk statement was right on as well. Nicely done and this show will only get better in the future. Centerville – A Poison Tree – What a powerful opening musical movement statement with the piano. Set on a tarp of a barren tree possibly during a hazey sunset or sunrise, the ensemble departs. The narration is important to listen to help give an understanding to the program. The maroon / cream flag statement with sabre soloists was performed perfectly. Who is the foe beneath the tree? A great performance. Nicely done. Center Grove – Here Comes the Flood – On a bubbly tarp, with the unit sporting various shades of blue fringed uniforms, the opening soloist is joined by the remaining ensemble to complete a great opening statement. This talented ensemble of only thirteen performers doesn’t disappoint as each carries their weight throughout the performance. From the blue silk ensemble to the rifle solo this is an extremely musically choreographed program not to be missed. Maybe the program should be entitled more appropriately, Here Comes the Grove. Great Job!! Miamisburg – All Roads Lead To Rome – The tarp resembled a map of Rome with the Roman Coliseum set as a backdrop as this ensemble took the floor. There were performance issues throughout the program, but recovery was great. The ensemble sported olive / cream uniforms. The emotional aesthetic was somewhat dry, not sure what the group was wanting to leave behind. The performance was good overall, as the training in the ensemble is evident as to belonging in the world class. Nice Job!! Warren Central – Chaos Theory – The guard looking as of chaos, the floor sporting various numbers (look closely to see how many you can find), this ensemble performed a flawless program. The opening movement statement into the rifle transition into the rifle feature was great. The light green silks and double spinning on the rifles fit perfectly to the musicality of the piano. As the program proceeds it is extremely important to listen to the narration. The maroon silk feature with the rifles intertwined is absolutely hypnotizing to watch as the music progresses and the beat picks up to the finale. WOW what a great show. Carmel - Good Luck – Find a Penny Pick It Up and All Day Long You’ll Have Good Luck – This ensemble resembles pennies as their uniforms are copper, in a field wherein lies a four leave clover. Opening the program with beautiful movement solos coinciding with the whistle leading into the green silk solo was great. The moments of cohesiveness in this program are great from beginning to end. The flag features, the individual moments, this show was greatly performed. There were only a couple of performance issues, but recovery was great. This ensemble moves smooth as silk. The way the guard connected the four leaf clover to the top of the tarp was fantastic. The penny at the end..WOW..what a great addition. GREAT JOB!!! Avon - Release - With a single diagnol line in the tarp and simple black uniforms this ensemble shows why they are always right at the top. The elegance in which this group moves is unbelievable. The ensemble moments of the white silks to the black silks are flawless. The individual highlighted moments on rifle and sabre are again flawless. The ending of the performance one can finally release a breath of fresh air, as this ensemble gave an outstanding performance. GREAT JOB!!!

After witnessing a ton of great performances this past weekend at Ben Davis HS, my predictions for world are as follows: 15 - Northview 14 - Americas 13 - Centerville 12 - Rancho Bernardo 11 - Trumbull 10 - Miamisburg 9 - Chesire 8 - Center Grove 7 - Arcadia 6 - Choctawhatchee 5 - Flanagan 4 - Warren Central 3 - Carmel 2 - Avon 1 - James Logan

I think the South Shore Drill Team needs to learn WGI etiquette first. Then they can take it to the next level. Yes they did bring the house down. Yes they are really good at what they do. Walking off the floor before being dismissed, a member shaking his head when they were announced last in IO, not applauding for the other groups, walking in during performances of other IO groups, not cool. I was amazed at the lack of appreciation they showed the other performing units after them. This was my perception. Perception is everything.

Mother Nature once again was the star in Indianapolis as she showed her sunshine this weekend for the WGI Power Regional. It was a good thing there were hot performances in the gym as it was rather cold. There was a lot of movement today in some classes, as some groups came to play and play seriously. The gym was packed to the rafters. Lincoln Way – Style Moderne – Taking the floor on a black tarp the white uniforms gave great contrast as finals got underway. The opening sabre statement was very smooth. During the ballad portion of the program, the teal flag ensemble was quite good. The last silk which reminded me of a sunflower, was very much into unison leading to a beautiful ending with the members ending in an arch to the soloist at the top of the arch. Nice Job! Lake Central – Autumn Leaves – Performing on a floor of a tree of that is entering autumn, the performers dressed in rust color uniforms representing leaves falling off the tree and swirling in the wind. Starting with a great rifle solo the program moved into silks which represented leaves as well again swirling in the wind. This well trained A ensemble performed their rifle feature flawlessly. The expressive qualities were natural as well. What a nice program. Owen Valley – Road Trip – Taking the audience on a trip using various road sign flags, this ensemble performed an outstanding program today. On a floor which resembles the Midwest the ensemble took a trip with sayings from Ira Glass and the music from August Rush. The last silk used was that of one driving into the sunset, very nice. The ending dance movement ending the trip was great. Nicely Performed!! Waubonsie Valley – Stroke of Midnight – A very dark and macabre show to a degree, but a very well performed show overall. Great opening sabre statement. There were performance issues, though some recovery issues occurred as well. Taking the floor in black ballerina uniforms with interesting mis-shapen ballet dance bars, this group gave its all. The rifle feature was great. The blue / orange / black flag statement was performed nicely and what a great musical statement that made. Ending with individual saber solos as the guard rounded out the time at the stroke of midnight. Chesterton – Happy To Be – What a festive take on this classical piece of music. Taking the floor on a bright neon yellow and multi colored pallet (which reminded me of Skittles) and in a light pastel ballerina uniforms, this ensemble gave a great performance. The opening teal flag feature is well performed. In between a female snare drummer was introduced which added greatly to the emotional impact of the program. The ending purple flag feature, again WOW….nicely done. Milford – HUNGRY Rhapsody – Taking the floor on a red / white checkered tarp with a huge picnic basket on the back left, and a nice setting of Swiss cheese on the right front, this ensemble emerged as ants. The performers portrayed the ants well. The Swiss cheese flag ensemble was performed nicely. The ending glass of wine flag statement again, well performed. Well done. Ben Davis – Please Take Your Seat – Wearing elegant uniforms and taking the floor on a light striped two colored tarp, this group gave it’s all. What a great opening flag statement this ensemble made. There were batons in the performers hair, treble clefs on the rifles to add little nuances to the performance. There were performance issues today, and recovery is important. However the ensemble pulled it together with the ending flag feature. Nice job! Franklin Central – Essence of Purity - Taking the floor in pure white uniforms on a sky blue tarp with a white pattern resembling snow blowing in the wind, this ensemble rose to the occasion today. Using symbols of wind, snow, and seagulls (possibly); all things represented were pure. The show ended with the performers displaying the three symbols on the silks they used, the wind, a snowflake and a seagull. Nicely done. Central Crossing – When He’s Gone – The guard adorning yellow / gray uniforms, taking the floor with a window in the back right corner as if sun light was shining through, took their performance to the next level. Individuals were highlighted in the sabre statement which was performed well. The opening movement statement leading into the rifle solo was great, as the musical composition was spot on. The ending flag statement was performed flawlessly as it led into the rifle soloist and running to the window to see if he was gone. Chippewa Valley – Amelia – Based on the last flight of Amelia Earhart, this ensemble portrayed it nicely. On a crystal blue water oval tarp, and the guard dressed in white uniforms with goggles, Amelia made her last trip through Indianapolis today, on her way to Dayton. This ensemble utilizes white silks and excellent movement skills to portray the music. Nicely done. Kokomo – Sposason Disprezzata – The training in this ensemble is amazing. Unfortunately one of the performers had an apparent ankle / foot injury and had to sideline today’s performance. Nice change on the ending to accommodate the situation as well. The orange / peach / copper colored tarp matches the uniforms nicely. The weapons are definitely a strength of this ensemble. The teal flag against the floor was nicely shaped and performed. Great Job!! Plymouth Canton – Waiting – Performing on a tarp of blue with a couple of hints of gold with a sail in the back right the ensemble took the floor. This ensemble is trained very well, however there were a few performance issues in which recovery didn’t quite happen. The blue / gold silk feature was great. The musicality of the ensemble with the guitar was nice. Complimenting the program was a beautiful movement ending. Nicely Done!! Greenfield Central – The Dash – Based on the poem about how one wants to be remembered by “their dash” and performed to the music from Claire de Lune…WOW WOW WOW, what a performance. The opening movement statement into the rifle solo was spectacular. The flag exchange from front to back was flawless. The silk (with the dash) ensemble was perfect. What a strong weapon line this group possesses. This is one of the most musically composed shows of the year. Ending with a beautiful movement statement and calla lilies in hand, each performer places a lily on each dash. On a side note, Saturday morning as this ensemble was headed to the performance area, their guard director got a message that her father had passed away. What an emotional day for this group. What a performance well done….Congratulations on being the Scholastic Class A Indianapolis Power Regional Champions.

Here are the Scholastic scores from the Indianapolis WGI Power Regional at Ben Davis H.S. Scholastic A: 13th Place - 76.20 - Waubonsie Valley, IL 12th Place - 77.20 - Ben Davis, IN 11th Place - 77.40 - Lake Central, IL 10th Place - 77.70 - Lincoln Way, IL 9th Place - 78.90 - Owen Valley, IN 8th Place - 80.00 - Milford, OH 7th Place - 80.50 - Chesterton, IN 6th Place - 81.10 - Franklin Central, IN 5th Place - 82.70 - Central Crossing, OH 4th Place - 84.40 - Chippewa Valley, OH 3rd Place - 86.20 - Plymouth Canton, MI 2nd Place - 86.80 - Kokomo, IN 1st Place - 88.30 - Greenfield Central, IN Scholastic Open: 8th Place - 74.20 - New Palestine, IN 7th Place - 76.30 - LaPorte, IN 6th Place - 79.30 - Walled Lake Central, MI 5th Place - 79.90 - Norwin, PA 4th Place - 80.30 - Kings, OH 3rd Place - 82.40 - Lake Central, IN 2nd Place - 85.20 - Marian Catholic, IL 1st Place - 86.10 - Lawrence Central, IN Scholastic World: 9th Place - 74.00 - Shenendowa, NY 8th Place - 77.10 - Northmont, OH 7th Place - 78.90 - Northview, IN 6th Place - 82.20 - Centerville, OH 4th Place - 84.30 - Miamisburg, OH 4th Place - 84.30 - Center Grove, IN 3rd Place - 86.30 - Warren Central, IN 2nd Place - 87.60 - Carmel, IN 1st Place - 90.80 - Avon, IN

In Scholastic A - I'll agree with Croatan, Spanish River, possibly Milford OH.....others to add are potential winner in SA ....Kokomo HS; Greenfield Central, Lafayette Jefferson, Westfield (possibly the most theatrical winter guard show i've witnessed in some years and Owen Valley. These are some very talented groups from Indiana. Good Luck to all groups this weekend at Ben Davis HS for the WGI Regional.

I am inside the twilight and the stars read Northview will make it. :). How about a wager of dinner at the winners place of choice..of course not much is open after finals...so i'll settle for a liquid dinner at The Mask..haha.... This weekend will be a true scoring of their efforts given forth this season. For putting Northview and Scholastic Open (not that there is anything wrong with SO)...in the same sentence..your MEPA Pass has been revoked for life..LOL.... Show me a guard..A Open or World that has NO PROBLEMS whatsoever..and I'll give you an island I own in the South Pacific. Thank you

Well follow the zodiac and you will be found..hahaha....on the contrair...Northview ALWAYS rises to the occassion and this year is no exception :)

For those coming to the Indianapolis Regional @ Ben Davis HS; get ready to be awed by some outstanding Indiana SA Guards; 3 of whom could potentially make finals, with one having a great possibility of capturing the SA Title in Dayton. In SO; just watch out....is all I'm gonna say. There is one clear cut favorite in this class unless a major blow up occurrs. In SW; all the IN groups will make finals in Dayton; with 2 of them being in the top 5; 2 more in the top 10; and 1 in the 10-15 spot. Keep in mind as well, this is a "prelims" for the IHSCGA (Indiana High School Color Guard Association) State Finals which will occurr on March 21st @ Center Grove HS. Buckle your seatbelts kids, this is gonna be a bumpy ride :)

Mother Nature shoned her sunshine on the Hoosier State as the Indiana High School Color Guard Association Prelims took place. These are my Open Class and World Class thoughts: Owen Valley – Road Trip – This ensemble took the audience on a road trip of sorts. Using silks of various road signs in moments of performance; they performed a great show on a tarp of the Midwest. The last silk used was that of one driving into the sunset, very nice. The ending dance sequence was fantastic. Nicely done. New Palestine – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – Performing on a smoky tarp and smoke gray uniforms, the ensemble started off slowly with a few performance issues. This unfortunately seemed to set the tone for the show. The blue flag ensemble resembles that of a teary eye in perhaps a smoke filled area. Though the performance was down tonight, the group is well trained and no doubt will come back strongly the next two weekends. Lawrence Central – Amazing Grace – Taking the floor in earth tone uniforms on an earth tone tarp, using planks as props, this ensemble WOWED the audience. Perhaps the best performance of the day from the saber statements to the flag ensembles to the ending rifle soloist who nailed it, this performance almost brought tears to my eyes. Afraid to write anything down and take my eyes off the floor fearing I would miss a moment, the entire program is one moment. The emotional qualities this guard possesses is second to none. An amazing show at that. GREAT JOB!!! Homestead – Come Sail Away – This program took the audience on a journey of sailing. The blue silk / rifle exchange was one to boot. There did seem to be moments where there were performance issues on weapons; and recovery is extremely important. The ending copper flag feature is outstanding. Great use of props. Well done. Kokomo – Sposason Disprezzata – WOW!! This as well is an amazing show to watch. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The training in this ensemble is evident as they move with skill and grace. From watching the program its not quite clear what it is about, but I would speculate that the story line is that of a man cheating on a woman and then trying to win her back. The emotion this guard displays is great. Well done and congratulations!! Center Grove – Here Comes the Flood – Using a bubbly blue tarp and wearing various shades of blue in the uniforms with fringe making them shine as well, this ensemble takes the floor. The opening dance soloist was great. The individual saber moments were fantastic. The white silk ensemble accented the clarinet voice in the program. The program ends with a fantastic flag ensemble. There were a couple of performance issues but recovery was fantastic and this group can only improve in the coming weeks. Northview - A Young Persons Guide to the Zodiac – Sporting silver uniforms with different zodiac signs on each one as well as hair styles to try to match the zodiacs this group gives and effortless performance. The tarp consists of the zodiac signs and symbols and such. The opening saber soloist was fantastic. The ending silk statement was right on as well. Nicely done and this show will only get better in the coming weeks. Carmel – Good Luck – Find a Penny Pick It Up and All Day Long You’ll Have Good Luck – This ensemble resembles pennies as their uniforms are copper, in a field wherein lies a four leave clover. The moments of cohesiveness in this program are great from beginning to end. The flag features, the individual moments, this show was greatly performed. There was only a couple of performance issues, but recovery was great. The way the guard connected the four leaf clover to the top of the tarp was fantastic. Avon – Release – Performing to music from Mahlers 5th, the well executed show went off almost without a hitch. The only hiccup was the saber soloist that had an issue catching then retrieving the saber but recovered to give a perfect performance the rest of the program. The opening movement of the program is wonderfully written and well performed. The ensemble work that occurs throughout the performance was flawless. The ending movement statement as well was flawless. Well done. Warren Central – Chaos Theory - What an intriguing show. You must listen to the narration when the program is going on. With original music and outstanding equipment work, this ensemble brings to life the chaos theory. Going through the superstition of the numbers sequence the intensity of this program progresses steadily throughout the show. The opening rifle statement was flawless. The maroon flag statement started with the mention of snake eyes and the marks on the flag reminded me of fangs. WOW!! All I can say in summary of the World Class is that it is second to none in the country. WOW; WOW; WOW……is all I can say. Good Luck to all the Guards participating next week at the WGI Indy Regional at Ben Davis and the following week at Center Grove!!!!

The top five in each round advance to IHSCGA State Finals @ Center Grove on March 21st,2009 Class A: Round 1: 1st Place - 84.50 - Fort Wayne Snider 2nd Place - 80.60 - Muncie Southside 3rd Place - 79.30 - East Central 4th Place - 78.70 - Avon 5th Place - 77.50 - Decatur Central 6th Place - 76.10 - Terre Haute North 7th Place - 75.30 - Goshen 8th Place - 73.30 - Knox 9th Place - 72.00 - Lawrence North 10th Place - 68.50 - Southport 11th Place - 64.90 - Fort Wayne Wayne Round 2: 1st Place - 85.60 - Greenfield Central 2nd Place - 81.00 - Westfield 3rd Place - 80.50 - Fairfield 4th Place - 79.60 - Mooresville 5th Place - 77.80 - Madison 6th Place - 76.70 - Franklin Central 7th Place - 75.40 - North Posey 8th Place - 74.10 - Terre Haute South 9th Place - 73.70 - Kokomo 10th Place - 72.10 - Plainfield Round 3: 1st Place - 82.30 - Brownsburg 2nd Place - 82.20 - Hamilton Southeastern 3rd Place - 79.90 - Pike 4th Place - 78.90 - Lawrence Central "A" 5th Place - 77.80 - Ben Davis 6th Place - 77.60 - Taylor 7th Place - 76.60 - Castle 8th Place - 73.60 - Zionsville 9th Place - 72.80 - Bloomington North 10th Place - 70.40 - Blue River Valley Round 4: 1st Place - 81.90 - Lafayette Jefferson 2nd Place - 81.10 - Perry Meridian 3rd Place - 79.20 - Chesterton 4th Place - 78.40 - Scottsburg 5th Place - 76.80 - Heritage 6th Place - 74.70 - New Castle 7th Place - 73.70 - Angola 8th Place - 73.70 - Heritage Hills 9th Place - 72.70 - Mount Vernon 10th Place - 70.00 - Danville Open Class: 1st Place - 88.20 - Lawrence Central 2nd Place - 78.70 - Kokomo 3rd Place - 75.60 - Homestead 4th Place - 74.80 - Owen Valley 5th Place - 74.20 - Maconaquah 6th Place - 72.10 - Greenwood 7th Place - 69.50 - New Palestine 8th Place - 66.10 - Jasper 9th Place - 59.10 - Salem **Qualifying score for Open Class State Finals is 65.50 World Class: 1st Place - 88.80 - Avon 2nd Place - 86.60 - Carmel 3rd Place - 83.70 - Warren Central 4th Place - 82.10 - Center Grove 5th Place - 78.20 - Northview **Qualifying score for World Class State Finals is 68.50

While soundtracks do matter, so does what a group does with the music. Being a liker of all kinds of music, I enjoy when groups do classical, rock, show, whatever kind of music. I can tell you though that Indiana will more than likely sport 4 groups in the SW category in the top 10, with 2 top in the top 5. IHSCGA Prelims are this weekend and should be a great prelude to state championships. Positioned between Prelims and State is the WGI Regional at Ben Davis High School.

Knowing what I do, I cannot say whose decision it is per say. I can tell you unless they take charter busses or car pool with parents they are unable to go to Dayton. There is some kind of rule in Lawrence Twnshp Schools that they cannot take school busses across state line. No need to comment as the thoughts are probably going to be the same. It is a silly rule. However, I'm not sure why that is, be it insurance, liability, etc. Yes Lawrence Central again, is simply amazing. They just got better this past weekend at the Anderson HS show. I would say let sleeping dogs lie, and whatever will be...will be.....They aren't going to worlds PERIOD. I'm sad as well....but life does go on..:)

I certainly agree. My thoughts are those posted above by Wolfgang. I was at the Danville show yesterday and indeed again Lawrence Central is much better than they were last year. I didn't think it was feasible but I'm wrong. They would definitely be choice to win the WGI Regional Open Class at Ben Davis this year. I'm saying it now. Lawrence Central will do it :). Keep up the good work LC.