mr_mike09

Pride of Cincinnati, Santa Clara Vanguard, Carmel, Zydeco, First Flight, Greenfield central and a lot more that I can't remember off the top of my head. :D

Zydeco, Onyx, and O2 are run by different people with different goals. What is best for Zydeco, is not going to be what is best for Onyx and O2. Have you ever thought about the money, resources, time and effort it would take to field two World class guards? I personally find it hard enough running a scholastic a guard...so i have only the highest respect for the staff of both Onyx and O2 being able to do it for at least one season. and i have the same amount of respect for Zydeco's staff, for doing what they think is best for their program. everyone who is complaining about it, probably has never tried to run two independent guards. let alone two world class ones.

Its possible that the guard that used a similar drill style to onyx wasnt rewarded because the guards execution wasnt as up to par as it is when Onyx does it...and that the judges didnt understand because the performers didnt deliver it strongly enough for the judges to see it...just because they did it...doesnt mean they did it well. Im of course trying to point out a possibility....i dont know of course....just trying to keep the discussion going...its an interesting topic!!! :) I do know of course that there are double standards in WGI...but Onyx was in 6th place in 09, and 8th in 08...they werent a judges favorite...by any means....is it impossible for them to have actually earned the place they have now?

Well if you actually viewed the show more than one or two times you would know that im talking about two different parts of the show, as they are all on one tarp spinning towards the end of the show.

It has been so fun proving you wrong this season TKYR_FA1986, if you pay close enough attention (like the show is no doubt designed to force you to do) you will see more than 20 people spinning...and that is just towards the begginning. There is a part where everyone is on one tarp where there is no way to count how many people are spinning equipment. So...yeah...id actually watch the show closely before i criticized it :

I didn't say anything against Pride, I was just giving an example of another guard that stays in character. POC always is in character from the moment they put on uniform...because they are told to...its part of transporting people into their show. laughing, smiling, clapping, and talking would have been completely out of character of Onyx's show. so by standing there eyes front arms crossed...is IN character for them. :)

Im sure you werent thinking it was excessive last season when Pride of Cincinnati acted like hippies all the way until the end of retreat. I would understand why everyone is so torked about Onyx not clapping, if they had stopped clapping after being announced in second, but that wasn't the case. They stood still, not clapping from the very beginning. So it was clearly them remaining in character. Also, its impossible to think that it was the members doing (responding to an earlier post) because after SCV and Carmel finished accepting their medals...I saw the members of Onyx hugging each other (with smiles) and turning to their left and right congratulating Braddock and SCV. Personally I thought they looked strong...and it was very chilling to see them like that (in a good way).

Its a QUOTE. Read the original. Don't twist it to give evidence to your cause. Chill out :) It's JUST colorguard.

My kids would say Im stubborn...this would be a perfect example. LOL

Okay, so you hate snakes, but you understand their vital role to the ecosystem. You hate brussel sprouts, but you understand that they are good and healthy. Why is it impossible to hate Onyx's show and still understand that it is pushing the bounderies of winterguard? That what Onyx is doing, is good for WGI? I don't necessarily love their show, but I can put my own personal opinions aside and see the talent, the intricate design, and why they are getting the scores that they are. People can hate it, but they should at least try and be a little more subjective...though I know they won't :)

I've seen the show twice in person, and I didn't see anyone just "running around". They were dancing. Why do you think that these members aren't being utilized for their talents? They are just as important to the whole design of the show as those who are spinning equipment. Its called a dance line. Every world class guard has one. :) Movement is a part of the whole score, just like equipment. Onyx is very talented this year movement wise, why not capitolize on it? They seem to be just as good at spinning as well. And the equipment book looks impossibly difficult and yet they do it perfectly! Im not saying I like the show, but I know a top notch guard when I see one, and Onyx is top notch.

I dont really quite understand how it is pretty clear that "SCV will win GOLD" when Blessed Sac, Onyx, and SCV are all within less than a point from each other. You must know something that no body else does ;) do share please!

Thats why WGI created the fan favorite award...people vote during finals for their favorite guard and at finals retreat the winner is announced. That is where a crowd pleasing show can get appraisal, but there is more to marching winterguard than pleasing the crowd...though its a big part of it. Competing is what makes guard so much fun!!! Everyone wants to do well. Everyone wants to win.

For some reason people always forget this. LOL.

1-3 Blessed Sac, Onyx, Santa Clara (Any order) 4-7 Braddock, Corona, Fantasia, Zydeco (Also any order) At this point it seems to be a battle for 1-3 with those three. And any of the other four could up behind them in any order. But of course...there is still a few weeks left....any body can move up or down! :) i like unexpected things...it makes Debbie more exciting ;)

First thing first, I do not believe even for a minute the accusations towards Warren Central...I sat close to the judges and could see their entire guard watching the other guards and they were probably the most enthusiastic spectators in the entire gym! They were very respectful of all the other SW guards that the got to see and cheered and clapped for all of them. Moving on. Carmel...these ladies can spin...and why shouldn't they? Rosie Miller Queen wouldn't allow them on the floor if they couldn't! Their show is intricately designed and I can see the drive in each and every member's eyes. They may very well win it all. Avon...as always a strong program, but I was bored! I want to be entertained by Avon again...I find myself watching "Which is Witch" praying they do another show like it soon...at least in the entertainment aspect. (due to a poorly timed work phone call i only managed to catch these last two having to leave the gym to take it after Miamisburg's performance) Miamisburg...where did you go? :( I feel like this former powerhouse would be better suited to Open class. I want to love it...so very bad. Maybe they are planning on evolving the show...starting with an easier program, and then building it up? Lets hope. Centerville...I loved it. These carousel horses are giving it their all. Im officially naming them my "Little guard that could" for the 2011 season. All the tools are there...they may be struggling a bit with them, but they are a young guard and still have 5 more weeks. I know they can do it! Just look up to your older members and listen, because they won't lead you wrong...the male member has been a personal favorite performer of mine since his first SW show in 09. If some of the younger ones coulde emulate him, or any of the other seniors and juniors who have a few SW finals in their resume, they will most certainly make finals. They can do it...you've made me a fan Centerville World! Norwin...didn't much care for it...but i can see them in finals as well. IW Onyx...ummmmm...wow. Strong program! I expected as much from the defending world champions of course, but the design absolutely floored me...I didn't know what to watch! A bit of a shaky run for them, but they will most definitely be working hard to make sure that doesn't happen again. Zydeco, such a fun program! I was out of my seat almost the entire time, as was everyone else! The crowd loved this show, and can you blame them? Byron Valentine is certainly right, everybody loves a bad guy! Alter Ego...where did you come from??? I've always enjoyed their programs...but this year runs laps around 09 & 10! Juxtaposition...another fun show...Bohemian Rhapsody was used welll...but the soundtrack was so busy it was distracting...but being my first time view it was bound to be. Look forward to watching them in finals. O2....BEAUTIFUL! i didnt know what to expect of this sister guard to onyx...but they deliver a hauntingly gorgeous program. The dresses help this smaller guard fill up the floor...kudos Michael Lentz. Welcome to world class! i apologize to all the other guards...my opinions would take to long to type out...Such a long and yet enjoyable day! see you in 5 weeks!

My assistant who was at the show this past weekend was absolutely ecstatic about the independent guards in ohio...and here's why!!!

okay my shows to watch this year are: Blessed Sac (Innovative in my opinion) Pride (fun to watch!!!) NEI Braddock onyx Juxtaposition (very suprised...in a good way) Usurpation (really clean!!!!) Miamisburg Carmel (those ladies can work!!!!) centerville Trumbull

The soundtrack, if you listen to it is wind in the woods with the sound of a vortex in the middle. You have to applaud the members because their soundtrack has really no key moments that they are staying in synch just by practice. And also their work and movement isnt reflective of the soundtrack...the soundtrack is reflective of their work and movement. And what if they performed to total silence? would you penalize them in their GE score because they had no music? Its not about the actual soundtrack....its about the relevence of the soundtrack to the show. it works for this show

if you wanna see a world class show that is pushing the envelope AND reaping the rewards watch onyx. their show is the most layered and fresh show i have ever seen. they are doing movement i thought impossible from people who havent been trained for years in dance. and their equipment book is absolutely powerful and gorgeous. and they aren't just chucking equipment in the air. i have watch them several times live and a few times on fan network and i dont see them just throwing a bunch of tosses. it seems onyx is more about movement and doing something new this year and they are executing wonderfully. the crowd response may not be roof rattling but that is probably more because the audience is left speechless. i myself get goosebumps every time. Onyx...you've made me a huge fan! another show that has taken me by suprise is blessed sac. while i enjoyed watching their show last year at championships i wasn't IN LOVE!!! this year is definately different. i absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE thier show!!!! subtly beautiful and the movement is AMAZING!!! im expecting good things this year from them. SCV- exact opposite of sac. looooved their show last year. not so much this season. im immediately drawn in by their floor...but quickly find myself going back to looking at it over and over. the work was drawing my attention and the floor was too distracting. im hoping it is better live. i want to be a fan so bad :D

i was sitting dead center for all of world class with my camera taking pictures and didn't get stopped. so i am slightly outraged at the fact that they did that to only you. if you are going to enforce a non existant rule the at least be consistant about it. p.s. i would appreciate if you could send me the link because it is pretty hard to take pictures when you are on the floor performing thanks!!