Brassislife

Not knowing Michael James very well, I can tell you that he is one of the most well-respected designers in Florida. His style is so unique and every colorguard he works with is blessed to have him. Each unit dramatically benefits from his style. While I can understand similarities from show to show, Michael James puts out quality show after quality show. I personally enjoy every show he has done this year and find each production exciting and moving in its own way. I wish more people would strive for the passion and talent he brings to the activity. Justin Sullivan Asst. Director/Choreographer River City Independent

West Johnston is FANTASTIC!!

I for one cannot wait for Pride's return! I heard the program is going to be quite _______ =]

little info... the panels Phantom used in 2007 were actually sold to Santa Fe high school in Florida during the summer of 08. SF used them in their field shows for the past two years and this year had an artist come in and draw pastel clouds on them for their show "On Cloud 9" ....also, SF took away the state's 2A Champion banner this year. Thanks Phantom for props!

Knowing Mr. Nelson personally, he is one of the most professional, creative, well respected, and fun people I know. He worked at Choctawhatchee High School for over 25 years. I bet almost every student who went through his band program can attest to his compassion for teaching young minds and above all his professionalism with his students, which is obvious if you’ve ever seen any program from “Choctaw”…the State Champion Marching Band, the world class winterguard, the world class indoor drumline, or the amazing symphonic bands Mr. Nelson put out year after year after year. I have seen Mr. Nelson in action, and at no time was he ever disrespectful, demeaning or sexually harassing to any of his students in anyway. A little demanding, sure, but what great program doesn’t demand excellence from their students. Above all Mr. Nelson is one of the BEST educators I have EVER had the privilege of knowing, and I would trust him to teach my child anyday! Regarding his resignation; if you spent 26 years building a program from the ground up to the level of success the Choctaw band program has, would you want to see it all thrown away and crumble because you wanted that 80,000 dollar paycheck or would you step down because it was for the betterment of the program you’ve almost put your ENTIRE LIFE into? Maybe Mr. Nelson knew he could survive off of his designing business and was thinking of his kids first?! I’ve even heard that his principal and superintendent asked him NOT to resign but he did not want to tarnish the program. If that doesn’t make you think he has character and integrity then nothing probably will. Congratulations Mr. Nelson and congratulations to the Colts for hiring such a wonderful individual. Looking forward to 2010!

Pretty sure the "staff" not designers that were there last summer never taught at Northeast Independent, but were members there. Still doesnt excuse the fact that it was bad.

Not many people know but Northeast had 2 units performing this year. NEi and River City Independent or RCi are both part of the Northeast Perfomance Company. Jill and Robby did both guards this year. River City placed 10th in IA Finals and was promoted to Open class. So the Northeast Performance Company now has a IW and IO program in their organization. Also, Nease High School will be returning to WGI SA Class next year under Jill and Robby (Nease is what spawned Northeast back in 01)

Here are a couple of very well made rifles. I would recommend a 39" rifle, I am 6'2 and 36" though very very easy to spin look ridiculous on me. Elite 4 with leather strap - www.fjminc.com *Very light *Thinner curved barrel and neck *Balanced well for good rotational values or 39" King Rifle - www.designsbyking.com *weight depends *thicker more box like barrel and neck *extremely well balanced *also extremely durable I have personally spun both and would reccomend either, both run about 30-40 dollars. Hope this helps

as to the knights, the "rumor" is that Michael James is overdue to have...pretty sure its hip surgery and sadly without Michael James there are no Knights.

well isnt that why WGI had that mass exodus of judges two years ago? because they want to speak out? they wanted the system to be fair. They wanted politics out of wgi and the chance to properly adjudicate each group.

fun fact about NEI's second song...It was actually composed for the 1991 Nike Superbowl Commercial and can be easily searched for on youtube

the USF and Homestead HS Music is "1000 Airplanes on the Roof" by Philip Glass

NEI's music consists of "So long, Lonesome" by Explosions in the sky and "Move" by Jonathan Elias. Jonathan Elias conincidentally composed CrownGUARD's music also which is from his "Prayer Cycle" they're are numerous compositions to the prayer cycle and all are fantastic! Fahrenheit's music is from the movie signs. Not sure what the operatic part is though.

I dont believe anyone ever said the judges were idiots. In fact I think quite the opposite. But that doesnt mean they put down the proper placements.

sorry...subcaptions! they went from 8 in all ensemble subcaptions to 1st in all ensemble subcaptions. In response to the whining about judging. Please take a look at the scores and tell me how it makes sense NEI went from 2nd by a tenth to SCV in ensemble yesterday and went to 6th tonight....even having Sac much much higher than them.

Oh and we cant have WGI Hall of Fame member Mike Gaines dissapointed!!! Aimachi magically improved from 8th in ensemble to 1st in all ensemble captions. I cannot express how dissapointed I am in WGI Judging. I think SCV defiently deserved their placement. Corona was droppy and sloppy in finals and shouldnt have been second. Northeast Independent was absolutely gorgeous!!! They were ROBBED!!!!! I think the placements should have been SCV NEI Corona Aimachi

Then I guess its a good thing they use Flags, Rifles, and Sabres to liven it up a bit.

From their website: Northeast Presents "The Rain Before Dawn" music by Explosions in the sky and Jonathan Elias

Mike Gaines is designing choctaw's show. So, I am quite sure it will be wonderful!

One of my best friends is a member at Northeast Independent and according to her NEi welcomed back Randy with open arms!

oh honey Avon?? really....yuck maybe back from 03-06 when they were hot!! 07 i could handle but 08.....

However, Randy left after the summer was over. He did not resign from Spirit because of this incident. Mark Waymire has taken over Randy Nelson's role with the corps.

So there are no GE captions at all???

HAHA! Totally had no clue who you were talking about, but the "green" beans was a good clue! I think that as long as a guard creates the highest visual enhancement possible, they can spin whatever the hell they like! Its all about enhancing the show! If sabres fit with the show concept go for it! If rifles do go for it!.....If they dont, leave them out!!!! Ive seen to many a color guard that try to fit certain weapons into a part of the show where, musically and visually they have no place being. If you want to train your kids, THATS GREAT!!! please by all means train! To many instructors today blow of training, putting basics to the back of their minds. But, have a seperate sectional once a week to train your kids on weapons, or if they have the luxury of a guard class during the school day use that to you advantage and train them during that time. Dont think that because you have to train them, you HAVE to force weapon into a show where it does nothing to enhance the overall package, remember that the band depends on the guard to help their scores visually, If something is "wrong" or doesnt fit with the rest of the program it hurts the entire band, not just the guard score!!! One of my biggest pet peeves are instructors who think that the guard is a seperate entity from the band during marching band. They are all on the field performing the SAME show at the SAME time, they are intertwined with each other, they should reinforce eachother. I like to remember it this way, If the band didnt existing 9 times out of 10 neither would the guard... Thats my 2cents!

The problem is that Skybus has not refunded thier money and will not refund their money for a couple more months. Thankfully both groups have made alternate arrangements. River City has secured a bus. Most Northeast members are flying seperately (using their own money), some are riding with schools that they teach, and some are riding with River City. so, River City and Northeast Will be in Dayton this week!!