How do you feel about guards using batons as equpitment?

[MikeySaysWoof]

I was reading the discussion on rifles and thought this could be an interesting discussion. Aimachi, which came in 3rd in the World Open class at WGI this year very effectively used baton in their performance. Do you think guards could do the same?

If you haven't seen it yet, go to the WGI website to see a clip from their AMAZING show:

http://wgi.org/multimedia/videos.php

-Click on CGTV

-Click on Independent World

-Click on Aimachi

[dbc03]

I have no problem with it, but I remember the anger on the forums in 2004 when the Cadets had a baton twirler

[drumcat]

I think it would be an error, mostly because it's not that visible. Oh, and fire is illegal, BTW, so no firebatons.

[Michael Boo]

Suncoast Sound used a baton twirler in the first year or two.

[Mistress Kelli]

I think it would be an error, mostly because it's not that visible.

I completely agree. I even think sabres on the field aren't effective - great for WGI but visually lost in drum corps.

[MikeySaysWoof]

Wow - 80%

I agree about the comment with sabres - they don't add much visually. However, I think batons, when used effectively, could add a great deal visually. Throws/tosses can be much higher and can add a great deal of excitement.

[LisaLisaMoMeesa]

Wow - 80%

I agree about the comment with sabres - they don't add much visually. However, I think batons, when used effectively, could add a great deal visually. Throws/tosses can be much higher and can add a great deal of excitement.

I'm not sure I'm following you. beyond the baton having colored tips....they're still just as un-visual in a drum corps setting with people MAYBE in teh first row able to see it.

[ScoutSpinner03]

Aimachi is FIERCE and I love their usage of baton.

The only thing is...now, someone correct me if I'm wrong...in talking to my friends who marched this winter, they stated that judges typically arent trained to judge baton b/c it is not a typical piece of equipment used. For Aimachi and other Japanese guards, the baton is something they are used to.

Judges here have to strictly judge them on the execution and success of the work they are performing.

I dont mind baton. But hardly anyone in the guard world (in America) knows how to correctly spin/manuever it, nonetheless judge it and critique the technique.

[RegimentContra94]

What about a signaling baton, like a drum major mace? Those would be easy to see.

Edited August 23, 2007 by RegimentContra94

[Blueemrld8]

I think it would be an error, mostly because it's not that visible. Oh, and fire is illegal, BTW, so no firebatons.

Fire... hehe hehe hehe ^0^

Oh.. and yeah.. same here... visability is a big problem, esp. for those in the upper, back rows.