Featured Story
A Lifetime of Lessons
Feb 25, 2009
Sometimes one just isn’t enough. Marching in a color guard or percussion ensemble can offer a place to learn, and develop skills over several seasons. The special friendships alone can keep performers coming back year after year. There’s more to these activities than just putting on a good show.
Andy Wozniak is in his 6th year marching with Matrix Percussion. With his admiration for the staff, returning to the ensemble was an easy decision, “However cliché the answer may be, I keep coming back for the people. The relationships that are formed in this ensemble truly are something special. In addition to the people, the way in which the staff operates and the values and methods they have for teaching the group are above and beyond world class. I have a ridiculous amount of admiration for our staff.”
There’s often a feeling of creating something bigger than oneself. Spending seven seasons with Music City Mystique has given exactly that to Julian Gonzalez. He explains, “There is no doubt in my mind that Mystique is more than drumming in a gym. It sounds cheesy I’m sure, but there’s something spiritual about what we do. I really feel that we’ve had a large influence on the activity and that we do what we do for the reason of changing lives. I also struggled to pay my dues and survive throughout the season and because of that Mystique became something that showed me how far you can go if you dedicate yourself and put for the right efforts. I grew up there; relied on it, breathed it, lived it, hated it at times and got injured somehow every season but it was the one thing in my life that was there when I needed it most.”
After spending 2005, 2006, and 2007 spinning with Black Watch, Bobby Biddle took a break for a season, but came right back to his “home” to march in 2009. The organization has a long and amazing history, and Biddle has been honored to be a part of it. “Through the highs and lows of my life, the organization and its people have played a vital part in my personal success. The opportunities afforded to me through learning, performing, and human interaction have not just improved my color guard skills. I have become more accepting of different people and situations, increasingly self-confident, and appreciative of other people and their talents. These acquired attributes can only be learned over time through such an important and exciting activity. My professional and personal life have only been bettered by my Black Watch experience, and for that I’m truly grateful.”
Curtis Brown is currently in his seventh year of performing with NorthCoast Academy. Although many see changes in their lives from the time spent marching, Brown says, “it’s hasn’t really changed me as much as it has really helped define me.” The family atmosphere of these groups can often emphasize the positive traits in each member and keep them on the track to success.
In Motion has given Rebecca Schlafer a decade of marching memories. That’s right, she is performing with same guard for ten consecutive years! She says, “I was drawn in by the creative freedom. I love the rush that I get performing with my ‘family members’ in front of a large crowd. Throughout the season, I’ve learned more about myself and the type of individual I strive to be.” 2005 proved to be a defining year for the group. “That season we fought the pressures of being a top IA guard and won the silver medal in Dayton, Ohio. Our finals performance was full of joy and tears as we performed with our hearts to thousands of people and proved that a guard from a small town can make it far with hard work and determination.”
While the excitement of performing may draw individuals to join the marching arts activities, it’s the relationships and lessons that keep them coming back year after year.
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