Featured Story
Performer’s Perspective
Mar 31, 2009
In appreciation of all the performer's dedication and energy, WGI has recently caught up with several performers to learn more about what they experience and deal with during the season. Stevenson Lumapas of The Knights winter guard recently told WGI what it’s like to be a part of such a competitive activity.
What is your history with the group you are performing with now?
I have been performing with The Knights Winter guard for 6 years. I started right after high school way back in 2004.
What are some traditions that your group does?
We have so many traditions that I may not be able to list them all. Some of the things we do include; on show days we have what we call a "show day" switch during body warm-up, before we go on we gather in holding and listen to "Step Yo Game Up," we do two chants/cheers, one before we go in to the arena to perform and then "The Jan Cheer" before we walk on to the floor. These are our show traditions, but one of the biggest traditions that Knights has upheld throughout all these years is being real. The staff and the performers are all very down to earth. We all do it for the love of performing and the activity. I think this why most people are attracted to The Knights, we are just normal individuals who love to do what we do.
What do you do outside of the activity?
It's hard to get away from something that consumes a majority of your life and the people that are involved in the activity. When I'm not at rehearsal for myself or teaching, the other part that takes up half my life is school. I'm currently attending the University of Central Florida as a Pre-Clinical Health Science major. In between color guard and school, I try to squeeze in some family and friends time and some much needed "me" time.
How do you balance marching with school, work, family, and friends?
Time management is definitely one of the biggest obstacles in my life right now. Being a full-time student, instructor, and performer is very exhausting, but if there's a will, there's a way. Basically I make sure I use my time wisely and I try to squeeze in some fun when possible. Sometimes you just have to make sacrifices.
What are some achievements you've made that you're proud of?
Aside from the placements and medals throughout the years, I believe one of my proudest achievement is still being able to perform with such amazing people and being taught by some of the best instructors in the world. I think another great achievement of mine is getting into some of the best drum corps and winter guard in the world and learning more about the activity and life. Now, I am able to teach and pass on the information that has been instilled in me to the ladies and gentleman at Timber Creek High School.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to continue with my education and hopefully receive a degree in Physical Therapy. I would definitely love to be involved in the color guard activity teaching or designing. In the later future, if all goes well raising a family would be ideal :).
What has made the 2009 season something different and special?
This season marks my 6th year marching with The Knights as one of the captains. I definitely believe that every season is special in its own way; This year, much like past seasons, the people I perform with are so talented and great, and on top of that we have a bigger staff that are amazing at what they do. Another reason why I think this season is very special is the show that we are performing, "Stand Up 4 Something or Fall 4 Anything," is a show that so many people can relate to and it just hits home for so many of us. Sharing a show like this to the public and letting them know there is hope for a better future is fulfilling and such a breath of fresh air. The message we try to portray encourages us to work hard for a better life. This season is definitely going to stick with me for the rest of my life as this is the last active season for The Knights Winter guard.
What is your most memorable performance memory from the 2009 season so far?
Every show is memorable in its own way. There is always something we can learn from each performance. It is also an opportunity for us to share a piece of ourselves to the audience. Although the performance that sticks out currently in my head thus far, was the revealing our hoods at a show. Walking on and having people stare and hearing the oo's and ahhhh's and the "that's scary" comments was pretty amusing. At this same show is where we were all very much emotionally connected that it felt like all our hard work was starting to pay off.
What positive lessons have you learned from the activity?
This activity and the people that I have been privileged enough to be taught by has taught me so many positive lessons. One of the most influential people to me is Michael James. He has not only taught me to become a better instructor, but also encourages me and others to become a better person. He has always reminded us to be thankful for what we have and that we are truly blessed to be doing what we do. He's also taught me to work hard for everything that we want and that no one is going to hand it to you. He makes us aware that there are always people who will judge you and not agree with the choices you make, but to be always stay true to yourself. Another lesson that I always try to carry with me, especially when I'm performing was also preached to me by Michael, is that to always perform with soul, power, and conviction.
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