Featured Story
Performer’s Perspective
Apr 10, 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. Allison Greenbaum of the Blue Knight 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?
This is my 6th year in the Blue Knights World Percussion Ensemble. I also participated in the drum corp for 3 years. I have a bonus year next year, which will be my age out year. I will have 7 years total when I age out.
What are some traditions that your group does?
The snare line has a couple traditions they do before every show. The pit always meets and does a pre-show talk before every show. Before our last run-through at the end of every rehearsal, the center quad plays a little two second lick and everyone in the ensemble hits together on the downbeat. Another tradition we do is called the member run through. The last rehearsal weekend before Dayton the staff leaves right after rehearsal and the pit plays through the show for the battery, the battery plays through the show for the pit, and then the ensemble plays one last run through together just for the ensemble members. This tradition is always a fun one because it is usually the first time that the battery and pit get to see what the other section is doing for the entire show.
What do you do outside of the activity?
Outside of the activity I attend Metro State College for Music Education. I play in the Percussion Ensemble as well as the Wind Ensemble there. I also teach at Wheat Ridge High School in Wheat Ridge. I am the caption head there and this is my second season with the group. I also teach private lessons to my students at the high school.
How do you balance marching with school, work, family, and friends?
Balancing everything out is a very difficult task. It ultimately comes down to time management. I had to learn how to balance practicing for the ensemble with practicing for school and having sectionals for the ensemble as well, and still having time to work and see my friends and family. Like I said, it all comes down to being able to manage your time well. I try to see my family as much as I can and hang out with friends when I am not practicing or working. Things definitely get harder once shows start and more of the weekend is taken up with just Blue Knights.
What are some achievements you've made that you're proud of?
I was awarded best in section for the ensemble last year and received best percussionist in high school as well. I am also very proud of the fact that I marched 3 years with the drum corp and aged out with my Blue Knights family. The biggest achievement I am proud of is that I am still a part of the ensemble and that I am in the section leader position. I was very honored when position was given to me 2 years ago and I take it very seriously. It is a difficult but fun job and I have lots of respect for past and future leaders of the ensemble.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to finish my time with the ensemble while finishing school and get my degree. I would ultimately like to move out of state and teach percussion full time while possibly pursuing my master's degree. Teaching an independent ensemble is also a goal of mine at some point.
What has made the 2009 season something different and special?
Well, to start, the entire staff changed from last season. At first this seemed like a big change from past years but once the season started we all realized that it was not too big of a change. The new staff is different from the old staff but there are lots of positive changes and we all respect the new staff a lot. Some things have stayed the same, which has made the transition a little easier as well. Another thing that has made this season special is the people writing the music. Mike Nevin is writing our music again and that is very exciting because he used to write the music. It is very nice and challenging to play his music again. This season is also different because we have a lot of new people in the front ensemble but it has not affected us in a negative way and we are just as strong as any other Blue Knights pit has ever been.
What positive lessons have you learned from the activity?
I have learned to be a more patient person with the people around me. I used to not have any patience and this activity has taught me that everyone is different and is at a different level and you have to learn to be patient with different situations. I have also become a much better player. I have grown so much playing wise and and as a person from when I first started in this activity. It has been a hard but pleasant experience and I will miss it a lot once I have aged out.
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