Featured Story
Performer’s Perspective
Apr 14, 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. Chandler Marvin of the Northglenn HS Percussion Ensemble 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?
My father has been teaching at Northglenn for 30 years, so I have been around the activity for my entire life. After years of begging to be a part of it, I was finally allowed to be in the ensemble in 7th grade for “Out of the Box”. This is my sixth year performing with Northglenn and I have loved every minute of it!
What are some traditions that your group does?
Before each show, we huddle up backstage and talk through trouble spots in the show, sometimes singing our parts to get our nerves out. Then we have a handshake everyone does for luck.
During spring break week we practice everyday. To keep our spirits up, we plan a theme for every rehearsal and then on the last day, we all pitch in a dollar to buy Peeps.
What do you do outside of the activity?
I have been a competitive Irish Dancer for 13 years, something I was able to use in our show last year to show how much percussion is really used in that type of dance. I am also involved in Honor Society and take private lessons for piano.
How do you balance marching with school, work, family, and friends?
It can be very difficult, but most of my friends are in our ensemble so we are able to see plenty of each other throughout the week.
I am taking 4 AP classes this year, so schoolwork definitely takes up a lot of my time. I try to get as much done during class as I can, but I do spend many late nights in front of my AP American Government textbook.
What are some achievements you've made that you're proud of?
I have won the RMPA (Rocky Mountain Percussion Association) Individual and Ensemble competition 3 years in a row for all of my solos and ensemble pieces. These are hard to put together during the heat of the season (right around Nationals,) but it is nice to have something to play for a break from show music.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend either Colorado State University of University of Colorado at Denver to pursue music business or recording. I would also like to teach an ensemble after graduating.
What has made the 2009 season something different and special?
Last year our show explored how different musical styles from all over the world influence our own, but this year we are looking at styles that came only from America and Europe. It is amazing to see how diverse yet still related everything from blues, ragtime and classical to heavy metal are.
What is the funniest thing that happened during the 2009 season?
There are too many to name only one!
We have a small Barbie tied to the end of a marimba named Frou Frou, yet no one is exactly sure why we put her there. It is always fun to watch the faces of other groups when they spot her while we’re performing.
There are also some sounds commonly heard from our members including but not limited to: “UHHHH,” (Lorraine from Mad TV,) and “’Gilly!’ ‘Sorry,’” (from Saturday Night Live.)
What is your most memorable performance memory from the 2009 season so far?
At our second show, though certainly not our best, the crowd absolutely loved us. There was applause in places we had never heard it and some people even stood up at the end. It is an incredible feeling to have so many of your peers and people you look up to truly excited about what you’re doing.
What positive lessons have you learned from the activity?
Besides time management, I have learned what true determination feels like. Last year was the first time we had been in Finals for 4 years. That season, you could feel that every single person on the floor was playing harder and striving for success more than any other year I have been in the ensemble. That perseverance is a lesson I will not soon forget and be able to use for the rest of my life.
View Past Featured Stories>
