Turn the Page with Medea
MEDEA Winter Guard is featured on the August page of the 2006 WGI CD Calendar. WGI spoke to Shannon Berkstresser, the director of MEDEA Winter Guard, to see how things went during the 2006 season and what they are planning for the future.
MEDEA Winter Guard featured 24 performing members in their 2006 show titled, "TRIBUTE TO A DIVA." It was a musical tribute to Aretha Franklin and her approach to different genres of music along with her approach to the individual pieces. They did everything from her approach to Opera ("Nessun Dorma") to many of her well known pieces like "RESPECT," "Natural Woman," and "Think." MEDEA presented a visual interpretation of how each musical piece highlighted a different feel and appreciation for a DIVA like Aretha Franklin.
When WGI asked Shannon who designed the show, floor, and costumes he said, "I would have to say that Chad Berkstresser (my brother - also teaches The Woodlands HS), Jack Pursifull, and myself are the ones who have always made the final decisions about shows including music and concepts. The floor designs usually come from the three of us as well. Costumes are a big interest to me, but I always have assistance from those around me. Erika Meads and Tim Lee (ALGY) have been crucial in helping me work out my designs over the last year."
This was MEDEA's first year competing in Independent World Class after placing second in the 2005 World Championships in Independent Open. In the 2006 season the winter guard performed at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional were they placed 2nd, Jacksonville Regional were they placed 5th, and South Power Regional were they placed 7th. The guard also performed in their local circuit SFWGA Circuit Championships were they placed 2nd.
They had 12 staff members that worked with the guard in the 2006 season. Chad Berkstresser, Jack Pursifull, Ricky Garcia, Tina DiTomasso, Amanda Rehn, Cheryl Wimberley, Erika Meads, Tom Harrington, John DeSimon, Gavin Miller, Sean Bennett, and Scott Hughes. They are sponsored by Pageantry Arts Concepts (P.A.C.). P.A.C. was created for the sole purpose of creating an atmosphere where color guard and percussion enthusiasts/performers could come and feel part of a unique family.
When asked about plans for the future of MEDEA, he said, "Our plans for 2007 MEDEA Winter Guard is to enter the Independent World Class again and offer the audience an exciting and entertaining show. We will be opening up auditions for our 2007 production to males for the first time in our existence."