Troy Color Guard Regional Review

By Ann Love and Dan Love

Scholastic A

Vermillion (OH) (6th: 60.6) – Performing their show, In Tensity, Vermillion utilized a creative opening statement using spandex elastics to enhance their movement. The vibrant spandex colors stood out against the gray and black floor design. They kept up the theme by using the spandex several more times, including during trio work and with equipment exchanges.

Chippewa Valley (MI) (5th: 61.4) – Chippewa Valley gave us the Rebirth of a Dying Swan using music by Saint-Saens. They began with an elegant opening flag and movement feature. After emerging from a hidden mass, the guard removed their hoods to reveal their feathery hair styles. The performers explored the lighter side of the activity with bird-like movement statements.

Novi (MI) (4th: 62.1) – Novi immediately set the tone for their show Amaryllis with their beautifully painted floor, complete with moving flower petals. The guard began along the flower stem and dispersed with creative body rolls. Their heavily layered equipment book and flowing movement added to the theatrical feel of their show. A highlight of the show was the entire ensemble spinning rifle.

Jenison (MI) (3rd: 64.4) – Performing their show Exotic Gardens, Jenison utilized a soundtrack of chanting percussive voices. Especially dramatic was the rifles’ entrance and feature. The ensemble’s strong movement skills were highlighted and helped to capture the mid-eastern characterization.

Reeths-Puffer (MI) (2nd: 67.8) – Reeths-Puffer performed to a soundtrack of voiceovers with an urban beat to draw our attention to the plight of homelessness. Give Us Your Poor included remarkable flag features and the entire guard spinning weapons. Reeths-Puffer’s message seemed to be a cry for understanding for a segment of our society that may easily be overlooked.

Lincoln-Way (IL) (1st: 70.7) – With a live singer, Lincoln-Way gave us Duet. The guard moved from quadrant to quadrant on the floor as they changed from one piece of equipment to the next in this classy production. A soloist remained in each quadrant to remind the audience of the logical progression and the wonderful choreography. This production is sure to delight when it is fully completed.

Independent A

Velocity (WI) (6th: 60.9) – Velocity took us Home with a fast paced show that made the guard seem much bigger than 9 members. The soundtrack by Daughtry and the intricate equipment book combined for a very enjoyable performance. Strong movement skills were a highlight.

Legacy (Ontario, Canada) (5th: 65.5) – Opening their show, Commitment, with an impressive flag feature and continuing on to a section that included all members spinning rifle, Legacy put on an energetic performance full of lifts and pairings. It was hard to believe that there were only 10 performers on the floor.

Collage (OH) (4th: 65.9) – Set in a pond, Collage’s program, Mosquito, featured a unique style of equipment work. With characterization throughout and dramatic flag exchanges into the last feature, the guard gave a big performance based on such a tiny creature.

Ancora A (MI) (3rd: 68.0) – Ancora’s show was a peaceful production called A Song for You. Ancora showcased their flag skills with beautiful flags and several nice features. The visual interpretation of the piano notes was enjoyable throughout the rifle section.

Artistry IN BLUE (OH) (2nd: 68.1) – Performing Transversals: The Lines that Connect Us, Artistry IN BLUE utilized creative groupings and intricate work to show the connections between us. Starting and finishing posed along the bright green line that cut a diagonal across their grey floor brought the show full circle.

Interplay (MI) (1st: 70.8) – Interplay’s show, Someday, began and ended with scenes and soundtrack from an airport as people met and were separated through travels. Impressive rifle statements and a beautiful flag feature made this show enjoyable for all.

Scholastic Open

Lake Orion (MI) (2nd: 60.6) – Terra Cotta, featuring the terra cotta warriors of China, was the basis to Lake Orion’s Open Class debut with a far-east feel. Fifteen terra cotta warrior props arranged throughout the floor along with a large ensemble and fast-paced equipment work made for overwhelming statements. The mystery of the warriors added to the drama as the performers ended the show hidden from view.

Walled Lake Central (MI) (1st: 69.7) – An Open Class finalist from last season, the members of Walled Lake Central continue to evolve with their strong training and creative choreography. Their floor was made up of multiple pieces depicting the tattered surface of a well-loved guitar. Walled Lake Central’s Say it to Me Now was an impressive blend of movement and equipment. Their weapon books were especially strong.

Independent Open

Ancora (MI) (2nd: 67.2) – Moving up from A Class a season ago, Ancora presented Meditation, a fluid and lyrical program. It was easy for the audience to enjoy this polished performance. One highlight was a variety of soloists breaking away from a rotating mass in the center of the floor.

State of Art (MI) (1st: 70.6) – Making their Open Class debut after their 2009 WGI Independent A Class Championship, Michigan State University’s State of Art concluded Open Class for the evening. The audience let out an audible gasp as Emergence opened with a performer falling from a ladder into the waiting arms of the ensemble. With an aggressive rifle section, a variety of interesting lifts and a dramatic final flag feature, State of Art put on an entertaining and exciting performance.

Independent World

Interplay (MI) (1st: 64.9) – Promoted to World Class for this season, Interplay’s Kindle begins with the performers in a mass on the floor. As a match is struck a flame emerges and the ensemble melts away. The audience was warmed through creative choreography and the striking design of their uniforms and set. In a performance that features heavily layered equipment and a grand flag feature Interplay’s performance was stunning.

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