Percussion Independent A Finals Review

by Michael Reed

Dojo Percussion (NE) (Gold Medal- 93.038), with “New Age of Enlightenment”, ushered in a new age for lines from the Cornhusker State, winning the title in their debut WGI Championship appearance. Clad in shades of brown, tan, and bronze which matched their floor, the production symbolically moved from an era of disillusionment to one of fulfillment. A large brown ball was rolled around the floor as a metaphor for an older, drearier period. At the end, the new era was heralded by a large golden ball being hoisted up, indicating the line had crossed the threshold into a higher epoch of human achievement.

Salem Blue Devils (NH) (Silver Medal- 91.30) examined the brief period prior to the Pearl Harbor attack when there was a vigorous debate going on about whether America should enter World War II. Tall banners turned around to reveal New York Times headlines, accompanied by sound clips of politicians of the day discussing the issue. As we know, the decision was made for us when the bombing occurred on December 7, 1941. At the touching ending, the group’s sky blue backdrops turned to reveal black and white drawings of images surrounding the event, concluding with the line giving a military salute to the sound of chimes.

Opening with distant sounds of approaching thunder,Craven (NC) (Bronze Medal- 90.65) encountered a passing storm front with “Rain”. The entire line had bright yellow umbrellas which opened up as light, ethereal sounds from the pit signaled that a gentle drizzle was starting. The downpour finally arrived, though, as announced by the booming basses and lightning-quick hands of the snares and tenors. The shower ebbed during a lovely middle section, before returning fast and furious in the closing movement, finally relenting at the very end as the deluge moved on.

Spirit of America (MA) (4th- 89.95) captured the scenic vistas of the American west with “Ameriscapes”. Even before playing a note, our eyes were treated to one of the most striking sets of the weekend with wheat fields, a river, and mountains painted on their floor. During a pastoral middle section, the battery picked up handbells and played “Simple Gifts”. The echo of handbells in a silent arena full of spectators was haunting. The mountain backdrops grew taller in the finale, with fabric mountaintops ascending, creating a memorable lasting impression.

Grabbing our attention right off the bat with the sounds of a car crash and shattering glass wasSolace (FL) (5th- 89.825). “Breaking Point” utilized synthesized broken glass samples as a constant thematic element, and was performed on a tarp with cracked shards of autumn leaf colors. During softer sections, the group moved gingerly as though walking over a path of broken light bulbs (with soft crunching sounds). While the sound effects were unusual, the line played with a mature level of control, allowing all the parts to cut through and be clearly heard.

DrumSpirit (Belgium) (T6th- 87.50) is the first European line to compete at WGI Percussion Championships, and they made their homeland proud by making finals. “hYpnotia” lived up to its name with swirling formations and flags with hypnotic patterns utilized by a visual ensemble. The pit displayed a high degree of sensitivity with nuanced dynamic shading in softer passages. The driving ending snapped us out of the hypnotic trance with the line at the front of the floor, giving us a huge final percussive onslaught.

River City Rhythm (MN) (T-6th- 87.50) showed how much can happen in a short time with “Five Minutes”. The numeral ‘5’ was a consistent visual motif, appearing on the floor and on the unit’s costumes. Narration provided interesting facts about our nation and world such as the number of emails sent globally every five minutes, or the amount the U.S. national debt will increase. While change is constant, one thing that remained unchanged was the high performance level of the group throughout the entire show.

Fusion Percussion (NC) (8th- 87.475) presented cliff-notes versions of three of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays with “Trilogy of Tragedy”. Performed on a set resembling an old English theater, the show opened with of dancing witches conjuring up trouble with a Macbeth sequence. Those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet appeared in the middle movement, while the program closed with their version of Hamlet, highlighted by an outstanding snare feature.

“I wish I could stop.” Those words from a man feeling powerless over his situation began the program foreNVision Percussion Theatre (NV) (9th- 86.875) with “Addiction”. Narration described the frustration of those who struggle to break free from the clutches of damaging habits. As the show progressed, the unit recognized the need to change, and in a bright closing section, found a new sense of purpose as they conquered their destructive impulses

Utilizing mobile three-piece mirrors that were like the individual panels of a disco ball,Twin Cities Area Independent (MN) (10th- 86.25) created an aura of being in a dance club with “Reflexity”. Mirror image reflections were a prominent element of the show, with the members looking at themselves in the mirrored backdrops. The seamless integration of electronics into the music book created cutting-edge, techno-inspired sound. 

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