Destined to Perform
By Kathryn Hardison Nothing can keep Mattie Magill from the world of WGI. After battling cancer and undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Mattie has returned to the Sport of the Arts; but instead of tossing her rifle, she has found her passion in band. As an incoming junior, Mattie plays the vibraphone for the Miamisburg […]
Spinning South of the Border
By Michael Reed As WGI begins its fifth decade, the “I” is more relevant than ever in the world of color guard. Two Asian Regionals debuted in 2015 to go with a longstanding European Regional, and both continents have active circuits. As the activity grows internationally, it’s only natural the expansion would not only be […]
World Championships Through Wanda’s Eyes
By Jenny Lyons In a packed gymnasium, dozens of performers, decked in long flowing pants, sharp gauntlets, and carefully folded hats of an era gone by, can hardly hear the stomping of their crisp white boots on the gleaming gymnasium floor over the roar of the packed stands. With each new toss, turn, or exchange, […]
Clicking Sticks in the Lot: Passing It On
By Randy Villegas Last month I concluded my marching career when I walked off the floor with the Bakersfield College Indoor Drumline. After 6 years of marching with the program, I had finally aged out. While being able to march and compete in WGI was always a dream come true for me, my most rewarding […]
Logan HS "Hope"
By Jenny Lyons “Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this world. Yes we can.” These uplifting words, canonized in 2008 by Barack Obama, are the centerpiece of James Logan’s stirring 2017 program, “HOPE”. The shows that we […]
The Light Brigade
By Keith D. Griffin The Light Brigade has not stopped its charge since 1976. Also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, they first began practice at the Ethel Allen Elementary School in North Philadelphia. Since then they have been advancing the youth of North Philadelphia going on 41 years now. They compete as members of the […]
A Beloved Fan Favorite: Aimachi
By Jenny Lyons To performers standing in the tunnel of the Dayton Arena on WGI finals night, with their bare feet standing on the cool cement, hearts pounding with anticipation within their chest, anxious hands reaching out to a wall lovingly speckled with lipstick, and focused minds imagining what lies beyond the thick black curtain […]
Parade of Champions Celebration
By Jenny Lyons “Often, WGI is referenced as a family. Tonight is our 40th family reunion. Ladies and Gentleman– let’s begin the Parade of Champions…” The announcer’s voice cut through the rumble of the finals night crowd. Awash in the glow of the spotlight, the flash of cameras, and the bustle of the arena, WGI’s […]
Leadership from STRYKE Wynds
By Morena Guerrero Since WGI Winds inaugural season in 2015, STRYKE Wynds has become an award winning ensemble, placing silver in 2015 and gold in 2016 in Independent Open class. This year, Stryke Wynds made the jump to Independent World class, competing against returning medalists in the class. With their show, “Radiohead Jazz Project,” STRYKE […]
UD Arena Unveils Transformation Plans
University of Dayton officials unveiled transformation plans to UD Arena this morning, which will feature new premier seating, an expanded concourse, and changes to the building’s exterior. The work will be the most extensive renovations in a decade for the 47-year-old arena. The work will be completed over three phases, stretching through 2020, University of […]
The Trip of a Lifetime
Edinburg North HS Introduces WGI Winds to China By Michael Reed Many people dream of taking a bucket list trip to an exotic, faraway place. Some want to go to a tropical island, or perhaps the castles of Europe or on an African safari. For the students of Edinburg North HS Winds from Texas, their […]
Immersed in Mystique
By Kathryn Hardison They’re gasping; they’re pleading – they need oxygen. Clean air, however, is no longer an option. Because of “the hand of man,” the last of humanity is left to fight for their lives. Music City Mystique’s 2017 production of “The Hand of Man” has brought a dark twist to WGI Percussion World […]
WGI Celebrates Fabulous 40th Anniversary
By Michael Reed Oh what a glorious season it was! WGI’s hallmark 40th anniversary season is now in the books and it was a season full of memories to last a lifetime. A total of 596 entries participated in 20 different classifications across WGI’s three divisions at two weekends of World Championships. Increasing entries mean […]
Remo & Bongo Boy Drum Circle
Come join in the ninth annual WGI Drum Circle! REMO, Inc. in conjunction with Bongo Boy Music School, from Indianapolis, IN will once again bring the concept of a drum circle to the WGI World Championships. The drum circle is scheduled for Saturday, April 22nd following the Open Class Retreat (approximately 3pm) at the University of Dayton Arena […]
On the Shoulders of Giants: Atlanta Rhythm Machine
By Michael Reed In 1993, WGI added a Percussion Division to the Championship weekend. Fast forward a quarter century and we are in the homestretch of the 25th season of percussive pageantry. As we anticipate new innovations that will continue to propel the activity, it is also worthy to celebrate those who paved the way […]
Become the "I" in WGI
By Kathryn Hardison Jeff Hurr puts on his shoes and walks from his North Carolina home to his workshop, where he spends a minimum of 13 hours a day, seven days a week. To Hurr, designing and engineering metal sculptures and props for hours is “more like play than work.” In honor of WGI’s 40th […]
2017 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
By Jenny Lyons On the eve of WGI prelims, amid the bustle of Championships weekend, members of the color guard activity took pause for a moment to celebrate three prolific creators, the newest inductees into WGI’s hallowed hall of fame: Michael Shapiro, Peggy Twiggs, and Jon Vanderkolff. In introducing Michael Shapiro, Fred Feeney says that […]
WGI Office Moves to UD Arena
WGI’s office on Crosspointe Dr. is all packed up and ready to move to the University of Dayton Arena for the 2017 WGI World Championships. Starting Monday, April 3rd, you can reach us at the WGI headquarters in UD Arena’s Boesch Lounge. HEADQUARTERS PHONE: 937-229-5184 HEADQUARTERS FAX: 937-229-5183 PRACTICE SITE DESK: 937-229-5185 TICKET LINE: 937-229-5186 WEBCAST: 937-229-5187
Medals May Fade… Friendships Remain
By David Hill To help usher in Winter Guard International’s 40th Anniversary, let’s tell the stories of some of the activity’s first “Super Guards,” each a World Champion: Quasar, Skylarks, Erte, State Street Review, Odyssey, San Jose Raiders, and Emerald Marquis. Who better to remind us all of the impact these units made than the […]
Where Are They Now: KC Perkins
by Morena Guerrero It was a segment on the news that sparked KC Perkins’ interest in color guard. Boulder, Colorado was hosting the 1977 DCI prelim competition. A young KC and her family attended the show. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion that changed KC and has transformed her life into a message […]
