My favorite guards...

All 3 of my favorite guards did great this year at WGI! All making it into finals! I love reading the reviews of their shows. Here they are for you to read as well.

Independent Open
10th Place – 86.35 - The Pride of Missouri State (Springfield, MO)
On a floor of elongated diamonds, “Ostinato” has a giant scale to it. The dimensions of the staging and costuming give these mature performers stature and it certainly supports the choral version of Bolero. The flamenco-styled movement book gives character and style. The sabre and rifle duets were full of great weapon casualness that comes from being confident and well-trained. Underlying the powerful progression of this classic piece is the slow control of technique and training. Excellent sabre skills and kaleidoscope staging reflective of the floor made this performance one to simply sit back and enjoy.

Independent A
8th Place – 88.05 - National Avenue (Springfield, MO)
I have to admit, I love John Denver and “Love Me Again” is such a romantic song and of course, if made for a lovely guard show. In what easily could have become overly dramatic, this gorgeously calm production just is…..just is wonderful, just is turquoise and just is powerful; it is one of those shows that was over too quickly. From the mountain sky palette to the traveling, layered rifle ensemble, the production was simple and thoughtful and their finals performance, positively solid.

Scholastic A
14th Place - 82.95 - Odessa (MO)
Gave one of the most aggressive presentations of the event with their dynamic package, “Pursuit”. The driving soundtrack of David Holsinger’s “Abram’s Pursuit” propelled the group to keep building the level of tension throughout the performance as they raced around the floor like a blur. The mounting tension was finally released at the show’s climax with a whir of spinning orange, black, and white flags in a big, bold ending.

I was so excited for our Missouri Winter Guards. They represented the MCCGA circuit well! Great job Odessa, National Ave., and Pride for a great 2010 season. Almost sad to have it be over.