I know it's been awhile but, finally, here is my review from WGI World Championships held in Dayton, Ohio at the University of Dayton arena on Saturday, April 16, 2011. I was actually able to attend the Percussion Scholastic World and Percussion Independent World finals, which started at 5pm and lasted through 11pm. Parking was $5 and general seating tickets were $40 which is kind of steep (though it makes Cedar Point/Kings Island amusement parks look cheap in comparison). I think this was the first indoor drumline show I was able to go to in three years.
PSW
Milton HS had a bunching of spinning things and played "Like Spinning Plates" by Radiohead. I really enjoyed Walled Lake's show "Barriers" and thought it deserved a higher score as it was more entertaining than many of the others
Walled Lake Central (MI) (8th- 90.950). Center Grove probably had the best all around synergy with their theme of a snake and I really liked the idea of the parents in the crowd with shakers imitating a rattlesnake. The PSW winner was
Arcadia HS (CA) (Gold Medal- 97.525) and deservedly so. I thought they had the most innovative drill I've seen in a long time. They did a lot ofplaying on their knees, turning around, standing up and down. Their show "Rise" was really challenging and demanding on their bodies. They could play really well too. I would've liked to see more emotion and facial expressions but that's my only complaint. "The line displayed an amazing level of body control, as members were continually in kneeling or crouching positions with perfectly sculpted angles from person to person, and racing around the floor at warp speed velocities when moving. " You really need to watch this show!
Read other reviews here.
Aside: what is with all of the talking shows? If you need someone to explain what your show is about then it is too complicated in my opinion.
PIW
Blue Knights and Northcoast Academy had the most entertaining and crowd pleasing shows (stuff non-drummers in the audience could appreciate). I thought Rhythm X was bkind of boring this year. I felt bad for them that they had to perform after the two highest energy shows of the night. Riverside Community College and Music City Mystique definitely had the most musical and cleanest shows. After watching MCM in the lot videos, them cats can play!
One group played a horrible cover of Jonsi's "Go Do" but I don't remember which one it was.
Sorry, since it's been so long since finals I got a little lazy and shorthanded this review. But, if you have any specific questions or want to know what I thought of any groups please comment below and let me know and I'll gladly discuss it. Thanks.
Official review found here at wgi.org
