jtingkir

PERCUSSION-PALOOZA 2016! SPONSORED BY RHYTHM-QUEST PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE Sunday, February 28, 2016 12:00 p.m. Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071 Percussion-Palooza draws percussion soloists, ensembles, full performance ensembles, clinicians, and adjudicators from Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring an afternoon solo and ensemble competition prior to state contests for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set for Middle School (Grades 5-8), High School (Grades 9-12), and Senior (post-secondary) level percussionists. The emphasis is on performance, and includes personal, real-time constructive feedback from the judges (unlike state contests) and the top three preliminary performances in each category at each level receive awards. The individual champions are announced, and perform, in the Percussion-Palooza Premier Showcase, with exhibitions by guest percussionists, guest percussion performance ensembles, and the Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble. Last year, we had eleven performing ensembles. The afternoon solo and ensemble contest is adjudicated by, Mr. Michael Boo, M.M., for melodic percussion and very involved as a performer and composer for Valparaiso University's Confucius Institute musical exchange program; Kevin Donka for snare drum, the 2013 D.C.A. World Rudimental Snare Drum Champion; and Mr. Eric M. Thompson for multi-percussion and drum set, a child prodigy and graduate of Boston's New England School of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies. The contest categories are snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set. The Senior classification is for those out of high school and performing at the community college, college, university, individual, and alumni levels. There is an afternoon evaluation for performance ensembles if interested. The adjudicators also choose the "Best of the Day" for the Performance Ensembles and the Solo and Ensemble Champions in the Premier Showcase. Our panel is one of the finest, eclectic mixes of talent, skill, expertise, and musical knowledge in the marching and performing percussive arts. Eclectic also describes the Premier Showcase performance ensembles. Our Premier Showcase features performances of winter indoor concert, marching, and standstill percussion ensembles. It is an eclectic mix of talent, styles and genres of percussive arts. We have had and will have trash can bands, steel drum bands, concert percussion ensembles, marching percussion ensembles, and encourage all varieties of performance. Whether it's a marching or standstill battery, a concert ensemble, or a specialty group makes no difference. It's about the enjoyment of a variety of percussion performances. Additionally, we provide educational and instructional clinics and presentations for those that attend the event. Last year, we had eleven ensembles perform in the Premier Showcase covering a geographic range from Marion, IA, Geneseo, IL, Peoria, IL, to Crystal Lake, IL. This year we are adding an ensemble from Kankakee, IL. Rock Falls is also the birthplace of legendary drummer, Mr. Louie Bellson, who donated a personal drum set to the City of Rock Falls which we always have on display in his honor and to commemorate his memory. Complete event information, expanded adjudicator bios, and downloadable entry forms for Percussion-Palooza 2016! can be found at our website http://rhythm-quest.org Rgythm-Quest is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhythm-Quest-Performance-Ensemble/196791677009867 Percussion-Palooza is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Percussion Palooza

PERCUSSION-PALOOZA 2016! SPONSORED BY RHYTHM-QUEST PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE Sunday, February 28, 2016 12:00 p.m. Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071 Percussion-Palooza draws percussion soloists, ensembles, full performance ensembles, clinicians, and adjudicators from Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring an afternoon solo and ensemble competition prior to state contests for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set for Middle School (Grades 5-8), High School (Grades 9-12), and Senior (post-secondary) level percussionists. The emphasis is on performance, and includes personal, real-time constructive feedback from the judges (unlike state contests) and the top three preliminary performances in each category at each level receive awards. The individual champions are announced, and perform, in the Percussion-Palooza Premier Showcase, with exhibitions by guest percussionists, guest percussion performance ensembles, and the Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble. Last year, we had eleven performing ensembles. The afternoon solo and ensemble contest is adjudicated by, Mr. Michael Boo, M.M., for melodic percussion and very involved as a performer and composer for Valparaiso University's Confucius Institute musical exchange program; Kevin Donka for snare drum, the 2013 D.C.A. World Rudimental Snare Drum Champion; and Mr. Eric M. Thompson for multi-percussion and drum set, a child prodigy and graduate of Boston's New England School of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies. The contest categories are snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set. The Senior classification is for those out of high school and performing at the community college, college, university, individual, and alumni levels. There is an afternoon evaluation for performance ensembles if interested. The adjudicators also choose the "Best of the Day" for the Performance Ensembles and the Solo and Ensemble Champions in the Premier Showcase. Our panel is one of the finest, eclectic mixes of talent, skill, expertise, and musical knowledge in the marching and performing percussive arts. Eclectic also describes the Premier Showcase performance ensembles. Our Premier Showcase features performances of winter indoor concert, marching, and standstill percussion ensembles. It is an eclectic mix of talent, styles and genres of percussive arts. We have had and will have trash can bands, steel drum bands, concert percussion ensembles, marching percussion ensembles, and encourage all varieties of performance. Whether it's a marching or standstill battery, a concert ensemble, or a specialty group makes no difference. It's about the enjoyment of a variety of percussion performances. Additionally, we provide educational and instructional clinics and presentations for those that attend the event. Last year, we had eleven ensembles perform in the Premier Showcase covering a geographic range from Marion, IA, Geneseo, IL, Peoria, IL, to Crystal Lake, IL. This year we are adding an ensemble from Kankakee, IL. Rock Falls is also the birthplace of legendary drummer, Mr. Louie Bellson, who donated a personal drum set to the City of Rock Falls which we always have on display in his honor and to commemorate his memory. Complete event information, expanded adjudicator bios, and downloadable entry forms for Percussion-Palooza 2016! can be found at our website http://rhythm-quest.org Rgythm-Quest is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhythm-Quest-Performance-Ensemble/196791677009867 Percussion-Palooza is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Percussion Palooza

PERCUSSION-PALOOZA 2016! SPONSORED BY RHYTHM-QUEST PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE Sunday, February 28, 2016 12:00 p.m. Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071 Percussion-Palooza draws percussion soloists, ensembles, full performance ensembles, clinicians, and adjudicators from Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring an afternoon solo and ensemble competition prior to state contests for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set for Middle School (Grades 5-8), High School (Grades 9-12), and Senior (post-secondary) level percussionists. The emphasis is on performance, and includes personal, real-time constructive feedback from the judges (unlike state contests) and the top three preliminary performances in each category at each level receive awards. The individual champions are announced, and perform, in the Percussion-Palooza Premier Showcase, with exhibitions by guest percussionists, guest percussion performance ensembles, and the Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble. Last year, we had eleven performing ensembles. The afternoon solo and ensemble contest is adjudicated by, Mr. Michael Boo, M.M., for melodic percussion and very involved as a performer and composer for Valparaiso University's Confucius Institute musical exchange program; Kevin Donka for snare drum, the 2013 D.C.A. World Rudimental Snare Drum Champion; and Mr. Eric M. Thompson for multi-percussion and drum set, a child prodigy and graduate of Boston's New England School of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies. The contest categories are snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set. The Senior classification is for those out of high school and performing at the community college, college, university, individual, and alumni levels. There is an afternoon evaluation for performance ensembles if interested. The adjudicators also choose the "Best of the Day" for the Performance Ensembles and the Solo and Ensemble Champions in the Premier Showcase. Our panel is one of the finest, eclectic mixes of talent, skill, expertise, and musical knowledge in the marching and performing percussive arts. Eclectic also describes the Premier Showcase performance ensembles. Our Premier Showcase features performances of winter indoor concert, marching, and standstill percussion ensembles. It is an eclectic mix of talent, styles and genres of percussive arts. We have had and will have trash can bands, steel drum bands, concert percussion ensembles, marching percussion ensembles, and encourage all varieties of performance. Whether it's a marching or standstill battery, a concert ensemble, or a specialty group makes no difference. It's about the enjoyment of a variety of percussion performances. Additionally, we provide educational and instructional clinics and presentations for those that attend the event. Last year, we had eleven ensembles perform in the Premier Showcase covering a geographic range from Marion, IA, Geneseo, IL, Peoria, IL, to Crystal Lake, IL. This year we are adding an ensemble from Kankakee, IL. Rock Falls is also the birthplace of legendary drummer, Mr. Louie Bellson, who donated a personal drum set to the City of Rock Falls which we always have on display in his honor and to commemorate his memory. Complete event information, expanded adjudicator bios, and downloadable entry forms for Percussion-Palooza 2016! can be found at our website http://rhythm-quest.org Rgythm-Quest is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhythm-Quest-Performance-Ensemble/196791677009867 Percussion-Palooza is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Percussion Palooza

PERCUSSION-PALOOZA 2016! SPONSORED BY RHYTHM-QUEST PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE Sunday, February 28, 2016 12:00 p.m. Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071 Percussion-Palooza draws percussion soloists, ensembles, full performance ensembles, clinicians, and adjudicators from Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring an afternoon solo and ensemble competition prior to state contests for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set for Middle School (Grades 5-8), High School (Grades 9-12), and Senior (post-secondary) level percussionists. The emphasis is on performance, and includes personal, real-time constructive feedback from the judges (unlike state contests) and the top three preliminary performances in each category at each level receive awards. The individual champions are announced, and perform, in the Percussion-Palooza Premier Showcase, with exhibitions by guest percussionists, guest percussion performance ensembles, and the Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble. Last year, we had eleven performing ensembles. The afternoon solo and ensemble contest is adjudicated by, Mr. Michael Boo, M.M., for melodic percussion and very involved as a performer and composer for Valparaiso University's Confucius Institute musical exchange program; Kevin Donka for snare drum, the 2013 D.C.A. World Rudimental Snare Drum Champion; and Mr. Eric M. Thompson for multi-percussion and drum set, a child prodigy and graduate of Boston's New England School of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies. The contest categories are snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set. The Senior classification is for those out of high school and performing at the community college, college, university, individual, and alumni levels. There is an afternoon evaluation for performance ensembles if interested. The adjudicators also choose the "Best of the Day" for the Performance Ensembles and the Solo and Ensemble Champions in the Premier Showcase. Our panel is one of the finest, eclectic mixes of talent, skill, expertise, and musical knowledge in the marching and performing percussive arts. Eclectic also describes the Premier Showcase performance ensembles. Our Premier Showcase features performances of winter indoor concert, marching, and standstill percussion ensembles. It is an eclectic mix of talent, styles and genres of percussive arts. We have had and will have trash can bands, steel drum bands, concert percussion ensembles, marching percussion ensembles, and encourage all varieties of performance. Whether it's a marching or standstill battery, a concert ensemble, or a specialty group makes no difference. It's about the enjoyment of a variety of percussion performances. Additionally, we provide educational and instructional clinics and presentations for those that attend the event. Last year, we had eleven ensembles perform in the Premier Showcase covering a geographic range from Marion, IA, Geneseo, IL, Peoria, IL, to Crystal Lake, IL. This year we are adding an ensemble from Kankakee, IL. Rock Falls is also the birthplace of legendary drummer, Mr. Louie Bellson, who donated a personal drum set to the City of Rock Falls which we always have on display in his honor and to commemorate his memory. Complete event information, expanded adjudicator bios, and downloadable entry forms for Percussion-Palooza 2016! can be found at our website http://rhythm-quest.org Rgythm-Quest is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhythm-Quest-Performance-Ensemble/196791677009867 Percussion-Palooza is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Percussion Palooza

Independent organization has an opening for a part-time, experienced Color Guard Instructor for an introductory winter color guard program in Northwest Illinois. Start Date: November 1, 2014. demonstrated successful color guard instructional experience a must. winter color guard instructional experience preferred. drum and bugle corps color guard instructional experience considered. competitive marching band color guard instructional experience may be considered. ability to work as a flexible team member with Conceptual Designer and Visual Consultant. ability to create interpretive equipment work and choreography. desire to instruct inexperienced members.For further details, contact: Ramiro Martinez, Executive Director (815) 718-2302, or resume may be sent to sticktech@essex1.com.

Georgie, Georgie, Georgie you long ago met the standard for arrogance, and then went on to exceed the standard for conceit. Now, you have attained excellence in hubris. It's too bad you will never "man up" and admit that your influence on the activity has produced the scenario that you now lament. You poor boy, when will you grow up? When I was a visual instructor of a D.C.I. drum corps working under a future D.C.I. HOF member who was a brilliant drill designer and wonderful person, Mr. George Zingali was busy making the Cadets great. I personally told him how much I loved what he was doing, and how much I admired his ability to create such amazing drills. He was respected by almost all in our caption, and by most in the activity (save for those who were lacking, and jealous of his great talent). George Zingali deserved respect, and although we were competitors, I made sure he knew that I admired and respected him. For a couple of those years, I judged the marching band contest in Metamora for the C.S.J.A.. They were very enjoyable experiences. The crowds and the bands were great. I wonder what could have changed? (The number of quality corps with emotionally engaging, entertaining, yet spectator-oriented and mass appreciated shows? The prices of tickets? The sense of unbridled pretentiousness and self-centered glorification of program coordinators and show designers seeking aeshetic superiority over their peers? . . . ad infinitum, ad nauseam). Georgie, I do not admire, nor do I respect you. You have put your indelible mark, or should I say stain, on the activity, and you are now reapiing what you sowed. Based on my personal experiences marching in and instructing D.C.I. drum corps (plural) with numerous D.C.I. HOF members, adjudicating with D.C.I. judges/HOF members, and (Gasp!) judging in Metamora, you are not only a boor, you are a scoundrel of the worst sort and should be tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail because you are NOT worthy of Metamora and the tradition of its marching program, or those programs in the region surrounding Peoria. As was once said, "If it will play in Peoria, it will play anywhere." Georgie, you do not play in Peoria, or Metamora, or . . . .

Positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt! Dan does "So approve." I agree with both of you. Aimachi's exhibition represents a progression for the marching arts. Moreover, I believe W.G.I. is taking a greater role in promoting the marching arts than D.C.I. Drumline Battle and Soundsport are still weak, unproven offerings in comparison to what W.G.I. has developed (W.G.I. Percussion), and is developing (W.G.I. Winds). D.C.I. was once the peak, the pinnacle, the epitome of the marching arts I believe that role may now belong to W.G.I. and its franchises. "Heresy!" some will say. To them I respond, "This is from a fan since the days of the Combine (pre-D.C.I.), who marched D.C.I. finals and instructed D.C.I. finalists" (yes, plural for both)." Like a fine wine, as we age, our taste, gets better.

Aimachi - Most Definitely! It's not like they set the bar high on expectations. No apprehension about what they did. This is what I would like to see for W.G.I. Winds, too, incorporating all wind instruments with percussion and guard elements in a well designed program. The program and its performance were excellent. No complaints about the drill and choreography, because it was well done, or the props, because they were not a distraction or excessive (Think 2013 BD & Cadets). I saw more technique and precision than some corps and most bands, although that really doesn't matter anymore, does it. It was thoroughly enjoyable and at times exciting, regardless of the constraints imposed by a small venue. It was reminiscent of D.C.I., before it went over the precipice and into a freefall. Northglenn - not so much. Not bad, but I hope to see more of the former. Most of the latter was "windLESS" compared to Aimachi, save for the "miked" vocal soloist. Pandora's box is now open. And so it goes . . . Regardless, W.G.I. Winds looks to have a bright future ahead - because it's W.G.I., and not D.C.I. Sad.

Look Out BOA and WGI - Here Comes YEA/USBands! And I quote: Excitement Building for USBands Indoor Championships A week from Sunday, USBands Indoor will host its largest championship event in the organization's history. Fifty-seven indoor color guards and percussion ensembles are hard at work, polishing their 2014 programs in preparation for the USBands Indoor Championships on Sun., April 6 at Pine Belt Arena on Toms River High School's north campus in Toms River, N.J. Can the marching and performing arts stand any more excitement at this time of year? Yes! Next year we'll have WGI Winds. Its your turn to move YEA/USBands. Now don't disappoint us.

I like this move, too. I agree it is extremely ambitious, but WGI has a proven track record of building a label. If you want anything done, and done right, WGI is the premier organization for the marching/performing arts. Even though it's almost a year away, I'm disappointed this hasn't generated more interest (probably due to its timing, and the schedule of IHSA spring events). I certainly don't see this move as diluting or polluting the activity (see DCI for that). Rather, I think it opens up more options and opportunities for schools. programs, directors, and students. Particularly in Illinois, where the IHSA and the IMEA have shown a continuous and obvious inability to be proactive in music and marching/performing arts, but a remarkable ability to be ineffectual and lacking in focus and foresight. They tend to be myopic and narrow-minded, and can't get their respective acts together, let alone act together. My only fear is that WGI Winds will further highlight the deficiencies of a lack of organization for music and the marching/performing arts here in Illinois. One can dream of WGI offering Illinois a state-wide fall marching band series leading to true state champions. ISSMA and Indiana have done it for decades. I bet if WGI were to propose that here, it could be up and running by 2016, with or without the support of the IHSA and the IMEA. Perhaps, a BOA/WGI state championship series leading to qualification for BOA Nationals? Heresy or horse sense? You be the judge.

WGI has officially announced major details for the introductory season of WGI Winds in 2015. It has potential, but the new form seems extensive for a fledgling activity. One would tend to think that a preparatory foundation would be more modest, and further iterations would and could be expanded as the activity grows and develops. It appears that an initial growth stage is deemed unnecessary, and the inauguration of the activty will begin in full bloom. You have to give WGI credit, if you will, for thinking BIG in a very large, amorphous box. It leaves no stone unturned to attract participants. If interested, find out more at http://www.wgi.org/contents/FAQ---Winds.html. Any thoughts or comments, especially by administrators, directors, staff, is appreciated, including your level of interest in WGI WInds, and if and how it will affect your program, and the marching and performing arts in general.

Those are the questions that are begging to be answered. Hopefully, this is well received and a sufficient number of programs are able and willing to field (floor?) units. True, it's not going to be easy scheduling with IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization weekends, winter/holiday/spring concerts, and staggered spring breaks for Illinois schools. But such is the nature of the activity. But if it's accessible (financially, logistically, e.g., travel time/distance, and transportation expenses) to schools that are unable to fully participate in a fall marching band season, it provides another option to programs dealing with their own unique set of contingencies, yet harbor a desire to compete, and it may very well foster a "niche" position of its own in the marching/performing arts. It will be interesting to see, however, who takes advantage of this. Will it be large, successful, relatively well-funded programs, or will this be a panacea for small programs with limited resources, but a desire to compete on a smaller scale? I hope it provides a spring season following IHSA commitments, bulding off the momentum of the color guard and percussion seasons. That's expecting or asking a lot, but with WGI's track record, I think it's possible. As for SoundSport, and DrumLine Battle, DCI may not be able to provide, let alone compete with, the opportunities offered by WGI. We can only hope that the two organizations remain separate and distinct entities, and WGI maintains its standard of excellence in its chosen activities, and DCI doesn't slip further into the mind-numbing blandness that pervades its limited offerings, while hiding behind their long-standing, yet pompous guise, of artistic creativity. Blech!

Well, we now know that WGI is extending its purview to include winter indoor marching winds @ http://www.wgi.org/featured-story/03122014-Sneak-a-Peek-at-WGI-Winds.html. As to be expected, speculation runs rampant on a board that will remain nameless. However, details are not yet commonly known. Nevertheless, that does not deter the tin-foil-hat crowd. With the success and continuing growrth of WGI Color Guard and Percussion, the timing appears right and ripe to introduce WGI Winds. It's a logical move to expand and it makes sense. DCI may have introduced DrumLine Battle and SoundSport, but WGI has proven it can develop, maintain, and grow an activity. DCI not so much. WGI's sound organizational structure and proven success will provide another unique venue for band members in the marching and performance arts. Let us wish nothing but the best for WGI Winds. Welcome!

Henceforth, I eschew "encroachment" and proffer "poaching" as the current strategy of the YEA/Music in Monstrosity/USBBA/USBands/G7 consortium. The "where" and the "when" in their show schedule strategy is clear. They hope to lure bands away from BOA, and tempt them to embrace the "dark side" of the Marching Arts. "May the force be with" BOA! Any guesses on who Darth Vader is in this new scheme (chuckle)?

I second that sigh. It is as was feared. The G7 aren't satisfied with their chokehold on DCI. They want to increase their sphere of influence and manipulate the marching band activity, too. It's a shame what they've done to drum and bugle corps. I expect BOA to successfully thwart the threat to marching bands. Haven't recently been on DCP, though. If posters' comments are that illogical, ignorant, or idiotic, it deserves its reputation.