WGI Review

Yes I know this is late, but I finally have some free time to write.


This past Saturday I had the chance to go to WGI World Class Finals and for those people who never been before, well you need to go! It is an amazing experience having thousands of screaming fans in the stands with you who appreciate the activity as much as you.


For this blog I am going to writing about some of my favorite shows from the weekend. First I am going to start in Scholastic World.


The first guard to really wow me was West Johnston HS from Benson, North Carolina. This was the first time ever I had experience a winterguard show in 3D! Even before the show started they had there "pre-show" going and it built up to their first hit in the show. Which I must say was pretty amazing. Not only was the show great, but it was a nice blend of music, which I recognized all the pieces. Ya, I know, I would know all of them. This was a high crowd pleasing show with a bunch of "Ooooo's and Ahhhh's". Overall, a very solid show.

Next we had Arcadia. I do not know why I loved this show so much, but I just did. As soon as they came on to the floor I knew I was going to like it. Must of been the uniforms... With beautiful music and memories of a past love, this color guard conveys pure emotion. I just connected with them as they were performing to me.


Following them it was Ssssssnake time! Gosh, I am in love with Northview's show this year, Ouroboros. As soon as they walked onto the floor everyone there knew they meant business. I can go on and on about their show. It was one of those shows that you were excited about from the beginning to the end. Even when finished you were n the edge of your seat wanting more. This group came far this year placing 6th, which is amazing because the past two years they have not even made Finals. I also have a special connection with Northview as my roommate went to Northview and his sister was the main soloist for them. 

Then there is Flanagan, who ended up with the bronze medal. When people here Flanagan you know you are in for a treat when the flag feature happens. They are probably the best when it comes to them and this year was just jaw dropping. This show was extremely clean and well thought out. When I first saw the show online I did not care for it, but seeing it live at Finals made me switch my thoughts about them.


And finally we have Carmel, the 2011 Scholastic World Champions! Performing their show entitled Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,  Carmel was by far the best group of the night. They ended up winning over James Logan by 1.7 points!!! The show concept was flawless and I loved it. The idea is that you have to love what you are doing in life is the emotional and heartwarming concept presented throughout the show. The performers are the definition of perfection, and their technique is so great it’s almost surreal. And then the music, ugh... love love love it!

Now we are shifting to Independent World Class...


I LOVE BLACK WATCH! There show this year was so unique and probably had the most stunning visual effect of the night. So much went on with this show and come on, who wouldn't want LED lights all over their uniform?


Next we had the "Bad Guys" of Zydeco. Not only were they one of my favorites, but they ended up winning Fan Favorite voted on by everyone. I loved how each members had a different uniform, which they were in red and black and dressed up as villains from cinema and comic books. Loved it! The show was pure energy and I will more than likely watch this show over and over again on the WGI Fan Network.

Then there was Corona. I knew this was going to be a great show because of Michael Shapiro and the amazing talent he has. The work that Corona did was just as I thought, UNBELIEVABLE! However, it was a type of show I was not expecting... a show about paper? However, it was still amazing and loved it.

And finally we have THE Santa Clara Vanguard, which ended up winning the Independent World class! This is now the second title in three years for SCV and they are setting the standard for excellence.  There show was quite different as it had an unusual twist for the modern WGI era, there was no tarp (only a streetlamp), and no elaborate costuming as the members were dressed as ordinary city dwellers. All I can say that this show was just jaw dropping good. 

It was another awesome year at WGI and I can't wait for 2012 to get here!