What is Winterline?
The OLHS Winterline consists of the marching percussion (or battery) and front ensemble (or pit) sections of themarching band, as well as the color guard. It is also open to any other interested students from Olentangy Liberty HS. Indoor percussion/guard combines elements of music performance, marching, and theater. The circuits that we compete in offer both winter guard and percussion classes. At Liberty, we’ve combined the two ensembles and compete in the percussion circuit. Combining the groups gives us an edge in terms of size, as well as the additional visual elements that the guard can provide.
Below are a few links to YouTube videos:
Olentangy Liberty HS Indoor Drumline 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Olentangy Liberty HS Winterguard 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Rhythm X 2008 (This is an Independent World Group based out of Columbus, OH – Mostly college age members)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Below are a several additional details about indoor percussion:
- The size of the ensemble varies dramatically, but most high school ensembles field between 15 and 40 members.
- The show is designed and performed on a basketball court (or similar sized arena), although most groups use large vinyl mats (referred to as “floors”) to create a stage for the performance. Most floors are painted to match the theme of the show.
- The length of the show varies dependent on the “class” in which each ensemble competes. The typical length of a show in our class (Scholastic A) is between 4 and 6 minutes.
- We will be competing in 2 different circuits:
o Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA)
§ Regional Circuit. Website can be found at http://www.ohiocircuit.com/
o Winter Guard International (WGI)
§ International Circuit. Website can be found at http://www.wgi.org
- The season typically begins in late October and concludes at Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships (2012 WGI Championships are April 19-21st in Dayton, OH). The competition season typically begins in late January or early February. Competitions are held on Saturdays (and occasionally on Sundays)
- Scoring is comprised of 3 areas. Here is a very simplified explanation of each:
o General Effect (GE): How effective was the performance overall? Does it make sense?
o Performance Analysis (PA): How well does the group play?
o Visual: How well does the group move?
Benefits to both the students and the music program
A winter program can have a dramatic and positive influence on the total marching band program. The winter programs are an extra-curricular activity with a similar purpose to that of a sports team:
- To strive for excellence
- To develop teamwork
- To learn sportsmanship
- To achieve the highest possible rankings in your competitive circle
- To entertain
Unlike sports teams, the entertainment factor makes this program unique. It can be likened to theatre with elements of drama or a musical. This added dimension provides the students with an exposure beyond that offered through the marching band program. Thus, the indoor drumline opportunity is a blend that produces “The Sport of the Arts.”
A Note for Non Percussion Students Interested in Joining
Although the activity is comprised of percussive instruments almost exclusively, your involvement in the indoor activity can have a dramatic positive influence on your growth as a musician. Regardless of your placement within the ensemble, the depth and intensity at which you will study rhythms and timing will immediately transfer to your other instrument(s). I liken it to “musical cross training”.
I can also say from my experience within an indoor ensemble comprised almost entirely of college music majors, it is extremely helpful in developing your musical skills. It can also prepare you for the rigors of learning multiple instruments at the college level. The more instruments you learn, the easier it is to learn instruments.
Jeremy Jorgenson