Opelika High School proudly premiered two new visual ensembles this year, the Opelika High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and the Opelika High School Winter Guard.
Both groups had a great first year and were very successful at their competitions in Prattville and Hoover. The indoor percussion ensemble finished second at both contests and won two captions, one for general effect and one for visual marching.
The winter guard finished second place in Prattville and third place in Hoover. Both shows presented by these groups were very successful and received great feedback from not only the judges, but also the crowds in attendance at each competition.
“I am extremely proud of the students and the hard work and dedication that they put forth throughout the indoor drum line season,” said Opelika Associate Band Director and Percussion Instructor Mike McGlynn. “Both groups have worked extremely hard to form a strong foundation to build off of in the future, and we are excited to continue these groups next year.”
Indoor drumline combines the technical and demanding world of marching band with the crowd engaging antics of any great theatrical production. With both aspects combined, indoor drumline shows provide a great learning experience for the students and also an enjoyable experience for the crowds. Most indoor shows tell a story through music, high-energy marching drills, and acting.
Indoor percussion not only challenges the students to perfect their playing and marching techniques, but it also gives the students a chance to show their talents and love for percussion. Indoor percussion groups compete in different classes against groups from across the state or even the country.
Winter guard is much like indoor percussion in the fact that it combines the same aspects of color guard techniques and stage theatrics. Winter guard is a high-energy activity that requires its members to not only master flag and weapons techniques, but also to incorporate dance and acting at the same time. The shows tell a story through movement, music, and props that combine to create a dazzling and engaging performance to watch. Through the use of different colored flags and outfits, the guard weaves you through a five-minute story line that is not only captivating, but also awe-inspiring.
The skills required to toss and spin flags and weapons take hours of practice from each individual and extreme precision as group. This group also competes against other winter guards in state and from across the country. The winter guard is under the direction of Kasey Williams.