Disney Extra Credit - Fall 2013 - (Page 40)
the visual musicians
provided by WGI Sport of the Arts
T
he word “musician” automatically evokes
thoughts of a variety of instruments,
vocalists or composers. While these
individuals bring music to our ears, the
auxiliary section, or color guard of the
marching band, translates the music for
our eyes. They use a variety of methods
to create a visual reflection of the music,
which completes a total sensory package
that turns a memorable performance into a
show you’ll never forget.
It’s important to know that the members
of the color guard do not solely rely on
pieces of equipment. WGI Sport of the
Arts’ Director of Color Guard Development,
Shirlee Whitcomb explains, “They are the
actors who portray a role that tells the
story and draws in the audience.”
In order to make this work, the color
guard performers must bring a passion
and enthusiasm that interprets the music
and makes the equipment come alive. An
acting exercise is cross-training into the
performance level, like technique class is
cross-training for the equipment aspect.
Often times, these exercises allow the
group to bond and become a stronger
team, allowing the members to feel more
comfortable in front of the audience.
This is when the music becomes a fourdimensional experience.
Since music already provides a great
deal of phrasing, meter and tempo, it’s
imperative that the auxiliary members
incorporate this through their bodies as
well as the equipment to complement the
drama of the story. The speed and form of
the staging or drill of the guard is the first
step to emphasize these dynamics. They
can cover the entire performance area to
build on strong musical statements, or
move to a smaller dense block for intricate
moments. Combine the right dance
style with the right musical genre and
performance becomes more believable.
Choreography of the movement, combined
with the right equipment, becomes the
backbone of the melody. The color guard’s
use of equipment supports their program
in a myriad of combinations. Mock sabres
and rifles are recognized for their precision
and strength. Rifles emphasize the
aggressive and bold musical statements,
while the sabres are typically featured
during ballads for their graceful ability.
The flag line, or “silks” as they are often
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N extra credit
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Disney Extra Credit - Fall 2013
Disney Extra Credit - Fall 2013
Contents
Welcome
Walt Disney, Educator
Career Spotlight
A Touching Reunion
Engineering for Today
Career Spotlight
Research and Storytelling
Center Stage
Disney Dreamers Academy
The Path to Newsies
Creativity in the Classroom
Educational Field Trips
Inspiring Through Theatre
Festival Disney Turns 10
New Learning Opportunities
The Visual Musicians
Beyond the Bright Lights
Music Education Excellence
Focus on the Future
Poetic License
Spotlight On: The Disney Honors
Disney Performing Arts Alumni
Mickey’s Education Adventure
Disney Performing Arts Opportunities
Disney Youth Education Series Opportunities
Students Get the “Scoop”
The Fundamentals of Finance
Advertisers and Thank You
Travel Planner Honors
Mickey’s Mind Teasers
Disney Extra Credit - Fall 2013
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