Comments for Mid East Performance Association

Comment on Exciting Announcements! by Al Gonzales

Al Gonzales — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:11:09 +0000

I understand the Winterguard Finals are coming up in Dayton. How are the tabulations made in determining the overall champion. Is it all based on the score competitions thru the season? Or is it based on the number of place awarded?
Looking forward the finals in Dayton.

Comment on 2009 MEPA Shirt unveiled by Shorty

Shorty — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:41:54 +0000

I love it. I think the design is very original and appealing to the eye. Its very modern looking as well. Very stylish. cant wait to get one

Comment on Here Comes Show Season- Part I by James Fantine

James Fantine — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:05:17 +0000

I know for my group, I try to have a “middle ground” between supporting the show site and saving money. The parents will get “snack-type” food for the ensemble while on the road. These snacks are something to munch on and will allow the students and parents to leave room to still purchase from the concessions.

I come from a small town, with a small town, yes sir, no sir background and I teach my ensemble to do the same things. We always talk about respect and how to act when on the road. I have even set fourth a dress code when on the road, basically to make them see, if you look professional, the ability to act professional will come naturally (hopefully). If I find one of my students acting disrespectful to anyone, consequences are the result.

I think the best thing about this genre (winter guard and percussion) is the director hospitality areas. These areas are a great place to get away from the choas that is 1000 drummers in the same close quarters.

I think its hard for parents (who are new to the activity) to see the correlation between the price and the fact that the show host has many expenses. The fact that prices all around us increase everyday, make purchasing a ticket even that much harder, if you only plan on seeing just “your kid.” On the same token, who just goes to see one, ten minute show, seriously, if you are going to see your kid, check out the competition.

I am looking forward to this season and seeing all of the advancements that continue with our groups.

Comment on About by 5th Element

5th Element — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:53:21 +0000

5th Element will be in its 6 year of existence this 09 season and we have done nothing but grow since the first season. We look forward to performing our show and seeing everybody elses show this year.

Comment on What are you getting from your judge’s tapes? by James Fantine

James Fantine — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:51:59 +0000

I agree with most of the comments made in the above article, however, I think some of the judges need to read this as well. I have heard many tapes and I have a hard time when judges dislike the show and make it known through their tone and the comments THEY make.

Disgusting, nasty, what were you thinking, are all items I have heard on tapes. How are we, as educators, supposed to go back to the students and say listen to this “objective” review of our show.

I also enjoy the tapes where the judge does not say anything at all, except a few grunts and moans – those really help.

I personally love using the tapes, then go back and listen to them further in the season to see if we have made the right changes (at least in our mind) to bring our show up in the minds of the judges.

What also helps, is listening to the tapes prior to a show, in which you have that same judge. Especially in the MEPA circuit, this helps a great deal. You certainly do not want to have a judge comment on a particular segment of your show, then three weeks later comment on it again.

I think one thing we could add to the article along with the “open your mind” portion would be to have another member of the school’s music staff, that is familiar with the show, listen to the tape and get their take, especially if you are unhappy with the results on the tape and sheet.

Thanks Tim, this is great stuff.