WGI Prop 10...

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Slaphappy7
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WGI Prop 10...

Post by Slaphappy7 » Tue May 05, 2009 5:02 pm

Bout damn time...
Proposal:
Proposal to Remove WGI’s Independent World Class Age Limit

Rationale:
Everyone involved in WGI shares a passion for the activity. Hard work and long hours make each season something very special, year after year. WGI Independent Percussion ensembles consistently innovate and push the activity, and all of its related art forms, at a growing rate.

Yet despite all the activity does to foster growth and innovation in marching percussion, an age-out rule eliminates, every April without fail, one of the activity’s most valuable assets: experienced, passionate performers. (continued)


Eliminating the age rule has been proposed before. In fact, we are used to hearing several arguments supporting the current age-out rule. The most popular argument is the desire to preserve WGI as a youth activity. This is a matter of personal preference, as WGI’s own mission statement makes absolutely no mention of a desired or intended age-based culture. It reads “WGI Sport of the Arts exists to foster positive experiences for all who participate, by promoting education, creativity and freedom of expression through the unification of pageantry and the performing arts.”

Simply put, WGI is about providing an experience through art regardless of age, race, gender, or any other orientation.

It is also important to consider the existing culture in Independent World class groups. Approximately 90% of members in the top six Independent World ensembles are at least 18 years of age, which means they are either enrolled in college or have entered the workforce. But even more importantly, it means they are legal adults.

These post-high-school environments are not bound by any age restriction, nor can they be accurately described as exclusively youth oriented. Put another way, most members of Independent World ensembles have already transitioned away from youth cultures and are now living in an adult oriented environment. The argument that the culture of Independent World Lines is exclusively youth-oriented is inaccurate in 2009.

Another popular argument is that groups will be overrun by older members. International ensembles such as Aimachi testify that groups without age restrictions are not overrun by older members and do not dramatically stifle the current culture. In his eight months with Aimachi, Chris Leone (member 2007-2008) can only recall positive experiences and observations associated with having a diverse age group. Being able to not only instruct, but also perform with younger members fostered a very positive and effective educational environment. Also, despite the age diversity, the culture within the ensemble was not unlike anything he had personally experienced in American ensembles bound by an age limit.

Another very important reality is the physical rigors demanded by the activity at the top level. If current productions already push performers to their limits, both musically and physically, there will not be many older members who can physically keep up. This alone will limit participation to those in their physical prime or close to it.

Some observe that professional percussion opportunities exist once a performer has aged out of WGI. While there is no denying this, it is important to recognize the indoor percussion art form as an activity that requires unique skills and performance abilities to produce a unique result. One would not throw away Monet’s brushes and paints and tell him to make do with Photoshop.
Another concern is there would be a shortage of instructors without an age out rule, implying instructing is the next logical step after aging out. However, an educator who is not passionate about teaching does not remain an educator for long. If someone wants to teach, they make the choice to do so, as should a member who’s heart lies in performing.

One last argument we often hear is that it’s time for members to “move on.” This implies that the marching activity is somehow a developmental hindrance.

Because rehearsals take place only on weekends, WGI ensembles are able to provide a high quality recreational outlet to full-time professionals and educators who are still eager to perform in the indoor marching activity but are still focused on developing their careers. Other international groups, composed almost exclusively of full-time students and professionals, manage to lead career driven lifestyles while still committing to their ensembles.

Similarly, Wayne Gibson, section leader of Rhythm X’s pit in 2009, worked full time as an engineer at a nuclear power plant in southern Maryland and still managed to fulfill his responsibilities to the ensemble. International members and people like Wayne choose to march because they are passionate about participating in WGI.
Finding true happiness and passion in something we do is nothing short of a gift and it should never be forcefully taken away from anyone. Period.
Indoor percussion on the whole will benefit in many ways from an all-age class.

First, and most obvious, will be the overall increase in talent among groups. Members are only beginning to peak when they age out. By giving them the opportunity to return, we are welcoming back our activity’s most talented and experienced performers who can continue to set the example for younger, less-experienced members. As a result, overall participation will increase. Groups that struggle to fill membership will have access to a much larger talent pool, and new organizations will have a greater chance of success. Also, having more groups will open more doors for less experienced members looking for an opportunity to perform and learn.

Finally, a practical point: organizations run on money, not love. Financial obstacles are omnipresent. By opening the doors to older performers, who are more likely to be employed full time, organizations will have better financial prospects leading to more financially stable organizations.

In any activity or organization that evolves remarkably from one year to the next, it is important that those in charge don’t suppress growth. WGI’s world-class performers are the best the marching percussion activity has to offer. They are ambassadors of the art. They push the activity year after year, they set the example, and they are mentors to younger members. That being said, groups will still have full discretion over the culture they choose to foster within their organization and who they choose to invite into it. With the elimination of the age rule, groups are simply provided the option to tap into a larger resource pool.

Every WGI performer is very fortunate to have found a passion that fuels a determination to be great. Without fail, the activity continues to bring out the best in people season after season in an environment so special and unique that it’s nearly impossible to duplicate. Giving everyone the option with the ability, talent and passion to continue performing would only be a positive step forward for everyone involved.
It was the student’s passion that pushed them to work hard, practice incessantly, make sacrifices, and push themselves through walls to perform at such a high level. They have earned the right to choose, for themselves, when it is time to walk away from an activity they have come to love so well.

Financial Impact:
Organizations with members employed full time will have better financial prospects potentially leading to more financially stable organizations.
Increasing eligibility could potentially lead to more competitive groups in the WGI circuit
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8-ball
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by 8-ball » Tue May 05, 2009 7:55 pm

There have been proposals every year asking for the age limit to be done away with...we'll just have to see if this year is the same turn down as usual...

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by Steven » Wed May 06, 2009 8:34 pm

I'm cautiously optimistic that this one has a chance of passing, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by pittech » Thu May 07, 2009 12:53 am

There's a FB group for supporters of the prop. Hopefully the thread and internet lurkers @WGI will take notice and do whats right for the sport and the people.

IW over in guard land has had it for years. It's our turn

http://tinyurl.com/dg4gxu
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by geefunk1026 » Fri May 08, 2009 8:49 am

This one comes up every year. I doubt that it will ever pass, but Craig Dunn has made some strong arguments for the change.
G

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by perc2100 » Fri May 08, 2009 10:18 am

geefunk1026 wrote:This one comes up every year. I doubt that it will ever pass, but Craig Dunn has made some strong arguments for the change.
G
Interestingly, though, the word "youth" as it implies to performers, is used ALL OVER WGI's philosophy, from page 3 (the first page after the two page tabel of contents) of their Adjudication Manual & Rule Book:
"PARTICIPANTS: WGI Sport of the Arts exists fundamentally for it's participants: youth, staff, and supporters. This is always the underlying consideration when WGI Sport of the Arts makes decisions.
Thus, WGI contributes to the cultural responsibilities held by all deserving youth activities...

COMPETITION: WGI Sport of the Arts has chosen compeition as its method for organizing youth activites in pursuit of high standards of achievement.
...As mature persons, WGI leaders know that youths learn life attitudes from all the observations of and interactions with those adults who are their models."
I'm neither disagreeing or agreeing with Craig's proposal, I'm just saying there are, of course, two sides to every argument...

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by perc2100 » Fri May 08, 2009 10:30 am

Also intersting are some of the other rules proposals. For example, Mark Thurston's prop. about eliminating the "No single, triggered, electronic sound may produce rhythmic intent" rule vs. Charlie Poole's "The use of pre-recorded rhythmic and/or music sound samples is prohibited. All sounds must be triggered by a performing ensemble member on a one stroke-one sound basis. Nothing herein shall prohibit the use of pre-recorded narration."
Also, will WGI follow suite with DCI in regards to staff controlling the mixing board and/or visually communicating with members who control the board?

It will be interesting to see what does/does not pass. When I aged-out, Mr. Poole's proposal WAS the rule, so the activity has come a long way in just a decade.

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by pittech » Fri May 08, 2009 12:14 pm

perc2100 wrote:
geefunk1026 wrote:This one comes up every year. I doubt that it will ever pass, but Craig Dunn has made some strong arguments for the change.
G
Interestingly, though, the word "youth" as it implies to performers, is used ALL OVER WGI's philosophy, from page 3 (the first page after the two page tabel of contents) of their Adjudication Manual & Rule Book:
"PARTICIPANTS: WGI Sport of the Arts exists fundamentally for it's participants: youth, staff, and supporters. This is always the underlying consideration when WGI Sport of the Arts makes decisions.
Thus, WGI contributes to the cultural responsibilities held by all deserving youth activities...

COMPETITION: WGI Sport of the Arts has chosen compeition as its method for organizing youth activites in pursuit of high standards of achievement.
...As mature persons, WGI leaders know that youths learn life attitudes from all the observations of and interactions with those adults who are their models."
I'm neither disagreeing or agreeing with Craig's proposal, I'm just saying there are, of course, two sides to every argument...

Then why did they make the exception for IW on the guard side of things?
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Director of Music -Pixley Middle School & Pixley Elementary
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by KingMattIV » Fri May 08, 2009 12:56 pm

Its definently an interesting idea, and certainly the arguments on both sides are well founded.

If Prop 10 was passed, what I could see happen is the general perfomance value and skill level in all levels to go WAY up. IW could be compared to a truly professional ensemble, and IO would probably move up to the skill level where IW is now assuming that the activity continues to grow at the pace it has been.

That being said, I don't think it will pass. Not that I'm arguing one way or another, just my thoughts.
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by Steven » Fri May 08, 2009 4:28 pm

perc2100 wrote: Charlie Poole's "The use of pre-recorded rhythmic and/or music sound samples is prohibited. All sounds must be triggered by a performing ensemble member on a one stroke-one sound basis. Nothing herein shall prohibit the use of pre-recorded narration."
I really dislike the wording of this. It seems to create a gray area. Also the "pre-recorded music" phrase seems a bit out of touch with all the ways you can manipulate sound electronically.
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Reed High 1998-1999, 2001-2003, 2007-2008
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by Steven » Sun May 17, 2009 4:25 am

Fairfield High 2007-2009
Instructor/Arranger/Visual
Reed High 1998-1999, 2001-2003, 2007-2008
Instructor/Arranger/Visual
Spanish Springs 2001-2003
Instructor/Arranger/Visual
Mandarins 2006-2007
Instructor – Battery

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by 8-ball » Sun May 17, 2009 9:17 am

only 2 votes in favor...this is going to take a while to change...

:rotf:

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by curios0811 » Sun May 17, 2009 11:22 am

i think they need to keep it the same. imagine if they actually took the age limit off.

sean vega, tim jackson, colby beers.... and so forth all playing tenors.

or even on the snareline. man, i can go for days on the talent older generation in this section. Pete Sapidin, Scojo, Jeff Queen, the one snare player all over youtube with the mask ( lol ).

plus, their are drummers out their that hold back in college a bit. ya, they will take 4 - 12 units and they get ther AA in 3 years. but i always encourage my former students not to hold back in school either. take your 15 - 19 units and get your AA in time.

but any who... keep the age limit
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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by perc2100 » Sun May 17, 2009 8:17 pm

Most failed (as they should have, in my opinion).

The only thing that is disappointing to me as an instructor is Prop 3 (staff controlling sound board, either controlling it themselves during the show, of making hand signals to members during the show) Failing. This is the first time that I can remember that DCI has been ahead of WGI in anything.
I can understand not passing the first part of the Prop (Allow a staff member of an ensemble to control and adjust the amplification during a unit’s performance) due to logistics/possible distractions. But the other part of the Prop (Alternatively, allow for the use of hand signals from staff members to signal a member to adjust levels accordingly) seemed like a no-brainer. In this day and age when so many shows rely on a sound system (all, if you count simple mic'ing), it seems asinine not to give staff at least a minute bit of leeway to help out members in times of performance issues unrelated to members' performances that could drastically affect the outcome of a contest.

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Re: WGI Prop 10...

Post by perc2100 » Sun May 17, 2009 8:24 pm

curios0811 wrote:i think they need to keep it the same. imagine if they actually took the age limit off.

sean vega, tim jackson, colby beers.... and so forth all playing tenors.

or even on the snareline. man, i can go for days on the talent older generation in this section. Pete Sapidin, Scojo, Jeff Queen, the one snare player all over youtube with the mask ( lol ).

but any who... keep the age limit
First of all, I bet most of those staff members listed above would not march. They are a bit more removed from the activity and probably not in shape to march/play the stuff necessary to compete at the top of the IW world. No knock on those guys, as I bet they would be the first to admit they are no longer in competitive shape. There's NO WAY some of the 'older generation' instructors you mention would ever want to get on the floor to perform/compete at the top IW level.

Second, the "one snare player all over youtube with the mask" doesn't need to rely on lifting the WGI IW age limit if he wants to march: he is of marching age, and is marching DCI this summer.

I would bet the rule is more geared towards people who aged-out this year, or maybe last year, as well as future members: NOT people who aged-out in the 90's, or even 80's.

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