Several area groups claim high finishes in WGI Championship finals

Percussion

In the percussion competition, ensembles from Beavercreek High School, Rhythm X and Kettering-Fairmont High School finished high in their respective divisions.

Beavercreek High School’s Indoor Percussion Ensemble finished second in WGI’s Percussion Scholastic A division with a total score of 94.8. Their 2023 show is titled “Reach for the Stardust,” and is about David Bowie, including his music, expressionism and poses, according to a release.

Dayton-based independent group Rhythm X finished third in WGI’s Percussion Independent World division, with a total score of 97.088 with its 2023 show, “The Unspoken.” Rhythm X is composed of 49 international members including members from as far away as Colombia.

Rhythm X’s Abby Hermesch said, “I’m so proud of Rhythm X for receiving third place in the country for our 2023 show, ‘The Unspoken.’ Our performance combined music, marching, and dance set against a backdrop of swirling fabric for a one of a kind creative experience.”

Hermesch later added, “Rhythm X aims to continually innovate and inspire within the marching arts activity and we appreciate all the support from our Dayton community.

Kettering-Fairmont Percussion Director Tommy Roam said that the ensemble’s sixth-place win was its second-ever WGI Finals appearance, and its 93.05-point score is its best competitive score to date.

“We are so proud of our students for creating a culture of incredible teamwork and a high standard of excellence,” Roam said.

Color Guard

In the color guard competition, ensembles from Centerville High School, Mason High School, Miamisburg High School, Onyx, Northmont High School and Kettering-Fairmont High School took high places in their divisions.

The top-placing groups were William Mason High School and Centerville High School, who both scored fourth in their respective divisions.

William Mason High School’s winter guard took fourth place in the Scholastic A class, performing their show titled “Never Love Again” with a score of 94.445. The show explored emotions around grief and loss.

In a statement, Mason High School said this is the first time in school history that the Winter Guard won their class at WGI Regional, won their class at MEPA Championships, and finished fourth in WGI Finals. Now, the school said that the guard will transition to their 2023 marching band season.

Centerville High School’s winter guard finished fourth place in the Scholastic Open class with a final score of 94.6.

Centerville Band Director Brandon Barrometti said, “We are so proud of our Winter Guard & Winter Drumline after their performances at the WGI Championships. Our Winter Guard finished in 4th place in Scholastic Open Class, which is their highest finish since 2010. This is a huge accomplishment for our group, and for the band program as a whole!”

Winds

Two area ensembles from Miamisburg and one from Carlisle took places in the WGI Winds competition. Miamisburg High School and Miamisburg-based Valhalla Winds each took second place in their classes.

Miamisburg High School won second place in the Scholastic Open class with a score of 93.05, while

Valhalla Winds won second place in the Independent Open class with a score of 85.625. Valhalla Winds is an independent group made to allow Miamisburg Winds members to “continue their love and passion for performing in an indoor winds ensemble after high school.”

In a statement, Valhalla Winds’ Kendra Wendeln said “Although they are an extremely small ensemble, their commitment to individual musical and visual excellence created a show that exploded with passion and excitement,” later adding, “The staff and members are such a tight knit community, and the victory of our first year was truly a team effort that made us a family.”

A full list of local groups placing in their class at WGI finals are as follows.

Color Guard

Percussion

Winds