7/21/10
The FIU Performance Ensemble has changed its name to Horizon Independent. Director Herman Rios explains "The University has decided they no longer want to fund a competitive unit and we felt it was in our best interests to proceed with a different name. We're excited to compete in the Independent Open Class locally and nationally." The staff includes Herman Rios as Director, Dina Lopez as Assistant Director, Leon May as Drill Designer, Patty Stetson as Consultant, DeVaughn Robinson and Hector Fermaint in Equipment, Malcolm Baraza in Movement, and Michael Rosales as choreographer. Travel plans include the Orlando and Tampa Regionals, and WGI Finals in Dayton. For more information and upcoming clinic dates, visit horizonyouth.org.

7/01/10
Color Guard Instructor needed for a new band program at Weeki Wachee High School for the upcoming season. For additional information, contact Michael J Miller, Director of Bands, via email mjdefeomiller@yahoo.com

5/23/10
Members of the SFWGA Board of Directors participated in the WGI Circuits Caucus held in Orlando on May 23rd. Participants from color guard and percussion circuits across the country met with members of the WGI Board to align practices, contest strategies, and share best practices. Roll-down from the meeting will be shared at the SFWGA Summer Causus on August 29th.

4/30 through 5/01
MEDEA accepted an invitation as the only Florida winter guard to travel to Wildwood, New Jersey, and perform in the "Weekend in Wildwood Tournament. MEDEA performed on both Friday April 3rd, and again on Sunday May 1st.

4/12/10 through 4/17/10
Twelve teams represented South Florida at WGI World Championships in Dayton Ohio, with nine teams making it all the way to Finals! Scoring its second WGI Medal in three years, STRYKE Percussion Ensemble took the Silver Medal in Percussion Independent Open Class competition. In only their second year of existence as a new high school, West Broward High astounded audiences by achieving the Bronze Medal in Color Guard Scholastic A Class competition, at their very first WGI Championships. Teams representing South Florida included Flanagan, Braddock Independent, FIU, Santaluces, Coral Glades, MEDEA, Premonition, Spanish River, Cypress Bay, and Aquarius. Congratulations to all on your fantastic performances!

4/01/10
The SFWGA Board of Directors announced today that our 2010 Championship Contest on March 27th was the largest attended contest in SFWGA history. Paid admission counts were up 54% over 2009, and have doubled in the past three years since 2007. Admission ticket sales at the Premier and Championship contests account for 1/3 of the Association's operating revenue. Vice President of Contest Operations, Gene Remillet, said that over the past 2 years, the SFWGA implemented several strategies to improve contest attendance. One strategy was to lower the ticket prices at Premier and Championships, making it more affordable for the public to attend. Last summer, the Membership approved a reduced contest schedule for 2010, which really helped control our expenses and allowed us to manage the ticket price. Also, the SFWGA began accepting all major credit cards at the Premier and Championship contests two years ago, and in 2010 arranged for credit cards to be accepted at all contests. This really made the contests affordable for a lot of families. In fact, attendance at all of our 2010 contests was up significantly over previous years. Add to that, the fact that we bring in the best judges in the country. We have some really strong Nationally competitive groups in South Florida. People want to come out to watch them perform and see what the judges think about them. SFWGA President Kathy Porter added that we were all amazed at the performances this year. It is a testmony to the instructors and the skill level they bring to the area. We can't wait to see where it leads in 2011.

3/17/10
Have you ever thought about marching drum corps? Well, World class drum corps is back in Florida. Teal Sound Drum & Bugle Corp is going to be competing in the World Class this year. If you are interested in more information, visit their website at www.tealsound.org. The color guard will be having auditions April 16th through 18th at Matanzas High School. Mention the "Santaluces competition" and receive $35 off new member registration fees and $50 off the camp fee.

2/17/10
On February 17, from 7pm-11pm, the FIU Performance Ensemble and Miami Science Museum will present "Art Meets Science" at the Miami Science Museum on Vizcaya. Come out for a night of food, fun and entertainment! All proceeds benefit the South Florida Pageantry Arts Association, Inc and the FIU Performance Ensemble. There will be cocktails, food and a special performance by some of the cast members of the 2010 FIU Performance Ensemble, not to mention a silent auction and raffle - items to include: An individualized photo shoot, clinique products, artwork and much more! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Please come out and support a great cause! For Questions or Tickets, please contact Kim McCool 954-812-7408 or Herman Rios 305-307-6018

11/21/09
Congratulations to Santaluces High School, Class 4-A Champions, and Stoneman Douglas High School, Class 3-A Champions, at the FMBC marching band Championships in St. Petersburg.

10/11/09
The FIU Performance Ensemble Open Class color guard auditions wil be held on Sunday, October 11th, from 9:30AM to 6:00PM. Auditions will be held at Top Gun Cheerleading Gym, 13135 SW 124 Ave #101, Miami. Cost is $30 to attend. Wear all black dance attire/clothes and bring your own weapons. Flags will be provided. Registration is at 9:30, auditions begin at 10:00. For information, email OneNiteAtMcCools@yahoo.com

10/03/09
The Falcon Sound Invitational Marching Band Festival will be held on Saturday October 3rd at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines. Thirty bands are expected to participate in this 7th annual festival. More Information.

9/25/09
The SFWGA is excited to announce we have partnered with Alliance Media to produce the DVD package for the SFWGA 30th Anniversary Championship Pageant to be held on March 27, 2010. In addition to the Championship performances, Alliance Media will be digitally remastering and making available on DVD, highlights from the full 30-year history of the SFWGA.

8/25/09
Pre-season letter to the Membership from SFWGA President, Kathy Porter. read the letter

8/23/09
The Summer Rules Caucus for the 2010 season was held on August 23rd at JP Taravella High School. View the proposals that were approved and will be presented for Membership vote at the October 4th General Meeting.



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