The Penn-Trafford Indoor Percussion is finding ways to compete despite obvious difficulties due to the global pandemic.

     The percussion group has competed in Winter Guard International (WGI), a competitive outlet that spans across the world as well as Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association (TRWEA), since 2014. This year due to travel restrictions and the global pandemic, travelling to the various states is not allowed. To combat that, WGI is hosting virtual competitions to still give performers the opportunity to show their skills.  

     Many competitive aspects have been altered as a result, and using technological advancements such as GoPros and audio skills from P-T staff member Joshua Bujakowski is something that has changed from previous years. In order to compete, ensembles submit videos of their performances. 

     Director David Cornelius said that not having a critique after a performance will be a bit different, and the team will need to make their ensemble as obvious and transparent as possible when it comes to excellence. 

 

     “As judges are watching it, there will be no question about how great the ensemble is,” Cornelius explained. “I think another change is not having an audience reaction, I think for the performance that is something we wish we can replicate.”

     Sophomore member Anna Graves said that she thinks the competitive field will be a little more intense this year. 

    “There are going to be more groups and ensembles in our class this time around, but I think we stand a good chance at doing incredibly well,” Graves added.

     One challenge for students was getting back to work after being away from it for so long due to Covid-19. 

    “Just getting back into playing and performing in front of people was a bit of a challenge,” senior Erica Reger said.

P-T Percussion won the silver medal at the WGI World Championship in 2019, so they are familiar with competing. Many students have had large breaks due to the effects of Covid but have been working to compete.

     What the students have already brought out of the music is quite extraordinary and in comparison to other years, nothing too much has changed, Cornelius said.              

     “The work ethic has always been great, but I think that this year I have seen more people practicing above and beyond and that is a direct reflection of the students’ high expectations and how willing the students are to put themselves out there,” Cornelius added.

     The Indoor Percussion will continue to perform and record for WGI throughout the season. Times and dates for performance livestreams have not been set yet but will be public on WGI’s website when available.

Editor in Chief, Hannah Hizer