All groups finish as Finalists in the 2023 Winter Season
By: Melinda Storicks
Cleveland High School
Cleveland High School located in Clayton, NC may not be recognizable to everyone for music accolades however CAPE made their presence known recently in the indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competition arenas. All groups concluded an outstanding and memorable 2023 winter season with victories in scholastic championship competitions.
Prior to the final national championship competition, all the programs ranging from middle school through World Guard, World Winds, and Concert Open Percussion partook in local high school competitions. Additional competitions at the regional events sponsored Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) South Championships and Winter Guard International (WGI) for Atlanta and Charlotte where CAPE earned first place in all competitive categories.
WGI’s website states there were more than 12,000 participants at the multi-days Sport of the Arts World Championships this past April. This national event evaluates more than 300 guards, 200 percussion ensembles, and 40 wind groups. This may seem overwhelming where all five ensembles total less than 150 members, however, the CAPE family unanimously state “Together we aspire. Together we achieve”.
Beginning the historic 2023 winter season for Cleveland High School ensembles was the promotion of the 14-person guard program to World Guard category. Their program, Triptych, focused on the number 3 representing perfection in harmony from beginning, middle and end. This fast-paced production earned the first-time World Guard a spot in the finals against schools more than double and triple their size. CAPE placed in the top ten with a score of 85.650 for their creative hand choreography, flag feature and solo rifle toss.
Next in competition was the 20-person indoor percussion ensemble. This program melds together elements of music and theatre. The “Road to Metheny” portrays a classy trip out West using challenging meters and dynamic instrument contrasts putting on a beautiful show. These powerful impacts earned CAPE Concert Open Percussion the title of first place champions with a 95.150
score.
Rounding out WGI’s Sport of the Arts World Championships was the World Winds program consisting of 40 musical performers. CAPE took the venue by storm showcasing their production “Runway” using an elaborate set, bold choreography, and commanding music selections from Paparazzi, Just Dance (Lady Gaga) and Vogue (Madonna). A score of 92.475 vetted the small, yet formidable, ensemble the silver medal against schools twice their size.
Staff members who work with the band include Director Jason Heard, Assistant Director Steven Rainville, music arranger Jerry Carpenter, Color Guard Director Jean Dugard, weapons instructor and choreographer Bri McCain, percussion instructor Jay Watts, and program coordinator Bob Thomas.
CAPE program is world class, and it shows. The tenacity, dedication, commitment, and comradery are evident on and off the floor. The performers continually rise to the challenges set before them and excel with a smile. Watch out Goliath, David is still here.
Since 2010, the Cleveland High School (CvHS) Band program has provided an excellent music program and learning opportunity for its students and promote the value of the performing arts by fostering relationships amongst students, parents, and members of the community. The band is monetarily supported from fundraising through the Cleveland High School Band Parent Association (CvHS BPA), band parents, alumni and sponsors including “Now We’re Talking” Pediatric Therapy Inc. and Closer Look General Contracting.
Learn more about Cleveland Arts Performance Ensembles and their entire band program by visiting clevelandhigh.band. Consider becoming part of our band family and together we can inspire, aspire, and achieve.
