#wgi 2017

[guardiamond-blog]

[wgisportofthearts]

Rhythm X heading down the tunnel for their final performance of the season

[sammyknapp]

Final Thoughts

Whelp….here it is. The end of another indoor season; my sixth. I got to wear a lot of different hats this past weekend: driver, vendor, performer, leader, errand boy… and I enjoyed them all equally.

I’m a part of four different ensembles, in different capacities. The Royal Cavaliers, Odyssey Indoor, Orange County Independent, and Broken City. Each ensemble has overcome their own set of challenges, and I am honored that in even the smallest way, I was able to contribute to each individual group’s success.

OCI and Odyssey are just finding their footing, and for groups in their first and second year, I’m so proud and happy that these performers have been able to accomplish everything that they have. I regret that I could not see them perform this weekend, as responsibilities took me elsewhere, but I’ve heard nothing but amazing things, and am happy they all got the outcome they deserved. I can’t wait to see what next year brings, and how far each performer grows both on an individual level as well as within each ensemble.

Broken City has already experienced success, and I’m so grateful that I was able to jump on just enough to experience what Independent World Class truly looks and feels like. Spine is the most poignant, important, and special show I’ve ever seen; it’s by far my favorite indoor production ever. And even though I know I don’t fully understand it, I’m forever going to be grateful for each chance I got to see the show and for the emotional response it elicited from me. I’m jealous of the performance quality and I hope one day that we can bring that level of intensity and emotion to the indoor winds activity.

Last, but certainly not least, my Royal Cavaliers kids. We talked a bit in the hotel, but my biggest regret of the weekend is that I didn’t get to spend more time with you. I was apprehensive about joining a group that I knew would be younger than me in both age and experience, but I knew I would be upset with myself if stupid reasons like those were the reason I didn’t perform. I’m so glad I made the right decision. You were by far the most positive group of people I’ve ever gotten to work with; the most well mannered and respectful and just all-around pleasant to be around (when you weren’t putting sugar packets in my hair). I wish we lived closer, and I wish we had more time together, especially those who came in towards the end of the season and really bolstered our sound and saved us. I am forever thankful for you. I can only hope we all get to perform and hang out with each other again sometime.  

Everyone from The Royal Cavaliers, Broken City, Orange County Independent, and Odyssey Indoor, whether you are a performer or staff member or supporting the groups, you all have a special place in my heart. I’m sure we all can get annoyed with each other sometimes, especially when we’re in such close contact with each other towards the end. But we are all one family of performers, fighting for the same slice of history and memories as everyone else. We are all on the same side we all want the same things. Consider; this is the first time both Pulse and RCC were defeated by another California group. I THINK this is the first time a California group has brought three ensembles to WGI World Championships. Royal Cavaliers is only the second independent California group, and only the second independent group west of Texas, to compete in WGI World Championships. That’s all history. It can never be changed. It is written and done, and that’s so exciting to me. We have left our mark. I can’t wait to see what else we can do.

It takes a village: Sean Cunningham, Lori Miller, Sergio Cabrera, Nik Woods, Kevin Taylor, Monica Taylor, Mike Stockwell, Linda Stockwell, Judith Crespo-Moreno, Sue Fowler, Cherish Sally, Lisa Spice, Sydney Spice, Pops, Danielle Hawthorne, Mrs. Ramsey, Mr. Ramsey, Robert Lowery, Thom Willett, Brian Shay, Troy Campbell, Brian Almiron, Lance Delgado, David Lemus, John Meehan, and all the staff who are apart of the OCI Ensembles, and anyone who I regretfully forgot . . . thank you for everything that you’ve done, and everything that you continue to do for these performers, and for me. I’ve learned so much just this season alone, and I hope to put all that information to good use very soon. Thank you for supporting, composing, teaching, guiding, and leading all of us. (Shoutout to my alma matter too; Ayala High School; Mark Stone, Ike Jackson, Sean Gordon, Ryan Castro, Ernie McLauren). I am in awe of everything you do for us performers, and thank you all, staff and performers alike, for INSPIRING me in the pursuit of excellence that is this activity.

Forever grateful,

Sammy Knapp

[dcigods]

Are you in love with competition? Does preforming in front of hundreds excite you? Do you want to be apart of a family while making memories that will last forever? If yes, then Kingdom Regiment is for you! Kingdom Regiment is an Indoor Drum & Bugle Corps, located in San Antonio, Texas. We're looking for people like YOU to participate as our first generation of performing members! Our first show will be during the 2019 WGI season and we hope to see you at our try-outs! All those interested, please follow this link to start your journey as a Knight in the marching Kingdom!: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z4oEdFTZFz4r9YCfF18q82HHICo2u5k2NQpqxmYvAB4/edit?usp=drivesdk

[tabbytiger]

i fuckign LOVE Onyx

[i-shaved-for-this]

heading to dayton in around 3 hours and i’m so ready to perform one last time with my spring chickens ♥

[jollyboma]

vegas shots

[ivysplivy]

Excuse my excitement but it took me 20 tries. This is my six from this angle. I love making these videos. WGI OHIO 2017 WERE COMING AND WERE GONNA KILL IT!