Both MBI Winter Percussion and Winter Guard are spending some time in Chicago this February. MBI Percussion performed at the WGI regional last weekend where they placed second in the Percussion Independent World class. The Guard will be competing in WGI Independent Open class this weekend. Good luck MBI Colorguard and keep it going MBI Percussion!
Minnesota Brass Inc. (MBI) has recently reaffirmed its commitment to a safe environment for all members and staff. MBI has since established a Conduct Review Committee (CRC) to review any and all allegations of inappropriate behavior. The CRC has an Open Door policy and is the watchdog for violations of MBI policy, The CRC has already begun review and investigations of various allegations of inappropriate behavior. In addition, the CRC has prepared an update that specifically addresses issues involved with reporting, whether anonymous or named, and now offers a new, confidential online reporting form. Because submitting a report can often be difficult, the CRC wants to reassure those contemplating making a report that they have a voice and a safe haven for reporting violations of MBI policy. Please feel free to review the CRC update and see the confidential online reporting form here.
Join Minnesota Brass on Sunday, April 8, as we present the winter finale featuring MBI Indoor Percussion and MBI Winter Guard as they present their 2018 programs prior to heading to Dayton, Ohio, for WGI championships.
Both the winter drumline and color guard are on incredible trajectories, poised to make an impact at WGI Finals. These are performances you simply need to experience. And if you haven’t seen them recently, you’ll be taken aback. Every performance unveils something new.
For a $5 donation, you will witness the best winter ensembles in Minnesota. Your donation helps pay facility fees and support Minnesota Brass ensembles. Kids under 10 are admitted free.
Location: Brooklyn Center High School (main gym)
Date: Sunday, April 8
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Admission: $5 (kids under 10 free)
As Drum Corps International moves into the final weekend of its 45th anniversary, Minnesota Brass salutes and congratulates past members who are participating in this year’s World Championships. You all are champions to us.
Past (and we hope future) members of MBI performing with DCI corps this year include:
Best wishes for your continued success, and we hope to see you on the field again soon!
MBI Winter Guard capped its 2017 competition season with sterling second-place finish at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, on April 7. It was the second time a unit from Minnesota has won a medal at the national event.
“When we think about the performances of MBI Winter Guard [in Dayton], the word that comes to mind is ‘pride’,” said Jonathan Su, a guard technician for the unit; “pride in the dedication of the members and staff to create an environment of learning and growth, pride in the incredible product put on the floor by the design team, and pride in carrying on Minnesota Brass’ rich legacy of excellence.
“We’ve always emphasized with the members that placement and winning are never the goal, and that improving every day and focusing on making sure every performance was stronger than the last—never regressing—was the definition of success.
“In this regard, we blew success out of the water,” he said.
Under the direction of Wil Furnstahl and Emily Merriman, MBI Winter Guard placed second in Division IA, the second group in the winter guard activity of Minnesota to ever medal at the championships. The guard’s show was titled, “The Bee,” and featured the unit in yellow and black costumes depicting a spelling bee while performing to a soundtrack featuring Eclectica’s “Flight of the Bumblebee/Adagio”.
Describing the collective weekend performances in Dayton, Su said, “After a tentative prelims, the group rose to the challenge and gave the performance of the season in semis, only to top it once more in finals. While this alone is enough to define success, being acknowledged externally is also rewarding.”
He added, “While hardware may rust and fade, the memories and lessons learned from the 2017 winter season of MBI will live on in the hearts of its staff, its members, and the countless amounts of spectators it inspired.”
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
