2008 Woodie Awards
Spotlight on Center Stage
Tricia Mantooth
Issue date: 2/16/06 Section: News
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Center Stage did so well at this competition they have been offered a chance to move up to a higher class.
If you're wondering what in the world I'm talking about, venture to the Stephenson gym on a weekend night and you will come in contact with the most modern form of performance.
If you've seen the colorguard perform with the Marching Southerners, you've noticed the rifles, sabers, and flags being tossed into the air. This group consists of many of the same people, the same equipment, and the same modern dance; only it is performed on a basketball court in lieu of a football field.
Center Stage has been rehearsing almost every weekend since the end of October and they've already had to change their show due to music licensing difficulties.
No matter the hardships, members enjoy being in the winterguard.
"Center Stage is a family," said Nicole Cross, a second year participant. "You don't know what the feeling is until you've experienced it yourself. It's the reason I came to JSU." Cross believes that Center Stage is the best thing that's ever happened to her.
Last week's regional was held at North Springs High School. In the prelims, Center Stage received first place with a 78.4, an outstanding score for the beginning of the season.
Scores are generally lower in finals, but the guard earned first place again, receiving an 80.6, beating the second place finishers by 4.2 points.
The guard looks forward to performing at Winter Guard International April 6-8 where they might be competing with groups from England and Japan.
Center Stage is directed by Rodney Bailey, who also teaches English and oral communication at JSU. They practice on Friday and Saturday nights between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. and on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 1 pa.m.
This group lives for their audiences, so go watch a run-through of the show about 15-30 minutes before each rehearsal is over. You just might be impressed.