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Revision as of 21:36, 16 May 2012

Rhythm X
File:Rhythm X Official Logo.jpg
LocationColumbus, OH
CircuitsWinter Guard International, Mid-East Performance Association
ClassPercussion Independent World
DirectorsTim Jackson, Tim Fairbanks, Andrew Markworth, Mike Scott, Craig Dunn
Founded2001
Championship Titles2002 (PIO); 2008, 2009 (PIW)

Rhythm X is a competitive indoor marching percussion ensemble based out of Columbus, Ohio. The ensemble competes in both Winter Guard International (WGI) and Mid-East Performance Association (MEPA) competitions in Percussion Independent World (PIW) class,[1] which is the classification given to the ensembles that execute musical and visual programs of the highest difficulty.[2]

Rhythm X was the 2008 and 2009 WGI World Champion in PIW class[3] and is well-known to indoor marching percussion fans and participants around the world as consistently one of the most highly-skilled competitors. The ensemble has also gained a reputation for presenting some of the most innovative content at each WGI Percussion World Championship and is a crowd favorite virtually every year.[4]

History

Rhythm X was founded in 2001 by Craig Dunn and was initially intended to provide a competitive percussion performance experience for young musicians in Ohio. The unit was immediately successful, as it captured the gold medal in its inaugural season in Percussion Independent Open class at the 2002 WGI World Championships. Rhythm X has been classified as Percussion Independent World every season since then.[5]

As Rhythm X's successes have continued, the membership has expanded beyond local Ohio students. Several hours of transportation is typical, but members have commuted as far as twelve hours one way every weekend to participate. Others move to Ohio for the season's duration. In its early years, the ensemble had a mixture of high school and college students, but the current membership contains almost exclusively college students. Most of the members also have experience in World Class Drum Corps International drum and bugle corps.[6]

In 2007, Rhythm X became the first independent Winter Guard International percussion ensemble to conduct a tour of Europe. The members and staff performed and offered clinics in England, France, and Belgium using their 2007 show "Behind the Velvet Rope" as a demonstration.[4]

In 2008, Craig Dunn announced that Andrew Markworth would be overtaking the role of Ensemble Director for Rhythm X, while Dunn would continue with some duties as Executive Director.[7]

In 2009, Rhythm X announced its sponsorship of a newly-formed percussion ensemble in The Netherlands called European X. Head staff members Craig Dunn, Tim Fairbanks, Andrew Markworth, and Tim Jackson periodically visit them to assist with their shows' designs and their members' educations.[8]

In 2010, Rhythm X announced that Tim Jackson would be assuming the role of Ensemble Director for the group.[9]

WGI World Championship Results

Rhythm X has maintained consistent competitive success at WGI World Championships and has been a finalist every year since its inception. The unit has been awarded 2 PIW gold medals, 3 PIW silver medals, 1 PIW bronze medal, and 1 PIO gold medal.[3]

Year Program Title Placement Score Class
2002 Our World 1st 96.150 PIO
2003 Picture This 7th 88.200 PIW
2004 AudioVisual 3rd 93.250 PIW
2005 Wired 2nd 96.700 PIW
2006 Lunaria 2nd 95.750 PIW
2007 Behind the Velvet Rope 6th 92.200 PIW
2008 Gone 1st 96.900 PIW
2009 Touch 1st 97.263 PIW
2010 Inspired 2nd 96.250 PIW
2011 St& By Me 4th 94.225 PIW
2012 enLIGHTened 4th 94.125 PIW

Achievements

  • Rhythm X is one of only 6 ensembles to ever win the PIW gold medal at WGI World Championships.
  • During the 2007 season, Rhythm X became the first independent WGI indoor percussion ensemble to ever tour Europe.[10]
  • The record for the highest-scoring WGI PIW performance at World Championships is held by Rhythm X's 2009 show "Touch" with a score of 97.263.[3]
  • Rhythm X and Blue Knights are tied for the second-most consecutive WGI PIW gold medals. [5]

Staff

Rhythm X 2009 after performing their program "Touch" and winning the gold medal at WGI World Championships with the highest score ever to be given to a PIW ensemble at WGI World Championships: 97.263.

Rhythm X has a versatile staff with many years of experience teaching, designing for, judging, and performing in the marching arts.[11] Because of the skill level of the musicians and the cohesive nature of Rhythm X's alumni network, several former members of the ensemble have returned to serve as staff members.

Design Team

  • Tim Fairbanks - Visual Arranger
  • Tim Jackson - Battery Arranger
  • Andrew Markworth - Front Ensemble Arranger
  • Kevin Shah - Electronics and Sound Design

Administrative Staff

  • Craig Dunn - Founder/Executive Director
  • Tim Jackson - Ensemble Director
  • Tim Fairbanks - Visual Coordinator
  • Andrew Markworth - Music Coordinator
  • Mike Scott - Operations Director

Technical Staff

  • Ryan Lamb - Bass Tech
  • Jared Kortz - Bass Tech
  • Josh Brickey - Snare Tech
  • Ted Leith - Snare Tech
  • James Sparling - Quad Tech
  • Adam Norris - Quad Tech
  • Jake Ansley - Cymbal Tech
  • Kelsey Behl - Pit Tech
  • Rily Franklin - Pit Tech
  • Andy Filipiak - Pit Tech
  • Sam Cope - Pit Tech
  • Matt Hahn - Pit Tech

Sponsors

Rhythm X exclusively uses equipment and costumes produced by the companies with whom it has partnerships.[12]

References


Template:WGI Independent World Drum Lines