Wildcats Band Beats the Competition

West Ashley High School’s drumline performed very well at their most recent competition on Jan. 30 at the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association’s (CWEA) Southern Premiere Show. WAHS’s Indoor Drumline placed first in their class, the Varsity Winter Guard earned their position in class AA, a class above their AAA ranking last year, and the junior varsity Winter Guard came in ninth place.
Unlike marching bands, which are classified based on school size, indoor performance ensembles are classified based on talent level. The premiere show that West Ashley hosted was the first one of the year where indoor performance ensembles were classified by the judges. Color guards are classified in five different divisions: Novice (beginners), Regional A (some experience), AAA (intermediate level), AA (advanced), and A (advanced plus).
The Band’s Booster Club hosted more than 2,000 people at WAHS during the event and was able to run a fantastic show for our state. A total of 50 teams participated in the event including WAHS’s number one competitor, Hartsville High School, the only other Winds Unit in their circuit. Some of the JV Guard competitors included Blythewood, Wando, and Goose Creek, while some of the Varsity Drumline competitors included Colleton County, Edisto, and St. James high schools.
The West Ashley Winds is a brand new ensemble this year. They are one of five ensembles in the state. Indoor Winds is a brand new division within the competition that gives woodwind and brass musicians an outlet to display their talent in the indoor arena. The indoor drumline consists of only percussion instruments ranging from snares, tenors, bass drums, and mallet instruments, to other electronic instruments.
“We would like to thank the West Ashley High School Administration for their support and also the Athletic Department for the use of the athletic facilities over the weekend,” said Band Director Kevin Lakin. “All four of our winter ensembles will continue to improve and will make West Ashley High School proud.”