Is it spring or summer? Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know. In fact, the past 12 months have set several heat records, including the warmest 12-month period from May 2011 to April 2012, the warmest March and the warmest first four months in a calendar year.
With the warmth have come other weather phenomena, such as tornados and hail. In May 2011, a tornado destroyed the city of Joplin, Mo., while a more recent one this past March affected the city of Henryville, Ind. Both areas lost their high schools as well as band instruments, equipment and music. In this issue of Halftime Magazine, we look at “Joplin: One Year Later,” page 22, and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit as well as the spirit of giving.
Unlike the less predictable weather patterns, this time of year brings us an expected switch between winter and summer marching activities. WGI champions have been crowned in winter guard and indoor percussion competition. For the fifth consecutive year, we provide a photo spread of the gold medalists. See “2012 WGI Winners” on page 16.
With WGI now over, we experience a short hiatus for the marching arts before the start of drum corps. You may want to use the opportunity take a break from your daily routine and think about your ensemble’s marketing and communication strategy. How do fans and members stay engaged? With the power of Facebook, Twitter and other social media, keeping in touch has become easier.
However, the ease of social networking can also open up a Pandora’s box with a host of problems. “Navigating Social Networks,” page 12, gives do’s and don’ts for instructors as well as members on how to make social media your friend.
For now, we wish you a smooth transition for the end of school and the ability to stay cool this summer.
Musically Yours,
Christine Ngeo Katzman
Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
