“Club Duæl” Wins First at Houston Competition

On March 16, the drumline finished first place at the Winter Guard International or WGI Houston regional competition. The group finished with an 86.200, a six point lead from second, and became the first Keller ISD school to win a WGI competition. The group performed the entirety of their six minute show for the first time at a competition, including a piano dual and an exciting finish with the song “Zoot Suit Riot.” Following their tenth place finish in WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio last year, the group wanted to leave their mark on their last WGI competition of the season.

“Working hard to compete and succeed in WGI competitions has been one of the main goals for the drumline throughout my four years,” explained senior marimba player, Madelyn Abbott. “To finish our last one was bittersweet. WGI has shaped all of us into the performers we are today and I’m sad for it to end, but we finished it off the best way possible by getting first place.”

With their six point lead, the group became the highest scoring group in their class across the country. Being the highest scoring in the nation, they realized how big of an impact they’ve made in the marching community.

“It was pretty crazy,” describes sophomore flub player, Ainsley Beers. “Of course we try not to compare ourselves to other groups but getting to see that top score is just so rewarding. We can really see the wave we’re making in the marching world.”

Since it was the last WGI competition of the year, Abbot reminisced on the past four years and all their practices, describing how “the seniors continue to make history for the program and leave the bar set high for the next underclassmen.”

The next competition will be NTCA Azle at Azle High school on March 30. Following on April 6 will be the groups last competition at Burleson Centennial High School for NTCA Championships, where they hope to finish the season with first place.

“So far, this has definitely been the best indoor show that I’ve been in,” explains Beers. “Not only for the music and visuals, but for the group as a whole. Everyone is more passionate about the show and we’re all willing to give it our all.”