For the first time in over 30 years, the Hutchinson Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps made a return appearance on the national stage recently. Now, you may be saying, that’s nice, but what does that have to do with Emporia?
Fair question, and the answer is quite a lot, actually, as when the Sky Ryders took to the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, for the Drum Corps International (DCI) regional competition earlier this month, there were several local faces on the field and behind the scenes that helped take the performance from concept to reality. This includes ESU Director of Athletic Bands Dr. William Woodworth, who served as the drill designer and member of the creative team that conjured the concept of the Sky Ryders’ performance titled “What was already there,” which expanded on the backstory of a beloved character from The Wizard of Oz.
Playing the role of the tinman in the production was ESU Sophomore and color guard member Gabe Johnson, who called the experience a major confidence boost for him and one he hopes others at ESU will be inspired by.
Also behind the scenes was Jennifer Woodworth, ESU Director of Spirit teams, who was a member of the color guard instruction team. Woodworth noted the group of performers consisted of high school and college students from all over the region and other portions of the country. As Color Guard instructor for the Sky Ryders, Woodworth worked with many talented young individuals throughout the performance journey, noting that was the best part of the entire experience.
The Sky Ryders’ performance was a family affair for the Woodworths, as their son Jackson played baritone on the horn line. Jenn Woodworth says she felt privileged to have such a unique opportunity.
Heading into his junior year of high school, where he will be a part of the EHS marching band, Jackson Woodworth says he is walking into the upcoming season with a lot more confidence.
Bill Woodworth says both Jackson and Gabe earned their boosts of confidence, noting joining the group is no small task.
Aside from the experience itself, Jackson says the people around him were the highlight of his time with Sky Ryders.
For Johnson, the cherry on top was seeing the level of talent not only within his own group, but from groups all across the country.
These were just a few of the members of the EHS and ESU family who were included in the performance in San Antonio. Also taking to the field for the Sky Ryders were ESU students Mable Cardwell, Gabriel Moray, Zoey Williams and Akton Mason, as well as EHS students Emily Storrer, Mason Bellomy and Alexis Martinez.
