Atlantic Indoor Association

March 2010

Back to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA, for the second year in a row, United Percussion (PIW) of Camden County, NJ returned to give a clinic and perform at the AIA show there on Saturday, March 13. The clinic preceded some eleven AIA drumlines in competition before United closed the show.

MK: What is the story of United?

CM: United was started by John Strada, Bill Woody Woodward and myself in 2003.  At that point in time Woody and I were working with a PIO group called Riptide and John was working with a PIW group called Eagle. Instead of fighting for the same kids in the same area, we decided to put our resources together and try to build one successful WGI Independent unit....thus UP. From 2003-2007 we competed in WGI’s  PIO division and were able to medal in 2003 and 2005.  In 2007 we were fortunate enough to win PIO at WGI Championships.  In 2008 we moved up to World Class and have been a finalist ever since.

MK: That’s impressive! AIA teams have had a great and growing presence in Dayton when they go. Tell us a bit about United's program this year.

CM: This year’s program is entitled Eternal and it honors the eternal memories and love we all have for our soldiers lost at war.  It is entirely founded on real events and is unique in that it is presented in the form of flashbacks and memories from the perspective of the families.  The visual and set design is set to 3 powerful sepia toned pictures, within a frame that show you the journey of our fallen soldier.  The visual orchestration follows each of these photos and "relives" those moments. It is a highly emotional and intellectual show that really honors our soldiers and families by telling the story of their sacrifice.   By the end, the program comes full circle to present day and reminds us why our love and memories for those lost is eternal.

MK: This from a design team that brought I Have a Dream to the floor. Where do the players come from? What would you say of the talent over time?

CM: All over the eastern/Atlantic region, they have spanned as far south as North Carolina and as far north as Connecticut.

It has improved every single year.  Early on we were fortunate to have a young group of talented kids that grew UP with us over time.  As we began to build the base, it has become stronger and stronger.

MK: That base has really produced some great shows. What have been some competitive successes or landmarks over United's young life?

The most obvious was winning WGI PIO in 2007.  Medaling our first year out was a big plus in 2003 and then following that up with another medal in 2005.  Again, reaching top 6 status in PIW last year was also

a crowning achievement for such a young organization. But all in all I think the most remarkable thing has been the consistency of improvement from year to year. We are definitely proud of the "stats"

but we try to just focus on "doing our thing" the best we can and then letting the chips fall where they may.  We believe when you do that, everything will take care of itself.

MK: AIA teams definitely do their thing—each group has developed an identity and a healthy spirit of competition. What format do you use when in a clinic situation?

CM: We will introduce the unit and explain a little about how we warm and prepare ourselves for everyday rehearsals.  Then we will explain the show and play some segments.  We then leave some time for questions and answers and allow the audience members to come and drum with kids.  The latter being the most enjoyable part of it all.

MK: So let’s say I’m a senior in high school and I love indoor, but I won’t have time for it next year. What should students (and parents) expect to learn from this clinic, about drumming, about WGI, about independent drumlines, about United?

CM: That although it takes a lot of hard work and dedication....that these kids are no different than any other kids.  They all go to quality colleges, get exceptional grades; some also work part time jobs....all

while doing what they love most.  I think you will also learn that there is a lot more to this than just drums in a gym.

MK: Word UP. lol.

Do you have suggestions or submissions? War stories from the floor, questions or other interests? Email Michael Kirby at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .