LPAA suspends operation of Legends Winter Percussion





After careful consideration, Legends Performing Arts Association (LPAA) will suspend operation of the Legends Winter Percussion program.



“This decision did not come easily and all factors were considered. LPAA is growing at a rapid rate and the ability to serve both the drum corps and winter percussion programs effectively is something we needed to look at. We are going through a reorganization effort. As we expect our largest audition season for Legends Drum Corps, it is imperative to evaluate and put the resources we have in place to focus on the quality experience that we strive to provide at Legends,” said Ibe Sodawalla, Executive Director/CEO of LPAA. “I am proud of what we have been able to do through Legends Winter Percussion. On behalf of Legends, I would like to thank Landon Ewers for his exceptional leadership of this program. Thank you also to the members, instructors, designers and administrators who have given their time and talent to making Legends Winter Percussion an award winning ensemble.”



Key rationales for this decision include:





Facilities – as an independent organization with multiple programs and events, Legends operates in various school facilities nearly 40 weeks out of the year. The costs and criteria to operate in schools continues to increase and efforts will be directed to develop economical solutions for this necessary component.





Finances – participation fees account for nearly 50% of what it takes to operate Legends Winter Percussion. As costs increase on critical components including (but not limited to) facilities, charter bus transportation, and food, a more sustainable model is required to provide support for this program.





Human Resources – operating multiple programs requires a re-allocation of resources and refinement of roles to keep up with the demand and growth of Legends.



Legends Winter Percussion has been an active member of Winter Guard International (WGI) and the Michigan Color Guard Circuit (MCGC) from 2011-2016. Legends Winter Percussion was the 2015 MCGC Independent Open State Champion, 2014 WGI Independent Open Finalist, and 2013 MCGC Independent A State Champion.



For more information on other opportunities to participate in an Independent Winter Percussion program, visit www.mcgc.net or www.wgi.org.





For any additional questions regarding Legends Winter Percussion, contact Ibe Sodawalla, Executive Director/CEO at ibe@legendspaa.org.

