By Maggie Josephsen for FFCC
Every January, excitement builds in the indoor marching community as programs of all levels work diligently to bring their best first shows to FFCC Premiere. From the youngest performers in the Cadet Novice class of color guard to more experienced artists in Independent Marching World percussion ensembles, every participant has put in hundreds of hours of work leading up to that first performance. In the weeks before Premiere, show announcements, sneak peek performances and social media posts build up hype for each group’s new production. Fans find themselves anxiously waiting to see how their favorite performance ensemble has laid a foundation for their latest season and show.
For the 2020 season, FFCC Premiere performances extended over three weekends: January 18 for Regional A color guards, January 25 for National Class color guards, and February 1 for percussion, winds and some additional color guards. In all, over 200 performing ensembles took the floor in the first competitions of the season.
Personally, I had the privilege of both participating in the Regional A Central Premiere with my color guard, as well as attending the National Class Premiere as a spectator. Reflecting on those separate events, I found it interesting how differently I experienced them based on my mindset and goals for the day. I especially found it refreshing and inspiring to be a spectator, seeing all the amazing designs and concepts dreamed up by other directors, as well as the incredible dedication, hard work and passionate performances from cast members.
FFCC 2020 is underway! Best of skill and performance to all as we journey through this season together. I can’t wait to see how these Premiere performances evolve and become perfected over the next two months.
Congrats to all the Premiere Class Champions!