With the echoes of left hand rimshots still ringing in the University of Dayton Arena, and the images of artful pageantry fresh in our minds, Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic salute the ensembles who took part in the WGI Sport of the Arts 2017 World Championships.

This year marked the 40th Anniversary of WGI, and the 10th year in which ensembles have showcased Mapex and Majestic Quantum Series percussion instruments. This year saw the strongest representation of Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic yet, with ensembles finishing in the top three in five percussion classes and two winds classes. These medalists include:

Ayala High School (Gold Medal, Scholastic Concert Percussion World Class and Bronze Medal, Scholastic Marching Percussion World Class)
Victor J. Andrew High School (Bronze Medal, Scholastic Marching Percussion Open Class)
Freedom Percussion (Bronze Medal, Independent Marching Percussion Open Class)
Broken City (Silver Medal, Independent Marching Percussion World Class)
Central Lafourche High School (Gold Medal, Scholastic Winds Open Class)
Point Winds Theater (Bronze Medal, Independent Winds Open Class)

Additional finalists include:

Matrix (5th Place, Independent Marching Percussion World Class)
Cap City Percussion (12th Place, Independent Marching Percussion World Class)
Orange County Independent (5th Place, Independent Marching Percussion Open Class)
Breakthrough Indoor Percussion (8th Place, Independent Marching Percussion Open Class)
Bakersfield College (9th Place, Independent Marching Percussion Open Class)
Matrix Open (14th Place, Independent Marching Percussion Open Class)
G2 (6th Place, Independent Marching Percussion A Class)
Rochester Lourdes (15th Place, Independent Marching Percussion A Class)
Irondale High School (8th Place, Scholastic Marching Percussion A Class)
Mount Juliet High School (6th Place, Scholastic Winds A Class)

KHS is thrilled to congratulate all participating ensembles on the level of excellence achieved this season, and for the positive impact that they continue to have on the lives. “I continue to be amazed by how these ensembles push the envelope. The level of musical performance, expression, precision of movement, and design artistry and creativity are clearly at an all-time high,” states KHS America School Music Business Manager, Chris Hankes. “It was a very inspiring week with great storylines playing out for amazing students and educators. We are so proud to be a part of this activity.”