Continuing the tradition of excellence established in the past years, CARTA’s Indoor Percussion at Florida International University competed in local and national competitions with four ensembles this year: Percussion, Winds, FIU Gold, and WinterGuard. Each of the groups placed within their respective competition categories.
“I would like to say how very proud I am of all of our FIU Indoor groups for their growth this season. We are the only university in the nation that has all three areas of competitive WGI events; Winds, Percussion and Color Guard,” said Barry Bernhardt, director of bands.
This year 154 students, the highest enrollment in the group’s history, competed under the four ensembles, along with over 20 staff members. With a number of placements, undefeated streaks, and awards on both the state and national level, FIU Indoor performed exceptionally.
- FIU Gold competed in the A Class (beginning level) and completed an undefeated local, regional and state season. Although the group did not compete nationally, this first-year ensemble was the highest ranked Color Guard in the A class, they beat last year’s defending A class champion.
- FIU Winterguard competed in the Open Class (intermediate level) and was undefeated in local and state circuits. They won two southeast regionals as well as the state circuit. In nationals, FIU Winterguard went on to earn fourth place in the nation, coming in as high as 3rd in the semifinal round. However, in addition to placing fourth in the nation, they took home the Fan Favorite award.
- FIU Winds competed at the highest level in the World Class and earned a second place finish at the state regional and circuit championships. They continued to the National Championships and received a sixth place finish.
- FIU Percussion started the year in the A Class (beginner level), but after just one competition, was promoted to the Open Class (Intermediate level). In the Open Class, FIU placed second at a state regional tournament as well as second in a South Eastern tournament located in Atlanta. Eventually, they would continue to place third in the state circuit and 12th in the nation, placing as high as 10th in previous rounds. They too received the Fan Favorite award.
FIU Indoor is an auxiliary program of the FIU Marching Band. They compete locally under the South Florida WinterGuard Association, and nationally through Winter Guard International (WGI).
