Gardner-Webb University will host a preview performance of world-class musical group Carolina Crown's 2016 show "Relentless" on Saturday, June 18, the organization's final day of training at GWU before embarking on an American summer tour.
The drum and bugle corps, which includes some of the world's best young musicians, spends several weeks at Gardner-Webb each spring to rehearse its show in preparation of its annual tours and competition in the Drum Corps International World Championships.
This year's Carolina Crown program is modeled after William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," inspired by Homer's "Iliad" and borrows from William Goldman's "The Princess Bride" to share a tale of revenge through the perspective of a Spaghetti Western.
The free sneak peek of the production will begin at 8 p.m. in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium on the GWU campus. Because the group must depart on its tour shortly after the presentation, the group will not be in full uniform for the performance.
"It will be a full run of the entire show," shares Nancy Coates, director of operations for the drum corps and tour manager for Carolina Crown, adding that the group also performs its complete program at the end of practice each night in the stadium. "The community is welcome to watch at any time. The kids love having people come out to watch them, even at rehearsal."
Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Carolina Crown's mission is "Developing Lifelong Excellence in Young People," through performance opportunities and a commitment to education in the performing arts with core values of integrity, commitment, respect and excellence. For more information, visit carolinacrown.org or "like" Carolina Crown on Facebook.
Located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb University provides exceptional educational opportunities within a Christian environment, preparing students to think critically, to succeed professionally, and to serve faithfully as members of their local and global communities.
Submitted by Matthew Tessnear

Photos courtesy Roxanna Peykamian