Chandler music ensemble honored for national finals appearance

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

The Chandler Unified Governing Board recognized the Basha Indoor Percussion Ensemble at its May 7 meeting.

The ensemble recently reached the finals of a national competition in Ohio and placed 13th overall, according to a Chandler Unified news release.

Under the direction of Miles Denny, Basha’s ensemble, known locally as BIPE, competes in both the Winter Guard Arizona and Winter Guard International circuits, presenting shows and opportunities for individual and ensemble skill development.

After securing its 13th Arizona state title this year, BIPE traveled to Dayton, Ohio in April to compete at the Winter Guard International World Championship.

The WGI Championships are described in the release as a “nationally ranked event.”

The WGI Competition began with 64 ensembles from around the U.S. Two groups of 32 schools performed and half of each advanced to semifinals.

BIPE was ranked sixth out of its 32-team group, the release states.

The release states BIPE is the first “Scholastic Open” group to ever make finals from Arizona. After delivering three performances of their program, BIPE placed 13th overall.

Denny thanked the board and parents at the May 7 meeting for their support of the longstanding BIPE program.

“It’s never about the trophy or the plaque on the wall, but the memories we make along the way,” Denny said.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.   Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.

INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.