Suddenly, I get his “full-laser” focus. His words flow spontaneously. “I’m an exercise in improvisation…” he says, taking a breath “… and I carry with me the wonderful experience of working with some of the greatest people in the business.” He’s been a student every step of the way, insisting, “I continue to learn from incredible performers, instructors and all my competitors. From the Bridgemen, to the Spirit of Atlanta, from James Logan High School to The Blue Devils, I’ve realized that it all comes down to the performer. Give them the opportunity, from choreography to costuming, and they will elevate the idea to an unbelievable level of theatricality!”

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So why design? Why Costumes? “Well, Costumes help the performer inhabit the character, role, and style of the show in a way that elevates the communication experience. I’m a big believer in costumes that provide the perfect opportunity for the performer to express the moment with a bold statement!” He talks about Fashion, too, and how he’s surrounded by emerging styles in California. “Keeping the look relevant and vital in our contemporary color guard, dance, and percussion world gives an exciting, enlightened view without overshadowing the incredible talent that only our performers can provide.” Typically Chandler, it all comes back to his students, “I’m all about the moment and turning moments into memories! “

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As the BD Colorguard dances past us, he gets another inspiration. “Motion. Stretch wear is all about the motion. And the variety at FJM gives everyone a chance to translate their ideas from the field or the gym floor to the highest seat in the house. If you can start with incredible choices, quality construction and daring design, then I think you can truly concentrate on the ultimate answer…performance!” With that, he moves off to work another dance solo, one that will delight an audience three months from today.

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ccccccccccc— Scott A. Winters