After long hours of tossing flags and rifles, moving chairs into intricate patterns across the field, and learning advanced choreography, the Timber Creek Color Guard keeps busy, planning an entirely different program for their indoor season, better known as Winter Guard.
When marching season comes to a close, the Color Guard Students have the opportunity to audition for Winter Guard, the indoor sport of Color Guard. Modern Color Guard includes the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement.
Since late November, the Winter Guard has been learning an elaborate routine that is based off of the idea of statues coming to life. Although the show is not yet complete, they have already competed on Jan. 21, placing 4th out of the 12 groups in their division. The team’s season extends all the way through the month of April, giving them more time to refine their show and make it the best it can possibly be for the NTCA Winter Guard Championships on April 1.
“I have participated in Winter Guard all 4 years of high school,” explains Emily Miller. “I’ve met so many of my closest friends and it’s one of my favorite things to do.”
The Winter Guard practices every day during 5th period, as well as Tuesdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m., in large spaces like the cafeteria or the gym so they have enough space to move freely and toss their flags and rifles. During practices, a lot of experimenting takes place to coordinate what movement looks best with what toss, and what choreography looks the best at each point in the music.
“The hardest thing to accomplish is making sure all of our tosses are exactly the same.”, says Miller. “We always do lots of repetitions to perfect the timing and movements.”
The Winter Guard is currently hosting a fundraiser to help them purchase upgraded equipment, travel costs, and any other team needs. They are accepting donations through February 20, which can be made here: https://app.snap-raise.com/fundraisers/24002/participant/623136?share_type=twitter
Additionally, the Color Guard has bake sales to raise money at all of the bands concerts. All proceeds contribute towards paying for show designers, contest entry fees, clinicians, transportation, props, and flags. The Timber Creek Color Guard has been working hard to represent the school and town, so any support is greatly appreciated.