winter guard

The Colorguard, when we are out of marching season, performs for indoor contests much like the wind and percussion sections of the band. Our Colorguard participates in the Texas Colorguard Circuit, or TCGC, usually in the winter months, and also competes in a state-wide competition in the spring. After marching season, Colorguard moves into the wonderful air conditioning where we create a 3-5 minute show with a certain theme chosen by the director. Auditions and preparation for contest begin in late November, and carry on until the show concept is fully realized. In this show there are many elements of what we do during marching season present, but now with greater detail since the focus is put on guard only, as its own unit. We spin flag, rifle, and saber, and also include body movements and dance in our choreography. The guard performs to a track chosen, and often edited by, the director, that will relate to the meaning of the show.

For this year, our show will be called something along the lines of ‘Baggage Claim’, and is based around creating a visual representation for the baggage one carries with them throughout their life. Every member will hold a suitcase with a word they feel describes their personal baggage, written on the inside, throughout a portion of the show. How we dance and perform is based on how handle our baggage, and whether we choose to accept it, or hide it away. This show will be extremely emotional, and personalized to every member’s individual feelings about their life and the struggles throughout it.

To be able to see the finished show, students and parents can attend one of the Saturday contests listed on the band google calendar in the Colorguard’s color (pink), or attend a dress rehearsal any Friday before a contest, which will be held at the school. Attending TCGC events usually costs $8 per person, and the time and address of the location Clear Springs will be performing can be found on the TCGC website.

Even after marching season, the guard works incredibly hard to put together a show full of meaning, detail, and expression. Every show is a work of art, and it is so rewarding to attend the TCGC competitions and watch multiple schools take their different approaches on what guard can represent. As a team we never have an off season, and would love to have more people involved in what we do. Especially for our show this year, people can really relate to and get attached to the real and raw emotion portrayed, and really witness the diversity and beauty of the winterguard season.

Katherine Santos