Winter Guard

     Derived from military ceremonies and veteran organization ceremonies, Color Guard is a unisex sport that takes its name from soldiers responsible for guarding a regimental flag, or colors.  It combines the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movements to create a visual representation of music. Winter Guard is a Color Guard activity that is judged solely on technique, emotion, and the choreography of the performance. Color guards can be found in high schools, middle schools, universities, and other independent organizations, some of which are related to drum corps.

     The main difference between Winter Guard and Color Guard is that Color Guard is a complement to the marching band. Color Guard performs with live music and is typically outdoors and has to perform against natural elements such as bad weather or wind, whereas Winter Guard is indoor and performs to recorded music. Color Guard is typically not judged as harshly in (has a mouth) competitions as Winter Guard, because the marching band is what's most important. Winter Guard, however, has judges that can point out the smallest mistakes.

     The show for this year's Winter Guard Group is a Celtic-themed performance called "Oh, Go Gome" to the song "Téir Abhaile Riú" by Celtic Woman, directed by Chrissy Oliveri, Samuel Karafotis, and Alyssa Wirts. This is Ms. Oliveri's first show she has ever written, and her inspiration is the ensemble Celtic Woman considering her first Winter Guard performance was an ocean-themed show with Celtic Woman covering a song called "Beyond the Sea". The Winter Guard has already participated in two competitions, and the next competition is on March 11th.

     This year's new Color Guard / Winter Guard instructor is Chrissy Oliveri, and she is devoted to sharing her love and knowledge of guard with her students. When she was a child, she dreamt of becoming a ballet dancer, then later on wanted to become a youth guidance counselor. She finds teaching color guard as a great way to share a beautiful art and help her students become their best selves they can be. "I just like hearing about all y'all's days and helping you all through the hard ones and laughing through the good ones and at the same time helping you all learn about yourself and just about what y'all love [color guard] because I love it too," - Chrissy Oliveri.

Overall, Winter Guard is a beautiful sport that teaches grace, patience, and diligence. It is a great way to make friends and meet new people. The color guard takes pride in their hard work, and they love what they do.