Norwood High Colorguard Continues To Make the School Proud

By Samantha Rogala, Staff Writer

In the last couple of years, Norwood High’s marching band and color guard have been wildly successful. 

“Last season, the marching band and color guard went undefeated, and earned all three high caption awards of Best Percussion, Best Music, and Best Color Guard at every show,” says Sophomore Tanya Kolli. 

Colorguard consists of artists and athletes who, using props such as flags and rifles, visually assist the marching band in turning the music into a story. The marching band and color guard usually compete in weekend performances, and have been extremely successful the past few seasons.

“I’m really proud of the guard and how hard we worked last season—we’re a very young guard so it wasn’t easy. We all worked together and supported each other, and what we got in the end was an amazing show and a guard family...I’m looking forward to making a bunch of new memories this year,” Victoria Marquis comments.

Her sister, Elizabeth Marquis, was formerly a member of the marching band, but decided to switch things up. “I wanted to try something different and since my sister was joining guard, I decided to as well. Honestly, I think switching was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.” Marquis is entering her final season of guard as a Senior. “The moment when we won that last competition was probably one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Venuto, the only male member of the guard, says, “Joining color guard is the best bet I ever lost.”

These artists have a strong passion for the program. The participants describe themselves as a close-knit family, always encouraging and helping each other. “As a color guard we’ve really prioritized becoming a unit, which has not only improved our scores and synchronicity, but also allowed me to find the constant and supportive family of friends I have now,” says Lavinder. “The reason I do color guard isn’t because of our success and how well we do, but instead it’s all about the people I do it with.” 

"This season has started off strong, with us placing first at our show in Medford, and earning the Best Percussion and Best Music high caption awards. The show concept this year, Hansel and Gretel, continues our theme of telling a story during our performance,” says Kolli. 

The group won again on Saturday, October 6 in Melrose, coming in first and winning all three awards. They beat Medford’s guard by one point, and Sophomore Shayla Wynne, who attended the recent performance, commented “I don't think I’ve ever seen them do so good!” 

If you’re interested in attending a performance, show your support at the NESBA, MICCA finals, and the only home show of the season on Sunday, October 20 here at NHS on the back field.