Beyond the Halftime Show: Exploring the World of Winter Guard
Photo Credits B. Johnson Photography.
By Elle Simons
It’s likely you’ve caught glimpses of colorguard on the football field, but there is also another captivating and lesser-known counterpart that takes place after the fall season ends─winterguard. Winterguard showcases the art of performing with elaborate costumes, a variety of equipment, and the powerful use of teamwork in the change of an indoor setting.
If you aren’t already familiar, welcome to the world of winterguard. It’s a type of preformative art that uses the unique skill of flag-spinning and the manipulation of different equipment to create a groundbreaking show. Winterguard transcends boundaries of artistic expression, primarily using cutting-edge catches and tosses to create a gracefully emotional story-line, and no one knows about it!
Photo Credits B. Johnson Photography.
During the practices, each member plays a crucial role in leading the team to perform to the best of their abilities. The team is primarily guided by the role of the coaches and techs. The coaches and techs provide direction for choreography, skill development, and everything that fits into the realm of winterguard. Mainly, they focus on the technique of the performers, ensuring that they are attempting their skills safely and efficiently.
Another key role is the section leader, a chosen student who is responsible for keeping an eye on the team and making sure everything runs smoothly. To ensure that everything is cohesive and on track, there are also multiple student leaders, who have a similar role to the section leader but focus on smaller groups. These leaders encourage team members to refine technique and correctly execute choreography during practices and competitions.
To understand the intricacies of winterguard, you first need to get familiar with the variety of equipment that is used. The prop most commonly associated with the sport is the flags, which often have iconic designs to match the overarching themes of shows. These performers also typically use equipment such as rifles and sabers, commonly called weapons, which are used to execute complex tosses, spins, and catches. The contrast between the beautiful flow of the flags and the strong catching of the rifles causes a visually stunning scene that aids the complex choreography.
At the beginning of the winterguard season, which typically begins in November, the theme of the season’s show is revealed. This theme will dictate the designs of the costumes, the music selection, and the overall direction of the routine. From the first rehearsals to the final competition, the theme creates a unified production that gives the show a story told through the language of visual artistry.
The main element of winterguard is the performances and competitions. After countless hours of rehearsals and practice, the team finally moves on to showcase their performance to multiple winterguard teams from different regions and a panel of judges. There are different divisions that teams are organized into based on skill and experience. According to Winter Guard International, the most prevalent divisions are A-Class, Open Class, and World Class. Each division serves as an opportunity for various teams of various skill levels to have a chance to showcase their talents to a panel of judges.
Photo Credits B. Johnson Photography.
Beyond the precision of techniques and skills, winterguard places an emphasis on the emotion of the performances. The performers use their facial expressions and movements to convey a narrative that tells a full story. Every toss, catch, and move is intentionally placed to paint a colorful picture with the use of eccentric equipment. A show in winterguard is not just a show, the entire ensemble of graceful flags and spinning rifles serve as a medium for emotional connection and story-telling.
Winterguard is a celebration of art, teamwork, and creativity while using unique equipment as their form of expression. This sport is not just a symbol of vibrant artistic expression, but also a symbol of dedication and hard work. These intricate routines and performances would not be as magnificent without the dedication of the team. With a combination of passionate leadership and unwavering commitment, the winterguard season produces a shared passion that breathes life into the show, producing an enchanting, story-filled performance that captivates all.
Click here to check out the Jenks Winterguard website and look out for competition season coming up in February!
