Winter Guard Competition

What do color guard members do when marching band is over?  They take over the gym.  This year my daughter decided that band wasn't challenging her enough and decided to take on the art of throwing flags and rifles.  

This past weekend we attended the first competition.  This was the first time I have ever stopped to watch this type of program.  

First of all.  Every group needs a vinyl mat to perform on.  Nearly all of them were blank pieces of vinyl large enough to cover a gym floor.   They each have to carry in and unfold a mat.  After their performance they quickly fold it up and run out of the gym.  Can't they all share one?  Seems like a lot of hassle for nothing.  

Next, the music.  The music that each group performs to is almost never something you have heard before.  This is some kind of off-the-beaten path artsy / indie type of music.  Something you may hear in a hidden coffee shop in Asheville.  I'm not even sure how the directors of these groups find this music.  There must be a website for stuff like this.

 I'm not saying the music is bad.  Just not something you are going to jump up and sing-a-long with.

Finally, the show. These girls and guys create some fantastic programs.  It takes each individual being precisely on time for every move to make this works.  When that comes together you get a fantastic visual treat.

I can't wait to see the next competition in a few weeks as the shows get more and more refined each week.