Gliding across the gym floor in late January during a practice run through, senior Brittany Sample grabbed a sabre, a metal sword, and spun it in her hand during practice. At the climax of the song, all the 15 varsity Winter Guard performers threw their sabres up in the air. Holding their breaths, the audience leaned forward in anticipation as all the performers caught the sabres in sync.

Although the entire show lasted only 3 minutes, the stellar performance was a result of many hours of rigorous practices and rehearsals.

Because the team was too big to fit all together in one floor, a JV and varsity team were created.

According to Sample, unlike in previous years, the varsity team has moved up to a higher competition class, the Scholastic Open, as it would allow the varsity members to take up a challenge that matches their skill and experience level. As a result, the team has shifted their focus from rifles to sabres, a prop that team hasn’t used much in the past.

Furthermore, because the performances are so short, the team tries to incorporate as many difficult and complicated tricks as they can.

“The feeling of spinning a sabre, an initially unfamiliar piece of equipment, fits perfectly this season,” senior Isabelle Tseng said. “Even though it’s sometimes hard to see the sabres in the air while spinning, [this season is] about trying new and challenging things.”

Since their show is limited to a few minutes, adding new choreography and dance movements has been a struggle for the team. However, according to Tseng, the more “dark and serious” choreography is a challenge the team enjoys.

This year, the varsity show is titled “A Change of Heart,” which depicts falling out of love and heartbreak. The members agree that perfecting their shows is vital for intense competitions, fitting as many elements as possible into such a brief performance. They had a competition at Independence High School on the weekend of Feb. 11 and will travel to Modesto for their second competition this year on Feb. 25.

“I don't really think of the 5-minute performance as a waste of time,” sophomore Miya Uenaka said. “If you enjoy doing something, then every minute you spend is valuable.”