With the field marching band season at a close, members of the Color Guard are preparing for the next chapter of the year: the Winter Guard season, in which the unit competes by itself in an indoor setting.

This year’s show is entitled “Out of the Darkness” and is designed by instructor Tony Crapo. The 31-member group will use flags, rifles, sabers and dance in its show and will be scored based on equipment, movement, ensemble and effect.

The season will include nine competitions from January to March. Most competitions will be held at local high schools in the California Color Guard Circuit (CCGC), where the unit hopes to compete in the Scholastic AA division.

Freshman Jackie An sees some pluses in the winter season.

“I’m looking forward to watching other guards perform because we never got to see other groups during field season,” An said.

In addition, the guard will travel to San Diego for a weekend in March to compete in a Winter Guard International (WGI) regional competition, which will feature some of the top guards from the West Coast.

“There are going to be some world-class guards there that I’ve never seen before,” sophomore guard member Vivian Li said. “I’m guessing that there will definitely be a lot more pressure on the guard to do well, but I think it’ll be a fun experience.”

The Winter Guard season is different from the fall season in that the guard performs inside a gym and by itself instead of on a field with the band. The winter season provides a chance for members to showcase more of their skills in an up-close setting.

“[During field season,] most people are watching from the bleachers. During Winter Guard, however, we are up close with the audience, so the work that we do is going to to have to be more unique and complex,” Li said.

As the unit prepares for its first competition on Jan. 7, members say that they’ll be ready.
“I’m really looking forward to spending more time with the guard members and getting to know everyone better,” Li said. “I’m excited for the upcoming season.”