Winter Guard

Winter Guard is an indoor visual performance ensemble that combines:

• Dance and movement

• Choreography

• Flag

• Rifle

• Sabre

• Theatrical and visual performance

The ensemble rehearses throughout the winter and spring months and performs at competitions hosted by regional circuits such as AIA and other local events.

Students learn:

• Dance and movement fundamentals

• Equipment technique

• Coordination and body awareness

• Performance and expression

• Teamwork and accountability

• Competitive performance preparation

Winter Guard takes many of the skills students experience during marching band and color guard and brings them into an indoor environment where choreography, equipment, movement, music, and storytelling come together in one performance.

Winter Guard is one of the best opportunities for students to continue growing after marching band season ends.

Students have the opportunity to:

• Stay active and involved during the winter months 

• Continue performing with friends and teammates

• Build confidence and performance skills 

• Learn leadership and accountability 

• Experience regional competitions and travel 

• Challenge themselves in a new environment 

• Become stronger overall performers 

The smaller ensemble environment also allows students to receive more individualized instruction and develop skills at a faster pace.

Winter Guard is open to students of varying experience levels and backgrounds. This includes 8th Graders who will attend Sanderson HIgh School in the coming year.

This ensemble is a great fit for:

• Current Color Guard members wanting to expand their skills

• Marching band students looking to stay involved

• Band students interested in trying something different 

• Dancers interested in adding equipment and ensemble performance

• Students interested in movement, choreography, and performance 

• Students looking for a competitive team environment 

• Beginners who are willing to learn and work hard 

No Prior Experience Required

Students with no previous Color Guard or Winter Guard experience are encouraged to participate.

We especially encourage:

• Current Color Guard members

• Marching band members 

• Students with dance or movement experience

• Students interested in learning something completely new

• Students who enjoy performing and being part of a team

Winter Guard is an excellent way for wind players to:

• Build coordination and body awareness 

• Develop movement and dance skills

• Learn flag and other equipment techniques

• Build confidence as a performer

• Develop stronger performance and communication skills

• Experience a unique combination of athletics and the performing arts

Many students discover entirely new strengths through Winter Guard.

If you answer “yes” to any of these, Winter Guard may be a great fit:

• I want to stay involved after marching band season 

• I enjoy performing and being part of a team 

• I want to challenge myself in a new way 

• I am already in Color Guard and want to continue improving

• I am in band but want to try something different

• I enjoy dance, movement, or choreography

• I have never done this before but want to learn

• I enjoy competition

• I want to become a more confident performer

You do not have to come into Winter Guard already knowing what you are doing. That’s what rehearsals and instruction are for!

Weekly Rehearsals (Mid Nov- Mid Mar)

• Tuesdays: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM 

• Thursdays: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM 

Camp Days / Saturday Rehearsals

Several Saturday camp rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season, typically from:

• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Competition Saturdays

Competitions are generally held on Saturdays during January, February, and March.

Please note: January–March Saturday rehearsal and competition schedules are currently tentative until official competition registration and hosting schedules are finalized in November.

Students are expected to:

• Arrive on time and fully prepared to start at rehearsal times

• Attend all rehearsals and performances 

• Communicate conflicts early 

• Practice skills outside of scheduled rehearsal when needed

• Demonstrate commitment to the ensemble and team

Winter Guard is a team activity. Every performer has a specific role in the show, making consistent attendance important to the success of the entire ensemble.

Winter Guard participates in regional indoor guard competitions throughout the season.

Typical performances include:

• Local and regional AIA competitions 

• Community performances 

• Winter Showcase performances 

• Championship events 

Competition days are often full-day events and may include travel throughout the region.

Students typically arrive together, prepare equipment and costumes, warm up as an ensemble, perform their competitive show, and have the opportunity to watch other Winter Guard ensembles perform.

Absolutely!

Winter Guard is supported heavily by parent volunteers and family involvement.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Competition chaperones 

• Equipment transportation 

• Floor and prop assistance 

• Costume support

• Food and hospitality support 

• Loading and unloading equipment

•  Competition-day support

• Fundraising support 

Getting the Winter Guard onto the competition floor takes more than just the performers and instructors. Parent volunteers play an important role in helping make the season possible.

A parent meeting will be held early in the season to discuss volunteer opportunities, communication, and travel logistics.

Fair share and payment details will be shared during the interest meeting and registration process. Fair share typically ranges from $500 to $800 but may be above or below this range. The cost is highly driven by the numbers of participants with the cost being lower with a greater number.

For example, 10 total participants would cost a fair share of ~$900 where as 25 total participants would cost ~$360.

The final budget will be finalized by time of registration.

Participation fees typically help cover:

• Competition registration fees 

• Show design and choreography

• Instructors

• Flags and other equipment

• Props and floor materials

• Transportation and logistics 

Payment Schedule: (Tentative)

• Nov 14: Initial deposit

• Dec 15: Second payment

• Jan 15: Third payment

• Feb 15: Remaining balance

Step 1

Attend the Winter Guard Interest Meeting

Step 2

Participate in the “Give It A Try” Clinics

Never spun a flag before? That’s okay!

The clinics are an opportunity to meet the staff, learn some basic movement and equipment skills, experience what a Winter Guard rehearsal is like, and decide whether Winter Guard is right for you.

Step 3

Complete Registration by November 14

• Complete the Online Registration Form and Contract Coming October 24th

• Submit Your Payment (Deposit) Coming October 24th

Step 4

Attend Camp Weekend and Rehearsals

Once registration is complete, it is time to get started!

Camp Weekend begins the process of learning the skills, choreography, equipment work, and show that the ensemble will develop throughout the winter season.

For questions about Winter Guard, registration, or student participation, please email winterguard@sandersonband.com