Zeke really enjoyed marching band this year and the friends he made. They are actually his best friends. So when marching season was over, he jumped into Winterguard. He had no previous experience, but that didn't stop him.
Winterguard was invented in the US and is derived from various acts performed during military ceremonies. It has since morphed into a competitive activity which incorporates choreographed staging, dance, and manipulation of equipment such as flags, prop rifles and sabres. Most groups put down a special floor covering for their routine and then roll it up as soon as they are finished; that's what they are doing here.
Their routine is to Love Story by Taylor Swift.
The first performance they were in the beginner league of the North Texas Colorguard Association. By earning third place in the novice league, they qualified to move up to a higher league for future performances.
The team rolls out their floor decor before and after each performance. It has to be done in just a couple minutes. It is huge and they need several hands to do it. Abe and I volunteered to help with the floor crew because there were not enough student volunteers.
Post-performance pics. (Zeke is the one smack dab in the middle with all that facial hair.)
Winterguard is sometimes called the 'Sport of the Arts' because it is judged on dance moves and technical ability in using flags, rifles and sabres as the primary pieces of equipment.
A dramatic exit down the center by the couple falling in love ends the performance.
Anticipation for yet another performance.
After they advanced to the tougher league, they continued to earn a higher score with each performance.
Post-performance smiles.
The seniors were celebrated, hence the 2023 crowns.
Since Abe and I were part of the floor crew, he did not object when I asked for a parent pic.
Everyone was busy doing their own thing during warm-up.
Look how in-sync the group was in these pics.
This performance was just for fun. In addition to the large groups there were a few small ensembles. Kai, Roni and Zeke created a performance just a week prior to the event.
Even with such little time to practice, they did great!
The final performance was at Hills for a fine arts event. This one had a lot of peers in attendance.
Winterguard was a wonderfully fun experience for Zeke. I love to see him embracing new things and having such fun with it.
[Spring]
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