2010 Irondale Winter Color Guard to expand programs!!!!!!

3 Guards for 2010!

If you’ve thought about
doing guard this is the season
for you!!!!!!

The 2010 edition of the Irondale Winter Guard is taking shape.  This year we are trying something we haven’t done in a while but feel the need to do again.   We are planning on having multiple color guards for this winter.  What does that mean?  There seems to be increased interest in marching this winter.  We are doing something different this season to accommodate the potential increase in membership. Because of the large freshman class this fall and the additional interest of the middle schoolers at massed band; we are planning 3 Winter Guards this year!

The traditional, Irondale Winter Guard is in the Scholastic Open Class level of competition (this is a more advanced classification) and with this level of competition a lot of stress and difficulty is put on the performers to perform at the levels needed to compete in the Open Class.  With the greater amount of rookies and new interest we felt adding another group at the high school level, would be beneficial. We want the winter experience to be rewarding and fun for all the members and adding another ensemble will give more students more performance opportunities.

 
Irondale will have an Open Class guard and an A Class guard this winter.  The A Class group will be for students who want to try color guard or have just gotten started in the color guard activity and want to take the next step. This group will also be great for those students who would like to try out on weapon (rifle or sabre).  The A Class group will train members of the guard so that they will be able to transition next fall into the more advanced roles needed for the fall marching band.  The A Class guard will have a complete show like the Open guard but geared at the levels of the individuals in it.  This will be an excellent performance opportunity and experience for our newer members.

REMEMBER:  anyone can try out winter guard! This would be a great time for anyone in the band or school who has wanted to try it!   We will train you and there will be a role for everyone if you are able to commit to the program!  8th graders in the MV School District and its feeders (St.  John’s, etc) are eligible to march too!

Auditions will begin November 30, 6pm at Irondale.  Auditions will be for placement in either the Open or A Class group.  The audition process will be a routine that will be taught starting November 30 as well as observations taken during the audition process.  A good attitude and willingness to learn is all you need!  Well, and some comfortable clothes to rehearse in!

For the most part, the schedule for the Open and A Class guards will be the same, Monday, Thursday and Saturdays starting on November 30 at Irondale.  (See the website calendar for the complete schedules)  The calendar times are labeled under Winter Guard which refers to both the Open and A groups.

Both groups will be competing scholastic units of the North Star Color Guard Circuit in their respective classes.  Both groups will compete at all local shows with only the Open Guard competing at the national level. (All A group members will be allowed to accompany the Open Guard to the national competitions however as support)

There will be a Parents Meeting on Thursday, December 3 in the Band Room for the high school winter guards.

Did we say 3 Guards? The third is a new Middle School Winter Guard, open to girls and boys in grades 6-8. Click here for more information!