Winter Guard

Winter Guard Information

Winter Guard is an extracurricular group that rehearses from December through late March and performs in a series of competitions beginning in early February.

This group is the indoor complement to the Color Guard unit of the Marching Band. Like the Color Guard, this indoor group is dedicated to achieving the highest quality of visual performances through dance and the manipulation of equipment such as flags, rifles, and other props. The Winter Guard is open to all Athens Drive students; no previous experience with equipment is necessary to participate. This group is a formal part of our entire band program.

Qualifications

Winter Guard is open to all Athens Drive students.

During the initial rehearsals and clinics, the overall skill level of each participant will be assessed. Although all students demonstrating a cooperative, positive attitude are welcome to participate in the group, skill level, level of commitment, and overall attitude will determine the amount of performance time assigned to each student.

Members are expected to be neat in appearance, positive, and cooperative at all times.

Attendance

It is important to realize that because Winter Guard is so interdependent (that is, everyone depends on everyone to be there), any absence or tardy hinders the progress of the guard. All Winter Guard members are expected to be at every rehearsal and performance.

Performance Expectations

Guard members will be expected to know the choreography before being permitted to perform. This policy will be enforced in the interest of the individual student as well as the entire unit. A member who does not demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in performing part of the show may be asked to perform less work.

Behavior

As a member of a very special group, all Winter Guard members are to conduct themselves in the most dignified and responsible manner at all times. This high standard of behavior shows others that you respect yourself and the students who perform and depend on you. All school rules apply to the units.

Fair Share Assessment

There is a “fair share obligation” for participating in the Winter Guard because the program is not funded by the school or district. In order to cover the cost of the instructor, choreography, uniforms, competition entry fees, and select equipment, each winter guard member will be assessed a “fair share” fee. Season fees may vary each year based on fundraising success and overall band booster budget.

Financial assistance is available through the booster organization for students who demonstrate need. No student should be discouraged to join due to financial obligation.

Guard members will also be expected to pay for a few incidentals (i.e. unitard, make-up). Competitions are local, and the guard will either carpool with parent volunteers or ride an activity bus. There will also be food expenses for each competition.