Thirty winter color guard units from across the Northeast will compete at Trumbull High School this Saturday as part of a regional competition sponsored by the national organization Winter Guard International (WGI). Trumbull has had the privilege of hosting this important competition for the past three years. Participation in regional events allows the winter guard units to receive feedback from WGI judges before the culmination of the season at the WGI national championships in April.
Trumbull High School’s own World Guard team, which competes at the highest level of scholastic competition, will perform its program titled “In Darkness”. The ambitious program, performed on a black and green floor adorned with images of soldiers, battlefields, and patriotic symbolism, portrays the tribulations of military battle. The group’s performance is accompanied by singer Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting rendition of “Silent Night”.
Trumbull’s World Guard is made up of 27 girls, including freshmen through seniors. The unit captured 11th place in the WGI national championships in Dayton, Ohio last year and hopes to build on its success at the 2010 championships this April. In its review of the Scholastic World finals last year, the WGI described Trumbull’s ensemble, saying “Exuding strength, confidence and glee in everything they do, don’t be surprised if Trumbull moves to the top of the pack in the Scholastic World class in years to come.”
In color guard, or its indoor version known as winter guard, dance movements are combined with the spinning and tossing of flags, sabers, and mock rifles. Performances are evaluated rigorously on a number of criteria including equipment, movement, general effect, and ensemble.
Saturday’s program begins at noon and guard units will be performing throughout the afternoon and evening. Ticket prices are $13 for the preliminary competition, $15 for finals, or $25 for both.
