The gym is buzzing with excitement. It’s hot, and the bleachers are crowded with onlookers eager for a good show. Teens, parents and coaches are rolling out the tarp, setting down flags, and putting up props. The adults scurry off as the team members take their positions. The music plays, and the show begins.
Someone who only sees the color guard during the marching season might not know that they have their own dedicated season during the winter. Winter guard is inside instead of out on the field, and runs from November to April. It also features only guard, without the rest of the marching band.
“At the heart, [color guard and winter guard] are very similar,” coach Chloe Tooson said. Tooson has been involved with guard since 2009.
Also unlike the marching season, it includes students from both Farmington and North Farmington High School, uniting both schools as teammates instead of rivals.
“One of my favorite parts about guard is the people I meet,” junior guard captain Rex McAskill said. “I made so many friends, and with people I never thought I’d be friends with.”
Winter guard has a few ways to bond outside of practice. One of these is a sock exchange, where members sit in a circle and pick out socks.
“It’s really fun to see everyone else’s styles,” guard member and junior Baja Brannon said. “You get to see who likes what, who doesn’t like what, and it really helps you to get to know more people.”
Although friendship and teamwork are central and imperative parts of what make a good color guard, it takes more than a well-connected group to pull off a good show.
“No matter what happened to you that day, you need to leave it at the door so you can be fully focused,” sophomore Erica Lynch said. “It takes a lot of dedication to stay consistent with guard while also dealing with school, family, and other activities.”
Some potential guard members might find the balance between guard and personal life intimidating. Tooson has some advice for the hesitators.
“Try it until you get the hang of it,” Tooson said. “The worst that can happen is you try it again and get better. Anyone can do guard, you just have to have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.”
If you’re interested in keeping up with the colorguard season or are thinking of joining the team, you can follow their Instagram, @farmingtonunitedwg. If you want to watch competitions, the Farmington United Winter Guard will be at the following:
Home @ FHS 3/11 – JRA, RA, and AA teams
Lake Orion 3/22 – JRA, RA, and AA teams
Novi 1/31 – RA and AA teams
State Finals @ MSU 3/28 – RA and AA teams
Stoney Creek 3/7 – AA team
