Edmond schools created a varsity and junior varsity winter guard for color guard students who want to continue competing throughout the winter and spring seasons.

Winter Guard International (WGI) is a twist on traditional color guard, a section in marching bands that spins flags and rifles for a visual effect. Winter guard takes place indoors, with color guard members and music playing behind them. Many high schools have adapted WGI by hosting smaller showcases and competitions for color guard students who want to advance their skills.

Junior Nina Weber explains how the Winter Guard works and what motivated her to join.

“Winter guard is basically taking the visual flags and weapons in marching band and putting them inside to spin and do cool tricks,” Weber said. “Winter guard has been great because I’ve loved getting to spin with my teammates from the other schools and work hard as a group.”

Weber expands on what caused her to join this year’s winter guard.

“Ever since I learned winter guard was a thing three years ago, I’ve always wanted to do it since I’ve found a passion in color guard,” Weber said. “I get sad when marching season is over, and I don’t get to spin until next season. I knew immediately when I heard Edmond Schools were going to combine I was going to try out.”

Weber mentions what the show is about this year and how members bring it to life.

“Our show is called Lingering in Red, and it’s about being in love,” Weber said. “As a group, our goal is to bring that to life with the bright silks, scarves, rifles and sabers.”

Senior Styxx Contreras explains their reason for joining the winter guard.

“I joined winter guard simply because I enjoy doing color guard,” Contreras said. “I love the community and the performance and I wanted to get to know the guard people from the other two Edmond Schools.”

Contreras shows the highlights of winter guard.

“I think the highlight of winter guard is seeing a show fully come together. We work on these shows and skills for months at a time, so getting to perform the whole show in front of a crowd is very rewarding.”

Junior Reese Merideth from Memorial explains what winter guard looks like to her.

“To me, winter guard is dance but with extra steps,” Merideth said. “Dance is a key component, but then throw in your equipment like flags, rifles, sabers, and boom! You got winter guard.”

Merideth talks about her favorite parts of winter guard.

“The best thing about winter [guard] is meeting all the new and talented people from the other schools,” Merideth said. “At first, I only saw them as my former competitors, but now I legitimately see them as friends and I’m so grateful for that.”

If students are interested in joining winter guard, they should look out for flyers with a “Quick Response” code in November. Clinics to learn dance and flag work will be available before the audition.