Winterguard competition - It's more than just FLAGS!!!

Until this fall, I watched High School football games and enjoyed watching the band at half time. I often thought, “the girls with the flags look like they’re having fun.”

This Fall my Freshman daughter Amanda joined Countryside High School’s Band of Pride Colorguard.  I had no idea the number of hours that would go into preparation for each show and competition. She was paired with a Senior who became her “Big Sister” and treasured friend.  They practiced all summer, including a week of Band Camp.  

During the Fall season, the ladies practiced 2 to 4 days a week and most weeks they had a football game or competition on the weekend.  They worked closely with the marching band. Throughout the season, they perfected and fine-tuned their choreography and performance.  Practice often included running, exercise and even Zumba.  They won many awards in their competitions and we are all so proud of the entire band.

The flags are heavy and the routine is challenging. The costumes and flags are designed and sewn. The ladies wear leather gloves and specially designed shoes.  Theatrical makeup and precise hair styles add to the finished appearance they are known for. They participate in fundraisers to pay for the supplies and travel required. They spend a class period during their school day working on their routine.

Once the Fall football season is over, “Winterguard” runs from January through April. Competitions take place indoors and they are independent of the Band. The ladies have practiced as late as 9pm some nights and have spent entire Saturdays working. This is hard work that is physically and emotionally demanding.  This routine includes not only their flags, rifles and sabers, but heavy duty ladders.

They balance academics, social and family life with this vigorous schedule. Some even have part time jobs and most volunteer.  These tough ladies show their strength with poise and a smile, even though they may be bruised and injured. The competitions are fierce.  They will compete most Saturdays of the season travelling all over the state including Orlando, Miami and Daytona.

Today is their first competition! The public is welcome. Come check out 27 teams competing at our home school!  Countryside is scheduled to go on between 3 and 4pm.   Final critique by 8pm.

DETAILS: Countryside High School is the host of today’s 2013 FFCC Premiere
West Competition. (Florida Federation of Colorguard Circuit) http://www.ffcc.org/events/32

27 competing “Winterguard” teams from around Florida will meet at Countryside High School today, January 26. Joining today’s event as a special guest and scheduled to perform is the USF Colorguard team.

Countryside’s team is SAA - Scholastic Class AA and will be performing an entertaining and impressive routine to the instrumental piece “Architect of the Mind” by Kerry Muzzey. The American composer’s piece was featured on the dance show “So you think you can dance” in July 2012. 

School Address: Countryside High School, 3000 State Road 580 Clearwater,
FL 33761

When: January 26, 2013. Show begins at 2 PM, final judging by 8pm

Tickets: $15.00, Wheelchair - $10.00, Children ages 6 and under free

Schedule and more information can be found on www.cougarmusic.com

Students interested in colorguard can contact Mr. Parrulli. New members are welcome and no experience is required. Colorguard is open to males and females and many teams have male members.