Gansett Guards Spin Their Way to New England Championships

What have the past few months been like for you? 

The weather has been a little mild as far as New England weathers can be, so not a lot of shoveling, or sanding, or complaining about all the work you've had to do... Well, I know of two teams that have worked so hard and the proof was in the pudding this weekend!

Last year, I kept on the ups and downs of the Narragansett High School Winterguard teams as they traveled around New England competing in the local circuit, the New England Scholastic Band Association. 

I am pleased to inform you that this year their were two teams! That's right, the Pier School has their very own team, and I refer to them as my flag babies!  Both teams trained together to learn the basic moves, and a style that is unique to each color guard. 

I'm sure you have seen at least one of my teams perform, marching up and down Main Street during one of the parades, but when we compete... It's a little, well, A LOT different. 

Imagine dancing, only then you throw in a few flags, a few rifles and a sabre – you know, the sword that pirates use! And then you might get it. From mid-fall until this week, my girls have had countless hours of practice with me as well as at home. They have competed almost every weekend at different schools through out the NESBA range. 

The Pier School did very well. Right out of the gate they picked up a first place seat!  I was shocked!  Oh, and they are competing against high school students. 

The divisions are based on you, not your school size or team size, but how long you have been competing.  This being the middle school's first year, they started in the Novice Division, and earned either first, second or third every time.  A medal every show, making me a very proud coach! The theme for them this year was “Car Wash,” from the movie Shark Tale, and it was very cute!

The high school was in a different "Boat" this year.  Having competed last year as novice, and placing third, they moved up to the Local Scholastic A-Division.  They will remain in this division until they place first, meaning they are competing against groups that have been here for years! 

Their theme was “Mermaids vs. Pirates,” with music based on the Disney hit Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and they even had their own Jack Sparrow.  They picked up a few wins, improving on their own scores every time.  I was a proud coach as well for this was the smallest team NESBA has, with only five members. My Fab 5!

Well, this weekend tested everyone.  We loaded up our vans and SUVs with team members' props and lunches, and we headed to Reading, MA, about two hours north from little Narragansett. We were one of the first teams up, so it was hurry up, get ready and GO! 

Wow, what a show! Both Narragansett teams, along with all the other teams, really performed fabulously! Our girls hit every angle, pose and toss I gave them, all while smiling like they just won the Mega Millions. (Which I did the night before, can't wait to claim my $2!) 

Then came the waiting... And waiting.  At 5 p.m., we all gathered together and watched the final team perform, and then waited for the judges...

My middle school won fourth place in New England, and the high school squad earned 10^th place... And let's mention the other and only team from Rhode Island, the college squad InProv, they placed sixth in the college division. Way to represent Rhody!  All teams are the best in Rhode Island!  I'm proud of all of them!

We are taking a small break, maybe a week or two, since Guard is year round.  We are gearing up for the parade soon and looking for new members to join. 

If your child is in grades fifth and up, they can join, boy or girl! We are seeking anyone wanting to twirl a baton, toss a flag or master a rifle! You can email me with any questions.

Hope to see you all out on Memorial Day, and help cheer the team as they march down Main Street.

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