On Saturday, January 31st, West Bloomfield’s Varsity and JV Winter Guard teams fought it out against 68 other teams at the Winter Invitational and Drumline performed. The competition lasted a whopping 12 hours, from 10 am to 10 pm. The event was filled with enthusiastic students from across the country, some teams were even from Ontario, Canada. Parents, coaches, and participants alike were all extremely enthusiastic about the spectacular event. The Varsity Winter Guard finished in an astounding 4th place, and Junior Varsity was victorious in the 1st place spot!

Sophomore and Varsity member Tony Mcelwee described her favorite part about Winter Guard as, “the nice environment and loving coaches. You learn how to go from place to place and learn lots of new things. There’s different personalities all around and you gain lots of friends as well as confidence.”

Orchard Lake Middle School (OLMS) 7th grader and JV Winter Guard member Ani B’sheart expressed, “The best part of being in Winter Guard is the feeling of success after you learn something new from it, and seeing friends.”

In addition, Varsity member Sydney Pack (sophomore) described the most challenging part of preparing for this type of event is,“the work and time going into it. Also, the memorization of every detail, every arm, every arm.”

The Winter Guard teams practice multiple times throughout the week, yet their practice is often interrupted by their travels. The furthest travel spot for the team has been Florida, and their performances collectively described in three words have been, “beautiful, lyrical, and graceful.”

Varsity member Madison Murray (sophomore) claimed that the biggest benefit from being in Winter Guard was,“learning the blend of arts and athletics.”

Drum line member Brandon Crawford (sophomore), who has been in band since middle school, claimed his favorite part of participating in the marching band is, “being able to meet new people, and I really love music, so being apart of marching band really lets me express that.” Crawford has been involved in Band since Middle School, and his love for music is the reason why; when asked what the hardest part about being in band was, Crawford responded with “following every step, and not messing up the counting. If one person is off it messes up the whole team.”

If you are interested in Marching Band or Winter/Color Guard, Please contact Chad Mielens, the director of Bands at West Bloomfield High School 7th & 8th Grade Band, Abbott Middle School ([email protected]). You can also contact Karl Stein Director of Bands at Orchard Lake Middle School 6th Grade Band, Abbott Middle School ([email protected]). You do NOT need to have Band, or dance history to join Marching Band or Color/winter guard. Feel Free to check out www.wbbands.com for more information.

Support WinterGuard and Drumline tomorrow, Saturday, February 14th at Walled Lake Western High School — performances begin at 9:45 am.