Winterguard is now split into two teams, varsity and junior varsity.
“The varsity team is for those who have been in guard for more than one year, and junior varsity is for the first year guard members,” colorguard instructor Jeanette Pritchard said.
This is the first year the winterguard has been split. The team has grown larger than the 30-member cap size for competitive teams..
“I miss my new friends [in junior varsity],” sophomore Logan Grooms said. “But it means we get to be more advanced.”
While the guard is still adjusting to the split, Pritchard is prepared for the challenge. Also, a graduate guard student will be helping with the shows.
“I’ve had experience with keeping track of two shows,” Pritchard said. “I was director for McNeil and Vista Ridge.”
The split teams means two shows, more competitions, and double the practices for Pritchard to direct. But, again, the challenge is met with a positive view.
“[The split teams] will benefit the teams and the program as a whole, and give the chance of more personalized instruction,” Pritchard said.
The shows will be taken to competitions, and junior varsity will also perform in the spring show Illusions.
“Because of scheduling guard hasn’t been able to perform at Illusions for the past few years,” Pritchard said. “It’s exciting to be back in again.”
