A subtle melody breaks the air as the crowd waits in anticipation. Without warning, flags fly gracefully through the air in a flurry of color and madness. The crowd can’t look away as the Winter Guard squadron gives one last hurrah before heading off to UIL State.
Winter Guard has been prepping for UIL State since the beginning of December 2023 after finishing marching season with the band. Every morning, Winter Guard practices in the cafeteria before the day of their big competition. Before they head off, Winter Guard put on one last performance on April 3. Sophomore Tiffany Ly says the theme for this final performance focuses around the theme of space, galaxies, and the ever expanding void that we call home.
“It’s really interesting how the beginning of the performance draws the audience in and being enlightened by space and being sucked into the void and everything,” Ly said. “And then around the halfway mark, our soul catches and everything just turns into pure rage and anger, and that’s really fun to perform.”
Winter Guard then headed out to College Station where they performed in the Reid Arena and ended up placing fourth at state. before heading back home just in time for prom.
“It ended as quickly as it started,” Ly said. “Since we went early the crowd wasn’t huge but the energy was definitely still there. Retreat was also like a fever dream and being able to interact with other guards and cheer them on really shows the support guards will give each other. Being able to stand there with our team and just take in what we achieved and just celebrate really reminds me why I love colorguard.”