We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Dance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Winter Guard?

By Sarah Sullins
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 9,066
Share

Winter guard is the name used to refer to the activities related to a marching band's color guard when they must be moved indoors for winter performances. Color guard generally uses flags or sabers, along with costumes and dance, to add visual elements to marching band performances. Props and music are also used in these events. This type of guard is often confused with gymnastics, figure skating and dance.

There is no specific age, race or sex requirement for joining the winter guard. Although winter guard is usually seen as a youth activity, older individuals can join as well in communities where adult marching bands are popular. Membership usually has to be limited to thirty performers per team. Although there are several types of guards for the winter, most are school-based and compete in scholastic categories. Generally, guards do not accept anyone under the age of nine.

The competitions for winter guard typically start in January, so most most guards begin training in the summer time or, if it is for a school, as soon as schools starts. The performances usually are held in a gymnasium or arena because the performances and competitions are held during the winter months. Guard during the winter is also held indoors so that participants have enough room to lay the floor tarp down that they use for performances. This type of guard is also so held indoors so there is enough room to perform without with fewer risks of injury do to ice and snow.

Each performance has a specific theme, with this they will have props and music set up to allow the audience to understand and see the theme. They have a specific time limit they can perform. This may include setting up the props and floor trap, along with the actual performance itself. The time limit for each winter guard will differ because each branch has various criteria they have to meet. This criteria and time limit will determine how the guard places in competition.

The uniform for winter guard usually consists of clothing apparel that is flashy and stands out. These uniforms are a very easy way to draw the attention of the audience and judges to the performers. Along with the uniforms, the performers also use their bodies and other objects to attract attention and to help audiences understand the performance better.

Winter guard may use many flags, sabers and rifles. These items are only props, though; they are not dangerous. In addition, these props are usually lightweight and easy to handle. The performers regularly spin, twirl, and toss the props in the air during the course of the performance. This type of performance is considered a sport, but for some, it is a work of art.

Share
Musical Expert is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-winter-guard.htm
Copy this link
Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.