WELLS — One of three winter color guard teams in Wells-Ogunquit Community School District is embarking on a big adventure this winter by preparing to compete at the Winter Guard International regional competition on Feb. 8 at Salem High School in Salem, Mass.
The Scholastic A Team is also making local history by being the first winter color guard team from Wells-Ogunquit CSD to compete at the international level, according to coach Bailey Smith.
Even though the winter color guard season does not start until March, the Scholastic A Team has been practicing its routine for this challenge for several months at various locations within the district. The team’s routine for the competition is timed and set to “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
In preparation for their debut WGI performance, the team will be performing a sneak peek in the Ronco Gymnasium at Wells High School on Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and free of charge. The group will perform their show twice ”“ each run is approximately five minutes long.
Team members include Mallory Cashman, Samantha Chase, Sarah Clawson, Anna Libby, Emily Mott, Courtney Nilosek, Adrienne Perron, Hannah Rhodes, Isabella White, Emilee Wooldridge and Grace Wright.
“This is a group of 12 very talented young ladies who have been working since November on an extremely difficult show,” said Smith, who added that the team has been practicing three times per week for this event.
Smith was instrumental in getting the winter color guard program going in the district in the winter of 2010.
“Going to WGI ”¦ is a really great opportunity,” said team captain Adrienne Perron. “This is the fourth year our school has had a winter guard team, and it’s really cool that we have gotten to the point where we are already good enough to go.”
“Winter Guard International is such an amazing opportunity for us,” added co-captain Emilee Wooldridge. “Four years ago, we never would’ve thought we’d ever get a chance to perform on this level.”
Currently, there are numerous winter color guard teams in Maine. The Maine Band Directors Association sponsors regional and state competitions for these teams.
“Our program is continuing to grow,” said Smith, who added that the winter color guard program has two teams at Wells High School and one at Wells Junior High School.
Wells High School will also play host this year beginning in March with the MBDA Winter Guard Competition, set for Sunday, March 16 at 1 p.m. in the Ronco Gymnasium.
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