Color guard members recently finished the 2011 season with a trip to New York and a performance in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now, many color guard members will move on to participate in the winter guard season, which began on Nov. 18.

“New York was amazing. I was so happy to be spending my Thanksgiving with my second family, the marching band. I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing break,” Sally Ware, guard member and senior, said. “I thought that our performance in the parade went really well.”

The winter guard season will be a distinct change from the color guard season for members, according to Rosie Queen, sponsor of color and winter guards.

“The winter guard performs in gyms and arenas to recorded music. This season demands more of the performers, as they are the main focus of the show—no marching band musicians,” Queen said. “Because of this increase in demand, members must continue to fine-tune their technique, while also developing new, more complex spinning and dancing skills.”

Ware said that despite her anticipation for winter guard, she help reminiscing about her final color guard season.

“It is crazy to think that that was my last season of color guard. It was an amazing season to end on, but I wish it didn’t have to be over,” Ware said. “I am definitely looking forward to winter guard.”