Members of winter guard kicked off the season with winter break practices from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. five days per week, according to Callie Daet, junior and member of guard.

Winter guard is different from color guard in that it takes place indoors and features recorded music rather than music by the marching band.

“We don’t have to be outside in the cold and wind. It’s not easy throwing a six-foot flag or a big rifle up into the air on a windy or rainy day,” sponsor Rosie Queen said. “While we love performing with the beautiful live music of the marching band, it is fun for the girls to compete in their own specific activity for color guards only.”

Daet said she feels especially confident in dancing, and, even though the speed of weapon work is a challenge, she is looking forward to the season. “I’m feeling really good (about this season). I’m used to performing in front of a crowd, and we’ve been working on performing at practice, so I think the whole guard is just really ready.”